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Day 314 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 10 November 2022 reflections

Day 314, 10 November 2022



1)Acts 12:6-25

Acts 13

Acts 14:1-20



Acts 12:6-25



Peter Delivered From Prison



6 (Ac 21:33) The very night when Herod would have brought him out,

Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains.

And the guards before the door were securing the prison.

7 (Ac 16:26; 5:19) And suddenly an angel of the Lord approached him,

and a light shone in the prison. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up,

saying, "Rise up, quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.

8 Then the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put your sandals on."

And he did so. Then he said to him,

"Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."

9 (Ps 126:1) He went out and followed him, and did not know that what

was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

10 (Ac 5:19; 16:26) When they had passed the first and the second guards,

they came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened to them

by itself. And they went out and went forward one street.

And immediately the angel left him.

11 (Da 3:28; 6:22) When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I certainly

know that the Lord has sent His angel and delivered me from the hand of Herod

and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

12 (Ac 12:5; 12:25) Realizing this, he came to the house of Mary,

the mother of John, whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered

together praying.

13 As Peter knocked at the door of the porch,

a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.

14 (Lk 24:41) When she recognized Peter's voice, from joy she did not

open the door, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the door.

15 (Mt 18:10) They said to her, "You are insane."

But she insisted that it was really so. So they said, "It is his angel."

16 But Peter continued knocking. And when they opened the door and saw him,

they were astonished.

17 (Ac 13:16; 15:13) Motioning to them with his hand to be quiet,

he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison.

And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and to the brothers."

Then he departed and went to another place.

18 Now when day came, there was a great disturbance among the soldiers

about what had become of Peter.

19 (Ac 16:27) When Herod had searched for him and did not find him,

he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.

Then he went down from Judea to Caesa­rea, and stayed there.



[6] And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was

sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before

the door kept the prison.

[7] And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in

the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise

up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

[8] And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And

so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow

me.

[9] And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which

was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

[10] When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the

iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own

accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith

the angel departed from him.

[11] And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety,

that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of

Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

[12] And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the

mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together

praying.

[13] And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken,

named Rhoda.

[14] And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness,

but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

[15] And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that

it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

[16] But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and

saw him, they were astonished.

[17] But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared

unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go

shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went

into another place.

[18] Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers,

what was become of Peter.

[19] And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the

keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down

from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.



The Death of Herod



20 (Eze 27:17; Ezr 3:7) Now Herod was very angry with the people

of Tyre and Sidon. But they came to him in unity, and having made Blastus,

the king's personal servant, their friend, they asked for peace,

because their country was fed by the king's country.

21 On an appointed day, Herod, dressed in royal apparel,

sat on his throne and gave a public speech to them.

22 The mob shouted, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man!"

23 (1Sa 25:38; 2Sa 24:16-17) Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him,

because he did not give God the glory. And he was eaten by worms and died.

24 (Ac 6:7; 19:20) But the word of God spread and increased.

25 (Ac 12:12; 4:36) When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their ministry,

they returned from Jerusalem and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.





[20] And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they

came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain

their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the

king's country.

[21] And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his

throne, and made an oration unto them.

[22] And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not

of a man.

[23] And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not

God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

[24] But the word of God grew and multiplied.

[25] And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled

their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.



Acts 13



Barnabas and Saul Commissioned



1 (Ac 11:22-27; 4:36) In the church that was in Antioch there were prophets

and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene,

Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) As they worshipped the Lord and fasted,

the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work

to which I have called them."

3 (Ac 6:6; 14:26) Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands

on them and sent them off.



[1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and

teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of

Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and

Saul.

[2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,

Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

[3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they

sent them away.



The Apostles Preach in Cyprus



4 (Ac 4:36; 13:2) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down

to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

5 (Ac 13:14; 9:20) When they arrived at Sal­amis, they preached

the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John as

an assistant.

6 (Mt 7:15) When they had gone through the whole island to Paphos,

they found a certain sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet,

whose name was Bar-Jesus,

7 (Ac 13:12; 19:38) who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus,

an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul

and sought to hear the word of God.

8 (Ac 13:6-7; 2Ti 3:8) But Elymas the sorcerer (which is his name

by interpretation) opposed them, trying to divert the proconsul

from the faith.

9 (Ac 4:8; 2:4) Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled

with the Holy Spirit, stared at him and said,

10 (Hos 14:9; Mt 13:38) "You son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness,

full of deceit and of all fraud, will you not cease perverting the right

ways of the Lord?

11 (Ex 9:3; Ps 32:4) Now, look! The hand of the Lord is against you,

and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time."

Immediately mist and darkness fell on him, and he went about

seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

12 (Ac 13:7) When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed

and was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.



[4] So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and

from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

[5] And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the

synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

[6] And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a

certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:

[7] Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man;

who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

[8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood

them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

[9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set

his eyes on him,

[10] And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the

devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the

right ways of the Lord?

[11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be

blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a

mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

[12] Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished

at the doctrine of the Lord.



Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia



13 (Ac 2:10; 12:12) Now when Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos,

they came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John departed from them and returned

to Jerusalem.

14 (Ac 16:13; 13:5) But they departed from Perga and came to Antioch

in Pisidia. And they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.

15 (Ac 15:21; Mk 5:22) After the reading from the Law and the Prophets,

the rulers of the synagogue sent word to them, saying,

"Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it."

16 (Ac 12:17; 10:2) Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:

"Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.

17 (Dt 7:6-8; Ps 105:23-24) The God of this people of Israel chose

our fathers, and exalted the people when they lived as foreigners

in the land of Egypt, and with great power He led them out of it.

18 (Ac 7:36; Dt 9:7) For about forty years He endured their conduct

in the desert.

19 (Ps 78:55; Dt 7:1; Jos 14:1) When He had destroyed seven nations

in the land of Canaan, He gave them their land as an inheritance by lot.

20 (Jdg 2:16; 1Sa 3:20) "After about four hundred and fifty years,

God gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

21 (1Sa 10:1) Then they requested a king. And God gave them Saul

the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

22 (1Sa 16:1; 15:23; 15:26) When He had removed him, He raised up David

to be their king, of whom He testified, saying,

'I have found David (Ps 89:20.) the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart,

who will fulfill My entire will.'(1Sa 13:14.)

23 (Mt 1:1; Ps 132:11) "From this man's descendants God has raised a Saviour

for Israel, Jesus, according to His promise.

24 (Ac 1:22) Before His coming John had preached a baptism of repentance

to all the people of Israel.

25 (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:7) As John was fulfilling his course, he said,

'Who do you think I am? I am not He. But look! He is coming after me,

the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'(Jn 1:20, 27.)

26 (Ac 4:12; 13:46) "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham,

and those of you who fear God, the word of this salvation has been sent to us.

27 (Ac 3:17; Lk 24:20) Because those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers,

did not know Him, in condemning Him they have fulfilled the voices

of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath.

28 (Mt 27:22-25) Though they found in Him no cause worthy of death,

yet they asked Pilate to have Him killed.

29 (Lk 23:53; Mt 27:57-60; Mk 15:45-46) When they had fulfilled

all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree

and placed Him in a tomb.

30 (Ac 2:24; Mt 28:6) But God raised Him from the dead,

31 (Lk 24:48; Ac 1:3) and for many days He appeared to those who came up

with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people.

32 (Ac 26:6; Ro 4:13) "We preach to you good news: The promise which was made

to the fathers,

33 (Ps 2:7; Heb 5:5) God has fulfilled to us, their children, raising Jesus.

As it is written in the second Psalm:

'You are My Son;

today I have become Your Father.'(Ps 2:7.)

34 (Isa 55:3; Ro 6:9) That He raised Him from the dead, no more to return

to corruption, He has spoken in this way:

'I will give You the holy and sure blessings of David.'(Isa 55:3.)

35 (Ps 16:10) So He says in another Psalm:

'You will not let Your Holy One see decay.'(Ps 16:10.)

36 (1Ki 2:10; Ac 2:29) "For after David had served by the counsel of God

in his own generation, he fell asleep, was buried with his fathers,

and saw decay.

37 (Ac 13:30; 2:24) But He whom God raised up saw no decay.

38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 2:38) "Therefore, brothers, let it be known to you that

through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,

39 (Ro 8:3; Gal 2:16) and by Him everyone who believes is justified

from everything from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses.

40 Therefore beware, lest what is spoken of in the prophets come upon you:

41 (Hab 1:5) 'Look, you scoffers, marvel and perish!

For I will perform a work in your days

which you will never believe,

even if someone declares it to you.'(Hab 1:5.)"

42 When Paul and Barnabas went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles asked

that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.

43 (Ac 11:23; 6:5) When the congregation was dismissed,

many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas,

who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city assembled

to hear the word of God.

45 (Ac 18:6; 5:17) But when the Jews saw the crowds,

they were filled with jealousy, blaspheming and contradicting

what Paul was saying.

46 (Ac 3:26; 28:28) Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said,

"It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first.

But seeing you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life,

we are turning to the Gentiles.

47 (Isa 49:6; Lk 2:32) For thus has the Lord commanded us:

'I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,

that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'(Isa 42:6; 49:6.)"

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word

of the Lord. And all who were ordained to eternal life believed.

49 The word of the Lord was spread throughout the entire region.

50 (Ac 14:2; 14:19) But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women

and the chief men of the city, and raised up persecution against Paul

and Barnabas, and drove them from their region.

51 (Mt 10:14; Ac 18:6) So they shook off the dust of their feet against them

and went to Iconium.

52 (Ac 2:4; Mt 5:12) And the disciples were filled with joy

and with the Holy Spirit.



[13] Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in

Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

[14] But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and

went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

[15] And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the

synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word

of exhortation for the people, say on.

[16] Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel,

and ye that fear God, give audience.

[17] The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the

people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high

arm brought he them out of it.

[18] And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the

wilderness.

[19] And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he

divided their land to them by lot.

[20] And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred

and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

[21] And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son

of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

[22] And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their

king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son

of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

[23] Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel

a Saviour, Jesus:

[24] When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of

repentance to all the people of Israel.

[25] And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I

am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I

am not worthy to loose.

[26] Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among

you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

[27] For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew

him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath

day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

[28] And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate

that he should be slain.

[29] And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him

down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

[30] But God raised him from the dead:

[31] And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee

to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

[32] And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was

made unto the fathers,

[33] God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath

raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art

my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

[34] And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to

return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies

of David.

[35] Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine

Holy One to see corruption.

[36] For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God,

fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

[37] But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

[38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man

is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

[39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which

ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

[40] Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the

prophets;

[41] Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your

days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto

you.

[42] And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought

that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

[43] Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious

proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them

to continue in the grace of God.

[44] And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear

the word of God.

[45] But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and

spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and

blaspheming.

[46] Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the

word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from

you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the

Gentiles.

[47] For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a

light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of

the earth.

[48] And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the

word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

[49] And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

[50] But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief

men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and

expelled them out of their coasts.

[51] But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto

Iconium.

[52] And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.



Acts 14



Paul and Barnabas in Iconium



1 (Ac 18:4; 13:46) At Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together

and so spoke that a great crowd of both Jews and Greeks believed.

2 (Ac 13:50; 13:45) But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles

and embittered their minds against the brothers.

3 (Heb 2:4; Ac 20:32) So they continued there a long time, speaking boldly

for the Lord, who bore witness to His gracious word, granting signs

and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 (Ac 28:24; 14:14) But the people of the city were divided.

Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.

5 (Ac 14:19) When an assault was planned by both Gentiles and Jews,

with their leaders, to attack them and to stone them,

6 (Mt 10:23; 2Ti 3:11) they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe,

cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.

7 (Ac 14:21) And there they preached the gospel.



[1] And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the

synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews

and also of the Greeks believed.

[2] But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds

evil affected against the brethren.

[3] Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave

testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be

done by their hands.

[4] But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews,

and part with the apostles.

[5] And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the

Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

[6] They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of

Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

[7] And there they preached the gospel.



Paul and Barnabas in Lystra



8 (Ac 3:2) In Lystra there sat a man, crippled in his feet, who had never

walked and was lame from birth.

9 (Mt 9:28-29; Ac 3:4) He heard Paul speaking, who looked intently at him

and perceived that he had faith to be healed

10 (Isa 35:6) and said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet."

And he jumped up and walked.

11 (Ac 8:10; 28:6) When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up

their voices, saying in Lycaonian,

"The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"

12 (Ac 19:35) Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes,

because he was the main speaker.

13 (Da 2:46) The priest of Zeus, who was in front of the city,

brought bulls and garlands to the gates to offer sacrifices with the crowds.

14 (Mt 26:65; Ac 14:4) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this,

they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,

15 (1Sa 12:21; Jer 14:22) "Men, why are you doing this? We also are men,

of like nature with you, preaching to you to turn from these vain things

to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea,

and everything that is in them,

16 (Ac 17:30; Ps 81:12) who in times past allowed all nations to walk

in their own ways.

17 (Dt 11:14; Job 5:10) Yet He did not leave Himself without witness,

for He did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons,

satisfying our hearts with food and gladness."

18 With these words they scarcely restrained the crowds

from sacrificing to them.

19 (Ac 13:45; 2Co 11:25) Then some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there

and persuaded the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,

supposing he was dead.

20 (Ac 14:6) But as the disciples gathered around him, he rose up

and went into the city. The next day he departed with Barnabas for Derbe.



[8] And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a

cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

[9] The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving

that he had faith to be healed,

[10] Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and

walked.

[11] And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their

voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in

the likeness of men.

[12] And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was

the chief speaker.

[13] Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen

and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

[14] Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their

clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

[15] And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like

passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these

vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and

all things that are therein:

[16] Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

[17] Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good,

and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with

food and gladness.

[18] And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had

not done sacrifice unto them.

[19] And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who

persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city,

supposing he had been dead.

[20] Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came

into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.





2) Our Daily Bread for 10 November 2022



Entitled "Legacy of Friends"




Proverbs 17:17, 27:6-10



17 (Pr 18:24; Ru 1:16 ) A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.



[17] A friend loveth at all times,

And a brother is born for adversity.



6 (Ps 141:5) Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

7 The full soul loathes a honeycomb,

but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

8 (Isa 16:2) As a bird that wanders from her nest,

so is a man who wanders from his place.

9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart,

so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

10 (1Ki 12:6-8; Pr 17:17) Do not forsake your own friend

or your father's friend,

nor go into your brother's house in the day of your calamity;

for better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far off.



[6] Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are

deceitful.

[7] The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter

thing is sweet.

[8] As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from

his place.

[9] Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's

friend by hearty counsel.

[10] Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into

thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour

that is near than a brother far off.



I met him in the 1970s when I was a high school English teacher and basketball

coach, and he was a tall, gangly freshman. Soon he was on my basketball team

and in my classes-and a friendship was formed. This same friend, who had

served with me as a fellow editor for many years, stood before me at my

retirement party and shared about the legacy of our longstanding friendship.



What is it about friends connected by the love of God that encourages us and

brings us closer to Jesus? The writer of Proverbs understood that friendship

has two encouraging components: First, true friends give valuable advice, even

if it's not easy to give or take (27:6): "Faithful are the wounds of a friend"

the writer explains. Second, a friend who is nearby and accessible is

important in times of crisis: “for better is a neighbour

that is near than a brother far off” (v. 10).



It's not good for us to fly solo in life. As Solomon noted: "Two people are

better off than one, for they can help each other succeed" (Ecclesiastes 4:9

nlt). In life, we need to have friends and we need to be friends.

May God help us "love one another with brotherly affection" (Romans 12:10 esv)

and "carry each other's burdens" (Galatians 6:2)-becoming the kind of friend

that can encourage others and draw them closer to the love of Jesus.



By: Dave Branon



Reflect & Pray



In what sense could you be isolating yourself from others? How can you

regularly connect with some strong believers in Jesus to encourage each other?



Dear God, search my heart regarding my friends.

Please help me provide Christ-centered counsel

to them and receive godly wisdom from them.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 5 - 1 John 1:9



9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful

and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.



9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive

us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.



"If God already knows everything about me, everything I've done,

then why do I need to confess it?" Grant struggled with a common

dilemma for many Christians. Indeed, God, knew all his sin - much

better than Grant did himself. But Grant needed to confess,

not for God's benefit, but for his own. Grant needed to agree with God

that his sin was wrong, and put himself in a position to receive God's

grace in forgiveness.

1 John 1:9 make the process quit clear. We confess,

and God forgives and cleanses. Many of us, however, want to take on

God's part as well. We confess, agreeing with God that our sin is wrong.

But then we proceed to try to 'clean up our act,'bargaining with God,

promising that if he will forgive us just this once,

we won't ever to it again.

The problem is, we can never keep such a promise.

We probably will do it again, and then we are back where we started,

begging for forgiveness, and trying once more to cleanse

ourselves for our unrighteousness.

God offers freedom from such futile performance. He says, "Just confess.

Agree that you sinned. Submit yourself to me. Then I'll take over from there."

God's grace does not give us freedom to keep on sinning, of course - we need

to cooperate with the work of his Spirit in our lives and do all we can

to avoid sin. But we do not have to beg God for forgiveness - forgiveness

is offered to us freely.

We do not have to clean up out act before God will accept us; God can make

the necessary changes in our lives. When we confess, submit ourselves to God,

and allow him to work within us, he is able both to forgive us and to cleanse

us from unrighteousness.



Application



a) In what ways have I bartered with God and tried to "Clean up my act"

in order to deserve his forgiveness?



b) What is my part in confession? What is God's response?

Why it is important for me to recognize God's part in my

confession and forgiveness?



c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see

when I lived in darkness?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Is 48:15,17



15 I, even I, have spoken, and I have called him;

I have brought him, and his way will prosper.

17 (Ps 32:8; Isa 43:14) Thus says the Lord,

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit,

who leads you in the way you should go.



15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him:

I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.

17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel;

I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit,

which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Protection in Times of Trouble



Ps 91



PSALMS 91



1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God in whom I trust."

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He shall cover you with His feathers,

and under His wings you shall find protection;

His faithfulness shall be your shield and wall.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

nor of the arrow that flies by day;

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) nor of the pestilence that pursues in darkness,

nor of the destruction that strikes at noonday.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) A thousand may fall at your side

and ten thousand at your right hand,

but it shall not come near you.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Only with your eyes shall you behold

and see the reward of the wicked.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,

even the Most High, your dwelling,

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) there shall be no evil befall you,

neither shall any plague come near your tent;

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) for He shall give His angels charge over you

to guard you in all your ways.

12 They shall bear you up in their hands,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder;

the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

and I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him

and show him My salvation.



Psalm 91



1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:

My God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,

And from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:

His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;

Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;

Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand;

But it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold

And see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge,

Even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee,

Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee,

To keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands,

Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:

The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:

I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:

I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him,



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.



6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)



Newfoundland & Labrador



Total population 527000

Muslim population (est.) 2065



As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us

for God's people to come together in prayer

and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.



St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which

may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,

The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986

to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.

A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to

other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began

to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number

of international students also join the community annually

ranging from 25 to 60.



In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200

families and many university students attending Memorial University. A

small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic

faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".

With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space

in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.



Pray for



- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims

in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.

- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding

Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.

- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim

students on the university, college and trade school campuses.



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 thank Him for being with you.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, search my heart regarding my friends.

Please help me provide Christ-centered counsel

to them and receive godly wisdom from them."



Pray to the Lord and pray to confess your sins.



Pray to the Lord and pray to remember He is forgiveness of Sins.



Pray to the Lord and pray to remember that He is a shelter in a time of trouble.



Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador



- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims

in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.

- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding

Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.

- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim

students on the university, college and trade school campuses.



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 for the encouragement of Christian prisoners in Iraq who need

spiritual and emotional support.



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.