Day 10 of the 3rd Bible Study Journey - 10 January 2023 reflections
Day 10, 10 January 2022
1) Job 31-34
Job 31
1 (1Jn 2:16) "I made a covenant with my eyes;
why then should I look upon a young woman?
2 (Job 20:29) For what portion of God is there from above?
And what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
3 (Job 21:30) Does not destruction belong to the wicked,
and calamity to the workers of iniquity?
4 (2Ch 16:9; Job 14:16) Does He not see my ways,
and count all my steps?
5 "If I have walked in vanity,
or if my foot has hurried after deceit,
6 (Da 5:27) let me be weighed in an even balance
that God may know my integrity.
7 (Nu 15:39; Ecc 11:9) If my step has turned out of the path,
and my heart has gone after my eyes,
and if any spot has clung to my hands,
8 (Lev 26:16; Mic 6:15) then let me sow, but let another eat;
yes, let my offspring be rooted out.
9 "If my heart has been deceived by a woman,
or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door,
10 (Jer 8:10; Isa 47:2) then let my wife grind for another,
and let others bow down over her.
11 (Lev 20:10; Job 31:28) For this is a heinous crime;
yes, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.( sin as described in the 10 Commandments)
12 (Pr 6:27) For it is a fire that consumes to destruction
and would root out all my increase.
13 "If I have despised the cause of my male or female servant
when they complained against me,
14 what then will I do when God rises up?
And when He visits, what will I answer Him?
15 (Job 34:19; Pr 14:31) Did not He who made me in the womb make him?
And did not the same One fashion us in the womb?
16 "If I have kept the poor from their desire,
or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
17 or have eaten my morsel by myself,
so that the fatherless could not eat of it
18 (but from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father,
and I have guided the widow from my mother's womb);
19 (Job 22:6) if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing,
or any poor without covering;
20 (Dt 24:13) if his body has not blessed me,
and if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21 (Job 22:9; 29:12) if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless,
when I saw I had help in the gate;
22 then let my arm fall from my shoulder blade,
and my arm be broken from the bone.
23 (Job 13:11) For destruction from God is a terror to me,
and because of His highness I cannot endure.
24 "If I have made gold my hope,
or have said to the fine gold, 'You are my confidence';
25 (Ps 62:10) if I rejoiced because my wealth was great,
and because my hand had gained much;
26 (Eze 8:16; Dt 4:19) if I saw the sun when it shined,
or the moon moving in brightness;
27 and my heart has been secretly enticed,
or my mouth has kissed my hand;
28 (Dt 17:2-7; Job 31:11) this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judge,
for I would have denied the God who is above.
29 (Pr 17:5; 24:17-18) "If I rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me,
or lifted up myself when disaster found him
30 (Ro 12:14) (nor have I allowed my mouth to sin
by wishing for a curse on his soul);
31 if the men of my tent have not said,
'Who is there who has not been satisfied with his meat?'
32 (Ge 19:2-3; Jdg 19:20-21) (the stranger has not lodged in the street,
but I opened my doors to the traveler); - Hospitality
33 (Pr 28:13; Hos 6:7) if I covered my transgressions as any man,
by hiding my iniquity in my heart,
34 (Ex 23:2) did I fear a great multitude,
or did the contempt of families terrify me,
so that I kept silence, and did not go out of the door?
35 "Oh, that one would hear me!
Behold, my desire is that the Almighty would answer me,
and that the One who contends against me had written a book!
36 (Isa 22:22) Surely I would carry it on my shoulder
and bind it on me like a crown.
37 I would declare to Him the number of my steps;
like a prince I would approach Him.
38 "If my land cries out against me,
and its furrows also weep together;
39 (1Ki 21:19; Jas 5:4) if I have eaten its fruit without money,
or have caused its owners to lose their life;
40 let thistles grow instead of wheat,
and weeds instead of barley."
The words of Job are ended.
Job 31
1 I made a covenant with mine eyes;
Why then should I think upon a maid?
2 For what portion of God is there from above?
And what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
3 Is not destruction to the wicked?
And a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?
4 Doth not he see my ways,
And count all my steps?
5 If I have walked with vanity,
Or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;
6 Let me be weighed in an even balance,
That God may know mine integrity.
7 If my step hath turned out of the way,
And mine heart walked after mine eyes,
And if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
8 Then let me sow, and let another eat;
Yea, let my offspring be rooted out.
9 If mine heart have been deceived by a woman,
Or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;
10 Then let my wife grind unto another,
And let others bow down upon her.
11 For this is an heinous crime;
Yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.
12 For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction,
And would root out all mine increase.
13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant,
When they contended with me;
14 What then shall I do when God riseth up?
And when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him?
And did not one fashion us in the womb?
16 If I have withheld the poor from their desire,
Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone,
And the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
18 (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father,
And I have guided her from my mother's womb;)
19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing,
Or any poor without covering;
20 If his loins have not blessed me,
And if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless,
When I saw my help in the gate:
22 Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade,
And mine arm be broken from the bone.
23 For destruction from God was a terror to me,
And by reason of his highness I could not endure.
24 If I have made gold my hope,
Or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
25 If I rejoiced because my wealth was great,
And because mine hand had gotten much;
26 If I beheld the sun when it shined,
Or the moon walking in brightness;
27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed,
Or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge:
For I should have denied the God that is above.
29 If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me,
Or lifted up myself when evil found him:
30 Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin
By wishing a curse to his soul.
31 If the men of my tabernacle said not,
Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.
32 The stranger did not lodge in the street:
But I opened my doors to the traveller.
33 If I covered my transgressions as Adam,
By hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:
34 Did I fear a great multitude,
Or did the contempt of families terrify me,
That I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
35 Oh that one would hear me!
Behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me,
And that mine adversary had written a book.
36 Surely I would take it upon my shoulder,
And bind it as a crown to me.
37 I would declare unto him the number of my steps;
As a prince would I go near unto him.
38 If my land cry against me,
Or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;
39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money,
Or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat,
And cockle instead of barley.
The words of Job are ended.
Job 32
Elihu Speaks: Job's Three Friends Rebuked
1 So these three men ceased answering Job,
because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barakel the Buzite,
of the family of Ram, was aroused;
his wrath was aroused against Job because he justified himself rather than God.
3 His wrath was aroused also against his three friends
because they had found no answer and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited until Job had spoken because they were older than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer
in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was aroused.
6 Elihu the son of Barakel the Buzite answered:
"I am young,
and you are very old;
therefore I was afraid
and dared not show you my opinion.
7 I said, 'Age should speak,
and multitude of years should teach wisdom.'
8 But there is a spirit in man,
and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.
9 Great men are not always wise,
nor do the aged always understand judgment.
10 "Therefore I say,
'Listen to me; I will also declare my opinion.'
11 Indeed, I waited for your words;
I listened to your reasons,
while you searched out what to say.
12 Yes, I paid attention to you;
and surely none of you convinced Job
or answered his words.
13 Lest you say, 'We have found wisdom';
God will subdue him, not man.
14 Now he has not directed his words against me,
so I will not answer him with your speeches.
15 "They are amazed; they answer no more;
they cease speaking.
16 And I have waited,
(for they did not speak, but stood still and answered no more).
17 I said, 'I also will answer my part;
I too will show my opinion.'
18 For I am full of words;
the spirit within me compels me.
19 See, my belly is like wine that has no vent;
it is ready to burst like new wineskins.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed;
I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone,
nor let me give flattering titles to man.
22 For I do not know how to give flattering titles;
in so doing my Maker would soon take me away.
Job 32
Elihu's Intrusion
1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous
in his own eyes.
2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite,
of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled,
because he justified himself rather than God.
3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled,
because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men,
then his wrath was kindled.
6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said,
I am young, and ye are very old;
Wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
7 I said, Days should speak,
And multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8 But there is a spirit in man:
And the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
9 Great men are not always wise:
Neither do the aged understand judgment.
10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me;
I also will shew mine opinion.
11 Behold, I waited for your words;
I gave ear to your reasons,
Whilst ye searched out what to say.
12 Yea, I attended unto you,
And, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job,
Or that answered his words:
13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom:
God thrusteth him down, not man.
14 Now he hath not directed his words against me:
Neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15 They were amazed, they answered no more:
They left off speaking.
16 When I had waited, (for they spake not,
But stood still, and answered no more;)
17 I said, I will answer also my part,
I also will shew mine opinion.
18 For I am full of matter,
The spirit within me constraineth me.
19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent;
It is ready to burst like new bottles.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed:
I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person,
Neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
22 For I know not to give flattering titles;
In so doing my Maker would soon take me away.
(Please be resectful towards your elders)
Job 33
Elihu Addresses Job
1 "Therefore, Job, I pray, hear my speeches,
and listen to all my words.
2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth;
my tongue has spoken in my mouth.
3 My words will be from the uprightness of my heart,
and my lips will utter knowledge clearly.
4 The Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty has given me life.
5 If you can answer me,
set your words in order before me; stand up.
6 Surely I am before God like you;
I also am formed out of the clay.
7 Indeed, no dread of me will make you afraid,
nor will my hand be heavy upon you.
8 "Surely you have spoken in my hearing,
and I have heard the sound of your words, saying,
9 'I am clean, without transgression;
I am innocent, nor is there iniquity in me.
10 Behold, He finds occasions against me,
He counts me for His enemy;
11 He puts my feet in the stocks,
He watches all my paths.'
12 "Look, in this you are not just.
I will answer you, that God is greater than man.
13 Why do you strive against Him?
For He does not give an accounting for any of His words.
14 For God speaks once, yes twice,
yet man does not perceive it.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls upon men,
in slumber on their beds,
16 then He opens the ears of men,
and seals their instruction,
17 that He might turn aside man from his purpose,
and conceal pride from man.
18 He keeps back his soul from the pit,
and his life from perishing by the sword.
19 "He is also chastened with pain on his bed,
and with strong pain in many of his bones,
20 so that his life abhors bread,
and his soul dainty food.
21 His flesh is consumed away that it cannot be seen,
and his bones that were not seen stick out.
22 Yes, his soul draws near to the grave,
and his life to the executioners.
23 If there is a messenger for him,
an interpreter, one among a thousand,
to show to man what is right for him,
24 then He is gracious to him, and says,
'Deliver him from going down to the pit;
I have found a ransom.'
25 His flesh will be fresher than a child's;
he will return to the days of his youth;
26 he will pray to God, and He will be favorable unto him,
and he will see His face with joy,
for He will render unto man His righteousness.
27 Then he looks at men and says,
'I have sinned and perverted what was right,
and it did not profit me.'
28 He will deliver his soul from going down to the pit,
and his life will see the light.
29 "Behold, God works all these things,
twice, three times with man,
30 to bring back his soul from the pit,
to be enlightened with the light of the living.
31 "Pay attention, Job, listen to me;
hold your peace, and I will speak.
32 If you have anything to say, answer me;
speak, for I desire to justify you.
33 If not, listen to me; hold your peace,
and I will teach you wisdom."
Job 33
1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches,
And hearken to all my words.
2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth,
My tongue hath spoken in my mouth.
3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart:
And my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
4 The Spirit of God hath made me,
And the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
5 If thou canst answer me,
Set thy words in order before me, stand up.
6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead:
I also am formed out of the clay.
7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid,
Neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.
8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing,
And I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
9 I am clean without transgression,
I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me,
He counteth me for his enemy,
11 He putteth my feet in the stocks,
He marketh all my paths.
12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee,
that God is greater than man.
13 Why dost thou strive against him?
For he giveth not account of any of his matters.
14 For God speaketh once,
Yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,
When deep sleep falleth upon men,
In slumberings upon the bed;
16 Then he openeth the ears of men,
And sealeth their instruction,
17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose,
And hide pride from man.
18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit,
And his life from perishing by the sword.
19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed,
And the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
20 So that his life abhorreth bread,
And his soul dainty meat.
21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen;
And his bones that were not seen stick out.
22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave,
And his life to the destroyers.
23 If there be a messenger with him,
An interpreter, one among a thousand,
To shew unto man his uprightness:
24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith,
Deliver him from going down to the pit:
I have found a ransom.
25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's:
He shall return to the days of his youth:
26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him:
And he shall see his face with joy:
For he will render unto man his righteousness.
27 He looketh upon men, and if any say,
I have sinned, and perverted that which was right,
And it profited me not;
28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit,
And his life shall see the light.
29 Lo, all these things worketh God
Oftentimes with man,
30 To bring back his soul from the pit,
To be enlightened with the light of the living.
31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me:
Hold thy peace, and I will speak.
32 If thou hast any thing to say, answer me:
Speak, for I desire to justify thee.
33 If not, hearken unto me:
Hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.
Job 34
Elihu Proclaims God's Justice
1 Furthermore Elihu answered and said:
2 "Hear my words, O you wise men;
and give ear unto me, you that have knowledge.
3 For the ear tests words,
as the mouth tastes food.
4 Let us choose justice for ourselves;
let us know among ourselves what is good.
5 "For Job has said, 'I am righteous,
but God has taken away my judgment.
6 Should I lie concerning my right?
My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.'
7 What man is like Job,
who drinks scorn like water,
8 who goes in company with the workers of iniquity
and walks with wicked men?
9 For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing
that he should delight himself in God.'
10 "Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding:
Far be it from God that He should do wickedness,
and from the Almighty that He should commit iniquity.
11 He will repay a man for his work,
and cause every man to find what is according to his ways.
12 Yes, surely God will not do wickedly,
nor will the Almighty pervert judgment.
13 Who has given Him charge over the earth?
Or who has set in order the whole world?
14 If He sets His heart on man,
if He gathers unto Himself His Spirit and His breath,
15 all flesh will perish together,
and man will turn again to dust.
16 "If now you have understanding, hear this;
listen to the voice of my words:
17 Should he who hates justice govern?
And will you condemn Him who is most just?
18 Is it fitting to say to a king, 'You are wicked'?
And to princes, 'You are ungodly'?
19 Yet He is not partial to princes,
nor does He regard the rich more than the poor.
For they all are the work of His hands.
20 In a moment they will die,
and the people will be troubled at midnight and pass away,
and the mighty will be taken away without a hand.
21 "For His eyes are upon the ways of man,
and He sees all his goings.
22 There is no darkness nor shadow of death
where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23 For He will not lay upon man more than right,
that he should enter into judgment with God.
24 He will break in pieces mighty men without number,
and set others in their place.
25 Therefore He knows their works,
and He overturns them in the night
so that they are destroyed.
26 He strikes them as wicked men
in the open sight of others,
27 because they turned back from Him
and would not consider any of His ways,
28 so that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto Him;
and He hears the cry of the afflicted.
29 When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?
And when He hides His face, who then can behold Him,
whether it is done against a nation or against a man only?
30 That the hypocrite should not reign,
lest the people be ensnared.
31 "Should anyone say to God,
'I have borne chastisement, I will offend no more;
32 teach me what I do not see;
if I have done iniquity, I will do no more'?
33 Should it be according to your mind?
He will repay it, whether you refuse or whether you choose,
and not I; therefore speak what you know.
34 "Let men of understanding say to me,
wise men who listen to me:
35 'Job has spoken without knowledge,
and his words were without wisdom.'
36 My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end,
because he answers like wicked men.
37 For he adds rebellion unto his sin;
he claps his hands among us,
and multiplies his words against God."
Job 34
1 Furthermore Elihu answered and said,
2 Hear my words, O ye wise men;
And give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
3 For the ear trieth words,
As the mouth tasteth meat.
4 Let us choose to us judgment:
Let us know among ourselves what is good.
5 For Job hath said, I am righteous:
And God hath taken away my judgment.
6 Should I lie against my right?
My wound is incurable without transgression.
7 What man is like Job,
Who drinketh up scorning like water?
8 Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity,
And walketh with wicked men.
9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing
That he should delight himself with God.
10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding:
Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness;
And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him,
And cause every man to find according to his ways.
12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly,
Neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
13 Who hath given him a charge over the earth?
Or who hath disposed the whole world?
14 If he set his heart upon man,
If he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
15 All flesh shall perish together,
And man shall turn again unto dust.
16 If now thou hast understanding, hear this:
Hearken to the voice of my words.
17 Shall even he that hateth right govern?
And wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
18 Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked?
and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes,
Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor?
For they all are the work of his hands.
20 In a moment shall they die,
And the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away:
And the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man,
And he seeth all his goings.
22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death,
Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23 For he will not lay upon man more than right;
That he should enter into judgment with God.
24 He shall break in pieces mighty men without number,
And set others in their stead.
25 Therefore he knoweth their works,
And he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
26 He striketh them as wicked men
In the open sight of others;
27 Because they turned back from him,
And would not consider any of his ways:
28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him,
And he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?
And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him?
Whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
30 That the hypocrite reign not,
Lest the people be ensnared.
31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God,
I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
32 That which I see not teach thou me:
If I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
33 Should it be according to thy mind?
He will recompense it, whether thou refuse,
Or whether thou choose; and not I:
Therefore speak what thou knowest.
34 Let men of understanding tell me,
And let a wise man hearken unto me.
35 Job hath spoken without knowledge,
And his words were without wisdom.
36 My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end
Because of his answers for wicked men.
37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin,
He clappeth his hands among us,
And multiplieth his words against God.
(But show some more respect to your elders)
2) Our Daily Bread for 10 January 2023 entitled
The God Who Redeems
Isaiah 43:1-7
The Redeemer of Israel
1 (Isa 43:7; 44:2) But now, thus says the Lord
who created you, O Jacob,
and He who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
2 (Ps 66:12; Da 3:25-27) When you pass through waters,
I will be with you.
And through the rivers,
they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned,
nor shall the flame kindle on you.
3 (Ex 20:2; Pr 21:18) For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 (Ex 19:5-6) Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honorable,
and I have loved you;
therefore, I will give men for you,
and people for your life.
5 (Isa 49:12; 44:2) Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
and gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, "Give them up,"
and to the south, "Do not keep them back.
Bring My sons from afar,
and My daughters from the ends of the earth,
7 (Ps 100:3; Isa 43:1) even everyone who is called by My name,
for I have created him for My glory;
I have formed him, and I have made him."
[1] But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that
formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called
thee by thy name; thou art mine.
[2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through
the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the
fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
[3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave
Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
[4] Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I
have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
[5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and
gather thee from the west;
[6] I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring
my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
[7] Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my
glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
As part of a sermon illustration, I walked toward the beautiful painting
an artist had been creating on the platform and made a dark streak across
the middle of it. The congregation gasped in horror. The artist simply
stood by and watched as I defaced what she'd created. Then, selecting a new
brush, she lovingly transformed the ruined painting into
an exquisite work of art.
Her restorative work reminds me of the work God can perform in our lives when
we've made a mess of them. The prophet Isaiah rebuked the people of Israel
for their spiritual blindness and deafness (Isaiah 42:18-19), but then he
proclaimed the hope of God's deliverance and redemption:
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee" (43:1). He can do the same for us.
Even after we've sinned, if we confess our sins and turn to God, He forgives
and restores us (vv. 5-7; see 1 John 1:9). We can-t bring beauty out of the
mess, but Jesus can. The good news of the gospel is that He has redeemed us
by His blood. The book of Revelation assures us that in the end, Christ will
dry our tears, redeem our past, and make all things new (Revelation 21:4-5).
We have a limited vision of our story. But God who knows us "by name" (Isaiah
43:1) will make our lives more beautiful than we could ever imagine. If you've
been redeemed by faith in Jesus, your story, like the painting,
has a glorious ending.
By: Glenn Packiam
Reflect & Pray
How have you messed up?
What has God provided for your restoration and redemption?
Dear Jesus, thank You for never giving up on me.
I surrender to You and ask that You please redeem what I've ruined.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 3 The song of Exaltation
Exodus 15:2
2 The Lord is my strength and song,
and He has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
my father's God, and I will exalt Him.
2 The LORD is my strength and song,
And he is become my salvation:
He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation;
My father's God, and I will exalt him.
The world is full of music that communicates human emotion:
love, joy, sadness, separation.
A love song makes us misty-eyed; a song of protest arouses anger; a song
describing loss stimulates feelings of hurt and abandonment.
Music is a powerful force to sway the human spirit.
Exodus 15:2 indicates that God should be the source of the songs in our hearts.
Human emotions vacillate; human relationships disappoint,
but God is our "strength" and our "song".
To exalt the Lord includes many different type of "songs".
"I can't carry a tune in a bucket," one woman complained.
"How can I sing to the Lord anything that will be pleasing to him?"
But the Lord does not delight in the professionalism of our songs,
but in the motivation of our hearts. We can "sing to the Lord"
when we enjoy a Bach organ piece played for his glory.
We can exalt him in the words of Scripture - either remembered or sung.
We can worship him by enjoying the songs of others.
The key to making the Lord our song is exaltation. When our thoughts
lift him up in praise, we are singing a song of exaltation to the Lord.
When God is exalted in our songs, in our hearts, and in our thoughts,
that focus gives strength to our lives. We can face the difficulties
that are an inevitable part of experience,
because God is our "strength and our song".
Application
a) What is the difference between a song that is professionally performed
and one that exalts the Lord?
b) What practical steps can I take to make
my daily life a "song of praise" to God?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Gen 14:22-23
22 (Ex 6:8; Da 12:7) But Abram said to the king of Sodom,
"I have lifted up my hand to the Lord, God Most High,
the Possessor of heaven and earth,
23 (2Ki 5:16; Est 9:15-16) that I will take nothing that is yours,
not a thread or a sandal strap; lest you say, 'I have made Abram rich.'"
22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand
unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
23 that I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will
not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say,
I have made Abram rich:
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Unfailing Love
Lamen 3:19-24
19 (La 3:5; 3:15) Remember my affliction and my misery,
the wormwood and the gall.
20 (Ps 42:5-6; 42:11) Surely my soul remembers
and is humbled within me.
21 (Ps 130:7) But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
22 (Mal 3:6; Ps 78:38) It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed;
His compassions do not fail.
23 (Zep 3:5; Ps 36:5) They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
24 (Ps 16:5; 73:26) "The Lord is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in Him."
19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery,
The wormwood and the gall.
20 My soul hath them still in remembrance,
And is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind,
Therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed,
Because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning:
Great is thy faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul;
Therefore will I hope in 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?)
2015 Population - 4631302 Muslims about 136493
British Columbia - British Columbia's Muslim Population is growing constantly.
Every week there are immigrants ad refugees coming to the Greater Vancouver
and surrounding areas. There are also significant Muslim student populations
in our colleges and universities. Some have even suggested that there are
between 4000 and 5000 Saudi Arabian students alone, without counting all
other nationalities.
Greater Vancouver has an estimated 180000 Muslims, and there are significant
and growing communities in the Fraser Valley such as in Langley, Abbotsford,
Chilliwack, etc. Including these communities the total population for this
region is about 200000.
Of these, there are an estimated 100000 Iranians, 35000 Arabs, 15000 Ismailis,
more than 20000 Afghanis, 10000 South Asian Muslims, 3000 Turks, and small
numbers from other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Albania, etc.
We are seeing some Muslims coming to Christ and we rejoice in that.
A few people also have some ongoing ministry to Muslims in the area,
for which we also rejoice. Let us agree in that
- the church will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
- the church will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
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 "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.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- 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, ...) .
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 be respectful in your speech.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, thank You for never giving up on me.
I surrender to You and ask that You please redeem what I've ruined."
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him exaltation!
Pray to the Lord and pray thank Him for Being Provider.
Pray to the Lord and remember His Blessings are new every morning.
Pray the church in BC will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
Pray the church in BC will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
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 students of a Christian school in Madhya Pradesh, India
that was attacked by a Hindu Mob.
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) Job 31-34
Job 31
1 (1Jn 2:16) "I made a covenant with my eyes;
why then should I look upon a young woman?
2 (Job 20:29) For what portion of God is there from above?
And what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
3 (Job 21:30) Does not destruction belong to the wicked,
and calamity to the workers of iniquity?
4 (2Ch 16:9; Job 14:16) Does He not see my ways,
and count all my steps?
5 "If I have walked in vanity,
or if my foot has hurried after deceit,
6 (Da 5:27) let me be weighed in an even balance
that God may know my integrity.
7 (Nu 15:39; Ecc 11:9) If my step has turned out of the path,
and my heart has gone after my eyes,
and if any spot has clung to my hands,
8 (Lev 26:16; Mic 6:15) then let me sow, but let another eat;
yes, let my offspring be rooted out.
9 "If my heart has been deceived by a woman,
or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door,
10 (Jer 8:10; Isa 47:2) then let my wife grind for another,
and let others bow down over her.
11 (Lev 20:10; Job 31:28) For this is a heinous crime;
yes, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.( sin as described in the 10 Commandments)
12 (Pr 6:27) For it is a fire that consumes to destruction
and would root out all my increase.
13 "If I have despised the cause of my male or female servant
when they complained against me,
14 what then will I do when God rises up?
And when He visits, what will I answer Him?
15 (Job 34:19; Pr 14:31) Did not He who made me in the womb make him?
And did not the same One fashion us in the womb?
16 "If I have kept the poor from their desire,
or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
17 or have eaten my morsel by myself,
so that the fatherless could not eat of it
18 (but from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father,
and I have guided the widow from my mother's womb);
19 (Job 22:6) if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing,
or any poor without covering;
20 (Dt 24:13) if his body has not blessed me,
and if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21 (Job 22:9; 29:12) if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless,
when I saw I had help in the gate;
22 then let my arm fall from my shoulder blade,
and my arm be broken from the bone.
23 (Job 13:11) For destruction from God is a terror to me,
and because of His highness I cannot endure.
24 "If I have made gold my hope,
or have said to the fine gold, 'You are my confidence';
25 (Ps 62:10) if I rejoiced because my wealth was great,
and because my hand had gained much;
26 (Eze 8:16; Dt 4:19) if I saw the sun when it shined,
or the moon moving in brightness;
27 and my heart has been secretly enticed,
or my mouth has kissed my hand;
28 (Dt 17:2-7; Job 31:11) this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judge,
for I would have denied the God who is above.
29 (Pr 17:5; 24:17-18) "If I rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me,
or lifted up myself when disaster found him
30 (Ro 12:14) (nor have I allowed my mouth to sin
by wishing for a curse on his soul);
31 if the men of my tent have not said,
'Who is there who has not been satisfied with his meat?'
32 (Ge 19:2-3; Jdg 19:20-21) (the stranger has not lodged in the street,
but I opened my doors to the traveler); - Hospitality
33 (Pr 28:13; Hos 6:7) if I covered my transgressions as any man,
by hiding my iniquity in my heart,
34 (Ex 23:2) did I fear a great multitude,
or did the contempt of families terrify me,
so that I kept silence, and did not go out of the door?
35 "Oh, that one would hear me!
Behold, my desire is that the Almighty would answer me,
and that the One who contends against me had written a book!
36 (Isa 22:22) Surely I would carry it on my shoulder
and bind it on me like a crown.
37 I would declare to Him the number of my steps;
like a prince I would approach Him.
38 "If my land cries out against me,
and its furrows also weep together;
39 (1Ki 21:19; Jas 5:4) if I have eaten its fruit without money,
or have caused its owners to lose their life;
40 let thistles grow instead of wheat,
and weeds instead of barley."
The words of Job are ended.
Job 31
1 I made a covenant with mine eyes;
Why then should I think upon a maid?
2 For what portion of God is there from above?
And what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
3 Is not destruction to the wicked?
And a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?
4 Doth not he see my ways,
And count all my steps?
5 If I have walked with vanity,
Or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;
6 Let me be weighed in an even balance,
That God may know mine integrity.
7 If my step hath turned out of the way,
And mine heart walked after mine eyes,
And if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
8 Then let me sow, and let another eat;
Yea, let my offspring be rooted out.
9 If mine heart have been deceived by a woman,
Or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;
10 Then let my wife grind unto another,
And let others bow down upon her.
11 For this is an heinous crime;
Yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.
12 For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction,
And would root out all mine increase.
13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant,
When they contended with me;
14 What then shall I do when God riseth up?
And when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him?
And did not one fashion us in the womb?
16 If I have withheld the poor from their desire,
Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone,
And the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
18 (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father,
And I have guided her from my mother's womb;)
19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing,
Or any poor without covering;
20 If his loins have not blessed me,
And if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless,
When I saw my help in the gate:
22 Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade,
And mine arm be broken from the bone.
23 For destruction from God was a terror to me,
And by reason of his highness I could not endure.
24 If I have made gold my hope,
Or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
25 If I rejoiced because my wealth was great,
And because mine hand had gotten much;
26 If I beheld the sun when it shined,
Or the moon walking in brightness;
27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed,
Or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
28 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge:
For I should have denied the God that is above.
29 If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me,
Or lifted up myself when evil found him:
30 Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin
By wishing a curse to his soul.
31 If the men of my tabernacle said not,
Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.
32 The stranger did not lodge in the street:
But I opened my doors to the traveller.
33 If I covered my transgressions as Adam,
By hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:
34 Did I fear a great multitude,
Or did the contempt of families terrify me,
That I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
35 Oh that one would hear me!
Behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me,
And that mine adversary had written a book.
36 Surely I would take it upon my shoulder,
And bind it as a crown to me.
37 I would declare unto him the number of my steps;
As a prince would I go near unto him.
38 If my land cry against me,
Or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;
39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money,
Or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat,
And cockle instead of barley.
The words of Job are ended.
Job 32
Elihu Speaks: Job's Three Friends Rebuked
1 So these three men ceased answering Job,
because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barakel the Buzite,
of the family of Ram, was aroused;
his wrath was aroused against Job because he justified himself rather than God.
3 His wrath was aroused also against his three friends
because they had found no answer and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited until Job had spoken because they were older than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer
in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was aroused.
6 Elihu the son of Barakel the Buzite answered:
"I am young,
and you are very old;
therefore I was afraid
and dared not show you my opinion.
7 I said, 'Age should speak,
and multitude of years should teach wisdom.'
8 But there is a spirit in man,
and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.
9 Great men are not always wise,
nor do the aged always understand judgment.
10 "Therefore I say,
'Listen to me; I will also declare my opinion.'
11 Indeed, I waited for your words;
I listened to your reasons,
while you searched out what to say.
12 Yes, I paid attention to you;
and surely none of you convinced Job
or answered his words.
13 Lest you say, 'We have found wisdom';
God will subdue him, not man.
14 Now he has not directed his words against me,
so I will not answer him with your speeches.
15 "They are amazed; they answer no more;
they cease speaking.
16 And I have waited,
(for they did not speak, but stood still and answered no more).
17 I said, 'I also will answer my part;
I too will show my opinion.'
18 For I am full of words;
the spirit within me compels me.
19 See, my belly is like wine that has no vent;
it is ready to burst like new wineskins.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed;
I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone,
nor let me give flattering titles to man.
22 For I do not know how to give flattering titles;
in so doing my Maker would soon take me away.
Job 32
Elihu's Intrusion
1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous
in his own eyes.
2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite,
of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled,
because he justified himself rather than God.
3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled,
because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men,
then his wrath was kindled.
6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said,
I am young, and ye are very old;
Wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
7 I said, Days should speak,
And multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8 But there is a spirit in man:
And the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
9 Great men are not always wise:
Neither do the aged understand judgment.
10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me;
I also will shew mine opinion.
11 Behold, I waited for your words;
I gave ear to your reasons,
Whilst ye searched out what to say.
12 Yea, I attended unto you,
And, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job,
Or that answered his words:
13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom:
God thrusteth him down, not man.
14 Now he hath not directed his words against me:
Neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15 They were amazed, they answered no more:
They left off speaking.
16 When I had waited, (for they spake not,
But stood still, and answered no more;)
17 I said, I will answer also my part,
I also will shew mine opinion.
18 For I am full of matter,
The spirit within me constraineth me.
19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent;
It is ready to burst like new bottles.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed:
I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person,
Neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
22 For I know not to give flattering titles;
In so doing my Maker would soon take me away.
(Please be resectful towards your elders)
Job 33
Elihu Addresses Job
1 "Therefore, Job, I pray, hear my speeches,
and listen to all my words.
2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth;
my tongue has spoken in my mouth.
3 My words will be from the uprightness of my heart,
and my lips will utter knowledge clearly.
4 The Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty has given me life.
5 If you can answer me,
set your words in order before me; stand up.
6 Surely I am before God like you;
I also am formed out of the clay.
7 Indeed, no dread of me will make you afraid,
nor will my hand be heavy upon you.
8 "Surely you have spoken in my hearing,
and I have heard the sound of your words, saying,
9 'I am clean, without transgression;
I am innocent, nor is there iniquity in me.
10 Behold, He finds occasions against me,
He counts me for His enemy;
11 He puts my feet in the stocks,
He watches all my paths.'
12 "Look, in this you are not just.
I will answer you, that God is greater than man.
13 Why do you strive against Him?
For He does not give an accounting for any of His words.
14 For God speaks once, yes twice,
yet man does not perceive it.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls upon men,
in slumber on their beds,
16 then He opens the ears of men,
and seals their instruction,
17 that He might turn aside man from his purpose,
and conceal pride from man.
18 He keeps back his soul from the pit,
and his life from perishing by the sword.
19 "He is also chastened with pain on his bed,
and with strong pain in many of his bones,
20 so that his life abhors bread,
and his soul dainty food.
21 His flesh is consumed away that it cannot be seen,
and his bones that were not seen stick out.
22 Yes, his soul draws near to the grave,
and his life to the executioners.
23 If there is a messenger for him,
an interpreter, one among a thousand,
to show to man what is right for him,
24 then He is gracious to him, and says,
'Deliver him from going down to the pit;
I have found a ransom.'
25 His flesh will be fresher than a child's;
he will return to the days of his youth;
26 he will pray to God, and He will be favorable unto him,
and he will see His face with joy,
for He will render unto man His righteousness.
27 Then he looks at men and says,
'I have sinned and perverted what was right,
and it did not profit me.'
28 He will deliver his soul from going down to the pit,
and his life will see the light.
29 "Behold, God works all these things,
twice, three times with man,
30 to bring back his soul from the pit,
to be enlightened with the light of the living.
31 "Pay attention, Job, listen to me;
hold your peace, and I will speak.
32 If you have anything to say, answer me;
speak, for I desire to justify you.
33 If not, listen to me; hold your peace,
and I will teach you wisdom."
Job 33
1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches,
And hearken to all my words.
2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth,
My tongue hath spoken in my mouth.
3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart:
And my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
4 The Spirit of God hath made me,
And the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
5 If thou canst answer me,
Set thy words in order before me, stand up.
6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead:
I also am formed out of the clay.
7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid,
Neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.
8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing,
And I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
9 I am clean without transgression,
I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me,
He counteth me for his enemy,
11 He putteth my feet in the stocks,
He marketh all my paths.
12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee,
that God is greater than man.
13 Why dost thou strive against him?
For he giveth not account of any of his matters.
14 For God speaketh once,
Yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night,
When deep sleep falleth upon men,
In slumberings upon the bed;
16 Then he openeth the ears of men,
And sealeth their instruction,
17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose,
And hide pride from man.
18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit,
And his life from perishing by the sword.
19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed,
And the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
20 So that his life abhorreth bread,
And his soul dainty meat.
21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen;
And his bones that were not seen stick out.
22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave,
And his life to the destroyers.
23 If there be a messenger with him,
An interpreter, one among a thousand,
To shew unto man his uprightness:
24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith,
Deliver him from going down to the pit:
I have found a ransom.
25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's:
He shall return to the days of his youth:
26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him:
And he shall see his face with joy:
For he will render unto man his righteousness.
27 He looketh upon men, and if any say,
I have sinned, and perverted that which was right,
And it profited me not;
28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit,
And his life shall see the light.
29 Lo, all these things worketh God
Oftentimes with man,
30 To bring back his soul from the pit,
To be enlightened with the light of the living.
31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me:
Hold thy peace, and I will speak.
32 If thou hast any thing to say, answer me:
Speak, for I desire to justify thee.
33 If not, hearken unto me:
Hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.
Job 34
Elihu Proclaims God's Justice
1 Furthermore Elihu answered and said:
2 "Hear my words, O you wise men;
and give ear unto me, you that have knowledge.
3 For the ear tests words,
as the mouth tastes food.
4 Let us choose justice for ourselves;
let us know among ourselves what is good.
5 "For Job has said, 'I am righteous,
but God has taken away my judgment.
6 Should I lie concerning my right?
My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.'
7 What man is like Job,
who drinks scorn like water,
8 who goes in company with the workers of iniquity
and walks with wicked men?
9 For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing
that he should delight himself in God.'
10 "Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding:
Far be it from God that He should do wickedness,
and from the Almighty that He should commit iniquity.
11 He will repay a man for his work,
and cause every man to find what is according to his ways.
12 Yes, surely God will not do wickedly,
nor will the Almighty pervert judgment.
13 Who has given Him charge over the earth?
Or who has set in order the whole world?
14 If He sets His heart on man,
if He gathers unto Himself His Spirit and His breath,
15 all flesh will perish together,
and man will turn again to dust.
16 "If now you have understanding, hear this;
listen to the voice of my words:
17 Should he who hates justice govern?
And will you condemn Him who is most just?
18 Is it fitting to say to a king, 'You are wicked'?
And to princes, 'You are ungodly'?
19 Yet He is not partial to princes,
nor does He regard the rich more than the poor.
For they all are the work of His hands.
20 In a moment they will die,
and the people will be troubled at midnight and pass away,
and the mighty will be taken away without a hand.
21 "For His eyes are upon the ways of man,
and He sees all his goings.
22 There is no darkness nor shadow of death
where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23 For He will not lay upon man more than right,
that he should enter into judgment with God.
24 He will break in pieces mighty men without number,
and set others in their place.
25 Therefore He knows their works,
and He overturns them in the night
so that they are destroyed.
26 He strikes them as wicked men
in the open sight of others,
27 because they turned back from Him
and would not consider any of His ways,
28 so that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto Him;
and He hears the cry of the afflicted.
29 When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?
And when He hides His face, who then can behold Him,
whether it is done against a nation or against a man only?
30 That the hypocrite should not reign,
lest the people be ensnared.
31 "Should anyone say to God,
'I have borne chastisement, I will offend no more;
32 teach me what I do not see;
if I have done iniquity, I will do no more'?
33 Should it be according to your mind?
He will repay it, whether you refuse or whether you choose,
and not I; therefore speak what you know.
34 "Let men of understanding say to me,
wise men who listen to me:
35 'Job has spoken without knowledge,
and his words were without wisdom.'
36 My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end,
because he answers like wicked men.
37 For he adds rebellion unto his sin;
he claps his hands among us,
and multiplies his words against God."
Job 34
1 Furthermore Elihu answered and said,
2 Hear my words, O ye wise men;
And give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
3 For the ear trieth words,
As the mouth tasteth meat.
4 Let us choose to us judgment:
Let us know among ourselves what is good.
5 For Job hath said, I am righteous:
And God hath taken away my judgment.
6 Should I lie against my right?
My wound is incurable without transgression.
7 What man is like Job,
Who drinketh up scorning like water?
8 Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity,
And walketh with wicked men.
9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing
That he should delight himself with God.
10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding:
Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness;
And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him,
And cause every man to find according to his ways.
12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly,
Neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
13 Who hath given him a charge over the earth?
Or who hath disposed the whole world?
14 If he set his heart upon man,
If he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
15 All flesh shall perish together,
And man shall turn again unto dust.
16 If now thou hast understanding, hear this:
Hearken to the voice of my words.
17 Shall even he that hateth right govern?
And wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
18 Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked?
and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes,
Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor?
For they all are the work of his hands.
20 In a moment shall they die,
And the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away:
And the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man,
And he seeth all his goings.
22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death,
Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23 For he will not lay upon man more than right;
That he should enter into judgment with God.
24 He shall break in pieces mighty men without number,
And set others in their stead.
25 Therefore he knoweth their works,
And he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
26 He striketh them as wicked men
In the open sight of others;
27 Because they turned back from him,
And would not consider any of his ways:
28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him,
And he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?
And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him?
Whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
30 That the hypocrite reign not,
Lest the people be ensnared.
31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God,
I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
32 That which I see not teach thou me:
If I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
33 Should it be according to thy mind?
He will recompense it, whether thou refuse,
Or whether thou choose; and not I:
Therefore speak what thou knowest.
34 Let men of understanding tell me,
And let a wise man hearken unto me.
35 Job hath spoken without knowledge,
And his words were without wisdom.
36 My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end
Because of his answers for wicked men.
37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin,
He clappeth his hands among us,
And multiplieth his words against God.
(But show some more respect to your elders)
2) Our Daily Bread for 10 January 2023 entitled
The God Who Redeems
Isaiah 43:1-7
The Redeemer of Israel
1 (Isa 43:7; 44:2) But now, thus says the Lord
who created you, O Jacob,
and He who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
2 (Ps 66:12; Da 3:25-27) When you pass through waters,
I will be with you.
And through the rivers,
they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned,
nor shall the flame kindle on you.
3 (Ex 20:2; Pr 21:18) For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 (Ex 19:5-6) Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honorable,
and I have loved you;
therefore, I will give men for you,
and people for your life.
5 (Isa 49:12; 44:2) Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
and gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, "Give them up,"
and to the south, "Do not keep them back.
Bring My sons from afar,
and My daughters from the ends of the earth,
7 (Ps 100:3; Isa 43:1) even everyone who is called by My name,
for I have created him for My glory;
I have formed him, and I have made him."
[1] But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that
formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called
thee by thy name; thou art mine.
[2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through
the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the
fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
[3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave
Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
[4] Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I
have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
[5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and
gather thee from the west;
[6] I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring
my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
[7] Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my
glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
As part of a sermon illustration, I walked toward the beautiful painting
an artist had been creating on the platform and made a dark streak across
the middle of it. The congregation gasped in horror. The artist simply
stood by and watched as I defaced what she'd created. Then, selecting a new
brush, she lovingly transformed the ruined painting into
an exquisite work of art.
Her restorative work reminds me of the work God can perform in our lives when
we've made a mess of them. The prophet Isaiah rebuked the people of Israel
for their spiritual blindness and deafness (Isaiah 42:18-19), but then he
proclaimed the hope of God's deliverance and redemption:
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee" (43:1). He can do the same for us.
Even after we've sinned, if we confess our sins and turn to God, He forgives
and restores us (vv. 5-7; see 1 John 1:9). We can-t bring beauty out of the
mess, but Jesus can. The good news of the gospel is that He has redeemed us
by His blood. The book of Revelation assures us that in the end, Christ will
dry our tears, redeem our past, and make all things new (Revelation 21:4-5).
We have a limited vision of our story. But God who knows us "by name" (Isaiah
43:1) will make our lives more beautiful than we could ever imagine. If you've
been redeemed by faith in Jesus, your story, like the painting,
has a glorious ending.
By: Glenn Packiam
Reflect & Pray
How have you messed up?
What has God provided for your restoration and redemption?
Dear Jesus, thank You for never giving up on me.
I surrender to You and ask that You please redeem what I've ruined.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 3 The song of Exaltation
Exodus 15:2
2 The Lord is my strength and song,
and He has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
my father's God, and I will exalt Him.
2 The LORD is my strength and song,
And he is become my salvation:
He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation;
My father's God, and I will exalt him.
The world is full of music that communicates human emotion:
love, joy, sadness, separation.
A love song makes us misty-eyed; a song of protest arouses anger; a song
describing loss stimulates feelings of hurt and abandonment.
Music is a powerful force to sway the human spirit.
Exodus 15:2 indicates that God should be the source of the songs in our hearts.
Human emotions vacillate; human relationships disappoint,
but God is our "strength" and our "song".
To exalt the Lord includes many different type of "songs".
"I can't carry a tune in a bucket," one woman complained.
"How can I sing to the Lord anything that will be pleasing to him?"
But the Lord does not delight in the professionalism of our songs,
but in the motivation of our hearts. We can "sing to the Lord"
when we enjoy a Bach organ piece played for his glory.
We can exalt him in the words of Scripture - either remembered or sung.
We can worship him by enjoying the songs of others.
The key to making the Lord our song is exaltation. When our thoughts
lift him up in praise, we are singing a song of exaltation to the Lord.
When God is exalted in our songs, in our hearts, and in our thoughts,
that focus gives strength to our lives. We can face the difficulties
that are an inevitable part of experience,
because God is our "strength and our song".
Application
a) What is the difference between a song that is professionally performed
and one that exalts the Lord?
b) What practical steps can I take to make
my daily life a "song of praise" to God?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Gen 14:22-23
22 (Ex 6:8; Da 12:7) But Abram said to the king of Sodom,
"I have lifted up my hand to the Lord, God Most High,
the Possessor of heaven and earth,
23 (2Ki 5:16; Est 9:15-16) that I will take nothing that is yours,
not a thread or a sandal strap; lest you say, 'I have made Abram rich.'"
22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand
unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
23 that I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will
not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say,
I have made Abram rich:
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Unfailing Love
Lamen 3:19-24
19 (La 3:5; 3:15) Remember my affliction and my misery,
the wormwood and the gall.
20 (Ps 42:5-6; 42:11) Surely my soul remembers
and is humbled within me.
21 (Ps 130:7) But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
22 (Mal 3:6; Ps 78:38) It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed;
His compassions do not fail.
23 (Zep 3:5; Ps 36:5) They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
24 (Ps 16:5; 73:26) "The Lord is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in Him."
19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery,
The wormwood and the gall.
20 My soul hath them still in remembrance,
And is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind,
Therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed,
Because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning:
Great is thy faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul;
Therefore will I hope in 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?)
2015 Population - 4631302 Muslims about 136493
British Columbia - British Columbia's Muslim Population is growing constantly.
Every week there are immigrants ad refugees coming to the Greater Vancouver
and surrounding areas. There are also significant Muslim student populations
in our colleges and universities. Some have even suggested that there are
between 4000 and 5000 Saudi Arabian students alone, without counting all
other nationalities.
Greater Vancouver has an estimated 180000 Muslims, and there are significant
and growing communities in the Fraser Valley such as in Langley, Abbotsford,
Chilliwack, etc. Including these communities the total population for this
region is about 200000.
Of these, there are an estimated 100000 Iranians, 35000 Arabs, 15000 Ismailis,
more than 20000 Afghanis, 10000 South Asian Muslims, 3000 Turks, and small
numbers from other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Albania, etc.
We are seeing some Muslims coming to Christ and we rejoice in that.
A few people also have some ongoing ministry to Muslims in the area,
for which we also rejoice. Let us agree in that
- the church will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
- the church will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
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 "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.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- 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, ...) .
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 be respectful in your speech.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, thank You for never giving up on me.
I surrender to You and ask that You please redeem what I've ruined."
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him exaltation!
Pray to the Lord and pray thank Him for Being Provider.
Pray to the Lord and remember His Blessings are new every morning.
Pray the church in BC will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
Pray the church in BC will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
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 students of a Christian school in Madhya Pradesh, India
that was attacked by a Hindu Mob.
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.