Day 57 of the 3rd Bible Study Journey - 26 February 2023 reflections
Day 57, 26 Feb 2023
Today at https://www.calvarycommunity.ca, Pastor Paul Eisentrager spoke on
The Secret OF Contentment.
1st A Contented Person is Confident in God's Provision
Phil 4:10
10 (2Co 11:9) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived
your concern for me. Regarding this, you did care, but you lacked opportunity.
[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of
me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked
opportunity.
2nd A Contented Person is Satisfied with Little
Phil 4:11
11 (Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:6-9) I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned
in whatever state I am to be content.
[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content.
1 Timothy 6:8
8 (Ge 28:20) If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with
these things.
[8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
3rd A Contented Person Is Independent From Circumstances
Phil 4:12
12 (2Co 11:27; 11:9) I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to
have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret,
both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
[12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and
in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to
abound and to suffer need.
2 Cor 11:23-33
23 (1Co 15:10; 2Co 6:4-5) Are they servants of Christ? I speak as a fool.
I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure,
in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one.
25 (Ac 14:19) Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned;
three times I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 (Ac 14:5; 13:50; 17:5) in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils
of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in
perils among false brothers;
27 (2Co 6:5; Php 4:12; 1Th 2:9) in weariness and painfulness, in
sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold
and nakedness.
28 Beside the external things, the care of all the churches pressures
me daily.
29 (1Co 8:13; 9:22) Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin,
and I am not distressed?
30 (1Co 2:3) If I must boast, I will boast of the things which concern
my weakness.
31 (Ro 9:5; Jn 10:30) The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is blessed forevermore, knows that I am not lying.
32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas secured
the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me.
33 (Ac 9:25) But I was let down by the wall through a window in a basket
and escaped his hands.
[22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the
seed of Abraham? so am I.
[23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours
more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths
oft.
[24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
[25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered
shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
[26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in
perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the
city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among
false brethren;
[27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst,
in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
[28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily,
the care of all the churches.
[29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine
infirmities.
[31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for
evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
[32] In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the
Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
[33] And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and
escaped his hands.
2 Cor 4:17
17 (Ro 8:18; 1Pe 5:10) Our light affliction, which lasts
but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory,
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
4th A Contented Person Is Strenghtened by Divine Power
Phil 4
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because of Christ
who strengthens me.
[13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Romans 12:2
2 (Ro 12:1; 1Pe 1:14) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good
and acceptable and perfect will of God.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
5th A Contented Person has an Eternal Perspective and a fixed focus
1) Numbers 7
NUMBERS 7
Offerings at the Tabernacle's Dedication
1 (Lev 8:10-11) And it was on the day that Moses had fully set up
the tabernacle and anointed it and sanctified it and all its instruments,
both the altar and all its vessels, and anointed them, and sanctified them,
2 (Nu 1:4-16; 2Ch 35:8) that the leaders of Israel, heads of their
fathers' houses, who were the leaders of the tribes, and were over
them who were counted, made an offering.
3 And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered wagons,
and twelve oxen, a wagon for two of the leaders, and for each one an ox.
And they brought them before the tabernacle.
4 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
5 Accept these things from them, that they may be used in the service
of the tent of meeting. Give them to the Levites, to each man according
to his service.
6 Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to the Levites.
7 Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon,
according to their service.
8 And four wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari,
according to their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron
the priest.
9 (Nu 3:31; 2Sa 6:13) But to the sons of Kohath he gave none because
the service of the sanctuary belonging to them was that they should
carry on their shoulders.
10 (2Ch 7:9; Dt 20:5) The leaders brought their dedication offerings
when the altar was anointed, and offered their offerings before the
altar.
11 The Lord said to Moses: They will offer their offering, each leader
on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.
12 He that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon
the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah.
13 (Ex 30:13; 25:29) And his offering was one silver charger,
the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels,
(About 3 1/4 pounds, or 1.5 kilograms; and throughout this chapter.)
one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
(About 1 3/4 pounds, or 800 grams; and throughout this chapter.)
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour
mixed with oil as a grain offering;
14 one spoon of ten shekels
(About 4 ounces, or 115 grams; and throughout this chapter.)
of gold, full of incense;
15 one young bull, one ram,
and one male lamb in its first year as a burnt offering;
16 (Lev 4:23) one goat kid as a sin offering;
17 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
18 (Nu 1:8) On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar,
leader of Issachar, presented an offering.
19 He offered as his offering one silver charger,
the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil as a grain offering;
20 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
21 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year as
a burnt offering;
22 one goat kid as a sin offering;
23 (Lev 7:11-13) and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen,
five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar.
24 (Nu 1:9) On the third day Eliab the son of Helon,
leader of the children of Zebulun, presented an offering.
25 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which
was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed
with oil as a grain offering;
26 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
27 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in its first year
as a burnt offering;
28 one goat kid as a sin offering;
29 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
30 (Nu 1:5) On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur,
leader of the children of Reuben, presented an offering.
31 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was
one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour
mixed with oil as a grain offering;
32 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
33 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in its first year
as a burnt offering;
34 one goat kid as a sin offering;
35 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.
36 (Nu 1:6) On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai,
leader of the children of Simeon, presented an offering.
37 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was
one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed
with oil as a grain offering;
38 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
39 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in its first year,
as a burnt offering:
40 one goat kid as a sin offering;
41 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
42 (Nu 1:14; 2:14) On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel,
leader of the children of Gad, presented an offering.
43 (Lev 2:5; 14:10) And his offering was one silver charger,
the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering;
44 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
45 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in
its first year as a burnt offering;
46 one goat kid as a sin offering;
47 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
48 (Nu 1:10; 2:18) On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud,
leader of the children of Ephraim, presented an offering.
49 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was
one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour
mixed with oil as a grain offering;
50 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
51 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in its first year
as a burnt offering;
52 one goat kid as a sin offering;
53 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.
54 (Nu 1:10; 2:20) On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur,
leader of the children of Manasseh, presented an offering.
55 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which
was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed
with oil as a grain offering;
56 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
57 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb
in its first year as a burnt offering;
58 one goat kid as a sin offering;
59 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
60 (Nu 1:11; 2:22) On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni,
leader of the children of Benjamin, presented an offering.
61 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of
which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with
oil as a grain offering;
62 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
63 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year as a burnt
offering;
64 one goat kid as a sin offering;
65 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats,
and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Abidan
the son of Gideoni.
66 (Nu 1:12; 2:25) On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai,
leader of the children of Dan, presented an offering.
67 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was
one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour
mixed with oil as a grain offering;
68 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
69 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year as
a burnt offering;
70 one goat kid as a sin offering;
71 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
72 (Nu 1:13; 2:27) On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Okran,
leader of the children of Asher, presented an offering.
73 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which
was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed
with oil as a grain offering;
74 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
75 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year
as a burnt offering;
76 one goat kid as a sin offering;
77 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Okran.
78 (Nu 1:15; 2:29) On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan,
leader of the children of Naphtali, presented an offering.
79 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was
one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour
mixed with oil as a grain offering;
80 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
81 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year
as a burnt offering; 82one goat kid as a sin offering;
83 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
84 (Nu 7:10) This was the dedication of the altar,
in the day when it was anointed, by the leaders of Israel:
twelve silver plates, twelve silver bowls, and twelve gold spoons,
85 each silver plate weighing one hundred and thirty shekels,
each bowl seventy. All the silver vessels weighed
two thousand four hundred shekels, (About 60 pounds, or 28 kilograms.)
according to the shekel of the sanctuary.
86 The gold spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels
apiece, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. All the gold of the
spoons was one hundred and twenty shekels. (About 3 pounds, or 1.4 kilograms.)
87 All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bulls, twelve rams,
twelve male lambs in their first year, with their grain offering,
and twelve goat kids for a sin offering.
88 (Nu 7:1; 7:10) And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings
were 24 bulls, the rams sixty, the goats sixty, the one-year-old lambs sixty.
This was the dedication of the altar after it was anointed.
89 (Ps 80:1; Ex 33:9-11) And then Moses went into the tent of meeting
to speak with Him, and he heard the voice of One speaking to him from
the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony,
from between the two cherubim, and He spoke to him.
Numbers 7
[1] And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the
tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
[2] That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who
were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered,
offered:
[3] And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and
twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and
they brought them before the tabernacle.
[4] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[5] Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of
the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man
according to his service.
[6] And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites.
[7] Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to
their service:
[8] And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari,
according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the
priest.
[9] But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the
sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their
shoulders.
[10] And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it
was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.
[11] And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each
prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.
[12] And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of
Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:
[13] And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an
hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the
shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with
oil for a meat offering:
[14] One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:
[15] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[16] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[17] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nahshon the
son of Amminadab.
[18] On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did
offer:
[19] He offered for his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof was
an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the
shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil
for a meat offering:
[20] One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:
[21] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[22] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[23] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nethaneel the
son of Zuar.
[24] On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of
Zebulun, did offer:
[25] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[26] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[27] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[28] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[29] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliab the son
of Helon.
[30] On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of
Reuben, did offer:
[31] His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and
thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the
sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[32] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[33] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[34] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[35] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elizur the son
of Shedeur.
[36] On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the
children of Simeon, did offer:
[37] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[38] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[39] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[40] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[41] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the
son of Zurishaddai.
[42] On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of
Gad, offered:
[43] His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and
thirty shekels, a silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the
sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[44] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[45] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[46] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[47] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliasaph the
son of Deuel.
[48] On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children
of Ephraim, offered:
[49] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[50] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[51] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[52] one kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[53] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the
son of Ammihud.
[54] On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the
children of Manasseh:
[55] His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and
thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the
sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[56] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[57] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[58] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[59] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Gamaliel the
son of Pedahzur.
[60] On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of
Benjamin, offered:
[61] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[62] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[63] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[64] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[65] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Abidan the son
of Gideoni.
[66] On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children
of Dan, offered:
[67] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[68] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[69] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[70] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[71] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahiezer the
son of Ammishaddai.
[72] On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of
Asher, offered:
[73] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[74] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[75] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[76] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[77] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Pagiel the son
of Ocran.
[78] On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of
Naphtali, offered:
[79] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[80] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[81] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[82] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[83] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahira the son
of Enan.
[84] This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed,
by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls,
twelve spoons of gold:
[85] Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each
bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred
shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:
[86] The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels
apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an
hundred and twenty shekels.
[87] All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams
twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and
the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve.
[88] And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty
and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the
first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was
anointed.
[89] And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to
speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off
the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two
cherubims: and he spake unto him.
(Obedience is better than sacrifice)
2) Our Daily Bread for 26 February 2023 titled
Is it a sign ? By Leslie Koh
1 Samuel 24:1-7
1 SAMUEL 24
David Spares Saul's Life
1 (1Sa 23:28-29; 23:19) When Saul had returned from following the Philistines,
it was reported to him, saying, "David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi."
2 (1Sa 26:2) Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel
and went to seek David and his men in front of the rocks of the wild goats.
3 (Jdg 3:24; Ps 57:1-11) He came to the sheep pens by the way and a cave
was there. And Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men
were sitting in the rear of the cave.
4 The men of David said to him, "This is the day of which the Lord
said to you, 'I am giving your enemy into your hand.
You may do with him as seems good in your eyes.'"
Then David arose and secretly cut off the corner of Saul's robe.
5 (2Sa 24:10) Afterward David's heart troubled him because he had cut off
a corner of Saul's robe.
6 He said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing
to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him.
For he is anointed of the Lord."
7 (Ps 7:4) So David dispersed his men by these words and did not let
them rise against Saul. And Saul arose from the cave and went on his way.
[1] And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the
Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the
wilderness of En-gedi.
[2] Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to
seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
[3] And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul
went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of
the cave.
[4] And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD
said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that
thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and
cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
[5] And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he
had cut off Saul's skirt.
[6] And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing
unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him,
seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
[7] So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to
rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.
Psalm 40:8
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your law is within my inward parts."
[8] I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
The offer looked good, and was exactly what Peter needed. After being laid off,
this sole breadwinner of a young family had prayed desperately for a job.
"Surely this is God's answer to your prayers," his friends suggested.
Reading about the prospective employer, however, Peter felt uneasy. The
company invested in suspicious businesses and had been flagged for corruption.
In the end, Peter rejected the offer, though it was painful to do so.
"I believe God wants me to do the right thing," he shared with me. "I just
have to trust He will provide for me."
Peter was reminded of the account of David meeting Saul in a cave. It seemed
like he was being given the perfect opportunity to kill the man hunting him
down, but David resisted. "The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing ...
for he is the anointed of the Lord," he reasoned (1 Samuel 24:6). David was
careful to distinguish between his own interpretation of events and God's
command to obey His instruction and do the right thing.
Instead of always trying to look for "signs" in certain situations, let's look
to God and His truth for wisdom and guidance to discern what lies before us.
He will help us do what's right in His eyes.
Reflection and Prayer
What could help you discern between a personal interpretation of events
and what God would want you to do? Whom can you turn to for godly advice?
God, our Provider, grant me the wisdom
to discern opportunities before me and the faith to follow Your way, t
hat I might always do what pleases You.
For further study, read Making Decisions God's Way.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 1 - The Joy of Confessing Christ
Romans 10:9-10
9 (Lk 12:8; Php 2:11)that if you confess with your mouth
Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead, you will be saved,
10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness,
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation
Teena, a college freshman, has just committed her life to Christ,
but she was apprehensive about telling anyone - until Bill appeared
on the scene. He plunked his coffee cup down on the table and smiled.
"I heard something exciting happened to you yesterday, Teena"
"Yeah", Teena paused and looked around, as if seeking an escape route.
"I , uh, well, I did it"
"Did what?"
"Well, I, ah, gave my life to God."
"That's wonderful!" Bill exclaimed.
He was still talking with Teena and encouraging he in her decision
when Maria walked by.
"Maria!" Bill called. "Teena wants to tell you something!"
Teena gasped , open-mouthed, then stammered,
" I - I committed my life to Christ."
Maria , similarly enthuasiatic, encouraged Teena in her commitment,
and within half an hour Teena was stopping her friends to tell them,
"Guess what? I've become a Christian! I belng to Jesus now!"
Teena had already surrendered her heart to Christ.
But when she confessed her decision aloud to others,
the truth of that transformation was confirmed by her.
Many of us have been raised to believe that 'faith is a private matter',
not to be discussed in polite company. Yet Paul makes clear the connection
between heart commitment and verbal confession. Just as my love for family
and friends deepens as I tell them I love them, so a person's love
for Christ is confirmed and stabilised
by speaking of that commitment to others.
Application
a) Have I been reluctant to tell others of my faith in Christ? Why?
b) What happens within me when I do tell others of my love for the Lord?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Joshua 1:5
5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6-8) No man will be able to stand against
you all the days of your life.
As I was with Moses, I will be with you.
I will not abandon you. I will not leave you.
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before
thee all the days of thy life:
as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee:
I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
1 Cor 10:1-13
1 Corinthians 10
Warning Against Idolatry
1 (Ex 14:29; Ps 66:6) I would not want you to be unaware that
all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,
2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 (Ex 16:35; Dt 8:3) all ate the same spiritual food;
4 (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11) and all drank the same spiritual drink,
for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them,
and that Rock was Christ.
5 (Heb 3:17; Jude 1:5) But with many of them God was not well pleased,
and they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 (Nu 11:4; 1Co 10:11) Now these things were our examples to the intent
that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted.
7 (Ex 32:19; 32:4) Neither be idolaters as were some of them.
As it is written,
"The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to revel." (Ex 32:6. )
8 (Nu 25:1-9; 1Co 6:18) Neither let us commit sexual immorality as some
of them committed, when 23000 fell in one day.
9 (Nu 21:5-6; Ex 17:2) Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them
also tempted and were destroyed by serpents.
10 (Ex 12:23; Nu 16:41) Neither murmur, as some of them also murmured
and were destroyed by the destroyer.
11 (Ro 13:11) Now all these things happened to them for examples.
They are written as an admonition to us,
upon whom the end of the ages has come.
12 (Ro 11:20) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed,
lest he fall.
13 (1Co 1:9; 2Pe 2:9) No temptation has taken you except what is common
to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above
what you can endure, but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all
our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 and did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that
spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased:
for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust
after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written,
The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed,
and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted,
and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured,
and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples:
and they are written for our admonition,
upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also
make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
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?)
Alberta
Quick facts on Muslims in Alberta
Alberta 2015 population 4121700
est Muslim Population 195240
CNMM Networks: Calgary and Edmonton
It is estimated that Calgary has 82000 Muslims and Edmonton another 50000 .
Alberta may have a total as high as 195240 today.
Calgary is notable as the first Canadian city with a Muslim mayor. It's
become a prominent place of Islamic fundamentalism.
Edmonton's Muslim population is very diverse, with the largest group
coming from Tanzania, followed by Somalia, and then North African countries
such as Egypt, Morocco, etc.
Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus! They overcome huge spiritual,
emotional and cultural hurdles to follow Christ. Yet their challenges still
continue, especially in growing in discipleship. They often fell lost in our
Western congregations, and equally lost trying to find a church body with whom
they can identify. some are even being lured into Christian cult groups.
Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to
Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their
not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.
- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
in these growing Muslim population centres.
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
Day 26 of the Month
a) Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ (Matt 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut
I) Pray for the leaders of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut,
that God's Spirit would influence then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
8 ) DAY 21: Make it a Part of Your Life
Verse of the day: "42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46)
They continued steadfastly in the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
" Acts 2:42
We encourage you to be just as intentional about the next twenty
one days.
The principles you have practiced in these twenty-one days are very
easy to sustain long-term. Prayer, fasting, personal devotion and
generosity are all quite simple to incorporate into your everyday
life. You have created space for God to fill so don't allow it to close
up! Protect that time and space with God and make it your daily
priority.
Reflection
Remember, this is not a legalistic thing.
This is an "I get to experience God" thing!
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for these last 21 days. I pray, Lord, that I
will remember the things I have practiced and made a part of my
daily routine. Help me remember to set time aside daily to read Your
word, talk to You in prayer, and be still so I can hear You speak to me.
I pray this will be a part of my day that look forward to and never
see as a chore. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Scripture reflection: Joshua 1:8-9,
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart
from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may act
carefully according to all that is written in it. For then you will make
your way successful, and you will be wise.
9 (Ge 28:15; Dt 31:7-8) Have not I commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord
your God is with you wherever you go."
[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to
all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.
Matthew 6:33,
33 (1Ti 4:8; 1Ki 3:11-13) But seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you.
[33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you.
Isaiah 28:23
23 Give ear and hear my voice; listen and hear my speech.
[23] Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.
Daniel 10 : 3
3 (Da 6:18; Mt 6:17) I ate no tasty food, no meat or wine entered my mouth,
nor did I anoint myself at all until three whole weeks were fulfilled.
[3] I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth,
neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
Conclusion:
Oh God, how far short I fall of Paul's words. But Lord, my desire is
to learn to be content. I long to be content in all my circumstances. I
know that growing in dependence on you is the key; teach me how
to do this." I lift my cup and all that you have wisely and lovingly
put in it, as an act of worship. Amen.
The Lord is my peace. I shall not live in anxiety. He puts me under
his wing of comfort and calms my spirit within me. He takes all my
anxieties on Himself and helps me focus on Him. Yes, though I
walk through times of great uncertainties I will not fret. I
choose to be content. Surely serenity and trust in You shall fill
me all the days of my life. And I shall keep my mind stayed on
you forever.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be obedient to Him.
Pray to the Lord : "God, our Provider, grant me the wisdom
to discern opportunities before me and the faith to follow Your way, t
hat I might always do what pleases You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to openly confess Him as Lord of your life.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He is with you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to not to be an immoral witness.
Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to
Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their
not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.
- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
in these growing Muslim population centres.
Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ
Pray that believers in Saudi Arabia who are being discipled will, in turn,
disciple others so that they can all grow in faith together.
Thank You, Jesus, for these last 21 days. I pray, Lord, that I
will remember the things I have practiced and made a part of my
daily routine. Help me remember to set time aside daily to read Your
word, talk to You in prayer, and be still so I can hear You speak to me.
I pray this will be a part of my day that look forward to and never
see as a chore. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Today at https://www.calvarycommunity.ca, Pastor Paul Eisentrager spoke on
The Secret OF Contentment.
1st A Contented Person is Confident in God's Provision
Phil 4:10
10 (2Co 11:9) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived
your concern for me. Regarding this, you did care, but you lacked opportunity.
[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of
me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked
opportunity.
2nd A Contented Person is Satisfied with Little
Phil 4:11
11 (Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:6-9) I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned
in whatever state I am to be content.
[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content.
1 Timothy 6:8
8 (Ge 28:20) If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with
these things.
[8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
3rd A Contented Person Is Independent From Circumstances
Phil 4:12
12 (2Co 11:27; 11:9) I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to
have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret,
both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
[12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and
in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to
abound and to suffer need.
2 Cor 11:23-33
23 (1Co 15:10; 2Co 6:4-5) Are they servants of Christ? I speak as a fool.
I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure,
in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one.
25 (Ac 14:19) Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned;
three times I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 (Ac 14:5; 13:50; 17:5) in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils
of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in
perils among false brothers;
27 (2Co 6:5; Php 4:12; 1Th 2:9) in weariness and painfulness, in
sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold
and nakedness.
28 Beside the external things, the care of all the churches pressures
me daily.
29 (1Co 8:13; 9:22) Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin,
and I am not distressed?
30 (1Co 2:3) If I must boast, I will boast of the things which concern
my weakness.
31 (Ro 9:5; Jn 10:30) The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is blessed forevermore, knows that I am not lying.
32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas secured
the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me.
33 (Ac 9:25) But I was let down by the wall through a window in a basket
and escaped his hands.
[22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the
seed of Abraham? so am I.
[23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours
more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths
oft.
[24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
[25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered
shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
[26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in
perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the
city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among
false brethren;
[27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst,
in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
[28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily,
the care of all the churches.
[29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine
infirmities.
[31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for
evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
[32] In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the
Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
[33] And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and
escaped his hands.
2 Cor 4:17
17 (Ro 8:18; 1Pe 5:10) Our light affliction, which lasts
but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory,
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
4th A Contented Person Is Strenghtened by Divine Power
Phil 4
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because of Christ
who strengthens me.
[13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Romans 12:2
2 (Ro 12:1; 1Pe 1:14) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good
and acceptable and perfect will of God.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
5th A Contented Person has an Eternal Perspective and a fixed focus
1) Numbers 7
NUMBERS 7
Offerings at the Tabernacle's Dedication
1 (Lev 8:10-11) And it was on the day that Moses had fully set up
the tabernacle and anointed it and sanctified it and all its instruments,
both the altar and all its vessels, and anointed them, and sanctified them,
2 (Nu 1:4-16; 2Ch 35:8) that the leaders of Israel, heads of their
fathers' houses, who were the leaders of the tribes, and were over
them who were counted, made an offering.
3 And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered wagons,
and twelve oxen, a wagon for two of the leaders, and for each one an ox.
And they brought them before the tabernacle.
4 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
5 Accept these things from them, that they may be used in the service
of the tent of meeting. Give them to the Levites, to each man according
to his service.
6 Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to the Levites.
7 Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon,
according to their service.
8 And four wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari,
according to their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron
the priest.
9 (Nu 3:31; 2Sa 6:13) But to the sons of Kohath he gave none because
the service of the sanctuary belonging to them was that they should
carry on their shoulders.
10 (2Ch 7:9; Dt 20:5) The leaders brought their dedication offerings
when the altar was anointed, and offered their offerings before the
altar.
11 The Lord said to Moses: They will offer their offering, each leader
on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.
12 He that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon
the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah.
13 (Ex 30:13; 25:29) And his offering was one silver charger,
the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels,
(About 3 1/4 pounds, or 1.5 kilograms; and throughout this chapter.)
one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
(About 1 3/4 pounds, or 800 grams; and throughout this chapter.)
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour
mixed with oil as a grain offering;
14 one spoon of ten shekels
(About 4 ounces, or 115 grams; and throughout this chapter.)
of gold, full of incense;
15 one young bull, one ram,
and one male lamb in its first year as a burnt offering;
16 (Lev 4:23) one goat kid as a sin offering;
17 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
18 (Nu 1:8) On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar,
leader of Issachar, presented an offering.
19 He offered as his offering one silver charger,
the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil as a grain offering;
20 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
21 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year as
a burnt offering;
22 one goat kid as a sin offering;
23 (Lev 7:11-13) and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen,
five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar.
24 (Nu 1:9) On the third day Eliab the son of Helon,
leader of the children of Zebulun, presented an offering.
25 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which
was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed
with oil as a grain offering;
26 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
27 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in its first year
as a burnt offering;
28 one goat kid as a sin offering;
29 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.
30 (Nu 1:5) On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur,
leader of the children of Reuben, presented an offering.
31 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was
one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour
mixed with oil as a grain offering;
32 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
33 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in its first year
as a burnt offering;
34 one goat kid as a sin offering;
35 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.
36 (Nu 1:6) On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai,
leader of the children of Simeon, presented an offering.
37 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was
one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed
with oil as a grain offering;
38 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
39 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in its first year,
as a burnt offering:
40 one goat kid as a sin offering;
41 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
42 (Nu 1:14; 2:14) On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel,
leader of the children of Gad, presented an offering.
43 (Lev 2:5; 14:10) And his offering was one silver charger,
the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels,
one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary,
both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering;
44 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
45 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in
its first year as a burnt offering;
46 one goat kid as a sin offering;
47 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
48 (Nu 1:10; 2:18) On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud,
leader of the children of Ephraim, presented an offering.
49 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was
one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour
mixed with oil as a grain offering;
50 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
51 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb in its first year
as a burnt offering;
52 one goat kid as a sin offering;
53 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.
54 (Nu 1:10; 2:20) On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur,
leader of the children of Manasseh, presented an offering.
55 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which
was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed
with oil as a grain offering;
56 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
57 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb
in its first year as a burnt offering;
58 one goat kid as a sin offering;
59 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
60 (Nu 1:11; 2:22) On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni,
leader of the children of Benjamin, presented an offering.
61 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of
which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with
oil as a grain offering;
62 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
63 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year as a burnt
offering;
64 one goat kid as a sin offering;
65 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats,
and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Abidan
the son of Gideoni.
66 (Nu 1:12; 2:25) On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai,
leader of the children of Dan, presented an offering.
67 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was
one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour
mixed with oil as a grain offering;
68 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
69 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year as
a burnt offering;
70 one goat kid as a sin offering;
71 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
72 (Nu 1:13; 2:27) On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Okran,
leader of the children of Asher, presented an offering.
73 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which
was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed
with oil as a grain offering;
74 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
75 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year
as a burnt offering;
76 one goat kid as a sin offering;
77 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Okran.
78 (Nu 1:15; 2:29) On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan,
leader of the children of Naphtali, presented an offering.
79 And his offering was one silver charger, the weight of which was
one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour
mixed with oil as a grain offering;
80 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense;
81 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year
as a burnt offering; 82one goat kid as a sin offering;
83 and as a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams,
five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year.
This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.
84 (Nu 7:10) This was the dedication of the altar,
in the day when it was anointed, by the leaders of Israel:
twelve silver plates, twelve silver bowls, and twelve gold spoons,
85 each silver plate weighing one hundred and thirty shekels,
each bowl seventy. All the silver vessels weighed
two thousand four hundred shekels, (About 60 pounds, or 28 kilograms.)
according to the shekel of the sanctuary.
86 The gold spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels
apiece, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. All the gold of the
spoons was one hundred and twenty shekels. (About 3 pounds, or 1.4 kilograms.)
87 All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bulls, twelve rams,
twelve male lambs in their first year, with their grain offering,
and twelve goat kids for a sin offering.
88 (Nu 7:1; 7:10) And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings
were 24 bulls, the rams sixty, the goats sixty, the one-year-old lambs sixty.
This was the dedication of the altar after it was anointed.
89 (Ps 80:1; Ex 33:9-11) And then Moses went into the tent of meeting
to speak with Him, and he heard the voice of One speaking to him from
the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony,
from between the two cherubim, and He spoke to him.
Numbers 7
[1] And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the
tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
[2] That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who
were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered,
offered:
[3] And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and
twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and
they brought them before the tabernacle.
[4] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[5] Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of
the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man
according to his service.
[6] And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites.
[7] Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to
their service:
[8] And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari,
according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the
priest.
[9] But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the
sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their
shoulders.
[10] And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar in the day that it
was anointed, even the princes offered their offering before the altar.
[11] And the LORD said unto Moses, They shall offer their offering, each
prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.
[12] And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of
Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:
[13] And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an
hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the
shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with
oil for a meat offering:
[14] One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:
[15] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[16] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[17] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nahshon the
son of Amminadab.
[18] On the second day Nethaneel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, did
offer:
[19] He offered for his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof was
an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the
shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil
for a meat offering:
[20] One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense:
[21] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[22] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[23] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Nethaneel the
son of Zuar.
[24] On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of
Zebulun, did offer:
[25] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[26] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[27] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[28] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[29] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliab the son
of Helon.
[30] On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of
Reuben, did offer:
[31] His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and
thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the
sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[32] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[33] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[34] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[35] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elizur the son
of Shedeur.
[36] On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the
children of Simeon, did offer:
[37] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[38] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[39] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[40] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[41] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Shelumiel the
son of Zurishaddai.
[42] On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of
Gad, offered:
[43] His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and
thirty shekels, a silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the
sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[44] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[45] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[46] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[47] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliasaph the
son of Deuel.
[48] On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children
of Ephraim, offered:
[49] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[50] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[51] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[52] one kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[53] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the
son of Ammihud.
[54] On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the
children of Manasseh:
[55] His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and
thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the
sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[56] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[57] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[58] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[59] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Gamaliel the
son of Pedahzur.
[60] On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of
Benjamin, offered:
[61] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[62] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[63] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[64] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[65] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Abidan the son
of Gideoni.
[66] On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children
of Dan, offered:
[67] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[68] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[69] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[70] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[71] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahiezer the
son of Ammishaddai.
[72] On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of
Asher, offered:
[73] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[74] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[75] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[76] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[77] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Pagiel the son
of Ocran.
[78] On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of
Naphtali, offered:
[79] His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred
and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of
the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering:
[80] One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
[81] One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt
offering:
[82] One kid of the goats for a sin offering:
[83] And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he
goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahira the son
of Enan.
[84] This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed,
by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls,
twelve spoons of gold:
[85] Each charger of silver weighing an hundred and thirty shekels, each
bowl seventy: all the silver vessels weighed two thousand and four hundred
shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:
[86] The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels
apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary: all the gold of the spoons was an
hundred and twenty shekels.
[87] All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bullocks, the rams
twelve, the lambs of the first year twelve, with their meat offering: and
the kids of the goats for sin offering twelve.
[88] And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty
and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he goats sixty, the lambs of the
first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was
anointed.
[89] And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to
speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off
the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two
cherubims: and he spake unto him.
(Obedience is better than sacrifice)
2) Our Daily Bread for 26 February 2023 titled
Is it a sign ? By Leslie Koh
1 Samuel 24:1-7
1 SAMUEL 24
David Spares Saul's Life
1 (1Sa 23:28-29; 23:19) When Saul had returned from following the Philistines,
it was reported to him, saying, "David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi."
2 (1Sa 26:2) Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel
and went to seek David and his men in front of the rocks of the wild goats.
3 (Jdg 3:24; Ps 57:1-11) He came to the sheep pens by the way and a cave
was there. And Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men
were sitting in the rear of the cave.
4 The men of David said to him, "This is the day of which the Lord
said to you, 'I am giving your enemy into your hand.
You may do with him as seems good in your eyes.'"
Then David arose and secretly cut off the corner of Saul's robe.
5 (2Sa 24:10) Afterward David's heart troubled him because he had cut off
a corner of Saul's robe.
6 He said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing
to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him.
For he is anointed of the Lord."
7 (Ps 7:4) So David dispersed his men by these words and did not let
them rise against Saul. And Saul arose from the cave and went on his way.
[1] And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the
Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the
wilderness of En-gedi.
[2] Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to
seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
[3] And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul
went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of
the cave.
[4] And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD
said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that
thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and
cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
[5] And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he
had cut off Saul's skirt.
[6] And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing
unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him,
seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
[7] So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to
rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.
Psalm 40:8
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your law is within my inward parts."
[8] I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
The offer looked good, and was exactly what Peter needed. After being laid off,
this sole breadwinner of a young family had prayed desperately for a job.
"Surely this is God's answer to your prayers," his friends suggested.
Reading about the prospective employer, however, Peter felt uneasy. The
company invested in suspicious businesses and had been flagged for corruption.
In the end, Peter rejected the offer, though it was painful to do so.
"I believe God wants me to do the right thing," he shared with me. "I just
have to trust He will provide for me."
Peter was reminded of the account of David meeting Saul in a cave. It seemed
like he was being given the perfect opportunity to kill the man hunting him
down, but David resisted. "The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing ...
for he is the anointed of the Lord," he reasoned (1 Samuel 24:6). David was
careful to distinguish between his own interpretation of events and God's
command to obey His instruction and do the right thing.
Instead of always trying to look for "signs" in certain situations, let's look
to God and His truth for wisdom and guidance to discern what lies before us.
He will help us do what's right in His eyes.
Reflection and Prayer
What could help you discern between a personal interpretation of events
and what God would want you to do? Whom can you turn to for godly advice?
God, our Provider, grant me the wisdom
to discern opportunities before me and the faith to follow Your way, t
hat I might always do what pleases You.
For further study, read Making Decisions God's Way.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 1 - The Joy of Confessing Christ
Romans 10:9-10
9 (Lk 12:8; Php 2:11)that if you confess with your mouth
Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead, you will be saved,
10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness,
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation
Teena, a college freshman, has just committed her life to Christ,
but she was apprehensive about telling anyone - until Bill appeared
on the scene. He plunked his coffee cup down on the table and smiled.
"I heard something exciting happened to you yesterday, Teena"
"Yeah", Teena paused and looked around, as if seeking an escape route.
"I , uh, well, I did it"
"Did what?"
"Well, I, ah, gave my life to God."
"That's wonderful!" Bill exclaimed.
He was still talking with Teena and encouraging he in her decision
when Maria walked by.
"Maria!" Bill called. "Teena wants to tell you something!"
Teena gasped , open-mouthed, then stammered,
" I - I committed my life to Christ."
Maria , similarly enthuasiatic, encouraged Teena in her commitment,
and within half an hour Teena was stopping her friends to tell them,
"Guess what? I've become a Christian! I belng to Jesus now!"
Teena had already surrendered her heart to Christ.
But when she confessed her decision aloud to others,
the truth of that transformation was confirmed by her.
Many of us have been raised to believe that 'faith is a private matter',
not to be discussed in polite company. Yet Paul makes clear the connection
between heart commitment and verbal confession. Just as my love for family
and friends deepens as I tell them I love them, so a person's love
for Christ is confirmed and stabilised
by speaking of that commitment to others.
Application
a) Have I been reluctant to tell others of my faith in Christ? Why?
b) What happens within me when I do tell others of my love for the Lord?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Joshua 1:5
5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6-8) No man will be able to stand against
you all the days of your life.
As I was with Moses, I will be with you.
I will not abandon you. I will not leave you.
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before
thee all the days of thy life:
as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee:
I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
1 Cor 10:1-13
1 Corinthians 10
Warning Against Idolatry
1 (Ex 14:29; Ps 66:6) I would not want you to be unaware that
all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,
2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 (Ex 16:35; Dt 8:3) all ate the same spiritual food;
4 (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11) and all drank the same spiritual drink,
for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them,
and that Rock was Christ.
5 (Heb 3:17; Jude 1:5) But with many of them God was not well pleased,
and they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 (Nu 11:4; 1Co 10:11) Now these things were our examples to the intent
that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted.
7 (Ex 32:19; 32:4) Neither be idolaters as were some of them.
As it is written,
"The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to revel." (Ex 32:6. )
8 (Nu 25:1-9; 1Co 6:18) Neither let us commit sexual immorality as some
of them committed, when 23000 fell in one day.
9 (Nu 21:5-6; Ex 17:2) Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them
also tempted and were destroyed by serpents.
10 (Ex 12:23; Nu 16:41) Neither murmur, as some of them also murmured
and were destroyed by the destroyer.
11 (Ro 13:11) Now all these things happened to them for examples.
They are written as an admonition to us,
upon whom the end of the ages has come.
12 (Ro 11:20) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed,
lest he fall.
13 (1Co 1:9; 2Pe 2:9) No temptation has taken you except what is common
to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above
what you can endure, but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all
our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 and did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that
spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased:
for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust
after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written,
The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed,
and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted,
and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured,
and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples:
and they are written for our admonition,
upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also
make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
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?)
Alberta
Quick facts on Muslims in Alberta
Alberta 2015 population 4121700
est Muslim Population 195240
CNMM Networks: Calgary and Edmonton
It is estimated that Calgary has 82000 Muslims and Edmonton another 50000 .
Alberta may have a total as high as 195240 today.
Calgary is notable as the first Canadian city with a Muslim mayor. It's
become a prominent place of Islamic fundamentalism.
Edmonton's Muslim population is very diverse, with the largest group
coming from Tanzania, followed by Somalia, and then North African countries
such as Egypt, Morocco, etc.
Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus! They overcome huge spiritual,
emotional and cultural hurdles to follow Christ. Yet their challenges still
continue, especially in growing in discipleship. They often fell lost in our
Western congregations, and equally lost trying to find a church body with whom
they can identify. some are even being lured into Christian cult groups.
Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to
Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their
not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.
- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
in these growing Muslim population centres.
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
Day 26 of the Month
a) Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ (Matt 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut
I) Pray for the leaders of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut,
that God's Spirit would influence then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
8 ) DAY 21: Make it a Part of Your Life
Verse of the day: "42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46)
They continued steadfastly in the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
" Acts 2:42
We encourage you to be just as intentional about the next twenty
one days.
The principles you have practiced in these twenty-one days are very
easy to sustain long-term. Prayer, fasting, personal devotion and
generosity are all quite simple to incorporate into your everyday
life. You have created space for God to fill so don't allow it to close
up! Protect that time and space with God and make it your daily
priority.
Reflection
Remember, this is not a legalistic thing.
This is an "I get to experience God" thing!
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for these last 21 days. I pray, Lord, that I
will remember the things I have practiced and made a part of my
daily routine. Help me remember to set time aside daily to read Your
word, talk to You in prayer, and be still so I can hear You speak to me.
I pray this will be a part of my day that look forward to and never
see as a chore. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Scripture reflection: Joshua 1:8-9,
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart
from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may act
carefully according to all that is written in it. For then you will make
your way successful, and you will be wise.
9 (Ge 28:15; Dt 31:7-8) Have not I commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord
your God is with you wherever you go."
[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to
all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.
Matthew 6:33,
33 (1Ti 4:8; 1Ki 3:11-13) But seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you.
[33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you.
Isaiah 28:23
23 Give ear and hear my voice; listen and hear my speech.
[23] Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.
Daniel 10 : 3
3 (Da 6:18; Mt 6:17) I ate no tasty food, no meat or wine entered my mouth,
nor did I anoint myself at all until three whole weeks were fulfilled.
[3] I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth,
neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
Conclusion:
Oh God, how far short I fall of Paul's words. But Lord, my desire is
to learn to be content. I long to be content in all my circumstances. I
know that growing in dependence on you is the key; teach me how
to do this." I lift my cup and all that you have wisely and lovingly
put in it, as an act of worship. Amen.
The Lord is my peace. I shall not live in anxiety. He puts me under
his wing of comfort and calms my spirit within me. He takes all my
anxieties on Himself and helps me focus on Him. Yes, though I
walk through times of great uncertainties I will not fret. I
choose to be content. Surely serenity and trust in You shall fill
me all the days of my life. And I shall keep my mind stayed on
you forever.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be obedient to Him.
Pray to the Lord : "God, our Provider, grant me the wisdom
to discern opportunities before me and the faith to follow Your way, t
hat I might always do what pleases You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to openly confess Him as Lord of your life.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He is with you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to not to be an immoral witness.
Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to
Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their
not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.
- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
in these growing Muslim population centres.
Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ
Pray that believers in Saudi Arabia who are being discipled will, in turn,
disciple others so that they can all grow in faith together.
Thank You, Jesus, for these last 21 days. I pray, Lord, that I
will remember the things I have practiced and made a part of my
daily routine. Help me remember to set time aside daily to read Your
word, talk to You in prayer, and be still so I can hear You speak to me.
I pray this will be a part of my day that look forward to and never
see as a chore. In Jesus name I pray, amen.