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Day 89 of the 3rd Bible Study Journey - 30 March 2023 reflections

Day 89, 30 Mar 2023



1) Judges 3 -5

JUDGES 3



1 (Jdg 2:21-22) Now these are the nations that the Lord left to test

those in Israel who had not experienced war in Canaan

2 (so that later generations of the children of Israel who did not

know war before might know it, to teach them how to fight):

3 (Jos 13:3; 13:5) the five Philistine lords, all the Canaanites,

the Sidonians, and the Hivites living on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal

Hermon to Lebo Hamath.

4 (Jdg 2:22; 3:1) They were to test Israel, in order to know if they would

obey the commandments of the Lord, which He commanded their fathers

by the hand of Moses.

5 (Ex 3:8) The children of Israel lived among the Canaanites, Hittites,

Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

6 (Ex 34:16; Dt 7:3-4) They took their daughters for themselves as wives,

and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.





Judges 3

[1] Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them,

even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;

[2] Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach

them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;

[3] Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the

Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount

Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath.

[4] And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would

hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers

by the hand of Moses.

[5] And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and

Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:

[6] And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their

daughters to their sons, and served their gods.



Othniel



7 (Ex 34:13; Jdg 2:11-13) The children of Israel did what was evil

in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served

the Baals and the Asherahs.

8 (Jdg 2:14; Hab 3:7) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel,

and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia.

The children of Israel served Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years.

9 (Jdg 1:13; 3:15) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,

and the Lord raised up a deliverer in order to save the children of Israel

-Othniel son of Kenaz, the younger brother of Caleb.

10 (Jdg 6:34; 11:29) The Spirit of the Lord came on him,

and he judged Israel. He went out to battle,

and the Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hands,

so that Othniel overpowered Cushan-Rishathaim.

11 (Jos 11:23; Jdg 3:30) The land rested forty years, then Othniel

son of Kenaz died.



[7] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat

the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.

[8] Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them

into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of

Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years.

[9] And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up

a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the

son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.

[10] And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and

went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of

Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against

Chushan-rishathaim.

[11] And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.



Ehud



12 (1Sa 12:9; Jdg 2:19) Then the children of Israel once more did

what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord strengthened

King Eglon of Moab against Israel because they had done

what was evil in the sight of the Lord.

13 (Jdg 1:16; Dt 34:3) Eglon joined forces with the Ammonites and Amalekites;

then he went and attacked Israel and took possession of the City of Palms.

14 The children of Israel served King Eglon of Moab for eighteen years.

15 (Jdg 3:9; Ps 78:34) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,

and the Lord raised up a deliverer-Ehud son of Gera the Benjamite,

a left-handed man. The children of Israel sent a tribute payment by him

to King Eglon of Moab.

16 Ehud made a cubit-long (About 18 inches, or 45 centimeters.)

two-edged sword for himself and strapped it onto his right thigh

under his cloak.

17 He brought the tribute payment to King Eglon of Moab.

Now Eglon was a very fat man.

18 When Ehud finished offering the tribute payment,

he sent away the people who carried it.

19 (Jos 4:20) But he himself turned back from the stone idols that

were at Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king."

And he said, "Keep silence!" And all who attended him departed from him.

20 (Am 3:15) Ehud approached him as he was sitting alone in his cool

upper chamber. Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you."

And Eglon rose from his seat.

21 Then Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh,

and plunged it into the belly of Eglon.

22 The hilt went in after the blade and the fat closed over the blade

and his entrails came out, for he did not pull the sword

out of the belly of Eglon.

23 Then Ehud went out to the entrance hall and closed the doors of

the upper chamber on him and locked them.

24 (1Sa 24:3) When he went out, the servants of Eglon came.

They looked and noticed the doors of the upper chamber were locked.

They thought, "Surely he is attending to his needs in the cool chamber."

25 They waited until they were embarrassed, but he still did not open

the doors of the upper chamber. So they took a key and opened it.

There, fallen dead on the floor, was their lord.

26 Yet Ehud escaped while they were waiting. He passed the sacred stones

and escaped to Seirah.

27 (Jdg 6:34; 1Sa 13:3) Upon his arrival, he blew a ram's horn trumpet

in the hill country of Ephraim. Then the children of Israel went down

with him from the hill country, and he led them.

28 (Jdg 12:5; Jos 2:7) He said to them, "Follow me, for the Lord has given

your enemies the Moabites into your hands." They followed him,

and they captured the Jordan fords leading to Moab.

They did not let anyone cross.

29 They struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all strong and valorous men,

and not a single man escaped.

30 (Jdg 3:11) So Moab was humbled under the hand of Israel that day,

and the land had peace for eighty years.



[12] And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and

the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they

had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

[13] And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and

smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.

[14] So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.

[15] But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised

them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded:

and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of

Moab.

[16] But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and

he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.

[17] And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a

very fat man.

[18] And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the

people that bare the present.

[19] But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and

said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And

all that stood by him went out from him.

[20] And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which

he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto

thee. And he arose out of his seat.

[21] And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right

thigh, and thrust it into his belly:

[22] And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the

blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt

came out.

[23] Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the

parlour upon him, and locked them.

[24] When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that,

behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth

his feet in his summer chamber.

[25] And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the

doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and,

behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.

[26] And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries,

and escaped unto Seirath.

[27] And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the

mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the

mount, and he before them.

[28] And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered

your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and

took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

[29] And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty,

and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.

[30] So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had

rest fourscore years.



Shamgar



31 (Jdg 5:6; 2:16) After Ehud was Shamgar son of Anath.

He struck down six hundred Philistine men with an ox goad.

He also saved Israel.



[31] And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the

Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.



JUDGES 4



Deborah

1 When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel once more

did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.

2 (Jos 11:1; Jdg 4:13) The Lord sold them into the hands

of King Jabin of Canaan, who ruled in Hazor.

The commander of his army was Sisera. He lived in Harosheth Haggoyim.

3 (Jdg 1:19; 3:9) The children of Israel cried out to the Lord,

for Sisera had 900 iron chariots and had forcefully oppressed

the children of Israel for twenty years.

4 Now Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophetess.

She judged Israel at that time.

5 (Ge 35:8) She would sit under the palm tree of Deborah

between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim.

The children of Israel would go up to her for her to render judgment.

6 (Heb 11:32; Jos 19:37) She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh

in Naphtali and said to him, "The Lord God of Israel commands you,

'Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor, and take 10000 from the tribes

of Naphtali and Zebulun with you.

7 (Jdg 5:21; 1Ki 18:40) I will draw Sisera, the commander of the army

of Jabin, with his chariots and large army to you at the River Kishon

and give him into your hands.' "

8 Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go,

but if you will not go with me, then I will not go."

9 (Jdg 2:14) She said, "I will indeed go with you. However, the way

you are going will gain you no glory, for the Lord will deliver Sisera

into the hand of a woman." Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh.

10 (Jdg 5:18; 5:15) Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh.

10000 men went up on foot with him, and Deborah went up with him also.

11 (Nu 10:29; Jos 19:33) Now Heber the Kenite had moved away from the Kenites,

who were descendants of Hobab, Moses' father-in-law.

He pitched his tent at the oak in Zaanannim, near Kedesh.

12 Then they told Sisera that Barak son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor.

13 (Jdg 4:2-3) So Sisera summoned all his 900 iron chariots

and all the people with him, from Harosheth Haggoyim to the River Kishon.

14 (Dt 9:3; 2Sa 5:24) Then Deborah said to Barak,"Get up, for this is the day

that the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone

out before you?" So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10000 men

behind him.

15 (Jos 10:10; Ps 83:9-10) The Lord routed Sisera and all of his chariots

and all of his army with the edge of the sword in front of Barak.

Sisera dismounted his chariot and fled on foot.

16 Barak chased after the chariots and the army as far as Harosheth Haggoyim.

The whole army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword. Not a single man survived.

17 Sisera fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite,

for there was peace between King Jabin of Hazor

and the family of Heber the Kenite.

18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him,

"Turn aside, my lord. Turn aside to me. Do not be afraid."

So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.

19 (Jdg 5:25-26) He said to her, "Please give me a little water to drink,

for I am thirsty." So she opened a leather milk container, gave it to him to drink,

and covered him.

20 He said to her, "Stand in the entrance to the tent,

and if anyone comes and asks you, 'Is there a man here?' then you say, 'No.' "

21 Then Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg and a hammer in her hand

and went quietly to him, for he was fast asleep and tired.

She drove the tent peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground,

so he died.

22 Now as Barak had been chasing Sisera, Jael came out to meet him and said,

"Come, and I will show you the man whom you seek."

When he came in, there was Sisera fallen dead with a tent peg in his temple.

23 (Ne 9:24; Ps 18:47) So God humbled King Jabin of Canaan

before the children of Israel that day.

24 The children of Israel grew more and more powerful

over King Jabin of Canaan until he was no more.



Judges 4

[1] And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when

Ehud was dead.

[2] And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that

reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in

Harosheth of the Gentiles.

[3] And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred

chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of

Israel.

[4] And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at

that time.

[5] And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in

mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

[6] And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali,

and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and

draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children

of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

[7] And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of

Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him

into thine hand.

[8] And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if

thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.

[9] And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey

that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell

Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to

Kedesh.

[10] And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with

ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.

[11] Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in

law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent

unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.

[12] And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to

mount Tabor.

[13] And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred

chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of

the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.

[14] And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD

hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee?

So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.

[15] And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his

host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down

off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.

[16] But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto

Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of

the sword; and there was not a man left.

[17] Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of

Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and

the house of Heber the Kenite.

[18] And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord,

turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent,

she covered him with a mantle.

[19] And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink;

for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and

covered him.

[20] Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be,

when any man doth come and inquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here?

that thou shalt say, No.

[21] Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in

her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and

fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

[22] And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and

said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And

when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his

temples.

[23] So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children

of Israel.

[24] And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against

Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.



JUDGES 5



The Song of Deborah



1 (Ex 15:1)On that day, Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang:

2 (Jdg 5:9; 2Ch 17:16) "When the leaders in Israel lead,

when the people freely volunteer,

bless the Lord!

3 "Hear, O kings! Listen, O rulers!

I will sing to the Lord;

I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.

4 (Dt 33:2; Ps 68:7-8) "Lord, when You went out from Seir,

when You marched from the land of Edom,

the ground shook and the skies poured,

indeed, the dense clouds poured water.

5 (Ex 19:18; Ps 97:5) The mountains quaked before the Lord,

this very Sinai, before the Lord God of Israel.

6 (Jdg 3:31; Isa 33:8) "In the days of Shamgar son of Anath,

in the days of Jael, main roads were abandoned

and travelers used roundabout paths.

7 Village life ceased. It ceased

until I, Deborah, arose;

I arose like a mother in Israel.

8 (Dt 32:16-17; Jdg 2:12) They were choosing new gods,

and warfare was at the city gates,

but not a shield or spear was to be seen

among forty thousand in Israel.

9 (Jdg 5:2) My heart is with the rulers of Israel

who offered themselves willingly among the people.

Bless the Lord!

10 (Jdg 10:4; 12:14) "You who ride on white donkeys,

you who sit in judges' attire,

you who walk on the road,

11 (1Sa 12:7; Mic 6:5) consider the voice of those who distribute water

among the watering places.

There they tell of the righteous deeds of the Lord,

the righteous deeds of villagers in Israel.

"Then the people of the Lord

go down to the gates.

12 (Ps 57:8; 68:18) Awake, awake, Deborah!

Awake, awake, sing a song!

Stand up, Barak,

and capture your prisoners, son of Abinoam!

13 "The survivors

came down to the nobles;

the people of the Lord

came down for me against the mighty.

14 (Nu 32:39-40; Jdg 3:13) Some came from Ephraim, whose roots were in Amalek,

following you, Benjamin, with your people.

From Makir rulers came down,

and from Zebulun those who carry the staff of a scribe.

15 (Jdg 4:14) The princes of Issachar were with Deborah,

and Issachar was with Barak;

they were sent into the valley on foot.

Among the clans of Reuben

there was great resolve of heart.

16 (Nu 32:24) Why do you sit among the sheepfolds

to hear playing of pipes for the flocks?

In the clans of Reuben

there was much searching of heart.

17 (Jos 13:25) Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan.

As for Dan, why did he stay with the ships?

Asher stayed by the seacoast

and settled by its bays.

18 (Jdg 4:10; 4:6) Zebulun is a people who risked their lives

to the point of death,

Naphtali also, on the heights of the battlefield.

19 (Jdg 1:27; 5:30) "Kings came to wage war.

The kings of Canaan waged war

in Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo;

they took no money as profit.

20 (Jos 10:11) From the heavens the stars fought,

from their courses they fought against Sisera.

21 (Jdg 4:7; Ps 44:5) The torrent of Kishon swept them away,

that ancient torrent, the torrent of Kishon.

My soul, march on in strength!

22 Then horses' hooves pounded,

the galloping, galloping of his steeds.

23 (Jdg 21:9-10) Curse Meroz, said the angel of the Lord,

curse its inhabitants,

for they did not come to the aid of the Lord,

to the aid of the Lord against the mighty warriors.

24 (Jdg 4:17) "Most blessed of women is Jael,

the wife of Heber the Kenite,

most blessed of tent-dwelling women.

25 He asked for water, she gave him milk.

In a magnificent bowl she brought cream.

26 Her hand on a tent peg,

her right hand on a workman’s hammer;

she struck Sisera, she crushed his skull,

she shattered and pierced his temple.

27 Between her feet he sank, he fell, he lay;

between her feet he sank, he fell;

where he sank, there he fell, overpowered.

28 "The mother of Sisera looked through the window,

and cried out through the lattice,

'Why is his chariot so late?

Why is the sound of his war chariots so delayed?'

29 Her wise attendants answered her,

indeed, she replied to herself,

30 (Ex 15:9) 'Are they not finding and dividing the spoils:

a girl or two for each man;

dyed garments as plunder for Sisera,

dyed and embroidered garments,

two pieces of dyed embroidery for the neck of the looter?"

31 (Jdg 3:11; 2Sa 23:4) "May all Your enemies perish like this, OLord!

But may those who love Him rise like the sun

when it rises in full strength."

Then the land was at peace for forty years.



Judges 5

[1] Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,

[2] Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly

offered themselves.

[3] Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the

LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.

[4] LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the

field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also

dropped water.

[5] The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before

the LORD God of Israel.

[6] In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the

highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.

[7] The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until

that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.

[8] They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or

spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

[9] My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves

willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.

[10] Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk

by the way.

[11] They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of

drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD,

even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel:

then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.

[12] Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and

lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.

[13] Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the

people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.

[14] Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee,

Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of

Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.

[15] And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also

Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben

there were great thoughts of heart.

[16] Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the

flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.

[17] Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher

continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.

[18] Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the

death in the high places of the field.

[19] The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach

by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

[20] They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against

Sisera.

[21] The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river

Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.

[22] Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the

pransings of their mighty ones.

[23] Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the

inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the

help of the LORD against the mighty.

[24] Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed

shall she be above women in the tent.

[25] He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a

lordly dish.

[26] She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's

hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when

she had pierced and stricken through his temples.

[27] At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he

fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.

[28] The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the

lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his

chariots?

[29] Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,

[30] Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a

damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours

of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the

necks of them that take the spoil?

[31] So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be

as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty

years.



2) Our Daily Bread for 30 March 2023 titled



entitled To Do or Not to Do




Romans 7:15-20



15 (Gal 5:17) For what I am doing, I do not understand, for I do not practice

what I will to do, but I do the very thing I hate.

16 (Ro 7:12) But if I practice what I do not will to do,

I agree with the law that it is good.

17 (Ro 7:20) So now it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.

18 (Ro 7:25; Ge 6:5; 8:21) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh)

dwells no good thing, for the will to do what is right is present with me,

but how to perform what is good I do not find.

19 (Ro 7:15) For the good I desire to do, I do not do, but the evil

I do not want is what I do.

20 (Ro 7:17) Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who does it,

but sin that lives in me.



[15] For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but

what I hate, that do I.

[16] If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is

good.

[17] Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

[18] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:

for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find

not.

[19] For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not,

that I do.

[20] Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that

dwelleth in me.



When I was a kid, a decommissioned World War II tank was put on display in a

park near my home. Multiple signs warned of the danger of climbing on the

vehicle, but a couple of my friends immediately scrambled up. Some of us were

a bit reluctant, but eventually we did the same. One boy refused, pointing to

the posted signs. Another jumped down quickly as an adult approached.

The temptation to have fun outweighed our desire to follow rules.



There's a heart of childish rebellion lurking within all of us. We don't like

being told what to do or not to do. Yet we read in James that when we know

what is right and don't do it-it is sin (4:17). In Romans, the apostle Paul

wrote: "I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do-

this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I

who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it" (7:19-20).



As believers in Jesus, we may puzzle over our struggle with sin. But too often

we depend solely on our own strength to do what's right. One day, when this

life is over, we'll be truly dead to sinful impulses. Until then, however, we

can rely on the power of the One whose death and resurrection

won the victory over sin.



By: Cindy Hess Kasper



Reflect & Pray



What sins are the biggest struggle for you?

How can you rely more on God's power to overcome their stronghold?



Loving God, please help me to choose to do what's right.

My heart's desire is to reflect Your perfect character and holy ways.





For further study, read Taking Sin Seriously.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 5 - Waiting for the Wind



Is 40:31



31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4)

but those who wait upon the Lord

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

and they shall walk and not faint.



31 but they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint.



High above civilisation, alone on his craggy peak, the eagle waits.

He watches, senses, and then, with effortless grace, he spreads

his wings and soars. He does not flap frantically to gain altitude,

he merely turns his wings into the wind and rises.

Is 40:31 promises that we, too, can be like the eagle,

mounting up on wings, soaring effortlessly,

without weariness. But this is not often our experience.

We usually flap around like invalid pigeons, scratching

for mere existence, flying only when our place in the park is disturbed.

We need to learn to wait on the Lord. Like the wind that raises the eagle

to the heights, the wind of the Spirit will lift us up as well - beyond

the weariness of daily life, beyond the struggle for existence, beyond

the plodding pace of normal interaction.

But the eagle does not rise without plunging for the cliff into the wind.

His ability to stay aloft is based on his understand of wind currents;

when the wind is against him,he rises. He waits on the cliff

until the right moment, then allows the contrary breezes to lift him up.

Most of us are grounded by the winds that are against us. We give up

and never take the first flight. We fear the plunge from the cliff into the

buoyant breath of God, and so we stand fixed, afraid to launch out.

But when we do take the risk, when we wait upon the Lord, and then

give ourselves in obedience to a free-fall from the cliffs of his will,

we discover that there is rest in soaring with him. We do not have to

struggle; we have only to fly, and in flying, to find new strength.



Application



a) Why is "waiting upon the Lord" essential

to "Mounting up with wings as the eagle"?



b) How can this verse help me be more willing to take risks in God's will?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Romans 13:7-8



7 (Mt 17:25; 22:21) Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes

are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due,

and honor to whom honour is due.

8 (Ro 13:10; Mt 7:12) Owe no one anything, except to love one another,

for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.



7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;

custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth

another hath fulfilled the law.



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



God's Eternal Faithfulness



Ps 117



1 Praise the Lord, all you nations! Exalt Him, all you peoples!

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For His merciful kindness is great toward us,

and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.



1 O praise the LORD,

All ye nations: Praise him, all ye people.

2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us:

And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.

Praise ye the LORD.



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?)



Saskatchewan



Quick facts on Muslims in Saskatchewan



Saskatchewan 2015 population 1125400



est Muslim Population 17279



CNMM Networks: Saskatoon



Saskatoon has seen quick growth in its Muslim population over the past

5 years, which maybe as high as 5000 today. Islamic leaders have

focused specifically on this city , having twice already sent cohorts

of about 70 families to start mosques. There are now 7 Islamic centres

of worship and an Islamic madrassah (school) located right next to a

Christian school.

Of particular concern recently is the number of young adults who grew up

in evangelical churches and converted to Islam. Most of these are young

women who were wooed by Muslim man and became emotionally bonded.

Both prior to and after marrying, these women are known to convert to Islam.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart

and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing

Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.

- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the

spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into

converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.

- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more

to be raised up into effective witness.

- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon

to spread and grow to other cities.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 18 March to 18 April 2020



Jerusalem, Israel



Jerusalem, a holy site of pilgrimage for the 3 Abrahamic faiths of Judaism,

Christianity and Islam, is a hotbed for religion and ethnic conflict, as well

as geopolitical positioning. Jews are seen pressing up against the Wailing

Wall in anticipation of the coming Messiah who will rebuild the Temple.

Meanwhile, Muslims visit the site where they believe Muhammad ascended to

heaven and was given requirements for prayer and pilgrimage. Simultaneously,

Christians are found touring the sites of Jesus's life, death,

and resurrection. There is much that attracts in Jerusalem, and despite

an average of over 3 million tourists visiting the city each year, the region

has struggled to attain peace due to deep cultural and political rifts that

have divided Israel from their neighbouring countries. Add into the mix

a rich divesisty and 39 languages, and the stage is officially set for a

movement of God that will not only heal and transform the city but turn

the region on its head.



People Group Focus



Israeli

(Palestinian) Arab


Israeli Jew

Moroccan Jew

Ethiopian Jew

Syrian Arab



Prayer Emphasis



- Pray for unity among Jews and Arabs as they launch Christ-exalting,

multiplying house churches among the listed people groups.

- Pray for a mighty movement of prayer to sweep over the house churches.

- Pray for peace among all ethnic groups, languages, and peoples through

the declaration of Jesus the Messiah.

- Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in signs, wonders, and power.





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 30 of the Month



a) Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout

Canadian society, as it is in Heaven



( Matt 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.



)



b) Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city

or community, and across our nation. (



Rom 2:4



4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness,

tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God

leads you to repentance?



4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance

and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth

thee to repentance?



)

Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray a prayer of Thank you for the abilities

He gives us.



Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, please help me to choose to do what's right.

My heart's desire is to reflect Your perfect character and holy ways."



Pray to the Lord and pray to Him for Strength and wisdom.



Pray to the Lord and pray to pay to those who you owe.



Pray to the Lord and praise Him for His kindness and mercies.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart

and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing

Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.

- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the

spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into

converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.

- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more

to be raised up into effective witness.

- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon

to spread and grow to other cities.



People Group Focus



Israeli

(Palestinian) Arab


Israeli Jew

Moroccan Jew

Ethiopian Jew

Syrian Arab



Prayer Emphasis



- Pray for unity among Jews and Arabs as they launch Christ-exalting,

multiplying house churches among the listed people groups.

- Pray for a mighty movement of prayer to sweep over the house churches.

- Pray for peace among all ethnic groups, languages, and peoples through

the declaration of Jesus the Messiah.

- Pray for the Kingdom of God to come in signs, wonders, and power.



Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout

Canadian society, as it is in Heaven



Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city

or community, and across our nation.



Pray on behalf on pastors in Myanmar (Burma) who have been imprisoned for

their faith; ask God to bless their ministry endeavours.