Day 128 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 8 May 2023 reflections
Day 128, 8 May 2023
1)Psalms 50, 53,75
Psalms 50
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 The Mighty One, God, is the Lord;
He has spoken and summoned the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God has shined.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Our God will come, and will not keep silent;
a fire consumes before Him,
and a strong tempest is around Him.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He calls to the heavens above,
and to the earth, that He may judge His people:
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) "Gather My faithful ones together to Me,
those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice."
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The heavens will declare His righteousness,
for God Himself is judge. Selah
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) "Hear, O My people, and I will speak,
O Israel, and I will testify against you;
I am God, even your God.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I will not reprove you for your sacrifices
or for your burnt offerings that are continually before Me.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I will take no young bull out of your house,
nor male goats out of your folds.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) For every wild animal of the forest is Mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) I know every bird of the mountains,
and the creatures that move in the field are Mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you;
for the world is Mine, and all its fullness.
13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
or drink the blood of goats?
14 Sacrifice a thank offering to God,
and pay your vows to the Most High,
15 and call on Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will glorify Me."
16 But to the wicked God says:
"What right have you to declare My statutes,
or take My covenant in your mouth?
17 You hate instruction,
and cast My words behind you.
18 When you see a thief, you are pleased,
and have a share in those who commit adultery.
19 You let loose your mouth to evil,
and your tongue is bound to deceit.
20 You sit and speak against your brother;
you accuse your own mother's son.
21 These things have you done, and I kept silent;
you thought that I was indeed like you;
but I will reprove you
and make a case before your eyes.
22 "Now consider this, you who forget God,
lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver:
23 Whoever sacrifices a thank offering
glorifies Me and makes a way;
I will show him the salvation of God."
Psalm 50
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken,
And called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God hath shined.
3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence:
A fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very
tempestuous round about him.
4 He shall call to the heavens from above,
And to the earth, that he may judge his people.
5 Gather my saints together unto me;
Those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness:
For God is judge himself. Selah.
7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak;
O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.
8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices
Or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.
9 I will take no bullock out of thy house,
Nor he goats out of thy folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine,
And the cattle upon a thousand hills.
11 I know all the fowls of the mountains:
And the wild beasts of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee:
For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
Or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer unto God thanksgiving;
And pay thy vows unto the most High:
15 And call upon me in the day of trouble:
I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
16 But unto the wicked God saith,
What hast thou to do to declare my statutes,
or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?
17 Seeing thou hatest instruction,
And castest my words behind thee.
18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him,
And hast been partaker with adulterers.
19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil,
And thy tongue frameth deceit.
20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother;
Thou slanderest thine own mother's son.
21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence;
Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself:
But I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.
22 Now consider this, ye that forget God,
Lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me:
And to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew
the salvation of God.
PSALMS 53
Ps 14:1-7
For the Music Director. According to Mahalath. A Contemplative Maskil of David.
1 The fool has said in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, and have done abhorrent injustice;
there is none who does good.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) God looked down from heaven
on the children of men,
to see if there were any who have insight,
who seek God.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Every one of them has turned aside;
they are altogether corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call on God?
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) There they were in fear,
where there was nothing to fear,
for God has scattered the bones of him who camps against you;
you have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Oh, that the salvation of Israel would
come out of Zion!
When God brings back the captivity of His people,
Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad.
Psalm 53
[1] The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and
have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
[2] God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there
were any that did understand, that did seek God.
[3] Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there
is none that doeth good, no, not one.
[4] Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they
eat bread: they have not called upon God.
[5] There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered
the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame,
because God hath despised them.
[6] Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth
back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be
glad.
Psalms 75
For the Music Director. To the melody of "Do Not Destroy."
A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.
1 We give thanks to You, O God;
we give thanks, and Your name is near;
Your wondrous works declare it.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) When I select an appointed time,
I will judge with equity.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Though the earth and all its inhabitants are swaying,
I steady its pillars. Selah
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) I said to the boastful, "Do not boast,"
and to the wicked, "Do not lift up your horn.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with an arrogant neck."
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) For neither from the east nor west,
nor from the wilderness comes victory.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) But God is the judge;
He brings one low, and lifts up another.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup,
and it is full of mixed, foaming wine,
and He pours from it;
surely all the wicked of the earth will find and drink its dregs.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) But I will declare forever,
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.
Psalm 75
[1] Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for
that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.
[2] When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.
[3] The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the
pillars of it. Selah.
[4] I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not
up the horn:
[5] Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.
[6] For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from
the south.
[7] But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
[8] For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is
full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all
the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.
[9] But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
[10] All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the
righteous shall be exalted.
2) Our Daily Bread for 8 May 2022 titled
Truth Seekers By Sheridan Voyse
Luke 1:1-4
The Prologue
1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things
which are most surely believed among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things
from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,
most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.
[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration
of those things which are most surely believed among us,
[2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all
things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent
Theophilus,
[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast
been instructed.
A woman once told me about a disagreement that was tearing her church apart.
"What's the disagreement about?" I asked. "Whether the earth is flat," she
said. A few months later, news broke of a Christian man who'd burst into a
restaurant, armed, to rescue children supposedly being abused in its back
room. There was no back room, and the man was arrested. In both cases, the
people involved were acting on conspiracy theories they'd read on the
internet.
Believers in Jesus are called to be good citizens (Romans 13:1-7), and good
citizens don't spread misinformation. In Luke's day, numerous stories
circulated about Jesus (Luke 1:1), some of them were inaccurate. Instead of
passing on everything he heard, Luke essentially became an investigative
journalist, talking to eyewitnesses (v. 2), researching "everything from the
beginning" (v. 3), and writing his findings into a gospel that contains names,
quotes, and historical facts based on people with firsthand knowledge, not
unverified claims.
We can do the same. Since false information can split churches and put lives
at risk, checking facts is an act of loving our neighbor (10:27). When a
sensational story comes our way, we can verify its claims with qualified,
accountable experts, being truth seekers-not error spreaders. Such an act
brings credibility to the gospel. After all, we worship the One who's
full of truth (John 1:14).
Why do you think conspiracy theories spread so quickly?
How can you be a truth seeker?
Father, help me discern truth from error as Your Spirit guides me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 2 - The key to the Prison Cell
Matt 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men for their sins, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men for their sins,
neither will your Father forgive your sins.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you: 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Ann had been badly wounded in a relationship that had ended in anger
and accusation. For more than a year, Ann nursed her bitterness, rallying
support for her attitudes from friends and colleagues. Any time she saw
her former friend, Ann put up an icy wall of hostility. She thought she was
"getting over" the hurt, but the very mention of her friend's name brought
back a flood of negative feelings. Ann was trapped, locked in a prison of
unforgiveness , a jail built block by block by her own unwillingness to
forgive. Ann didn't "get over it"; instead, her wounds festered
and her bitterness grew worse.
Then one day - she never knew how - Ann let go of her bitterness. The barriers
of hostility and anger melted away, and when she saw her friend again, she was
able to forgive. And Ann was finally able to turn to the Lord for her own
healing and forgiveness.
"If you do not forgive," Jesus says - and the statement falls hard on
unforgiving hearts, "Neither will you be forgiven." In one sense, God's
forgiveness is unconditional - we do not have to earn or deserve it, and it is
always available to us. But we cannot experience the forgiveness God has
extended to us when we harbour unforgiveness towards others and build walls
of bitterness in our hearts.
When we refuse forgiveness toward those who have hurt or betrayed us, we do
not keep them in bondage, but ourselves. We lock ourselves away for an
awareness of God's loving presence; we imprison ourselves in a cell of
revenge. But when we reach out to forgive, we turn in the lock;
the door is open for our own sins to be forgiven and our own hearts
cleansed and purified.
Application
a) Why is forgiving others a condition for experiencing forgiveness
in my own life?
b) How can these verses have a practical effect upon my willingness
to forgive others?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ps 1:3
He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season;
its leaf will not wither,
and whatever he does will prosper.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
His leaf also shall not wither;
And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry of Vengeful
James 1:19-25
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, and slow to anger,
20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and remaining
wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able
to save your souls.
22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
viewing his natural face in a mirror.
24 He views himself, and goes his way,
and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
25 But whoever looks into
the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this man will be blessed in his deeds.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness,
and receive with meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,
he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway
forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,
and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer,
but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Ontario
Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario
Ontario 2015 population 13 687 7000
est Muslim Population 1 001 542
CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,
Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor
Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that
the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most
Muslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching
from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly
resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontario. Mosques
are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools
are starting.
And they're not complacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their
advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,
the local mosque distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour
brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of
"reverts", or white Canadians who have converted to Islam as a result of
receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Another town
reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.
Agree in prayer for:
- net network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.
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!
And
Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.
"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.
Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.
As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.
Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.
I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 15:13
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
8th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God
(
Is 62:6
6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,
who shall never hold their peace day nor night.
You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;
6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold
their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
Ps 5:3
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;
in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Ps 55:17
17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,
and He will hear my voice.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
And he shall hear my voice.
)
b) Pray for the province of Manitoba
I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them
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
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember that He is salvation and righteousness.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, help me discern truth from error
as Your Spirit guides me."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be rooted in the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Lord to protect your temper.
Agree in prayer for Ontario:
- get network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray continually for Sikhs to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God
Pray for Afghan Christians whose belongings are searched at checkpoints.
1)Psalms 50, 53,75
Psalms 50
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 The Mighty One, God, is the Lord;
He has spoken and summoned the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God has shined.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Our God will come, and will not keep silent;
a fire consumes before Him,
and a strong tempest is around Him.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He calls to the heavens above,
and to the earth, that He may judge His people:
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) "Gather My faithful ones together to Me,
those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice."
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The heavens will declare His righteousness,
for God Himself is judge. Selah
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) "Hear, O My people, and I will speak,
O Israel, and I will testify against you;
I am God, even your God.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I will not reprove you for your sacrifices
or for your burnt offerings that are continually before Me.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I will take no young bull out of your house,
nor male goats out of your folds.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) For every wild animal of the forest is Mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) I know every bird of the mountains,
and the creatures that move in the field are Mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you;
for the world is Mine, and all its fullness.
13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
or drink the blood of goats?
14 Sacrifice a thank offering to God,
and pay your vows to the Most High,
15 and call on Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will glorify Me."
16 But to the wicked God says:
"What right have you to declare My statutes,
or take My covenant in your mouth?
17 You hate instruction,
and cast My words behind you.
18 When you see a thief, you are pleased,
and have a share in those who commit adultery.
19 You let loose your mouth to evil,
and your tongue is bound to deceit.
20 You sit and speak against your brother;
you accuse your own mother's son.
21 These things have you done, and I kept silent;
you thought that I was indeed like you;
but I will reprove you
and make a case before your eyes.
22 "Now consider this, you who forget God,
lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver:
23 Whoever sacrifices a thank offering
glorifies Me and makes a way;
I will show him the salvation of God."
Psalm 50
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken,
And called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God hath shined.
3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence:
A fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very
tempestuous round about him.
4 He shall call to the heavens from above,
And to the earth, that he may judge his people.
5 Gather my saints together unto me;
Those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness:
For God is judge himself. Selah.
7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak;
O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.
8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices
Or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.
9 I will take no bullock out of thy house,
Nor he goats out of thy folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine,
And the cattle upon a thousand hills.
11 I know all the fowls of the mountains:
And the wild beasts of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee:
For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
Or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer unto God thanksgiving;
And pay thy vows unto the most High:
15 And call upon me in the day of trouble:
I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
16 But unto the wicked God saith,
What hast thou to do to declare my statutes,
or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?
17 Seeing thou hatest instruction,
And castest my words behind thee.
18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him,
And hast been partaker with adulterers.
19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil,
And thy tongue frameth deceit.
20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother;
Thou slanderest thine own mother's son.
21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence;
Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself:
But I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.
22 Now consider this, ye that forget God,
Lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me:
And to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew
the salvation of God.
PSALMS 53
Ps 14:1-7
For the Music Director. According to Mahalath. A Contemplative Maskil of David.
1 The fool has said in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, and have done abhorrent injustice;
there is none who does good.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) God looked down from heaven
on the children of men,
to see if there were any who have insight,
who seek God.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Every one of them has turned aside;
they are altogether corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call on God?
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) There they were in fear,
where there was nothing to fear,
for God has scattered the bones of him who camps against you;
you have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Oh, that the salvation of Israel would
come out of Zion!
When God brings back the captivity of His people,
Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad.
Psalm 53
[1] The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and
have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
[2] God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there
were any that did understand, that did seek God.
[3] Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there
is none that doeth good, no, not one.
[4] Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they
eat bread: they have not called upon God.
[5] There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered
the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame,
because God hath despised them.
[6] Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth
back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be
glad.
Psalms 75
For the Music Director. To the melody of "Do Not Destroy."
A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.
1 We give thanks to You, O God;
we give thanks, and Your name is near;
Your wondrous works declare it.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) When I select an appointed time,
I will judge with equity.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Though the earth and all its inhabitants are swaying,
I steady its pillars. Selah
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) I said to the boastful, "Do not boast,"
and to the wicked, "Do not lift up your horn.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with an arrogant neck."
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) For neither from the east nor west,
nor from the wilderness comes victory.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) But God is the judge;
He brings one low, and lifts up another.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup,
and it is full of mixed, foaming wine,
and He pours from it;
surely all the wicked of the earth will find and drink its dregs.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) But I will declare forever,
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
but the horns of the righteous will be exalted.
Psalm 75
[1] Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for
that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.
[2] When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.
[3] The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the
pillars of it. Selah.
[4] I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not
up the horn:
[5] Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.
[6] For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from
the south.
[7] But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
[8] For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is
full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all
the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.
[9] But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
[10] All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the
righteous shall be exalted.
2) Our Daily Bread for 8 May 2022 titled
Truth Seekers By Sheridan Voyse
Luke 1:1-4
The Prologue
1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things
which are most surely believed among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things
from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,
most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.
[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration
of those things which are most surely believed among us,
[2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all
things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent
Theophilus,
[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast
been instructed.
A woman once told me about a disagreement that was tearing her church apart.
"What's the disagreement about?" I asked. "Whether the earth is flat," she
said. A few months later, news broke of a Christian man who'd burst into a
restaurant, armed, to rescue children supposedly being abused in its back
room. There was no back room, and the man was arrested. In both cases, the
people involved were acting on conspiracy theories they'd read on the
internet.
Believers in Jesus are called to be good citizens (Romans 13:1-7), and good
citizens don't spread misinformation. In Luke's day, numerous stories
circulated about Jesus (Luke 1:1), some of them were inaccurate. Instead of
passing on everything he heard, Luke essentially became an investigative
journalist, talking to eyewitnesses (v. 2), researching "everything from the
beginning" (v. 3), and writing his findings into a gospel that contains names,
quotes, and historical facts based on people with firsthand knowledge, not
unverified claims.
We can do the same. Since false information can split churches and put lives
at risk, checking facts is an act of loving our neighbor (10:27). When a
sensational story comes our way, we can verify its claims with qualified,
accountable experts, being truth seekers-not error spreaders. Such an act
brings credibility to the gospel. After all, we worship the One who's
full of truth (John 1:14).
Why do you think conspiracy theories spread so quickly?
How can you be a truth seeker?
Father, help me discern truth from error as Your Spirit guides me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 2 - The key to the Prison Cell
Matt 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men for their sins, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men for their sins,
neither will your Father forgive your sins.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you: 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Ann had been badly wounded in a relationship that had ended in anger
and accusation. For more than a year, Ann nursed her bitterness, rallying
support for her attitudes from friends and colleagues. Any time she saw
her former friend, Ann put up an icy wall of hostility. She thought she was
"getting over" the hurt, but the very mention of her friend's name brought
back a flood of negative feelings. Ann was trapped, locked in a prison of
unforgiveness , a jail built block by block by her own unwillingness to
forgive. Ann didn't "get over it"; instead, her wounds festered
and her bitterness grew worse.
Then one day - she never knew how - Ann let go of her bitterness. The barriers
of hostility and anger melted away, and when she saw her friend again, she was
able to forgive. And Ann was finally able to turn to the Lord for her own
healing and forgiveness.
"If you do not forgive," Jesus says - and the statement falls hard on
unforgiving hearts, "Neither will you be forgiven." In one sense, God's
forgiveness is unconditional - we do not have to earn or deserve it, and it is
always available to us. But we cannot experience the forgiveness God has
extended to us when we harbour unforgiveness towards others and build walls
of bitterness in our hearts.
When we refuse forgiveness toward those who have hurt or betrayed us, we do
not keep them in bondage, but ourselves. We lock ourselves away for an
awareness of God's loving presence; we imprison ourselves in a cell of
revenge. But when we reach out to forgive, we turn in the lock;
the door is open for our own sins to be forgiven and our own hearts
cleansed and purified.
Application
a) Why is forgiving others a condition for experiencing forgiveness
in my own life?
b) How can these verses have a practical effect upon my willingness
to forgive others?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ps 1:3
He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season;
its leaf will not wither,
and whatever he does will prosper.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
His leaf also shall not wither;
And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry of Vengeful
James 1:19-25
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, and slow to anger,
20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and remaining
wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able
to save your souls.
22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
viewing his natural face in a mirror.
24 He views himself, and goes his way,
and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
25 But whoever looks into
the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this man will be blessed in his deeds.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness,
and receive with meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,
he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway
forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,
and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer,
but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Ontario
Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario
Ontario 2015 population 13 687 7000
est Muslim Population 1 001 542
CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,
Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor
Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that
the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most
Muslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching
from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly
resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontario. Mosques
are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools
are starting.
And they're not complacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their
advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,
the local mosque distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour
brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of
"reverts", or white Canadians who have converted to Islam as a result of
receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Another town
reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.
Agree in prayer for:
- net network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.
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!
And
Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.
"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.
Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.
As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.
Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.
I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 15:13
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
8th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God
(
Is 62:6
6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,
who shall never hold their peace day nor night.
You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;
6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold
their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
Ps 5:3
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;
in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Ps 55:17
17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,
and He will hear my voice.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
And he shall hear my voice.
)
b) Pray for the province of Manitoba
I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them
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
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember that He is salvation and righteousness.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, help me discern truth from error
as Your Spirit guides me."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be rooted in the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Lord to protect your temper.
Agree in prayer for Ontario:
- get network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray continually for Sikhs to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God
Pray for Afghan Christians whose belongings are searched at checkpoints.