Day 179 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 28 June 2023 reflections
Day 179, 28 June 2023
1)1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 20
1 KINGS 22
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
2Ch 18:1-27
1 And there were three years without war between Aram and Israel.
2 (1Ki 15:24; 22:1) In the third year, Jehoshaphat king of Judah went
to visit the king of Israel.
3 (Dt 4:43; Jos 21:38) The king of Israel said to his servants, "You know that
Ramoth in Gilead is ours, but we have done nothing to take it out of the hand
of the king of Aram!"
4 (2Ki 3:7) And he said to Jehoshaphat, "Will you go with me to battle
Ramoth Gilead?"
And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel,
"I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses."
5 (2Ki 3:11) Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel,
"Please ask for a word from the Lord today."
6 (1Ki 18:19) Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together,
approximately four hundred men, and said to them,
"Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I wait?"
And they said,
"Go up, for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king."
7 Jehoshaphat said, "Is there not a prophet of the Lord here whom we can ask?"
8 (Am 5:10) And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "There is still
one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we can inquire of the Lord.
But I hate him because he never prophesies good for me, but always evil."
And Jehoshaphat said, "Let not the king say so."
9 Then the king of Israel called an officer and said,
"Quickly, bring Micaiah the son of Imlah."
1 Kings 22
[1] And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.
[2] And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of
Judah came down to the king of Israel.
[3] And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in
Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the
king
of Syria?
[4] And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to
Ramoth-gilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou
art,
my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses.
[5] And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, at
the word of the LORD to day.
[6] Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four
hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to
battle,
or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it
into
the hand of the king.
[7] And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides,
that we might inquire of him?
[8] And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man,
Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate
him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat
said, Let not the king say so.
1 Kings 22:10-28
10 The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah each put on his robes
and sat on his throne at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and
all the prophets prophesied before them.
11 (Zec 1:18-21; Dt 33:17) Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah made horns of iron
and said, "Thus says the Lord: With these you shall push the Arameans
until you have consumed them."
12 All the prophets prophesied similarly, saying,
"Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it
into the king's hand."
13 The servant who had gone to get Micaiah spoke to him, saying,
"See here, the words of the prophets unanimously declare success for the king.
Please let your word be like the word of one of them,
and speak that which is good."
14 (Nu 24:13; 22:18) Micaiah said, "As the Lord lives, I will speak
whatever the Lord says to me."
15 So he came to the king. And the king said to him, "Micaiah, shall we go
against Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall we wait?"
And he answered him, "Go and prosper, for the Lord will
deliver it into the hand of the king."
16 The king said to him, "How many times must I admonish you to tell me only
the truth in the name of the Lord?"
17 (Nu 27:17; Mt 9:36) And he said, "I saw all Israel scattered
upon the hills, as sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said,
'These have no master. Let every man return to his own house in peace.'"
18 (1Ki 22:8) The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Did I not tell you
that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?"
19 (Job 1:6; 2:1) And he said, "Hear, therefore, the word of the Lord:
I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing
beside Him on His right hand and on His left.
20 The Lord said, 'Who will persuade Ahab so that he will go up and die
at Ramoth Gilead?'
"And one said this, and another said that.
21 Then a spirit came forth and stood before the Lord and said, 'I will
persuade him.'
22 (Jdg 9:23; Eze 14:9) "The Lord said to him, 'How?'
"And he said, 'I will go and be a lying spirit
in the mouth of all his prophets.'
"And He said, 'You will be successful and persuade him. Go forth, and do so.'
23 (Eze 14:9) "Now therefore, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths
of all your prophets here, and He has spoken evil concerning you!"
24 (Ac 23:2; La 3:30) Then Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah walked up
and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said,
"Which way did the spirit of the Lord go from me in order to speak to you?"
25 (1Ki 20:30) And Micaiah said, "You will see in that day,
when you go into an inner chamber to hide."
26 The king of Israel said, "Take Micaiah back to Amon the governor
of the city and to Joash the king's son,a"
27 (2Ch 16:10; 18:25-27) and say, "Thus says the king: Put this man
in the prison, and feed him with reduced rations
of bread and water until I return safely.'"
28 (Mic 1:2; Nu 16:29) Micaiah said, "If you return safely, the Lord has not
spoken through me." And he said, "Listen, all you people!"
[10] And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on
his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of
the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
[11] And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said,
Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou
have
consumed them.
[12] And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead,
and
prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king's hand.
[13] And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him,
saying,
Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one
mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and
speak
that which is good.
[14] And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me,
that
will I speak.
[15] So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we
go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered
him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the
king.
[16] And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that
thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?
[17] And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that
have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them
return every man to his house in peace.
[18] And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that
he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?
[19] And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD
sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his
right hand and on his left.
[20] And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall
at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that
manner.
[21] And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I
will persuade him.
[22] And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth,
and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said,
Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
[23] Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the
mouth of
all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.
[24] But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the
cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak
unto
thee?
[25] And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt
go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.
[26] And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto
Amon
the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;
[27] And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed
him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in
peace.
[28] And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not
spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.
2 Chronicles 18:9-27
9 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah
were sitting on their own thrones, clothed in their royal garments,
at the threshing floor at the entrance at the gate of Samaria,
and all the prophets were prophesying before them.
10 Then Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah made for himself iron horns,
and he said, "Thus says the Lord: With these you will thrust
out the Arameans in Syria until they are finished."
11 And all the prophets were prophesying the same,
"Go up to Ramoth Gilead and find success,
because the Lord has given the king into your hands."
12 And the messenger who went to call Micaiah said to him,
"The words of the prophets are as one voice and only for good to the king,
so may your word be like one of them, and you speak favorably."
13 (Nu 22:35; 22:18-20) And Micaiah said, "As the Lord lives, whatever my God
says, that will I speak."
14 When he came to the king, the king said to him,
"Micaiah, should we go up to Ramoth Gilead for battle, or should I cease?"
He said, "All of you go up and be successful,
and they will be given into your hands."
15 Then the king said to him, "How many times must I cause you to swear
that you speak to me only truth in the name of the Lord?"
16 (Mt 9:36; Nu 27:17) Then he said, "I saw all Israel scattered
on the mountains like sheep that have no shepherd. The Lord said,
'There are no masters for them. Let each man return to his home in peace.'"
17 T hen the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Did I not say to you that
he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?"
18 (Da 7:9; Isa 6:1-5) So the prophet said, "Now hear the word of the Lord:
I saw the Lord sitting on His throne and the heavenly assembly was standing
at His right and His left.
19 And the Lord said, 'Who will deceive Ahab king of Israel so that he might
go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?'
"One was saying one thing, and another was saying something else.
20 (Job 1:6) Then a spirit came out and stood before the Lord, and he said,
'I will deceive him.'
"Then the Lord said to him, 'How?'
21 (Jn 8:44) "Then he said, 'I will go out and be a spirit of deception
in the mouth of all the prophets.'
"Then the Lord said, 'You will deceive and find success. Go out and do this.'
22 (Isa 19:14; Eze 14:9) "Now see that the Lord has put a spirit of deception
in the mouth of your prophets. So the Lord has declared disaster over you."
23 (Jer 20:2; Mk 14:65) Then Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah came near to Micaiah
and struck him on the cheek. And he said, "Which way then did the spirit
from the Lord pass from me to speak with you?"
24 Then Micaiah said, "You will see it on the day when you enter an inner
chamber to hide yourself."
25 (2Ch 18:8) And the king of Israel said, "Seize Micaiah and take him to Amon,
the governor of the city, and to Joash the son of the king,
26 (2Ch 16:10) and you will say, 'So says the king: Put him in a prison,
and feed him a little food and water until I return in peace.' "
27 Then Micaiah said, "If you certainly return in peace,
then the Lord has not spoken by me. Listen, all you people!"
[9] And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them
on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the
entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before
them.
[10] And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said,
Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be
consumed.
[11] And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and
prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
[12] And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying,
Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent;
let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou
good.
[13] And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will
I speak.
[14] And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah,
shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go
ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.
[15] And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou
say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?
[16] Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as
sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let
them return therefore every man to his house in peace.
[17] And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he
would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?
[18] Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD
sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right
hand and on his left.
[19] And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go
up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and
another saying after that manner.
[20] Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I
will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?
[21] And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all
his prophets. And the LORD said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also
prevail: go out, and do even so.
[22] Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of
these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee.
[23] Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon
the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak
unto thee?
[24] And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go
into an inner chamber to hide thyself.
[25] Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to
Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;
[26] And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed
him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in
peace.
[27] And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the
LORD spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.
1 Kings 22:29-35
Ahab Dies in Battle
2Ch 18:28-34
29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah
went up to Ramoth Gilead.
30 (2Ch 35:22) The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat,
"I will disguise myself and enter into the battle, but you wear your robes."
And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into the battle.
31 (1Ki 20:24; 2Ch 18:30) But the king of Aram ordered his 32 commanders
who had control over his chariots, saying,
"Fight neither against small nor great, but only against the king of Israel."
32 So when the commanders of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said,
"Surely it is the king of Israel." And they turned aside to fight against him,
and Jehoshaphat cried out.
33 When the commanders of the chariots realized that it was not
the king of Israel, they turned away from pursuing him.
34 (2Ch 35:23) A certain man drew a bow at random
and struck the king of Israel between the joints of the armor,
and because of this, he said to the driver of his chariot,
"Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded."
35 The battle intensified that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot
against the Arameans and died that evening, and the blood ran
out of the wound into the floor of the chariot.
[29] So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to
Ramoth-gilead.
[30] And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself,
and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of
Israel
disguised himself, and went into the battle.
[31] But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had
rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save
only with the king of Israel.
[32] And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw
Jehoshaphat,
that they said, Surely it is the king of Israel. And they turned aside to
fight against him: and Jehoshaphat cried out.
[33] And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that
it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.
[34] And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of
Israel
between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his
chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
[35] And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his
chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the
wound into the midst of the chariot.
2 Chronicles 18:28-34
The Death of Ahab
1Ki 22:29-36
28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up
to Ramoth Gilead.
29 (1Sa 28:8) Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat,
"I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you will put on your clothes."
So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they both entered into battle.
30 And the king of Aram ordered the commanders of his chariots,
"Do not wage war with the small or great but with the king of Israel alone."
31 (2Ch 13:14) And it happened when the commanders of the chariots saw
Jehoshaphat they said, "It is the king of Israel."
So they turned on him to wage war. But Jehoshaphat cried out,
and the Lord helped him, then God drew them away from the king.
32 And it happened when the commanders of the chariots saw that he was
not the king of Israel, then they turned away from him.
33 But a man pulled his bow at random and struck the king of Israel
between his armor scales and body armor. He said to the commander
of the chariot, "Turn and remove me from the battle because I am wounded."
34 And the battle continued on that day, and the king of Israel
was set up in his chariot before the Arameans until evening.
Then he died when the sun set.
[28] So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to
Ramoth-gilead.
[29] And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself,
and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel
disguised himself; and they went to the battle.
[30] Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that
were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the
king of Israel.
[31] And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat,
that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him
to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved
them to depart from him.
[32] For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived
that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing
him.
[33] And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel
between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man,
Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am
wounded.
[34] And the battle increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel stayed
himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the even: and about the
time of the sun going down he died.
1 Kings 22:36-40
36 (2Ki 14:12) A proclamation went throughout the army as the sun was setting,
saying, "Every man is to return to his city, and every man is to return
to his own country."
37 So the king died and was brought to Samaria, and they buried him there.
38 (1Ki 21:19) The chariot was washed in the pool of Samaria, and the dogs
licked up the king's blood, and they washed his armor according
to the word which the Lord spoke.
39 (Am 3:15) Now the rest of the acts of Ahab and all that he did
and the ivory house that he built and all the cities that he built,
are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
40 So Ahab slept with his fathers. And Ahaziah his son reigned in his place.
[36] And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down
of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own
country.
[37] So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king
in Samaria.
[38] And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked
up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the
LORD which he spake.
[39] Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory
house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written
in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
[40] So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his
stead.
1 Kings 22:51-53
Ahaziah, King of Israel
51 Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria
the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned
two years over Israel.
52 (1Ki 15:26; 21:25) He did evil in the sight of the Lord
and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother
and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat who made Israel sin,
53 (1Ki 16:30-32) for he served Baal and worshipped him
and provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger,
according to all that his father had done.
[51] Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the
seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over
Israel.
[52] And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his
father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of
Nebat, who made Israel to sin:
[53] For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the LORD
God of Israel, according to all that his father had done.
2) Our Daily Bread for 28 June 2023 Titled
When You're Lonely
Psalms 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Psalm 23
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
[2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters.
[3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
his name's sake.
[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
[5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I
will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
At 7 p.m., Hui-Liang was in his kitchen, eating rice and leftover fish balls.
The Chua family in the apartment next door was having dinner too, and their
laughter and conversation cut through the silence of Hui-Liang's unit, where
he had lived alone since his wife died. He'd learned to live with loneliness;
over the years, its stabbing pain had become a dull ache. But tonight, the
sight of the one bowl and pair of chopsticks on his table pierced him deeply.
Before he went to bed that night, Hui-Liang read Psalm 23, his favorite psalm.
The words that mattered most to him are only four syllables: "You are with me"
(v. 4). More than the shepherd's practical acts of care toward the sheep, it
was his steadfast presence and loving gaze over every detail of the life
of the sheep (vv. 2-5) that gave Hui-Liang peace.
Just knowing that someone is there, that someone is with us, brings great
comfort in those lonely moments. God promises His children that His love will
always be with us (Psalm 103:17), and that He'll never leave us (Hebrews
13:5). When we feel alone and unseen-whether in a quiet kitchen, on the bus
going home from work, or even in a crowded supermarket-we can know that the
Shepherd's gaze is always on us. We can say, "You are with me."
By: Karen Huang
Reflect & Pray
When do you usually feel lonely? How does Psalm 23 encourage you?
Loving God, thank You for always being with me.
For further study, read
The Lord Is My Shepherd: Rest and Renewal from Psalm 23.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 4 Under the Mercy
Ps 13:5-6
5 I for my part confide in Your kindness;
may my heart exult in Your salvation!
6 I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
5 But I have trusted in thy mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
In Sheldon Vanauken's book "A Severe Mercy", Vanauken faced the "severe mercy"
of the untimely death of his wife. His friend C. S. Lewis , who had endured a
similar grief , comforted him through letters,
encouraging him with the exhotation, "Go under the Mercy".
While God's grace deals with sin and forgiveness,
God's mercy deals with the pain pf human existence. We all experience pain
- sometimes as a natural result of wrongs we have done, sometimes unfairly
as a consequence of living in a fallen world.
But for all who hurt, God provides
mercy - respite from pain, and the assurance of a Lord who cares.
David , in Psalm 13 says " I trust in your mercy, your unfailing love."
God's love never fail us, no matter how much we may have failed him.
David knew the consequences of sin; he knew what it meant to fail God,
to rebel against God's faithfulness. Yet David trusted in God's Goodness
rather than depending upon his own; he focused his attention upon the
mercy of the Lord.
We need, like David, to "Go under the mercy", even when it is a
"severe mercy."
Even when circumstances seem bad; even when things seem out of control; even
when we think God has forsaken us, yet his mercy is at work to bring us
fulfillment and cause us to turn to him
with a song of praise on our lips.
Application
a) How have I experienced the mercy of God?
b) How can these verses help me focus on God's
merciful intervention in my life even when circumstances seem
out of control?
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control,without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Quebec
Quick facts on Muslims in Quebec
Quebec 2015 population 8214 000
est Muslim Population 418946
CNMM Networks: Montreal
There is a growing Muslim population in Quebec City and a smattering
of Muslims scattered around the rest of the province, yet the vast majority
of Muslims live in the greater Montreal area. n fact, 23% of Canada's Muslim
population live in Quebec. Why is that? It is largely because Francophone
African Muslims are attracted to La Belle Provence.
And here's an interesting, perhaps even shocking fact: There are more
Muslims in Montreal than there are evangelical Christians.
This is one demographic factor creates a challenging environment for churches
and believers here: The size of the available 'workforce' is small
by comparison to begin with. Believers are already is a host culture that
is often either indifferent to religion or resistant to it. And now
this 'new' religious community of Muslims - many of whom do not visibly
or socially conform to Quebec society - are a growing population. It might br
easy for Christians to feel overwhelm by this cultural double-whammy,
yet God has always worked miracles through the small, the few.
Agree in prayer for :
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
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
Day 28 of the Month
a) Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
(
John 5:24
24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever
hears My word and believes in Him who sent
Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation,
but has passed from death into life."
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word,
and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,
and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
)
b) Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today . (
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.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to discern who speaks for the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, thank You for always being with me."
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for His mercies.
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember His blessings.
Pray to the Lord and pray to put your trust in Him.
Agree in prayer for Quebec:
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today .
Pray for the endurance of Christian leaders in Turkey
experiencing increased governmental pressure.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1)1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 20
1 KINGS 22
Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
2Ch 18:1-27
1 And there were three years without war between Aram and Israel.
2 (1Ki 15:24; 22:1) In the third year, Jehoshaphat king of Judah went
to visit the king of Israel.
3 (Dt 4:43; Jos 21:38) The king of Israel said to his servants, "You know that
Ramoth in Gilead is ours, but we have done nothing to take it out of the hand
of the king of Aram!"
4 (2Ki 3:7) And he said to Jehoshaphat, "Will you go with me to battle
Ramoth Gilead?"
And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel,
"I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses."
5 (2Ki 3:11) Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel,
"Please ask for a word from the Lord today."
6 (1Ki 18:19) Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together,
approximately four hundred men, and said to them,
"Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I wait?"
And they said,
"Go up, for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king."
7 Jehoshaphat said, "Is there not a prophet of the Lord here whom we can ask?"
8 (Am 5:10) And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "There is still
one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we can inquire of the Lord.
But I hate him because he never prophesies good for me, but always evil."
And Jehoshaphat said, "Let not the king say so."
9 Then the king of Israel called an officer and said,
"Quickly, bring Micaiah the son of Imlah."
1 Kings 22
[1] And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.
[2] And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of
Judah came down to the king of Israel.
[3] And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in
Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the
king
of Syria?
[4] And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to
Ramoth-gilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou
art,
my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses.
[5] And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, at
the word of the LORD to day.
[6] Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four
hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to
battle,
or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it
into
the hand of the king.
[7] And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides,
that we might inquire of him?
[8] And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man,
Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate
him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat
said, Let not the king say so.
1 Kings 22:10-28
10 The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah each put on his robes
and sat on his throne at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and
all the prophets prophesied before them.
11 (Zec 1:18-21; Dt 33:17) Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah made horns of iron
and said, "Thus says the Lord: With these you shall push the Arameans
until you have consumed them."
12 All the prophets prophesied similarly, saying,
"Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it
into the king's hand."
13 The servant who had gone to get Micaiah spoke to him, saying,
"See here, the words of the prophets unanimously declare success for the king.
Please let your word be like the word of one of them,
and speak that which is good."
14 (Nu 24:13; 22:18) Micaiah said, "As the Lord lives, I will speak
whatever the Lord says to me."
15 So he came to the king. And the king said to him, "Micaiah, shall we go
against Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall we wait?"
And he answered him, "Go and prosper, for the Lord will
deliver it into the hand of the king."
16 The king said to him, "How many times must I admonish you to tell me only
the truth in the name of the Lord?"
17 (Nu 27:17; Mt 9:36) And he said, "I saw all Israel scattered
upon the hills, as sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said,
'These have no master. Let every man return to his own house in peace.'"
18 (1Ki 22:8) The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Did I not tell you
that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?"
19 (Job 1:6; 2:1) And he said, "Hear, therefore, the word of the Lord:
I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing
beside Him on His right hand and on His left.
20 The Lord said, 'Who will persuade Ahab so that he will go up and die
at Ramoth Gilead?'
"And one said this, and another said that.
21 Then a spirit came forth and stood before the Lord and said, 'I will
persuade him.'
22 (Jdg 9:23; Eze 14:9) "The Lord said to him, 'How?'
"And he said, 'I will go and be a lying spirit
in the mouth of all his prophets.'
"And He said, 'You will be successful and persuade him. Go forth, and do so.'
23 (Eze 14:9) "Now therefore, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths
of all your prophets here, and He has spoken evil concerning you!"
24 (Ac 23:2; La 3:30) Then Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah walked up
and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said,
"Which way did the spirit of the Lord go from me in order to speak to you?"
25 (1Ki 20:30) And Micaiah said, "You will see in that day,
when you go into an inner chamber to hide."
26 The king of Israel said, "Take Micaiah back to Amon the governor
of the city and to Joash the king's son,a"
27 (2Ch 16:10; 18:25-27) and say, "Thus says the king: Put this man
in the prison, and feed him with reduced rations
of bread and water until I return safely.'"
28 (Mic 1:2; Nu 16:29) Micaiah said, "If you return safely, the Lord has not
spoken through me." And he said, "Listen, all you people!"
[10] And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on
his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of
the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
[11] And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said,
Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou
have
consumed them.
[12] And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead,
and
prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king's hand.
[13] And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him,
saying,
Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one
mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and
speak
that which is good.
[14] And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me,
that
will I speak.
[15] So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we
go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered
him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the
king.
[16] And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that
thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?
[17] And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that
have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them
return every man to his house in peace.
[18] And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that
he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?
[19] And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD
sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his
right hand and on his left.
[20] And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall
at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that
manner.
[21] And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I
will persuade him.
[22] And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth,
and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said,
Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
[23] Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the
mouth of
all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.
[24] But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the
cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak
unto
thee?
[25] And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt
go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.
[26] And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto
Amon
the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;
[27] And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed
him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in
peace.
[28] And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not
spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.
2 Chronicles 18:9-27
9 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah
were sitting on their own thrones, clothed in their royal garments,
at the threshing floor at the entrance at the gate of Samaria,
and all the prophets were prophesying before them.
10 Then Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah made for himself iron horns,
and he said, "Thus says the Lord: With these you will thrust
out the Arameans in Syria until they are finished."
11 And all the prophets were prophesying the same,
"Go up to Ramoth Gilead and find success,
because the Lord has given the king into your hands."
12 And the messenger who went to call Micaiah said to him,
"The words of the prophets are as one voice and only for good to the king,
so may your word be like one of them, and you speak favorably."
13 (Nu 22:35; 22:18-20) And Micaiah said, "As the Lord lives, whatever my God
says, that will I speak."
14 When he came to the king, the king said to him,
"Micaiah, should we go up to Ramoth Gilead for battle, or should I cease?"
He said, "All of you go up and be successful,
and they will be given into your hands."
15 Then the king said to him, "How many times must I cause you to swear
that you speak to me only truth in the name of the Lord?"
16 (Mt 9:36; Nu 27:17) Then he said, "I saw all Israel scattered
on the mountains like sheep that have no shepherd. The Lord said,
'There are no masters for them. Let each man return to his home in peace.'"
17 T hen the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Did I not say to you that
he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?"
18 (Da 7:9; Isa 6:1-5) So the prophet said, "Now hear the word of the Lord:
I saw the Lord sitting on His throne and the heavenly assembly was standing
at His right and His left.
19 And the Lord said, 'Who will deceive Ahab king of Israel so that he might
go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?'
"One was saying one thing, and another was saying something else.
20 (Job 1:6) Then a spirit came out and stood before the Lord, and he said,
'I will deceive him.'
"Then the Lord said to him, 'How?'
21 (Jn 8:44) "Then he said, 'I will go out and be a spirit of deception
in the mouth of all the prophets.'
"Then the Lord said, 'You will deceive and find success. Go out and do this.'
22 (Isa 19:14; Eze 14:9) "Now see that the Lord has put a spirit of deception
in the mouth of your prophets. So the Lord has declared disaster over you."
23 (Jer 20:2; Mk 14:65) Then Zedekiah the son of Kenaanah came near to Micaiah
and struck him on the cheek. And he said, "Which way then did the spirit
from the Lord pass from me to speak with you?"
24 Then Micaiah said, "You will see it on the day when you enter an inner
chamber to hide yourself."
25 (2Ch 18:8) And the king of Israel said, "Seize Micaiah and take him to Amon,
the governor of the city, and to Joash the son of the king,
26 (2Ch 16:10) and you will say, 'So says the king: Put him in a prison,
and feed him a little food and water until I return in peace.' "
27 Then Micaiah said, "If you certainly return in peace,
then the Lord has not spoken by me. Listen, all you people!"
[9] And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them
on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the
entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before
them.
[10] And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said,
Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be
consumed.
[11] And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and
prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
[12] And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying,
Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent;
let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou
good.
[13] And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will
I speak.
[14] And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah,
shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go
ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.
[15] And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou
say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?
[16] Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as
sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let
them return therefore every man to his house in peace.
[17] And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he
would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?
[18] Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD
sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right
hand and on his left.
[19] And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go
up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and
another saying after that manner.
[20] Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I
will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?
[21] And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all
his prophets. And the LORD said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also
prevail: go out, and do even so.
[22] Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of
these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee.
[23] Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon
the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak
unto thee?
[24] And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go
into an inner chamber to hide thyself.
[25] Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to
Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;
[26] And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed
him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in
peace.
[27] And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the
LORD spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.
1 Kings 22:29-35
Ahab Dies in Battle
2Ch 18:28-34
29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah
went up to Ramoth Gilead.
30 (2Ch 35:22) The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat,
"I will disguise myself and enter into the battle, but you wear your robes."
And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into the battle.
31 (1Ki 20:24; 2Ch 18:30) But the king of Aram ordered his 32 commanders
who had control over his chariots, saying,
"Fight neither against small nor great, but only against the king of Israel."
32 So when the commanders of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said,
"Surely it is the king of Israel." And they turned aside to fight against him,
and Jehoshaphat cried out.
33 When the commanders of the chariots realized that it was not
the king of Israel, they turned away from pursuing him.
34 (2Ch 35:23) A certain man drew a bow at random
and struck the king of Israel between the joints of the armor,
and because of this, he said to the driver of his chariot,
"Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded."
35 The battle intensified that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot
against the Arameans and died that evening, and the blood ran
out of the wound into the floor of the chariot.
[29] So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to
Ramoth-gilead.
[30] And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself,
and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of
Israel
disguised himself, and went into the battle.
[31] But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had
rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save
only with the king of Israel.
[32] And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw
Jehoshaphat,
that they said, Surely it is the king of Israel. And they turned aside to
fight against him: and Jehoshaphat cried out.
[33] And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that
it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.
[34] And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of
Israel
between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his
chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
[35] And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his
chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the
wound into the midst of the chariot.
2 Chronicles 18:28-34
The Death of Ahab
1Ki 22:29-36
28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up
to Ramoth Gilead.
29 (1Sa 28:8) Then the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat,
"I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you will put on your clothes."
So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they both entered into battle.
30 And the king of Aram ordered the commanders of his chariots,
"Do not wage war with the small or great but with the king of Israel alone."
31 (2Ch 13:14) And it happened when the commanders of the chariots saw
Jehoshaphat they said, "It is the king of Israel."
So they turned on him to wage war. But Jehoshaphat cried out,
and the Lord helped him, then God drew them away from the king.
32 And it happened when the commanders of the chariots saw that he was
not the king of Israel, then they turned away from him.
33 But a man pulled his bow at random and struck the king of Israel
between his armor scales and body armor. He said to the commander
of the chariot, "Turn and remove me from the battle because I am wounded."
34 And the battle continued on that day, and the king of Israel
was set up in his chariot before the Arameans until evening.
Then he died when the sun set.
[28] So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to
Ramoth-gilead.
[29] And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself,
and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel
disguised himself; and they went to the battle.
[30] Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that
were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the
king of Israel.
[31] And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat,
that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him
to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved
them to depart from him.
[32] For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived
that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing
him.
[33] And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel
between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man,
Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am
wounded.
[34] And the battle increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel stayed
himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the even: and about the
time of the sun going down he died.
1 Kings 22:36-40
36 (2Ki 14:12) A proclamation went throughout the army as the sun was setting,
saying, "Every man is to return to his city, and every man is to return
to his own country."
37 So the king died and was brought to Samaria, and they buried him there.
38 (1Ki 21:19) The chariot was washed in the pool of Samaria, and the dogs
licked up the king's blood, and they washed his armor according
to the word which the Lord spoke.
39 (Am 3:15) Now the rest of the acts of Ahab and all that he did
and the ivory house that he built and all the cities that he built,
are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
40 So Ahab slept with his fathers. And Ahaziah his son reigned in his place.
[36] And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down
of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own
country.
[37] So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king
in Samaria.
[38] And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked
up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the
LORD which he spake.
[39] Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory
house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written
in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
[40] So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his
stead.
1 Kings 22:51-53
Ahaziah, King of Israel
51 Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria
the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned
two years over Israel.
52 (1Ki 15:26; 21:25) He did evil in the sight of the Lord
and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother
and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat who made Israel sin,
53 (1Ki 16:30-32) for he served Baal and worshipped him
and provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger,
according to all that his father had done.
[51] Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the
seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over
Israel.
[52] And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his
father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of
Nebat, who made Israel to sin:
[53] For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the LORD
God of Israel, according to all that his father had done.
2) Our Daily Bread for 28 June 2023 Titled
When You're Lonely
Psalms 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Psalm 23
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
[2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters.
[3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
his name's sake.
[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
[5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
[6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I
will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
At 7 p.m., Hui-Liang was in his kitchen, eating rice and leftover fish balls.
The Chua family in the apartment next door was having dinner too, and their
laughter and conversation cut through the silence of Hui-Liang's unit, where
he had lived alone since his wife died. He'd learned to live with loneliness;
over the years, its stabbing pain had become a dull ache. But tonight, the
sight of the one bowl and pair of chopsticks on his table pierced him deeply.
Before he went to bed that night, Hui-Liang read Psalm 23, his favorite psalm.
The words that mattered most to him are only four syllables: "You are with me"
(v. 4). More than the shepherd's practical acts of care toward the sheep, it
was his steadfast presence and loving gaze over every detail of the life
of the sheep (vv. 2-5) that gave Hui-Liang peace.
Just knowing that someone is there, that someone is with us, brings great
comfort in those lonely moments. God promises His children that His love will
always be with us (Psalm 103:17), and that He'll never leave us (Hebrews
13:5). When we feel alone and unseen-whether in a quiet kitchen, on the bus
going home from work, or even in a crowded supermarket-we can know that the
Shepherd's gaze is always on us. We can say, "You are with me."
By: Karen Huang
Reflect & Pray
When do you usually feel lonely? How does Psalm 23 encourage you?
Loving God, thank You for always being with me.
For further study, read
The Lord Is My Shepherd: Rest and Renewal from Psalm 23.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 4 Under the Mercy
Ps 13:5-6
5 I for my part confide in Your kindness;
may my heart exult in Your salvation!
6 I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
5 But I have trusted in thy mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
In Sheldon Vanauken's book "A Severe Mercy", Vanauken faced the "severe mercy"
of the untimely death of his wife. His friend C. S. Lewis , who had endured a
similar grief , comforted him through letters,
encouraging him with the exhotation, "Go under the Mercy".
While God's grace deals with sin and forgiveness,
God's mercy deals with the pain pf human existence. We all experience pain
- sometimes as a natural result of wrongs we have done, sometimes unfairly
as a consequence of living in a fallen world.
But for all who hurt, God provides
mercy - respite from pain, and the assurance of a Lord who cares.
David , in Psalm 13 says " I trust in your mercy, your unfailing love."
God's love never fail us, no matter how much we may have failed him.
David knew the consequences of sin; he knew what it meant to fail God,
to rebel against God's faithfulness. Yet David trusted in God's Goodness
rather than depending upon his own; he focused his attention upon the
mercy of the Lord.
We need, like David, to "Go under the mercy", even when it is a
"severe mercy."
Even when circumstances seem bad; even when things seem out of control; even
when we think God has forsaken us, yet his mercy is at work to bring us
fulfillment and cause us to turn to him
with a song of praise on our lips.
Application
a) How have I experienced the mercy of God?
b) How can these verses help me focus on God's
merciful intervention in my life even when circumstances seem
out of control?
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control,without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Quebec
Quick facts on Muslims in Quebec
Quebec 2015 population 8214 000
est Muslim Population 418946
CNMM Networks: Montreal
There is a growing Muslim population in Quebec City and a smattering
of Muslims scattered around the rest of the province, yet the vast majority
of Muslims live in the greater Montreal area. n fact, 23% of Canada's Muslim
population live in Quebec. Why is that? It is largely because Francophone
African Muslims are attracted to La Belle Provence.
And here's an interesting, perhaps even shocking fact: There are more
Muslims in Montreal than there are evangelical Christians.
This is one demographic factor creates a challenging environment for churches
and believers here: The size of the available 'workforce' is small
by comparison to begin with. Believers are already is a host culture that
is often either indifferent to religion or resistant to it. And now
this 'new' religious community of Muslims - many of whom do not visibly
or socially conform to Quebec society - are a growing population. It might br
easy for Christians to feel overwhelm by this cultural double-whammy,
yet God has always worked miracles through the small, the few.
Agree in prayer for :
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
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
Day 28 of the Month
a) Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
(
John 5:24
24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever
hears My word and believes in Him who sent
Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation,
but has passed from death into life."
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word,
and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,
and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
)
b) Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today . (
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.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to discern who speaks for the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, thank You for always being with me."
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for His mercies.
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember His blessings.
Pray to the Lord and pray to put your trust in Him.
Agree in prayer for Quebec:
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today .
Pray for the endurance of Christian leaders in Turkey
experiencing increased governmental pressure.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.