Day 185 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 4 July 2023 reflections
Day 185, 4 July 2022
1) 2 Kings 12, 13, 2 Chronicles 24
2 Kings 12:1-16
2 Kings 12
Jehoash Repairs the Temple
2 Ch 24:1-27
1 In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash became king. He reigned forty years
in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.
2 Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all his days
because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
3 (2Ki 14:4; 1Ki 15:14) However, the high places were not taken away.
The people still sacrificed and made offerings in the high places.
4 (2Ki 22:4; Ex 35:5; 35:29) Now Jehoash said to the priests,
"All the consecrated money that is brought into the house of the Lord,
the money for which each man is currently assessed,
and all the money that is brought voluntarily to the house of the Lord,
5 let the priests receive it, each from his donor, and repair the damages
to the house wherever damages are found."
6 But in the 23rd year of King Jehoash the priests had not repaired
the damages to the house.
7 Then King Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest and the other priests
and said to them, "Why have you not repaired the damages to the house?
So now money will no longer be taken from your donors.
You will give it over for the damages to the house."
8 The priests agreed that they should take no more money from the people,
nor repair the damages of the house.
9 (Mk 12:41; Jer 35:4) So Jehoiada the priest took a chest, made a hole
in its lid, and set it beside the altar on the right side as one enters
the house of the Lord. The priests guarding the threshold put there
all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord.
10 (2Sa 8:17; 2Ki 19:2) Whenever they saw that there was much money
in the chest, the king's scribe and the high priest went up, emptied it,
and counted the money that was found in the house of the Lord.
11 They gave the money that was weighed out into the hands of the
workers who were appointed to the house of the Lord.
Then they paid it out to the carpenters and builders working on the house
of the Lord,
12 (2Ki 22:5-6) to the masons and stonecutters, and to buy timber
and cut stone to repair the damages to the house of the Lord,
that is, whatever went out for repairs to the house.
13 (2Ch 24:14; 1Ki 7:48-50) But for the house of the Lord silver bowls,
snuffers, sprinkling basins, trumpets, and all the gold and silver vessels
were not made with any of the money that was brought
into the house of the Lord,
14 for they gave it to the workmen, and they repaired the house of the Lord
with it.
15 (2Ki 22:7) They did not settle accounts with the men in whose hand
they gave the money to give to the workmen, for they dealt faithfully.
16 (Lev 7:7; 5:15-18) The money from the guilt offerings and the money
from the sin offerings were not brought into the house of the Lord.
It belonged to the priests.
2 Kings 12
[1] In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years
reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beer-sheba.
[2] And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his
days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
[3] But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed
and
burnt incense in the high places.
[4] And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things
that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one
that
passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money
that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,
[5] Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let
them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be
found.
[6] But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the
priests had not repaired the breaches of the house.
[7] Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests
, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now
therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for
the breaches of the house.
[8] And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people,
neither to repair the breaches of the house.
[9] But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it,
and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house
of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money
that was brought into the house of the LORD.
[10] And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest,
that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags,
and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.
[11] And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did
the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it
out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,
[12] And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone
to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid
out for the house to repair it.
[13] Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD bowls of silver,
snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of
the money that was brought into the house of the LORD:
[14] But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of
the LORD.
[15] Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered
the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.
[16] The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the
LORD: it was the priests'.
2 Chronicles 24:1-22
2 Chronicles 24
Joash Repairs the Temple
2 Ki 12:1-21
1 Now Joash [Or Abi in 2Ki 18:2.] was seven years old when he started
his reign, and he was king in Jerusalem for forty years.
The name of his mother was Zibiah of Beersheba.
2 (2Ch 25:2; 26:4-5) Joash did what was correct in the eyes of the Lord
all the days of Jehoiada the priest.
3 And Jehoiada gave Joash two wives, and he had sons and daughters.
4 And it happened after this that it was in the heart of Joash to restore
the house of the Lord.
5 So he assembled the priests and Levites to speak with them, "Go out
to the cities of Judah and collect money from all Israel to fortify
the house of your God, what is necessary each year.
Now hurry with this matter." But the Levites delayed.
6 (Ex 30:12-16; Nu 1:50) So the king called Jehoiada, who was head over this,
and said to him, "Why have you not required from the Levites that they bring
in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax levied by Moses, the servant of the Lord,
for the congregation of Israel for the tent of the testimony?"
7 (2Ch 21:17) For the sons of Athaliah, the wicked woman, had broken
into the house of God and even used all the holy items of the house
of the Lord for Baal worship.
8 Then the king spoke, and they made a chest, and put it outside the gate
of the house of the Lord.
9 (2Ch 24:6) And they gave a report in Judah and Jerusalem to bring
in to the Lord a tax levied by Moses the servant of God
on Israel in the wilderness.
10 (1Ch 29:9) So all the officials and people rejoiced,
and they brought in the money and cast it into the chest until it was full.
11 And it happened that at the time the Levites brought the chest
to the guards of the king that there was a large amount of money.
So the king's scribe and head priest's commissioner would bring it
and empty the chest and then take it and return it to its place.
They continued to do this every day and collected a great amount of money.
12 So the king and Jehoiada gave it to those doing a work of labor
on the house of the Lord. And they hired masons and craftsmen to repair
the house of the Lord, and even metal workers in iron and bronze
to fortify the house of the Lord.
13 So the workmen worked, and the work was completed by them.
They restored the house of God to its specifications and strengthened it.
14 When they had finished, they brought the rest of the money before the king
and Jehoiada, who made vessels for the house of the Lord, vessels for serving
and for making burnt offerings, spoons and vessels of gold and silver.
They continually offered burnt offerings in the house of the Lord
all the days of Jehoiada.
15 Then Jehoiada became old and full of days and died. He was 130 years old
when he died.
16 So they buried him in the City of David with the kings,
because he had done good in Israel, both toward God and His house.
The Wickedness of Joash
17 After the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and paid homage
to the king. At that time the king listened to them.
18 (Jos 22:20; 2Ch 19:2) Then they abandoned the house of the Lord
and God of their fathers, and they served the Asherah poles and idols.
And divine wrath was on Judah and Jerusalem because of this guilt.
19 And God sent prophets to return them to the Lord.
These warned the people, but they would not listen.
20 (Nu 14:41; 2Ch 20:14) Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah
the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people saying,
"Thus says God: Why are you transgressing the commandments of the Lord
so that you all will not be successful? Because you all have abandoned
the Lord, He has abandoned you."
21 (Ne 9:26; Ac 7:58-59) But they plotted against him, and at the command
of the king they all stoned him in the court of the house of the Lord.
22 (Ge 9:5) And Joash the king did not remember the kindness
that Jehoiada the father of Zechariah had shown him, but killed his son.
As he was dying, he said, "May the Lord see and avenge!"
2 Chronicles 24
[1] Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty
years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibiah of Beer-sheba.
[2] And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days
of Jehoiada the priest.
[3] And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.
[4] And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the
house of the LORD.
[5] And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them,
Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair
the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter.
Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.
[6] And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast
thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of
Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant
of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of
witness?
[7] For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of
God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they
bestow upon Baalim.
[8] And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at
the gate of the house of the LORD.
[9] And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to
the LORD the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in
the wilderness.
[10] And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and
cast into the chest, until they had made an end.
[11] Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the
king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was
much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied
the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day
by day, and gathered money in abundance.
[12] And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the
service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair
the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the
house of the LORD.
[13] So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they
set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.
[14] And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money
before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of
the LORD, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and
vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the
house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada.
[15] But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred
and thirty years old was he when he died.
[16] And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he
had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.
[17] Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made
obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.
[18] And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served
groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their
trespass.
[19] Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and
they testified against them: but they would not give ear.
[20] And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the
priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God,
Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper?
because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.
[21] And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the
commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.
[22] Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his
father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The
LORD look upon it, and require it.
2 Kings 12:17-21
Hazael Threatens Jerusalem
17 (2Ch 24:23-24) Then Hazael king of Aram went up, fought against Gath,
and seized it. Then Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
18 (1Ki 15:18; 2Ki 18:15-16) So Jehoash king of Judah took
all the consecrated things that Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah,
his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated and his own consecrated things,
all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the Lord a
nd in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Aram.
Then Hazael went away from Jerusalem.
The Death of Joash
19 Now the rest of the deeds of Joash, and all that he did,
are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?
20 (2Ki 14:5; Jdg 9:6) His servants rose up, made a conspiracy,
and struck Joash in the house of Millo, which goes down to Silla.
21 Jozabad the son of Shimeath and Jehozabad the son of Shomer,
his servants, struck him, and he died. They buried him with his fathers
in the City of David. Then Amaziah his son reigned in his place.
[17] Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took
it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
[18] And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that
Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had
dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in
the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and
sent it
to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.
[19] And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not
written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
[20] And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the
house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.
[21] For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his
servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in
the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
2 Chronicles 24:23-27
The Death of Joash
23 (2Ki 12:17-18) And it happened that at the turn of the year the army
of Aram came up against Joash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem
and destroyed all the officials of the people, and they sent all their plunder
to the king of Damascus.
24 (Lev 26:8; 26:25) Though the Aramean army came with a few men,
the Lord delivered into their hand a very great Judean army
because they abandoned the Lord God of their fathers.
So they enacted judgment on Joash.
25 (2Ch 24:21-22; 28:27) When they left him (for they abandoned him
with severe wounds) his own servants plotted against him because of the blood
of the son of Jehoiada the priest. So they killed him on his bed. So he died,
and they buried him in the City of David, but they did not bury him
in the tombs of the kings.
26 (2Ki 12:21) And those who conspired against him were Zabad
the son of Shimeath the Ammonite and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith
the Moabite.
27 Accounts of his sons and of the many oracles against him
and of the rebuilding of the house of God are written
in the annals of the kings. And Amaziah his son ruled in his place.
[23] And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came
up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the
princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them
unto the king of Damascus.
[24] For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the
LORD delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken
the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash.
[25] And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great
diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons
of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they
buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres
of the kings.
[26] And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of
Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.
[27] Now concerning his sons, and the greatness of the burdens laid upon
him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they are written in the
story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
2 Kings 13:1-11
2 Kings 13
Jehoahaz, King of Israel
1 In the 23rd year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz
the son of Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria for seventeen years.
2 (1Ki 12:26-33; 14:16) He did evil in the sight of the Lord and followed
the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin.
He did not turn aside from them.
3 (Jdg 2:14; 1Ki 19:17) The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel,
so He gave them into the hand of Hazael king of Aram
and into the hand of BenHadad the son of Hazael all their days.
4 2Ki 14:26; Ex 3:7; 3:9)But Jehoahaz appeased the Lord, and the Lord
listened to him. For He saw the oppression of Israel,
because the king of Aram oppressed them.
5 (2Ki 13:25; 14:25) So the Lord gave Israel a savior, so that they got out
from under the hand of Aram. Then the children of Israel dwelt
in their tents as before.
6 (1Ki 16:33; 2Ki 13:2) Nevertheless, they did not turn aside from the sins
of the house of Jeroboam, who caused Israel to sin, but walked in them.
The Asherah pole also stood in Samaria.
7 (Am 1:3; 2Ki 10:32) So Jehoahaz had only fifty horsemen, ten chariots,
and ten thousand footmen left, for the king of Aram had destroyed them
and made them like the dust at threshing.
8Now the rest of the deeds of Jehoahaz, all that he did and his power,
are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel?
9 And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria.
Joash his son reigned in his place.
Jehoash, King of Israel
10 In the 47th year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz
reigned over Israel in Samaria for sixteen years.
11 (2Ki 13:2) He did evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not turn aside
from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin,
but he walked in them.
2 Kings 13
[1] In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of
Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and
reigned seventeen years.
[2] And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed
the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he
departed
not therefrom.
[3] And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered
them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Ben-hadad
the son of Hazael, all their days.
[4] And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he
saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
[5] (And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under
the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their
tents, as beforetime.
[6] Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam,
who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also
in Samaria.)
[7] Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and
ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed
them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.
[8] Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his
might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of
Israel?
[9] And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria:
and Joash his son reigned in his stead.
[10] In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the
son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.
[11] And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD; he departed
not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin:
but he walked therein.
2 Kings 13:14-25
The Death of Elisha
14 (2Ki 2:12) Now Elisha had become sick with the illness of which
he would die. So Joash the king of Israel went down to him
and wept before him, and said,
"My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen."
15 Elisha said to him, "Take a bow and arrows." So he took a bow and arrows.
16 Then he said to the king of Israel, "Draw the bow." So he drew it.
Elisha put his hands on the king's hands.
17 (1Ki 20:26) Then he said, "Open the east window." So he opened it.
Then Elisha said, "Shoot." So he shot. Then he said,
"The arrow of the deliverance of the Lord, and the arrow of deliverance
from Aram; for you must strike Aram in Aphek until you have destroyed them."
18 Then he said, "Take the arrows." So he took them.
Then he said to the king of Israel, "Strike the ground."
So he struck it three times
and stood there.
19 (2Ki 13:25) Then the man of God was angry with him and said,
"You should have struck it five or six times. Then you would have stricken
Aram until you had finished them. Now you will strike Aram just three times."
20 (2Ki 24:2; 3:7) So Elisha died, and they buried him.
Now Moabite raiders would enter the land in the spring.
21 As they were burying a man, they saw raiders. So they threw the man
into the tomb of Elisha. When the man touched the bones of Elisha,
he came to life and stood on his feet.
Israel Recaptures Cities from Aram
22 (2Ki 8:12) Now Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel
all the days of Jehoahaz.
23 (2Ki 14:27; Ge 13:16-17) But the Lord was gracious to them
and had compassion on them. He turned toward them because
of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence.
24 Then Hazael king of Aram died and BenHadad his son reigned in his place.
25 (2Ki 13:18-19; 10:32) And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took back the cities
from Ben-Hadad the son of Hazael that had been taken from Jehoahaz
his father in war. Three times Joash struck him
and recovered the cities of Israel.
[14] Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash
the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O
my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
[15] And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow
and arrows.
[16] And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he
put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.
[17] And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha
said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD's deliverance,
and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the
Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.
[18] And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the
king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.
[19] And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have
smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst
consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.
[20] And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites
invaded the land at the coming in of the year.
[21] And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they
spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and
when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and
stood up on his feet.
[22] But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.
[23] And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and
had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as
yet.
[24] So Hazael king of Syria died; and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead.
[25] And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad
the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz
his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities
of Israel.
2) Our Daily Bread for 4 July 2023 titled
Unchanging God
Jemes 1:2-8,12-18
Faith and Wisdom
2 (Jas 1:12) My brothers, count it all joy
when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 (Heb 10:36; 2Pe 1:6) knowing that the trying
of your faith develops patience.
4 (Mt 5:48; Lk 21:19) But let patience perfect its work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 (Pr 2:3-6; Jn 15:7) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all men liberally and without criticism,
and it will be given to him.
6 (Eph 4:14) But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 (Jas 4:8; 2Pe 2:14) A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing.
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
[6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like
a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
[8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth
with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits
of His creatures.
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him.
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot
be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and
enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it
is finished, bringeth forth death.
[16] Do not err, my beloved brethren.
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning.
[18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a
kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
An iconic photo shows the tread of a boot against a gray background. It's
astronaut Buzz Aldrin's footprint, which he left on the moon in 1969.
Scientists say that footprint is likely still there, unchanged after all
these years. Without wind or water, nothing on the moon gets eroded,
so what happens on the lunar landscape stays there.
It's even more awesome to reflect on the constant presence of God Himself.
James writes, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and
cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). The apostle puts this in the context
of our own struggles: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations;" (v. 2). Why? Because we’re loved by a great and unchanging God!
In times of trouble, we need to remember God's constant provision. Perhaps we
might recall the words of the great hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness":
"There is no shadow of turning with thee; / thou changest not, thy
compassions, they fail not; / as thou hast been thou forever wilt be."
Yes, our God has left His permanent footprint on our world.
He will always be there for us. Great is His faithfulness.
By: Kenneth Petersen
Reflect & Pray
What kind of troubles are you facing today?
How does understanding God's unchanging presence help you in your struggles?
Dear God, I'm discouraged because of these hardships of late.
I worry about how things will turn out. Yet I know You're there and will
provide. Help me to rest in that assurance.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 3 The Kind Heart of Forgiveness
Eph 4:32
32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12-13; Mt 6:12) And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Don had lost his job because he stood against his boss and refused to
compromise his Christian principles. Certain friends in the company had
turned against him, choosing to save their own jobs at any cost,
and he felt very alone, abandoned when he most needed the support
of those who cared.
But Don showed no signs of bitterness or unforgiveness. He refused to
recite the details of his firing to those around him, saying simply and
honestly, " I believe my boss was wrong in what he did. But God can show
him." The kindness of Don's heart, and the tenderness with which he
extended forgiveness, became a testimony to all who knew him. Don's
boss never "saw the light", never repented, but Don lived in the freedom of
forgiving.
Comparison is a rare commodity among Christains today. We seem to be
overstocked with judgment and crammed full of condemnation, but we have
little space in the corners of our lives for tenderheartedness. We are quick
to assume that we know another person's heart and have the remedy for
the problem, rather then giving that person the benefit of the doubt,
the room to grow, the freedom to make a mistake and seek forgiveness.
Jesus demonstrated the king compassion necessary in forgiveness when he
looked down at the soldiers who has crucified him, gambling at his feet
for his cloak, and said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what
are doing."
When others hurt and betray us, they often "do not know what they are
doing." we can, in Christ, offer compassionate forgiveness to them -
not condoning their actions or excusing their wrong, but forgiving ,
in the simplicity and purity of God's love.
Application
a) What is the difference between excusing a wrong and forgiving?
b) How has God forgiven me for Christ's sake?
c) What does today's verse tell me about my attitude in forgiveness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ecclesiates 11:1
1 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42; Heb 6:10) Cast your bread upon the waters,
for you will find it after many days
1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Romans 8:31-39
The Love of God
31 (Ps 118:6; Ro 4:1) What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 (Jn 3:16; Ro 4:25) He who did not spare His own Son,
but delivered Him up for us all, how shall
He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 (Rev 12:10-11; Isa 50:8-9) Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?
It is God who justifies.
34 (Heb 7:25; Mk 16:19; Ro 8:1) Who is he who condemns?
It is Christ who died, yes, who is risen, who is also
at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
35 (1Co 4:11) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 (Ps 44:22; 1Co 15:30)As it is written:
"For Your sake we are killed all day long;
we are counted as sheep for the slaughter." (Ps 44:22.)
37 (1Co 15:57; Gal 2:20) No, in all these things we are more
than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present
nor things to come,
39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
More than Conquerors
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,
who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?
It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather,
that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God,
who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation,
or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written,
For thy sake we are killed all the day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels,
nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate
us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Where do Muslims live?
Canada is a land of immigrants. And Muslims are coming in increasing numbers
to our shores. Where do they live? How can we prayfor these areas? Use this as
your more effectively for Muslims in Canada.
Data for those population figures is extrapoled for the 2011 National
Household Survay and population growth projections by Pew Forum. These have
also been adjusted by +40% as reliable sources state that on 60% of Muslims
self-identify on government surveys and forms. These estimates are still on
the conservative end of the spectrum. Percentages represent that of the total
Canadian population, not provincial
BC - 136493 - 7.5%
AB - 195240 - 11%
SK - 17279 - 1%
MB - 21349 - 1.2%
ON - 1001542 - 55%
QC - 418946 - 23%
NB - 4543 - 0.003%
NS - 14629 - 0.1%
PEI - 1127 - 0.0006%
NFLD - 2065 - 0.001%
Yukon - 69 - 0.00004%
NWT - 473 - 0.0003%
NU - 86 - 0.00005%
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
4nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the preservation of godly values in Canada
(Prov 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation:
But sin is a reproach to any people.
)
b) Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to build and rebuild his Foundations.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, I'm discouraged because of these hardships of
late. I worry about how things will turn out. Yet I know You're there and will
provide. Help me to rest in that assurance."
Pray to the Lord and pray to show true forgiveness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give all your risks to Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He does not separate us from Him.
Pray for Muslims in Canada to know Jesus as Saviour.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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 the preservation of godly values in Canada
Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Pray for believers who are forced to leave their families in Kuwait
because of their Christian faith.
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) 2 Kings 12, 13, 2 Chronicles 24
2 Kings 12:1-16
2 Kings 12
Jehoash Repairs the Temple
2 Ch 24:1-27
1 In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash became king. He reigned forty years
in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.
2 Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all his days
because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
3 (2Ki 14:4; 1Ki 15:14) However, the high places were not taken away.
The people still sacrificed and made offerings in the high places.
4 (2Ki 22:4; Ex 35:5; 35:29) Now Jehoash said to the priests,
"All the consecrated money that is brought into the house of the Lord,
the money for which each man is currently assessed,
and all the money that is brought voluntarily to the house of the Lord,
5 let the priests receive it, each from his donor, and repair the damages
to the house wherever damages are found."
6 But in the 23rd year of King Jehoash the priests had not repaired
the damages to the house.
7 Then King Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest and the other priests
and said to them, "Why have you not repaired the damages to the house?
So now money will no longer be taken from your donors.
You will give it over for the damages to the house."
8 The priests agreed that they should take no more money from the people,
nor repair the damages of the house.
9 (Mk 12:41; Jer 35:4) So Jehoiada the priest took a chest, made a hole
in its lid, and set it beside the altar on the right side as one enters
the house of the Lord. The priests guarding the threshold put there
all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord.
10 (2Sa 8:17; 2Ki 19:2) Whenever they saw that there was much money
in the chest, the king's scribe and the high priest went up, emptied it,
and counted the money that was found in the house of the Lord.
11 They gave the money that was weighed out into the hands of the
workers who were appointed to the house of the Lord.
Then they paid it out to the carpenters and builders working on the house
of the Lord,
12 (2Ki 22:5-6) to the masons and stonecutters, and to buy timber
and cut stone to repair the damages to the house of the Lord,
that is, whatever went out for repairs to the house.
13 (2Ch 24:14; 1Ki 7:48-50) But for the house of the Lord silver bowls,
snuffers, sprinkling basins, trumpets, and all the gold and silver vessels
were not made with any of the money that was brought
into the house of the Lord,
14 for they gave it to the workmen, and they repaired the house of the Lord
with it.
15 (2Ki 22:7) They did not settle accounts with the men in whose hand
they gave the money to give to the workmen, for they dealt faithfully.
16 (Lev 7:7; 5:15-18) The money from the guilt offerings and the money
from the sin offerings were not brought into the house of the Lord.
It belonged to the priests.
2 Kings 12
[1] In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years
reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beer-sheba.
[2] And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his
days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
[3] But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed
and
burnt incense in the high places.
[4] And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things
that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one
that
passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money
that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,
[5] Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let
them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be
found.
[6] But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the
priests had not repaired the breaches of the house.
[7] Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests
, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now
therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for
the breaches of the house.
[8] And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people,
neither to repair the breaches of the house.
[9] But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it,
and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house
of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money
that was brought into the house of the LORD.
[10] And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest,
that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags,
and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.
[11] And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did
the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it
out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,
[12] And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone
to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid
out for the house to repair it.
[13] Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD bowls of silver,
snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of
the money that was brought into the house of the LORD:
[14] But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of
the LORD.
[15] Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered
the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.
[16] The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the
LORD: it was the priests'.
2 Chronicles 24:1-22
2 Chronicles 24
Joash Repairs the Temple
2 Ki 12:1-21
1 Now Joash [Or Abi in 2Ki 18:2.] was seven years old when he started
his reign, and he was king in Jerusalem for forty years.
The name of his mother was Zibiah of Beersheba.
2 (2Ch 25:2; 26:4-5) Joash did what was correct in the eyes of the Lord
all the days of Jehoiada the priest.
3 And Jehoiada gave Joash two wives, and he had sons and daughters.
4 And it happened after this that it was in the heart of Joash to restore
the house of the Lord.
5 So he assembled the priests and Levites to speak with them, "Go out
to the cities of Judah and collect money from all Israel to fortify
the house of your God, what is necessary each year.
Now hurry with this matter." But the Levites delayed.
6 (Ex 30:12-16; Nu 1:50) So the king called Jehoiada, who was head over this,
and said to him, "Why have you not required from the Levites that they bring
in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax levied by Moses, the servant of the Lord,
for the congregation of Israel for the tent of the testimony?"
7 (2Ch 21:17) For the sons of Athaliah, the wicked woman, had broken
into the house of God and even used all the holy items of the house
of the Lord for Baal worship.
8 Then the king spoke, and they made a chest, and put it outside the gate
of the house of the Lord.
9 (2Ch 24:6) And they gave a report in Judah and Jerusalem to bring
in to the Lord a tax levied by Moses the servant of God
on Israel in the wilderness.
10 (1Ch 29:9) So all the officials and people rejoiced,
and they brought in the money and cast it into the chest until it was full.
11 And it happened that at the time the Levites brought the chest
to the guards of the king that there was a large amount of money.
So the king's scribe and head priest's commissioner would bring it
and empty the chest and then take it and return it to its place.
They continued to do this every day and collected a great amount of money.
12 So the king and Jehoiada gave it to those doing a work of labor
on the house of the Lord. And they hired masons and craftsmen to repair
the house of the Lord, and even metal workers in iron and bronze
to fortify the house of the Lord.
13 So the workmen worked, and the work was completed by them.
They restored the house of God to its specifications and strengthened it.
14 When they had finished, they brought the rest of the money before the king
and Jehoiada, who made vessels for the house of the Lord, vessels for serving
and for making burnt offerings, spoons and vessels of gold and silver.
They continually offered burnt offerings in the house of the Lord
all the days of Jehoiada.
15 Then Jehoiada became old and full of days and died. He was 130 years old
when he died.
16 So they buried him in the City of David with the kings,
because he had done good in Israel, both toward God and His house.
The Wickedness of Joash
17 After the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and paid homage
to the king. At that time the king listened to them.
18 (Jos 22:20; 2Ch 19:2) Then they abandoned the house of the Lord
and God of their fathers, and they served the Asherah poles and idols.
And divine wrath was on Judah and Jerusalem because of this guilt.
19 And God sent prophets to return them to the Lord.
These warned the people, but they would not listen.
20 (Nu 14:41; 2Ch 20:14) Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah
the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people saying,
"Thus says God: Why are you transgressing the commandments of the Lord
so that you all will not be successful? Because you all have abandoned
the Lord, He has abandoned you."
21 (Ne 9:26; Ac 7:58-59) But they plotted against him, and at the command
of the king they all stoned him in the court of the house of the Lord.
22 (Ge 9:5) And Joash the king did not remember the kindness
that Jehoiada the father of Zechariah had shown him, but killed his son.
As he was dying, he said, "May the Lord see and avenge!"
2 Chronicles 24
[1] Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty
years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibiah of Beer-sheba.
[2] And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days
of Jehoiada the priest.
[3] And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.
[4] And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the
house of the LORD.
[5] And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them,
Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair
the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter.
Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.
[6] And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast
thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of
Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant
of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of
witness?
[7] For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of
God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they
bestow upon Baalim.
[8] And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at
the gate of the house of the LORD.
[9] And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to
the LORD the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in
the wilderness.
[10] And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and
cast into the chest, until they had made an end.
[11] Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the
king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was
much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied
the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day
by day, and gathered money in abundance.
[12] And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the
service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair
the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the
house of the LORD.
[13] So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they
set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.
[14] And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money
before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of
the LORD, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and
vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the
house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada.
[15] But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred
and thirty years old was he when he died.
[16] And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he
had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.
[17] Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made
obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.
[18] And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served
groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their
trespass.
[19] Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and
they testified against them: but they would not give ear.
[20] And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the
priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God,
Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper?
because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.
[21] And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the
commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.
[22] Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his
father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The
LORD look upon it, and require it.
2 Kings 12:17-21
Hazael Threatens Jerusalem
17 (2Ch 24:23-24) Then Hazael king of Aram went up, fought against Gath,
and seized it. Then Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
18 (1Ki 15:18; 2Ki 18:15-16) So Jehoash king of Judah took
all the consecrated things that Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah,
his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated and his own consecrated things,
all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the Lord a
nd in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Aram.
Then Hazael went away from Jerusalem.
The Death of Joash
19 Now the rest of the deeds of Joash, and all that he did,
are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?
20 (2Ki 14:5; Jdg 9:6) His servants rose up, made a conspiracy,
and struck Joash in the house of Millo, which goes down to Silla.
21 Jozabad the son of Shimeath and Jehozabad the son of Shomer,
his servants, struck him, and he died. They buried him with his fathers
in the City of David. Then Amaziah his son reigned in his place.
[17] Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took
it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
[18] And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that
Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had
dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in
the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and
sent it
to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.
[19] And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not
written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
[20] And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the
house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.
[21] For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his
servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in
the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
2 Chronicles 24:23-27
The Death of Joash
23 (2Ki 12:17-18) And it happened that at the turn of the year the army
of Aram came up against Joash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem
and destroyed all the officials of the people, and they sent all their plunder
to the king of Damascus.
24 (Lev 26:8; 26:25) Though the Aramean army came with a few men,
the Lord delivered into their hand a very great Judean army
because they abandoned the Lord God of their fathers.
So they enacted judgment on Joash.
25 (2Ch 24:21-22; 28:27) When they left him (for they abandoned him
with severe wounds) his own servants plotted against him because of the blood
of the son of Jehoiada the priest. So they killed him on his bed. So he died,
and they buried him in the City of David, but they did not bury him
in the tombs of the kings.
26 (2Ki 12:21) And those who conspired against him were Zabad
the son of Shimeath the Ammonite and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith
the Moabite.
27 Accounts of his sons and of the many oracles against him
and of the rebuilding of the house of God are written
in the annals of the kings. And Amaziah his son ruled in his place.
[23] And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came
up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the
princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them
unto the king of Damascus.
[24] For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the
LORD delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken
the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash.
[25] And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great
diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons
of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they
buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres
of the kings.
[26] And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of
Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.
[27] Now concerning his sons, and the greatness of the burdens laid upon
him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they are written in the
story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
2 Kings 13:1-11
2 Kings 13
Jehoahaz, King of Israel
1 In the 23rd year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz
the son of Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria for seventeen years.
2 (1Ki 12:26-33; 14:16) He did evil in the sight of the Lord and followed
the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin.
He did not turn aside from them.
3 (Jdg 2:14; 1Ki 19:17) The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel,
so He gave them into the hand of Hazael king of Aram
and into the hand of BenHadad the son of Hazael all their days.
4 2Ki 14:26; Ex 3:7; 3:9)But Jehoahaz appeased the Lord, and the Lord
listened to him. For He saw the oppression of Israel,
because the king of Aram oppressed them.
5 (2Ki 13:25; 14:25) So the Lord gave Israel a savior, so that they got out
from under the hand of Aram. Then the children of Israel dwelt
in their tents as before.
6 (1Ki 16:33; 2Ki 13:2) Nevertheless, they did not turn aside from the sins
of the house of Jeroboam, who caused Israel to sin, but walked in them.
The Asherah pole also stood in Samaria.
7 (Am 1:3; 2Ki 10:32) So Jehoahaz had only fifty horsemen, ten chariots,
and ten thousand footmen left, for the king of Aram had destroyed them
and made them like the dust at threshing.
8Now the rest of the deeds of Jehoahaz, all that he did and his power,
are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel?
9 And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria.
Joash his son reigned in his place.
Jehoash, King of Israel
10 In the 47th year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz
reigned over Israel in Samaria for sixteen years.
11 (2Ki 13:2) He did evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not turn aside
from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin,
but he walked in them.
2 Kings 13
[1] In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of
Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and
reigned seventeen years.
[2] And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed
the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he
departed
not therefrom.
[3] And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered
them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Ben-hadad
the son of Hazael, all their days.
[4] And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he
saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
[5] (And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under
the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their
tents, as beforetime.
[6] Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam,
who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also
in Samaria.)
[7] Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and
ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed
them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.
[8] Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his
might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of
Israel?
[9] And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria:
and Joash his son reigned in his stead.
[10] In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the
son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.
[11] And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD; he departed
not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin:
but he walked therein.
2 Kings 13:14-25
The Death of Elisha
14 (2Ki 2:12) Now Elisha had become sick with the illness of which
he would die. So Joash the king of Israel went down to him
and wept before him, and said,
"My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen."
15 Elisha said to him, "Take a bow and arrows." So he took a bow and arrows.
16 Then he said to the king of Israel, "Draw the bow." So he drew it.
Elisha put his hands on the king's hands.
17 (1Ki 20:26) Then he said, "Open the east window." So he opened it.
Then Elisha said, "Shoot." So he shot. Then he said,
"The arrow of the deliverance of the Lord, and the arrow of deliverance
from Aram; for you must strike Aram in Aphek until you have destroyed them."
18 Then he said, "Take the arrows." So he took them.
Then he said to the king of Israel, "Strike the ground."
So he struck it three times
and stood there.
19 (2Ki 13:25) Then the man of God was angry with him and said,
"You should have struck it five or six times. Then you would have stricken
Aram until you had finished them. Now you will strike Aram just three times."
20 (2Ki 24:2; 3:7) So Elisha died, and they buried him.
Now Moabite raiders would enter the land in the spring.
21 As they were burying a man, they saw raiders. So they threw the man
into the tomb of Elisha. When the man touched the bones of Elisha,
he came to life and stood on his feet.
Israel Recaptures Cities from Aram
22 (2Ki 8:12) Now Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel
all the days of Jehoahaz.
23 (2Ki 14:27; Ge 13:16-17) But the Lord was gracious to them
and had compassion on them. He turned toward them because
of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence.
24 Then Hazael king of Aram died and BenHadad his son reigned in his place.
25 (2Ki 13:18-19; 10:32) And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took back the cities
from Ben-Hadad the son of Hazael that had been taken from Jehoahaz
his father in war. Three times Joash struck him
and recovered the cities of Israel.
[14] Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash
the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O
my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
[15] And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow
and arrows.
[16] And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he
put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.
[17] And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha
said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD's deliverance,
and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the
Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.
[18] And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the
king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.
[19] And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have
smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst
consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.
[20] And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites
invaded the land at the coming in of the year.
[21] And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they
spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and
when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and
stood up on his feet.
[22] But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.
[23] And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and
had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as
yet.
[24] So Hazael king of Syria died; and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead.
[25] And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad
the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz
his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities
of Israel.
2) Our Daily Bread for 4 July 2023 titled
Unchanging God
Jemes 1:2-8,12-18
Faith and Wisdom
2 (Jas 1:12) My brothers, count it all joy
when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 (Heb 10:36; 2Pe 1:6) knowing that the trying
of your faith develops patience.
4 (Mt 5:48; Lk 21:19) But let patience perfect its work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 (Pr 2:3-6; Jn 15:7) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all men liberally and without criticism,
and it will be given to him.
6 (Eph 4:14) But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 (Jas 4:8; 2Pe 2:14) A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing.
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
[6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like
a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
[8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth
with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits
of His creatures.
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him.
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot
be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and
enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it
is finished, bringeth forth death.
[16] Do not err, my beloved brethren.
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning.
[18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a
kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
An iconic photo shows the tread of a boot against a gray background. It's
astronaut Buzz Aldrin's footprint, which he left on the moon in 1969.
Scientists say that footprint is likely still there, unchanged after all
these years. Without wind or water, nothing on the moon gets eroded,
so what happens on the lunar landscape stays there.
It's even more awesome to reflect on the constant presence of God Himself.
James writes, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and
cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). The apostle puts this in the context
of our own struggles: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
temptations;" (v. 2). Why? Because we’re loved by a great and unchanging God!
In times of trouble, we need to remember God's constant provision. Perhaps we
might recall the words of the great hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness":
"There is no shadow of turning with thee; / thou changest not, thy
compassions, they fail not; / as thou hast been thou forever wilt be."
Yes, our God has left His permanent footprint on our world.
He will always be there for us. Great is His faithfulness.
By: Kenneth Petersen
Reflect & Pray
What kind of troubles are you facing today?
How does understanding God's unchanging presence help you in your struggles?
Dear God, I'm discouraged because of these hardships of late.
I worry about how things will turn out. Yet I know You're there and will
provide. Help me to rest in that assurance.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 3 The Kind Heart of Forgiveness
Eph 4:32
32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12-13; Mt 6:12) And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Don had lost his job because he stood against his boss and refused to
compromise his Christian principles. Certain friends in the company had
turned against him, choosing to save their own jobs at any cost,
and he felt very alone, abandoned when he most needed the support
of those who cared.
But Don showed no signs of bitterness or unforgiveness. He refused to
recite the details of his firing to those around him, saying simply and
honestly, " I believe my boss was wrong in what he did. But God can show
him." The kindness of Don's heart, and the tenderness with which he
extended forgiveness, became a testimony to all who knew him. Don's
boss never "saw the light", never repented, but Don lived in the freedom of
forgiving.
Comparison is a rare commodity among Christains today. We seem to be
overstocked with judgment and crammed full of condemnation, but we have
little space in the corners of our lives for tenderheartedness. We are quick
to assume that we know another person's heart and have the remedy for
the problem, rather then giving that person the benefit of the doubt,
the room to grow, the freedom to make a mistake and seek forgiveness.
Jesus demonstrated the king compassion necessary in forgiveness when he
looked down at the soldiers who has crucified him, gambling at his feet
for his cloak, and said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what
are doing."
When others hurt and betray us, they often "do not know what they are
doing." we can, in Christ, offer compassionate forgiveness to them -
not condoning their actions or excusing their wrong, but forgiving ,
in the simplicity and purity of God's love.
Application
a) What is the difference between excusing a wrong and forgiving?
b) How has God forgiven me for Christ's sake?
c) What does today's verse tell me about my attitude in forgiveness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ecclesiates 11:1
1 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42; Heb 6:10) Cast your bread upon the waters,
for you will find it after many days
1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Romans 8:31-39
The Love of God
31 (Ps 118:6; Ro 4:1) What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 (Jn 3:16; Ro 4:25) He who did not spare His own Son,
but delivered Him up for us all, how shall
He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 (Rev 12:10-11; Isa 50:8-9) Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?
It is God who justifies.
34 (Heb 7:25; Mk 16:19; Ro 8:1) Who is he who condemns?
It is Christ who died, yes, who is risen, who is also
at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
35 (1Co 4:11) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 (Ps 44:22; 1Co 15:30)As it is written:
"For Your sake we are killed all day long;
we are counted as sheep for the slaughter." (Ps 44:22.)
37 (1Co 15:57; Gal 2:20) No, in all these things we are more
than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present
nor things to come,
39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
More than Conquerors
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,
who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?
It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather,
that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God,
who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation,
or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written,
For thy sake we are killed all the day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels,
nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate
us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Where do Muslims live?
Canada is a land of immigrants. And Muslims are coming in increasing numbers
to our shores. Where do they live? How can we prayfor these areas? Use this as
your more effectively for Muslims in Canada.
Data for those population figures is extrapoled for the 2011 National
Household Survay and population growth projections by Pew Forum. These have
also been adjusted by +40% as reliable sources state that on 60% of Muslims
self-identify on government surveys and forms. These estimates are still on
the conservative end of the spectrum. Percentages represent that of the total
Canadian population, not provincial
BC - 136493 - 7.5%
AB - 195240 - 11%
SK - 17279 - 1%
MB - 21349 - 1.2%
ON - 1001542 - 55%
QC - 418946 - 23%
NB - 4543 - 0.003%
NS - 14629 - 0.1%
PEI - 1127 - 0.0006%
NFLD - 2065 - 0.001%
Yukon - 69 - 0.00004%
NWT - 473 - 0.0003%
NU - 86 - 0.00005%
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
4nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the preservation of godly values in Canada
(Prov 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation:
But sin is a reproach to any people.
)
b) Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to build and rebuild his Foundations.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, I'm discouraged because of these hardships of
late. I worry about how things will turn out. Yet I know You're there and will
provide. Help me to rest in that assurance."
Pray to the Lord and pray to show true forgiveness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give all your risks to Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He does not separate us from Him.
Pray for Muslims in Canada to know Jesus as Saviour.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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 the preservation of godly values in Canada
Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Pray for believers who are forced to leave their families in Kuwait
because of their Christian faith.
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.