Day 253 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 10 September 2023 reflections
Day 253, 10 September 2023
Today at
Calvary Community Church A new series based on Acts was kicked off
Called A Church that thrives celebrates a new day .
Luke 1:1-4
The Prologue
1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things
which are most surely believed among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things
from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,
most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.
[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration
of those things which are most surely believed among us,
[2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all
things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent
Theophilus,
[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast
been instructed.
Acts 1:1-4
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
1 (Lk 1:3; 24:19) The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus,
concerning all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 (Jn 13:18; 20:21) until the day when He was taken up,
after He had given commandments through the Holy Spirit
to the apostles whom He had chosen,
3 (1Co 15:5-7; Jn 20:26) to whom He presented Himself alive
after His passion by many infallible proofs,
appearing to them for forty days,
and speaking concerning the kingdom of God.
4 (Lk 24:49; Jn 14:16) Being assembled with them, He commanded them,
"Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father,
of which you have heard from Me. (Lk 24:49. 5Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16)
For John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized
with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
[1] The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus
began both to do and teach,
[2] Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the
Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
[3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many
infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the
things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
[4] And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they
should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the
Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
1) Ezekiel 47,48
Ezekiel 47
The River Flowing From the Temple
1 (Ps 46:4; Joel 3:18) Then he brought me back to the door of the temple;
and water was flowing out from under the threshold of the temple eastward,
for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing down
from under from the right side of the temple, south of the altar.
2 Then he brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around
on the outside to the outer gate that faces east;
and the water was coming out on the south side.
3 (Eze 40:3) When the man who had the line in his hand went eastward,
he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the water;
the water reached the ankles.
4 Again he measured a thousand and brought me through the water. The water
reached the knees. Again he measured a thousand and brought me through
the water. The water reached the loins.
5 (Isa 11:9; Hab 2:14) Afterward he measured a thousand. And it was a river
that I could not pass over, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in,
a river that could not be passed over.
6 (Eze 40:4; 44:5) He said to me, "Son of man, have you seen this?"
Then he brought me and caused me to return to the brink of the river.
7 (Eze 47:12; Rev 22:2) When I had returned I saw on the bank of the river
very many trees on the one side and on the other.
8 (Dt 3:17; Jos 3:16) Then he said to me, "This water flows toward
the eastern region and goes down into the valley, and enters the sea.
When it flows into the sea, the water will become fresh.
9 Every living creature that swarms, wherever the rivers go, will live.
And there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters
shall come there and the others become fresh. Thus everything shall live
wherever the river comes.
10 (Nu 34:6; Ps 104:25) It shall come to pass that the fishermen shall
stand upon it. From En Gedi even to En Eglaim there shall be a place
to spread out nets. Their fish shall be according to their kinds,
as the fish of the Mediterranean Sea, exceedingly many.
11 (Dt 29:23) But its miry places and its marshes shall not be healed.
They shall be given to salt.
12 (Rev 22:2; Ps 1:3; Jer 17:8) By the river upon its bank, on this side
and on that side, shall grow all kinds of trees for food, whose leaf shall
not fade nor shall its fruit fail. They shall bring forth fruit according
to their months, because their water issues out of the sanctuary.
And their fruit shall be for food and their leaves for medicine."
The Borders of the Land
13 (Ge 48:5; Nu 34:2-12) Thus says the Lord God: This shall be the border
by which you shall divide the land for an inheritance according
to the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions.
14 (Ge 12:7; Eze 20:5-6) You shall divide it for an inheritance,
one as equally as another. For I lifted up My hand to give it
to your fathers, and this land shall fall to you for inheritance.
15 (Nu 34:8; Eze 48:1) This shall be the border of the land on the north:
from the Mediterranean Sea by the way of Hethlon as men go to Zedad,
16 (Nu 13:21; 2Sa 8:8) Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim (which lies between
the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath), to Hazar Hattikon,
which is on the border of Hauran.
17 (Eze 48:1; Nu 34:9) The border from the sea shall be Hazar Enan
at the border of Damascus, and on the north northward
is the border of Hamath. And this is the north side.
18 (Ge 13:10) The east side, from Hauran and from Damascus
and from Gilead and the land of Israel, shall be the Jordan.
You shall measure from the northern border to the eastern sea.
And this is the east side.
19 (Dt 32:51; Eze 48:28) The south side, toward the Negev, shall run
from Tamar even to the waters of Meribah Kadesh, from there along the brook
of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. This shall be the south side,
toward the Negev.
20 The west side also shall be the Mediterranean Sea from the southern border
to a point opposite Lebo Hamath. This is the west side.
21 So you shall divide this land among you according to the tribes of Israel.
22 (Eph 3:6; Col 3:11) It shall come to pass that you shall divide it by lot
for an inheritance among yourselves and among the aliens who sojourn among
you, who shall bear sons among you. And they shall be to you as born
in the country among the sons of Israel. They shall have inheritance
with you among the tribes of Israel.
23 It shall come to pass that in whatever tribe the alien sojourns,
there you shall give him his inheritance, says the Lord God.
Ezekiel 47
[1] Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold,
waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the
forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from
under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.
[2] Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me
about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward;
and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.
[3] And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he
measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters
were to the ancles.
[4] Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the
waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me
through; the waters were to the loins.
[5] Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not
pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could
not be passed over.
[6] And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought
me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.
[7] Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very
many trees on the one side and on the other.
[8] Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country,
and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth
into the sea, the waters shall be healed.
[9] And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth,
whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very
great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they
shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.
[10] And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from
En-gedi even unto En-eglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets;
their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea,
exceeding many.
[11] But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be
healed; they shall be given to salt.
[12] And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side,
shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the
fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his
months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit
thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.
[13] Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall
inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall
have two portions.
[14] And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another: concerning the which I
lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall
unto you for inheritance.
[15] And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from
the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;
[16] Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and
the border of Hamath; Hazar-hatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran.
[17] And the border from the sea shall be Hazar-enan, the border of
Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the
north side.
[18] And the east side ye shall measure from Hauran, and from Damascus, and
from Gilead, and from the land of Israel by Jordan, from the border unto
the east sea. And this is the east side.
[19] And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife
in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side
southward.
[20] The west side also shall be the great sea from the border, till a man
come over against Hamath. This is the west side.
[21] So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of
Israel.
[22] And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an
inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which
shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the
country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you
among the tribes of Israel.
[23] And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth,
there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 48
The Division of the Land
1 (Eze 47:15-17; Jos 19:40-47) Now these are the names of the tribes:
From the north end beside the way of Hethlon as one goes to Lebo Hamath,
as far as Hazar Enan at the border of Damascus northward beside Hamath
going from east to west, Dan, one portion;
2 (Jos 19:24-31) by the border of Dan from the east side to the west side,
a portion for Asher;
3 (Jos 19:32-39)by the border of Asher from the east side even
to the west side, a portion for Naphtali;
4 (Jos 17:1-11; 13:29-31) by the border of Naphtali from the east side
to the west side, a portion for Manasseh;
5 (Jos 17:8-10; 17:14-18) by the border of Manasseh from the east side
to the west side, a portion for Ephraim;
6 (Jos 13:15-21) by the border of Ephraim from the east side even
to the west side, a portion for Reuben;
7 (Jos 15:1-63; 19:9) by the border of Reuben from the east side
to the west side,
a portion for Judah;
8 (Isa 12:6; 33:20-22) by the border of Judah from the east side
to the west side
shall be the allotment which you shall set apart, 25000 cubits
[About 8 miles, or 13 kilometers; and in vv. 9, 10, 13, 15, 20, and 21. ]
in width and in length as one of the other parts, from the east side
to the west side. And the sanctuary shall be in the middle of it.
9 The allotment that you shall set apart to the Lord shall be 25000 cubits
in length, and ten thousand [About 3 1/3 miles, or 5.3 kilometers;
and in vv. 10, 13, and 18.] in width. ]
10 (Eze 45:4; 44:28) For them, even for the priests, shall be
this holy allotment, toward the north 25000 cubits in length and toward
the west ten thousand in width and toward the east ten thousand in width
and toward the south twenty-five thousand cubits in length.
And the sanctuary of the Lord shall be in its midst.
11 (Eze 40:46; 44:10) It shall be for the priests who are sanctified
of the sons of Zadok, who have kept My charge, who did not go astray
when the sons of Israel went astray as the Levites went astray.
12 It shall be an allotment to them, a thing most holy,
the allotment of the land by the border of the Levites.
13 Opposite the border of the priests, the Levites shall have 25000 cubits
in length and ten thousand in width. All the length shall be 25000 cubits,
and the width ten thousand.
14 (Lev 27:28)They shall not sell of it or exchange
or alienate this choice portion of the land, for it is holy to the Lord.
15 (Eze 42:20; 45:6) The 5000 cubits [About 1 2/3 miles, or 2.7 kilometers.]
in width that remain and the 25000 in length shall be for common use
for the city, for dwellings and for suburbs.
And the city shall be in the midst.
16 (Rev 21:16) These shall be its measurements: the north side 4500 cubits;
[About 1 1/2 miles, or 2.4 kilometers; and in vv. 30, 32, 33, and 34.]
and the south side 4500 cubits; and on the east side 4500cubits;
and the west side 4500 cubits.
17 The suburbs of the city shall be: to the north, 250 cubits;
[About 440 feet, or 135 meters.] to the south,
two hundred and fifty cubits; to the east,
two hundred and fifty cubits; and to the west,
two hundred and fifty cubits.
18 The rest in length alongside the holy portion shall be 10000 cubits
eastward and 10000 westward. And it shall be alongside the holy portion.
And its increase shall be for food to those who serve the city.
19 Those who serve the city, out of all the tribes of Israel,
shall cultivate it.
20 All the allotment shall be 25000 by 2500 cubits. You shall set apart
the holy allotment foursquare, with the property of the city.
21 (Eze 48:22) The rest shall belong to the prince, on both sides
of the holy allotment and the city property, next to the 25000 cubits
of the allotment toward the eastern border, and westward next to the 25000
toward the western border, next to the portions for the prince.
And the holy allotment and the sanctuary of the temple shall be in its midst.
22 Moreover excluding the property of the Levites and the property
of the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince's, everything
between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin shall be
for the prince.
23 (Jos 18:21-28) As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side to the
west side, Benjamin shall have one portion.
24 (Jos 19:1-9; Ge 29:33) By the border of Benjamin from the east side
to the west side, Simeon shall have one portion.
25 (Jos 19:17-23) By the border of Simeon from the east side
to the west side, Issachar shall have one portion.
26 (Jos 19:10-16) By the border of Issachar from the east side
to the west side, Zebulun shall have one portion.
27 (Jos 13:24-28) By the border of Zebulun from the east side
to the west side, Gad shall have one portion.
28 (2Ch 20:2; Eze 47:15) By the border of Gad at the south side southward
the border shall be even from Tamar to the waters of Meribah Kadesh
and to the brook of Egypt toward the Mediterranean Sea.
29 This is the land which you shall divide by lot to the tribes of Israel
for inheritance, and these are their portions, says the Lord God.
The Gates of the New City
30 (Eze 48:16) These are the exits of the city on the north side,
4500 cubits by measurement.
31 (Rev 21:12-13) The gates of the city shall be named after the tribes
of Israel, three gates northward: one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah,
one gate of Levi.
32 At the east side, four thousand five hundred cubits, shall be three gates:
one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.
33 At the south side, four thousand five hundred cubits
[About 1 1/2 miles, or 2.4 kilometers. ]
by measurement, shall be three gates: one gate of Simeon,
one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun.
34 At the west side, four thousand five hundred cubits,
shall be three gates: one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher,
one gate of Naphtali.
35 (Jer 3:17; 33:16) The circumference shall be 18000 cubits.
[About 6 miles, or 9.5 kilometers.]
And the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord Is There.
Ezekiel 48
[1] Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast
of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazar-enan, the border of
Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east
and west; a portion for Dan.
[2] And by the border of Dan, from the east side unto the west side, a
portion for Asher.
[3] And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side,
a portion for Naphtali.
[4] And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, a
portion for Manasseh.
[5] And by the border of Manasseh, from the east side unto the west side, a
portion for Ephraim.
[6] And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west
side, a portion for Reuben.
[7] And by the border of Reuben, from the east side unto the west side, a
portion for Judah.
[8] And by the border of Judah, from the east side unto the west side, shall
be the offering which ye shall offer of five and twenty thousand reeds in
breadth, and in length as one of the other parts, from the east side unto
the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in the midst of it.
[9] The oblation that ye shall offer unto the LORD shall be of five and
twenty thousand in length, and of ten thousand in breadth.
[10] And for them, even for the priests, shall be this holy oblation; toward
the north five and twenty thousand in length, and toward the west ten
thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward
the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the LORD
shall be in the midst thereof.
[11] It shall be for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok;
which have kept my charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel
went astray, as the Levites went astray.
[12] And this oblation of the land that is offered shall be unto them a
thing most holy by the border of the Levites.
[13] And over against the border of the priests the Levites shall have five
and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length
shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.
[14] And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the
firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto the LORD.
[15] And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the
five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane place for the city, for
dwelling, and for suburbs: and the city shall be in the midst thereof.
[16] And these shall be the measures thereof; the north side four thousand
and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on
the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four
thousand and five hundred.
[17] And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and
fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two
hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty.
[18] And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy portion
shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be
over against the oblation of the holy portion; and the increase thereof
shall be for food unto them that serve the city.
[19] And they that serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes of
Israel.
[20] All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty
thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession
of the city.
[21] And the residue shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the
other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, over against
the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and
westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border,
over against the portions for the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation;
and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof.
[22] Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of
the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince's, between the
border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince.
[23] As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side,
Benjamin shall have a portion.
[24] And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side,
Simeon shall have a portion.
[25] And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side,
Issachar a portion.
[26] And by the border of Issachar, from the east side unto the west side,
Zebulun a portion.
[27] And by the border of Zebulun, from the east side unto the west side,
Gad a portion.
[28] And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall
be even from Tamar unto the waters of strife in Kadesh, and to the river
toward the great sea.
[29] This is the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel
for inheritance, and these are their portions, saith the Lord GOD.
[30] And these are the goings out of the city on the north side, four
thousand and five hundred measures.
[31] And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of
Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one
gate of Levi.
[32] And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates;
and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.
[33] And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and
three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun.
[34] At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three
gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali.
[35] It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city
from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 September 2023 Titled Promise Fulfilled
Luke 1:26-38
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
[26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city
of Galilee, named Nazareth,
[27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of
David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
[28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly
favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
[29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her
mind what manner of salutation this should be.
[30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour
with God.
[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name JESUS.
[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the
Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom
there shall be no end.
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a
man?
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come
upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore
also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of
God.
[36] And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her
old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
[37] For with God nothing shall be impossible.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according
to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Each summer when I was a child, I would travel two hundred miles to enjoy a
week with my grandparents. I wasn't aware until later how much wisdom I
soaked up from those two people I loved. Their life experiences and walk with
God had given them perspectives that my young mind couldn't yet imagine.
Conversations with them about the faithfulness of God assured me that God
is trustworthy and fulfills every promise He makes.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a teenager when an angel visited her. The
incredible news brought by Gabriel must have been overwhelming, yet she
willingly accepted the task with grace (Luke 1:38). But perhaps her visit
with her elderly relative Elizabeth-who was also in the midst of a miraculous
pregnancy (some scholars believe she may have been sixty years old)-brought
her comfort as Elizabeth enthusiastically confirmed Gabriel's words
that she was the mother of the promised Messiah (vv. 39-45).
As we grow and mature in Christ, as my grandparents did, we learn that He
keeps His promises. He kept His promise of a child for Elizabeth and her
husband Zechariah (vv. 57–58). And that son, John the Baptist, became the
harbinger of a promise made hundreds of years before-one that would change
the course of humanity's future. The promised Messiah-the Saviour
of the world-was coming! (Matthew 1:21-23).
By: Cindy Hess Kasper
Reflect & Pray
Why can you trust God to fulfill His promises?
Which of His promises bring you the most joy?
Loving Father, thank You for being trustworthy
and for fulfilling Your promises.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 1 A circle of Light
John 8:12
12 (Jn 12:35; Job 33:28; Isa 49:6)Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me
shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life.
When Judy Garland stepped onstage, she filled the spotlight. Nothing was
illuminated but her face, and as she sang, her listeners had a sense of being
transported beyond themselves into the meaning of her song. The focus of
reality, at that moment, was "Judy", and everything else faded into the dim
recesses of the shadowed room. The spotlight brought her into sharp focus
as the center of attention, and all around her was darkness.
When the scriptures speaks of Jesus as "the light," the image is not
of thousands of blazing bulbs lighting up a football field for a night game.
Rather, he is like a hand-help lamp that throws a circle of light in the
immediate vicinity. such a lamp lights the path that a traveler will walk,
but lights it only one step at a time.
Jesus is the center of that circle of light. As we follow him, we share the
light, but he is always at center. Jesus Christ is the focal point,
and everything else fades into dim gray by comparison.
If we are to keep our lives illuminated, to have his light falling upon the
road we walk, we must stay close to him. Jesus does not hand the lamp
to us and suggest that we go the way he wants; he , the Light, leads,
and if we want to stay in the light, we follow.
Application
a) Have I ever tried to go my own way, apart from the Light?
What was the result?
b) How can this verse help me remember the importance of staying close
to Jesus?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Gen 13:2,5-6,14-17
2 (Ge 24:35; Ps 112:1-3) Abram was very wealthy in livestock,
in silver and in gold.
5 Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents.
6 (Ge 36:6-7) But the land was not able to support them
both dwelling together because their possessions were so great.
14 (Ge 28:14; Dt 3:27) After Lot had departed from him,
the Lord said to Abram,
"Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are,
northward and southward and eastward and westward.
15 (Ge 12:7; 2Ch 20:7) All the land that you see I will give to you
and to your descendants forever.
16 (Ge 28:14; Nu 23:10) I will make your descendants like the dust
of the earth, so that if a man could number the dust of the earth,
then your descendants could also be numbered.
17 Arise, and walk throughout the land across its length
and its width, for I will give it to you."
2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
5 And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together:
for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him,
Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward,
and southward, and eastward, and westward:
15 for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it,
and to thy seed for ever.
16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man
can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it;
for I will give it unto thee.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Generous Provision
Ps 145:13b-21
13 Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
and loving in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,
to all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and will save them.
20 The Lord preserves all those who love Him,
but all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,
and let all people bless His holy name
forever and ever.
13 And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
And holy in all his works.
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
To all that call upon him in truth.
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him:
He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him:
But all the wicked will he destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD:
And let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
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?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
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 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) '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.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Conclusion:
Pray to feel the Presence of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray for spiritual restoration.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Father, thank You for being trustworthy
and for fulfilling Your promises."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He is the light.
Pray to the Lord and pray to kow Him as the one who will provide.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as a generous provider.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
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 Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Pray that believers in Mali who lost their jobs as a result of military coups
will find new opportunities of employment.
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.
Today at
Calvary Community Church A new series based on Acts was kicked off
Called A Church that thrives celebrates a new day .
Luke 1:1-4
The Prologue
1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things
which are most surely believed among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things
from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,
most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.
[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration
of those things which are most surely believed among us,
[2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all
things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent
Theophilus,
[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast
been instructed.
Acts 1:1-4
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
1 (Lk 1:3; 24:19) The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus,
concerning all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 (Jn 13:18; 20:21) until the day when He was taken up,
after He had given commandments through the Holy Spirit
to the apostles whom He had chosen,
3 (1Co 15:5-7; Jn 20:26) to whom He presented Himself alive
after His passion by many infallible proofs,
appearing to them for forty days,
and speaking concerning the kingdom of God.
4 (Lk 24:49; Jn 14:16) Being assembled with them, He commanded them,
"Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father,
of which you have heard from Me. (Lk 24:49. 5Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16)
For John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized
with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
[1] The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus
began both to do and teach,
[2] Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the
Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
[3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many
infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the
things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
[4] And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they
should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the
Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
1) Ezekiel 47,48
Ezekiel 47
The River Flowing From the Temple
1 (Ps 46:4; Joel 3:18) Then he brought me back to the door of the temple;
and water was flowing out from under the threshold of the temple eastward,
for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing down
from under from the right side of the temple, south of the altar.
2 Then he brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around
on the outside to the outer gate that faces east;
and the water was coming out on the south side.
3 (Eze 40:3) When the man who had the line in his hand went eastward,
he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the water;
the water reached the ankles.
4 Again he measured a thousand and brought me through the water. The water
reached the knees. Again he measured a thousand and brought me through
the water. The water reached the loins.
5 (Isa 11:9; Hab 2:14) Afterward he measured a thousand. And it was a river
that I could not pass over, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in,
a river that could not be passed over.
6 (Eze 40:4; 44:5) He said to me, "Son of man, have you seen this?"
Then he brought me and caused me to return to the brink of the river.
7 (Eze 47:12; Rev 22:2) When I had returned I saw on the bank of the river
very many trees on the one side and on the other.
8 (Dt 3:17; Jos 3:16) Then he said to me, "This water flows toward
the eastern region and goes down into the valley, and enters the sea.
When it flows into the sea, the water will become fresh.
9 Every living creature that swarms, wherever the rivers go, will live.
And there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters
shall come there and the others become fresh. Thus everything shall live
wherever the river comes.
10 (Nu 34:6; Ps 104:25) It shall come to pass that the fishermen shall
stand upon it. From En Gedi even to En Eglaim there shall be a place
to spread out nets. Their fish shall be according to their kinds,
as the fish of the Mediterranean Sea, exceedingly many.
11 (Dt 29:23) But its miry places and its marshes shall not be healed.
They shall be given to salt.
12 (Rev 22:2; Ps 1:3; Jer 17:8) By the river upon its bank, on this side
and on that side, shall grow all kinds of trees for food, whose leaf shall
not fade nor shall its fruit fail. They shall bring forth fruit according
to their months, because their water issues out of the sanctuary.
And their fruit shall be for food and their leaves for medicine."
The Borders of the Land
13 (Ge 48:5; Nu 34:2-12) Thus says the Lord God: This shall be the border
by which you shall divide the land for an inheritance according
to the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions.
14 (Ge 12:7; Eze 20:5-6) You shall divide it for an inheritance,
one as equally as another. For I lifted up My hand to give it
to your fathers, and this land shall fall to you for inheritance.
15 (Nu 34:8; Eze 48:1) This shall be the border of the land on the north:
from the Mediterranean Sea by the way of Hethlon as men go to Zedad,
16 (Nu 13:21; 2Sa 8:8) Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim (which lies between
the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath), to Hazar Hattikon,
which is on the border of Hauran.
17 (Eze 48:1; Nu 34:9) The border from the sea shall be Hazar Enan
at the border of Damascus, and on the north northward
is the border of Hamath. And this is the north side.
18 (Ge 13:10) The east side, from Hauran and from Damascus
and from Gilead and the land of Israel, shall be the Jordan.
You shall measure from the northern border to the eastern sea.
And this is the east side.
19 (Dt 32:51; Eze 48:28) The south side, toward the Negev, shall run
from Tamar even to the waters of Meribah Kadesh, from there along the brook
of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. This shall be the south side,
toward the Negev.
20 The west side also shall be the Mediterranean Sea from the southern border
to a point opposite Lebo Hamath. This is the west side.
21 So you shall divide this land among you according to the tribes of Israel.
22 (Eph 3:6; Col 3:11) It shall come to pass that you shall divide it by lot
for an inheritance among yourselves and among the aliens who sojourn among
you, who shall bear sons among you. And they shall be to you as born
in the country among the sons of Israel. They shall have inheritance
with you among the tribes of Israel.
23 It shall come to pass that in whatever tribe the alien sojourns,
there you shall give him his inheritance, says the Lord God.
Ezekiel 47
[1] Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold,
waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the
forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from
under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.
[2] Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me
about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward;
and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.
[3] And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he
measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters
were to the ancles.
[4] Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the
waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me
through; the waters were to the loins.
[5] Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not
pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could
not be passed over.
[6] And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought
me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.
[7] Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very
many trees on the one side and on the other.
[8] Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country,
and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth
into the sea, the waters shall be healed.
[9] And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth,
whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very
great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they
shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.
[10] And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from
En-gedi even unto En-eglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets;
their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea,
exceeding many.
[11] But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be
healed; they shall be given to salt.
[12] And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side,
shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the
fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his
months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit
thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.
[13] Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall
inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall
have two portions.
[14] And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another: concerning the which I
lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall
unto you for inheritance.
[15] And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from
the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;
[16] Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and
the border of Hamath; Hazar-hatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran.
[17] And the border from the sea shall be Hazar-enan, the border of
Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the
north side.
[18] And the east side ye shall measure from Hauran, and from Damascus, and
from Gilead, and from the land of Israel by Jordan, from the border unto
the east sea. And this is the east side.
[19] And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife
in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side
southward.
[20] The west side also shall be the great sea from the border, till a man
come over against Hamath. This is the west side.
[21] So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of
Israel.
[22] And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an
inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which
shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the
country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you
among the tribes of Israel.
[23] And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth,
there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 48
The Division of the Land
1 (Eze 47:15-17; Jos 19:40-47) Now these are the names of the tribes:
From the north end beside the way of Hethlon as one goes to Lebo Hamath,
as far as Hazar Enan at the border of Damascus northward beside Hamath
going from east to west, Dan, one portion;
2 (Jos 19:24-31) by the border of Dan from the east side to the west side,
a portion for Asher;
3 (Jos 19:32-39)by the border of Asher from the east side even
to the west side, a portion for Naphtali;
4 (Jos 17:1-11; 13:29-31) by the border of Naphtali from the east side
to the west side, a portion for Manasseh;
5 (Jos 17:8-10; 17:14-18) by the border of Manasseh from the east side
to the west side, a portion for Ephraim;
6 (Jos 13:15-21) by the border of Ephraim from the east side even
to the west side, a portion for Reuben;
7 (Jos 15:1-63; 19:9) by the border of Reuben from the east side
to the west side,
a portion for Judah;
8 (Isa 12:6; 33:20-22) by the border of Judah from the east side
to the west side
shall be the allotment which you shall set apart, 25000 cubits
[About 8 miles, or 13 kilometers; and in vv. 9, 10, 13, 15, 20, and 21. ]
in width and in length as one of the other parts, from the east side
to the west side. And the sanctuary shall be in the middle of it.
9 The allotment that you shall set apart to the Lord shall be 25000 cubits
in length, and ten thousand [About 3 1/3 miles, or 5.3 kilometers;
and in vv. 10, 13, and 18.] in width. ]
10 (Eze 45:4; 44:28) For them, even for the priests, shall be
this holy allotment, toward the north 25000 cubits in length and toward
the west ten thousand in width and toward the east ten thousand in width
and toward the south twenty-five thousand cubits in length.
And the sanctuary of the Lord shall be in its midst.
11 (Eze 40:46; 44:10) It shall be for the priests who are sanctified
of the sons of Zadok, who have kept My charge, who did not go astray
when the sons of Israel went astray as the Levites went astray.
12 It shall be an allotment to them, a thing most holy,
the allotment of the land by the border of the Levites.
13 Opposite the border of the priests, the Levites shall have 25000 cubits
in length and ten thousand in width. All the length shall be 25000 cubits,
and the width ten thousand.
14 (Lev 27:28)They shall not sell of it or exchange
or alienate this choice portion of the land, for it is holy to the Lord.
15 (Eze 42:20; 45:6) The 5000 cubits [About 1 2/3 miles, or 2.7 kilometers.]
in width that remain and the 25000 in length shall be for common use
for the city, for dwellings and for suburbs.
And the city shall be in the midst.
16 (Rev 21:16) These shall be its measurements: the north side 4500 cubits;
[About 1 1/2 miles, or 2.4 kilometers; and in vv. 30, 32, 33, and 34.]
and the south side 4500 cubits; and on the east side 4500cubits;
and the west side 4500 cubits.
17 The suburbs of the city shall be: to the north, 250 cubits;
[About 440 feet, or 135 meters.] to the south,
two hundred and fifty cubits; to the east,
two hundred and fifty cubits; and to the west,
two hundred and fifty cubits.
18 The rest in length alongside the holy portion shall be 10000 cubits
eastward and 10000 westward. And it shall be alongside the holy portion.
And its increase shall be for food to those who serve the city.
19 Those who serve the city, out of all the tribes of Israel,
shall cultivate it.
20 All the allotment shall be 25000 by 2500 cubits. You shall set apart
the holy allotment foursquare, with the property of the city.
21 (Eze 48:22) The rest shall belong to the prince, on both sides
of the holy allotment and the city property, next to the 25000 cubits
of the allotment toward the eastern border, and westward next to the 25000
toward the western border, next to the portions for the prince.
And the holy allotment and the sanctuary of the temple shall be in its midst.
22 Moreover excluding the property of the Levites and the property
of the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince's, everything
between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin shall be
for the prince.
23 (Jos 18:21-28) As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side to the
west side, Benjamin shall have one portion.
24 (Jos 19:1-9; Ge 29:33) By the border of Benjamin from the east side
to the west side, Simeon shall have one portion.
25 (Jos 19:17-23) By the border of Simeon from the east side
to the west side, Issachar shall have one portion.
26 (Jos 19:10-16) By the border of Issachar from the east side
to the west side, Zebulun shall have one portion.
27 (Jos 13:24-28) By the border of Zebulun from the east side
to the west side, Gad shall have one portion.
28 (2Ch 20:2; Eze 47:15) By the border of Gad at the south side southward
the border shall be even from Tamar to the waters of Meribah Kadesh
and to the brook of Egypt toward the Mediterranean Sea.
29 This is the land which you shall divide by lot to the tribes of Israel
for inheritance, and these are their portions, says the Lord God.
The Gates of the New City
30 (Eze 48:16) These are the exits of the city on the north side,
4500 cubits by measurement.
31 (Rev 21:12-13) The gates of the city shall be named after the tribes
of Israel, three gates northward: one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah,
one gate of Levi.
32 At the east side, four thousand five hundred cubits, shall be three gates:
one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.
33 At the south side, four thousand five hundred cubits
[About 1 1/2 miles, or 2.4 kilometers. ]
by measurement, shall be three gates: one gate of Simeon,
one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun.
34 At the west side, four thousand five hundred cubits,
shall be three gates: one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher,
one gate of Naphtali.
35 (Jer 3:17; 33:16) The circumference shall be 18000 cubits.
[About 6 miles, or 9.5 kilometers.]
And the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord Is There.
Ezekiel 48
[1] Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast
of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazar-enan, the border of
Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east
and west; a portion for Dan.
[2] And by the border of Dan, from the east side unto the west side, a
portion for Asher.
[3] And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side,
a portion for Naphtali.
[4] And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, a
portion for Manasseh.
[5] And by the border of Manasseh, from the east side unto the west side, a
portion for Ephraim.
[6] And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west
side, a portion for Reuben.
[7] And by the border of Reuben, from the east side unto the west side, a
portion for Judah.
[8] And by the border of Judah, from the east side unto the west side, shall
be the offering which ye shall offer of five and twenty thousand reeds in
breadth, and in length as one of the other parts, from the east side unto
the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in the midst of it.
[9] The oblation that ye shall offer unto the LORD shall be of five and
twenty thousand in length, and of ten thousand in breadth.
[10] And for them, even for the priests, shall be this holy oblation; toward
the north five and twenty thousand in length, and toward the west ten
thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward
the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the LORD
shall be in the midst thereof.
[11] It shall be for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok;
which have kept my charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel
went astray, as the Levites went astray.
[12] And this oblation of the land that is offered shall be unto them a
thing most holy by the border of the Levites.
[13] And over against the border of the priests the Levites shall have five
and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length
shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.
[14] And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the
firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto the LORD.
[15] And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the
five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane place for the city, for
dwelling, and for suburbs: and the city shall be in the midst thereof.
[16] And these shall be the measures thereof; the north side four thousand
and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on
the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four
thousand and five hundred.
[17] And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and
fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two
hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty.
[18] And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy portion
shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be
over against the oblation of the holy portion; and the increase thereof
shall be for food unto them that serve the city.
[19] And they that serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes of
Israel.
[20] All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty
thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession
of the city.
[21] And the residue shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the
other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, over against
the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and
westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border,
over against the portions for the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation;
and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof.
[22] Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of
the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince's, between the
border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince.
[23] As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side,
Benjamin shall have a portion.
[24] And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side,
Simeon shall have a portion.
[25] And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side,
Issachar a portion.
[26] And by the border of Issachar, from the east side unto the west side,
Zebulun a portion.
[27] And by the border of Zebulun, from the east side unto the west side,
Gad a portion.
[28] And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall
be even from Tamar unto the waters of strife in Kadesh, and to the river
toward the great sea.
[29] This is the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel
for inheritance, and these are their portions, saith the Lord GOD.
[30] And these are the goings out of the city on the north side, four
thousand and five hundred measures.
[31] And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of
Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one
gate of Levi.
[32] And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates;
and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.
[33] And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and
three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun.
[34] At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three
gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali.
[35] It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city
from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 September 2023 Titled Promise Fulfilled
Luke 1:26-38
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
[26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city
of Galilee, named Nazareth,
[27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of
David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
[28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly
favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
[29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her
mind what manner of salutation this should be.
[30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour
with God.
[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name JESUS.
[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the
Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom
there shall be no end.
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a
man?
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come
upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore
also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of
God.
[36] And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her
old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
[37] For with God nothing shall be impossible.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according
to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Each summer when I was a child, I would travel two hundred miles to enjoy a
week with my grandparents. I wasn't aware until later how much wisdom I
soaked up from those two people I loved. Their life experiences and walk with
God had given them perspectives that my young mind couldn't yet imagine.
Conversations with them about the faithfulness of God assured me that God
is trustworthy and fulfills every promise He makes.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a teenager when an angel visited her. The
incredible news brought by Gabriel must have been overwhelming, yet she
willingly accepted the task with grace (Luke 1:38). But perhaps her visit
with her elderly relative Elizabeth-who was also in the midst of a miraculous
pregnancy (some scholars believe she may have been sixty years old)-brought
her comfort as Elizabeth enthusiastically confirmed Gabriel's words
that she was the mother of the promised Messiah (vv. 39-45).
As we grow and mature in Christ, as my grandparents did, we learn that He
keeps His promises. He kept His promise of a child for Elizabeth and her
husband Zechariah (vv. 57–58). And that son, John the Baptist, became the
harbinger of a promise made hundreds of years before-one that would change
the course of humanity's future. The promised Messiah-the Saviour
of the world-was coming! (Matthew 1:21-23).
By: Cindy Hess Kasper
Reflect & Pray
Why can you trust God to fulfill His promises?
Which of His promises bring you the most joy?
Loving Father, thank You for being trustworthy
and for fulfilling Your promises.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 1 A circle of Light
John 8:12
12 (Jn 12:35; Job 33:28; Isa 49:6)Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me
shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life.
When Judy Garland stepped onstage, she filled the spotlight. Nothing was
illuminated but her face, and as she sang, her listeners had a sense of being
transported beyond themselves into the meaning of her song. The focus of
reality, at that moment, was "Judy", and everything else faded into the dim
recesses of the shadowed room. The spotlight brought her into sharp focus
as the center of attention, and all around her was darkness.
When the scriptures speaks of Jesus as "the light," the image is not
of thousands of blazing bulbs lighting up a football field for a night game.
Rather, he is like a hand-help lamp that throws a circle of light in the
immediate vicinity. such a lamp lights the path that a traveler will walk,
but lights it only one step at a time.
Jesus is the center of that circle of light. As we follow him, we share the
light, but he is always at center. Jesus Christ is the focal point,
and everything else fades into dim gray by comparison.
If we are to keep our lives illuminated, to have his light falling upon the
road we walk, we must stay close to him. Jesus does not hand the lamp
to us and suggest that we go the way he wants; he , the Light, leads,
and if we want to stay in the light, we follow.
Application
a) Have I ever tried to go my own way, apart from the Light?
What was the result?
b) How can this verse help me remember the importance of staying close
to Jesus?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Gen 13:2,5-6,14-17
2 (Ge 24:35; Ps 112:1-3) Abram was very wealthy in livestock,
in silver and in gold.
5 Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents.
6 (Ge 36:6-7) But the land was not able to support them
both dwelling together because their possessions were so great.
14 (Ge 28:14; Dt 3:27) After Lot had departed from him,
the Lord said to Abram,
"Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are,
northward and southward and eastward and westward.
15 (Ge 12:7; 2Ch 20:7) All the land that you see I will give to you
and to your descendants forever.
16 (Ge 28:14; Nu 23:10) I will make your descendants like the dust
of the earth, so that if a man could number the dust of the earth,
then your descendants could also be numbered.
17 Arise, and walk throughout the land across its length
and its width, for I will give it to you."
2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
5 And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together:
for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him,
Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward,
and southward, and eastward, and westward:
15 for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it,
and to thy seed for ever.
16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man
can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it;
for I will give it unto thee.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Generous Provision
Ps 145:13b-21
13 Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
and loving in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,
to all who call upon Him in truth.
19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and will save them.
20 The Lord preserves all those who love Him,
but all the wicked He will destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,
and let all people bless His holy name
forever and ever.
13 And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
And holy in all his works.
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
To all that call upon him in truth.
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him:
He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him:
But all the wicked will he destroy.
21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD:
And let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
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?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
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 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) '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.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Conclusion:
Pray to feel the Presence of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray for spiritual restoration.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Father, thank You for being trustworthy
and for fulfilling Your promises."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He is the light.
Pray to the Lord and pray to kow Him as the one who will provide.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as a generous provider.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
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 Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Pray that believers in Mali who lost their jobs as a result of military coups
will find new opportunities of employment.
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.