Day 254 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 11 September 2023 reflections
Day 254, 11 September 2023
1) Joel 1,2,3
Joel 1
1 (Jer 1:2; Ac 2:16) The word of the Lord, which came to Joel, son of Pethuel.
A Land Laid Waste
2 (Hos 5:1; Joel 2:2) Hear this, elders,
and give ear, all inhabitants of the land!
Has anything like this happened in your days,
or in the days of your fathers?
3 Tell it to your children,
and let your children tell their children,
and let their children tell another generation.
4 (Joel 2:25; Am 4:9; Ex 10:4) What the fledging locust left,
the adult locust has eaten;
what the adult locust left,
the larval locust has eaten;
what the larval locust left,
the hopper locust has eaten.
5 Awaken, drunkards, and weep!
Wail, all wine-drinkers,
because the sweet wine
has been cut off from your lips.
6 (Joel 2:25) For a nation powerful and innumerable
has invaded my land;
its teeth are like the teeth of a lion,
like the fangs of a lioness.
7 (Isa 5:6; Joel 1:12) It has despoiled my vine,
and splintered my fig tree;
it has stripped off its bark
and cast it away,
leaving its branches white.
8 (Isa 22:12) Lament like a virgin wearing sackcloth
for the husband of her youth.
9 (Joel 2:14; 2:17) The grain offering and the drink offering
are cut off from the house of the Lord;
the priests mourn, who are
ministers to the Lord.
10 (Jer 12:11; Hos 4:3) The field is ravaged,
the ground mourns;
for the grain is ruined,
the new wine is dried up,
and the oil dwindles.
11 (Isa 17:11; Jer 9:12) Despair, fieldworkers;
wail, vinedressers,
for the wheat and the barley,
because the harvest of the field has perished.
12 (Isa 24:11; SS 2:3) The vine is dried up,
and the fig tree is withered;
pomegranate, palm, and apple-
all the trees of the field are dry;
surely joy has withered away
from the sons of men.
A Call to Repentance
13 (Jer 4:8; Joel 1:8-9) Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests;
wail, ministers of the altar.
Come, spend the night in sackcloth,
ministers of my God,
because the grain offering and the drink offering
are withheld from the house of your God.
14 (Joel 2:15–16; Jnh 3:8) Consecrate a fast,
call a sacred assembly,
assemble the elders
and all the inhabitants of the land
to the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.
15 (Jer 30:7; Eze 7:2-12) Alas, for the day!
For the day of the Lord is near,
and like devastation from the Almighty it comes.
16 (Dt 12:6-7; Ps 43:4) Has not the food been cut off
before our eyes,
joy and gladness
from the house of our God?
17 The seeds have shriveled
under their shovels,
the storehouses have been deserted;
the granaries have been torn down,
because the grain has dried up.
18 (Jer 12:4; Hos 4:3) How the beasts groan!
The herds of cattle are confused,
because they have no pasture;
even the flocks of sheep suffer.
19 (Ps 50:15; Jer 9:10) To You, O Lord, I call,
because fire has devoured the wild pastures,
and flame has burned all the trees of the field.
20 (Ps 104:21; 1Ki 17:7) Even the beasts of the field long for You,
because the streams of water have dried up,
and fire has devoured the wild pastures.
Joel 1
[1] The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.
[2] Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land.
Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?
[3] Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children,
and their children another generation.
[4] That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that
which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the
cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.
[5] Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, all ye drinkers of wine,
because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.
[6] For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose
teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.
[7] He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it
clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.
[8] Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.
[9] The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of
the LORD; the priests, the LORD's ministers, mourn.
[10] The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new
wine is dried up, the oil languisheth.
[11] Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat
and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.
[12] The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate
tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the
field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.
[13] Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the
altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the
meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your
God.
[14] Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all
the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry
unto the LORD,
[15] Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a
destruction from the Almighty shall it come.
[16] Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the
house of our God?
[17] The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate,
the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered.
[18] How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because
they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
[19] O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of
the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field.
[20] The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters
are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
Joel 2
The Day of the Lord
1 (Joel 1:15; 2:15) Blow the ram's horn in Zion,
sound the alarm on My holy mountain!
All the inhabitants of the earth will tremble,
because the day of the Lord has come,
because it is near-
2 (Joel 1:6; 2:25) a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness.
Like blackness spreading over the mountain,
a great and mighty army comes,
such as was never before,
and will never be again,
even through the years of all generations.
3 (Ge 2:8; Isa 51:3) Before them fire devours,
and behind them a flame blazes;
the land is like the garden of Eden before them,
but behind them a desolate wasteland,
and nothing escapes them.
4 (Rev 9:7) They have the appearance of horses,
and like cavalry they run.
5 (Isa 5:24; Rev 9:9) As with the sound of chariots,
they leap on the mountaintops,
as with the sound of a flame of fire consuming stubble,
as a mighty army arrayed for war.
6 (Na 2:10; Isa 13:8) Before them, peoples are tormented;
every face turns pale.
7 (Pr 30:27) Like mighty men they run,
like men of war they scale a wall;
each marches on his way,
they do not swerve from their paths.
8 They do not jostle one another;
each marches in his track.
Through the weapons they plunge;
they do not break rank.
9 (Jer 9:21; Jn 10:1) They rush on the city,
they run on the wall;
they climb up into the houses,
they enter through the windows like thieves.
10 (Ps 18:7; Isa 13:10) Before them the earth quakes,
the heavens shake;
the sun and moon darken,
and the stars withdraw their radiance.
11 (Rev 18:8; Joel 3:16) The Lord has sounded His voice
before His army,
for His camp is exceedingly great;
mighty is the one who accomplishes His word.
For great is the day of the Lord,
and very awe-inspiring.
Who can endure it?
Return to the Lord
12 (Jer 4:1; Hos 12:6) Yet even now, declares the Lord,
return to Me with all your heart,
and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning.
13 (Ps 34:18; Jnh 4:2) Rend your heart,
and not your garments;
return to the Lord your God,
for He is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
and He relents from punishing.
14 (Joel 1:13; Hag 2:19) Who knows? He might turn aside and relent,
and He might leave behind a blessing—
a grain offering and a food offering
for the Lord your God.
15 (Joel 1:14; Nu 10:3) Blow the ram's horn in Zion,
consecrate a fast,
call a sacred assembly.
16 (Ex 19:10; 19:22) Gather the people,
consecrate the congregation,
assemble the elders,
gather the children
and those nursing at the breast;
let the bridegroom leave his room
and the bride her chamber.
17( Eze 8:16; Ps 79:10) Between the temple porch and the altar,
let the priests, ministers of the Lord, weep and say,
"Have pity upon Your people,
and do not make Your heritage a disgrace,
a mockery among the nations.
Why should they say among the peoples,
'Where is their God?' "
Rescue and Restitution
18 (Zec 1:14; 8:2) Then the Lord became jealous for His land
and took pity upon His people.
19 (Eze 34:29; Joel 1:10) So the Lord answered and said to His people,
Here! I am sending you grain, new wine, and oil,
and you will be satisfied,
and I will never again make you
a disgrace among the nations.
20 (Zec 14:8; Dt 11:24; Isa 34:3) I will remove the northerner far from you,
and I will banish him to a dry and desolate land,
those in front to the eastern sea,
and those in back to the western sea,
and his stink will rise,
and his stench will rise,
for he has done great things.
21 (Isa 54:4; Zep 3:16-17) Do not be afraid, land;
exult and rejoice,
for the Lord has done great things!
22 (Ps 65:12; Joel 1:18-20) Do not be afraid, beasts of the field,
because the wild pastures flourish,
because the tree bears its fruit;
the fig tree and the vine yield their abundance.
23 (Zec 10:7; Lev 26:4) And children of Zion, exult
and rejoice in the Lord your God,
because He has given to you
the early rain for vindication.
He showers down rains for you,
the early rain and the latter rain, as before.
24 (Lev 26:10; Am 9:13) Then the threshing floors will be filled with grain,
and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
25 (Joel 1:4-7; 2:2-11) And I will compensate you for the years the locusts
have eaten-the larval locust, the hopper locust,
and the fledging locust-
My great army which I sent against you.
26 (Lev 26:5; Isa 25:1) You will eat abundantly and be satisfied,
and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
who has worked wonders for you;
and My people will never again be shamed.
27 (Joel 3:17; Lev 26:11-12) Then you will know that I am in the midst
of Israel, that I am the Lord your God,
and that there is no other.
And My people will never again be shamed.
The Outpouring of the Spirit
28 (Eze 39:29; Isa 32:15) And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
and your young men will see visions.
29 (1Co 12:13; Gal 3:28) Even on the menservants and maidservants
in those days I will pour out My Spirit.
30 (Lk 21:11; Mt 24:29) Then I will work wonders in the heavens
and the earth-
blood and fire and columns of smoke.
31 (Mal 4:5; Isa 13:9-10) The sun will be turned to darkness,
and the moon to blood,
before the great and awe-inspiring day of the Lord comes.
32 (Isa 46:13; Ob 1:17) And it will be that everyone
who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
there will be deliverance,
as the Lord has said,
and among the survivors
whom the Lord calls.
Joel 2
[1] Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let
all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for
it is nigh at hand;
[2] A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick
darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a
strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after
it, even to the years of many generations.
[3] A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land
is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness;
yea, and nothing shall escape them.
[4] The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen,
so shall they run.
[5] Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap,
like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong
people set in battle array.
[6] Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall
gather blackness.
[7] They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of
war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break
their ranks:
[8] Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path:
and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.
[9] They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall,
they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like
a thief.
[10] The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun
and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
[11] And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is
very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the
LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
[12] Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your
heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
[13] And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your
God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness,
and repenteth him of the evil.
[14] Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind
him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
[15] Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
[16] Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders,
gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go
forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
[17] Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and
the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine
heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore
should they say among the people, Where is their God?
[18] Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
[19] Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send
you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will
no more make you a reproach among the heathen:
[20] But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive
him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and
his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his
ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.
[21] Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great
things.
[22] Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the
wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the
vine do yield their strength.
[23] Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God:
for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come
down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first
month.
[24] And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with
wine and oil.
[25] And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the
cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I
sent among you.
[26] And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of
the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall
never be ashamed.
[27] And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the
LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
[28] And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit
upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old
men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
[29] And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I
pour out my spirit.
[30] And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and
fire, and pillars of smoke.
[31] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before
the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
[32] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the
LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be
deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall
call.
Joel 3
Judging the Nations
1 (Jer 16:15; 30:3) In those days and at that time,
when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,
2 (Isa 66:16; Eze 35:10) I will gather all the nations,
and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
I will enter into judgment with them there
regarding My people and My heritage Israel,
whom they have scattered among the nations;
they have also divided up My land.
3 (Am 2:6; Ob 1:11) They have cast lots for My people,
and have traded a boy for a prostitute;
they have sold a girl for wine,
that they might drink.
4 (Isa 34:8; 59:18) Also, what are you to Me, Tyre and Sidon
and all the regions of Philistia? Are you repaying Me
for something? If you are repaying Me, I will return your payment
swiftly and speedily on your head.
5 (2Ki 12:18; 2Ch 21:16-17) For you have taken My silver and My gold,
and you have carried off My finest treasures to your temples.
6 (Eze 27:13; Joel 3:3) You have sold the people of Judah
and Jerusalem to the Greeks in order to remove them far from their border.
7 (Isa 43:5-6; Jer 23:8) I am about to rouse them from the place
to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your head.
8 (Isa 60:14; Job 1:15) I will sell your sons and your daughters
into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them
to the Sabeans-to a distant nation, for the Lord has spoken.
9 (Isa 8:9-10; Jer 46:3-4) Proclaim this among the nations:
Consecrate a war!
Stir up the mighty men!
Let all the men of war draw near and rise.
10 (Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3) Beat your plowshares into swords
and your pruning hooks into spears;
let the weakling say,
"I am a warrior!"
11 (Isa 13:3; Zep 3:8) Hurry and come, all you surrounding nations,
and gather there.
Bring down Your warriors, O Lord.
12 (Isa 2:4; Ps 96:13) Let the nations be roused,
and go up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;
for there I will sit
to judge all the surrounding nations.
13 (Hos 6:11; Isa 63:3) Swing the sickle,
for the harvest is ripe.
Come and tread,
for the winepress is full.
The wine vats overflow,
because their evil is great.
14 (Isa 34:2-8; Joel 1:15) Multitudes, multitudes,
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
in the valley of the decision.
15 (Joel 2:10; 2:31) The sun and moon darken,
and the stars withdraw their radiance.
16 (Am 1:2; Eze 38:19) The Lord roars from Zion,
and sounds His voice from Jerusalem,
and heaven and earth quake.
But the Lord is a refuge for His people,
and a stronghold for the children of Israel.
The Lord Dwells in Zion
17 (Joel 2:27; Isa 4:3) Then you will know that I am the Lord your God,
who dwells in Zion, My holy mountain.
And Jerusalem will be holy,
and invaders will never again pass through her.
18 (Isa 30:25; 35:6) And it will be that in that day the mountains will drip
sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk,
and all the streambeds of Judah will flow with water;
a spring will proceed from the house of the Lord
and will water the Valley of Shittim.
19 (Isa 19:1-15) Egypt will become a desolation,
and Edom a desolate wasteland,
because of the violence done to the people of Judah-
they shed innocent blood in their land.
20 (Eze 37:25; Am 9:15) But Judah will be inhabited forever,
and Jerusalem for generations and generations.
21 (Isa 4:4; Eze 36:25) I will avenge their blood,
which I have not yet avenged.
The Lord dwells in Zion!
Joel 3
[1] For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again
the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,
[2] I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley
of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my
heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my
land.
[3] And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an
harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.
[4] Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the
coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompence
me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;
[5] Because ye have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried into your
temples my goodly pleasant things:
[6] The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold
unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from their border.
[7] Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them,
and will return your recompence upon your own head:
[8] And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the
children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far
off: for the LORD hath spoken it.
[9] Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty
men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:
[10] Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears:
let the weak say, I am strong.
[11] Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves
together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.
[12] Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat:
for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
[13] Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for
the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
[14] Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the
LORD is near in the valley of decision.
[15] The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw
their shining.
[16] The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from
Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be
the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
[17] So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy
mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass
through her any more.
[18] And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop
down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of
Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house
of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.
[19] Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness,
for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed
innocent blood in their land.
[20] But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to
generation.
[21] For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD
dwelleth in Zion.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 September 2023 Titled Which Wisdom?
James 3:13-18
The Wisdom From Above
13 (Jas 2:18; 1:21) Who is wise and understanding among you?
Let him show his works by his good life in the meekness of wisdom.
14 (Jas 3:16; 2Co 12:20) But if you have bitter envying and strife
in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth.
15 (Jas 1:17; Jude 1:19) This wisdom descends not from above,
but is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish.
16 (1Co 3:3; Jas 3:14) For where there is envying and strife,
there is confusion and every evil work.
17 (Ro 12:9; Jas 2:4) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 (Pr 11:18; Mt 5:9) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.
[13] Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out
of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
[14] But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and
lie not against the truth.
[15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
[16] For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
[17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
[18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make
peace.
Just before Easter 2018, a terrorist entered a market, killing two people
and taking a third woman hostage. When efforts to free the woman failed, a
policeman made the terrorist an offer: release the woman and take him instead.
The offer was shocking because it went against popular wisdom. You can always
tell a culture's "wisdom" by the sayings it celebrates, like the celebrity
quotes that get posted on social media. "The biggest adventure you can take
is to live the life of your dreams," one popular quote reads. "Love yourself
first and everything else falls into line," says another. "Do what you have to
do, for you," states a third. Had the police officer followed such advice,
he'd have put himself first and run.
The apostle James says there are two kinds of wisdom in the world: one
"earthly," another "heavenly." The first is marked by selfish ambition and
disorder (James 3:14-16); the second, by humility, submission, and peacemaking
(vv. 13, 17-18). Earthly wisdom puts self first. Heavenly wisdom favors others,
leading to a life of humble deeds (v. 13).
The terrorist accepted the police officer's offer. The hostage was released,
the policeman was shot, and that Easter the world witnessed
an innocent man dying for someone else.
Heavenly wisdom leads to humble deeds because it places God above self
(Proverbs 9:10). Which wisdom are you following today?
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
What "wisdom" does the world offer?
How can you best assess the wisdom you're offered?
All-wise God, please give me the kind of wisdom
that leads to humble deeds done in love.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 2 - God's purpose: The Image of Christ
Romans 8:28-29
28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for
good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew,
He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed
to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
A baby dies of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the parents are
devastated, plagued with guilt, and Asking "Why?" A 17-year-old plunges
headfirst into a pond and to the surface a quadriplegic. A single mother
of 3, struck down by leukemia, has to release he children to foster homes.
And in all these cases, well-meaning Christians stand by and attempt to
comfort: "All things work together for good, you know," they say blithely,
"just trust God, and praise him for everything."
Such pat answers are often repeated because they do contain an element
of truth; they become "pat", meaningless, and superficial, when they are
used as a panacea for all ills, whether the cure fits or not.
The truth is, God does use everything for the benefit of his people -
even disaster and tragedy. Romans 8:28 says, "Ian all things God works ...."
God foes not cause human suffering. He is not the author of pain
and misery. But what the Enemy of our souls intends for
destruction, God can use for growth.
The key to understanding Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29 . The Lord makes
clear what "his purpose" is: that we be "conformed to the
likeness of his Son." Everything that happens is not good,
but nothing is wasted in the economy of God. Even the sorrow,
misfortune, and calamity that strike all of us cam be used by the Spirit
to transform us into the image of Christ.
Application
a) Have I ever had experiences that made me doubt the
"all things work together for good"?
b) How does Romans 8:29 clarify Romans 8:28?
c) How can these verses help me deal with the struggles I have in my
own life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Haggai 2:7-9
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,
and they will come with the wealth of all nations,
and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater
than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place
I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.
7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,
saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,
saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place
will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
James 1:12-18
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.
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
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Thank Lord Jusus Christ that He will come again.
Pray to the Lord: "All-wise God, please give me the kind of wisdom
that leads to humble deeds done in love."
Pray to the Lord and pray to trust in the Lord's perfection.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that all is His.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him all your temptations.
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 God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
Pray that Christians in Nepal will be living testaments of God's grace
to their neighbours.
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) Joel 1,2,3
Joel 1
1 (Jer 1:2; Ac 2:16) The word of the Lord, which came to Joel, son of Pethuel.
A Land Laid Waste
2 (Hos 5:1; Joel 2:2) Hear this, elders,
and give ear, all inhabitants of the land!
Has anything like this happened in your days,
or in the days of your fathers?
3 Tell it to your children,
and let your children tell their children,
and let their children tell another generation.
4 (Joel 2:25; Am 4:9; Ex 10:4) What the fledging locust left,
the adult locust has eaten;
what the adult locust left,
the larval locust has eaten;
what the larval locust left,
the hopper locust has eaten.
5 Awaken, drunkards, and weep!
Wail, all wine-drinkers,
because the sweet wine
has been cut off from your lips.
6 (Joel 2:25) For a nation powerful and innumerable
has invaded my land;
its teeth are like the teeth of a lion,
like the fangs of a lioness.
7 (Isa 5:6; Joel 1:12) It has despoiled my vine,
and splintered my fig tree;
it has stripped off its bark
and cast it away,
leaving its branches white.
8 (Isa 22:12) Lament like a virgin wearing sackcloth
for the husband of her youth.
9 (Joel 2:14; 2:17) The grain offering and the drink offering
are cut off from the house of the Lord;
the priests mourn, who are
ministers to the Lord.
10 (Jer 12:11; Hos 4:3) The field is ravaged,
the ground mourns;
for the grain is ruined,
the new wine is dried up,
and the oil dwindles.
11 (Isa 17:11; Jer 9:12) Despair, fieldworkers;
wail, vinedressers,
for the wheat and the barley,
because the harvest of the field has perished.
12 (Isa 24:11; SS 2:3) The vine is dried up,
and the fig tree is withered;
pomegranate, palm, and apple-
all the trees of the field are dry;
surely joy has withered away
from the sons of men.
A Call to Repentance
13 (Jer 4:8; Joel 1:8-9) Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests;
wail, ministers of the altar.
Come, spend the night in sackcloth,
ministers of my God,
because the grain offering and the drink offering
are withheld from the house of your God.
14 (Joel 2:15–16; Jnh 3:8) Consecrate a fast,
call a sacred assembly,
assemble the elders
and all the inhabitants of the land
to the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.
15 (Jer 30:7; Eze 7:2-12) Alas, for the day!
For the day of the Lord is near,
and like devastation from the Almighty it comes.
16 (Dt 12:6-7; Ps 43:4) Has not the food been cut off
before our eyes,
joy and gladness
from the house of our God?
17 The seeds have shriveled
under their shovels,
the storehouses have been deserted;
the granaries have been torn down,
because the grain has dried up.
18 (Jer 12:4; Hos 4:3) How the beasts groan!
The herds of cattle are confused,
because they have no pasture;
even the flocks of sheep suffer.
19 (Ps 50:15; Jer 9:10) To You, O Lord, I call,
because fire has devoured the wild pastures,
and flame has burned all the trees of the field.
20 (Ps 104:21; 1Ki 17:7) Even the beasts of the field long for You,
because the streams of water have dried up,
and fire has devoured the wild pastures.
Joel 1
[1] The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.
[2] Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land.
Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?
[3] Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children,
and their children another generation.
[4] That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that
which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the
cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.
[5] Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, all ye drinkers of wine,
because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.
[6] For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose
teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.
[7] He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it
clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.
[8] Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.
[9] The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of
the LORD; the priests, the LORD's ministers, mourn.
[10] The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new
wine is dried up, the oil languisheth.
[11] Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat
and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.
[12] The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate
tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the
field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.
[13] Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the
altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the
meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your
God.
[14] Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all
the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry
unto the LORD,
[15] Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a
destruction from the Almighty shall it come.
[16] Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the
house of our God?
[17] The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate,
the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered.
[18] How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because
they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.
[19] O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of
the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field.
[20] The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters
are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
Joel 2
The Day of the Lord
1 (Joel 1:15; 2:15) Blow the ram's horn in Zion,
sound the alarm on My holy mountain!
All the inhabitants of the earth will tremble,
because the day of the Lord has come,
because it is near-
2 (Joel 1:6; 2:25) a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness.
Like blackness spreading over the mountain,
a great and mighty army comes,
such as was never before,
and will never be again,
even through the years of all generations.
3 (Ge 2:8; Isa 51:3) Before them fire devours,
and behind them a flame blazes;
the land is like the garden of Eden before them,
but behind them a desolate wasteland,
and nothing escapes them.
4 (Rev 9:7) They have the appearance of horses,
and like cavalry they run.
5 (Isa 5:24; Rev 9:9) As with the sound of chariots,
they leap on the mountaintops,
as with the sound of a flame of fire consuming stubble,
as a mighty army arrayed for war.
6 (Na 2:10; Isa 13:8) Before them, peoples are tormented;
every face turns pale.
7 (Pr 30:27) Like mighty men they run,
like men of war they scale a wall;
each marches on his way,
they do not swerve from their paths.
8 They do not jostle one another;
each marches in his track.
Through the weapons they plunge;
they do not break rank.
9 (Jer 9:21; Jn 10:1) They rush on the city,
they run on the wall;
they climb up into the houses,
they enter through the windows like thieves.
10 (Ps 18:7; Isa 13:10) Before them the earth quakes,
the heavens shake;
the sun and moon darken,
and the stars withdraw their radiance.
11 (Rev 18:8; Joel 3:16) The Lord has sounded His voice
before His army,
for His camp is exceedingly great;
mighty is the one who accomplishes His word.
For great is the day of the Lord,
and very awe-inspiring.
Who can endure it?
Return to the Lord
12 (Jer 4:1; Hos 12:6) Yet even now, declares the Lord,
return to Me with all your heart,
and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning.
13 (Ps 34:18; Jnh 4:2) Rend your heart,
and not your garments;
return to the Lord your God,
for He is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
and He relents from punishing.
14 (Joel 1:13; Hag 2:19) Who knows? He might turn aside and relent,
and He might leave behind a blessing—
a grain offering and a food offering
for the Lord your God.
15 (Joel 1:14; Nu 10:3) Blow the ram's horn in Zion,
consecrate a fast,
call a sacred assembly.
16 (Ex 19:10; 19:22) Gather the people,
consecrate the congregation,
assemble the elders,
gather the children
and those nursing at the breast;
let the bridegroom leave his room
and the bride her chamber.
17( Eze 8:16; Ps 79:10) Between the temple porch and the altar,
let the priests, ministers of the Lord, weep and say,
"Have pity upon Your people,
and do not make Your heritage a disgrace,
a mockery among the nations.
Why should they say among the peoples,
'Where is their God?' "
Rescue and Restitution
18 (Zec 1:14; 8:2) Then the Lord became jealous for His land
and took pity upon His people.
19 (Eze 34:29; Joel 1:10) So the Lord answered and said to His people,
Here! I am sending you grain, new wine, and oil,
and you will be satisfied,
and I will never again make you
a disgrace among the nations.
20 (Zec 14:8; Dt 11:24; Isa 34:3) I will remove the northerner far from you,
and I will banish him to a dry and desolate land,
those in front to the eastern sea,
and those in back to the western sea,
and his stink will rise,
and his stench will rise,
for he has done great things.
21 (Isa 54:4; Zep 3:16-17) Do not be afraid, land;
exult and rejoice,
for the Lord has done great things!
22 (Ps 65:12; Joel 1:18-20) Do not be afraid, beasts of the field,
because the wild pastures flourish,
because the tree bears its fruit;
the fig tree and the vine yield their abundance.
23 (Zec 10:7; Lev 26:4) And children of Zion, exult
and rejoice in the Lord your God,
because He has given to you
the early rain for vindication.
He showers down rains for you,
the early rain and the latter rain, as before.
24 (Lev 26:10; Am 9:13) Then the threshing floors will be filled with grain,
and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
25 (Joel 1:4-7; 2:2-11) And I will compensate you for the years the locusts
have eaten-the larval locust, the hopper locust,
and the fledging locust-
My great army which I sent against you.
26 (Lev 26:5; Isa 25:1) You will eat abundantly and be satisfied,
and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
who has worked wonders for you;
and My people will never again be shamed.
27 (Joel 3:17; Lev 26:11-12) Then you will know that I am in the midst
of Israel, that I am the Lord your God,
and that there is no other.
And My people will never again be shamed.
The Outpouring of the Spirit
28 (Eze 39:29; Isa 32:15) And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
and your young men will see visions.
29 (1Co 12:13; Gal 3:28) Even on the menservants and maidservants
in those days I will pour out My Spirit.
30 (Lk 21:11; Mt 24:29) Then I will work wonders in the heavens
and the earth-
blood and fire and columns of smoke.
31 (Mal 4:5; Isa 13:9-10) The sun will be turned to darkness,
and the moon to blood,
before the great and awe-inspiring day of the Lord comes.
32 (Isa 46:13; Ob 1:17) And it will be that everyone
who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
there will be deliverance,
as the Lord has said,
and among the survivors
whom the Lord calls.
Joel 2
[1] Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let
all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for
it is nigh at hand;
[2] A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick
darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a
strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after
it, even to the years of many generations.
[3] A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land
is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness;
yea, and nothing shall escape them.
[4] The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen,
so shall they run.
[5] Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap,
like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong
people set in battle array.
[6] Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall
gather blackness.
[7] They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of
war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break
their ranks:
[8] Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path:
and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.
[9] They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall,
they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like
a thief.
[10] The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun
and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
[11] And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is
very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the
LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
[12] Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your
heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
[13] And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your
God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness,
and repenteth him of the evil.
[14] Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind
him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
[15] Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
[16] Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders,
gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go
forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
[17] Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and
the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine
heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore
should they say among the people, Where is their God?
[18] Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
[19] Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send
you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will
no more make you a reproach among the heathen:
[20] But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive
him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and
his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his
ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.
[21] Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great
things.
[22] Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the
wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the
vine do yield their strength.
[23] Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God:
for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come
down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first
month.
[24] And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with
wine and oil.
[25] And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the
cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I
sent among you.
[26] And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of
the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall
never be ashamed.
[27] And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the
LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
[28] And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit
upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old
men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
[29] And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I
pour out my spirit.
[30] And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and
fire, and pillars of smoke.
[31] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before
the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
[32] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the
LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be
deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall
call.
Joel 3
Judging the Nations
1 (Jer 16:15; 30:3) In those days and at that time,
when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,
2 (Isa 66:16; Eze 35:10) I will gather all the nations,
and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
I will enter into judgment with them there
regarding My people and My heritage Israel,
whom they have scattered among the nations;
they have also divided up My land.
3 (Am 2:6; Ob 1:11) They have cast lots for My people,
and have traded a boy for a prostitute;
they have sold a girl for wine,
that they might drink.
4 (Isa 34:8; 59:18) Also, what are you to Me, Tyre and Sidon
and all the regions of Philistia? Are you repaying Me
for something? If you are repaying Me, I will return your payment
swiftly and speedily on your head.
5 (2Ki 12:18; 2Ch 21:16-17) For you have taken My silver and My gold,
and you have carried off My finest treasures to your temples.
6 (Eze 27:13; Joel 3:3) You have sold the people of Judah
and Jerusalem to the Greeks in order to remove them far from their border.
7 (Isa 43:5-6; Jer 23:8) I am about to rouse them from the place
to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your head.
8 (Isa 60:14; Job 1:15) I will sell your sons and your daughters
into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them
to the Sabeans-to a distant nation, for the Lord has spoken.
9 (Isa 8:9-10; Jer 46:3-4) Proclaim this among the nations:
Consecrate a war!
Stir up the mighty men!
Let all the men of war draw near and rise.
10 (Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3) Beat your plowshares into swords
and your pruning hooks into spears;
let the weakling say,
"I am a warrior!"
11 (Isa 13:3; Zep 3:8) Hurry and come, all you surrounding nations,
and gather there.
Bring down Your warriors, O Lord.
12 (Isa 2:4; Ps 96:13) Let the nations be roused,
and go up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;
for there I will sit
to judge all the surrounding nations.
13 (Hos 6:11; Isa 63:3) Swing the sickle,
for the harvest is ripe.
Come and tread,
for the winepress is full.
The wine vats overflow,
because their evil is great.
14 (Isa 34:2-8; Joel 1:15) Multitudes, multitudes,
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
in the valley of the decision.
15 (Joel 2:10; 2:31) The sun and moon darken,
and the stars withdraw their radiance.
16 (Am 1:2; Eze 38:19) The Lord roars from Zion,
and sounds His voice from Jerusalem,
and heaven and earth quake.
But the Lord is a refuge for His people,
and a stronghold for the children of Israel.
The Lord Dwells in Zion
17 (Joel 2:27; Isa 4:3) Then you will know that I am the Lord your God,
who dwells in Zion, My holy mountain.
And Jerusalem will be holy,
and invaders will never again pass through her.
18 (Isa 30:25; 35:6) And it will be that in that day the mountains will drip
sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk,
and all the streambeds of Judah will flow with water;
a spring will proceed from the house of the Lord
and will water the Valley of Shittim.
19 (Isa 19:1-15) Egypt will become a desolation,
and Edom a desolate wasteland,
because of the violence done to the people of Judah-
they shed innocent blood in their land.
20 (Eze 37:25; Am 9:15) But Judah will be inhabited forever,
and Jerusalem for generations and generations.
21 (Isa 4:4; Eze 36:25) I will avenge their blood,
which I have not yet avenged.
The Lord dwells in Zion!
Joel 3
[1] For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again
the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,
[2] I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley
of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my
heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my
land.
[3] And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an
harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.
[4] Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the
coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompence
me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;
[5] Because ye have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried into your
temples my goodly pleasant things:
[6] The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold
unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from their border.
[7] Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them,
and will return your recompence upon your own head:
[8] And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the
children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far
off: for the LORD hath spoken it.
[9] Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty
men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:
[10] Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears:
let the weak say, I am strong.
[11] Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves
together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.
[12] Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat:
for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
[13] Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for
the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
[14] Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the
LORD is near in the valley of decision.
[15] The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw
their shining.
[16] The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from
Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be
the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
[17] So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy
mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass
through her any more.
[18] And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop
down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of
Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house
of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.
[19] Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness,
for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed
innocent blood in their land.
[20] But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to
generation.
[21] For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD
dwelleth in Zion.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 September 2023 Titled Which Wisdom?
James 3:13-18
The Wisdom From Above
13 (Jas 2:18; 1:21) Who is wise and understanding among you?
Let him show his works by his good life in the meekness of wisdom.
14 (Jas 3:16; 2Co 12:20) But if you have bitter envying and strife
in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth.
15 (Jas 1:17; Jude 1:19) This wisdom descends not from above,
but is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish.
16 (1Co 3:3; Jas 3:14) For where there is envying and strife,
there is confusion and every evil work.
17 (Ro 12:9; Jas 2:4) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 (Pr 11:18; Mt 5:9) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.
[13] Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out
of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
[14] But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and
lie not against the truth.
[15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
[16] For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
[17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
[18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make
peace.
Just before Easter 2018, a terrorist entered a market, killing two people
and taking a third woman hostage. When efforts to free the woman failed, a
policeman made the terrorist an offer: release the woman and take him instead.
The offer was shocking because it went against popular wisdom. You can always
tell a culture's "wisdom" by the sayings it celebrates, like the celebrity
quotes that get posted on social media. "The biggest adventure you can take
is to live the life of your dreams," one popular quote reads. "Love yourself
first and everything else falls into line," says another. "Do what you have to
do, for you," states a third. Had the police officer followed such advice,
he'd have put himself first and run.
The apostle James says there are two kinds of wisdom in the world: one
"earthly," another "heavenly." The first is marked by selfish ambition and
disorder (James 3:14-16); the second, by humility, submission, and peacemaking
(vv. 13, 17-18). Earthly wisdom puts self first. Heavenly wisdom favors others,
leading to a life of humble deeds (v. 13).
The terrorist accepted the police officer's offer. The hostage was released,
the policeman was shot, and that Easter the world witnessed
an innocent man dying for someone else.
Heavenly wisdom leads to humble deeds because it places God above self
(Proverbs 9:10). Which wisdom are you following today?
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
What "wisdom" does the world offer?
How can you best assess the wisdom you're offered?
All-wise God, please give me the kind of wisdom
that leads to humble deeds done in love.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 2 - God's purpose: The Image of Christ
Romans 8:28-29
28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for
good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew,
He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed
to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
A baby dies of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the parents are
devastated, plagued with guilt, and Asking "Why?" A 17-year-old plunges
headfirst into a pond and to the surface a quadriplegic. A single mother
of 3, struck down by leukemia, has to release he children to foster homes.
And in all these cases, well-meaning Christians stand by and attempt to
comfort: "All things work together for good, you know," they say blithely,
"just trust God, and praise him for everything."
Such pat answers are often repeated because they do contain an element
of truth; they become "pat", meaningless, and superficial, when they are
used as a panacea for all ills, whether the cure fits or not.
The truth is, God does use everything for the benefit of his people -
even disaster and tragedy. Romans 8:28 says, "Ian all things God works ...."
God foes not cause human suffering. He is not the author of pain
and misery. But what the Enemy of our souls intends for
destruction, God can use for growth.
The key to understanding Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29 . The Lord makes
clear what "his purpose" is: that we be "conformed to the
likeness of his Son." Everything that happens is not good,
but nothing is wasted in the economy of God. Even the sorrow,
misfortune, and calamity that strike all of us cam be used by the Spirit
to transform us into the image of Christ.
Application
a) Have I ever had experiences that made me doubt the
"all things work together for good"?
b) How does Romans 8:29 clarify Romans 8:28?
c) How can these verses help me deal with the struggles I have in my
own life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Haggai 2:7-9
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,
and they will come with the wealth of all nations,
and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater
than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place
I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.
7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,
saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,
saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place
will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
James 1:12-18
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.
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
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Thank Lord Jusus Christ that He will come again.
Pray to the Lord: "All-wise God, please give me the kind of wisdom
that leads to humble deeds done in love."
Pray to the Lord and pray to trust in the Lord's perfection.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that all is His.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him all your temptations.
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 God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
Pray that Christians in Nepal will be living testaments of God's grace
to their neighbours.
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.