Day 259 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 16 September 2023 reflections
Day 259, 16 September 2023
1) Ezra 1,2,3
Ezra 1
The Proclamation of Cyrus
2Ch 36:22-23
1 (Jer 29:10; 2Ch 36:22-23) Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia,
that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled,
the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia,
so that he issued a proclamation throughout all his kingdom,
and also put it in writing, saying,
2 (Isa 45:12-13) "Thus says Cyrus king of Persia:
"The Lord God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth,
and He has charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
3 (Da 6:26) Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be
with him, and may he go to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house
of the Lord God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem.
4 Whoever remains in any place where he sojourns, let the men of his place
help him with silver, gold, goods, and animals, along with voluntary gifts
for the house of God in Jerusalem."
5 (Ezr 1:1; Php 2:13) Then the heads of the households of Judah and Benjamin,
and the Levitical priests, with all those whose spirits God had stirred,
rose up to go up to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.
6 So everyone all around them strengthened their hands
with vessels of silver, gold, goods, animals, and precious things,
besides all that was given voluntarily.
7 (2Ki 24:13; 2Ch 36:7) Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels
of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought from Jerusalem
and had put in the house of his gods.
8 (Ezr 5:14) Cyrus king of Persia even brought forth more for them,
by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer and had them numbered
for Sheshbazzar, who was the prince of Judah.
9 This is the number of them: 30 containers of gold, 1000 containers
of silver, and 29 knives.
10 There were also 30 smaller bowls of gold, 410 smaller bowls of silver
(of lesser value), and 1000 other various containers.
11 All the articles of gold and silver were 5400 . All these did Sheshbazzar
bring up, when the exiles were brought from Babylon to Jerusalem.
Ezra 1
[1] Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD
by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit
of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his
kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
[2] Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me
all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house
at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
[3] Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let
him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD
God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.
[4] And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of
his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with
beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in
Jerusalem.
[5] Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the
priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go
up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.
[6] And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels
of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things,
beside all that was willingly offered.
[7] Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD,
which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in
the house of his gods;
[8] Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of
Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of
Judah.
[9] And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand
chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,
[10] Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and
ten, and other vessels a thousand.
[11] All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four
hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that
were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.
Ezra 2
The List of Returning Exiles
Ne 7:6-73
1 (2Ki 24:14-16; 25:11) Now these are the people of the province who went up
from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon
had carried away to Babylon, and came again to Jerusalem and Judah.
Each returned to his own city.
2 (Ne 7:7; Hag 1:12) Those who came with Zerubbabel were Joshua, Nehemiah,
Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah.
The number of men of the people of Israel were:
3 (Ezr 8:3; 10:25) The sons of Parosh— 2172;
4 the sons of Shephatiah-three hundred and seventy-two;
5 (Ne 7:10) the sons of Arah-seven hundred and seventy-five;
6 (Ne 7:11) the sons of Pahath-Moab of the sons of Jeshua and Joab-
two thousand eight hundred and twelve;
7 the sons of Elam - one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
8 (Ne 7:13) the sons of Zattu-nine hundred and forty-five;
9 the sons of Zakkai-seven hundred and sixty;
10 the sons of Bani-six hundred and forty-two;
11 the sons of Bebai-six hundred and twenty-three;
12 (Ne 7:17) the sons of Azgad-one thousand two hundred and twenty-two;
13 (Ezr 8:13) the sons of Adonikam-six hundred and sixty-six;
14 the sons of Bigvai-two thousand and fifty-six;
15 (Ne 7:20) the sons of Adin-four hundred and fifty-four;
16 the sons of Ater of Hezekiah - ninety-eight;
17 the sons of Bezai-three hundred and twenty-three;
18 the sons of Jorah-one hundred and twelve;
19 (Ne 7:22) the sons of Hashum-two hundred and twenty-three;
20 the sons of Gibbar - ninety-five.
21 The sons of Bethlehem - one hundred and twenty-three;
22 the men of Netophah-fifty-six;
23 the men of Anathoth-one hundred and twenty-eight;
24 the sons of Azmaveth-forty-two;
25 the sons of Kiriath Arim, Kephirah, and Beeroth- 743 ;
26 the sons of Ramah and Geba-six hundred and twenty-one;
27 the men of Mikmash-one hundred and twenty-two;
28 (Ge 12:8) the men of Bethel and Ai-two hundred and twenty-three;
29 the sons of Nebo-fifty-two;
30 the sons of Magbish-one hundred and fifty-six;
31 (Ezr 2:7) the sons of the other Elam- 1254 ;
32 the sons of Harim-three hundred and twenty;
33 the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono - 725;
34 (1Ki 16:34) the sons of Jericho-three hundred and forty-five;
35 the sons of Senaah-three thousand six hundred and thirty.
36 Those who came with the priests were:
the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua-973;
37 (1Ch 24:14) the sons of Immer-1052;
38 (1Ch 9:12) the sons of Pashhur-1247 ;
39 (1Ch 24:8) the sons of Harim-1700.
40 (Ezr 3:9) Those who came with the Levites were:
the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah-74.
41 (1Ch 6:39) Those who came with the singers were:
the sons of Asaph-128.
42 The sons of the gatekeepers were:
the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon,
the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai
-in all 139.
43 (1Ch 9:2) Those devoted to the temple as servants were:
the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
44 the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon,
45 the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub,
46 the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shalmai, the sons of Hanan,
47 the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah,
48 the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons of Gazzam,
49 the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,
50 the sons of Asnah, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephusim,
51 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
52 the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
53 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,
54 the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
55 (1Ki 9:21) The sons of Solomon's servants were:
the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda,
56 the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
57 (Ne 7:59) the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil,
the sons of Pokereth-Hazzebaim, the sons of Ami.
58 (1Ki 9:21; 1Ch 9:2) All those devoted to the temple as servants
and the children of Solomon's servants were 392.
59 These were the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub,
Addon, and Immer; but they could not prove their father's house
or their descent, whether they were of Israel:
60 the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, and the sons of Nekoda-652;
61 (2Sa 17:27; 1Ki 2:7) and of the sons of the priests:
the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, and the sons of Barzillai
(whose ancestor married one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite
and was thereafter called by their name).
62 (Nu 3:10) These sought their records in the genealogy register,
but they were not found. Therefore, they were disqualified
(as polluted) from the priesthood.
63 (Ex 28:30; Lev 2:3) The governor advised them not to eat of the most
holy things until a priest consulted with the Urim and Thummim.
64 The whole congregation together was 42 360,\
65 (2Sa 19:35) besides their male and female servants
(these numbered 7337); they also had two hundred singing men and women.
66 Their horses numbered seven hundred and thirty-six; their mules,
two hundred and forty-five;
67 their camels, four hundred and thirty-five; and their donkeys,
six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
68 As some of the heads of households came to the house of the Lord
in Jerusalem, they volunteered to erect the foundations for the house of God.
69 (Ezr 8:25-34) They gave after their ability to the treasure of the work
6100 drachmas [About 1,100 pounds, or 500 kilograms.] of gold,
five thousand pounds [About 3 tons, or 2.8 metric tons.] of silver,
and one hundred priestly garments.
70 (Ne 7:73) So the priests and the Levites, along with some of the people,
the singers, the porters, and those donated as temple servants,
lived in their cities, with the result that all Israel resettled
in their cities.
Ezra 2
[1] Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the
captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the
king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem
and Judah, every one unto his city;
[2] Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,
Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of
the people of Israel:
[3] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
[4] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
[5] The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.
[6] The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two
thousand eight hundred and twelve.
[7] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[8] The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.
[9] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
[10] The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.
[11] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.
[12] The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.
[13] The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.
[14] The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.
[15] The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.
[16] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
[17] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.
[18] The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.
[19] The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.
[20] The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.
[21] The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.
[22] The men of Netophah, fifty and six.
[23] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
[24] The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.
[25] The children of Kirjath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred
and forty and three.
[26] The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.
[27] The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.
[28] The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
[29] The children of Nebo, fifty and two.
[30] The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.
[31] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[32] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
[33] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.
[34] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
[35] The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.
[36] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine
hundred seventy and three.
[37] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
[38] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
[39] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
[40] The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of
Hodaviah, seventy and four.
[41] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
[42] The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of
Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of
Hatita,the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.
[43] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the
children of Tabbaoth,
[44] The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
[45] The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of
Akkub,
[46] The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,
[47] The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
[48] The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
[49] The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
[50] The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,
[51] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,
[52] The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,
[53] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,
[54] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
[55] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the
children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
[56] The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of
Giddel,
[57] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of
Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.
[58] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three
hundred ninety and two.
[59] And these were they which went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub,
Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their
seed, whether they were of Israel:
[60] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of
Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.
[61] And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the
children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the
daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:
[62] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put
from the priesthood.
[63] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most
holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
[64] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three
hundred and threescore,
[65] Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven
thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two
hundred singing men and singing women.
[66] Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two
hundred forty and five;
[67] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand
seven hundred and twenty.
[68] And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of
the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set
it up in his place:
[69] They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore
and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one
hundred priests' garments.
[70] So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the
singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all
Israel in their cities.
Ezra 3
Rebuilding the Altar
1 (Lev 23:24) When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel
had resettled in their cities, and the people gathered themselves together,
as one man, to Jerusalem.
2 (1Ch 3:17; Ezr 2:2) Then Joshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers
the priests stood up, along with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel
and his brothers, and they built the altar of the God of Israel in order
to offer burnt offerings on it, as it had been written in the Law of Moses,
the man of God.
3 (Nu 28:2-8; Ezr 4:4) They set the altar upon its foundations and,
because they were living in fear of some of the peoples of the region,
they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord-morning and evening.
4 (Ex 23:16; Nu 29:12-38) They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles,
as it had been written, and offered the daily burnt offerings
in accordance with the daily schedule, according to each day's custom.
5 (Nu 29:39) Thereafter, observance of the burnt offering became a perpetual
sacrifice with regard to the New Moon sacrifices and all of the appointed
feasts of the Lord that had been consecrated, and all of the voluntary
freewill offerings to the Lord. 6From the first day of the seventh month
they had begun to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord,
but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.
[1] And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in
the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
[2] Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests,
and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar
of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in
the law of Moses the man of God.
[3] And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of
the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto
the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.
[4] They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered
the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of
every day required;
[5] And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new
moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of
every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.
[6] From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt
offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was
not yet laid.
Rebuilding the Temple
7 (1Ki 5:6; Ac 9:36) They gave money to the masons and carpenters,
and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and to the people of Tyre
so that they would bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, at Joppa,
according to the grant they had from Cyrus king of Persia.
8 Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the house
of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, Joshua the son
of Jozadak, along with the remnant of their brothers the Levitical priests
and all who had come out of captivity back to Jerusalem, began work
and appointed the Levites twenty years old and older to supervise
the work on the house of the Lord.
9 (Ezr 2:40) Then Joshua with his sons and brothers, and Kadmiel
with his sons, who are the sons of Judah, along with the sons of Henadad
with their sons and their brothers-all Levites-stood together to supervise
the workers on the house of God.
10 (Zec 4:10) When the builders laid the foundation of the temple
of the Lord, the priests in their apparel stood with trumpets and,
from the Levites, the sons of Asaph stood with cymbals to praise the Lord,
following the example of David king of Israel.
11 (1Ch 16:34; 16:41) They sang responsively, praising
and giving thanks unto the Lord,
"For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel."
And all the people responded with a great shout
when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord
was laid.
12 (Hag 2:3) Now many of the older Levitical priests and chiefs
of the fathers' households who had seen the first temple wept
with a loud voice as the foundation of this temple was laid
before their eyes, though many others shouted exuberantly for joy.
13 As a result, the people could not distinguish the noise
of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people
since the people had raised such a loud noise that could be heard
from afar off.
[7] They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat,
and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar
trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had
of Cyrus king of Persia.
[8] Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at
Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and
Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and
the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto
Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to
set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
[9] Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons,
the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God:
the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.
[10] And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD,
they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the
sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David
king of Israel.
[11] And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the
LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And
all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD,
because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
[12] But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were
ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this
house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted
aloud for joy:
[13] So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from
the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud
shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 September 2023 titled Just Like Jesus
Romans 12:1-2
The New Life in Christ
1 (1Pe 2:5; Ro 6:13; 6:16) I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies
of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy,
and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship.
2 (Ro 12:1; 1Pe 1:14) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good
and acceptable and perfect will of God.
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
In 2014, biologists captured a pair of orange pygmy seahorses in the
Philippines. They took the marine creatures, along with a section of the
orange coral sea fan they called home, to the California Academy of Sciences
in San Francisco. Scientists wanted to know if the pygmy seahorses were born
to match the color of their parents or their environment. When the pygmy
seahorses gave birth to dull brown babies, scientists placed a purple coral
sea fan into the tank. The babies, whose parents were orange, changed their
color to match the purple sea fan. Due to their fragility by nature, their
survival depends on their God-given ability to blend into their environment.
Blending-in is a useful defense mechanism in nature. However, God invites all
people to receive salvation and stand out in the world by how we live. The
apostle Paul urges believers in Jesus to honour God in every aspect of our
lives, to worship Him by offering our bodies as a "living sacrifice" (Romans
12:1). Due to our fragility as human beings affected by sin, our spiritual
health as believers depends on the Holy Spirit "renewing" our minds and
empowering us to avoid conforming to "the pattern of this world"
that rejects God and glorifies sin (v. 2).
Blending into this world means living in opposition to the Scriptures.
However, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
we can look and love just like Jesus!
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
How have you been blending into the world? How has God changed you?
Dear God, please make me more like Jesus each day.
Learn how to develop a biblical worldview.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control, without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 28:11
11 (Dt 28:4; 30:9) The Lord will make you overflow in prosperity,
in the offspring of your body, in the offspring of your livestock,
and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore
to your fathers to give you.
11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body,
and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land
which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
1 John 4:16b-18
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us,
so that we may have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is,
so are we in this world.
18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love,
but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
Whoever fears is not perfect in love.
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness
in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
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
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray that the Lord will move your loeaders to rebuild
and reform in His Name.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please make me more like Jesus each day."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He will uphold you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be obedient to Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the God is love.
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 that God will convict the hearts of mankind of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Pray that Pastor Albert in Burkina Faso will persevere in his faith as
militant Islamists take control of his area.
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) Ezra 1,2,3
Ezra 1
The Proclamation of Cyrus
2Ch 36:22-23
1 (Jer 29:10; 2Ch 36:22-23) Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia,
that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled,
the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia,
so that he issued a proclamation throughout all his kingdom,
and also put it in writing, saying,
2 (Isa 45:12-13) "Thus says Cyrus king of Persia:
"The Lord God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth,
and He has charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
3 (Da 6:26) Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be
with him, and may he go to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house
of the Lord God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem.
4 Whoever remains in any place where he sojourns, let the men of his place
help him with silver, gold, goods, and animals, along with voluntary gifts
for the house of God in Jerusalem."
5 (Ezr 1:1; Php 2:13) Then the heads of the households of Judah and Benjamin,
and the Levitical priests, with all those whose spirits God had stirred,
rose up to go up to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.
6 So everyone all around them strengthened their hands
with vessels of silver, gold, goods, animals, and precious things,
besides all that was given voluntarily.
7 (2Ki 24:13; 2Ch 36:7) Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels
of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought from Jerusalem
and had put in the house of his gods.
8 (Ezr 5:14) Cyrus king of Persia even brought forth more for them,
by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer and had them numbered
for Sheshbazzar, who was the prince of Judah.
9 This is the number of them: 30 containers of gold, 1000 containers
of silver, and 29 knives.
10 There were also 30 smaller bowls of gold, 410 smaller bowls of silver
(of lesser value), and 1000 other various containers.
11 All the articles of gold and silver were 5400 . All these did Sheshbazzar
bring up, when the exiles were brought from Babylon to Jerusalem.
Ezra 1
[1] Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD
by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit
of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his
kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
[2] Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me
all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house
at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
[3] Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let
him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD
God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.
[4] And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of
his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with
beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in
Jerusalem.
[5] Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the
priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go
up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.
[6] And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels
of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things,
beside all that was willingly offered.
[7] Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD,
which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in
the house of his gods;
[8] Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of
Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of
Judah.
[9] And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand
chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,
[10] Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and
ten, and other vessels a thousand.
[11] All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four
hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that
were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.
Ezra 2
The List of Returning Exiles
Ne 7:6-73
1 (2Ki 24:14-16; 25:11) Now these are the people of the province who went up
from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon
had carried away to Babylon, and came again to Jerusalem and Judah.
Each returned to his own city.
2 (Ne 7:7; Hag 1:12) Those who came with Zerubbabel were Joshua, Nehemiah,
Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah.
The number of men of the people of Israel were:
3 (Ezr 8:3; 10:25) The sons of Parosh— 2172;
4 the sons of Shephatiah-three hundred and seventy-two;
5 (Ne 7:10) the sons of Arah-seven hundred and seventy-five;
6 (Ne 7:11) the sons of Pahath-Moab of the sons of Jeshua and Joab-
two thousand eight hundred and twelve;
7 the sons of Elam - one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
8 (Ne 7:13) the sons of Zattu-nine hundred and forty-five;
9 the sons of Zakkai-seven hundred and sixty;
10 the sons of Bani-six hundred and forty-two;
11 the sons of Bebai-six hundred and twenty-three;
12 (Ne 7:17) the sons of Azgad-one thousand two hundred and twenty-two;
13 (Ezr 8:13) the sons of Adonikam-six hundred and sixty-six;
14 the sons of Bigvai-two thousand and fifty-six;
15 (Ne 7:20) the sons of Adin-four hundred and fifty-four;
16 the sons of Ater of Hezekiah - ninety-eight;
17 the sons of Bezai-three hundred and twenty-three;
18 the sons of Jorah-one hundred and twelve;
19 (Ne 7:22) the sons of Hashum-two hundred and twenty-three;
20 the sons of Gibbar - ninety-five.
21 The sons of Bethlehem - one hundred and twenty-three;
22 the men of Netophah-fifty-six;
23 the men of Anathoth-one hundred and twenty-eight;
24 the sons of Azmaveth-forty-two;
25 the sons of Kiriath Arim, Kephirah, and Beeroth- 743 ;
26 the sons of Ramah and Geba-six hundred and twenty-one;
27 the men of Mikmash-one hundred and twenty-two;
28 (Ge 12:8) the men of Bethel and Ai-two hundred and twenty-three;
29 the sons of Nebo-fifty-two;
30 the sons of Magbish-one hundred and fifty-six;
31 (Ezr 2:7) the sons of the other Elam- 1254 ;
32 the sons of Harim-three hundred and twenty;
33 the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono - 725;
34 (1Ki 16:34) the sons of Jericho-three hundred and forty-five;
35 the sons of Senaah-three thousand six hundred and thirty.
36 Those who came with the priests were:
the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua-973;
37 (1Ch 24:14) the sons of Immer-1052;
38 (1Ch 9:12) the sons of Pashhur-1247 ;
39 (1Ch 24:8) the sons of Harim-1700.
40 (Ezr 3:9) Those who came with the Levites were:
the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah-74.
41 (1Ch 6:39) Those who came with the singers were:
the sons of Asaph-128.
42 The sons of the gatekeepers were:
the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon,
the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai
-in all 139.
43 (1Ch 9:2) Those devoted to the temple as servants were:
the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
44 the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon,
45 the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub,
46 the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shalmai, the sons of Hanan,
47 the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah,
48 the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons of Gazzam,
49 the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,
50 the sons of Asnah, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephusim,
51 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
52 the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
53 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,
54 the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
55 (1Ki 9:21) The sons of Solomon's servants were:
the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda,
56 the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
57 (Ne 7:59) the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil,
the sons of Pokereth-Hazzebaim, the sons of Ami.
58 (1Ki 9:21; 1Ch 9:2) All those devoted to the temple as servants
and the children of Solomon's servants were 392.
59 These were the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub,
Addon, and Immer; but they could not prove their father's house
or their descent, whether they were of Israel:
60 the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, and the sons of Nekoda-652;
61 (2Sa 17:27; 1Ki 2:7) and of the sons of the priests:
the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, and the sons of Barzillai
(whose ancestor married one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite
and was thereafter called by their name).
62 (Nu 3:10) These sought their records in the genealogy register,
but they were not found. Therefore, they were disqualified
(as polluted) from the priesthood.
63 (Ex 28:30; Lev 2:3) The governor advised them not to eat of the most
holy things until a priest consulted with the Urim and Thummim.
64 The whole congregation together was 42 360,\
65 (2Sa 19:35) besides their male and female servants
(these numbered 7337); they also had two hundred singing men and women.
66 Their horses numbered seven hundred and thirty-six; their mules,
two hundred and forty-five;
67 their camels, four hundred and thirty-five; and their donkeys,
six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
68 As some of the heads of households came to the house of the Lord
in Jerusalem, they volunteered to erect the foundations for the house of God.
69 (Ezr 8:25-34) They gave after their ability to the treasure of the work
6100 drachmas [About 1,100 pounds, or 500 kilograms.] of gold,
five thousand pounds [About 3 tons, or 2.8 metric tons.] of silver,
and one hundred priestly garments.
70 (Ne 7:73) So the priests and the Levites, along with some of the people,
the singers, the porters, and those donated as temple servants,
lived in their cities, with the result that all Israel resettled
in their cities.
Ezra 2
[1] Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the
captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the
king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem
and Judah, every one unto his city;
[2] Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,
Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of
the people of Israel:
[3] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
[4] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
[5] The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.
[6] The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two
thousand eight hundred and twelve.
[7] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[8] The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.
[9] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
[10] The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.
[11] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.
[12] The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.
[13] The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.
[14] The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.
[15] The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.
[16] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
[17] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.
[18] The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.
[19] The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.
[20] The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.
[21] The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.
[22] The men of Netophah, fifty and six.
[23] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
[24] The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.
[25] The children of Kirjath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred
and forty and three.
[26] The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.
[27] The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.
[28] The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
[29] The children of Nebo, fifty and two.
[30] The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.
[31] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[32] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
[33] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.
[34] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
[35] The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.
[36] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine
hundred seventy and three.
[37] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
[38] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
[39] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
[40] The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of
Hodaviah, seventy and four.
[41] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
[42] The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of
Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of
Hatita,the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.
[43] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the
children of Tabbaoth,
[44] The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
[45] The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of
Akkub,
[46] The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,
[47] The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
[48] The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
[49] The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
[50] The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,
[51] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,
[52] The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,
[53] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,
[54] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
[55] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the
children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
[56] The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of
Giddel,
[57] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of
Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.
[58] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three
hundred ninety and two.
[59] And these were they which went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub,
Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their
seed, whether they were of Israel:
[60] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of
Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.
[61] And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the
children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the
daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:
[62] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put
from the priesthood.
[63] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most
holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
[64] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three
hundred and threescore,
[65] Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven
thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two
hundred singing men and singing women.
[66] Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two
hundred forty and five;
[67] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand
seven hundred and twenty.
[68] And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of
the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set
it up in his place:
[69] They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore
and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one
hundred priests' garments.
[70] So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the
singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all
Israel in their cities.
Ezra 3
Rebuilding the Altar
1 (Lev 23:24) When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel
had resettled in their cities, and the people gathered themselves together,
as one man, to Jerusalem.
2 (1Ch 3:17; Ezr 2:2) Then Joshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers
the priests stood up, along with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel
and his brothers, and they built the altar of the God of Israel in order
to offer burnt offerings on it, as it had been written in the Law of Moses,
the man of God.
3 (Nu 28:2-8; Ezr 4:4) They set the altar upon its foundations and,
because they were living in fear of some of the peoples of the region,
they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord-morning and evening.
4 (Ex 23:16; Nu 29:12-38) They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles,
as it had been written, and offered the daily burnt offerings
in accordance with the daily schedule, according to each day's custom.
5 (Nu 29:39) Thereafter, observance of the burnt offering became a perpetual
sacrifice with regard to the New Moon sacrifices and all of the appointed
feasts of the Lord that had been consecrated, and all of the voluntary
freewill offerings to the Lord. 6From the first day of the seventh month
they had begun to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord,
but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.
[1] And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in
the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
[2] Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests,
and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar
of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in
the law of Moses the man of God.
[3] And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of
the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto
the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.
[4] They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered
the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of
every day required;
[5] And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new
moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of
every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.
[6] From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt
offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was
not yet laid.
Rebuilding the Temple
7 (1Ki 5:6; Ac 9:36) They gave money to the masons and carpenters,
and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and to the people of Tyre
so that they would bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, at Joppa,
according to the grant they had from Cyrus king of Persia.
8 Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the house
of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, Joshua the son
of Jozadak, along with the remnant of their brothers the Levitical priests
and all who had come out of captivity back to Jerusalem, began work
and appointed the Levites twenty years old and older to supervise
the work on the house of the Lord.
9 (Ezr 2:40) Then Joshua with his sons and brothers, and Kadmiel
with his sons, who are the sons of Judah, along with the sons of Henadad
with their sons and their brothers-all Levites-stood together to supervise
the workers on the house of God.
10 (Zec 4:10) When the builders laid the foundation of the temple
of the Lord, the priests in their apparel stood with trumpets and,
from the Levites, the sons of Asaph stood with cymbals to praise the Lord,
following the example of David king of Israel.
11 (1Ch 16:34; 16:41) They sang responsively, praising
and giving thanks unto the Lord,
"For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel."
And all the people responded with a great shout
when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord
was laid.
12 (Hag 2:3) Now many of the older Levitical priests and chiefs
of the fathers' households who had seen the first temple wept
with a loud voice as the foundation of this temple was laid
before their eyes, though many others shouted exuberantly for joy.
13 As a result, the people could not distinguish the noise
of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people
since the people had raised such a loud noise that could be heard
from afar off.
[7] They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat,
and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar
trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had
of Cyrus king of Persia.
[8] Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at
Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and
Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and
the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto
Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to
set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
[9] Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons,
the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God:
the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.
[10] And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD,
they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the
sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David
king of Israel.
[11] And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the
LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And
all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD,
because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
[12] But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were
ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this
house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted
aloud for joy:
[13] So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from
the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud
shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 September 2023 titled Just Like Jesus
Romans 12:1-2
The New Life in Christ
1 (1Pe 2:5; Ro 6:13; 6:16) I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies
of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy,
and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship.
2 (Ro 12:1; 1Pe 1:14) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good
and acceptable and perfect will of God.
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
In 2014, biologists captured a pair of orange pygmy seahorses in the
Philippines. They took the marine creatures, along with a section of the
orange coral sea fan they called home, to the California Academy of Sciences
in San Francisco. Scientists wanted to know if the pygmy seahorses were born
to match the color of their parents or their environment. When the pygmy
seahorses gave birth to dull brown babies, scientists placed a purple coral
sea fan into the tank. The babies, whose parents were orange, changed their
color to match the purple sea fan. Due to their fragility by nature, their
survival depends on their God-given ability to blend into their environment.
Blending-in is a useful defense mechanism in nature. However, God invites all
people to receive salvation and stand out in the world by how we live. The
apostle Paul urges believers in Jesus to honour God in every aspect of our
lives, to worship Him by offering our bodies as a "living sacrifice" (Romans
12:1). Due to our fragility as human beings affected by sin, our spiritual
health as believers depends on the Holy Spirit "renewing" our minds and
empowering us to avoid conforming to "the pattern of this world"
that rejects God and glorifies sin (v. 2).
Blending into this world means living in opposition to the Scriptures.
However, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
we can look and love just like Jesus!
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
How have you been blending into the world? How has God changed you?
Dear God, please make me more like Jesus each day.
Learn how to develop a biblical worldview.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control, without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 28:11
11 (Dt 28:4; 30:9) The Lord will make you overflow in prosperity,
in the offspring of your body, in the offspring of your livestock,
and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore
to your fathers to give you.
11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body,
and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land
which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
1 John 4:16b-18
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us,
so that we may have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is,
so are we in this world.
18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love,
but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
Whoever fears is not perfect in love.
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness
in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
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
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray that the Lord will move your loeaders to rebuild
and reform in His Name.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please make me more like Jesus each day."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He will uphold you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be obedient to Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the God is love.
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 that God will convict the hearts of mankind of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Pray that Pastor Albert in Burkina Faso will persevere in his faith as
militant Islamists take control of his area.
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.