Day 2 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 2 January reflections
Day 2, 2 January 2024
1) Genesis 4 to 5 , 1 Chron 1:1-4 , Job 1 - 2
Cain and Abel
1 Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived, gave birth to
Cain and said, "I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord."
(interesting way of describing procreation)
2 Then she gave birth again to his brother Abel.
And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 In
the course of time Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the
ground. 4 Abel also brought the firstborn of his flock and of their fat
portions. And the Lord had respect for Abel and for his offering, 5 but for
Cain and for his offering, He did not have respect. And Cain was very angry
and his countenance fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why
is your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, shall you not be accepted? Or
uplifted. But if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. It
desires to dominate you, but you must rule over it."
(God warns of anger and negative behaviour)
8 Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about, when they were in the
field, that Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 The
Lord said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?"
He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"
(Murder and deceit)
10 And then He said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood
is crying out to Me from the ground. 11 Now you are cursed from the ground
which opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. 12
From now on when you till the ground, it will not yield for you its best.
You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." 13 Then Cain said to
the Lord, "My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 You have driven me
out this day from the face of the earth, and from your face will I be
hidden; and I will be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth, and it will
happen that anyone who finds me will kill me."
15 So the Lord said to him, "Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will
be taken on him sevenfold." Then the Lord put a mark upon Cain, so that no
one finding him would kill him. (Hence come the expression the Mark of
Cain) 16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and settled in
the land of Nod, east of Eden.
17 Cain had relations with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to
Enoch. He built a city and called the name of the city after the name of
his son, Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of
Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the
father of Lamech. 19 Lamech took two wives. The name of one was Adah, and
the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal. He was the
father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’'
name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute.
22 Zillah gave birth to Tubal-Cain, a forger of every tool of bronze and
iron. The sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.
23 Lamech said to his wives:
"Adah and Zillah, hear my voice,
you wives of Lamech, and listen to my speech.
For I have killed a man for wounding me,
a young man who hurt me.
24 If Cain will be avenged sevenfold,
then truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold."
25 Adam had relations with his wife again, and she had another son and
called his name Seth, for she said, "God has granted me another offspring
instead of Abel because Cain killed him." 26 To Seth also was born a son,
and he called his name Enosh. At that time men began to call on the name
of the Lord.
[1] And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said,
I have gotten a man from the LORD.
[2] And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but
Cain was a tiller of the ground.
[3] And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit
of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
[4] And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat
thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
[5] But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very
wroth, and his countenance fell.
[6] And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy
countenance fallen?
[7] If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not
well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou
shalt rule over him.
[8] And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they
were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
[9] And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I
know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
[10] And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood
crieth unto me from the ground.
[11] And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to
receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;
[12] When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee
her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
[13] And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
[14] Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth;
and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond
in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me
shall slay me.
[15] And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance
shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any
finding him should kill him.
[16] And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land
of Nod, on the east of Eden.
[17] And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he
builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son,
Enoch.
[18] And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael
begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech.
[19] And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and
the name of the other Zillah.
[20] And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and
of such as have cattle.
[21] And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as
handle the harp and organ.
[22] And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-cain, an instructer of every artificer
in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
[23] And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye
wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my
wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
[24] If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.
[25] And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name
Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel,
whom Cain slew.
[26] And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name
Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
Genesis 5
Adam's Descendants
1 This is the book of the generations of Adam.
In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.
2 He created them male and female. He blessed them and called them Mankind
in the day when they were created. 3 Adam lived a hundred and thirty years
and became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his own image,
and called his name Seth. 4 The days of Adam after he became the father of
Seth were eight hundred years, and he had other sons and daughters. 5 So
all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he
died.
6 Seth lived one hundred and five years and became the father of Enosh. 7
Seth lived after the birth of Enosh eight hundred and seven years and had
other sons and daughters. 8 So all the days of Seth were nine hundred and
twelve years, and he died. 9 Enosh lived ninety years and became the
father of Kenan. 10 Enosh lived after the birth of Kenan eight hundred and
fifteen years and had other sons and daughters. 11 So all the days of Enosh
were nine hundred and five years, and he died.
12 Kenan lived seventy years and became the father of Mahalalel. 13 Kenan
lived after the birth of Mahalalel eight hundred and forty years and had
other sons and daughters. 14 So all the days of Kenan were nine hundred and
ten years, and he died. 15 Mahalalel lived sixty-five years and became the
father of Jared. 16 Mahalalel lived after the birth of Jared eight hundred
and thirty years and had other sons and daughters. 17 So all the days of
Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety-five years, and he died.
18 Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years and became the father of
Enoch. 19 Jared lived after the birth of Enoch eight hundred years and had
other sons and daughters. 20 So all the days of Jared were nine hundred and
sixty-two years, and he died. 21 Enoch lived sixty-five years and became
the father of Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God after the birth of
Methuselah for three hundred years and had other sons and daughters. 23 So
all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24 Enoch
walked with God, and then he was no more because God took him.
25 Methuselah lived one hundred and eighty-seven years and became the
father of Lamech. 26 Methuselah lived after the birth of Lamech seven
hundred and eighty-two years and had other sons and daughters. 27 So all
the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died.
28 Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years and had a son. 29 He named
his son Noah, saying, "This one will comfort us concerning our work and
the toil of our hands because of the ground which the Lord has cursed."
30Lamech lived after the birth of Noah five hundred and ninety-five years
and had other sons and daughters. 31 So all the days of Lamech were seven
hundred and seventy-seven years, and he died.
32 Noah was five hundred years old and became the father of Shem, Ham, and
Japheth.
Genesis 5
[1] This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created
man, in the likeness of God made he him;
[2] Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name
Adam, in the day when they were created.
[3] And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own
likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:
[4] And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred
years: and he begat sons and daughters:
[5] And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and
he died.
[6] And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos:
[7] And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and
begat sons and daughters:
[8] And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he
died.
[9] And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan:
[10] And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years,
and begat sons and daughters:
[11] And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.
[12] And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel:
[13] And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[14] And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he
died.
[15] And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
[16] And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[17] And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five
years: and he died.
[18] And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:
[19] And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat
sons and daughters:
[20] And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he
died.
[21] And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:
[22] And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[23] And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
[24] And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
[25] And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat
Lamech:
[26] And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[27] And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years:
and he died.
[28] And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:
[29] And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us
concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the
LORD hath cursed.
[30] And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[31] And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years:
and he died.
[32] And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and
Japheth.
1 Chronicles 1
1 Adam, Seth, Enosh; 2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared; 3 Enoch, Methuselah,
Lamech; 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
[1] Adam, Sheth, Enosh,
[2] Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered,
[3] Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech,
[4] Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Recommended in some daily devotions to Go to Genesis 6 to 7 but let us
detour to Job; explanation later.
Job 1
The Prologue
1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was
blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil. 2 Seven sons and
three daughters were born to him. 3 His possessions were seven thousand
sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred
female donkeys, and very many servants. This man was the greatest of all
the people of the East. 4 His sons used to go and make a feast in the
house of each on his day, and they would send and call for their three
sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 Now when the days of feasting had run
their course, Job sent and sanctified them. He would rise up early in the
morning, and he would offer burnt offerings according to the number of them
all, because Job said: "It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God
in their hearts." Thus Job would do always.
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the Lord, and the Adversary also came among them. 7 And the Lord
said to the Adversary, "From where have you come?" Then the Adversary
answered the Lord, saying, "From roaming on the earth, and from walking up
and down on it."
8 And the Lord said to the Adversary, "Have you considered My servant Job,
that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and an upright man,
who fears God, and avoids evil?"
9 Then the Adversary answered the Lord, saying, "Has Job feared God for
nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and
around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his
hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out
Your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse You to Your
face."
12 The Lord said to the Adversary, "Look, all that he has is in your
power; only do not stretch out your hand against his person."
So the Adversary departed from the presence of the Lord.
(Please note , the Devil cannot do anything unless permitted by the Lord)
13 So a day came when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking
wine in their eldest brother's house, 14 and a messenger came to Job and
said, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were feeding beside them, 15
and the Sabeans attacked them, and took them away, and they killed the
servants with the edge of the sword, and only I alone have escaped to tell
you."
16 While he was still speaking, another came and said, "The fire of God
fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed
them, and I alone have escaped to tell you." 17 While he was still
speaking, another came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three companies and
made a raid on the camels and have taken them away. They killed the
servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell
you."
18 While he was still speaking, another came and said, "Your sons and your
daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,
19 and suddenly a great wind came from the wilderness and struck the four
corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead;
and I alone have escaped to tell you."
20 Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the
ground and worshipped. 21 He said,
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked will I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord."
22 In all this Job did not sin, and he did not accuse God of wrongdoing.
[1] There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was
perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
[2] And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
[3] His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels,
and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great
household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
[4] And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and
sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
[5] And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job
sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered
burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be
that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job
continually.
[6] Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
[7] And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered
the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up
and down in it.
[8] And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that
there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that
feareth God, and escheweth evil?
[9] Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
[10] Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about
all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and
his substance is increased in the land.
[11] But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will
curse thee to thy face.
[12] And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power;
only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the
presence of the LORD.
[13] And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and
drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
[14] And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing,
and the asses feeding beside them:
[15] And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have
slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone
to tell thee.
[16] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire
of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the
servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
[17] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The
Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried
them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I
only am escaped alone to tell thee.
[18] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons
and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's
house:
[19] And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the
four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are
dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
[20] Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down
upon the ground, and worshipped,
[21] And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I
return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the
name of the LORD.
[22] In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
(Somehow this is tough)
Job 2
1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the Lord, and the Adversary came also among them to present himself
before the Lord. 2 The Lord said to the Adversary, "From where do you
come?" And the Adversary answered the Lord, saying, "From roaming on the
earth, and from walking up and down on it."
3 The Lord said to the Adversary, "Have you considered My servant Job,
that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and an upright man,
who fears God and avoids evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although
you moved Me against him, to destroy him without cause."
4 The Adversary answered the Lord, saying, "Skin for skin; yes, all that a
man has he will give for his life. 5 Put forth Your hand now and touch his
bone and his flesh, and he will curse You to Your face."
6 The Lord said to the Adversary, "Very well, he is in your hand, but
spare his life."
(Satan is not as knowledgeable as the Creator is)
7 Therefore, the Adversary went out from the presence of the Lord, and he
afflicted Job with severe sores from the sole of his foot to the top of his
head. 8 So he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself
while he was sitting among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, "Are you
still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die."
10 He said to her, "You talk like one of the foolish women talks. Will we
indeed accept the good from God but not accept the adversity?" In all this
Job did not sin with his lips.
11 Three friends of Job heard about all this evil that had come upon him,
and each one came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the
Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They had agreed together to come to
mourn with him and to comfort him. 12 They saw him from a distance and did
not recognize him, so they wept aloud. Each one tore his robe, and they
tossed dust into the air above their heads. 13 Then they sat down with him
on the ground seven days and seven nights. Meanwhile, no one was speaking
to him at all because they saw that his pain was severe. (Are these
friends who will really comfort?)
Job 2
[1] Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before
the LORD.
[2] And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan
answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from
walking up and down in it.
[3] And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that
there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that
feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity,
although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
[4] And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a
man hath will he give for his life.
[5] But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he
will curse thee to thy face.
[6] And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his
life.
[7] So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with
sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
[8] And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down
among the ashes.
[9] Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity?
curse God, and die.
[10] But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women
speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not
receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
[11] Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon
him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and
Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an
appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
[12] And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they
lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and
sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
[13] So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights,
and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
2) Our Daily Bread for 2 January 2024 Titled
The Son Also Rises
Ecclesiastes 1
All Is Vanity
1 (Ecc 1:12; 7:27; 12:8-10) These are the words of the Preacher,
the son of David and king in Jerusalem.
2 (Ecc 12:8; Ro 8:20) "Vanity
[Heb. suggests something futile, temporal, or obscure.]
of vanities,"
says the Preacher;
"vanity of vanities,
all is vanity."
3 (Ecc 2:11; 3:9) What benefit is there to a man in all his labors
that he toils under the sun?
4 (Ps 104:5 )A generation comes, and a generation goes,
but the earth continually remains.
5 (Ps 19:4-6) The sun comes up, and the sun goes down,
and hurries to the place where it rises.
6 (Jn 3:8 ) It moves to the south,
and then moves around to the north;
the wind continually travels around,
and it keeps turning on its circuit.
7 All the streams flow into the sea,
and the sea is never filled up.
And to the place where the streams flow,
there they continually return to flow.
8 (Pr 27:20; Ecc 4:8) All matters are wearisome;
a man is not able to speak to them.
The eye is not satisfied with what it sees,
and the ear is not content with what it hears.
9 (Ecc 3:15; 2:12) What has been is the same as what will be,
and what has been done is the same as what will be done;
there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there a matter where it is said,
"See, this is truly new"?
Long ago in the past
every matter has already been in our midst.
11 (Ecc 2:16) There is not a memory for the former things,
and moreover, there will not be
a memory for the things coming after,
even those things that are yet to come.
1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh:
but the earth abideth for ever.
5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place
where he arose.
6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north;
it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according
to his circuits.
7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place
from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not
satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done
is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath
been already of old time, which was before us.
11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any
remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
Ernest Hemingway's first full-length novel features hard-drinking friends
who've recently endured World War I. They bear the literal and figurative
scars of the war's devastation and try to cope with it via parties, grand
adventures, and sleeping around. Always, there is alcohol to numb the pain.
No one is happy.
Hemingway's title for his book The Sun Also Rises comes straight from the
pages of Ecclesiastes (1:5). In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon refers to himself
as "the Preacher" (v. 1). He observes, "all is vanity" (v. 2) and asks,
"What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?"
(v. 3). Solomon saw how the sun rises and sets, the wind blows to and fro, the
rivers flow endlessly into a never satisfied sea (vv. 5-7).
Ultimately, all is forgotten (v. 11).
Both Hemingway and Ecclesiastes confront us with the stark futility of living
for this life only. Solomon, however, weaves bright hints of the divine into
his book. There is permanence-and real hope. Ecclesiastes shows us as we truly
are, but it also shows God as He is. "Everything God does will endure
forever," said Solomon (3:14), and therein lies our great hope.
For God has given us the gift of His Son, Jesus.
Apart from God, we're adrift in an endless, never satisfied sea. Through His
risen Son, Jesus, we're reconciled to Him, and we discover our meaning,
value, and purpose.
By: Tim Gustafson
Reflect & Pray
What occupies your time and what meaning does it hold?
How might you change your priorities to follow Jesus?
Loving Father, help me find my fulfillment in You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 3 - The Promise of Completion
Philippians 1:6
6 (1Co 1:8; Jn 6:29) I am confident of this very thing,
that He who began a good work in you will perfect it
until the day of Jesus Christ.
6 being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun
a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
"Elizabeth is a good student", the note on the side of the report card read,
"but she doesn't finish what she starts. She has a lot of good ideas, but
rarely brings then to completion."
Many of us are like Elizabeth. We start into a new venture with high hopes
and great motivation. But somewhere along the way, we become discouraged.
Someone tells us that our ideas are stupid, or that we are not capable of
doing what we dream. We get a particularly difficult hurdle and give up.
Sometimes we fell the Christian like is like that, too. We start well, and
believe that in Christ we can accomplish anything. But then our prayers
become rote, our Bible reading ritual. We can't seem to regain that sense
of God's presence; we have, we conclude, "Lost our first love." (Rev 2)
But God has a different perspective. He began the work of salvation in us;
he leads and guides us in his will, and he will complete what he has begun.
Often we fail to see God's grace in the ongoing process of walking with him
because his agenda is different from ours. We know what we want to see
happen in our lives; God knows what needs to happen.
"When I first came into a relationship with Christ," one woman explained,
"I knew I had a lot of changing to do. But, strangely enough, the things God
changed weren't on my list at all!"
When God begins his work in our lives, he has a plan for our maturity.
He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. And what God
has begun, he will finish.
Application
a) Have I ever tried to "decide" for God what problems in my life
needed dealing with?
b) Has God ever pointed out issues that were a surprise to me?
c) How can today's verse help me relax in God's will and
have confidence in the direction of my life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 16:10-12
10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also
in much.
11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who will give you that which is your own?"
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who shall give you that which is your own?
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Col 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another
and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,
to which also you are called in one body,
rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
2015 Population - 4631302 Muslims about 136493
British Columbia - British Columbia's Muslim Population is growing constantly.
Every week there are immigrants ad refugees coming to the Greater Vancouver
and surrounding areas. There are also significant Muslim student populations
in our colleges and universities. Some have even suggested that there are
between 4000 and 5000 Saudi Arabian students alone, without counting all
other nationalities.
Greater Vancouver has an estimated 180000 Muslims, and there are significant
and growing communities in the Fraser Valley such as in Langley, Abbotsford,
Chilliwack, etc. Including these communities the total population for this
region is about 200000.
Of these, there are an estimated 100000 Iranians, 35000 Arabs, 15000 Ismailis,
more than 20000 Afghanis, 10000 South Asian Muslims, 3000 Turks, and small
numbers from other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Albania, etc.
We are seeing some Muslims coming to Christ and we rejoice in that.
A few people also have some ongoing ministry to Muslims in the area,
for which we also rejoice. Let us agree in that
- the church will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
- the church will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
2nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians (
Rom 10:14-15 -
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 I And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good
things!"
)
b) Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction. (
Jer 33:3
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things which you do not know.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to know Him as Friend
for Satan is tempting you to denounce God the Creator.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Father, help me find my fulfillment in You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that He will finish and complete
the work He needs to do for you.
Pray to the Lord and pray for Holy Spirit to dwell in you richly.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a good Steward in what Jesus gives you.
Pray the church in BC will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
Pray the church in BC will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians
Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction.
Pray for faithful believers like Bimala in Nepal who boldly share the Gospel
with their neighbours despite hardships.
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) Genesis 4 to 5 , 1 Chron 1:1-4 , Job 1 - 2
Cain and Abel
1 Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived, gave birth to
Cain and said, "I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord."
(interesting way of describing procreation)
2 Then she gave birth again to his brother Abel.
And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 In
the course of time Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the
ground. 4 Abel also brought the firstborn of his flock and of their fat
portions. And the Lord had respect for Abel and for his offering, 5 but for
Cain and for his offering, He did not have respect. And Cain was very angry
and his countenance fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why
is your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, shall you not be accepted? Or
uplifted. But if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. It
desires to dominate you, but you must rule over it."
(God warns of anger and negative behaviour)
8 Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about, when they were in the
field, that Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 The
Lord said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?"
He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"
(Murder and deceit)
10 And then He said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood
is crying out to Me from the ground. 11 Now you are cursed from the ground
which opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. 12
From now on when you till the ground, it will not yield for you its best.
You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." 13 Then Cain said to
the Lord, "My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 You have driven me
out this day from the face of the earth, and from your face will I be
hidden; and I will be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth, and it will
happen that anyone who finds me will kill me."
15 So the Lord said to him, "Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will
be taken on him sevenfold." Then the Lord put a mark upon Cain, so that no
one finding him would kill him. (Hence come the expression the Mark of
Cain) 16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and settled in
the land of Nod, east of Eden.
17 Cain had relations with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to
Enoch. He built a city and called the name of the city after the name of
his son, Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of
Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the
father of Lamech. 19 Lamech took two wives. The name of one was Adah, and
the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal. He was the
father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’'
name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute.
22 Zillah gave birth to Tubal-Cain, a forger of every tool of bronze and
iron. The sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.
23 Lamech said to his wives:
"Adah and Zillah, hear my voice,
you wives of Lamech, and listen to my speech.
For I have killed a man for wounding me,
a young man who hurt me.
24 If Cain will be avenged sevenfold,
then truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold."
25 Adam had relations with his wife again, and she had another son and
called his name Seth, for she said, "God has granted me another offspring
instead of Abel because Cain killed him." 26 To Seth also was born a son,
and he called his name Enosh. At that time men began to call on the name
of the Lord.
[1] And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said,
I have gotten a man from the LORD.
[2] And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but
Cain was a tiller of the ground.
[3] And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit
of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
[4] And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat
thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
[5] But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very
wroth, and his countenance fell.
[6] And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy
countenance fallen?
[7] If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not
well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou
shalt rule over him.
[8] And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they
were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
[9] And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I
know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
[10] And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood
crieth unto me from the ground.
[11] And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to
receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;
[12] When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee
her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
[13] And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
[14] Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth;
and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond
in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me
shall slay me.
[15] And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance
shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any
finding him should kill him.
[16] And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land
of Nod, on the east of Eden.
[17] And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he
builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son,
Enoch.
[18] And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael
begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech.
[19] And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and
the name of the other Zillah.
[20] And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and
of such as have cattle.
[21] And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as
handle the harp and organ.
[22] And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-cain, an instructer of every artificer
in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
[23] And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye
wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my
wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
[24] If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.
[25] And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name
Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel,
whom Cain slew.
[26] And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name
Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
Genesis 5
Adam's Descendants
1 This is the book of the generations of Adam.
In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.
2 He created them male and female. He blessed them and called them Mankind
in the day when they were created. 3 Adam lived a hundred and thirty years
and became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his own image,
and called his name Seth. 4 The days of Adam after he became the father of
Seth were eight hundred years, and he had other sons and daughters. 5 So
all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he
died.
6 Seth lived one hundred and five years and became the father of Enosh. 7
Seth lived after the birth of Enosh eight hundred and seven years and had
other sons and daughters. 8 So all the days of Seth were nine hundred and
twelve years, and he died. 9 Enosh lived ninety years and became the
father of Kenan. 10 Enosh lived after the birth of Kenan eight hundred and
fifteen years and had other sons and daughters. 11 So all the days of Enosh
were nine hundred and five years, and he died.
12 Kenan lived seventy years and became the father of Mahalalel. 13 Kenan
lived after the birth of Mahalalel eight hundred and forty years and had
other sons and daughters. 14 So all the days of Kenan were nine hundred and
ten years, and he died. 15 Mahalalel lived sixty-five years and became the
father of Jared. 16 Mahalalel lived after the birth of Jared eight hundred
and thirty years and had other sons and daughters. 17 So all the days of
Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety-five years, and he died.
18 Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years and became the father of
Enoch. 19 Jared lived after the birth of Enoch eight hundred years and had
other sons and daughters. 20 So all the days of Jared were nine hundred and
sixty-two years, and he died. 21 Enoch lived sixty-five years and became
the father of Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God after the birth of
Methuselah for three hundred years and had other sons and daughters. 23 So
all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24 Enoch
walked with God, and then he was no more because God took him.
25 Methuselah lived one hundred and eighty-seven years and became the
father of Lamech. 26 Methuselah lived after the birth of Lamech seven
hundred and eighty-two years and had other sons and daughters. 27 So all
the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died.
28 Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years and had a son. 29 He named
his son Noah, saying, "This one will comfort us concerning our work and
the toil of our hands because of the ground which the Lord has cursed."
30Lamech lived after the birth of Noah five hundred and ninety-five years
and had other sons and daughters. 31 So all the days of Lamech were seven
hundred and seventy-seven years, and he died.
32 Noah was five hundred years old and became the father of Shem, Ham, and
Japheth.
Genesis 5
[1] This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created
man, in the likeness of God made he him;
[2] Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name
Adam, in the day when they were created.
[3] And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own
likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:
[4] And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred
years: and he begat sons and daughters:
[5] And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and
he died.
[6] And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos:
[7] And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and
begat sons and daughters:
[8] And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he
died.
[9] And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan:
[10] And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years,
and begat sons and daughters:
[11] And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.
[12] And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel:
[13] And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[14] And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he
died.
[15] And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
[16] And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[17] And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five
years: and he died.
[18] And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:
[19] And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat
sons and daughters:
[20] And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he
died.
[21] And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:
[22] And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[23] And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
[24] And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
[25] And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat
Lamech:
[26] And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[27] And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years:
and he died.
[28] And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:
[29] And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us
concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the
LORD hath cursed.
[30] And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[31] And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years:
and he died.
[32] And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and
Japheth.
1 Chronicles 1
1 Adam, Seth, Enosh; 2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared; 3 Enoch, Methuselah,
Lamech; 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
[1] Adam, Sheth, Enosh,
[2] Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered,
[3] Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech,
[4] Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Recommended in some daily devotions to Go to Genesis 6 to 7 but let us
detour to Job; explanation later.
Job 1
The Prologue
1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was
blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil. 2 Seven sons and
three daughters were born to him. 3 His possessions were seven thousand
sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred
female donkeys, and very many servants. This man was the greatest of all
the people of the East. 4 His sons used to go and make a feast in the
house of each on his day, and they would send and call for their three
sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 Now when the days of feasting had run
their course, Job sent and sanctified them. He would rise up early in the
morning, and he would offer burnt offerings according to the number of them
all, because Job said: "It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God
in their hearts." Thus Job would do always.
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the Lord, and the Adversary also came among them. 7 And the Lord
said to the Adversary, "From where have you come?" Then the Adversary
answered the Lord, saying, "From roaming on the earth, and from walking up
and down on it."
8 And the Lord said to the Adversary, "Have you considered My servant Job,
that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and an upright man,
who fears God, and avoids evil?"
9 Then the Adversary answered the Lord, saying, "Has Job feared God for
nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and
around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his
hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out
Your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse You to Your
face."
12 The Lord said to the Adversary, "Look, all that he has is in your
power; only do not stretch out your hand against his person."
So the Adversary departed from the presence of the Lord.
(Please note , the Devil cannot do anything unless permitted by the Lord)
13 So a day came when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking
wine in their eldest brother's house, 14 and a messenger came to Job and
said, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were feeding beside them, 15
and the Sabeans attacked them, and took them away, and they killed the
servants with the edge of the sword, and only I alone have escaped to tell
you."
16 While he was still speaking, another came and said, "The fire of God
fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed
them, and I alone have escaped to tell you." 17 While he was still
speaking, another came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three companies and
made a raid on the camels and have taken them away. They killed the
servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell
you."
18 While he was still speaking, another came and said, "Your sons and your
daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,
19 and suddenly a great wind came from the wilderness and struck the four
corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead;
and I alone have escaped to tell you."
20 Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the
ground and worshipped. 21 He said,
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked will I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord."
22 In all this Job did not sin, and he did not accuse God of wrongdoing.
[1] There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was
perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
[2] And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
[3] His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels,
and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great
household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
[4] And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and
sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
[5] And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job
sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered
burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be
that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job
continually.
[6] Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
[7] And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered
the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up
and down in it.
[8] And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that
there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that
feareth God, and escheweth evil?
[9] Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
[10] Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about
all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and
his substance is increased in the land.
[11] But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will
curse thee to thy face.
[12] And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power;
only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the
presence of the LORD.
[13] And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and
drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
[14] And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing,
and the asses feeding beside them:
[15] And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have
slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone
to tell thee.
[16] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire
of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the
servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
[17] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The
Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried
them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I
only am escaped alone to tell thee.
[18] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons
and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's
house:
[19] And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the
four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are
dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
[20] Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down
upon the ground, and worshipped,
[21] And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I
return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the
name of the LORD.
[22] In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
(Somehow this is tough)
Job 2
1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the Lord, and the Adversary came also among them to present himself
before the Lord. 2 The Lord said to the Adversary, "From where do you
come?" And the Adversary answered the Lord, saying, "From roaming on the
earth, and from walking up and down on it."
3 The Lord said to the Adversary, "Have you considered My servant Job,
that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and an upright man,
who fears God and avoids evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although
you moved Me against him, to destroy him without cause."
4 The Adversary answered the Lord, saying, "Skin for skin; yes, all that a
man has he will give for his life. 5 Put forth Your hand now and touch his
bone and his flesh, and he will curse You to Your face."
6 The Lord said to the Adversary, "Very well, he is in your hand, but
spare his life."
(Satan is not as knowledgeable as the Creator is)
7 Therefore, the Adversary went out from the presence of the Lord, and he
afflicted Job with severe sores from the sole of his foot to the top of his
head. 8 So he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself
while he was sitting among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, "Are you
still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die."
10 He said to her, "You talk like one of the foolish women talks. Will we
indeed accept the good from God but not accept the adversity?" In all this
Job did not sin with his lips.
11 Three friends of Job heard about all this evil that had come upon him,
and each one came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the
Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They had agreed together to come to
mourn with him and to comfort him. 12 They saw him from a distance and did
not recognize him, so they wept aloud. Each one tore his robe, and they
tossed dust into the air above their heads. 13 Then they sat down with him
on the ground seven days and seven nights. Meanwhile, no one was speaking
to him at all because they saw that his pain was severe. (Are these
friends who will really comfort?)
Job 2
[1] Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves
before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before
the LORD.
[2] And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan
answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from
walking up and down in it.
[3] And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that
there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that
feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity,
although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
[4] And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a
man hath will he give for his life.
[5] But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he
will curse thee to thy face.
[6] And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his
life.
[7] So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with
sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
[8] And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down
among the ashes.
[9] Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity?
curse God, and die.
[10] But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women
speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not
receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
[11] Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon
him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and
Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an
appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
[12] And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they
lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and
sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
[13] So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights,
and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
2) Our Daily Bread for 2 January 2024 Titled
The Son Also Rises
Ecclesiastes 1
All Is Vanity
1 (Ecc 1:12; 7:27; 12:8-10) These are the words of the Preacher,
the son of David and king in Jerusalem.
2 (Ecc 12:8; Ro 8:20) "Vanity
[Heb. suggests something futile, temporal, or obscure.]
of vanities,"
says the Preacher;
"vanity of vanities,
all is vanity."
3 (Ecc 2:11; 3:9) What benefit is there to a man in all his labors
that he toils under the sun?
4 (Ps 104:5 )A generation comes, and a generation goes,
but the earth continually remains.
5 (Ps 19:4-6) The sun comes up, and the sun goes down,
and hurries to the place where it rises.
6 (Jn 3:8 ) It moves to the south,
and then moves around to the north;
the wind continually travels around,
and it keeps turning on its circuit.
7 All the streams flow into the sea,
and the sea is never filled up.
And to the place where the streams flow,
there they continually return to flow.
8 (Pr 27:20; Ecc 4:8) All matters are wearisome;
a man is not able to speak to them.
The eye is not satisfied with what it sees,
and the ear is not content with what it hears.
9 (Ecc 3:15; 2:12) What has been is the same as what will be,
and what has been done is the same as what will be done;
there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there a matter where it is said,
"See, this is truly new"?
Long ago in the past
every matter has already been in our midst.
11 (Ecc 2:16) There is not a memory for the former things,
and moreover, there will not be
a memory for the things coming after,
even those things that are yet to come.
1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh:
but the earth abideth for ever.
5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place
where he arose.
6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north;
it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according
to his circuits.
7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place
from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not
satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done
is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath
been already of old time, which was before us.
11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any
remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
Ernest Hemingway's first full-length novel features hard-drinking friends
who've recently endured World War I. They bear the literal and figurative
scars of the war's devastation and try to cope with it via parties, grand
adventures, and sleeping around. Always, there is alcohol to numb the pain.
No one is happy.
Hemingway's title for his book The Sun Also Rises comes straight from the
pages of Ecclesiastes (1:5). In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon refers to himself
as "the Preacher" (v. 1). He observes, "all is vanity" (v. 2) and asks,
"What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?"
(v. 3). Solomon saw how the sun rises and sets, the wind blows to and fro, the
rivers flow endlessly into a never satisfied sea (vv. 5-7).
Ultimately, all is forgotten (v. 11).
Both Hemingway and Ecclesiastes confront us with the stark futility of living
for this life only. Solomon, however, weaves bright hints of the divine into
his book. There is permanence-and real hope. Ecclesiastes shows us as we truly
are, but it also shows God as He is. "Everything God does will endure
forever," said Solomon (3:14), and therein lies our great hope.
For God has given us the gift of His Son, Jesus.
Apart from God, we're adrift in an endless, never satisfied sea. Through His
risen Son, Jesus, we're reconciled to Him, and we discover our meaning,
value, and purpose.
By: Tim Gustafson
Reflect & Pray
What occupies your time and what meaning does it hold?
How might you change your priorities to follow Jesus?
Loving Father, help me find my fulfillment in You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 3 - The Promise of Completion
Philippians 1:6
6 (1Co 1:8; Jn 6:29) I am confident of this very thing,
that He who began a good work in you will perfect it
until the day of Jesus Christ.
6 being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun
a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
"Elizabeth is a good student", the note on the side of the report card read,
"but she doesn't finish what she starts. She has a lot of good ideas, but
rarely brings then to completion."
Many of us are like Elizabeth. We start into a new venture with high hopes
and great motivation. But somewhere along the way, we become discouraged.
Someone tells us that our ideas are stupid, or that we are not capable of
doing what we dream. We get a particularly difficult hurdle and give up.
Sometimes we fell the Christian like is like that, too. We start well, and
believe that in Christ we can accomplish anything. But then our prayers
become rote, our Bible reading ritual. We can't seem to regain that sense
of God's presence; we have, we conclude, "Lost our first love." (Rev 2)
But God has a different perspective. He began the work of salvation in us;
he leads and guides us in his will, and he will complete what he has begun.
Often we fail to see God's grace in the ongoing process of walking with him
because his agenda is different from ours. We know what we want to see
happen in our lives; God knows what needs to happen.
"When I first came into a relationship with Christ," one woman explained,
"I knew I had a lot of changing to do. But, strangely enough, the things God
changed weren't on my list at all!"
When God begins his work in our lives, he has a plan for our maturity.
He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. And what God
has begun, he will finish.
Application
a) Have I ever tried to "decide" for God what problems in my life
needed dealing with?
b) Has God ever pointed out issues that were a surprise to me?
c) How can today's verse help me relax in God's will and
have confidence in the direction of my life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 16:10-12
10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also
in much.
11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who will give you that which is your own?"
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who shall give you that which is your own?
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Col 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another
and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,
to which also you are called in one body,
rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
2015 Population - 4631302 Muslims about 136493
British Columbia - British Columbia's Muslim Population is growing constantly.
Every week there are immigrants ad refugees coming to the Greater Vancouver
and surrounding areas. There are also significant Muslim student populations
in our colleges and universities. Some have even suggested that there are
between 4000 and 5000 Saudi Arabian students alone, without counting all
other nationalities.
Greater Vancouver has an estimated 180000 Muslims, and there are significant
and growing communities in the Fraser Valley such as in Langley, Abbotsford,
Chilliwack, etc. Including these communities the total population for this
region is about 200000.
Of these, there are an estimated 100000 Iranians, 35000 Arabs, 15000 Ismailis,
more than 20000 Afghanis, 10000 South Asian Muslims, 3000 Turks, and small
numbers from other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Albania, etc.
We are seeing some Muslims coming to Christ and we rejoice in that.
A few people also have some ongoing ministry to Muslims in the area,
for which we also rejoice. Let us agree in that
- the church will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
- the church will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
2nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians (
Rom 10:14-15 -
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 I And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good
things!"
)
b) Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction. (
Jer 33:3
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things which you do not know.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to know Him as Friend
for Satan is tempting you to denounce God the Creator.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Father, help me find my fulfillment in You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that He will finish and complete
the work He needs to do for you.
Pray to the Lord and pray for Holy Spirit to dwell in you richly.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a good Steward in what Jesus gives you.
Pray the church in BC will catch a vision to pray,
and a burden to train outreach to Muslims
Pray the church in BC will press in to participate in effective
discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.
Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians
Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction.
Pray for faithful believers like Bimala in Nepal who boldly share the Gospel
with their neighbours despite hardships.
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.