Day 3 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 3 January reflections
Day 3, 3 January 2024
1) Job 3-6
Job 3
Job Laments His Birth
1 After this Job opened his mouth, and cursed the day of his birth.
2 Job said:
3 "Let the day perish in which I was born
and the night in which it was said, `A male child is conceived.'
4 As for that day, let it be darkness;
let God above not regard it;
and let not light shine upon it.
5 Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it;
let a cloud settle on it;
let the blackness of the day terrify it.
6 As for that night, let darkness capture it;
let it not rejoice among the days of the year;
let it not come into the number of the months.
7 Yes, as for that night, let it be barren!
Let no joyful cry come into it!
8 Let them curse it who curse any day,
those who are prepared to rouse Leviathan. (Leviathan, a sea dinosaur?)
9 Let its morning stars be dark;
let it look for light, but have none;
let it not see the rays of dawn,
10 because it did not shut the doors of my mother's womb,
nor hide trouble from my eyes.
11" Why did I not die at birth?
Why did I not expire when I came out of the womb?
12 Why did her knees receive me?
And why her breasts that I should nurse?
13 For now I would be lying down and would be at peace;
I would have slept; then there would be rest for me,
14 with kings and counselors of the earth,
who built ruins for themselves,
15 or with princes who had gold,
who filled their houses with silver.
16 Or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child,
like infants who never saw light?
17 There the wicked will have stopped causing trouble,
and there the exhausted will rest.
18 Captives will relax together;
they do not hear the voice of the oppressor.
19 The small and great, they are there,
and the servant is free from his master.
20 "Why is light given to the miserable,
and life unto the bitter in soul,
21 who look for death, but it is not there;
and they search for it more than for hidden treasures;
22 who rejoice exceedingly,
and they are glad when they find the grave?
23 And why is light given to a man
whose way is hidden,
whom God has hedged in?
24 For my sighing comes before I eat,
and my groaning pours forth like the waters.
25 For the thing which I greatly feared has happened to me,
and that which I dreaded has come to me.
26 I am not at peace; I have no quiet,
I cannot rest, and turmoil has come."
[1] After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.
[2] And Job spake, and said,
[3] Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was
said, There is a man child conceived.
[4] Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let
the light shine upon it.
[5] Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon
it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.
[6] As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto
the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
[7] Lo, let that night be solitary, let no joyful voice come therein.
[8] Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their
mourning.
[9] Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light,
but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day:
[10] Because it shut not up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hid sorrow
from mine eyes.
[11] Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I
came out of the belly?
[12] Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?
[13] For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept:
then had I been at rest,
[14] With kings and counsellers of the earth, which built desolate places
for themselves;
[15] Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver:
[16] Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never
saw light.
[17] There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.
[18] There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the
oppressor.
[19] The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.
[20] Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the
bitter in soul;
[21] Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for
hid treasures;
[22] Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?
[23] Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged
in?
[24] For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like
the waters.
[25] For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I
was afraid of is come unto me.
[26] I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet
trouble came.
Job 4
Eliphaz Speaks: Job Has Sinned
1Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:
2(Job 32:18-20) "If one attempts a word with you, will you be impatient?
But who can keep from speaking?
3(Isa 35:3) Surely you have instructed many,
and you have strengthened the weak hands.
4(Heb 12:12) Your words have raised up him who was falling,
and you have fortified the feeble knees.
5(Job 19:21) But now it comes upon you, and you are weary;
it reaches even you, and you are terrified.
6(Job 1:1; Pr 3:26) Is not your reverence your confidence?
And the integrity of your ways your hope?
7(Ps 37:25) "Remember now, who being innocent ever perished?
Or where were the upright ever wiped out?
8(Pr 22:8; Gal 6:7-8) Just like I have seen, those who plow iniquity
and sow trouble, reap the same.
9(Job 15:30; Isa 30:33 ) By the breath of God they perish,
and by the blast of His anger they are destroyed.
10(Ps 58:6; Job 29:17) The roaring of the lion,
and the voice of the fierce lion,
and the teeth of the young lions are broken.
11(Ps 34:10) The old lion perishes for lack of prey,
and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.
12(Job 26:14) "Now a word was brought to me secretly,
and my ear received a whisper of it.
13(Ge 2:21; 15:12) Amid disquieting thoughts from night visions,
when deep sleep falls on mortals,
14(Hab 3:16) terror and trembling came to me,
which made all my bones shake.
15 A breath of wind was passing before my face,
and the hair on my body was standingup.
16(1Ki 19:12) It stood still,
but I could not recognize its appearance;
a form was in front of my eyes,
there was stillness, then I heard a voice saying:
17(Job 9:2; 25:4) 'Can a mortal be more righteous than God?
Can a man be more pure than his Maker?
18 He does not trust in His servants,
and He charges His angels with error;
19(Ge 2:7; Job 10:9) Even more, those who dwell in houses of clay,
whose foundation is in the dust,
who are crushed before the moth.
20(Job 20:7) They are broken in pieces from morning to evening;
they perish forever without anyone regarding it.
21(Job 36:12) Are not their tent ropes plucked up,
so they die, even without wisdom?'
[1] Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
[2] If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can
withhold himself from speaking?
[3] Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak
hands.
[4] Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened
the feeble knees.
[5] But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and
thou art troubled.
[6] Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of
thy ways?
[7] Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were
the righteous cut off?
[8] Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap
the same.
[9] By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are
they consumed.
[10] The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the
teeth of the young lions, are broken.
[11] The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps
are scattered abroad.
[12] Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little
thereof.
[13] In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on
men,
[14] Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
[15] Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:
[16] It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was
before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,
[17] Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than
his maker?
[18] Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with
folly:
[19] How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is
in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?
[20] They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever
without any regarding it.
[21] Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even
without wisdom.
Job 5
Eliphaz: Job Is Chastised by God
1(Job 15:15) "Call out now; is anyone answering you?
And to whom among the holy ones will you turn?
2 For anger slays the foolish man,
and jealousy kills the gullible.
3(Ps 37:35-36; 73:18-20) Yes, I saw the foolish taking root,
and quickly I cursed his dwelling.
4 (Ps 119:155; 127:5) May his children be far from safety,
and may they be crushed in the gate without a deliverer;
5 whose harvest the hungry eats up,
and takes it even out of the thorns,
and the thirsty captures his wealth.
6 For affliction does not come out of the dust,
nor does trouble sprout up out of the ground;
7 (Job 14:1; Ge 3:17-19) but man is born to trouble,
as the sparks fly upward.
8 (Ps 50:15) "Indeed, I would appeal to God,
and before God I would set forth my case,
9 (Ps 40:5; Job 9:10; 37:5) who does the great and the inscrutable,
wonders without number.
10(Ps 147:8; Jer 5:24) He gives rain on the surface of the earth
and sends water on the outdoor places.
11 He sets on high those who are lowly,
and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
12 (Ne 4:15; Isa 8:10) He frustrates the schemes of the crafty,
so that their hands cannot perform their plans.
13 (Ps 9:15-16; 1Co 3:19) He catches the wise in their own craftiness,
and the scheme of the shrewd is swiftly stopped.
14 (Job 12:25; Dt 28:29) In the daytime they encounter darkness,
and at noontime they grope as in the night.
15 (Ps 35:10) But the needy He saves from the sword,
from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.
16 (Ps 107:42; 63:11) So the helpless has hope,
and injustice shuts her mouth.
17 (Ps 94:12; Jas 1:12) "How happy is the man whom God corrects!
Therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty,
18 (Isa 30:26; Dt 32:39) for He wounds, but He applies the bandage;
He injures, but His hands also heal.
19 (Ps 34:19; 1Co 10:13) In six crises He will deliver you;
even in seven, disaster will not touch you.
20 (Ps 33:19) In famine He will redeem you from death,
and in war from the power of the sword.
21 (Ps 31:20) You will be hidden from the lash of the tongue,
and you will not fear violence when it comes.
22 (Eze 34:25; Isa 35:9) You will laugh at devastation and famine,
and you will not fear wild animals.
23 For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field,
and the wild animals will be at peace with you.
24 You will know that your tent is peaceful,
and you will inspect your property and find nothing missing.
25(Ps 112:2; 72:16) You will know that your offspring will be many
and your descendants as the grass of the earth.
26(Ge 15:15; 25:8) You go to the grave in a full age,
as stalks of grain are gathered up in season.
27(Ps 111:2) "Look! We have investigated all this, and it is so;
hear it, and know for yourself."
[1] Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; and to which of the
saints wilt thou turn?
[2] For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.
[3] I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his
habitation.
[4] His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate,
neither is there any to deliver them.
[5] Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the
thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.
[6] Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble
spring out of the ground;
[7] Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
[8] I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
[9] Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without
number:
[10] Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:
[11] To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be
exalted to safety.
[12] He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot
perform their enterprise.
[13] He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the
froward is carried headlong.
[14] They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in
the night.
[15] But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the
hand of the mighty.
[16] So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.
[17] Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not
thou the chastening of the Almighty:
[18] For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make
whole.
[19] He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no
evil touch thee.
[20] In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of
the sword.
[21] Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be
afraid of destruction when it cometh.
[22] At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be
afraid of the beasts of the earth.
[23] For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the
beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.
[24] And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou
shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.
[25] Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring
as the grass of the earth.
[26] Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn
cometh in in his season.
[27] Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for
thy good.
Job 6
Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just
1 But Job answered:
2 "Oh, that my grief were fully weighed,
and my calamity laid with it on the scales!
3 (Pr 27:3) For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea;
therefore my words are stuck in my throat.
4 (Ps 38:2; Job 30:15) For the arrows of the Almighty are within me;
my spirit drinks in their poison;
the terrors of God are arrayed againstme.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass?
Or the ox bellow over his fodder?
6 (Lev 2:13; Col 4:6 ) Is tasteless food eaten without salt?
Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7 My soul refuses to touch them;
they are like loathsome food to me.
8 "Oh, that I might have my request,
and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
9 (1Ki 19:4) That it would please God to crush me,
that He would let loose His hand and cut me off!
10 (Lev 19:2; Job 23:12) Then I would still have comfort;
I would revel in pain; it will not subside,
for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
11 "What strength do I have, that I should hope?
And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones?
Or is my flesh made of brass?
13 Is there no help within me?
And is success banished from me?
14 (Pr 17:17) "A despairing man should be shown kindness from his friend,
or he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 (Jer 15:18; Ps 38:11) My brothers have acted deceitfully like a riverbed,
like the streams of the riverbeds that run dry;
16 which are dark because of the ice,
and into which the snow disappears.
17 In time they are scorched; they vanish!
When it is hot, they disappear from their place.
18 The caravans of their way turn aside;
they go nowhere, and they perish.
19 (Ge 25:15; Isa 21:14) The caravans of Tema looked,
the travelers of Sheba hoped for them.
20 They were disappointed because they were confident;
they arrived there and were dismayed.
21 (Ps 38:11) For now you are nothing;
you see terror and are afraid.
22 Did I say, 'Give to me'?
Or, 'Out of your wealth, bribe me'?
23 Or, 'Deliver me from the power of the enemy'?
Or, 'From the power of the oppressors, liberate me'?
24 "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue,
and make me understand how I have erred.
25 How forceful are right words!
But what does your arguing prove?
26(Job 8:2) Do you mean to correct my words,
and treat my desperate words as wind?
27(Job 22:9; 24:3) Yes, you cast lots for the fatherless,
and you bargain over your friend.
28 "And now, please give me your attention,
for surely I will not lie to you.
29(Job 17:10) Turn, I pray, let there be no injustice!
Yes, turn again, my righteousness still stands!
30(Job 12:11) Is there injustice on my tongue?
Cannot my taste discern pernicious things?
[1] But Job answered and said,
[2] Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the
balances together!
[3] For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words
are swallowed up.
[4] For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof
drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against
me.
[5] Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his
fodder?
[6] Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste
in the white of an egg?
[7] The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat.
[8] Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing
that I long for!
[9] Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his
hand, and cut me off!
[10] Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow:
let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
[11] What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I
should prolong my life?
[12] Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?
[13] Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
[14] To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he
forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
[15] My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of
brooks they pass away;
[16] Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:
[17] What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed
out of their place.
[18] The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and
perish.
[19] The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.
[20] They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and
were ashamed.
[21] For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid.
[22] Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?
[23] Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of
the mighty?
[24] Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein
I have erred.
[25] How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?
[26] Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is
desperate, which are as wind?
[27] Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
[28] Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I
lie.
[29] Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my
righteousness is in it.
[30] Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse
things?
Note who your friends are
2) Our Daily Bread for 3 January 2024 titled
Spotting Hope
Psalm 33:6-9,12-22
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and all their host by the breath of His mouth.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He puts the depths in storehouses.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2 ) For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom He has chosen as His inheritance.
13 The Lord looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
14 From the place of His habitation He gazes
on all the inhabitants of the earth;
15 He fashions their hearts alike;
He considers all their works.
16 No king is saved by a great army;
a mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
17A horse is a vain hope for safety;
it will not deliver by its great strength.
18 The eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
on those who hope in His lovingkindness,
19 to deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart will rejoice in Him,
because we have trusted in His holy name.
22 Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be onus,
just as we hope in You.
[6] By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them
by the breath of his mouth.
[7] He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up
the depth in storehouses.
[8] Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world
stand in awe of him.
[9] For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
[12] Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom he
hath chosen for his own inheritance.
[13] The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
[14] From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the
inhabitants of the earth.
[15] He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
[16] There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not
delivered by much strength.
[17] An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by
his great strength.
[18] Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that
hope in his mercy;
[19] To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
[20] Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
[21] For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy
name.
[22] Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle has seen the deterioration of coral reefs
firsthand. She founded Mission Blue, an organization devoted to the
development of global "hope spots." These special places around the world are
"critical to the health of the ocean," which impacts our lives on earth.
Through the intentional care for these areas, scientists have seen the
relationships of underwater communities restored and lives of endangered species preserved.
In Psalm 33, the psalmist acknowledges that God spoke everything into
existence and ensured that all He made would stand firm (vv. 6-9). As God
reigns over generations and nations (vv. 11-19), He alone restores
relationships, saves lives, and revitalizes hope. However, God invites us to
join Him in caring for the world and the people He created.
Each time we praise God for the whisper of a rainbow splashed across a
clouded, gray sky or the glistening waves of the ocean crashing against a
rocky shore, we can proclaim His "unfailing love" and presence as
we "put our hope" in Him (v. 22).
When we're tempted toward discouragement or fear as we consider the current
state of the world, we may begin to believe we can't make a difference. When
we do our part as members of God's care team, however, we can honour Him as
the Creator and help others spot hope as they place their trust in Jesus.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
How has God used nature to affirm your hope in Him?
How can you serve as part of His care team?
Loving Creator and Sustainer, help me be a hope-spotter
who faithfully serves on Your care team.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 4 - Send for Help !
James 1:5
5 (Pr 2:3-6; Jn 15:7) If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally
and without criticism, and it will be given to him.
5 If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
A new employee in an electronics plant had the responsibility
for overseeing one machine. The machine worked fine when the young man
came on duty, but soon it began to run a bit rough. The employee
tinkered with the machine, trying to "fix" it, until finally if stopped
working altogether
In fear and trembling the worker sent for the foreman, and stammered,
"I - I, well, sir, I did my best to fix it."
"Son", the foreman thundered, "you need to know only one thing. Around
here, doing you best means sending for me!"
Wisdom, James 1:5 says, has its source in God alone. And if we are
to attain wisdom, we need to learn doing our best means sending for God.
Often we spend time tinkering with our lives or the the lives of others.
We don't think to as God for his wisdom in the decisions we must take;
instead, we use our human reasoning and take our best guess.
But the path to wisdom does not lie in guesswork. The scriptures
give us clear indication of God's direction for his people, and through Bible
study, application, prayer, and meditation,
we can understand what God wants to reveal to us.
"If any of you lacks wisdom," James says, "he should ask God, who gives
generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
The first step to attaining wisdom is recognising that we are not wise.
The second step is to ask. And God, who is faithful to his Word
and His people, will respond.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I tinkered with my life,
making it worse rather then fixing it?
b) What practical steps can I take to ask God for wisdom?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Malachi 3:10-12
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in
My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not
open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing,
that there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 I will rebuke the devourer
for your sakes, so that it will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
and the vines in your field will not fail to bear fruit,
says the Lord of Hosts.
12 Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be
a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in
mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not
open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall
not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy
the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit
before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be
a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
Matt 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
Lk 12:33-34
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth
and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20 But store up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy
and where thieves do not break in nor steal,
21 for where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth
nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
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
3nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the province of Alberta as follows:
I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, that God's Spirit would influence then to
act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards. (
1 Tim 2:1-4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in
the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
b) Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
( John 16:8 - When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
Matthew 9:36 - But when He saw the crowds, He was moved with
compassion for them, because they fainted and were scattered,
like sheep without a shepherd )
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and Pray TO UNDERSTAND A SITUATION before speaking;
empty yourselves of assumptions.
Pray to the Lord : "Loving Creator and Sustainer, help me be a hope-spotter
who faithfully serves on Your care team."
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His Wisdom Daily.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a generous giver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven.
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 Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
Pray that more Moroccans will hear the Gospel through evangelistic outreaches
using digital media.
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) Job 3-6
Job 3
Job Laments His Birth
1 After this Job opened his mouth, and cursed the day of his birth.
2 Job said:
3 "Let the day perish in which I was born
and the night in which it was said, `A male child is conceived.'
4 As for that day, let it be darkness;
let God above not regard it;
and let not light shine upon it.
5 Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it;
let a cloud settle on it;
let the blackness of the day terrify it.
6 As for that night, let darkness capture it;
let it not rejoice among the days of the year;
let it not come into the number of the months.
7 Yes, as for that night, let it be barren!
Let no joyful cry come into it!
8 Let them curse it who curse any day,
those who are prepared to rouse Leviathan. (Leviathan, a sea dinosaur?)
9 Let its morning stars be dark;
let it look for light, but have none;
let it not see the rays of dawn,
10 because it did not shut the doors of my mother's womb,
nor hide trouble from my eyes.
11" Why did I not die at birth?
Why did I not expire when I came out of the womb?
12 Why did her knees receive me?
And why her breasts that I should nurse?
13 For now I would be lying down and would be at peace;
I would have slept; then there would be rest for me,
14 with kings and counselors of the earth,
who built ruins for themselves,
15 or with princes who had gold,
who filled their houses with silver.
16 Or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child,
like infants who never saw light?
17 There the wicked will have stopped causing trouble,
and there the exhausted will rest.
18 Captives will relax together;
they do not hear the voice of the oppressor.
19 The small and great, they are there,
and the servant is free from his master.
20 "Why is light given to the miserable,
and life unto the bitter in soul,
21 who look for death, but it is not there;
and they search for it more than for hidden treasures;
22 who rejoice exceedingly,
and they are glad when they find the grave?
23 And why is light given to a man
whose way is hidden,
whom God has hedged in?
24 For my sighing comes before I eat,
and my groaning pours forth like the waters.
25 For the thing which I greatly feared has happened to me,
and that which I dreaded has come to me.
26 I am not at peace; I have no quiet,
I cannot rest, and turmoil has come."
[1] After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.
[2] And Job spake, and said,
[3] Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was
said, There is a man child conceived.
[4] Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let
the light shine upon it.
[5] Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon
it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.
[6] As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto
the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
[7] Lo, let that night be solitary, let no joyful voice come therein.
[8] Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their
mourning.
[9] Let the stars of the twilight thereof be dark; let it look for light,
but have none; neither let it see the dawning of the day:
[10] Because it shut not up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hid sorrow
from mine eyes.
[11] Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I
came out of the belly?
[12] Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?
[13] For now should I have lain still and been quiet, I should have slept:
then had I been at rest,
[14] With kings and counsellers of the earth, which built desolate places
for themselves;
[15] Or with princes that had gold, who filled their houses with silver:
[16] Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never
saw light.
[17] There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.
[18] There the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the
oppressor.
[19] The small and great are there; and the servant is free from his master.
[20] Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the
bitter in soul;
[21] Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for
hid treasures;
[22] Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?
[23] Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged
in?
[24] For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like
the waters.
[25] For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I
was afraid of is come unto me.
[26] I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet
trouble came.
Job 4
Eliphaz Speaks: Job Has Sinned
1Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:
2(Job 32:18-20) "If one attempts a word with you, will you be impatient?
But who can keep from speaking?
3(Isa 35:3) Surely you have instructed many,
and you have strengthened the weak hands.
4(Heb 12:12) Your words have raised up him who was falling,
and you have fortified the feeble knees.
5(Job 19:21) But now it comes upon you, and you are weary;
it reaches even you, and you are terrified.
6(Job 1:1; Pr 3:26) Is not your reverence your confidence?
And the integrity of your ways your hope?
7(Ps 37:25) "Remember now, who being innocent ever perished?
Or where were the upright ever wiped out?
8(Pr 22:8; Gal 6:7-8) Just like I have seen, those who plow iniquity
and sow trouble, reap the same.
9(Job 15:30; Isa 30:33 ) By the breath of God they perish,
and by the blast of His anger they are destroyed.
10(Ps 58:6; Job 29:17) The roaring of the lion,
and the voice of the fierce lion,
and the teeth of the young lions are broken.
11(Ps 34:10) The old lion perishes for lack of prey,
and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.
12(Job 26:14) "Now a word was brought to me secretly,
and my ear received a whisper of it.
13(Ge 2:21; 15:12) Amid disquieting thoughts from night visions,
when deep sleep falls on mortals,
14(Hab 3:16) terror and trembling came to me,
which made all my bones shake.
15 A breath of wind was passing before my face,
and the hair on my body was standingup.
16(1Ki 19:12) It stood still,
but I could not recognize its appearance;
a form was in front of my eyes,
there was stillness, then I heard a voice saying:
17(Job 9:2; 25:4) 'Can a mortal be more righteous than God?
Can a man be more pure than his Maker?
18 He does not trust in His servants,
and He charges His angels with error;
19(Ge 2:7; Job 10:9) Even more, those who dwell in houses of clay,
whose foundation is in the dust,
who are crushed before the moth.
20(Job 20:7) They are broken in pieces from morning to evening;
they perish forever without anyone regarding it.
21(Job 36:12) Are not their tent ropes plucked up,
so they die, even without wisdom?'
[1] Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
[2] If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can
withhold himself from speaking?
[3] Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak
hands.
[4] Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened
the feeble knees.
[5] But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and
thou art troubled.
[6] Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of
thy ways?
[7] Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were
the righteous cut off?
[8] Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap
the same.
[9] By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are
they consumed.
[10] The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the
teeth of the young lions, are broken.
[11] The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps
are scattered abroad.
[12] Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little
thereof.
[13] In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on
men,
[14] Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
[15] Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:
[16] It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was
before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,
[17] Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than
his maker?
[18] Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with
folly:
[19] How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is
in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?
[20] They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever
without any regarding it.
[21] Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even
without wisdom.
Job 5
Eliphaz: Job Is Chastised by God
1(Job 15:15) "Call out now; is anyone answering you?
And to whom among the holy ones will you turn?
2 For anger slays the foolish man,
and jealousy kills the gullible.
3(Ps 37:35-36; 73:18-20) Yes, I saw the foolish taking root,
and quickly I cursed his dwelling.
4 (Ps 119:155; 127:5) May his children be far from safety,
and may they be crushed in the gate without a deliverer;
5 whose harvest the hungry eats up,
and takes it even out of the thorns,
and the thirsty captures his wealth.
6 For affliction does not come out of the dust,
nor does trouble sprout up out of the ground;
7 (Job 14:1; Ge 3:17-19) but man is born to trouble,
as the sparks fly upward.
8 (Ps 50:15) "Indeed, I would appeal to God,
and before God I would set forth my case,
9 (Ps 40:5; Job 9:10; 37:5) who does the great and the inscrutable,
wonders without number.
10(Ps 147:8; Jer 5:24) He gives rain on the surface of the earth
and sends water on the outdoor places.
11 He sets on high those who are lowly,
and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
12 (Ne 4:15; Isa 8:10) He frustrates the schemes of the crafty,
so that their hands cannot perform their plans.
13 (Ps 9:15-16; 1Co 3:19) He catches the wise in their own craftiness,
and the scheme of the shrewd is swiftly stopped.
14 (Job 12:25; Dt 28:29) In the daytime they encounter darkness,
and at noontime they grope as in the night.
15 (Ps 35:10) But the needy He saves from the sword,
from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.
16 (Ps 107:42; 63:11) So the helpless has hope,
and injustice shuts her mouth.
17 (Ps 94:12; Jas 1:12) "How happy is the man whom God corrects!
Therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty,
18 (Isa 30:26; Dt 32:39) for He wounds, but He applies the bandage;
He injures, but His hands also heal.
19 (Ps 34:19; 1Co 10:13) In six crises He will deliver you;
even in seven, disaster will not touch you.
20 (Ps 33:19) In famine He will redeem you from death,
and in war from the power of the sword.
21 (Ps 31:20) You will be hidden from the lash of the tongue,
and you will not fear violence when it comes.
22 (Eze 34:25; Isa 35:9) You will laugh at devastation and famine,
and you will not fear wild animals.
23 For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field,
and the wild animals will be at peace with you.
24 You will know that your tent is peaceful,
and you will inspect your property and find nothing missing.
25(Ps 112:2; 72:16) You will know that your offspring will be many
and your descendants as the grass of the earth.
26(Ge 15:15; 25:8) You go to the grave in a full age,
as stalks of grain are gathered up in season.
27(Ps 111:2) "Look! We have investigated all this, and it is so;
hear it, and know for yourself."
[1] Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; and to which of the
saints wilt thou turn?
[2] For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.
[3] I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his
habitation.
[4] His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate,
neither is there any to deliver them.
[5] Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the
thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.
[6] Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble
spring out of the ground;
[7] Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
[8] I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
[9] Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without
number:
[10] Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields:
[11] To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be
exalted to safety.
[12] He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot
perform their enterprise.
[13] He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the
froward is carried headlong.
[14] They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in
the night.
[15] But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the
hand of the mighty.
[16] So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.
[17] Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not
thou the chastening of the Almighty:
[18] For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make
whole.
[19] He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no
evil touch thee.
[20] In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of
the sword.
[21] Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be
afraid of destruction when it cometh.
[22] At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be
afraid of the beasts of the earth.
[23] For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the
beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.
[24] And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou
shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.
[25] Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring
as the grass of the earth.
[26] Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn
cometh in in his season.
[27] Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for
thy good.
Job 6
Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just
1 But Job answered:
2 "Oh, that my grief were fully weighed,
and my calamity laid with it on the scales!
3 (Pr 27:3) For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea;
therefore my words are stuck in my throat.
4 (Ps 38:2; Job 30:15) For the arrows of the Almighty are within me;
my spirit drinks in their poison;
the terrors of God are arrayed againstme.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass?
Or the ox bellow over his fodder?
6 (Lev 2:13; Col 4:6 ) Is tasteless food eaten without salt?
Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7 My soul refuses to touch them;
they are like loathsome food to me.
8 "Oh, that I might have my request,
and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!
9 (1Ki 19:4) That it would please God to crush me,
that He would let loose His hand and cut me off!
10 (Lev 19:2; Job 23:12) Then I would still have comfort;
I would revel in pain; it will not subside,
for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
11 "What strength do I have, that I should hope?
And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones?
Or is my flesh made of brass?
13 Is there no help within me?
And is success banished from me?
14 (Pr 17:17) "A despairing man should be shown kindness from his friend,
or he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 (Jer 15:18; Ps 38:11) My brothers have acted deceitfully like a riverbed,
like the streams of the riverbeds that run dry;
16 which are dark because of the ice,
and into which the snow disappears.
17 In time they are scorched; they vanish!
When it is hot, they disappear from their place.
18 The caravans of their way turn aside;
they go nowhere, and they perish.
19 (Ge 25:15; Isa 21:14) The caravans of Tema looked,
the travelers of Sheba hoped for them.
20 They were disappointed because they were confident;
they arrived there and were dismayed.
21 (Ps 38:11) For now you are nothing;
you see terror and are afraid.
22 Did I say, 'Give to me'?
Or, 'Out of your wealth, bribe me'?
23 Or, 'Deliver me from the power of the enemy'?
Or, 'From the power of the oppressors, liberate me'?
24 "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue,
and make me understand how I have erred.
25 How forceful are right words!
But what does your arguing prove?
26(Job 8:2) Do you mean to correct my words,
and treat my desperate words as wind?
27(Job 22:9; 24:3) Yes, you cast lots for the fatherless,
and you bargain over your friend.
28 "And now, please give me your attention,
for surely I will not lie to you.
29(Job 17:10) Turn, I pray, let there be no injustice!
Yes, turn again, my righteousness still stands!
30(Job 12:11) Is there injustice on my tongue?
Cannot my taste discern pernicious things?
[1] But Job answered and said,
[2] Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the
balances together!
[3] For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words
are swallowed up.
[4] For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof
drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against
me.
[5] Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his
fodder?
[6] Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste
in the white of an egg?
[7] The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat.
[8] Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing
that I long for!
[9] Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his
hand, and cut me off!
[10] Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow:
let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
[11] What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I
should prolong my life?
[12] Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass?
[13] Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
[14] To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he
forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
[15] My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of
brooks they pass away;
[16] Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:
[17] What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed
out of their place.
[18] The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and
perish.
[19] The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.
[20] They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and
were ashamed.
[21] For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid.
[22] Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?
[23] Or, Deliver me from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of
the mighty?
[24] Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein
I have erred.
[25] How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?
[26] Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is
desperate, which are as wind?
[27] Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
[28] Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I
lie.
[29] Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my
righteousness is in it.
[30] Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse
things?
Note who your friends are
2) Our Daily Bread for 3 January 2024 titled
Spotting Hope
Psalm 33:6-9,12-22
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and all their host by the breath of His mouth.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He puts the depths in storehouses.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2 ) For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom He has chosen as His inheritance.
13 The Lord looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
14 From the place of His habitation He gazes
on all the inhabitants of the earth;
15 He fashions their hearts alike;
He considers all their works.
16 No king is saved by a great army;
a mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
17A horse is a vain hope for safety;
it will not deliver by its great strength.
18 The eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
on those who hope in His lovingkindness,
19 to deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart will rejoice in Him,
because we have trusted in His holy name.
22 Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be onus,
just as we hope in You.
[6] By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them
by the breath of his mouth.
[7] He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up
the depth in storehouses.
[8] Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world
stand in awe of him.
[9] For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
[12] Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom he
hath chosen for his own inheritance.
[13] The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
[14] From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the
inhabitants of the earth.
[15] He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
[16] There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not
delivered by much strength.
[17] An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by
his great strength.
[18] Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that
hope in his mercy;
[19] To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
[20] Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
[21] For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy
name.
[22] Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle has seen the deterioration of coral reefs
firsthand. She founded Mission Blue, an organization devoted to the
development of global "hope spots." These special places around the world are
"critical to the health of the ocean," which impacts our lives on earth.
Through the intentional care for these areas, scientists have seen the
relationships of underwater communities restored and lives of endangered species preserved.
In Psalm 33, the psalmist acknowledges that God spoke everything into
existence and ensured that all He made would stand firm (vv. 6-9). As God
reigns over generations and nations (vv. 11-19), He alone restores
relationships, saves lives, and revitalizes hope. However, God invites us to
join Him in caring for the world and the people He created.
Each time we praise God for the whisper of a rainbow splashed across a
clouded, gray sky or the glistening waves of the ocean crashing against a
rocky shore, we can proclaim His "unfailing love" and presence as
we "put our hope" in Him (v. 22).
When we're tempted toward discouragement or fear as we consider the current
state of the world, we may begin to believe we can't make a difference. When
we do our part as members of God's care team, however, we can honour Him as
the Creator and help others spot hope as they place their trust in Jesus.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
How has God used nature to affirm your hope in Him?
How can you serve as part of His care team?
Loving Creator and Sustainer, help me be a hope-spotter
who faithfully serves on Your care team.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 4 - Send for Help !
James 1:5
5 (Pr 2:3-6; Jn 15:7) If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally
and without criticism, and it will be given to him.
5 If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
A new employee in an electronics plant had the responsibility
for overseeing one machine. The machine worked fine when the young man
came on duty, but soon it began to run a bit rough. The employee
tinkered with the machine, trying to "fix" it, until finally if stopped
working altogether
In fear and trembling the worker sent for the foreman, and stammered,
"I - I, well, sir, I did my best to fix it."
"Son", the foreman thundered, "you need to know only one thing. Around
here, doing you best means sending for me!"
Wisdom, James 1:5 says, has its source in God alone. And if we are
to attain wisdom, we need to learn doing our best means sending for God.
Often we spend time tinkering with our lives or the the lives of others.
We don't think to as God for his wisdom in the decisions we must take;
instead, we use our human reasoning and take our best guess.
But the path to wisdom does not lie in guesswork. The scriptures
give us clear indication of God's direction for his people, and through Bible
study, application, prayer, and meditation,
we can understand what God wants to reveal to us.
"If any of you lacks wisdom," James says, "he should ask God, who gives
generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
The first step to attaining wisdom is recognising that we are not wise.
The second step is to ask. And God, who is faithful to his Word
and His people, will respond.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I tinkered with my life,
making it worse rather then fixing it?
b) What practical steps can I take to ask God for wisdom?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Malachi 3:10-12
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in
My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not
open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing,
that there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 I will rebuke the devourer
for your sakes, so that it will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
and the vines in your field will not fail to bear fruit,
says the Lord of Hosts.
12 Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be
a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in
mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not
open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall
not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy
the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit
before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be
a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
Matt 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
Lk 12:33-34
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth
and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20 But store up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy
and where thieves do not break in nor steal,
21 for where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth
nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
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
3nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the province of Alberta as follows:
I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, that God's Spirit would influence then to
act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards. (
1 Tim 2:1-4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in
the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
b) Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
( John 16:8 - When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
Matthew 9:36 - But when He saw the crowds, He was moved with
compassion for them, because they fainted and were scattered,
like sheep without a shepherd )
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and Pray TO UNDERSTAND A SITUATION before speaking;
empty yourselves of assumptions.
Pray to the Lord : "Loving Creator and Sustainer, help me be a hope-spotter
who faithfully serves on Your care team."
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His Wisdom Daily.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a generous giver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven.
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 Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
Pray that more Moroccans will hear the Gospel through evangelistic outreaches
using digital media.
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.