Day 4 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 4 January reflections
Day 4, 4 January 2024
1) Job 7-10
Job 7
Job: My Suffering Is Endless
1(Job 14:5-6; Ps 39:4)
"Is there not a time of hard service for a man upon earth?
Are not his days also like the days of a hired worker?
2(Lev 19:13; Jer 6:4) Like a servant, he longs for the shade,
and like a hired worker, he looks for his wages,
3(Ps 6:6) so I have been assigned months of futility,
and nights of trouble have been appointed to me.
4(Dt 28:67; Job 7:13-14) When I lie down, I say,
'When will I arise and the night be ended?'
And I am full of restlessness until the dawn.
5(Job 17:14; Isa 14:11) My flesh is covered with worms and caked with dirt;
my skin is broken, and has become loathsome.
6(Job 9:25; 17:15) 'My days fly more swiftly than a weaver's shuttle,
and are spent without hope.
7(Ps 78:39; Jas 4:14) Oh, remember that my life is a breath!
My eye will never again see good.
8(Job 20:9; Ps 37:36) The eye of him who sees me will behold me no more;
your eyes will be on me, but I will be no more.
9(2Sa 12:23; Job 30:15) As the cloud disappears and vanishes away,
so he who goes down to Sheol will come up no more.
10(Job 8:18; 20:9) He will never return to his house,
and his place will not recognize him anymore.
11(Ps 40:9; 1Sa 1:10) 'Therefore, I will not restrain my mouth;
I will speak in the anguish of my spirit;
I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
12 Am I the sea, or a sea monster,
that You set a guard over me?
13(Ps 6:6) When I say, 'My bed will comfort me,
my couch will ease my complaint,'
14 then You scare me with dreams
and terrify me with visions,
15 so that my soul chooses strangling,
even death rather than my life.
16(Job 10:1; 6:9) I loathe my life; I would not live forever;
let me alone, for my days are emptiness.
17(Ps 8:4; 144:3) 'What is man, that You should exalt him,
and that You should set Your heart on him,
18 and that You should visit him every morning,
and test him every moment?
19 (Job 9:18) How long until You look away from me?
Will You not let me alone until I swallow my saliva?
20(Ps 36:6; La 3:12) Have I sinned? What am I doing to You,
O You watcher of men?
Why have You set me as Your target,
so that I am a burden to myself?
21(Job 10:14; Da 12:2) And why do You not pardon my transgression
and take away my iniquity?
For now I will lie down in the dust;
and You will seek me diligently, but I will not be."
[1] Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also
like the days of an hireling?
[2] As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh
for the reward of his work:
[3] So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are
appointed to me.
[4] When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I
am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.
[5] My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and
become loathsome.
[6] My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.
[7] O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.
[8] The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are
upon me, and I am not.
[9] As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to
the grave shall come up no more.
[10] He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him
any more.
[11] Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of
my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
[12] Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?
[13] When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint;
[14] Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:
[15] So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life.
[16] I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are
vanity.
[17] What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest
set thine heart upon him?
[18] And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every
moment?
[19] How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow
down my spittle?
[20] I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why
hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?
[21] And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine
iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the
morning, but I shall not be.
(Do you well an injustice has been done to you? Ask the Lord for Direction)
Job 8
Bildad Speaks: Job Should Repent
1(Job 2:11)Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:
2(Job 6:26; 1Ki 19:11) "How long will you speak these things,
and the words of your mouth be like a strong wind?
3(Ge 18:25; Dt 32:4) Does God pervert judgment?
Or does the Almighty pervert justice?
4(Job 1:5; 1:18-19) If your children sinned against Him,
He cast them away for their transgression.
5(Job 11:13) If you yourself would seek God earnestly,
and seek favor from the Almighty,
6(Ps 7:6) if you were pure and upright,
surely now He would rouse Himself on your behalf,
and He would prosper your righteous dwelling.
7 Though your beginning was small,
your end will increase greatly.
8(Job 15:18; Dt 4:32; 32:7) 'Please, ask the former generation,
and prepare yourself for what their fathers searched out;
9(1Ch 29:15; Ge 47:9) for we were born but yesterday and know nothing,
because our days on earth are a shadow.
10 Will they not teach you, and tell you,
and bring forth words out of their heart?
11 Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh?
Can the reed grow without water?
12(Jer 17:6) While it is yet green and not cut down,
it withers before any other plant.
13(Job 13:16; 15:34) So are the paths of all who forget God;
and the hypocrite's hope will perish,
14(Isa 59:5-6) whose confidence will be cut off,
and whose trust will be a spider's web.
15(Job 27:18) He will lean upon his house, but it will not stand;
he will hold it fast, but it will not endure.
16(Ps 80:11) He is green before the sun,
and his branch shoots forth in his garden.
17 His roots are wrapped around the rock heap,
and he sees the place of stones.
18 (Job 7:10; 7:8) If he is uprooted from his place,
then it will deny him, saying, 'I have not seen you.'
19(Job 20:5; 1Sa 2:8) See, this is the joy of his way,
and out of the ground others will grow.
20(Job 4:7) 'Surely, God will not cast away a perfect man,
nor will He strengthen the evildoers,
21(Ps 126:2; Ge 21:6) until He fills your mouth with laughing,
and your lips with rejoicing.
22(Ps 132:18; 35:26) Those who hate you will be clothed with shame,
and the dwelling place of the wicked will come to nothing."
[1] Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,
[2] How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of
thy mouth be like a strong wind?
[3] Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?
[4] If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for
their transgression;
[5] If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the
Almighty;
[6] If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and
make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.
[7] Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly
increase.
[8] For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the
search of their fathers:
[9] (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon
earth are a shadow:)
[10] Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their
heart?
[11] Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?
[12] Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth
before any other herb.
[13] So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall
perish:
[14] Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.
[15] He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it
fast, but it shall not endure.
[16] He is green before the sun, and his branch shooteth forth in his
garden.
[17] His roots are wrapped about the heap, and seeth the place of stones.
[18] If he destroy him from his place, then it shall deny him, saying, I
have not seen thee.
[19] Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others
grow.
[20] Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the
evil doers:
[21] Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.
[22] They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place
of the wicked shall come to nought.
(Ask in Prayer in supplication what happened - You do not know it all)
Job 9
Job Replies: There Is No Mediator
1 Then Job answered:
2(Job 4:17; 25:4) "Truly, I know it is so,
but how can a man be righteous with God?
3(Job 10:2; 40:2) If one would dispute with Him,
he cannot answer Him once in a thousand times.
4(Job 36:5; 9:19) He is wise in heart and mighty in strength.
Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered?
5 He who removes mountains, and they know not,
who overturns them in His anger.
6(Isa 2:21; Hag 2:6) He who shakes the earth out of its place,
and its pillars tremble.
7(Isa 13:10) He who commands the sun, and it does not rise;
he seals off the stars.
8(Job 37:18; Ps 104:2-3) He who alone spreads out the heavens,
and treads on the waves of the sea.
9(Am 5:8; Ge 1:16) He who makes the Bear, Orion, and Pleiades,
and the constellations of the south.
10(Job 5:9; Ps 71:15) He who does great things, beyond discovery,
yes, and wonders beyond number.
11(Job 23:8-9; 35:14) Yes, He would cross before me, and I would not see Him;
He would pass on by, but I would not perceive Him.
12(Job 11:10; Isa 45:9) Yes, He takes away; who can hinder Him?
Who will say to Him, 'What are You doing?'
13(Job 26:12; Isa 30:7) God will not withdraw His anger.
The proud helpers bow down beneath Him.
14 'How, then, can I myself answer Him,
and choose my words to reason with Him?
15(Job 8:5; 10:15) Even if I were righteous I could not answer;
I would plead to my Judge for favor.
16 If I called, and He answered me,
I would not believe that He had listened to my voice.
17 (Job 2:3; 16:14) For He crushes me with a storm
and multiplies my wounds without cause.
18 (Job 7:19) He will not allow me to get my breath,
but fills me with bitterness.
19 (Job 9:4 )If it is a matter of strength, indeed, He is strong;
and if of justice, who will set me a time to plead?
20 Though I were righteous, my own mouth would condemn me;
though I were perfect, it would prove me perverse.
21 (Job 1:1) 'Though I were perfect,
I would not know myself;
I would despise my life.
22 It is all one thing; therefore I said,
'He destroys both the perfect and the wicked.'
23 If the whip kills suddenly,
He will laugh at the trial of the innocent.
24 (Job 10:3; 24:25) The earth is given into the hand of the wicked.
He covers the faces of its judges.
If it is not He, then who is it?
25 (Job 7:6-7) 'Now my days are swifter than a runner;
they flee away; they see no good.
26 (Hab 1:8; Isa 18:2) They pass by like reed skiffs,
like an eagle rushing upon its prey.
27 (Job 7:13) If I say, 'I will forget my complaint;
I will leave off my sad face and brighten up,'
28 (Ps 119:120) I am afraid of all my sorrows;
I know that You will not hold me innocent.
29 If I am guilty,
why then do I labor in vain?
30(Jer 2:22) If I wash myself with snow water
and cleanse my hands with soap,
31 yet You will plunge me into the pit,
and my own clothes will abhor me.
32 (Ecc 6:10; Ro 9:20) 'For He is not a man as I am, that I should answer Him,
and we should come together in judgment.
33(1Sa 2:25; Job 9:19) Nor is there a mediator between us,
who may lay his hand upon us both.
34(Ps 39:10; Job 33:7) Let Him take His rod away from me,
and let not dread of Him terrify me.
35 Then I would speak and not fear Him,
but it is not so with me.
[1] Then Job answered and said,
[2] I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
[3] If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
[4] He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself
against him, and hath prospered?
[5] Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them
in his anger.
[6] Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof
tremble.
[7] Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.
[8] Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of
the sea.
[9] Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the
south.
[10] Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without
number.
[11] Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I
perceive him not.
[12] Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What
doest thou?
[13] If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under
him.
[14] How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason
with him?
[15] Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make
supplication to my judge.
[16] If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that
he had hearkened unto my voice.
[17] For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without
cause.
[18] He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with
bitterness.
[19] If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall
set me a time to plead?
[20] If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am
perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
[21] Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my
life.
[22] This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and
the wicked.
[23] If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the
innocent.
[24] The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces
of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?
[25] Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.
[26] They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to
the prey.
[27] If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness,
and comfort myself:
[28] I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me
innocent.
[29] If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?
[30] If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
[31] Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor
me.
[32] For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should
come together in judgment.
[33] Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon
us both.
[34] Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
[35] Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.
(Thank you Lord for sending Jesus Christ as or mediator)
Job: I Abhor My Life
10:1 "My soul loathes my life;
I will freely give my complaint,
I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
2 I will say to God, Do not condemn me;
show me why You contend with me.
3 Is it good for You that You should oppress,
that You should despise the work of Your hands
and smile on the counsel of the wicked?
4 Do You have eyes of flesh?
Or do You see as man sees?
5 Are Your days as the days of man?
Are Your years as the days of a mortal,
6 that You inquire after my iniquity
and search after my sin?
7 You know that I am not wicked,
and there is none who can deliver out of Your hand.
8 "Your hands have shaped me and made me completely,
yet You destroy me.
9 Remember, I pray,
that You have made me as the clay.
And would You return me to dust?
10 Have You not poured me out as milk
and curdled me like cheese?
11 You have clothed me with skin and flesh,
and have knit me together with bones and sinews.
12 You have granted me life and loyal love,
and Your care has preserved my spirit.
13 "These things You have hid in Your heart.
I know that this is with You.
14 If I have sinned, then You would watch me,
and You would not acquit me from my iniquity.
15 If I am wicked, woe unto me;
and if I am righteous, yet will I not lift up my head.
I am full of shame;
look at my affliction!
16 For if my head is lifted up, You would hunt me like a lion,
and again You show Yourself marvelous to me.
17 You renew Your witnesses against me
and increase Your indignation upon me.
Your troops come against me.
18s "Why then did You bring me forth out of the womb?
Oh, that I had died, and no eye had seen me!
19 I should have been as though I had not been;
I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.
20 Are not my days few? Stop then,
and leave me alone that I may cheer up a little,
21 before I go and do not return,
even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death,
22 a land of darkness, as darkness itself;
and of the shadow of death, without any order,
and where the light is as thick darkness."
[1] Then Job answered and said,
[2] I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
[3] If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
[4] He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself
against him, and hath prospered?
[5] Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them
in his anger.
[6] Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof
tremble.
[7] Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.
[8] Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of
the sea.
[9] Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the
south.
[10] Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without
number.
[11] Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I
perceive him not.
[12] Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What
doest thou?
[13] If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under
him.
[14] How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason
with him?
[15] Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make
supplication to my judge.
[16] If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that
he had hearkened unto my voice.
[17] For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without
cause.
[18] He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with
bitterness.
[19] If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall
set me a time to plead?
[20] If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am
perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
[21] Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my
life.
[22] This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and
the wicked.
[23] If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the
innocent.
[24] The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces
of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?
[25] Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.
[26] They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to
the prey.
[27] If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness,
and comfort myself:
[28] I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me
innocent.
[29] If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?
[30] If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
[31] Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor
me.
[32] For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should
come together in judgment.
[33] Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon
us both.
[34] Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
[35] Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.
2) Our Daily Bread for 4 January 2024 Titled
Quiet Faithfulness in Christ
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2,9-12
A Life Pleasing to God
1 (Eph 4:1; 2Th 1:3) Finally, brothers, we urge and exhort you by the Lord
Jesus, that as you have learned from us how you ought to walk and to please
God, you should excel more and more.
2 For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
9 (1Th 5:1; Ro 12:10) As concerning brotherly love, you do not need me
to write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.
10 (1Th 1:7; 3:12) And indeed, you do have love for all the brothers
who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, that you increase
more and more.
11 (Eph 4:28; 1Pe 4:15) Learn to be calm, and to conduct your own business,
and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,
12 (Mk 4:11; Ro 13:13) so that you may walk honestly toward
those who are outsiders and that you may lack nothing.
[1] Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord
Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please
God, so ye would abound more and more.
[2] For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
[9] But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye
yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
[10] And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia:
but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
[11] And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work
with your own hands, as we commanded you;
[12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may
have lack of nothing.
I didn't notice him at first.
I'd come down for breakfast at my hotel. Everything in the dining room was
clean. The buffet table was filled. The refrigerator was stocked, the utensil
container packed tight. Everything was perfect.
Then I saw him. An unassuming man refilled this, wiped that. He didn't draw
attention to himself. But the longer I sat, the more I was amazed. The man was
working very fast, noticing everything, and refilling everything before anyone
might need something. As a food service veteran, I noticed his constant
attention to detail. Everything was perfect because this man was working
faithfully-even if few noticed.
Watching this man work so meticulously, I recalled Paul's words to the
Thessalonians: "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business,
and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may
have lack of nothing." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Paul understood how a faithful worker might win others' respect-offering a quiet testimony to how
the gospel can infuse even seemingly small acts of service for others with
dignity and purpose.
I don't know if the man I saw that day was a believer in Jesus. But I'm
grateful his quiet diligence reminded me to rely on God to live out a quiet
faithfulness that reflects His faithful ways.
By: Adam Holz
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Reflect & Pray
How should your faith affect the way you work?
In what ways is being a faithful worker a powerful testimony?
Father, please help me to remember
that there are no small jobs in Your kingdom and to faithfully
serve You each day.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 5 - Waiting for the Wind
Is 40:31
31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4)
but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
31 but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
High above civilisation, alone on his craggy peak, the eagle waits.
He watches, senses, and then, with effortless grace, he spreads
his wings and soars. He does not flap frantically to gain altitude,
he merely turns his wings into the wind and rises.
Is 40:31 promises that we, too, can be like the eagle,
mounting up on wings, soaring effortlessly,
without weariness. But this is not often our experience.
We usually flap around like invalid pigeons, scratching
for mere existence, flying only when our place in the park is disturbed.
We need to learn to wait on the Lord. Like the wind that raises the eagle
to the heights, the wind of the Spirit will lift us up as well - beyond
the weariness of daily life, beyond the struggle for existence, beyond
the plodding pace of normal interaction.
But the eagle does not rise without plunging for the cliff into the wind.
His ability to stay aloft is based on his understand of wind currents;
when the wind is against him, he rises. He waits on the cliff
until the right moment, then allows the contrary breezes to lift him up.
Most of us are grounded by the winds that are against us. We give up
and never take the first flight. We fear the plunge from the cliff into the
buoyant breath of God, and so we stand fixed, afraid to launch out.
But when we do take the risk, when we wait upon the Lord, and then
give ourselves in obedience to a free-fall from the cliffs of his will,
we discover that there is rest in soaring with him. We do not have to
struggle; we have only to fly, and in flying, to find new strength.
Application
a) Why is "waiting upon the Lord" essential
to "Mounting up with wings as the eagle"?
b) How can this verse help me be more willing to take risks in God's will?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebrews 7:8
8 In the one case mortal men receive tithes,
but in the other he of whom it is witnessed
that he is alive receives them.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them,
of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
2 Cor 12:7-10
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance
of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan,
to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made
perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in hardships,
in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of
the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,
the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,
in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak,
then am I strong.
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
4nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the preservation of godly values in Canada
(Prov 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.
[34] Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
)
b) Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for direction in the case of injustice
and pray to know Him during personal crisis.
Pray to the Lord : "Father, please help me to remember
that there are no small jobs in Your kingdom and to faithfully
serve You each day."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him who receives your offerings.
Pray to the Lord and pray to wait upon the Lord for His Strength.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know as strength during prosecution.
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 preservation of godly values in Canada
Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Pray for the numerous victims of war in all areas of Israel, including
Christians who also endure persecution in the West Bank and Gaza for
their faith.
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 7-10
Job 7
Job: My Suffering Is Endless
1(Job 14:5-6; Ps 39:4)
"Is there not a time of hard service for a man upon earth?
Are not his days also like the days of a hired worker?
2(Lev 19:13; Jer 6:4) Like a servant, he longs for the shade,
and like a hired worker, he looks for his wages,
3(Ps 6:6) so I have been assigned months of futility,
and nights of trouble have been appointed to me.
4(Dt 28:67; Job 7:13-14) When I lie down, I say,
'When will I arise and the night be ended?'
And I am full of restlessness until the dawn.
5(Job 17:14; Isa 14:11) My flesh is covered with worms and caked with dirt;
my skin is broken, and has become loathsome.
6(Job 9:25; 17:15) 'My days fly more swiftly than a weaver's shuttle,
and are spent without hope.
7(Ps 78:39; Jas 4:14) Oh, remember that my life is a breath!
My eye will never again see good.
8(Job 20:9; Ps 37:36) The eye of him who sees me will behold me no more;
your eyes will be on me, but I will be no more.
9(2Sa 12:23; Job 30:15) As the cloud disappears and vanishes away,
so he who goes down to Sheol will come up no more.
10(Job 8:18; 20:9) He will never return to his house,
and his place will not recognize him anymore.
11(Ps 40:9; 1Sa 1:10) 'Therefore, I will not restrain my mouth;
I will speak in the anguish of my spirit;
I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
12 Am I the sea, or a sea monster,
that You set a guard over me?
13(Ps 6:6) When I say, 'My bed will comfort me,
my couch will ease my complaint,'
14 then You scare me with dreams
and terrify me with visions,
15 so that my soul chooses strangling,
even death rather than my life.
16(Job 10:1; 6:9) I loathe my life; I would not live forever;
let me alone, for my days are emptiness.
17(Ps 8:4; 144:3) 'What is man, that You should exalt him,
and that You should set Your heart on him,
18 and that You should visit him every morning,
and test him every moment?
19 (Job 9:18) How long until You look away from me?
Will You not let me alone until I swallow my saliva?
20(Ps 36:6; La 3:12) Have I sinned? What am I doing to You,
O You watcher of men?
Why have You set me as Your target,
so that I am a burden to myself?
21(Job 10:14; Da 12:2) And why do You not pardon my transgression
and take away my iniquity?
For now I will lie down in the dust;
and You will seek me diligently, but I will not be."
[1] Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also
like the days of an hireling?
[2] As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh
for the reward of his work:
[3] So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are
appointed to me.
[4] When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I
am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.
[5] My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and
become loathsome.
[6] My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.
[7] O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.
[8] The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are
upon me, and I am not.
[9] As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to
the grave shall come up no more.
[10] He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him
any more.
[11] Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of
my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
[12] Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?
[13] When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint;
[14] Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:
[15] So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life.
[16] I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are
vanity.
[17] What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest
set thine heart upon him?
[18] And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every
moment?
[19] How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow
down my spittle?
[20] I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why
hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?
[21] And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine
iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the
morning, but I shall not be.
(Do you well an injustice has been done to you? Ask the Lord for Direction)
Job 8
Bildad Speaks: Job Should Repent
1(Job 2:11)Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:
2(Job 6:26; 1Ki 19:11) "How long will you speak these things,
and the words of your mouth be like a strong wind?
3(Ge 18:25; Dt 32:4) Does God pervert judgment?
Or does the Almighty pervert justice?
4(Job 1:5; 1:18-19) If your children sinned against Him,
He cast them away for their transgression.
5(Job 11:13) If you yourself would seek God earnestly,
and seek favor from the Almighty,
6(Ps 7:6) if you were pure and upright,
surely now He would rouse Himself on your behalf,
and He would prosper your righteous dwelling.
7 Though your beginning was small,
your end will increase greatly.
8(Job 15:18; Dt 4:32; 32:7) 'Please, ask the former generation,
and prepare yourself for what their fathers searched out;
9(1Ch 29:15; Ge 47:9) for we were born but yesterday and know nothing,
because our days on earth are a shadow.
10 Will they not teach you, and tell you,
and bring forth words out of their heart?
11 Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh?
Can the reed grow without water?
12(Jer 17:6) While it is yet green and not cut down,
it withers before any other plant.
13(Job 13:16; 15:34) So are the paths of all who forget God;
and the hypocrite's hope will perish,
14(Isa 59:5-6) whose confidence will be cut off,
and whose trust will be a spider's web.
15(Job 27:18) He will lean upon his house, but it will not stand;
he will hold it fast, but it will not endure.
16(Ps 80:11) He is green before the sun,
and his branch shoots forth in his garden.
17 His roots are wrapped around the rock heap,
and he sees the place of stones.
18 (Job 7:10; 7:8) If he is uprooted from his place,
then it will deny him, saying, 'I have not seen you.'
19(Job 20:5; 1Sa 2:8) See, this is the joy of his way,
and out of the ground others will grow.
20(Job 4:7) 'Surely, God will not cast away a perfect man,
nor will He strengthen the evildoers,
21(Ps 126:2; Ge 21:6) until He fills your mouth with laughing,
and your lips with rejoicing.
22(Ps 132:18; 35:26) Those who hate you will be clothed with shame,
and the dwelling place of the wicked will come to nothing."
[1] Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,
[2] How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of
thy mouth be like a strong wind?
[3] Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?
[4] If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for
their transgression;
[5] If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the
Almighty;
[6] If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and
make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.
[7] Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly
increase.
[8] For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the
search of their fathers:
[9] (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon
earth are a shadow:)
[10] Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their
heart?
[11] Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?
[12] Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth
before any other herb.
[13] So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall
perish:
[14] Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.
[15] He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it
fast, but it shall not endure.
[16] He is green before the sun, and his branch shooteth forth in his
garden.
[17] His roots are wrapped about the heap, and seeth the place of stones.
[18] If he destroy him from his place, then it shall deny him, saying, I
have not seen thee.
[19] Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others
grow.
[20] Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the
evil doers:
[21] Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.
[22] They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place
of the wicked shall come to nought.
(Ask in Prayer in supplication what happened - You do not know it all)
Job 9
Job Replies: There Is No Mediator
1 Then Job answered:
2(Job 4:17; 25:4) "Truly, I know it is so,
but how can a man be righteous with God?
3(Job 10:2; 40:2) If one would dispute with Him,
he cannot answer Him once in a thousand times.
4(Job 36:5; 9:19) He is wise in heart and mighty in strength.
Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered?
5 He who removes mountains, and they know not,
who overturns them in His anger.
6(Isa 2:21; Hag 2:6) He who shakes the earth out of its place,
and its pillars tremble.
7(Isa 13:10) He who commands the sun, and it does not rise;
he seals off the stars.
8(Job 37:18; Ps 104:2-3) He who alone spreads out the heavens,
and treads on the waves of the sea.
9(Am 5:8; Ge 1:16) He who makes the Bear, Orion, and Pleiades,
and the constellations of the south.
10(Job 5:9; Ps 71:15) He who does great things, beyond discovery,
yes, and wonders beyond number.
11(Job 23:8-9; 35:14) Yes, He would cross before me, and I would not see Him;
He would pass on by, but I would not perceive Him.
12(Job 11:10; Isa 45:9) Yes, He takes away; who can hinder Him?
Who will say to Him, 'What are You doing?'
13(Job 26:12; Isa 30:7) God will not withdraw His anger.
The proud helpers bow down beneath Him.
14 'How, then, can I myself answer Him,
and choose my words to reason with Him?
15(Job 8:5; 10:15) Even if I were righteous I could not answer;
I would plead to my Judge for favor.
16 If I called, and He answered me,
I would not believe that He had listened to my voice.
17 (Job 2:3; 16:14) For He crushes me with a storm
and multiplies my wounds without cause.
18 (Job 7:19) He will not allow me to get my breath,
but fills me with bitterness.
19 (Job 9:4 )If it is a matter of strength, indeed, He is strong;
and if of justice, who will set me a time to plead?
20 Though I were righteous, my own mouth would condemn me;
though I were perfect, it would prove me perverse.
21 (Job 1:1) 'Though I were perfect,
I would not know myself;
I would despise my life.
22 It is all one thing; therefore I said,
'He destroys both the perfect and the wicked.'
23 If the whip kills suddenly,
He will laugh at the trial of the innocent.
24 (Job 10:3; 24:25) The earth is given into the hand of the wicked.
He covers the faces of its judges.
If it is not He, then who is it?
25 (Job 7:6-7) 'Now my days are swifter than a runner;
they flee away; they see no good.
26 (Hab 1:8; Isa 18:2) They pass by like reed skiffs,
like an eagle rushing upon its prey.
27 (Job 7:13) If I say, 'I will forget my complaint;
I will leave off my sad face and brighten up,'
28 (Ps 119:120) I am afraid of all my sorrows;
I know that You will not hold me innocent.
29 If I am guilty,
why then do I labor in vain?
30(Jer 2:22) If I wash myself with snow water
and cleanse my hands with soap,
31 yet You will plunge me into the pit,
and my own clothes will abhor me.
32 (Ecc 6:10; Ro 9:20) 'For He is not a man as I am, that I should answer Him,
and we should come together in judgment.
33(1Sa 2:25; Job 9:19) Nor is there a mediator between us,
who may lay his hand upon us both.
34(Ps 39:10; Job 33:7) Let Him take His rod away from me,
and let not dread of Him terrify me.
35 Then I would speak and not fear Him,
but it is not so with me.
[1] Then Job answered and said,
[2] I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
[3] If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
[4] He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself
against him, and hath prospered?
[5] Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them
in his anger.
[6] Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof
tremble.
[7] Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.
[8] Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of
the sea.
[9] Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the
south.
[10] Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without
number.
[11] Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I
perceive him not.
[12] Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What
doest thou?
[13] If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under
him.
[14] How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason
with him?
[15] Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make
supplication to my judge.
[16] If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that
he had hearkened unto my voice.
[17] For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without
cause.
[18] He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with
bitterness.
[19] If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall
set me a time to plead?
[20] If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am
perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
[21] Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my
life.
[22] This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and
the wicked.
[23] If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the
innocent.
[24] The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces
of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?
[25] Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.
[26] They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to
the prey.
[27] If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness,
and comfort myself:
[28] I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me
innocent.
[29] If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?
[30] If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
[31] Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor
me.
[32] For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should
come together in judgment.
[33] Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon
us both.
[34] Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
[35] Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.
(Thank you Lord for sending Jesus Christ as or mediator)
Job: I Abhor My Life
10:1 "My soul loathes my life;
I will freely give my complaint,
I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
2 I will say to God, Do not condemn me;
show me why You contend with me.
3 Is it good for You that You should oppress,
that You should despise the work of Your hands
and smile on the counsel of the wicked?
4 Do You have eyes of flesh?
Or do You see as man sees?
5 Are Your days as the days of man?
Are Your years as the days of a mortal,
6 that You inquire after my iniquity
and search after my sin?
7 You know that I am not wicked,
and there is none who can deliver out of Your hand.
8 "Your hands have shaped me and made me completely,
yet You destroy me.
9 Remember, I pray,
that You have made me as the clay.
And would You return me to dust?
10 Have You not poured me out as milk
and curdled me like cheese?
11 You have clothed me with skin and flesh,
and have knit me together with bones and sinews.
12 You have granted me life and loyal love,
and Your care has preserved my spirit.
13 "These things You have hid in Your heart.
I know that this is with You.
14 If I have sinned, then You would watch me,
and You would not acquit me from my iniquity.
15 If I am wicked, woe unto me;
and if I am righteous, yet will I not lift up my head.
I am full of shame;
look at my affliction!
16 For if my head is lifted up, You would hunt me like a lion,
and again You show Yourself marvelous to me.
17 You renew Your witnesses against me
and increase Your indignation upon me.
Your troops come against me.
18s "Why then did You bring me forth out of the womb?
Oh, that I had died, and no eye had seen me!
19 I should have been as though I had not been;
I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.
20 Are not my days few? Stop then,
and leave me alone that I may cheer up a little,
21 before I go and do not return,
even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death,
22 a land of darkness, as darkness itself;
and of the shadow of death, without any order,
and where the light is as thick darkness."
[1] Then Job answered and said,
[2] I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
[3] If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
[4] He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself
against him, and hath prospered?
[5] Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them
in his anger.
[6] Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof
tremble.
[7] Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.
[8] Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of
the sea.
[9] Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the
south.
[10] Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without
number.
[11] Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I
perceive him not.
[12] Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What
doest thou?
[13] If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under
him.
[14] How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason
with him?
[15] Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make
supplication to my judge.
[16] If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that
he had hearkened unto my voice.
[17] For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without
cause.
[18] He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with
bitterness.
[19] If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall
set me a time to plead?
[20] If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am
perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
[21] Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my
life.
[22] This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and
the wicked.
[23] If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the
innocent.
[24] The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces
of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?
[25] Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.
[26] They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to
the prey.
[27] If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness,
and comfort myself:
[28] I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me
innocent.
[29] If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain?
[30] If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
[31] Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor
me.
[32] For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should
come together in judgment.
[33] Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon
us both.
[34] Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
[35] Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.
2) Our Daily Bread for 4 January 2024 Titled
Quiet Faithfulness in Christ
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2,9-12
A Life Pleasing to God
1 (Eph 4:1; 2Th 1:3) Finally, brothers, we urge and exhort you by the Lord
Jesus, that as you have learned from us how you ought to walk and to please
God, you should excel more and more.
2 For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
9 (1Th 5:1; Ro 12:10) As concerning brotherly love, you do not need me
to write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.
10 (1Th 1:7; 3:12) And indeed, you do have love for all the brothers
who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, that you increase
more and more.
11 (Eph 4:28; 1Pe 4:15) Learn to be calm, and to conduct your own business,
and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,
12 (Mk 4:11; Ro 13:13) so that you may walk honestly toward
those who are outsiders and that you may lack nothing.
[1] Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord
Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please
God, so ye would abound more and more.
[2] For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
[9] But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye
yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
[10] And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia:
but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
[11] And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work
with your own hands, as we commanded you;
[12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may
have lack of nothing.
I didn't notice him at first.
I'd come down for breakfast at my hotel. Everything in the dining room was
clean. The buffet table was filled. The refrigerator was stocked, the utensil
container packed tight. Everything was perfect.
Then I saw him. An unassuming man refilled this, wiped that. He didn't draw
attention to himself. But the longer I sat, the more I was amazed. The man was
working very fast, noticing everything, and refilling everything before anyone
might need something. As a food service veteran, I noticed his constant
attention to detail. Everything was perfect because this man was working
faithfully-even if few noticed.
Watching this man work so meticulously, I recalled Paul's words to the
Thessalonians: "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business,
and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may
have lack of nothing." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Paul understood how a faithful worker might win others' respect-offering a quiet testimony to how
the gospel can infuse even seemingly small acts of service for others with
dignity and purpose.
I don't know if the man I saw that day was a believer in Jesus. But I'm
grateful his quiet diligence reminded me to rely on God to live out a quiet
faithfulness that reflects His faithful ways.
By: Adam Holz
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Reflect & Pray
How should your faith affect the way you work?
In what ways is being a faithful worker a powerful testimony?
Father, please help me to remember
that there are no small jobs in Your kingdom and to faithfully
serve You each day.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 5 - Waiting for the Wind
Is 40:31
31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4)
but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
31 but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
High above civilisation, alone on his craggy peak, the eagle waits.
He watches, senses, and then, with effortless grace, he spreads
his wings and soars. He does not flap frantically to gain altitude,
he merely turns his wings into the wind and rises.
Is 40:31 promises that we, too, can be like the eagle,
mounting up on wings, soaring effortlessly,
without weariness. But this is not often our experience.
We usually flap around like invalid pigeons, scratching
for mere existence, flying only when our place in the park is disturbed.
We need to learn to wait on the Lord. Like the wind that raises the eagle
to the heights, the wind of the Spirit will lift us up as well - beyond
the weariness of daily life, beyond the struggle for existence, beyond
the plodding pace of normal interaction.
But the eagle does not rise without plunging for the cliff into the wind.
His ability to stay aloft is based on his understand of wind currents;
when the wind is against him, he rises. He waits on the cliff
until the right moment, then allows the contrary breezes to lift him up.
Most of us are grounded by the winds that are against us. We give up
and never take the first flight. We fear the plunge from the cliff into the
buoyant breath of God, and so we stand fixed, afraid to launch out.
But when we do take the risk, when we wait upon the Lord, and then
give ourselves in obedience to a free-fall from the cliffs of his will,
we discover that there is rest in soaring with him. We do not have to
struggle; we have only to fly, and in flying, to find new strength.
Application
a) Why is "waiting upon the Lord" essential
to "Mounting up with wings as the eagle"?
b) How can this verse help me be more willing to take risks in God's will?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebrews 7:8
8 In the one case mortal men receive tithes,
but in the other he of whom it is witnessed
that he is alive receives them.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them,
of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
2 Cor 12:7-10
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance
of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan,
to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made
perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in hardships,
in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of
the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,
the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,
in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak,
then am I strong.
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
4nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the preservation of godly values in Canada
(Prov 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.
[34] Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
)
b) Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for direction in the case of injustice
and pray to know Him during personal crisis.
Pray to the Lord : "Father, please help me to remember
that there are no small jobs in Your kingdom and to faithfully
serve You each day."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him who receives your offerings.
Pray to the Lord and pray to wait upon the Lord for His Strength.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know as strength during prosecution.
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 preservation of godly values in Canada
Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Pray for the numerous victims of war in all areas of Israel, including
Christians who also endure persecution in the West Bank and Gaza for
their faith.
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.