Day 7 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 7 January reflections
Day 7, 7 January 2024
Today at
Calvary Community Church Pastor Barry Regier spoke on
Countering the Enemy In Persecution
Acts 4:1-22
Acts 4
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1 (Lk 22:4; Ac 5:24) As they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain
of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,
2 (Ac 17:18) being greatly troubled because they taught the people
and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 (Ac 5:18) And they seized them and put them in custody until the next day,
for it was already evening.
4 (Ac 2:41) But many of those who heard the word believed,
and the number of the men grew to about five thousand.
5 (Ac 4:8) On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes
6 (Lk 3:2; Mt 26:3) were assembled at Jerusalem with Annas the high priest,
and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and all who were of the family
of the high priest.
7 (Mt 21:23; Ac 4:10) When they had stood them in the midst, they asked,
"By what power or by what name have you done this?"
8 (Ac 2:4) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
"Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 (Ac 3:7) If we today are being examined concerning a good deed
done to a crippled man, how this man has been healed,
10 (Ac 3:6) be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified,
whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands before you whole.
11 (Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22-23) He is
'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.' (Ps 118:22.)
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) There is no salvation in any other,for there is
no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
13 (Jn 7:15; Mt 11:25) When they saw the boldness of Peter and John
and perceived that they were illiterate and uneducated men, they marveled.
And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14 But seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing
to say against it.
15 So when they had commanded them to go outside of the Sanhedrin,
they conferred among themselves,
16 saying, "What shall we do to these men?
For, indeed, that an acknowledged miracle has been done through them is
revealed to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 (Ac 5:28) But lest it spread further among the people,
let us threaten them that they no longer speak to anyone in this name."
18 (Ac 5:40) Then they called them and commanded them not to speak
or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 (Ac 5:29) But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right
in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 (Ac 22:15) For we cannot help but declare what we have seen and heard."
21 (Ac 5:26; Mt 21:46) When they had further threatened them,
they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people.
For all glorified God for what was done,
22 for the man on whom this miracle of healing
was performed was over forty years old.
Acts 4
[1] And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the
temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
[2] Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus
the resurrection from the dead.
[3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for
it was now eventide.
[4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of
the men was about five thousand.
[5] And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and
scribes,
[6] And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as
many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at
Jerusalem.
[7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or
by what name, have ye done this?
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the
people, and elders of Israel,
[9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by
what means he is made whole;
[10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is
become the head of the corner.
[12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took
knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
[14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could
say nothing against it.
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they
conferred among themselves,
[16] Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable
miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in
Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
[17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly
threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
[18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach
in the name of Jesus.
[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in
the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
[21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding
nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men
glorified God for that which was done.
[22] For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing
was shewed.
Ephesians 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:2) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly places.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
Mark 13:33
33 (Mt 5:18; Ps 102:26) Heaven and earth will pass away,
but My words will not pass away.
[33] Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
perscution.net
perscution.org
idop.ca
A) Depend on the Holy Spirit ... to give us what we need
Acts 4:8a
8 (Ac 2:4) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them,
Mark 13:11
11 (Mt 10:19-21; Lk 12:11-12) But when they arrest you and hand you over,
take no thought beforehand, or premeditate what you should speak.
But speak whatever is given you in that time, for it is not you who speaks,
but the Holy Spirit.
[11] But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought
beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever
shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak,
but the Holy Ghost.
B) Share the gospel ... at every oppoortunity
Acts 4:8b-12
8 (Ac 2:4) "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 (Ac 3:7) If we today are being examined concerning a good deed
done to a crippled man, how this man has been healed,
10 (Ac 3:6) be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified,
whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands before you whole.
11 (Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22-23) He is
'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.' (Ps 118:22.)
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) There is no salvation in any other,for there is
no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
[8] ... Ye rulers of the
people, and elders of Israel,
[9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by
what means he is made whole;
[10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is
become the head of the corner.
[12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:13-15
13 (Jn 7:15; Mt 11:25) When they saw the boldness of Peter and John
and perceived that they were illiterate and uneducated men, they marveled.
And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14 But seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing
to say against it.
15 So when they had commanded them to go outside of the Sanhedrin,
they conferred among themselves,
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took
knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
[14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could
say nothing against it.
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they
conferred among themselves,
1 Peter 3:15-17
15 (Col 4:6; Isa 29:23) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for
a reason for the hope that is in you, with
gentleness and fear.
16 (Heb 13:18; 1Pe 2:12) Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak
evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
17 (1Pe 2:20; 4:19) For it is better, if it is the will of God, that you
suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear:
[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of
evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in
Christ.
[17] For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well
doing, than for evil doing.
How to share you faith
C) Acts 4:16-22
16 saying, "What shall we do to these men?
For, indeed, that an acknowledged miracle has been done through them is
revealed to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 (Ac 5:28) But lest it spread further among the people,
let us threaten them that they no longer speak to anyone in this name."
18 (Ac 5:40) Then they called them and commanded them not to speak
or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 (Ac 5:29) But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right
in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 (Ac 22:15) For we cannot help but declare what we have seen and heard."
21 (Ac 5:26; Mt 21:46) When they had further threatened them,
they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people.
For all glorified God for what was done,
22 for the man on whom this miracle of healing
was performed was over forty years old.
[16] Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable
miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in
Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
[17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly
threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
[18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach
in the name of Jesus.
[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in
the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
[21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding
nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men
glorified God for that which was done.
[22] For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing
was shewed.
Matthew 10:28
28 (Isa 8:12-13; 51:12) Do not fear those who kill the body
but are not able to kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able
to destroy both soul and body in hell.
[28] And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the
soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in
hell.
Acts 4
29 (Ac 4:13; 4:31) Now, Lord, look on their threats
and grant that Your servants may speak Your word with great boldness,
30 (Ac 4:27; 3:6) by stretching out Your hand to heal and that signs
and wonders may be performed in the name of Your holy Son Jesus."
[29] And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants,
that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
[30] By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may
be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
1) Job 20-23
Job 20
Zophar Speaks: The Wicked Will Suffer
1 (Job 2:11)Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:
2 "Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer,
and for this I make haste.
3 I have heard the rebuke that disgraces me,
and the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.
4 "Do you not know this of old,
since man was placed upon earth,
5 (Ps 37:35-36) that the triumphing of the wicked is short,
and the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment?
6 ( Isa 14:13-14; Ob 1:3-4) Though his loftiness extends to the heavens,
and his head reaches to the clouds,
7 (1Ki 14:10; 2Ki 9:37) yet he will perish forever like his own excrement;
those who have seen him will say, 'Where is he?'
8 (Ps 73:20; 90:5) He will fly away like a dream and will not be found;
yes, he will be chased away as a vision of the night.
9 (Job 7:8; 7:10) The eye that saw him will see him no more;
nor will his place behold him anymore.
10 (Job 20:18) His children will seek favor from the poor,
and his hands will give back his wealth.
11 (Job 13:26; 21:26) His bones are full of his youthful vigor,
but it will lie down with him in the dust.
12 (Job 15:16; Ps 10:7) "Though evil is sweet in his mouth,
and he hides it under his tongue,
13 though he spares it and does not forsake it,
but keeps it in his mouth,
14 yet his food in his stomach turns sour;
it becomes the venom of cobras within him.
15 He has swallowed down riches,
and he will vomit them up again;
God will cast them out of his belly.
16He will suck the poison of cobras;
the viper's tongue will slay him.
17 (Dt 32:13-14; Job 29:6) He will not see the streams, the rivers,
the brooks of honey and butter.
18 (Job 20:10; 20:15) He will give back the produce of labor and will not swallow it down.
According to his wealth the restitution will be, and he will not rejoice in it;
19 (Job 35:9) because he has oppressed and has forsaken the poor.
He has violently taken away a house that he did not build.
20 (Ecc 5:13-14) "Because he knows no quietness in his belly,
he will not save anything he desired.
21 Nothing is left for him to eat;
therefore his prosperity will not endure.
22 In his self-sufficiency he will be in distress;
every hand of misery will come upon him.
23 (Ps 78:30-31; Nu 11:33) When he is about to fill his belly,
God will cast the fury of His wrath on him
and will rain it on him while he is eating.
24 (Isa 24:18; Am 5:19) He will flee from the iron weapon;
a bronze bow will pierce him through.
25 (Job 16:13; 18:11) It is drawn and comes out of the body;
yes, the glittering point comes out of his gall.
Terrors are upon him.
26 (Ps 21:9) Total darkness is stored up for his treasures.
An unfanned fire will consume him;
what is left in his tent will be consumed.
27 (Job 16:18; Isa 26:21) The heavens will reveal his iniquity,
and the earth will rise up against him.
28 The increase of his house will depart,
and his goods will flow away in the day of His wrath.
29 (Job 27:13; 31:2-3) This is the wicked man's portion from God,
and the inheritance appointed to him by God."
(God will punish the wicked)
Job 20
Zophar's Speech
1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
2 Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer,
And for this I make haste.
3 I have heard the check of my reproach,
And the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
4 Knowest thou not this of old,
Since man was placed upon earth,
5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short,
And the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
6 Though his excellency mount up to the heavens,
And his head reach unto the clouds;
7 Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung:
They which have seen him shall say, Where is he?
8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found:
Yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
9 The eye also which saw him shall see him no more;
Neither shall his place any more behold him.
10 His children shall seek to please the poor,
And his hands shall restore their goods.
11 His bones are full of the sin of his youth,
Which shall lie down with him in the dust.
12 Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth,
Though he hide it under his tongue;
13 Though he spare it, and forsake it not;
But keep it still within his mouth:
14 Yet his meat in his bowels is turned,
It is the gall of asps within him.
15 He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again:
God shall cast them out of his belly.
16 He shall suck the poison of asps:
The viper's tongue shall slay him.
17 He shall not see the rivers,
The floods, the brooks of honey and butter.
18 That which he laboured for shall he restore,
And shall not swallow it down:
According to his substance shall the restitution be,
and he shall not rejoice therein.
19 Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor;
Because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;
20 Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly,
He shall not save of that which he desired.
21 There shall none of his meat be left;
Therefore shall no man look for his goods.
22 In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits:
Every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.
23 When he is about to fill his belly,
God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him,
And shall rain it upon him while he is eating.
24 He shall flee from the iron weapon,
And the bow of steel shall strike him through.
25 It is drawn, and cometh out of the body;
Yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall:
Terrors are upon him.
26 All darkness shall be hid in his secret places:
A fire not blown shall consume him;
It shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.
27 The heaven shall reveal his iniquity;
And the earth shall rise up against him.
28 The increase of his house shall depart,
And his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath.
29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God,
And the heritage appointed unto him by God.
Job 21
Job Replies: The Wicked Do Prosper
1 But Job answered:
2 "Listen carefully to my speech,
and let this be your consolation.
3 (Job 16:10; 17:2) Bear with me that I may speak,
and after I have spoken, mock on.
4 "As for me, is my complaint against man?
And if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?
5 (Jdg 18:19; Job 29:9) Look at me and be astonished,
and put your hand over your mouth.
6 Even when I remember I am afraid,
and trembling takes hold of my body.
7 (Job 12:6; Ps 37:35) Why do the wicked live and become old;
yes, become mighty in power?
8 Their descendants are established with them in their sight,
and their offspring before their eyes.
9 (Job 9:34; Ps 73:5) Their houses are safe from fear,
nor is the rod of God upon them.
10 (Ex 23:26) Their bull breeds without failure;
their cow gives calves without miscarriage.
11 They send forth their little ones like a flock,
and their children dance.
12 (Ge 4:21) They take up the tambourine and harp
and rejoice at the sound of the flute.
13 (Job 36:11) They spend their days in wealth,
and in a moment go down to Sheol.
14 (Job 22:17; Pr 1:29) Therefore they say to God, 'Depart from us,
for we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways.
15 (Job 34:9; Ex 5:2) Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him?
And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?'
16 (Job 22:18; Ps 1:1) Indeed, their prosperity is not in their hand.
The counsel of the wicked is far from me.
17 (Job 18:5-6) How often is the lamp of the wicked put out?
How often does their destruction come upon them,
the sorrows God distributes in His anger?
18 (Job 13:25; Ps 1:4) They are like straw before the wind,
and like chaff that a storm carries away.
19 (Ex 20:5) God stores up their iniquity for their children;
let Him reward the people themselves, and they will know it.
20 (Isa 51:17; Rev 14:10) Let their eyes see their own destruction,
and let them drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
21 (Job 14:5) For what do they care about their households after them,
when the number of their months is cut off?
22 (Ro 11:34; Isa 40:13-14) 'Can anyone teach God knowledge,
since He judges those who are on high?
23 One dies in his full strength,
being wholly at ease and secure.
24 (Pr 3:8) His pails are full of milk,
and the marrow of his bones is moist.
25 (Job 7:11) Another dies in the bitterness of his soul,
never having eaten with pleasure.
26 (Ecc 9:2; Isa 14:11) They will lie down alike in the dust,
and worms will cover them.
27 "Behold, I know your thoughts,
and the schemes with which you would wrong me.
28 (Job 8:22; 20:7) For you say, 'Where is the house of the prince?
And where are the dwelling places of the wicked?'
29 Have you not asked them who travel the road?
And do you not know their signs?
30 (Pr 16:4; Job 20:28) For the wicked are reserved for the day of destruction;
they will be brought forth on the day of wrath.
31 (Dt 7:10; Gal 2:11) Who will declare his way to his face?
And who will repay him for what he has done?
32 Yet will he be brought to the grave
and will remain in the tomb.
33 (Job 30:23; Heb 9:27) The clods of the valley will be sweet unto him;
and everyone will follow him,
as countless have gone before.
34 (Job 16:2) 'How then can you comfort me with emptiness,
since deceit remains in your answers?' "
Job's Reply
1 But Job answered and said,
2 Hear diligently my speech,
And let this be your consolations.
3 Suffer me that I may speak;
And after that I have spoken, mock on.
4 As for me, is my complaint to man?
And if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?
5 Mark me, and be astonished,
And lay your hand upon your mouth.
6 Even when I remember I am afraid,
And trembling taketh hold on my flesh.
7 Wherefore do the wicked live,
Become old, yea, are mighty in power?
8 Their seed is established in their sight with them,
And their offspring before their eyes.
9 Their houses are safe from fear,
Neither is the rod of God upon them.
10 Their bull gendereth, and faileth not;
Their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.
11 They send forth their little ones like a flock,
And their children dance.
12 They take the timbrel and harp,
And rejoice at the sound of the organ.
13 They spend their days in wealth,
And in a moment go down to the grave.
14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us;
For we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
And what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
16 Lo, their good is not in their hand:
The counsel of the wicked is far from me.
17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out!
And how oft cometh their destruction upon them!
God distributeth sorrows in his anger.
18 They are as stubble before the wind,
And as chaff that the storm carrieth away.
19 God layeth up his iniquity for his children:
He rewardeth him, and he shall know it.
20 His eyes shall see his destruction,
And he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
21 For what pleasure hath he in his house after him,
When the number of his months is cut off in the midst?
22 Shall any teach God knowledge?
Seeing he judgeth those that are high.
23 One dieth in his full strength,
Being wholly at ease and quiet.
24 His breasts are full of milk,
And his bones are moistened with marrow.
25 And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul,
And never eateth with pleasure.
26 They shall lie down alike in the dust,
And the worms shall cover them.
27 Behold, I know your thoughts,
And the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
28 For ye say, Where is the house of the prince?
And where are the dwelling places of the wicked?
29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way?
And do ye not know their tokens,
30 That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction?
They shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.
31 Who shall declare his way to his face?
And who shall repay him what he hath done?
32 Yet shall he be brought to the grave,
And shall remain in the tomb.
33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him,
And every man shall draw after him,
As there are innumerable before him.
34 How then comfort ye me in vain,
Seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood?
(The Lord destroys the Wicked)
Job 22
Eliphaz Speaks: Job's Wickedness Is Great
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:
2 (Lk 17:10) "Can a man be profitable to God,
as he who is wise may be profitable to himself?
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous?
Or is it gain to Him that you make your ways blameless?
4 (Job 14:3; Ps 143:2) "Is it because of your fear of Him that He corrects you,
and enters into judgment with you?
5 Is not your wickedness great,
and your iniquity infinite?
6 (Ex 22:26; Eze 18:16) For you have taken a pledge from your brother for nothing,
and stripped the naked of their clothing.
7 (Job 31:17; Isa 58:7) You have not given water to the weary to drink,
and you have withheld bread from the hungry.
8 (Isa 9:15) But as for the mighty man, he possessed the earth,
and the honorable man lived in it.
9 (Job 24:3; 24:21) You have sent widows away empty,
and the strength of the fatherless was crushed.
10 (Job 18:8 -10) Therefore snares are all around you,
and sudden fear troubles you,
11 (La 3:54; Ps 69:1-2) or darkness, so that you cannot see;
and an abundance of waters covers you.
12 (Job 11:8) "Is not God in the height of heaven?
And see the height of the stars, how high they are!
13 (Ps 10:11; Eze 8:12) And you say, 'What does God know?
Can He judge through the dark cloud?
14 (Ps 139:11-12) Thick clouds are His covering, so He cannot see;
and He walks above the circle of heaven.'
15 Will you keep to the old way,
that wicked men have trod?
16 (Job 15:32) They were cut down before their time;
their foundations were swept away by a flood.
17 (Job 21:14-15; Ps 4:6) They said to God, 'Depart from us,'
and, 'What can the Almighty do to us?'
18 (Job 21:16; 12:6) Yet He filled their houses with good things;
but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
19 (Ps 52:6; 58:10) "The righteous see it and are glad,
and the innocent laugh them to scorn:
20 (Job 1:16) 'Surely our adversaries are cut down,
and the fire consumes their remnant.'
21 "Now acquaint yourself with Him and be at peace;
thereby good will come to you.
22 (Job 23:12; Ps 119:11) Receive, I pray, the teaching from His mouth,
and lay up His words in your heart.
23 (Job 11:13-14; Zec 1:3) If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up;
you will put away iniquity far from your tents.
24 (1Ki 9:28) Then you will lay up gold as dust,
and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
25 (Isa 33:6) Yes, the Almighty will be your gold
and your precious silver;
26 (Job 27:10; Isa 58:14) for then you will delight yourself in the Almighty,
and will lift up your face unto God.
27 (Isa 58:9; Job 33:26) You will make your prayer to Him, and He will hear you,
and you will pay your vows.
28 (Ps 112:4; Pr 4:18) You will also declare a matter, and it will be established unto you;
and the light will shine upon your ways.
29 (1Pe 5:5; Jas 4:6) When men are cast down, and you say, 'There is a time of exaltation!'
then He will save the humble person.
30 He will even deliver one who is not innocent;
he will be delivered by the purity of your hands.'
Job 22
Eliphaz Speaks
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
2 Can a man be profitable unto God,
As he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous?
Or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?
4 Will he reprove thee for fear of thee?
Will he enter with thee into judgment?
5 Is not thy wickedness great?
And thine iniquities infinite?
6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought,
And stripped the naked of their clothing.
7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink,
And thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.
8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth;
And the honourable man dwelt in it.
9 Thou hast sent widows away empty,
And the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
10 Therefore snares are round about thee,
And sudden fear troubleth thee;
11 Or darkness, that thou canst not see;
And abundance of waters cover thee.
12 Is not God in the height of heaven?
And behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
13 And thou sayest, How doth God know?
Can he judge through the dark cloud?
14 Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not;
And he walketh in the circuit of heaven.
15 Hast thou marked the old way
Which wicked men have trodden?
16 Which were cut down out of time,
Whose foundation was overflown with a flood:
17 Which said unto God, Depart from us:
And what can the Almighty do for them?
18 Yet he filled their houses with good things:
But the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
19 The righteous see it, and are glad:
And the innocent laugh them to scorn.
20 Whereas our substance is not cut down,
But the remnant of them the fire consumeth.
21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace:
Thereby good shall come unto thee.
22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth,
And lay up his words in thine heart.
23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up,
Thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.
24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust,
And the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence,
And thou shalt have plenty of silver.
26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty,
And shalt lift up thy face unto God.
27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee,
And thou shalt pay thy vows.
28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee:
And the light shall shine upon thy ways.
29 When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, there is lifting up;
And he shall save the humble person.
30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent:
And it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.
(Have to done this in your life?)
Job 23
Job Replies: My Complaint Is Grievous
1 Then Job answered:
2 (Job 10:1) "Today also my complaint is bitter;
my hand is heavy because of my groaning.
3 (Job 13:3; 16:21) Oh, that I knew where I might find Him,
that I might come even to His seat!
4 (Job 13:18) I would present my case before Him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words that He would answer me
and understand what He would say to me.
6 (Job 13:21) Will He plead against me with His great power?
No! But He would take note of me.
7 There the righteous might dispute with Him;
so would I be delivered forever from my Judge.
8 (Job 9:11) "Look, I go forward, but He is not there,
and backward, but I cannot perceive Him;
9 when He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him;
He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him.
10 (Ps 66:10; 1Pe 1:7) But He knows the way that I take;
when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11 (Ps 44:18; 17:5) My foot has held fast to His steps;
I have kept His way and have not turned aside.
12 (Jn 4:32; 4:34) I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;
I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
13 (Ps 115:3; Job 12:14) "But He is resolute, and who can turn Him?
And whatever His soul desires, that He does.
14 (1Th 3:3) For He performs what is appointed forme,
and many such things are with Him.
15 Therefore I am troubled at His presence;
when I consider, I am afraid of Him.
16 (Job 27:2; Ps 22:14) For God makes my heart soft,
and the Almighty troubles me;
17 (Job 19:8) because I was not cut off from the presence of darkness,
nor has He covered the darkness from my face.
Job 23
Job's Reply
1 Then Job answered and said,
2 Even to day is my complaint bitter:
My stroke is heavier than my groaning.
3 Oh that I knew where I might find him!
That I might come even to his seat!
4 I would order my cause before him,
And fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words which he would answer me,
And understand what he would say unto me.
6 Will he plead against me with his great power?
No; but he would put strength in me.
7 There the righteous might dispute with him;
So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there;
And backward, but I cannot perceive him:
9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him:
He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
10 But he knoweth the way that I take:
When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11 My foot hath held his steps,
His way have I kept, and not declined.
12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips;
I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him?
And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me:
And many such things are with him.
15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence:
When I consider, I am afraid of him.
16 For God maketh my heart soft,
And the Almighty troubleth me:
17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness,
Neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
(always give your burdens to the Lord)
2) Our Daily Bread for 7 January 2024 Titled
Ripe for God's Restoration
Psalm 80:1,7-14,19
For the Music Director. To the melody of "Lilies of the Testimony."
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock;
You who are enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Restore us again, O God of Hosts,
and cause Your face to shine,
and we shall be delivered.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) You have brought a vine out of Egypt;
You have cast out the nations and planted it.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) You cleared the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) The mountains were covered with its shadow
and the mighty cedars with its branches.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) It sent out its branches to the sea
and its shoots to the River.
12 Why have You then broken down its walls,
so that all those who pass by the way pluck its fruit?
13 The boar from the woods ravages it,
and the insects of the field devour it.
14 Return again, O God of Hosts;
look down from heaven, and behold,
have regard for this vine
19 Restore us again, O Lord God of Hosts;
cause Your face to shine,
and we shall be delivered.
Psalm 80
[1] Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock;
thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
[7] Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall
be saved.
[8] Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen,
and planted it.
[9] Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root,
and it filled the land.
[10] The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof
were like the goodly cedars.
[11] She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.
[12] Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass
by the way do pluck her?
[13] The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field
doth devour it.
[14] Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and
behold, and visit this vine;
[19] Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we
shall be saved.
The pictures coming from a friend's text stream were stunning! Photos of a
surprise gift for his wife revealed a restored 1965 Ford Mustang: brilliant,
dark blue exterior; sparkling chrome rims; reupholstered black interior; and a
motor to match the other upgrades. There were also "before" pictures of the
same vehicle-a dull, worn, unimpressive yellow version. While it may be
difficult to envision, it's likely that when the vehicle rolled off the
assembly line, it was also an eye-catcher. But time, wear and tear,
and other factors had made it ripe for restoration.
Ripe for restoration! Such was the condition of God's people in Psalm 80
and thus the repeated prayer: "Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face
to shine; and we shall be saved" (v. 3; see vv. 7, 19). Though their history
had included rescue from Egypt and being planted in a land of plenty
(vv. 8-11), the good times had come and gone. Because of rebellion, they were
experiencing the hand of God's judgment (vv. 12–13). Thus, their plea:
"Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and
behold, and visit this vine;" (v. 14).
Do you ever feel dull, distant, or disconnected from God? Is joyful
soul-satisfaction missing? Is it because alignment with Jesus and His purposes
is missing? God hears our prayers for restoration (v. 1).
What's keeping you from asking?
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced the restorative, reviving work of God?
What areas of your life need restoration now?
Father, I long for Your restoration.
Help me to see my need for it and to receive it.
Learn why life seems difficult and unfair from Dr. Larry Crabb.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 1 - God's Perspective
Philip 4:13
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because
of Christ who strengthens me.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Many of us live out self-fulfilling prophecies. We believe
what we tell ourselves - or what we have been told by others:
"You're stupid", "You're ugly", "You'll never amount to anything,"
"You can't do anything right."
We programme ourselves for spiritual failure as well.
"I just can't memorise Scripture," we say. "It comes and goes,
and I can't seem to get it to stay." Yet daily we memorise
volumes of information that is less significant than the
Scriptures - telephone numbers, identification codes,
songs lyrics, advertising jingles.
The answer to the dilemma of negativism is not positive
thinking, but right thinking - biblical thinking, according
to what the Bible reveals of God's perspective. God says,
"You are worthwhile. You are valued. You are loved. I created you
just as you are, and whatever I call you to do,
I will give you the strength to do it.
The context of Phillipians 4:13 shows that Paul had learned
this important secret of spiritual strength. Paul had known
poverty and plenty, trouble and victory. But he also knew
he did not have to let circumstances determine his response to God's will.
We need not be controlled by the negative messages life throws in our paths
- even those self-defeating pronouncements we make to ourselves.
Rather, we can respond according to God's perspective, with the
conviction that God has given us strength we need to meet the
challenges we face.
Application
a) What challenges do I face that make me realise my own insufficiencies?
IS memorising Scripture one of those challenges for me?
b) How does today's memory verse help me face those challenges?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
3 John 2
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be
in good health, even as your soul is well.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Is 40:27-31
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and assert, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my justice escapes the notice of my God"?
28 (Ps 147:5; Ge 21:33; Isa 57:15) Have you not known?
Have you not heard,
that the everlasting God, the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
does not faint, nor is He weary?
His understanding is inscrutable.
29 (Isa 41:10) He gives power to the faint,
and to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 (Isa 9:17) Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall,
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.
27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid
from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God,
the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not,
neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might
he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall:
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.
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
7th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
(
Ps 34:18 - The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the contrite of spirit.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ps 145: 14 - 16
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
)
b) Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
(
Romans 12:4-8
4 (1Co 12:12-14)For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5(1Co 10:17; 12:20)so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6(Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2)We have diverse gifts according to the grace that
is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11)if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with
generosity; he who rules, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
4 For as we have many members in one body,
and all members have not the same office:
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that
is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according
to the proportion of faith;
7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth,
on teaching;
8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let
him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Col 3:17
17(1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20)And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to seek the Lord during times of persecution.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for He is redeemer and He will
punish the wicked and give him your burdens.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, I long for Your restoration.
Help me to see my need for it and to receive it."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to help you understand His Word.
Pray to the Lord and pray for the prosperity of the soul.
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Lord to give you wisdom and strength.
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 that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
Pray that God will protect followers of Christ in Afghanistan
who are being pursued by the Taliban.
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.
Today at
Calvary Community Church Pastor Barry Regier spoke on
Countering the Enemy In Persecution
Acts 4:1-22
Acts 4
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1 (Lk 22:4; Ac 5:24) As they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain
of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,
2 (Ac 17:18) being greatly troubled because they taught the people
and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 (Ac 5:18) And they seized them and put them in custody until the next day,
for it was already evening.
4 (Ac 2:41) But many of those who heard the word believed,
and the number of the men grew to about five thousand.
5 (Ac 4:8) On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes
6 (Lk 3:2; Mt 26:3) were assembled at Jerusalem with Annas the high priest,
and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and all who were of the family
of the high priest.
7 (Mt 21:23; Ac 4:10) When they had stood them in the midst, they asked,
"By what power or by what name have you done this?"
8 (Ac 2:4) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
"Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 (Ac 3:7) If we today are being examined concerning a good deed
done to a crippled man, how this man has been healed,
10 (Ac 3:6) be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified,
whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands before you whole.
11 (Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22-23) He is
'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.' (Ps 118:22.)
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) There is no salvation in any other,for there is
no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
13 (Jn 7:15; Mt 11:25) When they saw the boldness of Peter and John
and perceived that they were illiterate and uneducated men, they marveled.
And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14 But seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing
to say against it.
15 So when they had commanded them to go outside of the Sanhedrin,
they conferred among themselves,
16 saying, "What shall we do to these men?
For, indeed, that an acknowledged miracle has been done through them is
revealed to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 (Ac 5:28) But lest it spread further among the people,
let us threaten them that they no longer speak to anyone in this name."
18 (Ac 5:40) Then they called them and commanded them not to speak
or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 (Ac 5:29) But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right
in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 (Ac 22:15) For we cannot help but declare what we have seen and heard."
21 (Ac 5:26; Mt 21:46) When they had further threatened them,
they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people.
For all glorified God for what was done,
22 for the man on whom this miracle of healing
was performed was over forty years old.
Acts 4
[1] And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the
temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
[2] Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus
the resurrection from the dead.
[3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for
it was now eventide.
[4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of
the men was about five thousand.
[5] And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and
scribes,
[6] And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as
many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at
Jerusalem.
[7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or
by what name, have ye done this?
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the
people, and elders of Israel,
[9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by
what means he is made whole;
[10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is
become the head of the corner.
[12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took
knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
[14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could
say nothing against it.
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they
conferred among themselves,
[16] Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable
miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in
Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
[17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly
threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
[18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach
in the name of Jesus.
[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in
the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
[21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding
nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men
glorified God for that which was done.
[22] For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing
was shewed.
Ephesians 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:2) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly places.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
Mark 13:33
33 (Mt 5:18; Ps 102:26) Heaven and earth will pass away,
but My words will not pass away.
[33] Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
perscution.net
perscution.org
idop.ca
A) Depend on the Holy Spirit ... to give us what we need
Acts 4:8a
8 (Ac 2:4) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them,
Mark 13:11
11 (Mt 10:19-21; Lk 12:11-12) But when they arrest you and hand you over,
take no thought beforehand, or premeditate what you should speak.
But speak whatever is given you in that time, for it is not you who speaks,
but the Holy Spirit.
[11] But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought
beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever
shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak,
but the Holy Ghost.
B) Share the gospel ... at every oppoortunity
Acts 4:8b-12
8 (Ac 2:4) "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 (Ac 3:7) If we today are being examined concerning a good deed
done to a crippled man, how this man has been healed,
10 (Ac 3:6) be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified,
whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands before you whole.
11 (Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22-23) He is
'the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.' (Ps 118:22.)
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) There is no salvation in any other,for there is
no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
[8] ... Ye rulers of the
people, and elders of Israel,
[9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by
what means he is made whole;
[10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is
become the head of the corner.
[12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:13-15
13 (Jn 7:15; Mt 11:25) When they saw the boldness of Peter and John
and perceived that they were illiterate and uneducated men, they marveled.
And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14 But seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing
to say against it.
15 So when they had commanded them to go outside of the Sanhedrin,
they conferred among themselves,
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took
knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
[14] And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could
say nothing against it.
[15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they
conferred among themselves,
1 Peter 3:15-17
15 (Col 4:6; Isa 29:23) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for
a reason for the hope that is in you, with
gentleness and fear.
16 (Heb 13:18; 1Pe 2:12) Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak
evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
17 (1Pe 2:20; 4:19) For it is better, if it is the will of God, that you
suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear:
[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of
evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in
Christ.
[17] For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well
doing, than for evil doing.
How to share you faith
C) Acts 4:16-22
16 saying, "What shall we do to these men?
For, indeed, that an acknowledged miracle has been done through them is
revealed to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 (Ac 5:28) But lest it spread further among the people,
let us threaten them that they no longer speak to anyone in this name."
18 (Ac 5:40) Then they called them and commanded them not to speak
or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 (Ac 5:29) But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right
in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 (Ac 22:15) For we cannot help but declare what we have seen and heard."
21 (Ac 5:26; Mt 21:46) When they had further threatened them,
they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people.
For all glorified God for what was done,
22 for the man on whom this miracle of healing
was performed was over forty years old.
[16] Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable
miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in
Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
[17] But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly
threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
[18] And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach
in the name of Jesus.
[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in
the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
[21] So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding
nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men
glorified God for that which was done.
[22] For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing
was shewed.
Matthew 10:28
28 (Isa 8:12-13; 51:12) Do not fear those who kill the body
but are not able to kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able
to destroy both soul and body in hell.
[28] And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the
soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in
hell.
Acts 4
29 (Ac 4:13; 4:31) Now, Lord, look on their threats
and grant that Your servants may speak Your word with great boldness,
30 (Ac 4:27; 3:6) by stretching out Your hand to heal and that signs
and wonders may be performed in the name of Your holy Son Jesus."
[29] And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants,
that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
[30] By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may
be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
1) Job 20-23
Job 20
Zophar Speaks: The Wicked Will Suffer
1 (Job 2:11)Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:
2 "Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer,
and for this I make haste.
3 I have heard the rebuke that disgraces me,
and the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.
4 "Do you not know this of old,
since man was placed upon earth,
5 (Ps 37:35-36) that the triumphing of the wicked is short,
and the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment?
6 ( Isa 14:13-14; Ob 1:3-4) Though his loftiness extends to the heavens,
and his head reaches to the clouds,
7 (1Ki 14:10; 2Ki 9:37) yet he will perish forever like his own excrement;
those who have seen him will say, 'Where is he?'
8 (Ps 73:20; 90:5) He will fly away like a dream and will not be found;
yes, he will be chased away as a vision of the night.
9 (Job 7:8; 7:10) The eye that saw him will see him no more;
nor will his place behold him anymore.
10 (Job 20:18) His children will seek favor from the poor,
and his hands will give back his wealth.
11 (Job 13:26; 21:26) His bones are full of his youthful vigor,
but it will lie down with him in the dust.
12 (Job 15:16; Ps 10:7) "Though evil is sweet in his mouth,
and he hides it under his tongue,
13 though he spares it and does not forsake it,
but keeps it in his mouth,
14 yet his food in his stomach turns sour;
it becomes the venom of cobras within him.
15 He has swallowed down riches,
and he will vomit them up again;
God will cast them out of his belly.
16He will suck the poison of cobras;
the viper's tongue will slay him.
17 (Dt 32:13-14; Job 29:6) He will not see the streams, the rivers,
the brooks of honey and butter.
18 (Job 20:10; 20:15) He will give back the produce of labor and will not swallow it down.
According to his wealth the restitution will be, and he will not rejoice in it;
19 (Job 35:9) because he has oppressed and has forsaken the poor.
He has violently taken away a house that he did not build.
20 (Ecc 5:13-14) "Because he knows no quietness in his belly,
he will not save anything he desired.
21 Nothing is left for him to eat;
therefore his prosperity will not endure.
22 In his self-sufficiency he will be in distress;
every hand of misery will come upon him.
23 (Ps 78:30-31; Nu 11:33) When he is about to fill his belly,
God will cast the fury of His wrath on him
and will rain it on him while he is eating.
24 (Isa 24:18; Am 5:19) He will flee from the iron weapon;
a bronze bow will pierce him through.
25 (Job 16:13; 18:11) It is drawn and comes out of the body;
yes, the glittering point comes out of his gall.
Terrors are upon him.
26 (Ps 21:9) Total darkness is stored up for his treasures.
An unfanned fire will consume him;
what is left in his tent will be consumed.
27 (Job 16:18; Isa 26:21) The heavens will reveal his iniquity,
and the earth will rise up against him.
28 The increase of his house will depart,
and his goods will flow away in the day of His wrath.
29 (Job 27:13; 31:2-3) This is the wicked man's portion from God,
and the inheritance appointed to him by God."
(God will punish the wicked)
Job 20
Zophar's Speech
1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
2 Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer,
And for this I make haste.
3 I have heard the check of my reproach,
And the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
4 Knowest thou not this of old,
Since man was placed upon earth,
5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short,
And the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
6 Though his excellency mount up to the heavens,
And his head reach unto the clouds;
7 Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung:
They which have seen him shall say, Where is he?
8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found:
Yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
9 The eye also which saw him shall see him no more;
Neither shall his place any more behold him.
10 His children shall seek to please the poor,
And his hands shall restore their goods.
11 His bones are full of the sin of his youth,
Which shall lie down with him in the dust.
12 Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth,
Though he hide it under his tongue;
13 Though he spare it, and forsake it not;
But keep it still within his mouth:
14 Yet his meat in his bowels is turned,
It is the gall of asps within him.
15 He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again:
God shall cast them out of his belly.
16 He shall suck the poison of asps:
The viper's tongue shall slay him.
17 He shall not see the rivers,
The floods, the brooks of honey and butter.
18 That which he laboured for shall he restore,
And shall not swallow it down:
According to his substance shall the restitution be,
and he shall not rejoice therein.
19 Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor;
Because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;
20 Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly,
He shall not save of that which he desired.
21 There shall none of his meat be left;
Therefore shall no man look for his goods.
22 In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits:
Every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.
23 When he is about to fill his belly,
God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him,
And shall rain it upon him while he is eating.
24 He shall flee from the iron weapon,
And the bow of steel shall strike him through.
25 It is drawn, and cometh out of the body;
Yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall:
Terrors are upon him.
26 All darkness shall be hid in his secret places:
A fire not blown shall consume him;
It shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.
27 The heaven shall reveal his iniquity;
And the earth shall rise up against him.
28 The increase of his house shall depart,
And his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath.
29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God,
And the heritage appointed unto him by God.
Job 21
Job Replies: The Wicked Do Prosper
1 But Job answered:
2 "Listen carefully to my speech,
and let this be your consolation.
3 (Job 16:10; 17:2) Bear with me that I may speak,
and after I have spoken, mock on.
4 "As for me, is my complaint against man?
And if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?
5 (Jdg 18:19; Job 29:9) Look at me and be astonished,
and put your hand over your mouth.
6 Even when I remember I am afraid,
and trembling takes hold of my body.
7 (Job 12:6; Ps 37:35) Why do the wicked live and become old;
yes, become mighty in power?
8 Their descendants are established with them in their sight,
and their offspring before their eyes.
9 (Job 9:34; Ps 73:5) Their houses are safe from fear,
nor is the rod of God upon them.
10 (Ex 23:26) Their bull breeds without failure;
their cow gives calves without miscarriage.
11 They send forth their little ones like a flock,
and their children dance.
12 (Ge 4:21) They take up the tambourine and harp
and rejoice at the sound of the flute.
13 (Job 36:11) They spend their days in wealth,
and in a moment go down to Sheol.
14 (Job 22:17; Pr 1:29) Therefore they say to God, 'Depart from us,
for we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways.
15 (Job 34:9; Ex 5:2) Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him?
And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?'
16 (Job 22:18; Ps 1:1) Indeed, their prosperity is not in their hand.
The counsel of the wicked is far from me.
17 (Job 18:5-6) How often is the lamp of the wicked put out?
How often does their destruction come upon them,
the sorrows God distributes in His anger?
18 (Job 13:25; Ps 1:4) They are like straw before the wind,
and like chaff that a storm carries away.
19 (Ex 20:5) God stores up their iniquity for their children;
let Him reward the people themselves, and they will know it.
20 (Isa 51:17; Rev 14:10) Let their eyes see their own destruction,
and let them drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
21 (Job 14:5) For what do they care about their households after them,
when the number of their months is cut off?
22 (Ro 11:34; Isa 40:13-14) 'Can anyone teach God knowledge,
since He judges those who are on high?
23 One dies in his full strength,
being wholly at ease and secure.
24 (Pr 3:8) His pails are full of milk,
and the marrow of his bones is moist.
25 (Job 7:11) Another dies in the bitterness of his soul,
never having eaten with pleasure.
26 (Ecc 9:2; Isa 14:11) They will lie down alike in the dust,
and worms will cover them.
27 "Behold, I know your thoughts,
and the schemes with which you would wrong me.
28 (Job 8:22; 20:7) For you say, 'Where is the house of the prince?
And where are the dwelling places of the wicked?'
29 Have you not asked them who travel the road?
And do you not know their signs?
30 (Pr 16:4; Job 20:28) For the wicked are reserved for the day of destruction;
they will be brought forth on the day of wrath.
31 (Dt 7:10; Gal 2:11) Who will declare his way to his face?
And who will repay him for what he has done?
32 Yet will he be brought to the grave
and will remain in the tomb.
33 (Job 30:23; Heb 9:27) The clods of the valley will be sweet unto him;
and everyone will follow him,
as countless have gone before.
34 (Job 16:2) 'How then can you comfort me with emptiness,
since deceit remains in your answers?' "
Job's Reply
1 But Job answered and said,
2 Hear diligently my speech,
And let this be your consolations.
3 Suffer me that I may speak;
And after that I have spoken, mock on.
4 As for me, is my complaint to man?
And if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?
5 Mark me, and be astonished,
And lay your hand upon your mouth.
6 Even when I remember I am afraid,
And trembling taketh hold on my flesh.
7 Wherefore do the wicked live,
Become old, yea, are mighty in power?
8 Their seed is established in their sight with them,
And their offspring before their eyes.
9 Their houses are safe from fear,
Neither is the rod of God upon them.
10 Their bull gendereth, and faileth not;
Their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.
11 They send forth their little ones like a flock,
And their children dance.
12 They take the timbrel and harp,
And rejoice at the sound of the organ.
13 They spend their days in wealth,
And in a moment go down to the grave.
14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us;
For we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
And what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
16 Lo, their good is not in their hand:
The counsel of the wicked is far from me.
17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out!
And how oft cometh their destruction upon them!
God distributeth sorrows in his anger.
18 They are as stubble before the wind,
And as chaff that the storm carrieth away.
19 God layeth up his iniquity for his children:
He rewardeth him, and he shall know it.
20 His eyes shall see his destruction,
And he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
21 For what pleasure hath he in his house after him,
When the number of his months is cut off in the midst?
22 Shall any teach God knowledge?
Seeing he judgeth those that are high.
23 One dieth in his full strength,
Being wholly at ease and quiet.
24 His breasts are full of milk,
And his bones are moistened with marrow.
25 And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul,
And never eateth with pleasure.
26 They shall lie down alike in the dust,
And the worms shall cover them.
27 Behold, I know your thoughts,
And the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
28 For ye say, Where is the house of the prince?
And where are the dwelling places of the wicked?
29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way?
And do ye not know their tokens,
30 That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction?
They shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.
31 Who shall declare his way to his face?
And who shall repay him what he hath done?
32 Yet shall he be brought to the grave,
And shall remain in the tomb.
33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him,
And every man shall draw after him,
As there are innumerable before him.
34 How then comfort ye me in vain,
Seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood?
(The Lord destroys the Wicked)
Job 22
Eliphaz Speaks: Job's Wickedness Is Great
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:
2 (Lk 17:10) "Can a man be profitable to God,
as he who is wise may be profitable to himself?
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous?
Or is it gain to Him that you make your ways blameless?
4 (Job 14:3; Ps 143:2) "Is it because of your fear of Him that He corrects you,
and enters into judgment with you?
5 Is not your wickedness great,
and your iniquity infinite?
6 (Ex 22:26; Eze 18:16) For you have taken a pledge from your brother for nothing,
and stripped the naked of their clothing.
7 (Job 31:17; Isa 58:7) You have not given water to the weary to drink,
and you have withheld bread from the hungry.
8 (Isa 9:15) But as for the mighty man, he possessed the earth,
and the honorable man lived in it.
9 (Job 24:3; 24:21) You have sent widows away empty,
and the strength of the fatherless was crushed.
10 (Job 18:8 -10) Therefore snares are all around you,
and sudden fear troubles you,
11 (La 3:54; Ps 69:1-2) or darkness, so that you cannot see;
and an abundance of waters covers you.
12 (Job 11:8) "Is not God in the height of heaven?
And see the height of the stars, how high they are!
13 (Ps 10:11; Eze 8:12) And you say, 'What does God know?
Can He judge through the dark cloud?
14 (Ps 139:11-12) Thick clouds are His covering, so He cannot see;
and He walks above the circle of heaven.'
15 Will you keep to the old way,
that wicked men have trod?
16 (Job 15:32) They were cut down before their time;
their foundations were swept away by a flood.
17 (Job 21:14-15; Ps 4:6) They said to God, 'Depart from us,'
and, 'What can the Almighty do to us?'
18 (Job 21:16; 12:6) Yet He filled their houses with good things;
but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
19 (Ps 52:6; 58:10) "The righteous see it and are glad,
and the innocent laugh them to scorn:
20 (Job 1:16) 'Surely our adversaries are cut down,
and the fire consumes their remnant.'
21 "Now acquaint yourself with Him and be at peace;
thereby good will come to you.
22 (Job 23:12; Ps 119:11) Receive, I pray, the teaching from His mouth,
and lay up His words in your heart.
23 (Job 11:13-14; Zec 1:3) If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up;
you will put away iniquity far from your tents.
24 (1Ki 9:28) Then you will lay up gold as dust,
and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
25 (Isa 33:6) Yes, the Almighty will be your gold
and your precious silver;
26 (Job 27:10; Isa 58:14) for then you will delight yourself in the Almighty,
and will lift up your face unto God.
27 (Isa 58:9; Job 33:26) You will make your prayer to Him, and He will hear you,
and you will pay your vows.
28 (Ps 112:4; Pr 4:18) You will also declare a matter, and it will be established unto you;
and the light will shine upon your ways.
29 (1Pe 5:5; Jas 4:6) When men are cast down, and you say, 'There is a time of exaltation!'
then He will save the humble person.
30 He will even deliver one who is not innocent;
he will be delivered by the purity of your hands.'
Job 22
Eliphaz Speaks
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
2 Can a man be profitable unto God,
As he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?
3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous?
Or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?
4 Will he reprove thee for fear of thee?
Will he enter with thee into judgment?
5 Is not thy wickedness great?
And thine iniquities infinite?
6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought,
And stripped the naked of their clothing.
7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink,
And thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.
8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth;
And the honourable man dwelt in it.
9 Thou hast sent widows away empty,
And the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
10 Therefore snares are round about thee,
And sudden fear troubleth thee;
11 Or darkness, that thou canst not see;
And abundance of waters cover thee.
12 Is not God in the height of heaven?
And behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
13 And thou sayest, How doth God know?
Can he judge through the dark cloud?
14 Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not;
And he walketh in the circuit of heaven.
15 Hast thou marked the old way
Which wicked men have trodden?
16 Which were cut down out of time,
Whose foundation was overflown with a flood:
17 Which said unto God, Depart from us:
And what can the Almighty do for them?
18 Yet he filled their houses with good things:
But the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
19 The righteous see it, and are glad:
And the innocent laugh them to scorn.
20 Whereas our substance is not cut down,
But the remnant of them the fire consumeth.
21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace:
Thereby good shall come unto thee.
22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth,
And lay up his words in thine heart.
23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up,
Thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.
24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust,
And the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence,
And thou shalt have plenty of silver.
26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty,
And shalt lift up thy face unto God.
27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee,
And thou shalt pay thy vows.
28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee:
And the light shall shine upon thy ways.
29 When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, there is lifting up;
And he shall save the humble person.
30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent:
And it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.
(Have to done this in your life?)
Job 23
Job Replies: My Complaint Is Grievous
1 Then Job answered:
2 (Job 10:1) "Today also my complaint is bitter;
my hand is heavy because of my groaning.
3 (Job 13:3; 16:21) Oh, that I knew where I might find Him,
that I might come even to His seat!
4 (Job 13:18) I would present my case before Him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words that He would answer me
and understand what He would say to me.
6 (Job 13:21) Will He plead against me with His great power?
No! But He would take note of me.
7 There the righteous might dispute with Him;
so would I be delivered forever from my Judge.
8 (Job 9:11) "Look, I go forward, but He is not there,
and backward, but I cannot perceive Him;
9 when He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him;
He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him.
10 (Ps 66:10; 1Pe 1:7) But He knows the way that I take;
when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11 (Ps 44:18; 17:5) My foot has held fast to His steps;
I have kept His way and have not turned aside.
12 (Jn 4:32; 4:34) I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;
I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.
13 (Ps 115:3; Job 12:14) "But He is resolute, and who can turn Him?
And whatever His soul desires, that He does.
14 (1Th 3:3) For He performs what is appointed forme,
and many such things are with Him.
15 Therefore I am troubled at His presence;
when I consider, I am afraid of Him.
16 (Job 27:2; Ps 22:14) For God makes my heart soft,
and the Almighty troubles me;
17 (Job 19:8) because I was not cut off from the presence of darkness,
nor has He covered the darkness from my face.
Job 23
Job's Reply
1 Then Job answered and said,
2 Even to day is my complaint bitter:
My stroke is heavier than my groaning.
3 Oh that I knew where I might find him!
That I might come even to his seat!
4 I would order my cause before him,
And fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words which he would answer me,
And understand what he would say unto me.
6 Will he plead against me with his great power?
No; but he would put strength in me.
7 There the righteous might dispute with him;
So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there;
And backward, but I cannot perceive him:
9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him:
He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
10 But he knoweth the way that I take:
When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11 My foot hath held his steps,
His way have I kept, and not declined.
12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips;
I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him?
And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me:
And many such things are with him.
15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence:
When I consider, I am afraid of him.
16 For God maketh my heart soft,
And the Almighty troubleth me:
17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness,
Neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
(always give your burdens to the Lord)
2) Our Daily Bread for 7 January 2024 Titled
Ripe for God's Restoration
Psalm 80:1,7-14,19
For the Music Director. To the melody of "Lilies of the Testimony."
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock;
You who are enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Restore us again, O God of Hosts,
and cause Your face to shine,
and we shall be delivered.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) You have brought a vine out of Egypt;
You have cast out the nations and planted it.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) You cleared the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) The mountains were covered with its shadow
and the mighty cedars with its branches.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) It sent out its branches to the sea
and its shoots to the River.
12 Why have You then broken down its walls,
so that all those who pass by the way pluck its fruit?
13 The boar from the woods ravages it,
and the insects of the field devour it.
14 Return again, O God of Hosts;
look down from heaven, and behold,
have regard for this vine
19 Restore us again, O Lord God of Hosts;
cause Your face to shine,
and we shall be delivered.
Psalm 80
[1] Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock;
thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
[7] Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall
be saved.
[8] Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen,
and planted it.
[9] Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root,
and it filled the land.
[10] The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof
were like the goodly cedars.
[11] She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.
[12] Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass
by the way do pluck her?
[13] The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field
doth devour it.
[14] Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and
behold, and visit this vine;
[19] Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we
shall be saved.
The pictures coming from a friend's text stream were stunning! Photos of a
surprise gift for his wife revealed a restored 1965 Ford Mustang: brilliant,
dark blue exterior; sparkling chrome rims; reupholstered black interior; and a
motor to match the other upgrades. There were also "before" pictures of the
same vehicle-a dull, worn, unimpressive yellow version. While it may be
difficult to envision, it's likely that when the vehicle rolled off the
assembly line, it was also an eye-catcher. But time, wear and tear,
and other factors had made it ripe for restoration.
Ripe for restoration! Such was the condition of God's people in Psalm 80
and thus the repeated prayer: "Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face
to shine; and we shall be saved" (v. 3; see vv. 7, 19). Though their history
had included rescue from Egypt and being planted in a land of plenty
(vv. 8-11), the good times had come and gone. Because of rebellion, they were
experiencing the hand of God's judgment (vv. 12–13). Thus, their plea:
"Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and
behold, and visit this vine;" (v. 14).
Do you ever feel dull, distant, or disconnected from God? Is joyful
soul-satisfaction missing? Is it because alignment with Jesus and His purposes
is missing? God hears our prayers for restoration (v. 1).
What's keeping you from asking?
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced the restorative, reviving work of God?
What areas of your life need restoration now?
Father, I long for Your restoration.
Help me to see my need for it and to receive it.
Learn why life seems difficult and unfair from Dr. Larry Crabb.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 1 - God's Perspective
Philip 4:13
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because
of Christ who strengthens me.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Many of us live out self-fulfilling prophecies. We believe
what we tell ourselves - or what we have been told by others:
"You're stupid", "You're ugly", "You'll never amount to anything,"
"You can't do anything right."
We programme ourselves for spiritual failure as well.
"I just can't memorise Scripture," we say. "It comes and goes,
and I can't seem to get it to stay." Yet daily we memorise
volumes of information that is less significant than the
Scriptures - telephone numbers, identification codes,
songs lyrics, advertising jingles.
The answer to the dilemma of negativism is not positive
thinking, but right thinking - biblical thinking, according
to what the Bible reveals of God's perspective. God says,
"You are worthwhile. You are valued. You are loved. I created you
just as you are, and whatever I call you to do,
I will give you the strength to do it.
The context of Phillipians 4:13 shows that Paul had learned
this important secret of spiritual strength. Paul had known
poverty and plenty, trouble and victory. But he also knew
he did not have to let circumstances determine his response to God's will.
We need not be controlled by the negative messages life throws in our paths
- even those self-defeating pronouncements we make to ourselves.
Rather, we can respond according to God's perspective, with the
conviction that God has given us strength we need to meet the
challenges we face.
Application
a) What challenges do I face that make me realise my own insufficiencies?
IS memorising Scripture one of those challenges for me?
b) How does today's memory verse help me face those challenges?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
3 John 2
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be
in good health, even as your soul is well.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Is 40:27-31
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and assert, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my justice escapes the notice of my God"?
28 (Ps 147:5; Ge 21:33; Isa 57:15) Have you not known?
Have you not heard,
that the everlasting God, the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
does not faint, nor is He weary?
His understanding is inscrutable.
29 (Isa 41:10) He gives power to the faint,
and to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 (Isa 9:17) Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall,
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.
27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid
from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God,
the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not,
neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might
he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall:
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.
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
7th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
(
Ps 34:18 - The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the contrite of spirit.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ps 145: 14 - 16
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
)
b) Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
(
Romans 12:4-8
4 (1Co 12:12-14)For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5(1Co 10:17; 12:20)so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6(Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2)We have diverse gifts according to the grace that
is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11)if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with
generosity; he who rules, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
4 For as we have many members in one body,
and all members have not the same office:
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that
is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according
to the proportion of faith;
7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth,
on teaching;
8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let
him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Col 3:17
17(1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20)And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to seek the Lord during times of persecution.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for He is redeemer and He will
punish the wicked and give him your burdens.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, I long for Your restoration.
Help me to see my need for it and to receive it."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to help you understand His Word.
Pray to the Lord and pray for the prosperity of the soul.
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Lord to give you wisdom and strength.
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 that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
Pray that God will protect followers of Christ in Afghanistan
who are being pursued by the Taliban.
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.