Day 108 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 17 April 2024 reflections
Day 108, 17 April 2024
1) Psalms 17, 35, 63
PSALMS 17
A Prayer of David.
1 Hear a just cause, O Lord, attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer that is not spoken from deceitful lips.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) May my sentence go out from Your presence;
may Your eyes see rightly.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) You have examined my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have tried me and found nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Concerning the works of men,
by the word of Your lips I have avoided the paths of the violent,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) placing my steps in Your paths,
that my footsteps do not slip.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) I called on You, for You will answer me, OGod;
incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Show marvelously Your lovingkindness,
O Deliverer of those who seek refuge
by Your right hand from those who arise in opposition.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) from the wicked who bring ruin to me,
from my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) They close their hard hearts;
with their mouth they speak proudly.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) They have now encircled us in our steps;
they have set their eyes to bend down to the earth;
12 it is like a lion that is anxious to rip its prey,
and as a young lion lurking in secrecy.
13 Arise, O Lord! Confront him, cast him down!
Deliver my soul from the wicked by Your sword,
14 from men by Your hand, O Lord,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life.
You fill their belly with Your treasure;
they are satisfied with children,
and they leave their abundance to their infants.
15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I will be satisfied when I awake with Your likeness.
Psalms 17
[1] Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer,
that goeth not out of feigned lips.
[2] Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the
things that are equal.
[3] Thou has proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou has
tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not
transgress.
[4] Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from
the paths of the destroyer.
[5] Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
[6] I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear
unto me, and hear my speech.
[7] Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand
them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
[8] Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
[9] From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me
about.
[10] They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak
proudly.
[11] They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes
bowing down to the earth;
[12] Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion
lurking in secret places.
[13] Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the
wicked, which is thy sword:
[14] From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have
their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid
treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance
to their babes.
[15] As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be
satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
PSALMS 35
A Psalm of David.
1 Plead my cause, O Lord, with my adversaries; fight those who fight me.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Take hold of the large shield and small shield,
and rise up for my help.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Draw the spear and javelin
against those who pursue me. Say to my soul,
"I am Your salvation."
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) May those who seek my life
be ashamed and humiliated;
may those who plan my injury be turned back and put to shame.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) May they be as chaff before the wind,
and may the angel of the Lord cast them down.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) May their way be dark and slippery,
and may the angel of the Lord pursue them.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) For without cause they have hidden their net
for me in a pit, which they have dug without cause for my soul.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Let destruction come on him without warning,
and let the net that he hid ensnare him;
let him fall into it, to his destruction.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) My soul will be joyful in the Lord;
it will rejoice in His salvation.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) All my bones will say, "Lord, who is like You,
who delivers the poor from a stronger one,
the poor and the needy from the one who robs them?"
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Witnesses intent on violence rose up;
they accused me of things I knew nothing about.
12 They rewarded me evil for good, the bereavement of my soul.
13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth;
I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returns to my own heart.
14 I paced as though he were my friend or brother;
I bowed down lamenting, as one who mourns for a mother.
15 But in my adversity they rejoiced and gathered together;
assailants gathered together against me, though I was unaware;
they tore me apart and did not stop;
16 with hypocritical mockers in feasts,
they gnashed on me with their teeth.
17 Lord, how long will You look on?
Rescue my soul from their destructions,
my life from the lions.
18 I will give You thanks in the great congregation;
I will praise You among a mighty people.
19 May my deceitful enemies
not rejoice over me;
nor may those who hate me without cause
wink with their eye.
20 For they do not speak peace,
but they devise deceitful matters
against the restful ones in the land.
21 They opened their mouth wide against me,
and said, "Aha, aha, our eye has seen it."
22 This You have seen, O Lord; do not be silent;
O Lord, be not far from me.
23 Rouse Yourself and awake for my judgment,
for my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Judge me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness,
and may they not rejoice over me.
25 May they not say in their hearts, "Ah, we have our soul's desire."
May they not say, "We have swallowed him up."
26 May those who rejoice at my harm be ashamed
and altogether put to shame;
may they be clothed with shame and dishonor
who magnify themselves against me.
27 May those who favor my righteous cause
shout for joy and be glad;
may they say continually, "The Lord be magnified,
who delights in the peace of His servant."
28 My tongue will speak of Your righteousness
and of Your praise all the day long.
Psalms 35
[1] Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against
them that fight against me.
[2] Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
[3] Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute
me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
[4] Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let
them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
[5] Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD
chase them.
[6] Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD
persecute them.
[7] For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without
cause they have digged for my soul.
[8] Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath
hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
[9] And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his
salvation.
[10] All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest
the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy
from him that spoileth him?
[11] False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew
not.
[12] They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.
[13] But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I
humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
[14] I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed
down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
[15] But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together:
yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not;
they did tear me, and ceased not:
[16] With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their
teeth.
[17] Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their
destructions, my darling from the lions.
[18] I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee
among much people.
[19] Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither
let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
[20] For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against
them that are quiet in the land.
[21] Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our
eye hath seen it.
[22] This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from
me.
[23] Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God
and my Lord.
[24] Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them
not rejoice over me.
[25] Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not
say, We have swallowed him up.
[26] Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at
mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify
themselves against me.
[27] Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause:
yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath
pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
[28] And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all
the day long.
PSALMS 63
A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah.
1 O God, You are my God;
early will I seek You;
my soul thirsts for You,
my flesh faints for You,
in a dry and thirsty land
with no water.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I have seen You in the sanctuary,
to see Your power and Your glory.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
my lips will praise You.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Thus will I bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) My soul will be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) When I remember You on my bed,
and meditate on You in the night watches,
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) because You have been my help,
therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) My soul clings hard to You;
Your right hand upholds me.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) But those who seek my soul to destroy it
will go into the lower parts of the earth.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) They will fall by the sword;
they will be a portion for jackals.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) But the king will rejoice in God;
everyone who swears by Him will glory,
because the mouth of liars will be stopped.
Psalms 63
[1] O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for
thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water
is;
[2] To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
[3] Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise
thee.
[4] Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy
name.
[5] My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth
shall praise thee with joyful lips:
[6] When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night
watches.
[7] Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings
will I rejoice.
[8] My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
[9] But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower
parts of the earth.
[10] They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.
[11] But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall
glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 April 2024 titled
Choices Matter
Proverbs 14:8-12
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,
but the folly of fools is deceit.
9 (Pr 10:23) Fools make a mock at sin,
but among the righteous there is favor.
10 (1Sa 1:10) The heart knows its own bitterness,
and a stranger does not share its joy.
11 (Job 8:15; Pr 3:33) The house of the wicked will be overthrown,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 (Pr 16:25; 12:15; Ro 6:21) There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way of death.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way:
But the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools make a mock at sin:
But among the righteous there is favour.
10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness;
And a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown:
But the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
But the end thereof are the ways of death.
Pastor Damian's schedule included hospital visits
to two people nearing death who'd chosen two different life paths.
In one hospital was a woman beloved by her family. Her selfless
public service had endeared her to many. Other believers in Jesus
had gathered around her, and worship, prayer, and hope filled the room.
In another hospital, the relative of a member of Pastor Damian's church
was also dying. His hardened heart had led to a hard life,
and his disheveled family lived in the wake of his poor decisions
and misdeeds. The differences in the two atmospheres reflected
the contrasts in how each had lived.
Those who fail to consider where they're headed in life often
find themselves stuck in uncomfortable, undesirable, and lonely places.
Proverbs 14:12 notes that "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
But the end thereof are the ways of death." Young or old, sick or well,
wealthy or impoverished-it's not too late to reexamine our path.
Where will it lead? Does it honor God? Does it help or disrupt others?
Is it the best path for a believer in Jesus?
Choices do matter. And the God of heaven will help us make the best choices
as we turn to Him through His Son,
Jesus, who said, "Come to me, . . . and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
What about your path of life needs reexamination or correction?
What's keeping you from asking for God's help and courage to make corrections?
Dear Jesus, You’re the source of life.
Please give me the courage and strength to surrender
my life to You and do what honours You.
For further study, read Taking Sin Seriously.
3) Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 4 - Giving and Receiving
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured
to you again.
"Just give the Lord", the voice on the radio declared. "Give, and he will
give back to you, a hundredfold." The preacher went on to explain how
an old woman on social security had sent her last $10 to support his
ministry, and the next day she got an anonymous money order for
a $1000 . "The Lord will be faithful to his Word," the preacher
concluded. "You give, and you'll receive."
The Lord is, of course, faithful to his Word. But many well-meaning Christians
have interpreted Luke 6:38 as a "payment in kind" bargain with God:
if I give God my dollar, he's obliged to return it to me with interest.
This "seed-sowing" fallacy, where $20 supposedly becomes $2000 by
an act of divine, multiplication, has caused much
disappointment and frustration.
The "giving and receiving" principle is a valid one; the Lord does, indeed say
"Give, and it will be given to you," but he does not specify what the "return"
will be. The verse appears in the context of forgiveness, of not judging; the
principle is not investment, in any material sense, but generosity.
As we give, as few are compassionate with others, we take on the
character of the Lord himself. He is generous and giving, and he gives
to us as we give ourselves in love to others.
Application
a) Have I ever "given" to God to others as a bribe, to get something
in return?
b) What is God's concept of giving, as demonstrated
in the gift of Jesus Christ?
c) How can this verse help me to give more selflessly?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Chr 26:5
5 (2 Ch 24:2; Da 1:17) And he sought after God in the days of Zechariah,
the one who instructed him in the fear of the Lord. And in the days
that he sought after the Lord, God caused him to succeed.
5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah,
who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long
as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Gift of Salvation
Ps 40:1-3,9-11
PSALMS 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord,
and He turned to me, and heard my cry.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
out of the miry clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
and established my steps.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He has put a new song in my mouth,
even praise to our God;
many will see it, and fear,
and will trust in the Lord.
...
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I have proclaimed righteousness
in the great congregation;
I have not held back my lips,
O Lord, You know.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) I have not hidden Your righteousness
within my heart;
I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth
from the great congregation.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not withhold Your compassion from me, O Lord;
may Your lovingkindness and Your truth always guard me.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even
praise unto our God:
Many shall see it, and fear,
And shall trust in the LORD.
...
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation:
Lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart;
I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation:
I have not concealed thy lovingkindness,
And thy truth from the great congregation.
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD:
Let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
Pray for Muslims you know and those that live around you.
Ask those who are serving Christ among
Muslim people how you can pray for them.
When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray
for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also
participate in 30 Days.
What should you pray for?
Pray for the leaders of Muslim-majority nations to pursue peace and freedom
in the places they govern.
Pray for Muslim groups, tribes and communities in different regions to have
access to the gospel and respond to the message of Christ.
Pray for families and individuals to know the blessings of God and to be
saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
- Pray for this Night of Destiny to bring opportunities for
followers of Jesus to share the Gospel with their family and friends.
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
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember The lord in Times of Trouble.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, You’re the source of life.
Please give me the courage and strength to surrender
my life to You and do what honours You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to a generous giver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to continually seek Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He will get you out of the miry pit.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Ask those who are serving Christ among
Muslim people how you can pray for them.
When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray
for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also
participate in 30 Days.
Pray for the leaders of Muslim-majority nations to pursue peace and freedom
in the places they govern.
Pray for Muslim groups, tribes and communities in different regions to have
access to the gospel and respond to the message of Christ.
Pray for families and individuals to know the blessings of God and to be
saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
- Pray for this Night of Destiny to bring opportunities for
followers of Jesus to share the Gospel with their family and friends.
Pray for the safety of those who live in your community - safety from conflict
an crimes
Pray that great numbers of the Saudi royal family will hear the Gospel
message and turn to the Lord.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God
1) Psalms 17, 35, 63
PSALMS 17
A Prayer of David.
1 Hear a just cause, O Lord, attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer that is not spoken from deceitful lips.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) May my sentence go out from Your presence;
may Your eyes see rightly.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) You have examined my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have tried me and found nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Concerning the works of men,
by the word of Your lips I have avoided the paths of the violent,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) placing my steps in Your paths,
that my footsteps do not slip.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) I called on You, for You will answer me, OGod;
incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Show marvelously Your lovingkindness,
O Deliverer of those who seek refuge
by Your right hand from those who arise in opposition.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) from the wicked who bring ruin to me,
from my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) They close their hard hearts;
with their mouth they speak proudly.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) They have now encircled us in our steps;
they have set their eyes to bend down to the earth;
12 it is like a lion that is anxious to rip its prey,
and as a young lion lurking in secrecy.
13 Arise, O Lord! Confront him, cast him down!
Deliver my soul from the wicked by Your sword,
14 from men by Your hand, O Lord,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life.
You fill their belly with Your treasure;
they are satisfied with children,
and they leave their abundance to their infants.
15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I will be satisfied when I awake with Your likeness.
Psalms 17
[1] Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer,
that goeth not out of feigned lips.
[2] Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the
things that are equal.
[3] Thou has proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou has
tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not
transgress.
[4] Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from
the paths of the destroyer.
[5] Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
[6] I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear
unto me, and hear my speech.
[7] Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand
them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
[8] Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
[9] From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me
about.
[10] They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak
proudly.
[11] They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes
bowing down to the earth;
[12] Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion
lurking in secret places.
[13] Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the
wicked, which is thy sword:
[14] From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have
their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid
treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance
to their babes.
[15] As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be
satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
PSALMS 35
A Psalm of David.
1 Plead my cause, O Lord, with my adversaries; fight those who fight me.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Take hold of the large shield and small shield,
and rise up for my help.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Draw the spear and javelin
against those who pursue me. Say to my soul,
"I am Your salvation."
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) May those who seek my life
be ashamed and humiliated;
may those who plan my injury be turned back and put to shame.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) May they be as chaff before the wind,
and may the angel of the Lord cast them down.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) May their way be dark and slippery,
and may the angel of the Lord pursue them.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) For without cause they have hidden their net
for me in a pit, which they have dug without cause for my soul.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Let destruction come on him without warning,
and let the net that he hid ensnare him;
let him fall into it, to his destruction.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) My soul will be joyful in the Lord;
it will rejoice in His salvation.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) All my bones will say, "Lord, who is like You,
who delivers the poor from a stronger one,
the poor and the needy from the one who robs them?"
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Witnesses intent on violence rose up;
they accused me of things I knew nothing about.
12 They rewarded me evil for good, the bereavement of my soul.
13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth;
I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returns to my own heart.
14 I paced as though he were my friend or brother;
I bowed down lamenting, as one who mourns for a mother.
15 But in my adversity they rejoiced and gathered together;
assailants gathered together against me, though I was unaware;
they tore me apart and did not stop;
16 with hypocritical mockers in feasts,
they gnashed on me with their teeth.
17 Lord, how long will You look on?
Rescue my soul from their destructions,
my life from the lions.
18 I will give You thanks in the great congregation;
I will praise You among a mighty people.
19 May my deceitful enemies
not rejoice over me;
nor may those who hate me without cause
wink with their eye.
20 For they do not speak peace,
but they devise deceitful matters
against the restful ones in the land.
21 They opened their mouth wide against me,
and said, "Aha, aha, our eye has seen it."
22 This You have seen, O Lord; do not be silent;
O Lord, be not far from me.
23 Rouse Yourself and awake for my judgment,
for my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Judge me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness,
and may they not rejoice over me.
25 May they not say in their hearts, "Ah, we have our soul's desire."
May they not say, "We have swallowed him up."
26 May those who rejoice at my harm be ashamed
and altogether put to shame;
may they be clothed with shame and dishonor
who magnify themselves against me.
27 May those who favor my righteous cause
shout for joy and be glad;
may they say continually, "The Lord be magnified,
who delights in the peace of His servant."
28 My tongue will speak of Your righteousness
and of Your praise all the day long.
Psalms 35
[1] Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against
them that fight against me.
[2] Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
[3] Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute
me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
[4] Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let
them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
[5] Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD
chase them.
[6] Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD
persecute them.
[7] For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without
cause they have digged for my soul.
[8] Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath
hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
[9] And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his
salvation.
[10] All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest
the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy
from him that spoileth him?
[11] False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew
not.
[12] They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.
[13] But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I
humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
[14] I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed
down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
[15] But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together:
yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not;
they did tear me, and ceased not:
[16] With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their
teeth.
[17] Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their
destructions, my darling from the lions.
[18] I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee
among much people.
[19] Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither
let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
[20] For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against
them that are quiet in the land.
[21] Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our
eye hath seen it.
[22] This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from
me.
[23] Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God
and my Lord.
[24] Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them
not rejoice over me.
[25] Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not
say, We have swallowed him up.
[26] Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at
mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify
themselves against me.
[27] Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause:
yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath
pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
[28] And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all
the day long.
PSALMS 63
A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah.
1 O God, You are my God;
early will I seek You;
my soul thirsts for You,
my flesh faints for You,
in a dry and thirsty land
with no water.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I have seen You in the sanctuary,
to see Your power and Your glory.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
my lips will praise You.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Thus will I bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) My soul will be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) When I remember You on my bed,
and meditate on You in the night watches,
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) because You have been my help,
therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) My soul clings hard to You;
Your right hand upholds me.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) But those who seek my soul to destroy it
will go into the lower parts of the earth.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) They will fall by the sword;
they will be a portion for jackals.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) But the king will rejoice in God;
everyone who swears by Him will glory,
because the mouth of liars will be stopped.
Psalms 63
[1] O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for
thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water
is;
[2] To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
[3] Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise
thee.
[4] Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy
name.
[5] My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth
shall praise thee with joyful lips:
[6] When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night
watches.
[7] Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings
will I rejoice.
[8] My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
[9] But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower
parts of the earth.
[10] They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.
[11] But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall
glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 April 2024 titled
Choices Matter
Proverbs 14:8-12
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,
but the folly of fools is deceit.
9 (Pr 10:23) Fools make a mock at sin,
but among the righteous there is favor.
10 (1Sa 1:10) The heart knows its own bitterness,
and a stranger does not share its joy.
11 (Job 8:15; Pr 3:33) The house of the wicked will be overthrown,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 (Pr 16:25; 12:15; Ro 6:21) There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way of death.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way:
But the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools make a mock at sin:
But among the righteous there is favour.
10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness;
And a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown:
But the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
But the end thereof are the ways of death.
Pastor Damian's schedule included hospital visits
to two people nearing death who'd chosen two different life paths.
In one hospital was a woman beloved by her family. Her selfless
public service had endeared her to many. Other believers in Jesus
had gathered around her, and worship, prayer, and hope filled the room.
In another hospital, the relative of a member of Pastor Damian's church
was also dying. His hardened heart had led to a hard life,
and his disheveled family lived in the wake of his poor decisions
and misdeeds. The differences in the two atmospheres reflected
the contrasts in how each had lived.
Those who fail to consider where they're headed in life often
find themselves stuck in uncomfortable, undesirable, and lonely places.
Proverbs 14:12 notes that "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
But the end thereof are the ways of death." Young or old, sick or well,
wealthy or impoverished-it's not too late to reexamine our path.
Where will it lead? Does it honor God? Does it help or disrupt others?
Is it the best path for a believer in Jesus?
Choices do matter. And the God of heaven will help us make the best choices
as we turn to Him through His Son,
Jesus, who said, "Come to me, . . . and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
What about your path of life needs reexamination or correction?
What's keeping you from asking for God's help and courage to make corrections?
Dear Jesus, You’re the source of life.
Please give me the courage and strength to surrender
my life to You and do what honours You.
For further study, read Taking Sin Seriously.
3) Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 4 - Giving and Receiving
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured
to you again.
"Just give the Lord", the voice on the radio declared. "Give, and he will
give back to you, a hundredfold." The preacher went on to explain how
an old woman on social security had sent her last $10 to support his
ministry, and the next day she got an anonymous money order for
a $1000 . "The Lord will be faithful to his Word," the preacher
concluded. "You give, and you'll receive."
The Lord is, of course, faithful to his Word. But many well-meaning Christians
have interpreted Luke 6:38 as a "payment in kind" bargain with God:
if I give God my dollar, he's obliged to return it to me with interest.
This "seed-sowing" fallacy, where $20 supposedly becomes $2000 by
an act of divine, multiplication, has caused much
disappointment and frustration.
The "giving and receiving" principle is a valid one; the Lord does, indeed say
"Give, and it will be given to you," but he does not specify what the "return"
will be. The verse appears in the context of forgiveness, of not judging; the
principle is not investment, in any material sense, but generosity.
As we give, as few are compassionate with others, we take on the
character of the Lord himself. He is generous and giving, and he gives
to us as we give ourselves in love to others.
Application
a) Have I ever "given" to God to others as a bribe, to get something
in return?
b) What is God's concept of giving, as demonstrated
in the gift of Jesus Christ?
c) How can this verse help me to give more selflessly?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Chr 26:5
5 (2 Ch 24:2; Da 1:17) And he sought after God in the days of Zechariah,
the one who instructed him in the fear of the Lord. And in the days
that he sought after the Lord, God caused him to succeed.
5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah,
who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long
as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Gift of Salvation
Ps 40:1-3,9-11
PSALMS 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord,
and He turned to me, and heard my cry.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
out of the miry clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
and established my steps.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He has put a new song in my mouth,
even praise to our God;
many will see it, and fear,
and will trust in the Lord.
...
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I have proclaimed righteousness
in the great congregation;
I have not held back my lips,
O Lord, You know.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) I have not hidden Your righteousness
within my heart;
I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth
from the great congregation.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not withhold Your compassion from me, O Lord;
may Your lovingkindness and Your truth always guard me.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even
praise unto our God:
Many shall see it, and fear,
And shall trust in the LORD.
...
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation:
Lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart;
I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation:
I have not concealed thy lovingkindness,
And thy truth from the great congregation.
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD:
Let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
Pray for Muslims you know and those that live around you.
Ask those who are serving Christ among
Muslim people how you can pray for them.
When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray
for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also
participate in 30 Days.
What should you pray for?
Pray for the leaders of Muslim-majority nations to pursue peace and freedom
in the places they govern.
Pray for Muslim groups, tribes and communities in different regions to have
access to the gospel and respond to the message of Christ.
Pray for families and individuals to know the blessings of God and to be
saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
- Pray for this Night of Destiny to bring opportunities for
followers of Jesus to share the Gospel with their family and friends.
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
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember The lord in Times of Trouble.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, You’re the source of life.
Please give me the courage and strength to surrender
my life to You and do what honours You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to a generous giver.
Pray to the Lord and pray to continually seek Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He will get you out of the miry pit.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Ask those who are serving Christ among
Muslim people how you can pray for them.
When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray
for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also
participate in 30 Days.
Pray for the leaders of Muslim-majority nations to pursue peace and freedom
in the places they govern.
Pray for Muslim groups, tribes and communities in different regions to have
access to the gospel and respond to the message of Christ.
Pray for families and individuals to know the blessings of God and to be
saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
- Pray for this Night of Destiny to bring opportunities for
followers of Jesus to share the Gospel with their family and friends.
Pray for the safety of those who live in your community - safety from conflict
an crimes
Pray that great numbers of the Saudi royal family will hear the Gospel
message and turn to the Lord.
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