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Day 120 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 29 April 2024 reflections

Day 120, 29 Apr 2024



1) 2 Samuel 5:1-10



1 Chronicles 11,12



2 SAMUEL 5

David Anointed King Over Israel

1 Ch 11:1-3

1 (1Ch 11:1-3; Ge 29:14) All of the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron

and said, "We are your bone and flesh.

2 (1Sa 18:13; 2Sa 7:7) Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were

the one leading Israel out and in. Also, the Lord said to you:

You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over Israel."

3 (2Sa 2:4; Jdg 11:11So all of the elders of Israel came to the king

at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord at Hebron.

They anointed David king over Israel.



[1] Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake,

saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

[2] Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest

out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my

people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

[3] So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David

made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David

king over Israel.





4 (1Ch 26:31; 29:27) David was thirty years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned forty years.

5 (2Sa 2:11; 1Ch 3:4) He reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven years

and six months, and he reigned over all of Israel and Judah

from Jerusalem for 33 years.



[4] David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty

years.

[5] In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in

Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.



6 (Jdg 1:8; Jos 15:63)The king and his men went to Jerusalem against

the Jebusites, who were living in the land. They said to David,

"You will not enter here; even the blind and the lame will turn you away"

-thinking, "David cannot enter here."

7 (1Ki 2:10; 2Sa 6:12) Nevertheless, David overthrew the stronghold of Zion,

which is now the City of David.

8 David said on that day, "Whoever defeats the Jebusites, let him go through

the water shaft to reach the lame and the blind, who are despised by David."

Therefore, it is said, "The blind and lame shall not come into the house."

9 (1Ki 9:15; 9:24) So David occupied the stronghold, and he called it the

City of David. He built on all sides from the terraces inward.

10 (2Sa 3:1) David went on and became great, because the Lord,

the God of Hosts, was with him.



[6] And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the

inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take

away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David

cannot come in hither.

[7] Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of

David.

[8] And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and

smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's

soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the

lame shall not come into the house.

[9] So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David

built round about from Millo and inward.

[10] And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with

him.



1 CHRONICLES 11



David, King of Israel



2Sa 5:1-10



1 Then all Israel assembled before David at Hebron,

saying, "We are your own people, even your flesh and blood.

2 (2Sa 5:2; 7:7) Also from times past until now, even when Saul was king,

you were the one who led Israel going out and coming in,

and the Lord your God said to you, Indeed, you will shepherd

My people Israel as the ruler of Israel."

3 (1Sa 16:1; 16:12-13) Then all the elders of Israel came to King David

at Hebron, and he made a covenant with them there before the Lord.

So they anointed David king over Israel according to the word of the Lord

delivered by Samuel.



[1] Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying,

Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

[2] And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that

leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee,

Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people

Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

[3] Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David

made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David

king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

David Conquers Jerusalem



4 (Jdg 1:21; Ge 10:16) Now David and all Israel with him went to Jerusalem

(that is, Jebus, since the Jebusites still dwelt there in the land).

5 And the Jebusites said to David, "You will not come here," but he captured

the stronghold of Zion (it is the City of David).

6 (2Sa 8:16) Now David had said, "Whoever strikes Jebus first will be

the commander and leader of the army," so Joab, the son of Zeruiah,

went up first and became the commander.

7 Then David dwelt in the stronghold, which is why they called

it the City of David,

8 and he fortified the city all around from the Millo encircling

the stronghold, while Joab preserved the rest of the city.

9 (2Sa 3:1) So David kept on going, becoming greater and greater,

and the Lord of Hosts was with him.



[4] And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the

Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.

[5] And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither.

Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.

[6] And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and

captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

[7] And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of

David.

[8] And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab

repaired the rest of the city.

[9] So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him.

David's Mighty Men



2Sa 23:8-39



10 (1Ch 11:3) Now these are the heads of the mighty men whom David had,

who strengthened him in his kingdom, along with all Israel,

to establish him as king according to the word of the Lord to Israel.

11 (2Sa 23:8) These make up the number of the mighty men who fought for David:

Jashobeam, the son of Hakmoni, the head of the thirty, who lifted his spear

in triumph over three hundred slain at one time.

12 (1Ch 27:4) After him was Eleazar, the son of Dodai the Ahohite,

who was among the three mighty men.

13 He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines were gathered

there for battle. There was a piece of ground full of barley.

Now the men fled from the Philistines.

14 But they stood their ground in the middle of the field, defended it,

and killed the Philistines; and the Lord saved them by a great victory.

15 (1Ch 14:9; Isa 17:5) Now three of the thirty captains climbed

down the rock to David at the cave of

while the camp of the Philistines was set up in the Valley of Rephaim.

16 (1Sa 10:5) (At that time, David was in the stronghold, but a garrison

of the Philistines was in Bethlehem.)

17 Now David was overcome with longing and said,

"Who will get me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem by the gate?"

18 These three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well

of Bethlehem by the gate, and carried it back to David. However, he was not

willing to drink it but poured out the water to the Lord.

19 For he said, "Far be it from me before my God to do this.

Should I drink the life blood of these men who put their lives in jeopardy?

For at the risk of their lives they brought it." Therefore

he would not drink it.

The three mighty men did these things.

20 (1Sa 26:6) Also Abishai himself, the brother of Joab,

was a captain of the three who lifted his spear in triumph

over three hundred slain and was given a name among the three.

21 He was honored as a leader by the second company of the three,

but he did not attain to the first three.

22 (Jos 15:21; 2Sa 8:18) Benaiah son of Jehoiada was

the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds.

He killed two Moabite warriors. Indeed, once he went down into a well

and struck a lion on a snowy day.

23 (1Sa 17:7) And he killed an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits

[About 7 feet 6 inches, or 2.3 meters.] tall. The Egyptian had in his hand a

spear like a weaver's beam, and he went down to him with a staff,

wrested the spear from the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear.

24 Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, did these things, and won a name among

the three mighty men.

25 Out of the thirty captains, he himself was honored, and although

he did not attain to the three, David set him over his guard.

26 (1Ch 27:7)Now the other mighty men of valor of the army were

Asahel the brother of Joab,

Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

27 Shammoth the Harorite,

Helez the Pelonite,

28 (1Ch 27:12) Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,

Abiezer the Anathothite,

29 Sibbekai the Hushathite,

Ilai the Ahohite,

30 Maharai the Netophathite,

Heled the son of Baanah, the Netoph­athite,

31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah in Benjamin,

Benaiah the Pirathonite,

32 Hurai from the rivers of Gaash,

Abiel the Arbathite,

33 Azmaveth the Baharumite,

Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

34 the sons of Hashem the Gizonite,

Jonathan the son of Shagee, the Hararite,

35 Ahiam the son of Sakar, the Hararite,

Eliphal the son of Ur,

36 Hepher the Mekerathite,

Ahijah the Pelonite,

37 Hezro the Carmelite,

Naarai the son of Ezbai,

38 Joel the brother of Nathan,

Mibhar the son of Hagri,

39 Zelek the Ammonite,

Naharai the Berothite, the armor bearer of Joab, the son of Zeruiah,

40 Ira the Ithrite,

Gareb the Ithrite,

41 Uriah the Hittite,

Zabad the son of Ahlai,

42 Adina the son of Shiza, the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites,

and thirty with him,

43 Hanan the son of Maakah,

Joshaphat the Mithnite,

44 Uzzia the Ashterathite,

Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham, the Aroerite,

45 Jediael the son of Shimri and

Joha his brother, the Tizite,

46 Eliel the Mahavite,

and Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam,

Ithmah the Moabite,

47 Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.



[10] These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who

strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to

make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

[11] And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, and

Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three

hundred slain by him at one time.

[12] And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of

the three mighties.

[13] He was with David at Pas-dammim, and there the Philistines were

gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley;

and the people fled from before the Philistines.

[14] And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it,

and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance.

[15] Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into

the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley

of Rephaim.

[16] And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then

at Bethlehem.

[17] And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the

water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!

[18] And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water

out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought

it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

[19] And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I

drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with

the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink

it. These things did these three mightiest.

[20] And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting

up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the

three.

[21] Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their

captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.

[22] Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who

had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and

slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.

[23] And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and

in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to

him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew

him with his own spear.

[24] These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among

the three mighties.

[25] Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the

first three: and David set him over his guard.

[26] Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab,

Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

[27] Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,

[28] Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abi-ezer the Antothite,

[29] Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

[30] Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,

[31] Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of

Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

[32] Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,

[33] Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

[34] The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the

Hararite,

[35] Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur,

[36] Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,

[37] Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,

[38] Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,

[39] Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the

son of Zeruiah,

[40] Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,

[41] Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,

[42] Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and

thirty with him,

[43] Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,

[44] Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the

Aroerite,

[45] Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,

[46] Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and

Ithmah the Moabite,

[47] Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.



1 CHRONICLES 12



The Mighty Men Join David



1 (1Sa 27:2-6) Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he yet

kept himself away from Saul the son of Kish. They were among the brave men,

helpers in the war.

2 (Jdg 3:15; 20:16) They were armed with bows, and could use

both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows

out of a bow. They were Saul's brothers of Benjamin.

3 (1Ch 11:28)The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah

the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Berakah,

and Jehu the Anathothite;

4 (Jos 9:3; 15:36) and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a brave warrior

among the thirty, and over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan,

and Jozabad the Gederathite;

5and Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah,

and Shephatiah the Haruphite;

6and Elkanah, Ishiah, Azarel, Joezer,

and Jashobeam the Korahites;

7 (Jos 15:58) and Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

8 (2Sa 2:18; 17:10) From the Gadites mighty men of valor, men of the war

battalion, who could handle shield and sword, whose faces were like the

faces of lions, and who were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains,

separated themselves for David in the stronghold in the wilderness:

9 Ezer the captain,

Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,

10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,

1 1Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,

12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,

13 Jeremiah the tenth, Makbannai the eleventh.

14 (Lev 26:8; Dt 32:30) These were from Gad, captains of the battalions.

One of the least of them was as a hundred and the greatest as a thousand.

15 (Jos 3:15; 4:18) These were the ones who crossed over the Jordan

during the first month when it had overflowed its banks and caused the valley

dwellers to flee to the east and to the west.

16 Some of the sons of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold of David.

17 So David went out before them and said to them, "If you have come in peace

to help me, then I will have a heart united with yours, but if to betray me

to my adversaries, when there is no violence in my hand, may the God of our

fathers see, and may He decide between us."

18 (Jdg 6:34; 2Sa 17:25)Then the Spirit came upon Amasai the captain

of the officers, and he said,

"We are for you, David,

and with you, son of Jesse.

Peace, peace to you,

and peace to the one helping you,

for your God helps you."

So David welcomed them and appointed them as captains of the troops.

19 (1Sa 29:2-9) Now some from Manasseh joined forces with David

when he came with the Philistines for battle against Saul,

but they did not help them. For after taking counsel,

the lords of the Philistines sent him away, saying,

"It will be our heads if he falls back to his lord Saul."

20 As he went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh deserted to join him:

Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai,

chiefs of thousands in Manasseh.

21 So they helped David against the bands of raiders because all of them

were mighty men of valor and commanders in the army.

22 (Ge 32:2; Jos 5:14) For at that time, day by day, they came to help

David until they became a great camp like the camp of God.



[1] Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept

himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the

mighty men, helpers of the war.

[2] They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the

left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's

brethren of Benjamin.

[3] The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite;

and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the

Antothite,

[4] And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the

thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the

Gederathite,

[5] Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the

Haruphite,

[6] Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the

Korhites,

[7] And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

[8] And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold

to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that

could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions,

and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;

[9] Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,

[10] Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,

[11] Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,

[12] Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,

[13] Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh.

[14] These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least

was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.

[15] These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had

overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys,

both toward the east, and toward the west.

[16] And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto

David.

[17] And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye

be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but

if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine

hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.

[18] Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he

said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace

be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then

David received them, and made them captains of the band.

[19] And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the

Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords

of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to

his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads.

[20] As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and

Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai,

captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.

[21] And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all

mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.

[22] For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it

was a great host, like the host of God.



David's Army at Hebron



23 (2Sa 2:3-4; 1Ch 11:10) Now these make up the number of the leaders equipped

for the battalion who came to David at Hebron in order to turn the kingdom

of Saul over to him, as the mouth of the Lord had spoken.

24 The sons of Judah who carried shields and spears:

six thousand eight hundred equipped for war.

25 From the sons of Simeon, mighty men of valor, fit for war: 7100.

26 From the sons of the Levites: four thousand six hundred.

27 Jehoiada was the principal leader of the Aaronites,

and he brought with him three thousand seven hundred,

28 (2Sa 8:17; 1Ch 6:8) while Zadok, a brave young warrior,

brought twenty-two leaders from the house of his father.

29 (2Sa 2:8-9; 1Ch 12:2) From the sons of Benjamin, the brothers of Saul:

three thousand (up to that time the greater number of them were keeping

their loyalty with the house of Saul).

30 From the sons of Ephraim: twenty thousand eight hundred

mighty men of valor, men of reputation in the house of their fathers.

31 From the half-tribe of Manasseh:

eighteen thousand who were marked by name to come and crown David king.

32 (Est 1:13) From the sons of Issachar, those having understanding of times

and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains

with all their brothers at their command.

33 (Ps 12:2) Of Zebulun, fifty thousand seasoned troops, equipped for battle

with all the weapons of war, to help David with singleness of purpose.

From Zebulun, those going out to war, equipped for battle with all

the weapons of war, to help David with an undivided heart: fifty thousand.

34 From Naphtali: one thousand leaders and thirty-seven thousand with shields

and spears.

35 From the Danites, competent for battle: twenty-eight thousand six hundred.

36 (1Ch 12:33) From Asher, those going out to war, arranged for battle: 40000.

37 Also from the other side of the Jordan, from the Reubenites, the Gadites,

and half of the tribe of Manasseh with all their battle array: 120000.

38 (1Ki 8:61)All these made up the men of war, arranged in ranks,

who came to Hebron with a sincere heart to make David king over all Israel,

along with the all the rest of Israel who with one heart came to make David

king.

39 Now all these were there with David three days, eating and drinking,

for their brothers had made provisions for them,

40 (1Sa 25:18; 2Sa 16:1) and also the ones who were as near to them as

Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali were bringing bread on donkeys, on camels,

on mules, and on oxen, food of fine flour, fig cakes, raisins, wine, oil,

herds, and flocks in abundance, for there was joy in Israel.



[23] And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the

war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him,

according to the word of the LORD.

[24] The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and

eight hundred, ready armed to the war.

[25] Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of valour for the war, seven

thousand and one hundred.

[26] Of the children of Levi four thousand and six hundred.

[27] And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three

thousand and seven hundred;

[28] And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house

twenty and two captains.

[29] And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand:

for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of

Saul.

[30] And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred,

mighty men of valour, famous throughout the house of their fathers.

[31] And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were

expressed by name, to come and make David king.

[32] And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding

of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two

hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

[33] Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all

instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of

double heart.

[34] And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and

spear thirty and seven thousand.

[35] And of the Danites expert in war twenty and eight thousand and six

hundred.

[36] And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty

thousand.

[37] And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites,

and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for

the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.

[38] All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart

to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of

Israel were of one heart to make David king.

[39] And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for

their brethren had prepared for them.

[40] Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and

Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen,

and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil,

and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.



2) Our Daily Bread for 29 April 2024 titled

Pray and Watch




Ephesians 6:10-20



The Battle Against Evil



10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord

and in the power of His might.

11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that

you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

12 (Eph 1:3; 1:2) 1For 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.

13 (Eph 5:16) Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be

able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 (Isa 11:5; 59:17) Stand therefore, having your waist girded with truth,

having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 (Isa 52:7; Ro 10:15) having your feet fitted with the readiness

of the gospel of peace, 16and above all, taking the shield of faith,

with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery arrows

of the evil one.

17 (Heb 4:12; Isa 49:2; 59:17) Take the helmet of salvation

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 (Col 4:2; 1Ti 2:1; Eph 1:16) Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds

of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance

and supplication for all the saints.

19 (1Th 5:25; Ac 4:29) Pray for me, that the power to speak may be given

to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery

of the gospel,

20 (2Co 5:20; Ac 28:20) for which I am an ambassador in chains,

that I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.



[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his

might.

[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against

the wiles of the devil.

[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.

[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to

withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on

the breastplate of righteousness;

[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to

quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is

the word of God:

[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and

watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

[19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my

mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

[20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly,

as I ought to speak.



When fighting spiritual battles, believers in Jesus should take prayer

seriously. A Florida woman found out how dangerous it can be, however,

to practice it unwisely. When she prayed, she closed her eyes.

But while driving one day and praying (with eyes shut!), she failed

to stop at a stop sign, flew through an intersection, and went offroad

into a homeowner's yard. She then tried unsuccessfully to back off the lawn.

Though not injured, she was given a police citation for reckless driving

and property damage. This prayer warrior missed a key part

of Ephesians 6:18: be alert.



As part of the whole armour of God in Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul includes

two final pieces. First, we should fight spiritual battles with prayer.

This means praying in the Spirit-relying on His power.

Also, resting in His guidance and responding to His promptings-praying

all kinds of prayers on all occasions (v. 18). Second, Paul encouraged us to

"be alert." Spiritual alertness can aid us in being prepared

for Jesus' return (Mark 13:33), gaining victory over temptation (14:38),

and interceding for other believers (Ephesians 6:18).



As we fight spiritual battles daily, let's permeate our lives with

a "pray and watch" approach-combating evil powers and piercing

the darkness with the light of Christ.



By: Marvin Williams



Reflect & Pray



How can having a "pray and watch" mindset help you fight

spiritual battles? What does it mean for you to stay spiritually alert?



Dear God, please help me to watch and pray for myself and others.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 2 - Growing Up



2 Tim 3:16-17



16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable

for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction

in righteousness,

17 (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21) that the man of God may be complete,

thoroughly equipped for every good work.



16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable

for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction

in righteousness:

17 that the man of God may be perfect,

throughly furnished unto all good works.



"I can't wait till I get big!" Marc, age 5, declared. "Then I do

what I want!" Most of us, as children, shared Marc's statement.

We looked forward to that "magic age" - 16, 18, 21 - when we

would be adults: mature, able to make our own decisions.

We find, of course, that adulthood has its own share of

difficulties and conflicts. But even in our spiritual lives

we often long for a "magic moment" of maturity. As one woman

confessed, "Ever since I became a Christian, I've hoped I'd wake up

one morning to find myself mature."

But growth in the spiritual life comes gradually, like growth in

the physical world. In 2 Tim 2:16-17, Paul gives the young pastor

Timothy an important key to spiritual growing up - the Word of God.

The Word is "profitable" or "useful," Paul says, for "teaching" - that is,

for developing a right concept of God. Scripture offers "rebuke" when

we go wrong, "correction" to set us on the right path, and "training

in righteousness" so that we can grow in the image of Christ.

The purpose of Scripture's work in our lives, Paul emphasises,

is that we may be "perfect" - mature, equipped for the good things

God has for us to do. Such maturity does not come easily

or instantaneously, but it does come - sometimes imperceptibly -

as we submit our lives to the transforming power of God's Word.



Application



a) In what areas of my life do I need to grow? How can I benefit

from the Bible's



i) teaching?



ii) rebuke?



iii) correction?



iv) training in righteousness?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Gen 13:2,5-6,14-17



2 (Ge 24:35; Ps 112:1-3) Abram was very wealthy in livestock,

in silver and in gold.

5 Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents.

6 (Ge 36:6-7) But the land was not able to support them

both dwelling together because their possessions were so great.

14 (Ge 28:14; Dt 3:27) After Lot had departed from him,

the Lord said to Abram,

"Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are,

northward and southward and eastward and westward.

15 (Ge 12:7; 2Ch 20:7) All the land that you see I will give to you

and to your descendants forever.

16 (Ge 28:14; Nu 23:10) I will make your descendants like the dust

of the earth, so that if a man could number the dust of the earth,

then your descendants could also be numbered.

17 Arise, and walk throughout the land across its length

and its width, for I will give it to you."



2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

5 And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.

6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together:

for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him,

Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward,

and southward, and eastward, and westward:

15 for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it,

and to thy seed for ever.

16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man

can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.

17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it;

for I will give it unto thee.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Generous Provision



Ps 145:13b-21



13 Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

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.

17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways

and loving in all His works.

18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,

to all who call upon Him in truth.

19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;

He also will hear their cry and will save them.

20 The Lord preserves all those who love Him,

but all the wicked He will destroy.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,

and let all people bless His holy name

forever and ever.



13 And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,

And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;

And thou givest them their meat in due season.

16 Thou openest thine hand,

And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,

And holy in all his works.

18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,

To all that call upon him in truth.

19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him:

He also will hear their cry, and will save them.

20 The LORD preserveth all them that love him:

But all the wicked will he destroy.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD:

And let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.



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



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!



ROMANS 15:13



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



Day 29 of the Month



a) Pray that God will enlighten those in medicine and health care

to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true

integrity and compassion (



Ps 139:13-16



13 You brought my inner parts into being;

You wove me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise you, for You made me with fear and wonder;

marvelous are Your works,

and You know me completely.

15 My frame was not hidden from You

when I was made in secret,

and intricately put together in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw me unformed,

yet in Your book

all my days were written,

before any of them came into being.



13 For thou hast possessed my reins:

Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee,

When I was made in secret, and curiously wrought

in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;

And in thy book all my members were written,

Which in continuance were fashioned,

When as yet there was none of them.



)



b) Pray that the Church in Canada will remember the poor

and compassionately respond to their plight (



Gal 2:10



10 (Ac 24:17) Only they requested that we should remember the poor,

which I also was eager to do.



10 Only they would that we should remember the poor;

the same which I also was forward to do.



)



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to Him for the people he surrounds you with.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to watch and pray for myself

and others."



Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to understand his Word.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know his Covenant to Abraham.



Pray to the Lord and pgive Him praise.



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

- 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!



Pray continually for Sikhs to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.



Pray that God will enlighten those in medicine and health care

to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true

integrity and compassion.



Pray that the Church in Canada will remember the poor

and compassionately respond to their plight.



Pray for the protection of young Christian women in Pakistan

who have been subjected to forced marriages by Islamic militants.



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