Day 129 - 9 May 2021 reflections
Day 129, 9 May 2021
Due to current restrictions, http://www.calvarycommunity.ca
was an online Service
Scripture focus
Matthew 28:18-20
18 (Mt 11:27; Ro 14:9) Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 (Mk 16:15-16; Ac 1:8) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
20 (Mt 18:20; Ac 2:42) teaching them to observe all things I have commanded
you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Acts 2:42-47
Life Among the Believers
42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46) They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching
and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
43 Fear came to every soul. And many wonders
and signs were done through the apostles.
44 (Ac 4:32) All who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 They sold their property and goods and distributed them to all, according
to their need.
46 (Ac 5:42; 20:7) And continuing daily with one mind in the temple,
and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness
and simplicity of heart,
47 (Ac 11:24; 2:41) praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
These verses were explained in the context of community and small groups.
Ps 50 , 53 , 60 , 75
PSALMS 50
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 The Mighty One, God, is the Lord;
He has spoken and summoned the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God has shined.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Our God will come, and will not keep silent;
a fire consumes before Him,
and a strong tempest is around Him.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He calls to the heavens above,
and to the earth, that He may judge His people:
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) "Gather My faithful ones together to Me,
those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice."
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The heavens will declare His righteousness,
for God Himself is judge. Selah
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) "Hear, O My people, and I will speak,
O Israel, and I will testify against you;
I am God, even your God.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I will not reprove you for your sacrifices
or for your burnt offerings that are continually before Me.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I will take no young bull out of your house,
nor male goats out of your folds.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) For every wild animal of the forest is Mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) I know every bird of the mountains,
and the creatures that move in the field are Mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you;
for the world is Mine, and all its fullness.
13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
or drink the blood of goats?
14 Sacrifice a thank offering to God,
and pay your vows to the Most High,
15 and call on Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will glorifyMe."
16 But to the wicked God says:
"What right have you to declare My statutes,
or take My covenant in your mouth?
17 You hate instruction,
and cast My words behind you.
18 When you see a thief, you are pleased,
and have a share in those who commit adultery.
19 You let loose your mouth to evil,
and your tongue is bound to deceit.
20 You sit and speak against your brother;
you accuse your own mother's son.
21 These things have you done, and I kept silent;
you thought that I was indeed like you;
but I will reprove you
and make a case before your eyes.
22 "Now consider this, you who forget God,
lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver:
23 Whoever sacrifices a thank offering
glorifies Me and makes a way;
I will show him the salvation of God."
PSALMS 53
Ps 14:1-7
For the Music Director. According to Mahalath. A Contemplative Maskil of David.
1 The fool has said in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, and have done abhorrent injustice;
there is none who does good.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) God looked down from heaven
on the children of men,
to see if there were any who have insight,
who seek God.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Every one of them has turned aside;
they are altogether corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call on God?
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) There they were in fear,
where there was nothing to fear,
for God has scattered the bones of him who camps against you;
you have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Oh, that the salvation of Israel would
come out of Zion!
When God brings back the captivity of His people,
Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad.
PSALMS 60
Ps 108:6-13
For the Music Director. A Miktam of David to teach.
To the melody of "Lily of the Testimony," when he struggled
with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah and when Joab
returned from striking down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
1 O God, You have rejected us, You have scattered us;
You have been displeased; take us back.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) You have made the earth tremble; You have split it open;
heal its breaches, for it shook.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) You have shown Your people hard times;
You have made us drink wine, causing us to stagger.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) You have given a banner to those who fear You,
that they may flee to it from the bow.Or for the truth. Selah
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) That Your beloved ones may be delivered,
save with Your right hand and answerus.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) God has spoken in His holiness:
"I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem,
and measure out the Valley of Sukkoth.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine;
Ephraim also is My helmet;
Judah is My scepter;
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6 ) Moab is My wash basin;
over Edom I will cast My shoe;
shout the alarm, O Philistia, because of Me."
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2 ) Who will bring me into the fortified city?
Who will lead me into Edom?
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) You, O God, have You not cast us off?
And You, O God, did not go out with our armies.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Give us help from trouble,
for the help of man is worthless.
12 Through God we will do valiantly,
for He will tread down our enemies.
PSALMS 73
BOOK THREE
Psalms 73–89
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Truly God is good to Israel,
to the pure in heart.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) But as for me, my feet almost stumbled;
my steps had almost slipped.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For I was envious at the boastful;
I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) For there are no pains in their death;
their bodies are fat.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) They are not in trouble as other people;
nor are they plagued like others.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Therefore pride is their necklace;
violence covers them as a garment.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Their eyes bulge with fatness;
they have more than a heart could wish.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) They mock and speak with evil oppression;
they speak loftily.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) They set their mouth against the heavens,
and their tongue struts through the earth.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Therefore people turn to them,
and abundant waters are drunk by them.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) They say, "How does God know?
And is there knowledge with the Most High?"
12 Observe, these are the wicked, always at ease;
they increase in riches.
13 Surely I have kept my heart pure for nothing,
and washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all the day long I am plagued,
and chastened every morning.
15 If I said, "I will speak thus,"
I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.
16 When I thought to understand this,
it was troublesome in my eyes,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their end.
18 Surely You have set them in slippery places;
You have brought them down to ruin.
19 How they come to desolation, as in a moment!
They have come to an end, utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awakes,
so, O Lord, when You awake,
You will despise their form.
21 Thus my heart was embittered,
and I was pierced in my feelings.
22 I was a brute and did not understand;
I was as a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have held me by my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel,
and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fails,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 For those who are far from You will perish;
You destroy everyone who is unfaithful to You.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have taken my refuge in the Lord God,
that I may declare all Your works.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 May 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/05/09/noticing-nature
entitled Noticing Nature
Matthew 6:25-34
Matthew 6
Care and Anxiety
Lk 12:22-34
25 (Mt 6:31; 6:34; Php 4:6) "Therefore, I say to you, take no
thought about your life, what you will eat, or what you will
drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life
more than food and the body than clothing?
26 (Job 38:41; Ps 147:9) Look at the birds of the air, for they do not sow,
nor do they reap, nor gather into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds
them. Are you not much better than they?
27 Who among you by taking thought can add a cubit
[A cubit is about half a meter.]
to his stature?
28 (Mt 6:25; 6:31) "Why take thought about clothing? Consider the lilies
of the field, how they grow: They neither work, nor do they spin.
29 (1Ki 10:4-7; 2Ch 9:4-6) Yet I say to you that even Solomon in all
his glory was not dressed like one of these.
30 (Mt 8:26; 14:31) Therefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field,
which today is here and tomorrow is thrown into the oven,
will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 (1Pe 5:7) Therefore, take no thought, saying, 'What shall we eat?'
or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32 (Mt 6:8; Lk 12:30) (For the Gentiles seek after all these things.)
For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.
33 (1Ti 4:8; 1Ki 3:11-13) But seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you.
34 (Mt 6:25) Therefore, take no thought about tomorrow, for tomorrow
will take thought about the things of itself. Sufficient
to the day is the trouble thereof.
A friend and I recently visited a favorite walking spot of mine.
Climbing a windswept hill, we crossed a field of wildflowers into a forest
of towering pines, then descended into a valley where we paused a moment.
Clouds floated softly above us. A stream trickled nearby. The only sounds
were birdsongs. Jason and I stood there silently for fifteen minutes,
taking it all in.
As it turns out, our actions that day were deeply therapeutic.
According to research from the University of Derby,
people who stop to contemplate nature experience higher levels of happiness,
lower levels of anxiety, and a greater desire to care for the earth.
Walking through the forest isn't enough, though. You have to watch the clouds,
listen to the birds. The key isn't being in nature, but noticing it.
Could there be a spiritual reason for nature’s benefits? Paul said
that creation reveals God's power and nature (Romans 1:20).
God told Job to look at the sea, sky, and stars for evidence
of His presence (Job 38-39). Jesus said that contemplating the
"“birds of the air" and "flowers of the field" could reveal God's care
and reduce anxiety (Matthew 6:25-30).
In Scripture, noticing nature is a spiritual practice.
Scientists wonder why nature affects us so positively. Maybe one reason
is that by noticing nature we catch a glimpse of the God who created it
and who notices us.
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
Since nature isn't God, and vice versa, how do you think He can be seen
through it? How can you take a few minutes today to notice His care
through His creation?
God of heaven, earth, streams, and birdsongs, I worship You today.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 1 - Forgiving as God Forgave
Col 3:13
13 Bear with one another and
forgive one another. If anyone
has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you,
so you must do.
"No!" Brett slammed his hand against the desk to punctuate his point.
"My wife's infidelity is completely unforgivable. She just wants to make things
look good, to have me condone her new relationship.
I won't do it. I won't forgive her."
Brett was a man in pain, and his perspective on forgiving
his wife is understandable. But unfortunately, many of us are
the victims of "unforgiveable" offenses; many of us, as well,
are the perpetrators of such offenses, and we desperately need
to be forgiven.
Brett ultimately came to understand that forgiving and "unforgivable"
hurt is not based on the worthiness of the recipient of forgiveness,
but on the worthiness of Christ himself. The Bible teaches that we are bound
to forgiveness for one simple reason:
because God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ.
"Forgive as the Lord forgave", Paul commands in Col 3:13 . How did Christ
forgive? Freely, completely, without basing his forgiveness on our merit. He
forgave us unilaterally, offering forgiveness before we asked,
before we were aware of our sin and the pain it caused him,
before we came to him in repentance.
Forgiveness does more that release the perpetrator for the bondage of
his wrongdoing. It releases the victim as well. Forgiveness frees
the forgiver from the bondage of anger and bitterness that keeps him distant
from the love of God. We can forgive the most "unforgivable" of offenses
against us when we focus our attention
not on the offender,
but on Christ, who forgave us.
Application
a) Have I ever harboured unforgiveness toward another person?
What was the result in my spiritual/emotional life?
b) Is there someone in my life who has hurt me, who I need to forgive?
How can this verse help me extend the forgiveness to that person?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Prov 13:22
22 (Job 27:16-17; Pr 28:8) A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry of Vengeful
Romans 12:14-21
14 (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28) Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.
15 (Heb 13:3; Job 30:25) Rejoice with those who rejoice,
and weep with those who weep.
16 (Ro 11:25; 15:5) Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not be haughty,
but associate with the lowly. Do not pretend to be wiser than you are.
17 (Pr 20:22; Mt 5:39) Repay no one evil for evil. Commend what is honest
in the sight of all men.
18 (Mk 9:50; Ro 14:19; Mt 5:9) If it is possible, as
much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 (Dt 32:35; Pr 24:29) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to God's wrath, for it is written:
"Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,"(Dt 32:35.) says the Lord.
20(Pr 25:21–22; Mt 5:44)Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so you will
heap coals of fire on his head.â€(r 25:21–22.)
21(1Pe 3:9)Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good.
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."
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Ontario
Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario
Ontation 2015 population 13 687 7000
est Muslim Population 1 001 542
CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,
Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor
Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that
the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most
Musslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching
from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly
resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontari. Mosques
are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools
are starting.
And they're not comlacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their
advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,
the local mosqoe distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour
brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of
"reverts", or white Canadians who havve converted to Islam as a result of
receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Antoerh town
reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.
Agree in prayer for:
- net network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connectiosn with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 13 April to 12 May 2021
From https://www.30daysprayer.com/
https://www.30daysprayer.com/pages/reaching-the-unreached-in-houston/
REACHING THE UNREACHED IN HOUSTON
STRATEGY CONNECTS WITH BENGALI MUSLIMS
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in the Jewish synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people (Matthew 4:23).
But how can we develop similar strategies to reach those in our world today?
In Houston, missionaries working with Global Gates developed and implemented
a plan to share the gospel with Bengali Muslims in this vast, diverse metropolis.
Jesus had a target geographic region (Galilee)
and a target people ("the lost house of Israel"). He worked for three years
by sharing the good news in every city, town, and village of Galilee.
He enlisted others (12 and 72 disciples),
baptised new believers (John 4:1), and performed healings.
1 (Jn 3:22; 3:26) Now when the Lord learned that the Pharisees
had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John.
How can we replicate this approach?
One Houston apartment complex houses 28 Bengali Muslim families.
The missionaries decided to focus on this complex as both their geographic
and people group target.
Missionaries rented two apartments and placed two missionary families
in the complex with the goal of sharing the gospel with these families
in a year. To enhance their outreach, a Muslim-background believer
from Bangladesh joined for two months.
Local partner churches pitched in, too, providing food and job training
and hosting ESL programs for the Bengalis. Prayer ministries systematically
covered the 28 families. Holidays provided opportunities to celebrate
traditions together.
With less than one year's presence in the apartment complex,
the missionaries report that half of the 28 families have heard the gospel.
Two individuals who once expressed anger now welcome the missionaries
into their homes. And four families are joyfully listening to Bible stories.
"I now understand that Jesus is God, and he is my Saviour,"
one Bengali man reported.
Pray that God will help us develop effective strategies
for reaching Muslim Americans.
Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers to enter his harvest
in other Houston apartment complexes and live among
Muslim people groups (Luke 10:2).
2 (2Th 3:1) He said to them, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers
are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest
to send out laborers into His harvest."
Pray for visas for Muslim background believers,
so they can join the work in Houston.
Petition the Lord to work in hearts to form a Muslim-background house church.
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
9th Day of the Month
a) Pray a prayter of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion, faithfulness and provision.
(
Ps 100
A Psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;
it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise;
be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways to wiesly
and effectively respond to pressing social issues
(
1 Chr 12:32
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.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord to be part of His Community of Earth.
Pray to the Lord to take refuge in the Lord God,
that we may declare all His works.
Pray to the Lord to give thanks to be Creator.
Pray to the Lord to forgive others as The Lord has forgiven your sins .
Pray to the Lord to earn and live a righteous lifestyle .
Pray to the Lord to render good for evil.
Pray for Muslims in Ontario to receive Christ as Saviour
and that chirstian outreach will be strong.
Pray that God will help us develop effective strategies for reaching
Muslim Americans.
Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers to enter his harvest
in other Houston apartment complexes and live among
Muslim people groups .
Pray for visas for Muslim background believers,
so they can join the work in Houston.
Petition the Lord to work in hearts to form a Muslim-background house church.
Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love,
Mercy, compassion, faithfulness and provision.
Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways to wiesly
and effectively respond to pressing social issues
Pray for Indonesia that church leaders and mission organisations
will work together for the sake of the Gospel.
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.
Due to current restrictions, http://www.calvarycommunity.ca
was an online Service
Scripture focus
Matthew 28:18-20
18 (Mt 11:27; Ro 14:9) Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 (Mk 16:15-16; Ac 1:8) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
20 (Mt 18:20; Ac 2:42) teaching them to observe all things I have commanded
you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Acts 2:42-47
Life Among the Believers
42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46) They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching
and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
43 Fear came to every soul. And many wonders
and signs were done through the apostles.
44 (Ac 4:32) All who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 They sold their property and goods and distributed them to all, according
to their need.
46 (Ac 5:42; 20:7) And continuing daily with one mind in the temple,
and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness
and simplicity of heart,
47 (Ac 11:24; 2:41) praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
These verses were explained in the context of community and small groups.
Ps 50 , 53 , 60 , 75
PSALMS 50
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 The Mighty One, God, is the Lord;
He has spoken and summoned the earth
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God has shined.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Our God will come, and will not keep silent;
a fire consumes before Him,
and a strong tempest is around Him.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He calls to the heavens above,
and to the earth, that He may judge His people:
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) "Gather My faithful ones together to Me,
those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice."
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The heavens will declare His righteousness,
for God Himself is judge. Selah
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) "Hear, O My people, and I will speak,
O Israel, and I will testify against you;
I am God, even your God.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I will not reprove you for your sacrifices
or for your burnt offerings that are continually before Me.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I will take no young bull out of your house,
nor male goats out of your folds.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) For every wild animal of the forest is Mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) I know every bird of the mountains,
and the creatures that move in the field are Mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you;
for the world is Mine, and all its fullness.
13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
or drink the blood of goats?
14 Sacrifice a thank offering to God,
and pay your vows to the Most High,
15 and call on Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will glorifyMe."
16 But to the wicked God says:
"What right have you to declare My statutes,
or take My covenant in your mouth?
17 You hate instruction,
and cast My words behind you.
18 When you see a thief, you are pleased,
and have a share in those who commit adultery.
19 You let loose your mouth to evil,
and your tongue is bound to deceit.
20 You sit and speak against your brother;
you accuse your own mother's son.
21 These things have you done, and I kept silent;
you thought that I was indeed like you;
but I will reprove you
and make a case before your eyes.
22 "Now consider this, you who forget God,
lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver:
23 Whoever sacrifices a thank offering
glorifies Me and makes a way;
I will show him the salvation of God."
PSALMS 53
Ps 14:1-7
For the Music Director. According to Mahalath. A Contemplative Maskil of David.
1 The fool has said in his heart,
"There is no God."
They are corrupt, and have done abhorrent injustice;
there is none who does good.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) God looked down from heaven
on the children of men,
to see if there were any who have insight,
who seek God.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Every one of them has turned aside;
they are altogether corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call on God?
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) There they were in fear,
where there was nothing to fear,
for God has scattered the bones of him who camps against you;
you have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Oh, that the salvation of Israel would
come out of Zion!
When God brings back the captivity of His people,
Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad.
PSALMS 60
Ps 108:6-13
For the Music Director. A Miktam of David to teach.
To the melody of "Lily of the Testimony," when he struggled
with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah and when Joab
returned from striking down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
1 O God, You have rejected us, You have scattered us;
You have been displeased; take us back.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) You have made the earth tremble; You have split it open;
heal its breaches, for it shook.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) You have shown Your people hard times;
You have made us drink wine, causing us to stagger.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) You have given a banner to those who fear You,
that they may flee to it from the bow.Or for the truth. Selah
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) That Your beloved ones may be delivered,
save with Your right hand and answerus.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) God has spoken in His holiness:
"I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem,
and measure out the Valley of Sukkoth.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine;
Ephraim also is My helmet;
Judah is My scepter;
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6 ) Moab is My wash basin;
over Edom I will cast My shoe;
shout the alarm, O Philistia, because of Me."
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2 ) Who will bring me into the fortified city?
Who will lead me into Edom?
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) You, O God, have You not cast us off?
And You, O God, did not go out with our armies.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Give us help from trouble,
for the help of man is worthless.
12 Through God we will do valiantly,
for He will tread down our enemies.
PSALMS 73
BOOK THREE
Psalms 73–89
A Psalm of Asaph.
1 Truly God is good to Israel,
to the pure in heart.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) But as for me, my feet almost stumbled;
my steps had almost slipped.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For I was envious at the boastful;
I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) For there are no pains in their death;
their bodies are fat.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) They are not in trouble as other people;
nor are they plagued like others.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Therefore pride is their necklace;
violence covers them as a garment.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Their eyes bulge with fatness;
they have more than a heart could wish.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) They mock and speak with evil oppression;
they speak loftily.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) They set their mouth against the heavens,
and their tongue struts through the earth.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Therefore people turn to them,
and abundant waters are drunk by them.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) They say, "How does God know?
And is there knowledge with the Most High?"
12 Observe, these are the wicked, always at ease;
they increase in riches.
13 Surely I have kept my heart pure for nothing,
and washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all the day long I am plagued,
and chastened every morning.
15 If I said, "I will speak thus,"
I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.
16 When I thought to understand this,
it was troublesome in my eyes,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their end.
18 Surely You have set them in slippery places;
You have brought them down to ruin.
19 How they come to desolation, as in a moment!
They have come to an end, utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awakes,
so, O Lord, when You awake,
You will despise their form.
21 Thus my heart was embittered,
and I was pierced in my feelings.
22 I was a brute and did not understand;
I was as a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have held me by my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel,
and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fails,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 For those who are far from You will perish;
You destroy everyone who is unfaithful to You.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have taken my refuge in the Lord God,
that I may declare all Your works.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 May 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/05/09/noticing-nature
entitled Noticing Nature
Matthew 6:25-34
Matthew 6
Care and Anxiety
Lk 12:22-34
25 (Mt 6:31; 6:34; Php 4:6) "Therefore, I say to you, take no
thought about your life, what you will eat, or what you will
drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life
more than food and the body than clothing?
26 (Job 38:41; Ps 147:9) Look at the birds of the air, for they do not sow,
nor do they reap, nor gather into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds
them. Are you not much better than they?
27 Who among you by taking thought can add a cubit
[A cubit is about half a meter.]
to his stature?
28 (Mt 6:25; 6:31) "Why take thought about clothing? Consider the lilies
of the field, how they grow: They neither work, nor do they spin.
29 (1Ki 10:4-7; 2Ch 9:4-6) Yet I say to you that even Solomon in all
his glory was not dressed like one of these.
30 (Mt 8:26; 14:31) Therefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field,
which today is here and tomorrow is thrown into the oven,
will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 (1Pe 5:7) Therefore, take no thought, saying, 'What shall we eat?'
or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32 (Mt 6:8; Lk 12:30) (For the Gentiles seek after all these things.)
For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.
33 (1Ti 4:8; 1Ki 3:11-13) But seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you.
34 (Mt 6:25) Therefore, take no thought about tomorrow, for tomorrow
will take thought about the things of itself. Sufficient
to the day is the trouble thereof.
A friend and I recently visited a favorite walking spot of mine.
Climbing a windswept hill, we crossed a field of wildflowers into a forest
of towering pines, then descended into a valley where we paused a moment.
Clouds floated softly above us. A stream trickled nearby. The only sounds
were birdsongs. Jason and I stood there silently for fifteen minutes,
taking it all in.
As it turns out, our actions that day were deeply therapeutic.
According to research from the University of Derby,
people who stop to contemplate nature experience higher levels of happiness,
lower levels of anxiety, and a greater desire to care for the earth.
Walking through the forest isn't enough, though. You have to watch the clouds,
listen to the birds. The key isn't being in nature, but noticing it.
Could there be a spiritual reason for nature’s benefits? Paul said
that creation reveals God's power and nature (Romans 1:20).
God told Job to look at the sea, sky, and stars for evidence
of His presence (Job 38-39). Jesus said that contemplating the
"“birds of the air" and "flowers of the field" could reveal God's care
and reduce anxiety (Matthew 6:25-30).
In Scripture, noticing nature is a spiritual practice.
Scientists wonder why nature affects us so positively. Maybe one reason
is that by noticing nature we catch a glimpse of the God who created it
and who notices us.
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
Since nature isn't God, and vice versa, how do you think He can be seen
through it? How can you take a few minutes today to notice His care
through His creation?
God of heaven, earth, streams, and birdsongs, I worship You today.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 1 - Forgiving as God Forgave
Col 3:13
13 Bear with one another and
forgive one another. If anyone
has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you,
so you must do.
"No!" Brett slammed his hand against the desk to punctuate his point.
"My wife's infidelity is completely unforgivable. She just wants to make things
look good, to have me condone her new relationship.
I won't do it. I won't forgive her."
Brett was a man in pain, and his perspective on forgiving
his wife is understandable. But unfortunately, many of us are
the victims of "unforgiveable" offenses; many of us, as well,
are the perpetrators of such offenses, and we desperately need
to be forgiven.
Brett ultimately came to understand that forgiving and "unforgivable"
hurt is not based on the worthiness of the recipient of forgiveness,
but on the worthiness of Christ himself. The Bible teaches that we are bound
to forgiveness for one simple reason:
because God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ.
"Forgive as the Lord forgave", Paul commands in Col 3:13 . How did Christ
forgive? Freely, completely, without basing his forgiveness on our merit. He
forgave us unilaterally, offering forgiveness before we asked,
before we were aware of our sin and the pain it caused him,
before we came to him in repentance.
Forgiveness does more that release the perpetrator for the bondage of
his wrongdoing. It releases the victim as well. Forgiveness frees
the forgiver from the bondage of anger and bitterness that keeps him distant
from the love of God. We can forgive the most "unforgivable" of offenses
against us when we focus our attention
not on the offender,
but on Christ, who forgave us.
Application
a) Have I ever harboured unforgiveness toward another person?
What was the result in my spiritual/emotional life?
b) Is there someone in my life who has hurt me, who I need to forgive?
How can this verse help me extend the forgiveness to that person?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Prov 13:22
22 (Job 27:16-17; Pr 28:8) A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry of Vengeful
Romans 12:14-21
14 (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28) Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.
15 (Heb 13:3; Job 30:25) Rejoice with those who rejoice,
and weep with those who weep.
16 (Ro 11:25; 15:5) Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not be haughty,
but associate with the lowly. Do not pretend to be wiser than you are.
17 (Pr 20:22; Mt 5:39) Repay no one evil for evil. Commend what is honest
in the sight of all men.
18 (Mk 9:50; Ro 14:19; Mt 5:9) If it is possible, as
much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 (Dt 32:35; Pr 24:29) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to God's wrath, for it is written:
"Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,"(Dt 32:35.) says the Lord.
20(Pr 25:21–22; Mt 5:44)Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so you will
heap coals of fire on his head.â€(r 25:21–22.)
21(1Pe 3:9)Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good.
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."
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Ontario
Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario
Ontation 2015 population 13 687 7000
est Muslim Population 1 001 542
CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,
Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor
Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that
the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most
Musslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching
from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly
resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontari. Mosques
are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools
are starting.
And they're not comlacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their
advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,
the local mosqoe distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour
brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of
"reverts", or white Canadians who havve converted to Islam as a result of
receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Antoerh town
reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.
Agree in prayer for:
- net network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connectiosn with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 13 April to 12 May 2021
From https://www.30daysprayer.com/
https://www.30daysprayer.com/pages/reaching-the-unreached-in-houston/
REACHING THE UNREACHED IN HOUSTON
STRATEGY CONNECTS WITH BENGALI MUSLIMS
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in the Jewish synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people (Matthew 4:23).
But how can we develop similar strategies to reach those in our world today?
In Houston, missionaries working with Global Gates developed and implemented
a plan to share the gospel with Bengali Muslims in this vast, diverse metropolis.
Jesus had a target geographic region (Galilee)
and a target people ("the lost house of Israel"). He worked for three years
by sharing the good news in every city, town, and village of Galilee.
He enlisted others (12 and 72 disciples),
baptised new believers (John 4:1), and performed healings.
1 (Jn 3:22; 3:26) Now when the Lord learned that the Pharisees
had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John.
How can we replicate this approach?
One Houston apartment complex houses 28 Bengali Muslim families.
The missionaries decided to focus on this complex as both their geographic
and people group target.
Missionaries rented two apartments and placed two missionary families
in the complex with the goal of sharing the gospel with these families
in a year. To enhance their outreach, a Muslim-background believer
from Bangladesh joined for two months.
Local partner churches pitched in, too, providing food and job training
and hosting ESL programs for the Bengalis. Prayer ministries systematically
covered the 28 families. Holidays provided opportunities to celebrate
traditions together.
With less than one year's presence in the apartment complex,
the missionaries report that half of the 28 families have heard the gospel.
Two individuals who once expressed anger now welcome the missionaries
into their homes. And four families are joyfully listening to Bible stories.
"I now understand that Jesus is God, and he is my Saviour,"
one Bengali man reported.
Pray that God will help us develop effective strategies
for reaching Muslim Americans.
Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers to enter his harvest
in other Houston apartment complexes and live among
Muslim people groups (Luke 10:2).
2 (2Th 3:1) He said to them, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers
are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest
to send out laborers into His harvest."
Pray for visas for Muslim background believers,
so they can join the work in Houston.
Petition the Lord to work in hearts to form a Muslim-background house church.
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
9th Day of the Month
a) Pray a prayter of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion, faithfulness and provision.
(
Ps 100
A Psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;
it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise;
be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways to wiesly
and effectively respond to pressing social issues
(
1 Chr 12:32
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.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord to be part of His Community of Earth.
Pray to the Lord to take refuge in the Lord God,
that we may declare all His works.
Pray to the Lord to give thanks to be Creator.
Pray to the Lord to forgive others as The Lord has forgiven your sins .
Pray to the Lord to earn and live a righteous lifestyle .
Pray to the Lord to render good for evil.
Pray for Muslims in Ontario to receive Christ as Saviour
and that chirstian outreach will be strong.
Pray that God will help us develop effective strategies for reaching
Muslim Americans.
Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers to enter his harvest
in other Houston apartment complexes and live among
Muslim people groups .
Pray for visas for Muslim background believers,
so they can join the work in Houston.
Petition the Lord to work in hearts to form a Muslim-background house church.
Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love,
Mercy, compassion, faithfulness and provision.
Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways to wiesly
and effectively respond to pressing social issues
Pray for Indonesia that church leaders and mission organisations
will work together for the sake of the Gospel.
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.
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