Day 134 - 14 MAy 2021 reflections
Day 134, 14 May 2021
2 Samuel 13-15
2 SAMUEL 13
Amnon and Tamar
1 (2Sa 3:2-3; 1Ch 3:9) After this, Absalom the son of David had a beautiful
sister whose name was Tamar, and Amnon the son of David fell in love with her.
2 It depressed Amnon to the point of falling ill that Tamar his sister was
a virgin, but it was impossible for Amnon to pursue her.
3 (1Sa 16:9) Now Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah,
the brother of David, and Jonadab was a very crafty individual.
4 He asked him, "Why are you, the son of the king, so sullen morning
after morning? Will you not tell me?"
Amnon told him, "I am in love with Tamar, the sister of Absalom my brother."
5 Jonadab instructed him, "Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. When
your father comes to see you, say to him, 'Please allow Tamar, my sister,
to come and prepare some food for me. She should make the food here,
so that when I see it, I may eat it from her hand.'"
6 (Ge 18:6) So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. When the king came
to see him, Amnon said to the king, "Please let my sister Tamar come here
to make a couple of cakes, so that I may be nourished from her hand."
7Then David sent word to Tamar at the house, "Please go to the house of Amnon
your brother, and prepare food for him."
8 So Tamar went to the house of Amnon her brother, where he was lying.
She took the dough, kneaded it, and made the cakes before him.
Then she baked them.
9 (Ge 45:1) Then she took the baking tray and served the cakes to him,
but he refused to eat. Amnon said, "Send everyone away." So they all left him.
10 Then Amnon said to Tamar, "Bring the food into the bedroom that I may
eat from your hand." So Tamar took the cakes that she had made and brought
them in the bedroom to Amnon her brother.
11 When she brought them close for him to eat, he took hold of her and said,
"Come, lie with me, my sister."
12 (Lev 20:17; Jdg 19:23) She pled with him, "No, my brother, do not violate
me, for such a thing is not to be done in Israel. Do not carry out this awful
thing.
13 As for me, where could I escape my disgrace? And you would be like
one of the fools in Israel. Now, please speak to the king, for he will not
withhold me from you."
14 (2Sa 12:11) But he refused to listen to her. So, being stronger than her,
he overpowered her and lay with her.
15 Then Amnon hated her greatly, so that the hatred with which he hated
her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon
said to her, "Get up, go away."
16 She said to him, "No, because this great offense of dismissing me
is worse than the other which you did to me." But he refused to listen to her.
17 He called his personal servant and said, "Send this woman out from me,
and secure the door behind her."
18 (Ge 37:3; Jdg 5:30) Now she was wearing a long robe, because the virgin
daughters of the king were clothed in such garments. So his servant put her
out and secured the door behind her.
19 (Jos 7:6; Jer 2:37) So Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe
that she was wearing. She put her hand on her head and left,
wailing as she went.
20 Absalom her brother said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you?
Keep silent for now, my sister. He is your brother. Do not take this thing
to heart." So Tamar stayed in the house of Absalom, her brother,
a desolate woman.
21 (Ge 34:7) When King David heard about these things, he was very angry.
22 (Ge 31:24; Lev 19:17-18) And Absalom would not speak with Amnon,
either pleasantly or angrily; but Absalom hated Amnon because
he had raped his sister Tamar.
Absalom Kills Amnon
23 (Ge 38:12-13; 1Sa 25:4) Two full years later, the sheepshearers of Absalom
were in Baal Hazor, near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all of the sons of
the king.
24 Then Absalom came to the king and requested, "Your servant
has sheepshearers; will the king and his servants kindly go
with your servant?"
25 The king said to Absalom, "No, my son, we must not all go
or we will be a burden to you." When he urged him, he refused to go,
but gave him his blessing.
26 (2Sa 3:27; 11:13-15) Absalom said, "If not, allow my brother Amnon to go
with us." But the king replied to him, "Why should he go with you?"
27 But Absalom urged him until he sent Amnon and all of the king's sons along
with him.
28 (Jdg 19:6; 19:9) Now, Absalom had commanded his servant,
"Look for Amnon to become carefree on account of the wine.
Then I will say to you, 'Strike Amnon, and kill him.' Do not be afraid,
for am not I myself commanding you? Be strong and brave."
29 (2Sa 18:9; 1Ki 1:33) So, the servants of Absalom did to Amnon that
which Absalom had commanded. Then the sons of the king arose,
each mounting his mule, and fled.
30 While they were on the way, the report reached David:
"Absalom struck down all of the sons of the king,
and there is not one of them remaining."
31 (2Sa 1:11; 12:16) Then the king arose, tore his garments, and lay
on the ground, while all of his servants who were standing nearby
tore their garments.
32 But Jonadab, the son of David's brother Shimeah, said, "My lord should not
think that they have killed all of the servants who are the king's sons.
Amnon alone is dead, for this has been determined from the day he raped Tamar,
his sister, by the very declaration of Absalom.
33 (2Sa 19:19) Now, my lord the king should not take this matter to heart,
thinking that all of the king's sons are dead. Instead Amnon alone is dead."
34 Absalom fled. Now when the servant who was keeping watch looked up,
he saw many people coming on the road beyond him, around the hill.
35 So Jonadab said to the king, "See, the king's sons are coming.
As your servant spoke, so it is."
36 As soon as he had finished speaking, the sons of the king arrived, lifted
their voices, and wept. The king and all of his servants also wept loudly.
37 (2Sa 3:3; 13:34) Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud,
king of Geshur, but David mourned over his son every day.
38 When Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he was there for three years.
39 (Ge 24:67; 37:35) Then King David longed to go out to Absalom,
for he was consoled over the death of Amnon.
2 SAMUEL 14
Absalom Returns to Jerusalem
1 (2Sa 13:39; 2:18) Now Joab the son of Zeruiah recognised
that the king's mind was on Absalom.
2 (2Ch 11:6; Am 1:1) So Joab sent a request to Tekoa and brought
from there a wise woman. He instructed her, "Act as if you are
observing mourning rites. Put on mourning garments,
and do not anoint yourself with oil, but act like a woman who has
been mourning over the dead like this for many days.
3 (2Sa 14:19; Ex 4:15) Then come to the king and speak to him in this manner."
Thus Joab put the words in her mouth.
4 (1Sa 25:23; 2Sa 1:2) As the Tekoan woman spoke to the king, she fell on her
face toward the ground and bowed low. Then she said, "Help me, O king."
5 The king said to her, "What troubles you?"
She responded, "Alas, I am a widow, and my husband is dead.
6 Furthermore, your servant had two sons. The two of them were fighting
in the field, but there was no one to separate them.
One struck the other and killed him.
7 (Nu 35:19; Mt 21:38) Now the entire family has risen up against
your maidservant, and they said, 'Deliver him who struck his brother,
so that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he killed,
and we will destroy the heir also.' So they will extinguish my remaining
ember, and leave my husband neither name nor remnant
on the face of the earth."
8 Then the king said to the woman,
"Go to your house, and I will give orders concerning you."
9 (1Sa 25:24; 1Ki 2:33) The Tekoan woman responded to the king,
"May guilt rest upon me and the house of my father, my lord the king,
and may the king and his throne be blameless."
10 The king said, "Whoever speaks to you, bring him to me,
and he will not cause you harm again."
11 (1Sa 14:45; Nu 35:19) Then she said, "May the king remember the Lord
your God so that the avenger of blood will not continue to destroy,
lest they exterminate my son." He said, "As the Lord lives,
not one hair of your son will fall to the ground."
12 Then the woman said, "Allow your servant to speak
a word to my lord the king." So he said, "Speak."
13 (2Sa 12:7; 13:37-38) The woman said, "Why have you planned like
this against the people of God? The king's speaking this word is like
a self-conviction, for the king has not brought back his own banished one.
14 (Nu 35:15; 35:25) We will surely die and are like water spilled
on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again.
Yet God does not take away a life; He devises plans so that His banished
ones will not be cast out from Him.
15 "So now I have come to speak to my lord the king about this matter
because the people have made me afraid. So, I thought, 'I will speak
to the king. Perhaps the king will perform the request of his servant.
16 (1Sa 26:19) For the king may accept my request to deliver his servant
from the hand of the man who would destroy me
and my son from the inheritance of God.'
17 (1Sa 29:9; 2Sa 19:27) "So, your servant thought, 'May the word of my lord
the king provide rest. For like the angel of God, my lord the king discerns
good from evil. May the Lord your God be with you.' "
18 Then the king answered and said to the woman, "Please do not conceal
from me anything that I ask you." The woman said, "May my lord the king
please speak."
19 (2Sa 14:3; 1Sa 1:26) The king said,
"Is the hand of Joab with you in all of this?" The woman answered and said,
"As your soul lives, my lord the king, there is no turning right or left
from anything that you spoke, my lord the king, for your servant Joab
is the very one who commanded me and placed all of these words in my mouth.
20 (2Sa 14:17; 19:27) In order to change this situation, your servant Joab
did this thing; but my lord is wise, as with the wisdom of the angel of God,
so as to discern everything happening in the land."
21 (2Sa 14:11) Then the king said to Joab, "This is what I will do.
Go and bring back the young man Absalom."
22 Then Joab fell with his face to ground and bowed low and blessed the king.
Joab said, "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your eyes,
my lord the king, since the king has granted the request of his servant."
23 Then Joab arose and went to Geshur, and he brought Absalom to Jerusalem.
24 The king said, "Let him turn to his own house.
He shall not come into my presence."
So Absalom turned to his house and did not come into the king's presence.
David Forgives Absalom
25 (Dt 28:35; Job 2:7) In all of Israel, there was no man as handsome
as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, there was not
a blemish on him.
26 (2Sa 18:9; Eze 44:20) When he cut the hair of his head
(and at the end of every year he cut it, for it was heavy on him),
he weighed the hair from his head at two hundred shekels,
[About 5 pounds, or 2.3 kilograms. ] according to the king's standard.
27 (2Sa 18:18; 13:1) There were born to Absalom three sons
and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a beautiful woman.
28 Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two full years without coming
into the king's presence.
29 Then Absalom sent a message to Joab, requesting that he send him
to the king, but he was not willing to come to him. So he sent
a second message, but still he was not willing to come.
30 (Jdg 15:4-5) Then he said to his servants, "See, Joab's field is
next to mine, and he has barley there. Go, set it on fire."
So the servants of Absalom set the field on fire.
31 Then Joab arose, came to Absalom at his house, and said to him,
"Why have your servants set my plot of land on fire?"
32 (1Sa 20:8; Pr 28:13) Absalom said to Joab, "I sent a message to you,
saying: Come, so that I may send you to the king, asking,
'Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still.'
Now, let me go before the king, and if there is still guilt with me,
may he put me to death."
33 (Ge 33:4; Lk 15:20) So Joab came and reported this to him.
Then he summoned Absalom. So he came to the king, bowed low to him,
his face on the ground before the king; then the king kissed Absalom.
2 SAMUEL 15
Absalom's Conspiracy
1 (1Ki 1:5; 1Sa 8:11) After this Absalom acquired for himself a chariot,
horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2 Absalom would go early and stand beside the way into the gate.
When any man who had a dispute concerning which he had come
to the king for a judgment approached, Absalom would call to him
and say, "Which city are you from?" And he would say, "Your servant
is from one of the tribes of Israel."
3 Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your claim is good and right,
but there is no one to hear you on behalf of the king."
4 (Jdg 9:29) Absalom would continue, "If I were appointed a judge in the land,
then every man who had a claim could come and I would give him justice."
5 (2Sa 14:33) When a man would approach to bow before him, he would reach
out, embrace him, and kiss him.
6 (Ro 16:18) Absalom acted this way toward every Israelite who came
to the king for a judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7 After forty years, Absalom said to the king, "Please allow me to go fulfill
my vow that I made to the Lord in Hebron.
8 (Ge 28:20-21; 2Sa 13:37-38) For your servant made a vow when I was dwelling
in Geshur in Aram, saying: If indeed the Lord will bring me back to Jerusalem,
then I will serve the Lord."
9 The king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose and went to Hebron.
10 But Absalom sent scouts throughout all of the tribes of Israel, saying,
"When you hear the sound of the horn, say: Absalom has become king in Hebron."
11 (1Sa 9:13; 22:15) Now two hundred men went with Absalom from Jerusalem,
invited and unsuspecting; they did not know anything.
12 (Jos 15:51; 2Sa 15:31) Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite,
the advisor of David, from his city Giloh, while he was offering
the sacrifices. Now the conspiracy was strong, for the number of people
with Absalom was continually growing.
David Flees Jerusalem
13 (Jdg 9:3; 2Sa 15:6) A messenger came to David and said,
"The hearts of the men of Israel are following Absalom."
14 (2Sa 19:9) David said to all of his servants who were with him
in Jerusalem, "Get up. We must flee or there will be no escape from
Absalom for us. Hurry up and leave, or he will soon reach us
and bring disaster upon us, striking the city with the edge of the sword."
15 The king's servants said to the king,
"Whatever our lord the king decides, we are your servants."
16 (2Sa 16:21-22; 20:3) So the king left with his entire house after him,
but he left behind ten women, concubines, to watch over the house.
17 So the king left with all of the people after him, and they came to a stop
at the furthest house.
18 (2Sa 8:18; 1Sa 30:14) Now all his servants passed on beside him,
all the Kerethites, all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men
who had followed him from Gath, passed on before the king.
19 (2Sa 18:2) The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why are you also going
with us? Go back and dwell with the king, for you are a foreigner and,
moreover, exiled from your own place.
20 (1Sa 23:13; 2Sa 2:60 You came only yesterday. Shall I cause you to go
roaming around with us today? I am going where I go.
Go back, and take back your brothers with you. Mercy and truth be with you."
21 (Ru 1:16-17; Pr 17:17) Ittai answered the king and said,
"As the Lord lives and as lives my lord the king, only in the place
where my lord the king is, whether for death or for life,
there alone will your servant be."
22 So David said to Ittai, "Go on, pass by." So Ittai the Gittite passed by,
along with all of his men and all of the children
and elderly who were with him.
23 (2Sa 16:2; 1Ki 2:37) The whole land wept with a loud voice as
all the people passed by. Now the king was crossing over the brook Kidron,
and all of the people were crossing over on the road to the wilderness.
24 (Nu 4:15; 2Sa 8:17) And also Zadok and all of the Levites with him
were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God,
and Abiathar came up until all of the people had finished
passing from the city.
25 (Ex 15:13; Jer 25:30) The king said to Zadok, "Take the ark of God back
to the city. If I have found favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me
back and allow me to see both it and its resting place.
26 (1Sa 3:18; 2Sa 22:20) But if He should say now, 'I take no delight in you,'
here I am. May He do to me what seems good to Him."
27 (1Sa 9:9; 2Sa 17:17) The king also said to Zadok the priest,
"Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace with your two sons,
your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
28 (2Sa 17:16; 15:23) I will wait at the fords of the wilderness
until word from you comes to inform me."
29 So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem,
and they remained there.
30 (Est 6:12; 2Sa 19:4) David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives,
weeping as he went. His head was covered and he went barefoot.
Then all of the people who were with him each covered his head
and went up, weeping as they went.
31 (2Sa 16:23; 17:14) Now it was reported to David that Ahithophel
was conspiring with Absalom, and David said,
"O Lord, make the advice of Ahithophel folly."
32 (Jos 16:2; 2Sa 1:2) When David came to the summit where he would
worship God, Hushai the Arkite approached him with his coat torn
and dirt on his head.
33 (2Sa 19:35) David said to him, "If you pass on with me, you will be
a burden to me.
34 But if you return to the city, you may say to Absalom,
'I am your servant, O king, as I was a servant of your father.
As I was then, so now I am your servant,' so as to counter the advice
of Ahithophel.
35 (2Sa 17:15-16) Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be with you there?
You shall report everything that you hear from the king's house to Zadok
and Abiathar the priests.
36 (2Sa 17:17; 15:27) Their two sons Ahimaaz the son of Zadok and Jonathan
the son of Abiathar will be there with them. You shall send word of everything
that you hear to me by their hand."
37 (2Sa 16:15-16; 1Ch 27:33) So Hushai, the friend of David,
came to the city as Absalom entered Jerusalem.
2) Our Daily Bread for 14 May 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/05/14/taken-in
entitled Taken In
Psalm 49:5-20
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Why should I fear in the days of evil,
when the iniquity of my stalkers surrounds me?
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Those who trust in their wealth,
and boast in the multitude of their riches,
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) none of them can by any means redeem the other,
nor give to God a ransom for anyone,
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) for the redemption of their souls is costly;
even so people cease to exist forever,
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) making efforts to live eternally,
and not see the pit.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) For one sees that wise men die,
together the fool and the brute perish,
and leave their wealth to others.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5 ) Their graves become their perpetual homes,
and their dwelling places to all generations,
though they call their lands after their own names.
12 But a man does not abide in honor;
mankind is like the beasts that come to ruin.
13 This is their way, it is their folly;
yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah
14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;
Death shall be their shepherd;
the upright shall rule over them in the morning,
and their form shall waste away in Sheol,
far from their dwelling.
15 But God shall redeem my soul from the power of Sheol,
for He shall receive me. Selah
16 Do not fear when one is made rich,
when the glory of his house is increased,
17for he takes nothing away in death;
his glory does not descend after him.
18 Though while he lives he blesses his soul-
and men will praise you when you do well for yourself-
19 that soul will go to the generation of his fathers;
they will never see light.
20 A man in honor, and yet without understanding,
is like the animals that perish.
My old dog sits by my side and stares off into space.
A penny for her thoughts. One thing I know she isn't thinking about is dying
because dogs don't "understand." They don't think about future things.
But we do. No matter our age or health or wealth, we at some point think
about dying. That's because we, unlike beasts, have "understanding,"
according to Psalm 49:20. We know that we will die, and there's nothing
we can do about it. "No one can redeem the life of another or give to God
a ransom for them" (v. 7). No one has enough money to buy himself
or herself out of the grave.
But there is a way out of the finality of death: "God will redeem me from
the realm of the dead," insists the psalmist. "He will surely take me to himself"
(v. 15; literally, "He will take me in"). Robert Frost said,
"Home is the place where, when you have to go there,
they have to take you in." God has redeemed us from death through His Son,
"who gave himself as a ransom for all people" (1 Timothy 2:6).
Thus Jesus promised that when our time comes,
He will greet us and take us in (John 14:3).
When my time comes, Jesus, who gave to God the price of my life,
will welcome me into His Father's house with open arms.
By: David H. Roper
Reflect & Pray
How do you deal with the thought of dying?
On what do you base your confidence of heaven?
I’m grateful, God, that You have provided a place for Your children.
I look forward to being at home with You.
Visit https://ChristianUniversity.org/CA204 to learn more about life after death.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 6 Reconciliation
2 Cor 5:18-19
18 All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ
and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was
in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins
against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.
When Paul writes in 2 Cor 5:17 that we become a "new creation" in Christ
Jesus, the story does not end there. The verses following give us direction
for tht new life in Christ. "All This", Paul says, referring tothe miracle of
new life in Christ, "is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ
and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reconciliation means to bring back together what was ince separated. Man was
separated from God by sin, and God took the initiative to reconcile man to
himself. Our "ministry of reconciliation" as Christians is twofold: to draw
others to the Lord and to work for reconciliation between indiviuals.
Reconciliation is the ultimate gaol of forgiveness. God, through his grace ,
extends forgiveness to us when we are still sinners, unrepentant,
undeserving. When we respond, we come into reconciliation with him
and are brought back into oneness. Likewise, when we extend the grace
of frogiveness to another, we are set free by the act of forgiving, but we
hope that the ultimate outcone will be reconciliation.
God shows us the pattern: he is the wronged party, yet he does not wait for
the offender to coem to him, hat in hand. He takes a bold initiative, offering
forgiveness freely with out regard to merit. The pattern applies to us;
as the new life in Christ takes hold of us, we must reach out, and reach,
and keep on reaching, breaking down the barrirers, taking the risk of
rejeciton so that we may come to reconciliation.
Application
a) What barriers stand between me and reconciliation with another person?
b) How can I take a risk and reach out to offer forgiveness and
reconciliation to them?
c) What kind of attitude do I need to be a "minister of reconciliation"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Prov 3:9-10
9 Honor the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
Hebr 13:5-6
5 Let your lives be without love of money, and be content
with the things you have. For He has said:
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
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 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 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter’s Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) '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.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
14th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation ( Matt 6:10)
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
b) Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord to not be proud or feel wronged.
Pray to the Lord to ask for Salvation as you face Death each day.
Pray to the Lord to be a minister of reconciliation.
.
Pray to the Lord to be a joyful giver.
Pray to the Lord to know him as Your Helper.
Pray for Muslims in Ontario to receive Christ as Saviour
and that Christian outreach will be strong.
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.
Pray for God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation
Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
Pray that Saudi students at North American universities will hear
and respond positively to 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.
2 Samuel 13-15
2 SAMUEL 13
Amnon and Tamar
1 (2Sa 3:2-3; 1Ch 3:9) After this, Absalom the son of David had a beautiful
sister whose name was Tamar, and Amnon the son of David fell in love with her.
2 It depressed Amnon to the point of falling ill that Tamar his sister was
a virgin, but it was impossible for Amnon to pursue her.
3 (1Sa 16:9) Now Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah,
the brother of David, and Jonadab was a very crafty individual.
4 He asked him, "Why are you, the son of the king, so sullen morning
after morning? Will you not tell me?"
Amnon told him, "I am in love with Tamar, the sister of Absalom my brother."
5 Jonadab instructed him, "Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. When
your father comes to see you, say to him, 'Please allow Tamar, my sister,
to come and prepare some food for me. She should make the food here,
so that when I see it, I may eat it from her hand.'"
6 (Ge 18:6) So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. When the king came
to see him, Amnon said to the king, "Please let my sister Tamar come here
to make a couple of cakes, so that I may be nourished from her hand."
7Then David sent word to Tamar at the house, "Please go to the house of Amnon
your brother, and prepare food for him."
8 So Tamar went to the house of Amnon her brother, where he was lying.
She took the dough, kneaded it, and made the cakes before him.
Then she baked them.
9 (Ge 45:1) Then she took the baking tray and served the cakes to him,
but he refused to eat. Amnon said, "Send everyone away." So they all left him.
10 Then Amnon said to Tamar, "Bring the food into the bedroom that I may
eat from your hand." So Tamar took the cakes that she had made and brought
them in the bedroom to Amnon her brother.
11 When she brought them close for him to eat, he took hold of her and said,
"Come, lie with me, my sister."
12 (Lev 20:17; Jdg 19:23) She pled with him, "No, my brother, do not violate
me, for such a thing is not to be done in Israel. Do not carry out this awful
thing.
13 As for me, where could I escape my disgrace? And you would be like
one of the fools in Israel. Now, please speak to the king, for he will not
withhold me from you."
14 (2Sa 12:11) But he refused to listen to her. So, being stronger than her,
he overpowered her and lay with her.
15 Then Amnon hated her greatly, so that the hatred with which he hated
her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon
said to her, "Get up, go away."
16 She said to him, "No, because this great offense of dismissing me
is worse than the other which you did to me." But he refused to listen to her.
17 He called his personal servant and said, "Send this woman out from me,
and secure the door behind her."
18 (Ge 37:3; Jdg 5:30) Now she was wearing a long robe, because the virgin
daughters of the king were clothed in such garments. So his servant put her
out and secured the door behind her.
19 (Jos 7:6; Jer 2:37) So Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe
that she was wearing. She put her hand on her head and left,
wailing as she went.
20 Absalom her brother said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you?
Keep silent for now, my sister. He is your brother. Do not take this thing
to heart." So Tamar stayed in the house of Absalom, her brother,
a desolate woman.
21 (Ge 34:7) When King David heard about these things, he was very angry.
22 (Ge 31:24; Lev 19:17-18) And Absalom would not speak with Amnon,
either pleasantly or angrily; but Absalom hated Amnon because
he had raped his sister Tamar.
Absalom Kills Amnon
23 (Ge 38:12-13; 1Sa 25:4) Two full years later, the sheepshearers of Absalom
were in Baal Hazor, near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all of the sons of
the king.
24 Then Absalom came to the king and requested, "Your servant
has sheepshearers; will the king and his servants kindly go
with your servant?"
25 The king said to Absalom, "No, my son, we must not all go
or we will be a burden to you." When he urged him, he refused to go,
but gave him his blessing.
26 (2Sa 3:27; 11:13-15) Absalom said, "If not, allow my brother Amnon to go
with us." But the king replied to him, "Why should he go with you?"
27 But Absalom urged him until he sent Amnon and all of the king's sons along
with him.
28 (Jdg 19:6; 19:9) Now, Absalom had commanded his servant,
"Look for Amnon to become carefree on account of the wine.
Then I will say to you, 'Strike Amnon, and kill him.' Do not be afraid,
for am not I myself commanding you? Be strong and brave."
29 (2Sa 18:9; 1Ki 1:33) So, the servants of Absalom did to Amnon that
which Absalom had commanded. Then the sons of the king arose,
each mounting his mule, and fled.
30 While they were on the way, the report reached David:
"Absalom struck down all of the sons of the king,
and there is not one of them remaining."
31 (2Sa 1:11; 12:16) Then the king arose, tore his garments, and lay
on the ground, while all of his servants who were standing nearby
tore their garments.
32 But Jonadab, the son of David's brother Shimeah, said, "My lord should not
think that they have killed all of the servants who are the king's sons.
Amnon alone is dead, for this has been determined from the day he raped Tamar,
his sister, by the very declaration of Absalom.
33 (2Sa 19:19) Now, my lord the king should not take this matter to heart,
thinking that all of the king's sons are dead. Instead Amnon alone is dead."
34 Absalom fled. Now when the servant who was keeping watch looked up,
he saw many people coming on the road beyond him, around the hill.
35 So Jonadab said to the king, "See, the king's sons are coming.
As your servant spoke, so it is."
36 As soon as he had finished speaking, the sons of the king arrived, lifted
their voices, and wept. The king and all of his servants also wept loudly.
37 (2Sa 3:3; 13:34) Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud,
king of Geshur, but David mourned over his son every day.
38 When Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he was there for three years.
39 (Ge 24:67; 37:35) Then King David longed to go out to Absalom,
for he was consoled over the death of Amnon.
2 SAMUEL 14
Absalom Returns to Jerusalem
1 (2Sa 13:39; 2:18) Now Joab the son of Zeruiah recognised
that the king's mind was on Absalom.
2 (2Ch 11:6; Am 1:1) So Joab sent a request to Tekoa and brought
from there a wise woman. He instructed her, "Act as if you are
observing mourning rites. Put on mourning garments,
and do not anoint yourself with oil, but act like a woman who has
been mourning over the dead like this for many days.
3 (2Sa 14:19; Ex 4:15) Then come to the king and speak to him in this manner."
Thus Joab put the words in her mouth.
4 (1Sa 25:23; 2Sa 1:2) As the Tekoan woman spoke to the king, she fell on her
face toward the ground and bowed low. Then she said, "Help me, O king."
5 The king said to her, "What troubles you?"
She responded, "Alas, I am a widow, and my husband is dead.
6 Furthermore, your servant had two sons. The two of them were fighting
in the field, but there was no one to separate them.
One struck the other and killed him.
7 (Nu 35:19; Mt 21:38) Now the entire family has risen up against
your maidservant, and they said, 'Deliver him who struck his brother,
so that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he killed,
and we will destroy the heir also.' So they will extinguish my remaining
ember, and leave my husband neither name nor remnant
on the face of the earth."
8 Then the king said to the woman,
"Go to your house, and I will give orders concerning you."
9 (1Sa 25:24; 1Ki 2:33) The Tekoan woman responded to the king,
"May guilt rest upon me and the house of my father, my lord the king,
and may the king and his throne be blameless."
10 The king said, "Whoever speaks to you, bring him to me,
and he will not cause you harm again."
11 (1Sa 14:45; Nu 35:19) Then she said, "May the king remember the Lord
your God so that the avenger of blood will not continue to destroy,
lest they exterminate my son." He said, "As the Lord lives,
not one hair of your son will fall to the ground."
12 Then the woman said, "Allow your servant to speak
a word to my lord the king." So he said, "Speak."
13 (2Sa 12:7; 13:37-38) The woman said, "Why have you planned like
this against the people of God? The king's speaking this word is like
a self-conviction, for the king has not brought back his own banished one.
14 (Nu 35:15; 35:25) We will surely die and are like water spilled
on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again.
Yet God does not take away a life; He devises plans so that His banished
ones will not be cast out from Him.
15 "So now I have come to speak to my lord the king about this matter
because the people have made me afraid. So, I thought, 'I will speak
to the king. Perhaps the king will perform the request of his servant.
16 (1Sa 26:19) For the king may accept my request to deliver his servant
from the hand of the man who would destroy me
and my son from the inheritance of God.'
17 (1Sa 29:9; 2Sa 19:27) "So, your servant thought, 'May the word of my lord
the king provide rest. For like the angel of God, my lord the king discerns
good from evil. May the Lord your God be with you.' "
18 Then the king answered and said to the woman, "Please do not conceal
from me anything that I ask you." The woman said, "May my lord the king
please speak."
19 (2Sa 14:3; 1Sa 1:26) The king said,
"Is the hand of Joab with you in all of this?" The woman answered and said,
"As your soul lives, my lord the king, there is no turning right or left
from anything that you spoke, my lord the king, for your servant Joab
is the very one who commanded me and placed all of these words in my mouth.
20 (2Sa 14:17; 19:27) In order to change this situation, your servant Joab
did this thing; but my lord is wise, as with the wisdom of the angel of God,
so as to discern everything happening in the land."
21 (2Sa 14:11) Then the king said to Joab, "This is what I will do.
Go and bring back the young man Absalom."
22 Then Joab fell with his face to ground and bowed low and blessed the king.
Joab said, "Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your eyes,
my lord the king, since the king has granted the request of his servant."
23 Then Joab arose and went to Geshur, and he brought Absalom to Jerusalem.
24 The king said, "Let him turn to his own house.
He shall not come into my presence."
So Absalom turned to his house and did not come into the king's presence.
David Forgives Absalom
25 (Dt 28:35; Job 2:7) In all of Israel, there was no man as handsome
as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, there was not
a blemish on him.
26 (2Sa 18:9; Eze 44:20) When he cut the hair of his head
(and at the end of every year he cut it, for it was heavy on him),
he weighed the hair from his head at two hundred shekels,
[About 5 pounds, or 2.3 kilograms. ] according to the king's standard.
27 (2Sa 18:18; 13:1) There were born to Absalom three sons
and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a beautiful woman.
28 Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two full years without coming
into the king's presence.
29 Then Absalom sent a message to Joab, requesting that he send him
to the king, but he was not willing to come to him. So he sent
a second message, but still he was not willing to come.
30 (Jdg 15:4-5) Then he said to his servants, "See, Joab's field is
next to mine, and he has barley there. Go, set it on fire."
So the servants of Absalom set the field on fire.
31 Then Joab arose, came to Absalom at his house, and said to him,
"Why have your servants set my plot of land on fire?"
32 (1Sa 20:8; Pr 28:13) Absalom said to Joab, "I sent a message to you,
saying: Come, so that I may send you to the king, asking,
'Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still.'
Now, let me go before the king, and if there is still guilt with me,
may he put me to death."
33 (Ge 33:4; Lk 15:20) So Joab came and reported this to him.
Then he summoned Absalom. So he came to the king, bowed low to him,
his face on the ground before the king; then the king kissed Absalom.
2 SAMUEL 15
Absalom's Conspiracy
1 (1Ki 1:5; 1Sa 8:11) After this Absalom acquired for himself a chariot,
horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2 Absalom would go early and stand beside the way into the gate.
When any man who had a dispute concerning which he had come
to the king for a judgment approached, Absalom would call to him
and say, "Which city are you from?" And he would say, "Your servant
is from one of the tribes of Israel."
3 Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your claim is good and right,
but there is no one to hear you on behalf of the king."
4 (Jdg 9:29) Absalom would continue, "If I were appointed a judge in the land,
then every man who had a claim could come and I would give him justice."
5 (2Sa 14:33) When a man would approach to bow before him, he would reach
out, embrace him, and kiss him.
6 (Ro 16:18) Absalom acted this way toward every Israelite who came
to the king for a judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7 After forty years, Absalom said to the king, "Please allow me to go fulfill
my vow that I made to the Lord in Hebron.
8 (Ge 28:20-21; 2Sa 13:37-38) For your servant made a vow when I was dwelling
in Geshur in Aram, saying: If indeed the Lord will bring me back to Jerusalem,
then I will serve the Lord."
9 The king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose and went to Hebron.
10 But Absalom sent scouts throughout all of the tribes of Israel, saying,
"When you hear the sound of the horn, say: Absalom has become king in Hebron."
11 (1Sa 9:13; 22:15) Now two hundred men went with Absalom from Jerusalem,
invited and unsuspecting; they did not know anything.
12 (Jos 15:51; 2Sa 15:31) Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite,
the advisor of David, from his city Giloh, while he was offering
the sacrifices. Now the conspiracy was strong, for the number of people
with Absalom was continually growing.
David Flees Jerusalem
13 (Jdg 9:3; 2Sa 15:6) A messenger came to David and said,
"The hearts of the men of Israel are following Absalom."
14 (2Sa 19:9) David said to all of his servants who were with him
in Jerusalem, "Get up. We must flee or there will be no escape from
Absalom for us. Hurry up and leave, or he will soon reach us
and bring disaster upon us, striking the city with the edge of the sword."
15 The king's servants said to the king,
"Whatever our lord the king decides, we are your servants."
16 (2Sa 16:21-22; 20:3) So the king left with his entire house after him,
but he left behind ten women, concubines, to watch over the house.
17 So the king left with all of the people after him, and they came to a stop
at the furthest house.
18 (2Sa 8:18; 1Sa 30:14) Now all his servants passed on beside him,
all the Kerethites, all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men
who had followed him from Gath, passed on before the king.
19 (2Sa 18:2) The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why are you also going
with us? Go back and dwell with the king, for you are a foreigner and,
moreover, exiled from your own place.
20 (1Sa 23:13; 2Sa 2:60 You came only yesterday. Shall I cause you to go
roaming around with us today? I am going where I go.
Go back, and take back your brothers with you. Mercy and truth be with you."
21 (Ru 1:16-17; Pr 17:17) Ittai answered the king and said,
"As the Lord lives and as lives my lord the king, only in the place
where my lord the king is, whether for death or for life,
there alone will your servant be."
22 So David said to Ittai, "Go on, pass by." So Ittai the Gittite passed by,
along with all of his men and all of the children
and elderly who were with him.
23 (2Sa 16:2; 1Ki 2:37) The whole land wept with a loud voice as
all the people passed by. Now the king was crossing over the brook Kidron,
and all of the people were crossing over on the road to the wilderness.
24 (Nu 4:15; 2Sa 8:17) And also Zadok and all of the Levites with him
were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God,
and Abiathar came up until all of the people had finished
passing from the city.
25 (Ex 15:13; Jer 25:30) The king said to Zadok, "Take the ark of God back
to the city. If I have found favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me
back and allow me to see both it and its resting place.
26 (1Sa 3:18; 2Sa 22:20) But if He should say now, 'I take no delight in you,'
here I am. May He do to me what seems good to Him."
27 (1Sa 9:9; 2Sa 17:17) The king also said to Zadok the priest,
"Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace with your two sons,
your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
28 (2Sa 17:16; 15:23) I will wait at the fords of the wilderness
until word from you comes to inform me."
29 So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem,
and they remained there.
30 (Est 6:12; 2Sa 19:4) David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives,
weeping as he went. His head was covered and he went barefoot.
Then all of the people who were with him each covered his head
and went up, weeping as they went.
31 (2Sa 16:23; 17:14) Now it was reported to David that Ahithophel
was conspiring with Absalom, and David said,
"O Lord, make the advice of Ahithophel folly."
32 (Jos 16:2; 2Sa 1:2) When David came to the summit where he would
worship God, Hushai the Arkite approached him with his coat torn
and dirt on his head.
33 (2Sa 19:35) David said to him, "If you pass on with me, you will be
a burden to me.
34 But if you return to the city, you may say to Absalom,
'I am your servant, O king, as I was a servant of your father.
As I was then, so now I am your servant,' so as to counter the advice
of Ahithophel.
35 (2Sa 17:15-16) Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be with you there?
You shall report everything that you hear from the king's house to Zadok
and Abiathar the priests.
36 (2Sa 17:17; 15:27) Their two sons Ahimaaz the son of Zadok and Jonathan
the son of Abiathar will be there with them. You shall send word of everything
that you hear to me by their hand."
37 (2Sa 16:15-16; 1Ch 27:33) So Hushai, the friend of David,
came to the city as Absalom entered Jerusalem.
2) Our Daily Bread for 14 May 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/05/14/taken-in
entitled Taken In
Psalm 49:5-20
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Why should I fear in the days of evil,
when the iniquity of my stalkers surrounds me?
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Those who trust in their wealth,
and boast in the multitude of their riches,
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) none of them can by any means redeem the other,
nor give to God a ransom for anyone,
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) for the redemption of their souls is costly;
even so people cease to exist forever,
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) making efforts to live eternally,
and not see the pit.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) For one sees that wise men die,
together the fool and the brute perish,
and leave their wealth to others.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5 ) Their graves become their perpetual homes,
and their dwelling places to all generations,
though they call their lands after their own names.
12 But a man does not abide in honor;
mankind is like the beasts that come to ruin.
13 This is their way, it is their folly;
yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah
14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;
Death shall be their shepherd;
the upright shall rule over them in the morning,
and their form shall waste away in Sheol,
far from their dwelling.
15 But God shall redeem my soul from the power of Sheol,
for He shall receive me. Selah
16 Do not fear when one is made rich,
when the glory of his house is increased,
17for he takes nothing away in death;
his glory does not descend after him.
18 Though while he lives he blesses his soul-
and men will praise you when you do well for yourself-
19 that soul will go to the generation of his fathers;
they will never see light.
20 A man in honor, and yet without understanding,
is like the animals that perish.
My old dog sits by my side and stares off into space.
A penny for her thoughts. One thing I know she isn't thinking about is dying
because dogs don't "understand." They don't think about future things.
But we do. No matter our age or health or wealth, we at some point think
about dying. That's because we, unlike beasts, have "understanding,"
according to Psalm 49:20. We know that we will die, and there's nothing
we can do about it. "No one can redeem the life of another or give to God
a ransom for them" (v. 7). No one has enough money to buy himself
or herself out of the grave.
But there is a way out of the finality of death: "God will redeem me from
the realm of the dead," insists the psalmist. "He will surely take me to himself"
(v. 15; literally, "He will take me in"). Robert Frost said,
"Home is the place where, when you have to go there,
they have to take you in." God has redeemed us from death through His Son,
"who gave himself as a ransom for all people" (1 Timothy 2:6).
Thus Jesus promised that when our time comes,
He will greet us and take us in (John 14:3).
When my time comes, Jesus, who gave to God the price of my life,
will welcome me into His Father's house with open arms.
By: David H. Roper
Reflect & Pray
How do you deal with the thought of dying?
On what do you base your confidence of heaven?
I’m grateful, God, that You have provided a place for Your children.
I look forward to being at home with You.
Visit https://ChristianUniversity.org/CA204 to learn more about life after death.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 6 Reconciliation
2 Cor 5:18-19
18 All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ
and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was
in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins
against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.
When Paul writes in 2 Cor 5:17 that we become a "new creation" in Christ
Jesus, the story does not end there. The verses following give us direction
for tht new life in Christ. "All This", Paul says, referring tothe miracle of
new life in Christ, "is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ
and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reconciliation means to bring back together what was ince separated. Man was
separated from God by sin, and God took the initiative to reconcile man to
himself. Our "ministry of reconciliation" as Christians is twofold: to draw
others to the Lord and to work for reconciliation between indiviuals.
Reconciliation is the ultimate gaol of forgiveness. God, through his grace ,
extends forgiveness to us when we are still sinners, unrepentant,
undeserving. When we respond, we come into reconciliation with him
and are brought back into oneness. Likewise, when we extend the grace
of frogiveness to another, we are set free by the act of forgiving, but we
hope that the ultimate outcone will be reconciliation.
God shows us the pattern: he is the wronged party, yet he does not wait for
the offender to coem to him, hat in hand. He takes a bold initiative, offering
forgiveness freely with out regard to merit. The pattern applies to us;
as the new life in Christ takes hold of us, we must reach out, and reach,
and keep on reaching, breaking down the barrirers, taking the risk of
rejeciton so that we may come to reconciliation.
Application
a) What barriers stand between me and reconciliation with another person?
b) How can I take a risk and reach out to offer forgiveness and
reconciliation to them?
c) What kind of attitude do I need to be a "minister of reconciliation"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Prov 3:9-10
9 Honor the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
Hebr 13:5-6
5 Let your lives be without love of money, and be content
with the things you have. For He has said:
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
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 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 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter’s Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) '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.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
14th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation ( Matt 6:10)
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
b) Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord to not be proud or feel wronged.
Pray to the Lord to ask for Salvation as you face Death each day.
Pray to the Lord to be a minister of reconciliation.
.
Pray to the Lord to be a joyful giver.
Pray to the Lord to know him as Your Helper.
Pray for Muslims in Ontario to receive Christ as Saviour
and that Christian outreach will be strong.
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.
Pray for God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation
Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
Pray that Saudi students at North American universities will hear
and respond positively to 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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