Day 91 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 1 Apr 2022 reflections
Day 91, 1 Apr 2022
1) Judges 9:22 - 11:28
The Downfall of Abimelek
22 After Abimelek ruled over Israel for three years,
23 (Isa 33:1; 19:14) God sent an evil spirit between Abimelek
and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem
dealt treacherously with Abimelek,
24 (1Ki 2:32; Est 9:25) so that the violence done to the seventy
sons of Jerub-Baal and their blood might come back upon
Abimelek their brother, who killed them, and upon the leaders of Shechem,
who empowered him to kill his brothers.
25 The leaders of Shechem set ambushes against him on the hilltops
and robbed all who passed by them on the road. This was told to Abimelek.
26 Gaal, the son of Ebed, and his brothers came to Shechem,
and the leaders of Shechem trusted him.
27 (Jdg 9:4) They went out to the field, gathered
and trod their grapes, and had a celebration.
They went to the temple of their god and ate, drank,
and cursed Abimelek.
28 (Ge 34:2; 34:6) Gaal son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelek,
and who is Shechem, that we should serve him?
Is he not the son of Jerub-Baal, and is not Zebul his officer?
Serve the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
Why should we serve Abimelek?
29 (2Sa 15:4) If only this people were under my command,
I would get rid of Abimelek." So he said to Abimelek, "Muster your army
and come out!"
30 Then Zebul the city ruler heard the words of Gaal
son of Ebed and he burned with anger.
31 He secretly sent messengers to Abimelek, saying, "Gaal, the son of Ebed,
and his brothers have come to Shechem and are fortifying the city against you.
32 So now, get up at night, you and the people with you,
and lie in wait in the field.
33 (1Sa 10:7; Ecc 9:10) In the morning at sunrise, get up early and attack
the city. He and the people with him will come out to you,
then you can do to them as you find opportunity."
34 So Abimelek and all the people who were with him got up at night
and lay in wait by Shechem in four companies.
35 When Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate
then Abimelek and the people who were with him
got up from their hiding places.
36 Gaal saw these people and said to Zebul,
"Look, people are coming down from the hilltops."
Zebul said to him, "The shadows of the hills look like men to you."
37 Gaal spoke again and said, "Look, people are coming down the middle
of the land, and a company is coming by way of the Diviner's Oak."
38 (Jdg 9:28-29) Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your mouth now,
which said, 'Who is Abimelek, that we should serve him?'
Are not these the people you dismissed out of hand?
Go now, I pray, and fight against them."
39 So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought Abimelek.
40 Abimelek chased him, and Gaal fled from him. Many fell wounded
at the entrance of the gate.
41 Abimelek stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal
and his brothers from living in Shechem.
42 The next day the people went out into
the field, and this was told to Abimelek.
43 So he took the people and divided them into three companies,
and they laid in wait in the field. When the people came out from the city,
he rose up against them and struck them down.
44 Abimelek and the company that was with him rushed forward and stood
at the entrance of the city gate. The two other combat units attacked everyone
in the field and struck them down.
45 (2Ki 3:25; Dt 29:23) Abimelek fought against the city all that day.
He captured the city and killed the people inside it;
he tore down the city and spread salt over it.
46 (Jdg 8:33; 9:4) When the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard this,
they entered the fortified temple of El-Berith.
47 Abimelek was told that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem
had gathered together.
48 (Ps 68:14) So Abimelek and all the people who were with him went
up Mount Zalmon. He took an axe in his hand and cut off a tree branch,
lifted it, and carried it on his shoulder. Then he said to the men
who were with him, "What you have seen me do, hurry and do the same."
49 So everyone likewise cut off a branch and followed Abimelek.
They placed them on the fortification and set the fortification
on fire over them. So all the people of the Tower of Shechem died,
about 1000 men and women.
50 Then Abimelek went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it.
51 But there was a fortified tower within the city, so all of the men and women
and the leaders of the city fled there.
They shut themselves in and went up to the top of the tower.
52 Abimelek came to the tower and fought against it. But as he drew near
to the tower entrance to burn it with fire,
53 (2Sa 11:21) a certain woman dropped an upper millstone
on the head of Abimelek, and it crushed his skull.
54 Urgently he called to the young man who carried his gear and said to him,
"Draw your sword and kill me, so that people may not say about me,
'A woman killed him.' "
So the young man pierced him through, and he died.
55 Then the men of Israel saw that Abimelek was dead, so everyone went home.
56 (Ps 94:23; Jdg 9:24) Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelek,
which he committed against his father by killing his seventy brothers.
57 (Jdg 9:20) God also repaid the evil deeds of the men of Shechem,
and the curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal came upon them.
[22] When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel,
[23] Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem;
and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:
[24] That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might
come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them;
and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren.
[25] And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the
mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was
told Abimelech.
[26] And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to
Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.
[27] And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and
trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and
did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.
[28] And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem,
that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his
officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we
serve him?
[29] And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove
Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.
[30] And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of
Ebed, his anger was kindled.
[31] And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the
son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify
the city against thee.
[32] Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and
lie in wait in the field:
[33] And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou
shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, when he and the people
that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou
shalt find occasion.
[34] And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night,
and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.
[35] And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the
gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him,
from lying in wait.
[36] And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come
people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou
seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.
[37] And Gaal spake again and said, See there come people down by the middle
of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonenim.
[38] Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou
saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people
that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them.
[39] And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.
[40] And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were
overthrown and wounded, even unto the entering of the gate.
[41] And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his
brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.
[42] And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the
field; and they told Abimelech.
[43] And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid
wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out
of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them.
[44] And Abimelech, and the company that was with him, rushed forward, and
stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and the two other companies
ran upon all the people that were in the fields, and slew them.
[45] And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the
city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and
sowed it with salt.
[46] And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered
into an hold of the house of the god Berith.
[47] And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem
were gathered together.
[48] And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that
were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough
from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the
people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I
have done.
[49] And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed
Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so
that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and
women.
[50] Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took
it.
[51] But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the
men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them
up to the top of the tower.
[52] And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard
unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
[53] And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head,
and all to brake his skull.
[54] Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said
unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew
him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.
[55] And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed
every man unto his place.
[56] Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his
father, in slaying his seventy brethren:
[57] And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads:
and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.
JUDGES 10
Tola
1 (Jdg 2:16) After the death of Abimelek, Tola the son of Puah,
the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir,
in the hill country of Ephraim.
2 He judged Israel for twenty-three years.
Then he died and was buried in Shamir.
Jair
3 After him Jair the Gileadite arose and judged Israel for 22 years.
4 (Nu 32:41; Dt 3:14) He had thirty sons who rode thirty donkeys
and owned thirty cities that are in the land of Gilead.
They are called Havvoth Jair to this day.
5 Jair died and was buried in Kamon.
Jephthah
6 (1Ki 11:5; 11:7) Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight
of the Lord. They worshipped the Baals, the Ashtoreths,
and the gods of Syria, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines.
They abandoned the Lord and did not serve Him.
7 (Jdg 2:14) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He sold them
into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites.
8 They brutally oppressed the children of Israel that year.
For eighteen years they oppressed all the children of Israel
beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites in Gilead.
9 The Ammonites also crossed over the Jordan to wage war
against Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim, so that Israel was greatly distressed.
10 (1Sa 12:10; Jdg 3:9) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
"We have sinned against You, for we have abandoned
our God and worshipped the Baals."
11 (Ex 14:30; Nu 21:21-25) The Lord said to the children of Israel,
"Did I not deliver you from Egypt, the Amorites, the Ammonites,
the Philistines,
12 (Jdg 6:3) the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites
when they oppressed you? You cried out to Me, and I saved you from their hands.
13 (Jer 2:13; Dt 32:15) Yet you have abandoned Me and worshipped other gods.
Therefore I will not save you again.
14 (Dt 32:37-38) Go and cry out to the gods that you have chosen.
Let them save you in your time of distress."
15 (1Sa 3:18; 2Sa 15:26) Then the children of Israel said to the Lord,
"We have sinned. Do to us whatever seems good in Your sight.
Please, just deliver us today."
16 (Isa 63:9; Ps 106:44-45) They removed the foreign gods from among them
and worshipped the Lord, and He could no longer endure
the suffering of Israel.
17 (Jdg 11:29; Ge 31:49) The Ammonites had been called out
and set up camp in Gilead. The children of Israel assembled and set up
camp in Mizpah.
18 (Jdg 11:11) The commanders of Gilead said to each other,
" Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites?
He will be the ruler of all the inhabitants of Gilead."
Judges 10
[1] And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah,
the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim.
[2] And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in
Shamir.
[3] And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two
years.
[4] And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had
thirty cities, which are called Havoth-jair unto this day, which are in the
land of Gilead.
[5] And Jair died, and was buried in Camon.
[6] And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and
served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon,
and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of
the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.
[7] And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into
the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.
[8] And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen
years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the
land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
[9] Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against
Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that
Israel was sore distressed.
[10] And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned
against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.
[11] And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you
from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and
from the Philistines?
[12] The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress
you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.
[13] Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will
deliver you no more.
[14] Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in
the time of your tribulation.
[15] And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou
unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee,
this day.
[16] And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the
LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
[17] Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in
Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and
encamped in Mizpeh.
[18] And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is
he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head
over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
JUDGES 11
1 (Heb 11:32; Jdg 6:12_ Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor,
but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah.
2 Gilead's wife also bore him sons. His wife's sons grew up and drove
Jephthah away. They said to him, "You will not inherit anything
from our father's house because you are the son of another woman."
3 (Jdg 9:4; 1Sa 22:2) So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived
in the land of Tob. Men of ill repute gathered around Jephthah
and went out with him.
4 Some time passed, then the Ammonites waged war with Israel.
5 When the Ammonites waged war with Israel, the elders of Gilead
went to bring Jephthah back from the land of Tob.
6 They said to Jephthah, "Come and be our leader so that we may
fight the Ammonites."
7 (Ge 26:27) Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead,
"Did you not hate me and drive me out of my father's house?
Why have you come to me now that you are in trouble?"
8 (Jdg 10:18) The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah,
"Even so, we have turned to you. Come with us and fight the Ammonites.
You will be ruler over all the inhabitants of Gilead."
9 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "If you bring me back to wage war
against the Ammonites, and the Lord gives them to me,
then I will be your ruler."
10 (Jer 42:5; Ge 31:50) The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah,
"May the Lord be a witness between us
if we do not act according to your word."
11 (Jdg 10:17; 20:1) So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead.
The people set him over them as ruler and leader.
And Jephthah spoke all his words before the Lord in Mizpah.
12 Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king to say,
"What problem is there between you and me,
that you have come to me to wage war in my land?"
13 (Ge 32:22; Nu 21:24-26) The Ammonite king said to the messengers
of Jephthah, "Because when Israel came up from Egypt, they took my land,
from the Arnon to the Jabbok and as far as the Jordan.
Now return it peacefully."
14 Again Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king,
15 (Dt 2:9; 2:19) and said to him,
"Jephthah says this: Israel did not take the land of Moab,
nor the Ammonite land;
16 (Nu 14:25; Dt 1:40_ for when Israel came up from Egypt,
they went into the desert as far as the Red Sea and came to Kadesh.
17 (Nu 20:1; 20:14-21) Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom,
saying, 'Please let us pass through your land.' Yet the king of Edom would
not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab,
but he was unwilling. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.
18 (Nu 22:36; Dt 2:1-8) "They went into the wilderness, around the lands
of Edom and Moab. They went east of the land of Moab and set up camp
on the other side of the River Arnon. They did not cross the boundary
of Moab, for the River Arnon was the boundary of Moab.
19 "Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites,
who ruled in Heshbon. Israel said to him,
"Please let us pass through your land to our home."
20 Yet Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory,
so Sihon gathered all his people and set up camp in Jahaz
to fight with Israel.
21 "The Lord God of Israel gave Sihon and all his people
into the hands of Israel, and they struck them down. So Israel took possession
of all the land of the Amorites who lived in that land.
22 (Dt 2:36) They took possession of all of the territory of the Amorites,
from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the desert to the Jordan.
23 "Now that the Lord God of Israel has driven out the Amorites
from before His people Israel, should you take it?
24 (Nu 21:29; 1Ki 11:7) Will you not take possession of whatever Chemosh
your god gives you? So everything that the Lord our God possesses before us,
we will take possession of it.
25 (Mic 6:5) Now are you really better than Balak son of Zippor,
the king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or wage war with them?
26 (Dt 2:36) Israel has lived in Heshbon and its nearby towns, in Aroer
and its nearby towns, and in all the cities along the banks of the River Arnon
for three hundred years. Why did you not take them back during that time?
27 (Ge 16:5; 18:25) So I have not sinned against you, but it is you who are
doing evil to me by waging war against me. May the Lord, the Judge,
judge today between the children of Israel and the Ammonites."
28 Yet the Ammonite king would not listen to the message
that Jephthah had sent him.
Judges 11
[1] Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the
son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
[2] And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they
thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our
father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman.
[3] Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and
there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.
[4] And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made
war against Israel.
[5] And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel,
the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob:
[6] And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight
with the children of Ammon.
[7] And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and
expel me out of my father's house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye
are in distress?
[8] And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to
thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of
Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
[9] And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again
to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me,
shall I be your head?
[10] And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness
between us, if we do not so according to thy words.
[11] Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him
head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the
LORD in Mizpeh.
[12] And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon,
saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come against me to fight
in my land?
[13] And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of
Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt,
from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those
lands again peaceably.
[14] And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of
Ammon:
[15] And said unto him, Thus saith Jephthah, Israel took not away the land
of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon:
[16] But when Israel came up from Egypt, and walked through the wilderness
unto the Red sea, and came to Kadesh;
[17] Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I
pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken
thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would
not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh.
[18] Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of
Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab,
and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of
Moab: for Arnon was the border of Moab.
[19] And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of
Heshbon; and Israel said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy
land into my place.
[20] But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon
gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against
Israel.
[21] And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the
hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the
Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.
[22] And they possessed all the coasts of the Amorites, from Arnon even unto
Jabbok, and from the wilderness even unto Jordan.
[23] So now the LORD God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from
before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it?
[24] Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to
possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them
will we possess.
[25] And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of
Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,
[26] While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her
towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three
hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time?
[27] Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to
war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of
Israel and the children of Ammon.
[28] Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words
of Jephthah which he sent him.
2) Our Daily Bread for 1 April 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/04/01/witness-marks
entitled Witness Marks
Romans 15:1-6
Romans 15
Please Others, Not Yourself
1 (Ro 14:1; 1Th 5:14) We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses
of the weak and not please ourselves.
2 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 10:24) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,
leading to edification.
3 (Ps 69:9; Jn 5:30) For even Christ did not please Himself.
But as it is written, "The insults of those who insulted You fell on Me."
(Ps 69:9).
4 (Ro 4:23-24) For whatever was previously written was written
for our instruction, so that through perseverance and encouragement
of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 (Ro 12:16; 1Co 1:10) Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement
grant you to live in harmony with one another in accordance with Christ
Jesus,
6 (Eph 1:3; Jn 20:17) so that together you may with one voice glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15
[1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves.
[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
[3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The
reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have
hope.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one
toward another according to Christ Jesus:
[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
"See that?" The clock repairman pointed his flashlight beam on a small, fine
mark roughly engraved inside the old grandfather clock he was working on
in our home. "Another repairman could have put that there almost a century
ago," he said. "It's called a 'witness mark,' and it helps me know how to set
the mechanism."
Before the age of technical bulletins and repair manuals, "witness marks"
were used to help the person making a future repair align moving parts with
precision. They were more than just time-saving reminders; they were often
left as a simple kindness to the next person doing the work.
The Bible encourages us to leave our own "witness marks" as we work for God
by serving others in our broken world. The apostle Paul wrote to the church
in Rome: “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,
leading to edification. " (Romans 15:2). This is the example of our God,
“of perseverance and encouragement” (v. 5).
It's about being a good citizen of both earth and heaven.
Our "witness marks" may seem like small things, but they can make a vital
difference in someone's life. An uplifting word, a financial gift to someone
in need, and a listening ear-all are kindnesses that can have a lasting
impact. May God help you make a mark for Him in someone's life today!
By: James Banks
Reflect & Pray
What "witness marks" have others left in your life to encourage you?
What simple kindness can you do for another believer today?
Almighty Father, thank You for the loving-kindness
You've shown me through Your Son, Jesus.
Please help me to reflect Your love in even the smallest things I do today.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 -The Blessings of Grace Day 6 - A Reasonable Alternative
Isaiah 1:18
18 (Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14) "Come now, and let us reason together, "
says the Lord.
Though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
"Is Christianity Reasonable?" Linda Wanted to Know. "I've heard all my life
that faith is a crutch, an invention of weak minds to assure them
of some order in the world."
Linda was not alone in her objection; thinking people for generations
have been asking themselves the same question.
God is not intimidated by our questions; in fact, he confronts the issue
head-on in the Scriptures. "Let us reason together," the Lord invites.
Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,
faith is a reasonable alternative , a rational choice for a thinking person.
God indicates in his Word that confession and forgiveness are "reasonable".
"Think!" God says. "You sin, and you know it,. You are not even able to be
true to your own principles. You cannot deal with your sin by will power
or effort. Bit I can deal with it! I can forgive it - and I will"
We cannot come to faith in God through Christ by intellect alone, of course.
Our spirits much reach out in faith, beyond what we can see. But intellect
supports faith; trusting in Christ is an eminently rational decision.
In Deut 30:1-20 , God set before the people a choice: Life or Death, blessing
or cursing. "Choose Life!" he tells them. We have the same choice.
The ultimate decision is thus simplified, the 'rational' alternative becomes
clear. We can choose death, by attempting to control our own destinies ,
or life, by giving ourselves fully into the hand of the Master.
Application
a) Why is the choice to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness a
'Rational choice'?
b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?
c) What other aspects of God's word
and work in my life seem 'reasonable' to me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethinic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipiling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
1st Day of the month
1) Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
(
Joel 2:28 And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream
dreams, and your young men will see visions.
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon
all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men
shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Acts 2:17 "In the last days it shall be," says God, "
that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams.
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
And your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams:
)
2) Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
(Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,
as the rivers of water; He turns it to any place He will.
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD,
As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for godly people to rise in all nations.
Pray to the Lord: "Almighty Father, thank You for the loving-kindness
You've shown me through Your Son, Jesus.
Please help me to reflect Your love in even the smallest things I do today."
Pray to the Lord and pray for Him to cleanse your sins.
Pray to the Lord and pray to use rightful measures.
Pray to the Lord and pray to put your trust in Him.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipiling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
Pray for the safety of underground printers who are involved in the
production of Farsi Bibles in Iran.
1) Judges 9:22 - 11:28
The Downfall of Abimelek
22 After Abimelek ruled over Israel for three years,
23 (Isa 33:1; 19:14) God sent an evil spirit between Abimelek
and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem
dealt treacherously with Abimelek,
24 (1Ki 2:32; Est 9:25) so that the violence done to the seventy
sons of Jerub-Baal and their blood might come back upon
Abimelek their brother, who killed them, and upon the leaders of Shechem,
who empowered him to kill his brothers.
25 The leaders of Shechem set ambushes against him on the hilltops
and robbed all who passed by them on the road. This was told to Abimelek.
26 Gaal, the son of Ebed, and his brothers came to Shechem,
and the leaders of Shechem trusted him.
27 (Jdg 9:4) They went out to the field, gathered
and trod their grapes, and had a celebration.
They went to the temple of their god and ate, drank,
and cursed Abimelek.
28 (Ge 34:2; 34:6) Gaal son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelek,
and who is Shechem, that we should serve him?
Is he not the son of Jerub-Baal, and is not Zebul his officer?
Serve the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.
Why should we serve Abimelek?
29 (2Sa 15:4) If only this people were under my command,
I would get rid of Abimelek." So he said to Abimelek, "Muster your army
and come out!"
30 Then Zebul the city ruler heard the words of Gaal
son of Ebed and he burned with anger.
31 He secretly sent messengers to Abimelek, saying, "Gaal, the son of Ebed,
and his brothers have come to Shechem and are fortifying the city against you.
32 So now, get up at night, you and the people with you,
and lie in wait in the field.
33 (1Sa 10:7; Ecc 9:10) In the morning at sunrise, get up early and attack
the city. He and the people with him will come out to you,
then you can do to them as you find opportunity."
34 So Abimelek and all the people who were with him got up at night
and lay in wait by Shechem in four companies.
35 When Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate
then Abimelek and the people who were with him
got up from their hiding places.
36 Gaal saw these people and said to Zebul,
"Look, people are coming down from the hilltops."
Zebul said to him, "The shadows of the hills look like men to you."
37 Gaal spoke again and said, "Look, people are coming down the middle
of the land, and a company is coming by way of the Diviner's Oak."
38 (Jdg 9:28-29) Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your mouth now,
which said, 'Who is Abimelek, that we should serve him?'
Are not these the people you dismissed out of hand?
Go now, I pray, and fight against them."
39 So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought Abimelek.
40 Abimelek chased him, and Gaal fled from him. Many fell wounded
at the entrance of the gate.
41 Abimelek stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal
and his brothers from living in Shechem.
42 The next day the people went out into
the field, and this was told to Abimelek.
43 So he took the people and divided them into three companies,
and they laid in wait in the field. When the people came out from the city,
he rose up against them and struck them down.
44 Abimelek and the company that was with him rushed forward and stood
at the entrance of the city gate. The two other combat units attacked everyone
in the field and struck them down.
45 (2Ki 3:25; Dt 29:23) Abimelek fought against the city all that day.
He captured the city and killed the people inside it;
he tore down the city and spread salt over it.
46 (Jdg 8:33; 9:4) When the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard this,
they entered the fortified temple of El-Berith.
47 Abimelek was told that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem
had gathered together.
48 (Ps 68:14) So Abimelek and all the people who were with him went
up Mount Zalmon. He took an axe in his hand and cut off a tree branch,
lifted it, and carried it on his shoulder. Then he said to the men
who were with him, "What you have seen me do, hurry and do the same."
49 So everyone likewise cut off a branch and followed Abimelek.
They placed them on the fortification and set the fortification
on fire over them. So all the people of the Tower of Shechem died,
about 1000 men and women.
50 Then Abimelek went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it.
51 But there was a fortified tower within the city, so all of the men and women
and the leaders of the city fled there.
They shut themselves in and went up to the top of the tower.
52 Abimelek came to the tower and fought against it. But as he drew near
to the tower entrance to burn it with fire,
53 (2Sa 11:21) a certain woman dropped an upper millstone
on the head of Abimelek, and it crushed his skull.
54 Urgently he called to the young man who carried his gear and said to him,
"Draw your sword and kill me, so that people may not say about me,
'A woman killed him.' "
So the young man pierced him through, and he died.
55 Then the men of Israel saw that Abimelek was dead, so everyone went home.
56 (Ps 94:23; Jdg 9:24) Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelek,
which he committed against his father by killing his seventy brothers.
57 (Jdg 9:20) God also repaid the evil deeds of the men of Shechem,
and the curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal came upon them.
[22] When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel,
[23] Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem;
and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:
[24] That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might
come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them;
and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren.
[25] And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the
mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was
told Abimelech.
[26] And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to
Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.
[27] And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and
trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and
did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.
[28] And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem,
that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his
officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we
serve him?
[29] And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove
Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.
[30] And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of
Ebed, his anger was kindled.
[31] And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the
son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify
the city against thee.
[32] Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and
lie in wait in the field:
[33] And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou
shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, when he and the people
that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou
shalt find occasion.
[34] And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night,
and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.
[35] And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the
gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him,
from lying in wait.
[36] And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come
people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou
seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.
[37] And Gaal spake again and said, See there come people down by the middle
of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonenim.
[38] Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou
saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people
that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them.
[39] And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.
[40] And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were
overthrown and wounded, even unto the entering of the gate.
[41] And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his
brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.
[42] And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the
field; and they told Abimelech.
[43] And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid
wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out
of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them.
[44] And Abimelech, and the company that was with him, rushed forward, and
stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and the two other companies
ran upon all the people that were in the fields, and slew them.
[45] And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the
city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and
sowed it with salt.
[46] And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered
into an hold of the house of the god Berith.
[47] And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem
were gathered together.
[48] And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that
were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough
from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the
people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I
have done.
[49] And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed
Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so
that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and
women.
[50] Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took
it.
[51] But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the
men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them
up to the top of the tower.
[52] And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard
unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
[53] And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head,
and all to brake his skull.
[54] Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said
unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew
him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.
[55] And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed
every man unto his place.
[56] Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his
father, in slaying his seventy brethren:
[57] And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads:
and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.
JUDGES 10
Tola
1 (Jdg 2:16) After the death of Abimelek, Tola the son of Puah,
the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir,
in the hill country of Ephraim.
2 He judged Israel for twenty-three years.
Then he died and was buried in Shamir.
Jair
3 After him Jair the Gileadite arose and judged Israel for 22 years.
4 (Nu 32:41; Dt 3:14) He had thirty sons who rode thirty donkeys
and owned thirty cities that are in the land of Gilead.
They are called Havvoth Jair to this day.
5 Jair died and was buried in Kamon.
Jephthah
6 (1Ki 11:5; 11:7) Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight
of the Lord. They worshipped the Baals, the Ashtoreths,
and the gods of Syria, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines.
They abandoned the Lord and did not serve Him.
7 (Jdg 2:14) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He sold them
into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites.
8 They brutally oppressed the children of Israel that year.
For eighteen years they oppressed all the children of Israel
beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites in Gilead.
9 The Ammonites also crossed over the Jordan to wage war
against Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim, so that Israel was greatly distressed.
10 (1Sa 12:10; Jdg 3:9) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
"We have sinned against You, for we have abandoned
our God and worshipped the Baals."
11 (Ex 14:30; Nu 21:21-25) The Lord said to the children of Israel,
"Did I not deliver you from Egypt, the Amorites, the Ammonites,
the Philistines,
12 (Jdg 6:3) the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites
when they oppressed you? You cried out to Me, and I saved you from their hands.
13 (Jer 2:13; Dt 32:15) Yet you have abandoned Me and worshipped other gods.
Therefore I will not save you again.
14 (Dt 32:37-38) Go and cry out to the gods that you have chosen.
Let them save you in your time of distress."
15 (1Sa 3:18; 2Sa 15:26) Then the children of Israel said to the Lord,
"We have sinned. Do to us whatever seems good in Your sight.
Please, just deliver us today."
16 (Isa 63:9; Ps 106:44-45) They removed the foreign gods from among them
and worshipped the Lord, and He could no longer endure
the suffering of Israel.
17 (Jdg 11:29; Ge 31:49) The Ammonites had been called out
and set up camp in Gilead. The children of Israel assembled and set up
camp in Mizpah.
18 (Jdg 11:11) The commanders of Gilead said to each other,
" Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites?
He will be the ruler of all the inhabitants of Gilead."
Judges 10
[1] And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah,
the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim.
[2] And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in
Shamir.
[3] And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two
years.
[4] And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had
thirty cities, which are called Havoth-jair unto this day, which are in the
land of Gilead.
[5] And Jair died, and was buried in Camon.
[6] And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and
served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon,
and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of
the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.
[7] And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into
the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.
[8] And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen
years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the
land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
[9] Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against
Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that
Israel was sore distressed.
[10] And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned
against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.
[11] And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you
from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and
from the Philistines?
[12] The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress
you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.
[13] Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will
deliver you no more.
[14] Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in
the time of your tribulation.
[15] And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou
unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee,
this day.
[16] And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the
LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
[17] Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in
Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and
encamped in Mizpeh.
[18] And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is
he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head
over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
JUDGES 11
1 (Heb 11:32; Jdg 6:12_ Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor,
but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah.
2 Gilead's wife also bore him sons. His wife's sons grew up and drove
Jephthah away. They said to him, "You will not inherit anything
from our father's house because you are the son of another woman."
3 (Jdg 9:4; 1Sa 22:2) So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived
in the land of Tob. Men of ill repute gathered around Jephthah
and went out with him.
4 Some time passed, then the Ammonites waged war with Israel.
5 When the Ammonites waged war with Israel, the elders of Gilead
went to bring Jephthah back from the land of Tob.
6 They said to Jephthah, "Come and be our leader so that we may
fight the Ammonites."
7 (Ge 26:27) Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead,
"Did you not hate me and drive me out of my father's house?
Why have you come to me now that you are in trouble?"
8 (Jdg 10:18) The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah,
"Even so, we have turned to you. Come with us and fight the Ammonites.
You will be ruler over all the inhabitants of Gilead."
9 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "If you bring me back to wage war
against the Ammonites, and the Lord gives them to me,
then I will be your ruler."
10 (Jer 42:5; Ge 31:50) The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah,
"May the Lord be a witness between us
if we do not act according to your word."
11 (Jdg 10:17; 20:1) So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead.
The people set him over them as ruler and leader.
And Jephthah spoke all his words before the Lord in Mizpah.
12 Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king to say,
"What problem is there between you and me,
that you have come to me to wage war in my land?"
13 (Ge 32:22; Nu 21:24-26) The Ammonite king said to the messengers
of Jephthah, "Because when Israel came up from Egypt, they took my land,
from the Arnon to the Jabbok and as far as the Jordan.
Now return it peacefully."
14 Again Jephthah sent messengers to the Ammonite king,
15 (Dt 2:9; 2:19) and said to him,
"Jephthah says this: Israel did not take the land of Moab,
nor the Ammonite land;
16 (Nu 14:25; Dt 1:40_ for when Israel came up from Egypt,
they went into the desert as far as the Red Sea and came to Kadesh.
17 (Nu 20:1; 20:14-21) Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom,
saying, 'Please let us pass through your land.' Yet the king of Edom would
not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab,
but he was unwilling. So Israel stayed at Kadesh.
18 (Nu 22:36; Dt 2:1-8) "They went into the wilderness, around the lands
of Edom and Moab. They went east of the land of Moab and set up camp
on the other side of the River Arnon. They did not cross the boundary
of Moab, for the River Arnon was the boundary of Moab.
19 "Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites,
who ruled in Heshbon. Israel said to him,
"Please let us pass through your land to our home."
20 Yet Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory,
so Sihon gathered all his people and set up camp in Jahaz
to fight with Israel.
21 "The Lord God of Israel gave Sihon and all his people
into the hands of Israel, and they struck them down. So Israel took possession
of all the land of the Amorites who lived in that land.
22 (Dt 2:36) They took possession of all of the territory of the Amorites,
from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the desert to the Jordan.
23 "Now that the Lord God of Israel has driven out the Amorites
from before His people Israel, should you take it?
24 (Nu 21:29; 1Ki 11:7) Will you not take possession of whatever Chemosh
your god gives you? So everything that the Lord our God possesses before us,
we will take possession of it.
25 (Mic 6:5) Now are you really better than Balak son of Zippor,
the king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or wage war with them?
26 (Dt 2:36) Israel has lived in Heshbon and its nearby towns, in Aroer
and its nearby towns, and in all the cities along the banks of the River Arnon
for three hundred years. Why did you not take them back during that time?
27 (Ge 16:5; 18:25) So I have not sinned against you, but it is you who are
doing evil to me by waging war against me. May the Lord, the Judge,
judge today between the children of Israel and the Ammonites."
28 Yet the Ammonite king would not listen to the message
that Jephthah had sent him.
Judges 11
[1] Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the
son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
[2] And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they
thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our
father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman.
[3] Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and
there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.
[4] And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made
war against Israel.
[5] And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel,
the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob:
[6] And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight
with the children of Ammon.
[7] And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and
expel me out of my father's house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye
are in distress?
[8] And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to
thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of
Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
[9] And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again
to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me,
shall I be your head?
[10] And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness
between us, if we do not so according to thy words.
[11] Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him
head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the
LORD in Mizpeh.
[12] And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon,
saying, What hast thou to do with me, that thou art come against me to fight
in my land?
[13] And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of
Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt,
from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those
lands again peaceably.
[14] And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of
Ammon:
[15] And said unto him, Thus saith Jephthah, Israel took not away the land
of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon:
[16] But when Israel came up from Egypt, and walked through the wilderness
unto the Red sea, and came to Kadesh;
[17] Then Israel sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying, Let me, I
pray thee, pass through thy land: but the king of Edom would not hearken
thereto. And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab: but he would
not consent: and Israel abode in Kadesh.
[18] Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of
Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab,
and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of
Moab: for Arnon was the border of Moab.
[19] And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of
Heshbon; and Israel said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy
land into my place.
[20] But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon
gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against
Israel.
[21] And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the
hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the
Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.
[22] And they possessed all the coasts of the Amorites, from Arnon even unto
Jabbok, and from the wilderness even unto Jordan.
[23] So now the LORD God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from
before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it?
[24] Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to
possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them
will we possess.
[25] And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of
Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,
[26] While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her
towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three
hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time?
[27] Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to
war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of
Israel and the children of Ammon.
[28] Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words
of Jephthah which he sent him.
2) Our Daily Bread for 1 April 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/04/01/witness-marks
entitled Witness Marks
Romans 15:1-6
Romans 15
Please Others, Not Yourself
1 (Ro 14:1; 1Th 5:14) We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses
of the weak and not please ourselves.
2 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 10:24) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,
leading to edification.
3 (Ps 69:9; Jn 5:30) For even Christ did not please Himself.
But as it is written, "The insults of those who insulted You fell on Me."
(Ps 69:9).
4 (Ro 4:23-24) For whatever was previously written was written
for our instruction, so that through perseverance and encouragement
of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 (Ro 12:16; 1Co 1:10) Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement
grant you to live in harmony with one another in accordance with Christ
Jesus,
6 (Eph 1:3; Jn 20:17) so that together you may with one voice glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15
[1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves.
[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
[3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The
reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have
hope.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one
toward another according to Christ Jesus:
[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
"See that?" The clock repairman pointed his flashlight beam on a small, fine
mark roughly engraved inside the old grandfather clock he was working on
in our home. "Another repairman could have put that there almost a century
ago," he said. "It's called a 'witness mark,' and it helps me know how to set
the mechanism."
Before the age of technical bulletins and repair manuals, "witness marks"
were used to help the person making a future repair align moving parts with
precision. They were more than just time-saving reminders; they were often
left as a simple kindness to the next person doing the work.
The Bible encourages us to leave our own "witness marks" as we work for God
by serving others in our broken world. The apostle Paul wrote to the church
in Rome: “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,
leading to edification. " (Romans 15:2). This is the example of our God,
“of perseverance and encouragement” (v. 5).
It's about being a good citizen of both earth and heaven.
Our "witness marks" may seem like small things, but they can make a vital
difference in someone's life. An uplifting word, a financial gift to someone
in need, and a listening ear-all are kindnesses that can have a lasting
impact. May God help you make a mark for Him in someone's life today!
By: James Banks
Reflect & Pray
What "witness marks" have others left in your life to encourage you?
What simple kindness can you do for another believer today?
Almighty Father, thank You for the loving-kindness
You've shown me through Your Son, Jesus.
Please help me to reflect Your love in even the smallest things I do today.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 -The Blessings of Grace Day 6 - A Reasonable Alternative
Isaiah 1:18
18 (Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14) "Come now, and let us reason together, "
says the Lord.
Though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
"Is Christianity Reasonable?" Linda Wanted to Know. "I've heard all my life
that faith is a crutch, an invention of weak minds to assure them
of some order in the world."
Linda was not alone in her objection; thinking people for generations
have been asking themselves the same question.
God is not intimidated by our questions; in fact, he confronts the issue
head-on in the Scriptures. "Let us reason together," the Lord invites.
Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,
faith is a reasonable alternative , a rational choice for a thinking person.
God indicates in his Word that confession and forgiveness are "reasonable".
"Think!" God says. "You sin, and you know it,. You are not even able to be
true to your own principles. You cannot deal with your sin by will power
or effort. Bit I can deal with it! I can forgive it - and I will"
We cannot come to faith in God through Christ by intellect alone, of course.
Our spirits much reach out in faith, beyond what we can see. But intellect
supports faith; trusting in Christ is an eminently rational decision.
In Deut 30:1-20 , God set before the people a choice: Life or Death, blessing
or cursing. "Choose Life!" he tells them. We have the same choice.
The ultimate decision is thus simplified, the 'rational' alternative becomes
clear. We can choose death, by attempting to control our own destinies ,
or life, by giving ourselves fully into the hand of the Master.
Application
a) Why is the choice to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness a
'Rational choice'?
b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?
c) What other aspects of God's word
and work in my life seem 'reasonable' to me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Manitoba
Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba
Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000
est Muslim Population 21 349
CNMM Networks: Winnipeg
The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethinic backgrounds.
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.
Let us intercede in unity for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipiling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
1st Day of the month
1) Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
(
Joel 2:28 And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream
dreams, and your young men will see visions.
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon
all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men
shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Acts 2:17 "In the last days it shall be," says God, "
that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams.
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
And your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams:
)
2) Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
(Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,
as the rivers of water; He turns it to any place He will.
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD,
As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for godly people to rise in all nations.
Pray to the Lord: "Almighty Father, thank You for the loving-kindness
You've shown me through Your Son, Jesus.
Please help me to reflect Your love in even the smallest things I do today."
Pray to the Lord and pray for Him to cleanse your sins.
Pray to the Lord and pray to use rightful measures.
Pray to the Lord and pray to put your trust in Him.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim
communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipiling new Muslim
background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground
in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
with great support
Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
Pray for the safety of underground printers who are involved in the
production of Farsi Bibles in Iran.
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