Day 212 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 31 July 2022 reflections
Day 212, 31 July 2022
Today at https://www.calvarycommunity.ca/ ,
we spoke on DIY - Faith - Favouritism fails
Book of James - A How-To guide For Christian Living
James 2:1 - 4
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly,
and also a poor man in ragged clothing comes in,
3 and you have respect for him who wears the fine clothing and say to him,
"Sit here in a good place," and say to the poor, "Stand there,"
or "Sit here under my footstool,"
4 (Jn 7:24) have you not then become partial among yourselves
and become judges with evil thoughts?
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
[3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto
him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there,
or sit here under my footstool:
[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil
thoughts?
James 2:1
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
1 Samuel 16:7
7 (1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9) But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look
on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because
I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees. For man looks
on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
[7] But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the
height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as
man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh
on the heart.
James 2:1-2
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly,
and also a poor man in ragged clothing comes in,
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
A) We represent Jesus Christ on Earth
B) It compromises us when we show bias, partiality or favouritism
James 2:4
4 (Jn 7:24) have you not then become partial among yourselves
and become judges with evil thoughts?
[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil
thoughts?
Leviticus 19:15
15 (Dt 1:17; Ex 23:2-3; Dt 16:19) You shall do no unrighteousness
in a court. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor
the person who is great, but in righteousness you shall judge your neighbour.
[15] Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the
person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in
righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
James 2:13
13 (Pr 21:13; Mt 5:7) For he who has shown no mercy will
have judgment without mercy, for mercy triumphs over judgment.
[13] For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy;
and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
James 2:5-6
5 (Mt 5:3; Lk 6:20; 12:21) Listen, my beloved brothers. Has God not chosen
the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom
which He has promised to those who love Him?
6 (1Co 11:22; Ac 8:3) But you have despised the poor.
Do not rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seats?
[5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world
rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that
love him?
[6] But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you
before the judgment seats?
Have much/little -> Need God little/much
Matthew 19:23
23 (Mt 13:22; Mk 10:23) Then Jesus said to His disciples,
"Truly, I say to you that it will be hard for a rich man
to enter the kingdom of heaven. "
[23] Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich
man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 6:20
20 (Lk 12:32; Jas 2:5) He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said:
"Blessed are you poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
[20] And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye
poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
James 2:6-7
6 (1Co 11:22; Ac 8:3) But you have despised the poor.
Do not rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seats?
7 (Ac 11:26) Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called?
[6] But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you
before the judgment seats?
[7] Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
James 2:8-9
8 (Lev 19:18) If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself,"(Lev 19:18.) you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted
by the law as sinners.
[8] If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
[9] But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of
the law as transgressors.
Matthew 22:37-40
37 (Dt 6:5; Lk 10:27) Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'(Dt 6:5.)
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 (Lev 19:18; Mt 19:19; Gal 5:14) And the second is like it:
'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' (Lev 19:18.)
40 (Mt 7:12) On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Showing favouritism is not merely to be guilty of an insignificant fault or
social miscue, it is sin!
You are either Lost or Save
Revelation 7:9
9 (Rev 5:9; Lev 23:40) Then I looked. And there was a great multitude
which no one could count, from all nations and tribes and peoples
and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,
clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.
[9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could
number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before
the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in
their hands;
Colossians 3:11
11 (Ro 10:12; Eph 1:23) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor
uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free,
but Christ is all and in all.
[11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision,
Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
1) Habakkuk 1-3 , Zephaniah 1 - 2:7
Habukkak
Habakkuk 1
1 (Na 1:1) The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
Habakkuk's Complaint
2 (Ps 13:1-2; 22:1-2) O Lord, how long shall I cry,
and You will not hear?
Or cry to You, "Violence!"
and You will not save?
3 (Ps 55:9-11; Jer 9:2-6) Why do You make me see wickedness,
and cause me to see trouble?
Plundering and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
4 (Ps 119:126; Eze 9:9) Therefore the law is powerless,
and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
therefore injustice proceeds.
The Lord's Answer
5 (Isa 29:14; Eze 12:22-28) Look among the nations,
and watch - wonder and be amazed!
For I am doing a work in your days
that you would not believe,
though it were told you.
6 (2Ki 24:2; Jer 5:15) For I am raising up the Chaldeans,
that bitter and hasty nation
which marches through the breadth of the earth,
to possess dwelling places that are not theirs.
7 (Jer 39:5-9) They are terrible and dreadful;
their justice and their dignity
proceed from themselves.
8 (Jer 4:13; Zep 3:3) Their horses are swifter than leopards,
more fierce than evening wolves.
Their horsemen charge on;
their horsemen come from afar;
they fly like the eagle that hastens to eat.
9 They all come for violence;
their forces advance like the east wind.
They gather captives like sand.
10 (2Ch 36:6; 36:10) They scoff at kings,
and they scorn rulers.
They deride every stronghold,
for they build up siege ramps to capture it.
11 Then their mind changes,
and they transgress and commit offense;
their own power is their god.
Habakkuk's Second Complaint
12 (Dt 32:4; 33:27) Are You not from everlasting,
O Lord my God, my Holy One? We will not die.
O Lord, You have appointed them for judgment;
and You, O Rock, have established them for correction.
13 (Ps 34:15-16; 35:22) Your eyes are too pure to look on evil,
and You cannot look on wickedness.
Why do You look on those who deal treacherously,
and hold Your tongue when the wicked
devours the man who is more righteous than he?
14 You make men like fish of the sea,
like crawling things that have no ruler.
15 (Jer 16:16; Am 4:2) They bring all of them up with a hook,
they catch them in their net;
they gather them in their dragnet.
Therefore they rejoice and are glad.
16 (Hab 1:11) Therefore they sacrifice to their net
and burn incense to their dragnet;
for by them their portion is extravagant,
and their food plentiful.
17 Shall they continue to empty their net,
and continually kill the nations while not sparing anyone?
Habakkuk 1
[1] The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
[2] O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto
thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!
[3] Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for
spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and
contention.
[4] Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the
wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment
proceedeth.
[5] Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I
will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told
you.
[6] For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which
shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces
that are not theirs.
[7] They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall
proceed of themselves.
[8] Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce
than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and
their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that
hasteth
to eat.
[9] They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east
wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand.
[10] And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn
unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust,
and take it.
[11] Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend,
imputing this his power unto his god.
[12] Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall
not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God,
thou hast established them for correction.
[13] Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on
iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and
holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous
than he?
[14] And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that
have no ruler over them?
[15] They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net,
and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad.
[16] Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their
drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous.
[17] Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay
the nations?
Habakkuk 2
1 (Ps 85:8; Isa 21:8) I will stand at my watch
and station myself on the watchtower;
and I will keep watch to see what He will say to me,
and what I will answer when I am reproved.
The Just Shall Live by Faith
2 (Dt 27:8; Isa 8:1) And the Lord answered me:
Write the vision,
and make it plain on tablets,
that he who reads it may run.
3 (Da 10:14; Ps 27:14) For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
but it speaks of the end,
and does not lie.
If it delays, wait for it;
it will surely come, it will not delay.
4 (Ro 1:17; Heb 10:38; Jn 3:36) Look, his soul is lifted up;
it is not upright in him;
but the just shall live by his faith.
5 (Pr 27:20; 20:1) Indeed, wine betrays the proud man,
who does not stay at home.
He enlarges his appetite as Sheol,
and like death he is never satisfied.
He gathers to himself all nations
and collects for himself all peoples.
Woe to the Wicked
6 (Nu 23:7; Job 20:15-29) Shall not all these take up a taunt
against him, with satire and riddles, and say,
"Woe to him who increases what is not his-how long?
And to him who loads himself with heavy debts!"
7 (Pr 29:1) Shall not your debtors rise up suddenly,
and those awake who oppress you?
Then you will be their plunder.
8 (Isa 33:1; Hab 2:17) Because you have plundered many nations,
all the remnant of the people will plunder you,
because of the bloodshed of men and violence of the land,
of the cities and all who live in them.
9 (Jer 49:16) "Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,
to set his nest on high,
to be delivered from the power of calamity!"
10 (2Ki 9:26; Na 1:14) You have given shameful counsel to your house
by cutting off many peoples,
and forfeiting your life.
11 (Lk 19:40; Jos 24:27) For the stone will cry out from the wall,
and the beam of the woodwork will answer it.
12 (Mic 3:10; Na 3:1) "Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed
and establishes a city on iniquity!"
13 (Isa 50:11; Jer 51:58) Is it not from the Lord of Hosts
that the people labor to feed fire,
and the nations weary themselves for nothing?
14 (Isa 11:9; Ps 22:27) For the earth will be filled with the knowledge
of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the seas.
15 (Ge 9:22; Jer 51:7) "Woe to him who makes his neighbor drink,
pouring out your poison until they are drunk,
that you may look on their nakedness!"
16 (Isa 47:3) You will be filled with shame instead of glory.
You yourself-drink and show your uncircumcision!
The cup of the Lord's right hand will be turned against you,
and utter shame will come on your glory!
17 (Hab 2:8; Ps 55:23; Zec 11:1) The violence done to Lebanon will cover you,
as will the plunder of beasts that terrified them,
because of the bloodshed of men and violence of the land,
of the cities and all who live in them.
18 (Jer 10:8; Zec 10:2) What profit is a carved image
when its maker has carved it,
a cast image, and a teacher of lies,
that its maker trusts in what he has shaped
when he makes mute idols?
19 (Ps 135:17; Jer 10:4) Woe to him who says to the wood, "Awake!"
To the silent stone, "Arise!" Can it teach?
It is overlaid with gold and silver,
and there is no breath at all in it.
20 (Ps 11:4; Zep 1:7) But the Lord is in His holy temple.
Let all the earth keep silence before Him.
Habakkuk 2
[1] I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to
see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
[2] And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain
upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
[3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall
speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely
come, it will not tarry.
[4] Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just
shall live by his faith.
[5] Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither
keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and
cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto
him all people:
[6] Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting
proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not
his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!
[7] Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that
shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?
[8] Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people
shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land,
of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
[9] Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may
set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!
[10] Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and
hast sinned against thy soul.
[11] For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the
timber shall answer it.
[12] Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by
iniquity!
[13] Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in
the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?
[14] For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the
LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
[15] Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle
to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their
nakedness!
[16] Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy
foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD's right hand shall be turned
unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory.
[17] For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts,
which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the
land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
[18] What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it;
the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work
trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?
[19] Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise,
it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is
no breath at all in the midst of it.
[20] But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence
before him.
Habakkuk 3
The Prayer of Habakkuk
1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth.
2 (Ps 85:6; 119:120) O Lord, I have heard the report of You,
and was afraid;
O Lord, revive Your work
in the midst of the years!
In the midst of these years
make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
3 (Dt 33:2; Ge 21:21) God came from Teman,
and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah
His glory covered the heavens,
and the earth was full of His praise.
4 (Job 26:14) His brightness was like the light;
rays flashed from His hand,
and there His power was hidden.
5 (Ex 12:29-30; Nu 16:46-49) Pestilence went out before Him,
and plague followed His feet.
6 (Ge 49:26; Dt 33:15) He stood and measured the earth;
He looked and shook the nations.
The eternal mountains were scattered,
the perpetual hills bowed.
His ways are everlasting.
7 (Ex 15:14-16) I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;
the curtains of the land of Midian trembled.
8 (Ps 68:17; 18:10) Were you displeased with the rivers, O Lord?
Was Your anger against the rivers,
and was Your wrath against the sea
when You rode on Your horses,
on Your chariots of salvation?
9 (Ps 7:12-13; 78:15-16) You made bare Your bow;
oaths were the arrows at Your command. Selah
You divided the earth with the rivers.
10 (Ps 93:3; 98:7-8) The mountains saw You and trembled;
the overflowing water passed by.
The deep lifted its voice,
and lifted its hands on high.
11 The sun and moon stood still in their places;
at the light of Your arrows they went,
at the flash of Your glittering spear.
12 (Jer 51:33; Mic 4:12-13) You marched throughout the earth in indignation;
You threshed the nations in anger.
13 (Ps 110:6; 105:15) You went forth to deliver Your people,
to deliver Your anointed one.
You wounded the head of the house of the wicked,
laying him bare from head to foot. Selah
14 (Ps 10:8; Da 11:40) You pierced with his own arrows
the leaders of his villages.
They came like a whirlwind to scatter me;
their rejoicing was like devouring the poor in secret.
15 (Ps 77:19; Hab 3:8) You trampled the sea with Your horses,
through the wakes of great waters.
16 (Hab 3:2; Jer 23:9) I heard, and my body trembled;
my lips quivered at the sound;
rottenness entered my bones;
my legs tremble beneath me.
Yet I will wait quietly for the day
when calamity comes on the people invading us.
A Hymn of Faith
17 Though the fig tree does not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines;
though the yield of the olive fails,
and the fields produce no food;
though the flocks are cut off from the fold,
and there be no herd in the stalls -
18 (Php 4:4; Job 13:15) yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will exult in the God of my salvation.
19 (Dt 33:29; 32:13) The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like hinds' feet,
and He will make me walk on my high places.
To the Music Director: with my stringed instruments.
Habakkuk 3
[1] A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.
[2] O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work
in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath
remember mercy.
[3] God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory
covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.
[4] And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his
hand: and there was the hiding of his power.
[5] Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.
[6] He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the
nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills
did bow: his ways are everlasting.
[7] I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of
Midian did tremble.
[8] Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the
rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine
horses and thy chariots of salvation?
[9] Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even
thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.
[10] The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water
passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.
[11] The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine
arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear.
[12] Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the
heathen in anger.
[13] Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation
with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked,
by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.
[14] Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages:
they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour
the poor secretly.
[15] Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of
great waters.
[16] When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice:
rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might
rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will
invade them with his troops.
[17] Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the
vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no
meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd
in the stalls:
[18] Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
[19] The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet,
and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my
stringed instruments.
Zephaniah 1
1 (2Ch 34:1-33; Jer 1:2) The word of the Lord which came to Zephaniah
the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah,
the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.
The Great Day of the Lord
2 (2Ki 22:16-17) I will utterly consume all things
on the face of the earth,
says the Lord;
3 (Eze 7:19; Hos 4:3) I will consume man and beast;
I will consume the birds of the heavens
and the fish of the sea,
and the stumbling blocks with the wicked.
I will cut off man from the face of the land,
says the Lord.
4 (Hos 10:5; 2Ki 23:4-5) I will stretch out my hand against Judah,
and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal,
and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,
5 (1Ki 11:33; Jer 19:13) and those who bow down on the roofs
to the host of heaven;
those who worship and swear oaths by the Lord
and yet swear by Milcom;
6 (Isa 1:4; Jer 2:13) those who have turned back from following the Lord,
who have not sought the Lord nor inquired of Him.
7 (Isa 34:6; Jer 46:10) Be silent before the Lord God!
For the day of the Lord is at hand;
the Lord has prepared the sacrifice;
He has consecrated His guests.
8 (Isa 24:21) On the day of the Lord's sacrifice,
I will punish the officials
and the king's sons,
and all who clothe themselves
with foreign attire.
9 (1Sa 5:5) On that day I will punish
all who step over the threshold,
who fill their masters' houses
with violence and deceit.
10 (2Ch 33:14; 2Ki 22:14) On that day, says the Lord,
a cry will be heard from the Fish Gate,
a wail from the Second Quarter,
and a loud crash from the hills.
11 (Jas 5:1) Wail, you inhabitants of the Mortar!
For all the merchants are cut down;
all those who weigh out silver are cut off.
12 (Jer 48:11; Eze 8:12) At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
and I will punish the men
who are settled on their lees,
who say in their heart,
"The Lord will not do good, nor will He do evil."
13 (Am 5:11; Mic 6:15) Their goods will be plundered,
and their houses laid waste.
Though they build houses,
they will not inhabit them;
though they plant vineyards,
they will not drink from their wine.
The Great Day of the Lord
14 (Joel 2:11; Zep 1:7) The great day of the Lord is near,
near and hastening quickly.
The sound of the day of the Lord is bitter;
the mighty man shall cry out there.
15 (Joel 2:2; Isa 22:5 ) That day is a day of wrath,
a day of trouble and distress,
a day of ruin and desolation,
a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and blackness,
16 (Isa 2:12-15) a day of trumpet and alarms
against the fortified cities
and against the high towers.
17 (Ps 83:10) I will bring distress on men,
so that they will walk like blind men.
Because they have sinned against the Lord,
their blood will be poured out like dust,
and their flesh like dung.
18 (Zep 3:8; Eze 7:19; Zep 1:2-3) Neither their silver nor their gold
will be able to deliver them
on the day of the Lord's wrath.
But the whole earth will be consumed
by the fire of His jealousy,
for He will make a sudden end
of all those who dwell on the earth.
Zephaniah 1
[1] The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son
of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah
the son of Amon, king of Judah.
[2] I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD.
[3] I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven,
and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I
will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD.
[4] I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the
inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this
place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;
[5] And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them
that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;
[6] And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not
sought the LORD, nor inquired for him.
[7] Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD
is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.
[8] And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD's sacrifice, that I
will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are
clothed with strange apparel.
[9] In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the
threshold,
which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.
[10] And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that there
shall
be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second,
and a great crashing from the hills.
[11] Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut
down; all they that bear silver are cut off.
[12] And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem
with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that
say in
their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.
[13] Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a
desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they
shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.
[14] The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly,
even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there
bitterly.
[15] That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of
wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds
and thick darkness,
[16] A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against
the high towers.
[17] And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind
men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be
poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.
[18] Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in
the day of the LORD's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the
fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them
that dwell in the land.
Zephaniah 2
Judgment on the Nations
1 (2Ch 20:4; Joel 1:14) Gather together, yes, gather together,
O shameless nation,
2 (Isa 17:13; La 4:11) before the decree takes effect,
before the day passes like chaff,
before the fierce anger of the Lord comes upon you,
before the day of the Lord's anger comes upon you.
3 (Am 5:14-15; Ps 57:1) Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
who carry out His judgment.
Seek righteousness, seek humility.
Perhaps you will be hidden
on the day of the Lord's anger.
4 (Zec 9:5-7; Am 1:6-8 ) For Gaza will be forsaken,
and Ashkelon a desolation;
Ashdod will be driven out at noon,
and Ekron will be uprooted.
5 (Eze 25:16; Am 3:1) Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast,
the nation of Kerethites!
The word of the Lord is against you,
O Canaan, land of the Philistines:
I will destroy you,
so that there will be no inhabitant.
6 The seacoast will be pastures,
with meadows for shepherds and folds for flocks.
7 (Zep 3:20; Ex 4:31) The coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah,
on which they will feed.
In the houses of Ashkelon
they will lie down at evening.
For the Lord their God will visit them
and restore their fortunes.
Zephaniah 2
[1] Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;
[2] Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before
the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD's
anger come upon you.
[3] Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his
judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in
the day of the LORD's anger.
[4] For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive
out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.
[5] Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the
Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the
Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.
[6] And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and
folds for flocks.
[7] And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall
feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the
evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their
captivity.
2) Our Daily Bread for 31 July 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/07/31/make-it-your-own-dawg
Entitled "Make It Your Own, Dawg!"
Philippians 3:7-16
7 (Lk 14:33) But what things were gain to me, I have counted these things
to be loss for the sake of Christ.
8 (Jn 17:3; 2Pe 1:3) Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss
for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom
I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that
I may gain Christ,
9 (1Co 1:30; Php 3:6; Isa 53:11) and be found in Him, not having my own
righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith
in Christ, (Or through the faith of Christ.) the righteousness which is of God
on the basis of faith,
10 (Ro 8:17; 8:29) to know Him, and the power of His resurrection,
and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11 (Ac 26:7) if somehow I might make it to the resurrection of the dead.
Pressing Toward the Mark
12 (1Co 13:10; 1Ti 6:19) Not that I have already attained or have already been
perfected, but I follow after it so that I may lay hold of that for which
I was seized by Christ Jesus.
13 (Lk 9:62; Ps 45:10) Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained,
but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 (Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Co 2:6; Gal 5:10) Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus
minded. And if you think differently in any way,
God will reveal even this to you.
16 (Gal 6:16) Nevertheless, according to what we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which
is of God by faith:
[10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
[11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but
I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended
of Christ Jesus.
[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before,
[14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.
[15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any
thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
[16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same
rule, let us mind the same thing.
On June 11, 2002, the singing competition American Idol debuted. Each week,
hopefuls performed their own versions of popular songs, and the viewing
audience voted on who advanced to the next round of the competition.
As one of the panel judges on the show, Randy Jackson's signature feedback
was this zinger: "You made that song your own, dawg!" He lavished that praise
when a singer took a familiar tune, learned it inside out, and then performed
it in a new way that gave it a unique, personal spin. To "make it their own"
was to own it completely and creatively, and then offer it to the world
onstage.
Paul invites us to do something similar to own our faith and our expression
of it, too. In Philippians 3, he rejects attempts to earn right standing
before God (vv. 7-8). Instead, he teaches us to embrace "the righteousness
that comes from God on the basis of faith" (v. 9). The gift of forgiveness
and redemption transforms our motivation and goals: "I press on to take hold
of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (v. 12).
Jesus has secured our victory. Our job? To take hold of that truth,
internalising God's gospel gift and living it out amid our broken world.
In other words, we're to make our faith our own and in so doing
"live up to what we have already attained" (v. 16).
By: Adam Holz
Reflect & Pray
What do you think it looks like for you to "press on" in your faith?
What most encourages and sustains you to keep moving forward?
Jesus, thank You for Your saving gift of redemption
and love on the cross. Help me to respond in gratitude each day,
and to press on in my faith with thankfulness.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 1 - Forgiving as God Forgave
Col 3:13
13 Bear with one another and forgive one another. If anyone
has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man
have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
"No!" Brett slammed his hand against the desk to punctuate his point.
"My wife's infidelity is completely unforgivable. She just wants to make things
look good, to have me condone her new relationship.
I won't do it. I won't forgive her."
Brett was a man in pain, and his perspective on forgiving
his wife is understandable. But unfortunately, many of us are
the victims of "unforgivable" offenses; many of us, as well,
are the perpetrators of such offenses, and we desperately need
to be forgiven.
Brett ultimately came to understand that forgiving and "unforgivable"
hurt is not based on the worthiness of the recipient of forgiveness,
but on the worthiness of Christ himself. The Bible teaches that we are bound
to forgiveness for one simple reason:
because God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ.
"Forgive as the Lord forgave", Paul commands in Col 3:13 . How did Christ
forgive? Freely, completely, without basing his forgiveness on our merit. He
forgave us unilaterally, offering forgiveness before we asked,
before we were aware of our sin and the pain it caused him,
before we came to him in repentance.
Forgiveness does more that release the perpetrator for the bondage of
his wrongdoing. It releases the victim as well. Forgiveness frees
the forgiver from the bondage of anger and bitterness that keeps him distant
from the love of God. We can forgive the most "unforgivable" of offenses
against us when we focus our attention not on the offender, but on Christ,
who forgave us.
Application
a) Have I ever harboured unforgiveness toward another person?
What was the result in my spiritual/emotional life?
b) Is there someone in my life who has hurt me, who I need to forgive?
How can this verse help me extend the forgiveness to that person?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Chr 31:21
21 And in every deed that he undertook in the service of the house
of God and with the law and commandment to seek out his God,
he did this with all his heart, and he found success.
21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house
of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God,
he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Protection in Times of Trouble
Ps 27:1-6
PSALMS 27
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) When the wicked came against me
to eat my flesh -
my enemies and my foes -
they stumbled and fell.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Though an army should encamp against me,
my heart will not fear;
though war should rise against me,
in this will I be confident.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One thing I have asked from the Lord,
that will I seek after -
for me to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to see the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in His temple.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For in the time of trouble
He will hide me in His pavilion;
in the shelter of His tabernacle He will hide me;
He will set me up on a rock.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8 - 9) Now my head will be lifted up
above my enemies encircling me;
therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,
came upon me to eat up my flesh,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:
Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up,
Above mine enemies round about me:
Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
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?)
Where do Muslims live?
Canada is a land of immigrants. And Muslims are coming in increasing numbers
to our shores. Where do they live? How can we pray for these areas? Use this as
your more effectively for Muslims in Canada.
Data for those population figures is extrapolated for the 2011 National
Household Survey and population growth projections by Pew Forum. These have
also been adjusted by +40% as reliable sources state that on 60% of Muslims
self-identify on government surveys and forms. These estimates are still on
the conservative end of the spectrum. Percentages represent that of the total
Canadian population, not provincial
BC - 136493 - 7.5%
AB - 195240 - 11%
SK - 17279 - 1%
MB - 21349 - 1.2%
ON - 1001542 - 55%
QC - 418946 - 23%
NB - 4543 - 0.003%
NS - 14629 - 0.1%
PEI - 1127 - 0.0006%
NFLD - 2065 - 0.001%
Yukon - 69 - 0.00004%
NWT - 473 - 0.0003%
NU - 86 - 0.00005%
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!
And
Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.
"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.
Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.
As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.
Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.
I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 15:13
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
Conclusion:
Pray to The Lord not to show favouritism.
Pray to the Lord no to be impartial.
Pray to the Lord: "Jesus, thank You for Your saving gift of redemption
and love on the cross. Help me to respond in gratitude each day,
and to press on in my faith with thankfulness."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to have a spirit of Forgiveness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to labour in His Will.
Pray to the Lord and remember He is your Salvatin, you have ntohing to fear.
Pray for Muslims in Canada to know Jesus as Saviour.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that God will touch the hearts of governing officials in India
who are trying to stop evangelical work.
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.
Today at https://www.calvarycommunity.ca/ ,
we spoke on DIY - Faith - Favouritism fails
Book of James - A How-To guide For Christian Living
James 2:1 - 4
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly,
and also a poor man in ragged clothing comes in,
3 and you have respect for him who wears the fine clothing and say to him,
"Sit here in a good place," and say to the poor, "Stand there,"
or "Sit here under my footstool,"
4 (Jn 7:24) have you not then become partial among yourselves
and become judges with evil thoughts?
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
[3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto
him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there,
or sit here under my footstool:
[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil
thoughts?
James 2:1
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
1 Samuel 16:7
7 (1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9) But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look
on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because
I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees. For man looks
on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
[7] But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the
height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as
man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh
on the heart.
James 2:1-2
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly,
and also a poor man in ragged clothing comes in,
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
A) We represent Jesus Christ on Earth
B) It compromises us when we show bias, partiality or favouritism
James 2:4
4 (Jn 7:24) have you not then become partial among yourselves
and become judges with evil thoughts?
[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil
thoughts?
Leviticus 19:15
15 (Dt 1:17; Ex 23:2-3; Dt 16:19) You shall do no unrighteousness
in a court. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor
the person who is great, but in righteousness you shall judge your neighbour.
[15] Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the
person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in
righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
James 2:13
13 (Pr 21:13; Mt 5:7) For he who has shown no mercy will
have judgment without mercy, for mercy triumphs over judgment.
[13] For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy;
and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
James 2:5-6
5 (Mt 5:3; Lk 6:20; 12:21) Listen, my beloved brothers. Has God not chosen
the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom
which He has promised to those who love Him?
6 (1Co 11:22; Ac 8:3) But you have despised the poor.
Do not rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seats?
[5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world
rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that
love him?
[6] But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you
before the judgment seats?
Have much/little -> Need God little/much
Matthew 19:23
23 (Mt 13:22; Mk 10:23) Then Jesus said to His disciples,
"Truly, I say to you that it will be hard for a rich man
to enter the kingdom of heaven. "
[23] Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich
man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 6:20
20 (Lk 12:32; Jas 2:5) He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said:
"Blessed are you poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
[20] And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye
poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
James 2:6-7
6 (1Co 11:22; Ac 8:3) But you have despised the poor.
Do not rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seats?
7 (Ac 11:26) Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called?
[6] But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you
before the judgment seats?
[7] Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
James 2:8-9
8 (Lev 19:18) If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself,"(Lev 19:18.) you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted
by the law as sinners.
[8] If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
[9] But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of
the law as transgressors.
Matthew 22:37-40
37 (Dt 6:5; Lk 10:27) Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'(Dt 6:5.)
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 (Lev 19:18; Mt 19:19; Gal 5:14) And the second is like it:
'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' (Lev 19:18.)
40 (Mt 7:12) On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Showing favouritism is not merely to be guilty of an insignificant fault or
social miscue, it is sin!
You are either Lost or Save
Revelation 7:9
9 (Rev 5:9; Lev 23:40) Then I looked. And there was a great multitude
which no one could count, from all nations and tribes and peoples
and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,
clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.
[9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could
number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before
the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in
their hands;
Colossians 3:11
11 (Ro 10:12; Eph 1:23) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor
uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free,
but Christ is all and in all.
[11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision,
Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
1) Habakkuk 1-3 , Zephaniah 1 - 2:7
Habukkak
Habakkuk 1
1 (Na 1:1) The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw.
Habakkuk's Complaint
2 (Ps 13:1-2; 22:1-2) O Lord, how long shall I cry,
and You will not hear?
Or cry to You, "Violence!"
and You will not save?
3 (Ps 55:9-11; Jer 9:2-6) Why do You make me see wickedness,
and cause me to see trouble?
Plundering and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
4 (Ps 119:126; Eze 9:9) Therefore the law is powerless,
and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
therefore injustice proceeds.
The Lord's Answer
5 (Isa 29:14; Eze 12:22-28) Look among the nations,
and watch - wonder and be amazed!
For I am doing a work in your days
that you would not believe,
though it were told you.
6 (2Ki 24:2; Jer 5:15) For I am raising up the Chaldeans,
that bitter and hasty nation
which marches through the breadth of the earth,
to possess dwelling places that are not theirs.
7 (Jer 39:5-9) They are terrible and dreadful;
their justice and their dignity
proceed from themselves.
8 (Jer 4:13; Zep 3:3) Their horses are swifter than leopards,
more fierce than evening wolves.
Their horsemen charge on;
their horsemen come from afar;
they fly like the eagle that hastens to eat.
9 They all come for violence;
their forces advance like the east wind.
They gather captives like sand.
10 (2Ch 36:6; 36:10) They scoff at kings,
and they scorn rulers.
They deride every stronghold,
for they build up siege ramps to capture it.
11 Then their mind changes,
and they transgress and commit offense;
their own power is their god.
Habakkuk's Second Complaint
12 (Dt 32:4; 33:27) Are You not from everlasting,
O Lord my God, my Holy One? We will not die.
O Lord, You have appointed them for judgment;
and You, O Rock, have established them for correction.
13 (Ps 34:15-16; 35:22) Your eyes are too pure to look on evil,
and You cannot look on wickedness.
Why do You look on those who deal treacherously,
and hold Your tongue when the wicked
devours the man who is more righteous than he?
14 You make men like fish of the sea,
like crawling things that have no ruler.
15 (Jer 16:16; Am 4:2) They bring all of them up with a hook,
they catch them in their net;
they gather them in their dragnet.
Therefore they rejoice and are glad.
16 (Hab 1:11) Therefore they sacrifice to their net
and burn incense to their dragnet;
for by them their portion is extravagant,
and their food plentiful.
17 Shall they continue to empty their net,
and continually kill the nations while not sparing anyone?
Habakkuk 1
[1] The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
[2] O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto
thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!
[3] Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for
spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and
contention.
[4] Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the
wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment
proceedeth.
[5] Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I
will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told
you.
[6] For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which
shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces
that are not theirs.
[7] They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall
proceed of themselves.
[8] Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce
than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and
their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that
hasteth
to eat.
[9] They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east
wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand.
[10] And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn
unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust,
and take it.
[11] Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend,
imputing this his power unto his god.
[12] Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall
not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God,
thou hast established them for correction.
[13] Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on
iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and
holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous
than he?
[14] And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that
have no ruler over them?
[15] They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net,
and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad.
[16] Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their
drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous.
[17] Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay
the nations?
Habakkuk 2
1 (Ps 85:8; Isa 21:8) I will stand at my watch
and station myself on the watchtower;
and I will keep watch to see what He will say to me,
and what I will answer when I am reproved.
The Just Shall Live by Faith
2 (Dt 27:8; Isa 8:1) And the Lord answered me:
Write the vision,
and make it plain on tablets,
that he who reads it may run.
3 (Da 10:14; Ps 27:14) For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
but it speaks of the end,
and does not lie.
If it delays, wait for it;
it will surely come, it will not delay.
4 (Ro 1:17; Heb 10:38; Jn 3:36) Look, his soul is lifted up;
it is not upright in him;
but the just shall live by his faith.
5 (Pr 27:20; 20:1) Indeed, wine betrays the proud man,
who does not stay at home.
He enlarges his appetite as Sheol,
and like death he is never satisfied.
He gathers to himself all nations
and collects for himself all peoples.
Woe to the Wicked
6 (Nu 23:7; Job 20:15-29) Shall not all these take up a taunt
against him, with satire and riddles, and say,
"Woe to him who increases what is not his-how long?
And to him who loads himself with heavy debts!"
7 (Pr 29:1) Shall not your debtors rise up suddenly,
and those awake who oppress you?
Then you will be their plunder.
8 (Isa 33:1; Hab 2:17) Because you have plundered many nations,
all the remnant of the people will plunder you,
because of the bloodshed of men and violence of the land,
of the cities and all who live in them.
9 (Jer 49:16) "Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house,
to set his nest on high,
to be delivered from the power of calamity!"
10 (2Ki 9:26; Na 1:14) You have given shameful counsel to your house
by cutting off many peoples,
and forfeiting your life.
11 (Lk 19:40; Jos 24:27) For the stone will cry out from the wall,
and the beam of the woodwork will answer it.
12 (Mic 3:10; Na 3:1) "Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed
and establishes a city on iniquity!"
13 (Isa 50:11; Jer 51:58) Is it not from the Lord of Hosts
that the people labor to feed fire,
and the nations weary themselves for nothing?
14 (Isa 11:9; Ps 22:27) For the earth will be filled with the knowledge
of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the seas.
15 (Ge 9:22; Jer 51:7) "Woe to him who makes his neighbor drink,
pouring out your poison until they are drunk,
that you may look on their nakedness!"
16 (Isa 47:3) You will be filled with shame instead of glory.
You yourself-drink and show your uncircumcision!
The cup of the Lord's right hand will be turned against you,
and utter shame will come on your glory!
17 (Hab 2:8; Ps 55:23; Zec 11:1) The violence done to Lebanon will cover you,
as will the plunder of beasts that terrified them,
because of the bloodshed of men and violence of the land,
of the cities and all who live in them.
18 (Jer 10:8; Zec 10:2) What profit is a carved image
when its maker has carved it,
a cast image, and a teacher of lies,
that its maker trusts in what he has shaped
when he makes mute idols?
19 (Ps 135:17; Jer 10:4) Woe to him who says to the wood, "Awake!"
To the silent stone, "Arise!" Can it teach?
It is overlaid with gold and silver,
and there is no breath at all in it.
20 (Ps 11:4; Zep 1:7) But the Lord is in His holy temple.
Let all the earth keep silence before Him.
Habakkuk 2
[1] I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to
see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
[2] And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain
upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
[3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall
speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely
come, it will not tarry.
[4] Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just
shall live by his faith.
[5] Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither
keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and
cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto
him all people:
[6] Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting
proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not
his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!
[7] Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that
shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?
[8] Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people
shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land,
of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
[9] Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may
set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!
[10] Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and
hast sinned against thy soul.
[11] For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the
timber shall answer it.
[12] Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by
iniquity!
[13] Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in
the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?
[14] For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the
LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
[15] Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle
to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their
nakedness!
[16] Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy
foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD's right hand shall be turned
unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory.
[17] For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts,
which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the
land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
[18] What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it;
the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work
trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?
[19] Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise,
it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is
no breath at all in the midst of it.
[20] But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence
before him.
Habakkuk 3
The Prayer of Habakkuk
1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth.
2 (Ps 85:6; 119:120) O Lord, I have heard the report of You,
and was afraid;
O Lord, revive Your work
in the midst of the years!
In the midst of these years
make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
3 (Dt 33:2; Ge 21:21) God came from Teman,
and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah
His glory covered the heavens,
and the earth was full of His praise.
4 (Job 26:14) His brightness was like the light;
rays flashed from His hand,
and there His power was hidden.
5 (Ex 12:29-30; Nu 16:46-49) Pestilence went out before Him,
and plague followed His feet.
6 (Ge 49:26; Dt 33:15) He stood and measured the earth;
He looked and shook the nations.
The eternal mountains were scattered,
the perpetual hills bowed.
His ways are everlasting.
7 (Ex 15:14-16) I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction;
the curtains of the land of Midian trembled.
8 (Ps 68:17; 18:10) Were you displeased with the rivers, O Lord?
Was Your anger against the rivers,
and was Your wrath against the sea
when You rode on Your horses,
on Your chariots of salvation?
9 (Ps 7:12-13; 78:15-16) You made bare Your bow;
oaths were the arrows at Your command. Selah
You divided the earth with the rivers.
10 (Ps 93:3; 98:7-8) The mountains saw You and trembled;
the overflowing water passed by.
The deep lifted its voice,
and lifted its hands on high.
11 The sun and moon stood still in their places;
at the light of Your arrows they went,
at the flash of Your glittering spear.
12 (Jer 51:33; Mic 4:12-13) You marched throughout the earth in indignation;
You threshed the nations in anger.
13 (Ps 110:6; 105:15) You went forth to deliver Your people,
to deliver Your anointed one.
You wounded the head of the house of the wicked,
laying him bare from head to foot. Selah
14 (Ps 10:8; Da 11:40) You pierced with his own arrows
the leaders of his villages.
They came like a whirlwind to scatter me;
their rejoicing was like devouring the poor in secret.
15 (Ps 77:19; Hab 3:8) You trampled the sea with Your horses,
through the wakes of great waters.
16 (Hab 3:2; Jer 23:9) I heard, and my body trembled;
my lips quivered at the sound;
rottenness entered my bones;
my legs tremble beneath me.
Yet I will wait quietly for the day
when calamity comes on the people invading us.
A Hymn of Faith
17 Though the fig tree does not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines;
though the yield of the olive fails,
and the fields produce no food;
though the flocks are cut off from the fold,
and there be no herd in the stalls -
18 (Php 4:4; Job 13:15) yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will exult in the God of my salvation.
19 (Dt 33:29; 32:13) The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like hinds' feet,
and He will make me walk on my high places.
To the Music Director: with my stringed instruments.
Habakkuk 3
[1] A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.
[2] O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work
in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath
remember mercy.
[3] God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory
covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.
[4] And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his
hand: and there was the hiding of his power.
[5] Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.
[6] He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the
nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills
did bow: his ways are everlasting.
[7] I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of
Midian did tremble.
[8] Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the
rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine
horses and thy chariots of salvation?
[9] Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even
thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.
[10] The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water
passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.
[11] The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine
arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear.
[12] Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the
heathen in anger.
[13] Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation
with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked,
by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.
[14] Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages:
they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour
the poor secretly.
[15] Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of
great waters.
[16] When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice:
rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might
rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will
invade them with his troops.
[17] Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the
vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no
meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd
in the stalls:
[18] Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
[19] The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet,
and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my
stringed instruments.
Zephaniah 1
1 (2Ch 34:1-33; Jer 1:2) The word of the Lord which came to Zephaniah
the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah,
the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.
The Great Day of the Lord
2 (2Ki 22:16-17) I will utterly consume all things
on the face of the earth,
says the Lord;
3 (Eze 7:19; Hos 4:3) I will consume man and beast;
I will consume the birds of the heavens
and the fish of the sea,
and the stumbling blocks with the wicked.
I will cut off man from the face of the land,
says the Lord.
4 (Hos 10:5; 2Ki 23:4-5) I will stretch out my hand against Judah,
and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal,
and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,
5 (1Ki 11:33; Jer 19:13) and those who bow down on the roofs
to the host of heaven;
those who worship and swear oaths by the Lord
and yet swear by Milcom;
6 (Isa 1:4; Jer 2:13) those who have turned back from following the Lord,
who have not sought the Lord nor inquired of Him.
7 (Isa 34:6; Jer 46:10) Be silent before the Lord God!
For the day of the Lord is at hand;
the Lord has prepared the sacrifice;
He has consecrated His guests.
8 (Isa 24:21) On the day of the Lord's sacrifice,
I will punish the officials
and the king's sons,
and all who clothe themselves
with foreign attire.
9 (1Sa 5:5) On that day I will punish
all who step over the threshold,
who fill their masters' houses
with violence and deceit.
10 (2Ch 33:14; 2Ki 22:14) On that day, says the Lord,
a cry will be heard from the Fish Gate,
a wail from the Second Quarter,
and a loud crash from the hills.
11 (Jas 5:1) Wail, you inhabitants of the Mortar!
For all the merchants are cut down;
all those who weigh out silver are cut off.
12 (Jer 48:11; Eze 8:12) At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
and I will punish the men
who are settled on their lees,
who say in their heart,
"The Lord will not do good, nor will He do evil."
13 (Am 5:11; Mic 6:15) Their goods will be plundered,
and their houses laid waste.
Though they build houses,
they will not inhabit them;
though they plant vineyards,
they will not drink from their wine.
The Great Day of the Lord
14 (Joel 2:11; Zep 1:7) The great day of the Lord is near,
near and hastening quickly.
The sound of the day of the Lord is bitter;
the mighty man shall cry out there.
15 (Joel 2:2; Isa 22:5 ) That day is a day of wrath,
a day of trouble and distress,
a day of ruin and desolation,
a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and blackness,
16 (Isa 2:12-15) a day of trumpet and alarms
against the fortified cities
and against the high towers.
17 (Ps 83:10) I will bring distress on men,
so that they will walk like blind men.
Because they have sinned against the Lord,
their blood will be poured out like dust,
and their flesh like dung.
18 (Zep 3:8; Eze 7:19; Zep 1:2-3) Neither their silver nor their gold
will be able to deliver them
on the day of the Lord's wrath.
But the whole earth will be consumed
by the fire of His jealousy,
for He will make a sudden end
of all those who dwell on the earth.
Zephaniah 1
[1] The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son
of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah
the son of Amon, king of Judah.
[2] I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD.
[3] I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven,
and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I
will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD.
[4] I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the
inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this
place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;
[5] And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them
that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;
[6] And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not
sought the LORD, nor inquired for him.
[7] Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD
is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.
[8] And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD's sacrifice, that I
will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are
clothed with strange apparel.
[9] In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the
threshold,
which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit.
[10] And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that there
shall
be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second,
and a great crashing from the hills.
[11] Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut
down; all they that bear silver are cut off.
[12] And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem
with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that
say in
their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.
[13] Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a
desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they
shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof.
[14] The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly,
even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there
bitterly.
[15] That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of
wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds
and thick darkness,
[16] A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against
the high towers.
[17] And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind
men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be
poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.
[18] Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in
the day of the LORD's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the
fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them
that dwell in the land.
Zephaniah 2
Judgment on the Nations
1 (2Ch 20:4; Joel 1:14) Gather together, yes, gather together,
O shameless nation,
2 (Isa 17:13; La 4:11) before the decree takes effect,
before the day passes like chaff,
before the fierce anger of the Lord comes upon you,
before the day of the Lord's anger comes upon you.
3 (Am 5:14-15; Ps 57:1) Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
who carry out His judgment.
Seek righteousness, seek humility.
Perhaps you will be hidden
on the day of the Lord's anger.
4 (Zec 9:5-7; Am 1:6-8 ) For Gaza will be forsaken,
and Ashkelon a desolation;
Ashdod will be driven out at noon,
and Ekron will be uprooted.
5 (Eze 25:16; Am 3:1) Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast,
the nation of Kerethites!
The word of the Lord is against you,
O Canaan, land of the Philistines:
I will destroy you,
so that there will be no inhabitant.
6 The seacoast will be pastures,
with meadows for shepherds and folds for flocks.
7 (Zep 3:20; Ex 4:31) The coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah,
on which they will feed.
In the houses of Ashkelon
they will lie down at evening.
For the Lord their God will visit them
and restore their fortunes.
Zephaniah 2
[1] Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;
[2] Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before
the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD's
anger come upon you.
[3] Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his
judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in
the day of the LORD's anger.
[4] For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive
out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.
[5] Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the
Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the
Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.
[6] And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and
folds for flocks.
[7] And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall
feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the
evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their
captivity.
2) Our Daily Bread for 31 July 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/07/31/make-it-your-own-dawg
Entitled "Make It Your Own, Dawg!"
Philippians 3:7-16
7 (Lk 14:33) But what things were gain to me, I have counted these things
to be loss for the sake of Christ.
8 (Jn 17:3; 2Pe 1:3) Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss
for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom
I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that
I may gain Christ,
9 (1Co 1:30; Php 3:6; Isa 53:11) and be found in Him, not having my own
righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith
in Christ, (Or through the faith of Christ.) the righteousness which is of God
on the basis of faith,
10 (Ro 8:17; 8:29) to know Him, and the power of His resurrection,
and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11 (Ac 26:7) if somehow I might make it to the resurrection of the dead.
Pressing Toward the Mark
12 (1Co 13:10; 1Ti 6:19) Not that I have already attained or have already been
perfected, but I follow after it so that I may lay hold of that for which
I was seized by Christ Jesus.
13 (Lk 9:62; Ps 45:10) Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained,
but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 (Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Co 2:6; Gal 5:10) Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus
minded. And if you think differently in any way,
God will reveal even this to you.
16 (Gal 6:16) Nevertheless, according to what we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which
is of God by faith:
[10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
[11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but
I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended
of Christ Jesus.
[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before,
[14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.
[15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any
thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
[16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same
rule, let us mind the same thing.
On June 11, 2002, the singing competition American Idol debuted. Each week,
hopefuls performed their own versions of popular songs, and the viewing
audience voted on who advanced to the next round of the competition.
As one of the panel judges on the show, Randy Jackson's signature feedback
was this zinger: "You made that song your own, dawg!" He lavished that praise
when a singer took a familiar tune, learned it inside out, and then performed
it in a new way that gave it a unique, personal spin. To "make it their own"
was to own it completely and creatively, and then offer it to the world
onstage.
Paul invites us to do something similar to own our faith and our expression
of it, too. In Philippians 3, he rejects attempts to earn right standing
before God (vv. 7-8). Instead, he teaches us to embrace "the righteousness
that comes from God on the basis of faith" (v. 9). The gift of forgiveness
and redemption transforms our motivation and goals: "I press on to take hold
of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (v. 12).
Jesus has secured our victory. Our job? To take hold of that truth,
internalising God's gospel gift and living it out amid our broken world.
In other words, we're to make our faith our own and in so doing
"live up to what we have already attained" (v. 16).
By: Adam Holz
Reflect & Pray
What do you think it looks like for you to "press on" in your faith?
What most encourages and sustains you to keep moving forward?
Jesus, thank You for Your saving gift of redemption
and love on the cross. Help me to respond in gratitude each day,
and to press on in my faith with thankfulness.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 1 - Forgiving as God Forgave
Col 3:13
13 Bear with one another and forgive one another. If anyone
has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man
have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
"No!" Brett slammed his hand against the desk to punctuate his point.
"My wife's infidelity is completely unforgivable. She just wants to make things
look good, to have me condone her new relationship.
I won't do it. I won't forgive her."
Brett was a man in pain, and his perspective on forgiving
his wife is understandable. But unfortunately, many of us are
the victims of "unforgivable" offenses; many of us, as well,
are the perpetrators of such offenses, and we desperately need
to be forgiven.
Brett ultimately came to understand that forgiving and "unforgivable"
hurt is not based on the worthiness of the recipient of forgiveness,
but on the worthiness of Christ himself. The Bible teaches that we are bound
to forgiveness for one simple reason:
because God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ.
"Forgive as the Lord forgave", Paul commands in Col 3:13 . How did Christ
forgive? Freely, completely, without basing his forgiveness on our merit. He
forgave us unilaterally, offering forgiveness before we asked,
before we were aware of our sin and the pain it caused him,
before we came to him in repentance.
Forgiveness does more that release the perpetrator for the bondage of
his wrongdoing. It releases the victim as well. Forgiveness frees
the forgiver from the bondage of anger and bitterness that keeps him distant
from the love of God. We can forgive the most "unforgivable" of offenses
against us when we focus our attention not on the offender, but on Christ,
who forgave us.
Application
a) Have I ever harboured unforgiveness toward another person?
What was the result in my spiritual/emotional life?
b) Is there someone in my life who has hurt me, who I need to forgive?
How can this verse help me extend the forgiveness to that person?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Chr 31:21
21 And in every deed that he undertook in the service of the house
of God and with the law and commandment to seek out his God,
he did this with all his heart, and he found success.
21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house
of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God,
he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Protection in Times of Trouble
Ps 27:1-6
PSALMS 27
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) When the wicked came against me
to eat my flesh -
my enemies and my foes -
they stumbled and fell.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Though an army should encamp against me,
my heart will not fear;
though war should rise against me,
in this will I be confident.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One thing I have asked from the Lord,
that will I seek after -
for me to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to see the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in His temple.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For in the time of trouble
He will hide me in His pavilion;
in the shelter of His tabernacle He will hide me;
He will set me up on a rock.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8 - 9) Now my head will be lifted up
above my enemies encircling me;
therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,
came upon me to eat up my flesh,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:
Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up,
Above mine enemies round about me:
Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
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?)
Where do Muslims live?
Canada is a land of immigrants. And Muslims are coming in increasing numbers
to our shores. Where do they live? How can we pray for these areas? Use this as
your more effectively for Muslims in Canada.
Data for those population figures is extrapolated for the 2011 National
Household Survey and population growth projections by Pew Forum. These have
also been adjusted by +40% as reliable sources state that on 60% of Muslims
self-identify on government surveys and forms. These estimates are still on
the conservative end of the spectrum. Percentages represent that of the total
Canadian population, not provincial
BC - 136493 - 7.5%
AB - 195240 - 11%
SK - 17279 - 1%
MB - 21349 - 1.2%
ON - 1001542 - 55%
QC - 418946 - 23%
NB - 4543 - 0.003%
NS - 14629 - 0.1%
PEI - 1127 - 0.0006%
NFLD - 2065 - 0.001%
Yukon - 69 - 0.00004%
NWT - 473 - 0.0003%
NU - 86 - 0.00005%
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!
And
Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.
"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.
Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.
As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.
Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.
I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 15:13
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
Conclusion:
Pray to The Lord not to show favouritism.
Pray to the Lord no to be impartial.
Pray to the Lord: "Jesus, thank You for Your saving gift of redemption
and love on the cross. Help me to respond in gratitude each day,
and to press on in my faith with thankfulness."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to have a spirit of Forgiveness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to labour in His Will.
Pray to the Lord and remember He is your Salvatin, you have ntohing to fear.
Pray for Muslims in Canada to know Jesus as Saviour.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that God will touch the hearts of governing officials in India
who are trying to stop evangelical work.
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.
Trackbacks
No Trackbacks
Comments
Display comments as Linear | Threaded