Day 252 of My Second Bible Study Journey - 9 September reflections
Day 252, 9 September 2022
1) Haggai 2:1-9
Zechariah 1:1-6
Haggai 2:10-19
Ezra 5:2
Haggai 2:20-23
Zechariah 1:7-21
Zechariah 2
Zechariah 3
Zechariah 4
Zechariah 5
Haggai 2:1-9
Haggai 2
The Future Glory of the Temple
1 (Hag 1:1) In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month,
the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying:
2 (Hag 1:1) Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah,
and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant
of the people, saying:
3 (Ezr 3:12) Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory?
How do you see it now? Is it not, in your eyes, as nothing in comparison?
4 (Zec 8:9; 2Sa 5:10) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord,
and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong all you
people of the land, says the Lord. Work, for I am with you, says the Lord
of Hosts.
5 (Ne 9:20; Ex 29:45-46) According to the covenant that I made with you
when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.
6 (Isa 10:25; 29:17) For thus says the Lord of Hosts: Once more,
in a little while, I will shake the heavens and earth, the sea and dry land.
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations, and they will come
with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,
says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater than the former,
says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place I will give peace,
says the Lord of Hosts.
[1] In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came
the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,
[2] Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to
Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the
people, saying,
[3] Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do
ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?
[4] Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O
Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of
the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of
hosts:
[5] According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of
Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
[6] For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I
will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
[7] And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come:
and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
[8] The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
[9] The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former,
saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD
of hosts.
Zechariah 1:1-6
Zechariah 1
1 (Ne 12:4; Mt 23:3) 5In the eighth month, during the second year of King Darius,
the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah,
son of Berekiah, son of Iddo, saying:
A Call to Repentance
2 (Jer 44:6) The Lord was very angry with your fathers,
3 (Mal 3:7; Isa 31:6) so you will say to them, Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts.
4 (Ps 78:8; 2Ch 36:15-16) Do not be like your fathers to whom the former
prophets cried, "Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Turn away from your evil ways
and deeds!" But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, says the Lord.
5 So where are your fathers, and do the prophets live forever?
6 (La 2:17; Dt 28:15 )Surely My words and statutes that I commanded
to My servants, the prophets, did they not persuade your fathers?
They turned back and said, "Whatever the Lord of Hosts planned to do
to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us."
[1] In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of
the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the
prophet, saying,
[2] The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers.
[3] Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye
unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the
LORD of hosts.
[4] Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried,
saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways,
and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me,
saith the LORD.
[5] Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?
[6] But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the
prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and
said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our
ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
Haggai 2:10-19
Blessings on a Defiled People
10 (Hag 2:20; 1:1) On the 24th day of the ninth month,
in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet,
saying:
11 (Lev 10:10-11; Mal 2:7) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Now ask the priests concerning the law, saying,
12 (Lev 6:27; Mt 23:19) If a man carries holy meat in the fold of his garment,
and touches with his fold bread or stew, or wine or oil, or any food,
will it become holy?
The priests answered, "No."
13 Then Haggai said, "If one who is unclean by contact with a dead body
touches any of these, will it become unclean?"
The priests answered, "It will become unclean."
14 (Pr 15:8; Isa 1:11-15) Then Haggai said, So it is with this people,
and so it is with this nation before Me, says the Lord,
and so with every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.
15 (Hag 1:5; Ezr 3:10) Now consider from this day onward: from before stone
was laid upon stone in the temple of the Lord,
16 (Hag 1:6) from those days when one came to a heap of twenty measures,
there were but ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures,
there were but twenty.
17 (Dt 28:22; 1Ki 8:37) I struck you and all the labor of your hands
with blight and mildew and hail; yet you did not turn to Me.
18 (Zec 8:9; Hag 2:15) Consider from this day onward, from the 24th day
of the ninth month, from the day when the foundation of the temple
of the Lord was laid, consider:
19 (Ps 128:1-5; Mal 3:10) Isthe seed yet in the barn?
As of yet, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree
have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.
[10] In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of
Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
[11] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law,
saying,
[12] If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt
do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy?
And the priests answered and said, No.
[13] Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of
these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be
unclean.
[14] Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this
nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and
that which they offer there is unclean.
[15] And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a
stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:
[16] Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures,
there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty
vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.
[17] I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the
labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD.
[18] Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day
of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD's
temple was laid, consider it.
[19] Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree,
and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this
day will I bless you.
Ezra 5:2
2 (Ezr 3:2; 6:14) Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Joshua the son
of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem,
and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
[2] Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of
Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and
with them were the prophets of God helping them.
Haggai 2:20-23
The Promise of God to Zerubbabel
20 The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai
on the 24th day of the month:
21 (Ezr 5:2; Hag 1:1) Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying,
I will shake the heavens and the earth.
22 (Mic 5:10; Jdg 7:22) I will overthrow the throne of the kingdoms.
I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations.
I will overthrow the chariots and their riders. The horses and their riders
will come down, every one by the sword of his brother.
23 (Isa 43:10; 42:1) On that day, says the Lord of Hosts, I will take you,
O Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the Lord,
and I will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,
says the Lord of Hosts.
[10] In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of
Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
[11] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law,
saying,
[12] If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt
do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy?
And the priests answered and said, No.
[13] Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of
these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be
unclean.
[14] Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this
nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and
that which they offer there is unclean.
[15] And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a
stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:
[16] Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures,
there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty
vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.
[17] I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the
labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD.
[18] Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day
of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD's
temple was laid, consider it.
[19] Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree,
and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this
day will I bless you.
Zechariah 1:7-21
Vision of the Horsemen
7 (Zec 1:1) On the 24th day, in the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat,
during the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet
Zechariah, son of Berekiah, son of Iddo:
8 (Rev 6:4; Zec 6:2-7; Isa 41:19) I saw during the night a man riding on
a red horse. But he was standing among the myrtle trees that were
in the ravine, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses.
9 (Zec 4:4-5; 1:19) And I said, "What are these, my lord?"
Then the angel who was speaking with me said,
"I will show you what these are."
10 (Zec 1:11; 6:5-8) Then the man who was standing among the myrtle trees
responded and said, “These are the ones whom the Lord has sent out to walk to
and fro on the earth."
11 (Zec 1:10; 1:8) They answered and said to the angel of the Lord
who was standing among the myrtle trees,
"We have gone to and fro on the earth,
and all the earth is resting and peaceful."
12 (Ps 102:13; Jer 29:10) Then the angel of the Lord said,
"How much longer, O Lord of Hosts, will You withhold mercy
from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah with which
You have been angry these seventy years?"
13 (Isa 40:1-2; Jer 29:10) And the Lord answered the angel speaking
to me with good and comforting words.
14 (Joel 2:18; Isa 40:6) So the angel who spoke with me said, Cry out,
saying: Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I have a great jealousy
for Jerusalem and Zion.
15 (Isa 54:8; Zec 1:2) And I have a great anger for those nations
who are at ease, for while I was angry but a little,
they helped to increase evil.
16 (Zec 4:9; 8:3) Therefore thus says the Lord: I have returned to Jerusalem
with mercy, and My house will be built in it, says the Lord of Hosts,
and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem.
17 (Isa 51:3; Zec 2:12) Cry out again, saying, Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Yet again My cities will overflow with goodness,
and again the Lord will comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.
The Vision of the Horns and Craftsmen
18 And I then lifted up my eyes, and I saw four horns.
19 (Zec 1:21; 1:9) And I said to the angel speaking to me, "What are these?"
And he answered, "These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel,
and Jerusalem."
20 Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen.
21 (Ps 75:4-5; Zec 1:19) And I said, "What are these coming to do?"
And he said, "These are the horns that scattered Judah
after which no one could raise his head; and these four craftsmen
have come to terrify and throw down the horns of the nations
who lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it."
[7] Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the
month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD
unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
[8] I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he
stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him
were there red horses, speckled, and white.
[9] Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with
me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.
[10] And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These
are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
[11] And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle
trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold,
all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.
[12] Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long
wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against
which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?
[13] And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words
and comfortable words.
[14] So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus
saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a
great jealousy.
[15] And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I
was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.
[16] Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies:
my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be
stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
[17] Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through
prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion,
and shall yet choose Jerusalem.
[18] Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.
[19] And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he
answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and
Jerusalem.
[20] And the LORD shewed me four carpenters.
[21] Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the
horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but
these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which
lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.
Zechariah 2
The Vision of the Man With the Measuring Line
1 (Eze 40:3; Zec 1:16) And I lifted up my eyes, and I saw a man with
a measuring cord in his hand.
2 (Jer 31:39; Rev 21:15-17) And I said, "Where are you going?"
And he responded, "To measure Jerusalem
and to note what is its width and length."
3 (Zec 1:19) Then the angel who was speaking with me went out,
and then another angel came out to meet him,
4 (Jer 1:6; 31:27) and said to him, "Run, say to this young man:
Jerusalem will be inhabited as villages without walls,
because of the multitude of men and animals in her.
5 (Isa 4:5; 60:18-19)And I will be like a wall of fire all around her,
says the Lord, and I will be as glory in her midst."
Interlude: An Appeal to the Exiles
6 (Eze 17:21; Isa 48:20) Up, up, flee from the northern land,
says the Lord, for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven,
says the Lord.
7 (Isa 48:20; 52:11) Deliver yourself, O Zion,
you who live with the daughter of Babylon.
8 (Dt 32:10; Ps 17:8) For thus says the Lord of Hosts: He has sent Me
after glory to the nations which plunder you, for he who touches
you touches the apple of His eye.
9 (Isa 14:2; 19:16) For I will swing My hand against them,
and they will become plunder for their servants.
Then you will know well that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me.
10 (Zec 8:3; Lev 26:12) Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion,
for I am coming and will dwell in your midst, says the Lord.
11 And many nations will join themselves with the Lord in that day,
and they will be My people. And I will reside in your midst,
and you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me to you.
12 (Dt 32:9; Zec 1:17) And the Lord will possess Judah as His portion
in the holy land, and He will again choose Jerusalem.
13 (Ps 68:5; Hab 2:20) Be still, all flesh before the Lord, for He is
stirred from His holy habitation.
[1] I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a
measuring line in his hand.
[2] Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure
Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length
thereof.
[3] And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel
went out to meet him,
[4] And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall
be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle
therein:
[5] For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and
will be the glory in the midst of her.
[6] Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD:
for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the
LORD.
[7] Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.
[8] For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto
the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple
of his eye.
[9] For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil
to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.
[10] Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell
in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
[11] And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be
my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that
the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.
[12] And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and
shall choose Jerusalem again.
[13] Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his
holy habitation.
Zechariah 3
The Vision of Joshua the High Priest
1 (Ps 109:6; Zec 6:11) Then he showed me Joshua, the high priest,
standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing
at his right hand to accuse him.
2 (Am 4:11; Jude 1:9) And the Lord said to Satan, "The Lord rebuke you, Satan!
The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebukes you! Is this not a burning brand
taken out of the fire?"
3 (Isa 64:6; Ezr 9:15) Now Joshua had on filthy garments and was standing
before the angel.
4 (Isa 61:10; Eze 36:25) And he said to those standing before him,
"Take off his filthy garments."
Then he said, "See that I have removed from you your iniquity,
and I will clothe you with rich robes."
5 (Ex 29:6; Zec 6:11) And I said, "Let them place a pure turban on his head."
So they put a pure turban on his head and garments on him.
And the angel of the Lord was standing by.
6 (Zec 3:1) And the angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying,
7 (Ge 26:5; Lev 8:35) "Thus says the Lord of Hosts: If you walk in My ways
and keep My charge, then you will judge My house and guard My courts,
and I will give to you access to these who are standing here.
8 (Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5) "Hear this, O Joshua the high priest,
you and your friends sitting before you, for these men are a sign.
I am bringing My servant, the Branch.
9 (Isa 28:16; Jer 50:20) The stone that I have set before Joshua,
on that single stone is seven eyes. And I will engrave an inscription,
says the Lord of Hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land
in one day.
10 (1Ki 4:25; Mic 4:4) "On that day, says the Lord of Hosts, each of you will
invite your companion to come and sit under the vine and under the fig tree."
[1] And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the
LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
[2] And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the
LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out
of the fire?
[3] Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
[4] And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take
away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have
caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change
of raiment.
[5] And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair
mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the
LORD stood by.
[6] And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,
[7] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou
wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also
keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.
[8] Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit
before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth
my servant the BRANCH.
[9] For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone
shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the
LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
[10] In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his
neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.
Zechariah 4
The Vision of the Gold Lampstand
1 (Jer 31:26; Da 8:18) And the angel who was speaking with me returned
and woke me up like a man who is roused from his sleep.
2 Rev 4:5; 1:12And he said to me, "What do you see?"
And I responded, "I see a completely gold lampstand and a bowl at its top,
with seven lights on it, and seven pipes on it for each lamp in order
to light them.
3 (Rev 11:4) And there are two olive trees next to it, one on the right
of the bowl and one on the left."
4 (Zec 1:9; 6:4) So I answered and I asked the angel speaking with me,
"What are these, my lord?"
5 (Zec 4:13) Then the angel speaking with me responded,
"Do you really not know what these are?"
And I said, "No, my lord."
6 (Hos 1:7; Isa 11:2-4) And he said to me: "This is the word of the Lord
to Zerubbabel, saying: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,
says the Lord of Hosts.
7 (Jer 51:25; Ps 114:4) "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel
you will be made level ground, and he will bring out the top stone amidst
shouting of 'Grace! Grace to the stone!' "
8Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
9 (Ezr 5:16; 6:14-15) "The hands of Zerubbabel have established
the foundation of this house, and they will even complete it.
Then you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me to all of you.
10 (Hag 2:3; Zec 3:9) "For who has despised the day of small things?
These seven will rejoice and see the plumb line in the hand
of Zerubbabel. These are the eyes of the Lord, which survey to
and fro throughout the earth."
11 (Zec 4:3; Rev 11:4) Then I answered and I asked, "
"What are these two olives trees on the right and left of the lampstand?"
12 And I asked a second time, "What are these two branches of the olive trees
that are next to the two golden pipes from which they pour out the gold oil?"
13 (Zec 4:5) And he asked me, "Do you not know what these are?"
I responded, "No, my lord."
14 (Ex 29:7; 40:15) He answered, "These are the two anointed ones
who stand by the Lord of all the earth."
[1] And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man
that is wakened out of his sleep,
[2] And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold
a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven
lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top
thereof:
[3] And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the
other upon the left side thereof.
[4] So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What
are these, my lord?
[5] Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest
thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
[6] Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD
unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith
the LORD of hosts.
[7] Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a
plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings,
crying, Grace, grace unto it.
[8] Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[9] The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his
hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath
sent me unto you.
[10] For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice,
and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they
are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
[11] Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon
the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
[12] And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive
branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of
themselves?
[13] And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I
said, No, my lord.
[14] Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD
of the whole earth.
Zechariah 5
The Vision of the Flying Scroll
1 Then I turned and lifted up my eyes and saw a flying scroll.
2 (Zec 4:2) He asked me, "What do you see?"
And I responded, "I see a flying scroll with its length as twenty cubits
and its width as ten cubits."
[About 30 feet long and 15 feet wide, or 9 meters long and 4.5 meters wide.]
3 (Ex 20:15; Isa 24:6) He said to me, "This is the curse going out
over the surface of all the land. Everyone who steals will be purged
according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears falsely
will be purged according to the writing on the other side.
4 (Lev 14:34-45; Job 18:15) I will send it out, says the Lord of Hosts,
and it will enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears
falsely by My name. It will remain in his house and consume it,
with its timber and stones."
The Vision of the Woman in the Basket
5 (Zec 1:9) Then the angel who was speaking with me came out, saying,
"Now lift up your eyes and see what this is that is going forth."
6 (Am 8:5) And I asked, "What is it?"
He said, "This is the ephah basket going forth.
This represents their iniquity throughout all the land."
7 The lead cover was lifted,
and there was a woman sitting in the ephah basket.
8 And he said, "This is wickedness." And he threw her back into the basket
and then thrust back the lead stone over its opening.
9 Then I lifted my eyes and saw coming forward two women. There was wind
in their wings, and the wings were like those of a stork,
and they lifted up and carried the ephah basket between heaven and earth.
10 Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me,
"Where are they carrying the basket?"
11 (Ge 10:10; 11:2) He responded, "To build a house for it in the land
of Shinar. And when the house is established, the basket will be set
there on a pedestal."
[1] Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying
roll.
[2] And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying
roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.
[3] Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face
of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this
side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on
that side according to it.
[4] I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into
the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by
my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it
with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.
[5] Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up
now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.
[6] And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth.
He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth.
[7] And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman
that sitteth in the midst of the ephah.
[8] And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the
ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof.
[9] Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two
women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of
a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.
[10] Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the
ephah?
[11] And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it
shall be established, and set there upon her own base.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/09/a-heavenly-reunion
Entitled "A Heavenly Reunion"
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Lord's Coming
13 (Eph 2:12; Lev 19:28) But I would not have you ignorant, brothers,
concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others
who have no hope.
14 (1Th 4:13; Rev 1:18) For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again,
so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 (1Ki 20:35) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord,
that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord
will not precede those who are asleep.
16 (1Co 15:23; Jude 1:9) For the Lord Himself will descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel,
and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 (Jn 12:26; Ac 1:9) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we
shall be forever with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them
which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also
which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are
alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which
are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ
shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
When writing my mom's obituary, I felt that the word died seemed too final
for the hope I had in our promised reunion in heaven. So, I wrote: "She was
welcomed into the arms of Jesus." Still, some days I grieve when looking at
the more current family photos that don't include my mom. Recently, though,
I discovered a painter who creates family portraits to include those we've
lost. The artist uses the photos of loved ones who have gone before us to
paint them into the picture of the family. With strokes of a paintbrush, this
artist represents God's promise of a heavenly reunion. I shed grateful tears
at the thought of seeing my mom smiling by my side again.
The apostle Paul affirms that believers in Jesus may not grieve as others
who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13). "For if we believe that Jesus died
and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus."(v. 14). Paul acknowledges Jesus' second coming and proclaims
that all believers will be reunited with Jesus (v. 17).
God's promise of a heavenly reunion can comfort us when we're grieving the
loss of a loved one who has trusted Jesus. Our promised future with our
risen King also provides enduring hope when we face our own immortality,
until the day Jesus comes or calls us home.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
How has God used the promise of a heavenly reunion to comfort you
in your grief? Why does the promise of a heavenly reunion give you great hope?
Loving Saviour, thank You for giving me an enduring hope
to share with others until the day You call me home or come again.
For further study, read
Life to Come.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 6 - Eternal Life, Beginning now
John 10:28 - I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand.
28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
In C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, one of the Spirits in heaven, identifying
himself as George MacDonald, makes some startling statements on the nature of
eternal life. Depending upon the individual's choice for or against Christ,
MacDonald says, everything in life takes on the character of haven or hell.
"At the end of ALL THINGS, when the sun rises here (in heaven) and the twilight
turns to blackness down there, the Blessed will say, 'We have never lived
anywhere except in Heaven,' and the Lost, 'We were always in Hell.'
And both will speak truly" - From the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.
Lewis was not trying to make a theological case, but to demonstrate
a principle: eternal life begins now.
The choices that we make for or against obedience to God, the life we live,
the patterns we establish, all move us in one direction of the other.
And when we have decided to choose obedience to God (the forsakeness of sin),
when we give ourselves fully into his hands, he is able to take the worst of
circumstances and redeem them for our good, use them to mature us in his image.
Again Jesus says in John 10:28
"I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand. "
In Christ is a very secure place to be. No experience is lost, no pain is
wasted. Everything in our lives is redeemed by God for our benefit.
Application
a) How have I experienced the truth that "eternal life begins now"?
b) How can this verse help me put life in perspective during times
of stress and anxiety?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ecclesiates 11:1
1 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42; Heb 6:10) Cast your bread upon the waters,
for you will find it after many days
1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Romans 8:31-39
The Love of God
31 (Ps 118:6; Ro 4:1) What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 (Jn 3:16; Ro 4:25) He who did not spare His own Son,
but delivered Him up for us all, how shall
He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 (Rev 12:10-11; Isa 50:8-9) Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?
It is God who justifies.
34 (Heb 7:25; Mk 16:19; Ro 8:1) Who is he who condemns?
It is Christ who died, yes, who is risen, who is also
at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
35 (1Co 4:11) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 (Ps 44:22; 1Co 15:30)As it is written:
"For Your sake we are killed all day long;
we are counted as sheep for the slaughter." (Ps 44:22.)
37 (1Co 15:57; Gal 2:20) No, in all these things we are more
than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present
nor things to come,
39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
More than Conquerors
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,
who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?
It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather,
that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God,
who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation,
or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written,
For thy sake we are killed all the day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels,
nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate
us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our 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?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
9th Day of the Month
a) Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,
faithfulness and provision.
(
Ps 100
A Psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;
it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise;
be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100
A Psalm of praise.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God:
It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise:
Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;
And his truth endureth to all generations.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways
to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.
(
1 Chr 12:32
32 (Est 1:13) From the sons of Issachar,
those having understanding of times
and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains
with all their brothers at their command.
32 And of the children of Issachar,
which were men that had understanding of the times,
to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred;
and all their brethren were at their commandment
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to get rid of doubt and corruption in your life.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Savior, thank You for giving me an enduring
hope to share with others until the day You call me home or come again. "
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for his gift of salvation to start eternal
life.
Pray to the Lord and give Him all your risks.
Pray to the Lord and remember He will not separate from those who love Him.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
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 a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,
faithfulness and provision.
Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways
to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.
Pray for President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev and the country's other
governmental leaders .
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.
1) Haggai 2:1-9
Zechariah 1:1-6
Haggai 2:10-19
Ezra 5:2
Haggai 2:20-23
Zechariah 1:7-21
Zechariah 2
Zechariah 3
Zechariah 4
Zechariah 5
Haggai 2:1-9
Haggai 2
The Future Glory of the Temple
1 (Hag 1:1) In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month,
the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying:
2 (Hag 1:1) Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah,
and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant
of the people, saying:
3 (Ezr 3:12) Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory?
How do you see it now? Is it not, in your eyes, as nothing in comparison?
4 (Zec 8:9; 2Sa 5:10) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord,
and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong all you
people of the land, says the Lord. Work, for I am with you, says the Lord
of Hosts.
5 (Ne 9:20; Ex 29:45-46) According to the covenant that I made with you
when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.
6 (Isa 10:25; 29:17) For thus says the Lord of Hosts: Once more,
in a little while, I will shake the heavens and earth, the sea and dry land.
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations, and they will come
with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,
says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater than the former,
says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place I will give peace,
says the Lord of Hosts.
[1] In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came
the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,
[2] Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to
Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the
people, saying,
[3] Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do
ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?
[4] Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O
Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of
the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of
hosts:
[5] According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of
Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
[6] For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I
will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
[7] And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come:
and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
[8] The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
[9] The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former,
saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD
of hosts.
Zechariah 1:1-6
Zechariah 1
1 (Ne 12:4; Mt 23:3) 5In the eighth month, during the second year of King Darius,
the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah,
son of Berekiah, son of Iddo, saying:
A Call to Repentance
2 (Jer 44:6) The Lord was very angry with your fathers,
3 (Mal 3:7; Isa 31:6) so you will say to them, Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts.
4 (Ps 78:8; 2Ch 36:15-16) Do not be like your fathers to whom the former
prophets cried, "Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Turn away from your evil ways
and deeds!" But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, says the Lord.
5 So where are your fathers, and do the prophets live forever?
6 (La 2:17; Dt 28:15 )Surely My words and statutes that I commanded
to My servants, the prophets, did they not persuade your fathers?
They turned back and said, "Whatever the Lord of Hosts planned to do
to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us."
[1] In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of
the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the
prophet, saying,
[2] The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers.
[3] Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye
unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the
LORD of hosts.
[4] Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried,
saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways,
and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me,
saith the LORD.
[5] Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?
[6] But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the
prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and
said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our
ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
Haggai 2:10-19
Blessings on a Defiled People
10 (Hag 2:20; 1:1) On the 24th day of the ninth month,
in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet,
saying:
11 (Lev 10:10-11; Mal 2:7) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Now ask the priests concerning the law, saying,
12 (Lev 6:27; Mt 23:19) If a man carries holy meat in the fold of his garment,
and touches with his fold bread or stew, or wine or oil, or any food,
will it become holy?
The priests answered, "No."
13 Then Haggai said, "If one who is unclean by contact with a dead body
touches any of these, will it become unclean?"
The priests answered, "It will become unclean."
14 (Pr 15:8; Isa 1:11-15) Then Haggai said, So it is with this people,
and so it is with this nation before Me, says the Lord,
and so with every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.
15 (Hag 1:5; Ezr 3:10) Now consider from this day onward: from before stone
was laid upon stone in the temple of the Lord,
16 (Hag 1:6) from those days when one came to a heap of twenty measures,
there were but ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures,
there were but twenty.
17 (Dt 28:22; 1Ki 8:37) I struck you and all the labor of your hands
with blight and mildew and hail; yet you did not turn to Me.
18 (Zec 8:9; Hag 2:15) Consider from this day onward, from the 24th day
of the ninth month, from the day when the foundation of the temple
of the Lord was laid, consider:
19 (Ps 128:1-5; Mal 3:10) Isthe seed yet in the barn?
As of yet, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree
have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.
[10] In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of
Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
[11] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law,
saying,
[12] If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt
do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy?
And the priests answered and said, No.
[13] Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of
these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be
unclean.
[14] Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this
nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and
that which they offer there is unclean.
[15] And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a
stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:
[16] Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures,
there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty
vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.
[17] I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the
labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD.
[18] Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day
of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD's
temple was laid, consider it.
[19] Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree,
and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this
day will I bless you.
Ezra 5:2
2 (Ezr 3:2; 6:14) Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Joshua the son
of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem,
and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
[2] Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of
Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and
with them were the prophets of God helping them.
Haggai 2:20-23
The Promise of God to Zerubbabel
20 The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai
on the 24th day of the month:
21 (Ezr 5:2; Hag 1:1) Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying,
I will shake the heavens and the earth.
22 (Mic 5:10; Jdg 7:22) I will overthrow the throne of the kingdoms.
I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations.
I will overthrow the chariots and their riders. The horses and their riders
will come down, every one by the sword of his brother.
23 (Isa 43:10; 42:1) On that day, says the Lord of Hosts, I will take you,
O Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the Lord,
and I will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,
says the Lord of Hosts.
[10] In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of
Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
[11] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law,
saying,
[12] If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt
do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy?
And the priests answered and said, No.
[13] Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of
these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be
unclean.
[14] Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this
nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and
that which they offer there is unclean.
[15] And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a
stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:
[16] Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures,
there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty
vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.
[17] I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the
labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD.
[18] Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day
of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD's
temple was laid, consider it.
[19] Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree,
and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this
day will I bless you.
Zechariah 1:7-21
Vision of the Horsemen
7 (Zec 1:1) On the 24th day, in the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat,
during the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet
Zechariah, son of Berekiah, son of Iddo:
8 (Rev 6:4; Zec 6:2-7; Isa 41:19) I saw during the night a man riding on
a red horse. But he was standing among the myrtle trees that were
in the ravine, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses.
9 (Zec 4:4-5; 1:19) And I said, "What are these, my lord?"
Then the angel who was speaking with me said,
"I will show you what these are."
10 (Zec 1:11; 6:5-8) Then the man who was standing among the myrtle trees
responded and said, “These are the ones whom the Lord has sent out to walk to
and fro on the earth."
11 (Zec 1:10; 1:8) They answered and said to the angel of the Lord
who was standing among the myrtle trees,
"We have gone to and fro on the earth,
and all the earth is resting and peaceful."
12 (Ps 102:13; Jer 29:10) Then the angel of the Lord said,
"How much longer, O Lord of Hosts, will You withhold mercy
from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah with which
You have been angry these seventy years?"
13 (Isa 40:1-2; Jer 29:10) And the Lord answered the angel speaking
to me with good and comforting words.
14 (Joel 2:18; Isa 40:6) So the angel who spoke with me said, Cry out,
saying: Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I have a great jealousy
for Jerusalem and Zion.
15 (Isa 54:8; Zec 1:2) And I have a great anger for those nations
who are at ease, for while I was angry but a little,
they helped to increase evil.
16 (Zec 4:9; 8:3) Therefore thus says the Lord: I have returned to Jerusalem
with mercy, and My house will be built in it, says the Lord of Hosts,
and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem.
17 (Isa 51:3; Zec 2:12) Cry out again, saying, Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Yet again My cities will overflow with goodness,
and again the Lord will comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.
The Vision of the Horns and Craftsmen
18 And I then lifted up my eyes, and I saw four horns.
19 (Zec 1:21; 1:9) And I said to the angel speaking to me, "What are these?"
And he answered, "These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel,
and Jerusalem."
20 Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen.
21 (Ps 75:4-5; Zec 1:19) And I said, "What are these coming to do?"
And he said, "These are the horns that scattered Judah
after which no one could raise his head; and these four craftsmen
have come to terrify and throw down the horns of the nations
who lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it."
[7] Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the
month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD
unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
[8] I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he
stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him
were there red horses, speckled, and white.
[9] Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with
me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.
[10] And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These
are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
[11] And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle
trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold,
all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.
[12] Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long
wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against
which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?
[13] And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words
and comfortable words.
[14] So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus
saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a
great jealousy.
[15] And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I
was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.
[16] Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies:
my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be
stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
[17] Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through
prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion,
and shall yet choose Jerusalem.
[18] Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.
[19] And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he
answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and
Jerusalem.
[20] And the LORD shewed me four carpenters.
[21] Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the
horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but
these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which
lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.
Zechariah 2
The Vision of the Man With the Measuring Line
1 (Eze 40:3; Zec 1:16) And I lifted up my eyes, and I saw a man with
a measuring cord in his hand.
2 (Jer 31:39; Rev 21:15-17) And I said, "Where are you going?"
And he responded, "To measure Jerusalem
and to note what is its width and length."
3 (Zec 1:19) Then the angel who was speaking with me went out,
and then another angel came out to meet him,
4 (Jer 1:6; 31:27) and said to him, "Run, say to this young man:
Jerusalem will be inhabited as villages without walls,
because of the multitude of men and animals in her.
5 (Isa 4:5; 60:18-19)And I will be like a wall of fire all around her,
says the Lord, and I will be as glory in her midst."
Interlude: An Appeal to the Exiles
6 (Eze 17:21; Isa 48:20) Up, up, flee from the northern land,
says the Lord, for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven,
says the Lord.
7 (Isa 48:20; 52:11) Deliver yourself, O Zion,
you who live with the daughter of Babylon.
8 (Dt 32:10; Ps 17:8) For thus says the Lord of Hosts: He has sent Me
after glory to the nations which plunder you, for he who touches
you touches the apple of His eye.
9 (Isa 14:2; 19:16) For I will swing My hand against them,
and they will become plunder for their servants.
Then you will know well that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me.
10 (Zec 8:3; Lev 26:12) Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion,
for I am coming and will dwell in your midst, says the Lord.
11 And many nations will join themselves with the Lord in that day,
and they will be My people. And I will reside in your midst,
and you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me to you.
12 (Dt 32:9; Zec 1:17) And the Lord will possess Judah as His portion
in the holy land, and He will again choose Jerusalem.
13 (Ps 68:5; Hab 2:20) Be still, all flesh before the Lord, for He is
stirred from His holy habitation.
[1] I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a
measuring line in his hand.
[2] Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure
Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length
thereof.
[3] And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel
went out to meet him,
[4] And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall
be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle
therein:
[5] For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and
will be the glory in the midst of her.
[6] Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD:
for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the
LORD.
[7] Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.
[8] For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto
the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple
of his eye.
[9] For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil
to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.
[10] Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell
in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
[11] And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be
my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that
the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.
[12] And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and
shall choose Jerusalem again.
[13] Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his
holy habitation.
Zechariah 3
The Vision of Joshua the High Priest
1 (Ps 109:6; Zec 6:11) Then he showed me Joshua, the high priest,
standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing
at his right hand to accuse him.
2 (Am 4:11; Jude 1:9) And the Lord said to Satan, "The Lord rebuke you, Satan!
The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebukes you! Is this not a burning brand
taken out of the fire?"
3 (Isa 64:6; Ezr 9:15) Now Joshua had on filthy garments and was standing
before the angel.
4 (Isa 61:10; Eze 36:25) And he said to those standing before him,
"Take off his filthy garments."
Then he said, "See that I have removed from you your iniquity,
and I will clothe you with rich robes."
5 (Ex 29:6; Zec 6:11) And I said, "Let them place a pure turban on his head."
So they put a pure turban on his head and garments on him.
And the angel of the Lord was standing by.
6 (Zec 3:1) And the angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying,
7 (Ge 26:5; Lev 8:35) "Thus says the Lord of Hosts: If you walk in My ways
and keep My charge, then you will judge My house and guard My courts,
and I will give to you access to these who are standing here.
8 (Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5) "Hear this, O Joshua the high priest,
you and your friends sitting before you, for these men are a sign.
I am bringing My servant, the Branch.
9 (Isa 28:16; Jer 50:20) The stone that I have set before Joshua,
on that single stone is seven eyes. And I will engrave an inscription,
says the Lord of Hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land
in one day.
10 (1Ki 4:25; Mic 4:4) "On that day, says the Lord of Hosts, each of you will
invite your companion to come and sit under the vine and under the fig tree."
[1] And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the
LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
[2] And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the
LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out
of the fire?
[3] Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
[4] And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take
away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have
caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change
of raiment.
[5] And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair
mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the
LORD stood by.
[6] And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,
[7] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou
wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also
keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.
[8] Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit
before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth
my servant the BRANCH.
[9] For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone
shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the
LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
[10] In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his
neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.
Zechariah 4
The Vision of the Gold Lampstand
1 (Jer 31:26; Da 8:18) And the angel who was speaking with me returned
and woke me up like a man who is roused from his sleep.
2 Rev 4:5; 1:12And he said to me, "What do you see?"
And I responded, "I see a completely gold lampstand and a bowl at its top,
with seven lights on it, and seven pipes on it for each lamp in order
to light them.
3 (Rev 11:4) And there are two olive trees next to it, one on the right
of the bowl and one on the left."
4 (Zec 1:9; 6:4) So I answered and I asked the angel speaking with me,
"What are these, my lord?"
5 (Zec 4:13) Then the angel speaking with me responded,
"Do you really not know what these are?"
And I said, "No, my lord."
6 (Hos 1:7; Isa 11:2-4) And he said to me: "This is the word of the Lord
to Zerubbabel, saying: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,
says the Lord of Hosts.
7 (Jer 51:25; Ps 114:4) "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel
you will be made level ground, and he will bring out the top stone amidst
shouting of 'Grace! Grace to the stone!' "
8Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
9 (Ezr 5:16; 6:14-15) "The hands of Zerubbabel have established
the foundation of this house, and they will even complete it.
Then you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me to all of you.
10 (Hag 2:3; Zec 3:9) "For who has despised the day of small things?
These seven will rejoice and see the plumb line in the hand
of Zerubbabel. These are the eyes of the Lord, which survey to
and fro throughout the earth."
11 (Zec 4:3; Rev 11:4) Then I answered and I asked, "
"What are these two olives trees on the right and left of the lampstand?"
12 And I asked a second time, "What are these two branches of the olive trees
that are next to the two golden pipes from which they pour out the gold oil?"
13 (Zec 4:5) And he asked me, "Do you not know what these are?"
I responded, "No, my lord."
14 (Ex 29:7; 40:15) He answered, "These are the two anointed ones
who stand by the Lord of all the earth."
[1] And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man
that is wakened out of his sleep,
[2] And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold
a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven
lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top
thereof:
[3] And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the
other upon the left side thereof.
[4] So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What
are these, my lord?
[5] Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest
thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
[6] Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD
unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith
the LORD of hosts.
[7] Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a
plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings,
crying, Grace, grace unto it.
[8] Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[9] The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his
hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath
sent me unto you.
[10] For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice,
and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they
are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
[11] Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon
the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
[12] And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive
branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of
themselves?
[13] And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I
said, No, my lord.
[14] Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD
of the whole earth.
Zechariah 5
The Vision of the Flying Scroll
1 Then I turned and lifted up my eyes and saw a flying scroll.
2 (Zec 4:2) He asked me, "What do you see?"
And I responded, "I see a flying scroll with its length as twenty cubits
and its width as ten cubits."
[About 30 feet long and 15 feet wide, or 9 meters long and 4.5 meters wide.]
3 (Ex 20:15; Isa 24:6) He said to me, "This is the curse going out
over the surface of all the land. Everyone who steals will be purged
according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears falsely
will be purged according to the writing on the other side.
4 (Lev 14:34-45; Job 18:15) I will send it out, says the Lord of Hosts,
and it will enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears
falsely by My name. It will remain in his house and consume it,
with its timber and stones."
The Vision of the Woman in the Basket
5 (Zec 1:9) Then the angel who was speaking with me came out, saying,
"Now lift up your eyes and see what this is that is going forth."
6 (Am 8:5) And I asked, "What is it?"
He said, "This is the ephah basket going forth.
This represents their iniquity throughout all the land."
7 The lead cover was lifted,
and there was a woman sitting in the ephah basket.
8 And he said, "This is wickedness." And he threw her back into the basket
and then thrust back the lead stone over its opening.
9 Then I lifted my eyes and saw coming forward two women. There was wind
in their wings, and the wings were like those of a stork,
and they lifted up and carried the ephah basket between heaven and earth.
10 Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me,
"Where are they carrying the basket?"
11 (Ge 10:10; 11:2) He responded, "To build a house for it in the land
of Shinar. And when the house is established, the basket will be set
there on a pedestal."
[1] Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying
roll.
[2] And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying
roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.
[3] Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face
of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this
side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on
that side according to it.
[4] I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into
the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by
my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it
with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.
[5] Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up
now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.
[6] And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth.
He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth.
[7] And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman
that sitteth in the midst of the ephah.
[8] And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the
ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof.
[9] Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two
women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of
a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.
[10] Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the
ephah?
[11] And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it
shall be established, and set there upon her own base.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/09/a-heavenly-reunion
Entitled "A Heavenly Reunion"
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Lord's Coming
13 (Eph 2:12; Lev 19:28) But I would not have you ignorant, brothers,
concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others
who have no hope.
14 (1Th 4:13; Rev 1:18) For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again,
so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 (1Ki 20:35) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord,
that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord
will not precede those who are asleep.
16 (1Co 15:23; Jude 1:9) For the Lord Himself will descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel,
and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 (Jn 12:26; Ac 1:9) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we
shall be forever with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them
which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also
which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are
alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which
are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ
shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
When writing my mom's obituary, I felt that the word died seemed too final
for the hope I had in our promised reunion in heaven. So, I wrote: "She was
welcomed into the arms of Jesus." Still, some days I grieve when looking at
the more current family photos that don't include my mom. Recently, though,
I discovered a painter who creates family portraits to include those we've
lost. The artist uses the photos of loved ones who have gone before us to
paint them into the picture of the family. With strokes of a paintbrush, this
artist represents God's promise of a heavenly reunion. I shed grateful tears
at the thought of seeing my mom smiling by my side again.
The apostle Paul affirms that believers in Jesus may not grieve as others
who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13). "For if we believe that Jesus died
and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus."(v. 14). Paul acknowledges Jesus' second coming and proclaims
that all believers will be reunited with Jesus (v. 17).
God's promise of a heavenly reunion can comfort us when we're grieving the
loss of a loved one who has trusted Jesus. Our promised future with our
risen King also provides enduring hope when we face our own immortality,
until the day Jesus comes or calls us home.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
How has God used the promise of a heavenly reunion to comfort you
in your grief? Why does the promise of a heavenly reunion give you great hope?
Loving Saviour, thank You for giving me an enduring hope
to share with others until the day You call me home or come again.
For further study, read
Life to Come.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 6 - Eternal Life, Beginning now
John 10:28 - I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand.
28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
In C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, one of the Spirits in heaven, identifying
himself as George MacDonald, makes some startling statements on the nature of
eternal life. Depending upon the individual's choice for or against Christ,
MacDonald says, everything in life takes on the character of haven or hell.
"At the end of ALL THINGS, when the sun rises here (in heaven) and the twilight
turns to blackness down there, the Blessed will say, 'We have never lived
anywhere except in Heaven,' and the Lost, 'We were always in Hell.'
And both will speak truly" - From the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.
Lewis was not trying to make a theological case, but to demonstrate
a principle: eternal life begins now.
The choices that we make for or against obedience to God, the life we live,
the patterns we establish, all move us in one direction of the other.
And when we have decided to choose obedience to God (the forsakeness of sin),
when we give ourselves fully into his hands, he is able to take the worst of
circumstances and redeem them for our good, use them to mature us in his image.
Again Jesus says in John 10:28
"I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand. "
In Christ is a very secure place to be. No experience is lost, no pain is
wasted. Everything in our lives is redeemed by God for our benefit.
Application
a) How have I experienced the truth that "eternal life begins now"?
b) How can this verse help me put life in perspective during times
of stress and anxiety?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ecclesiates 11:1
1 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42; Heb 6:10) Cast your bread upon the waters,
for you will find it after many days
1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Romans 8:31-39
The Love of God
31 (Ps 118:6; Ro 4:1) What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 (Jn 3:16; Ro 4:25) He who did not spare His own Son,
but delivered Him up for us all, how shall
He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 (Rev 12:10-11; Isa 50:8-9) Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?
It is God who justifies.
34 (Heb 7:25; Mk 16:19; Ro 8:1) Who is he who condemns?
It is Christ who died, yes, who is risen, who is also
at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
35 (1Co 4:11) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 (Ps 44:22; 1Co 15:30)As it is written:
"For Your sake we are killed all day long;
we are counted as sheep for the slaughter." (Ps 44:22.)
37 (1Co 15:57; Gal 2:20) No, in all these things we are more
than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present
nor things to come,
39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
More than Conquerors
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,
who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?
It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather,
that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God,
who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation,
or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written,
For thy sake we are killed all the day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels,
nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate
us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our 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?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
9th Day of the Month
a) Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,
faithfulness and provision.
(
Ps 100
A Psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;
it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise;
be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100
A Psalm of praise.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God:
It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise:
Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;
And his truth endureth to all generations.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways
to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.
(
1 Chr 12:32
32 (Est 1:13) From the sons of Issachar,
those having understanding of times
and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains
with all their brothers at their command.
32 And of the children of Issachar,
which were men that had understanding of the times,
to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred;
and all their brethren were at their commandment
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to get rid of doubt and corruption in your life.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Savior, thank You for giving me an enduring
hope to share with others until the day You call me home or come again. "
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for his gift of salvation to start eternal
life.
Pray to the Lord and give Him all your risks.
Pray to the Lord and remember He will not separate from those who love Him.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
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 a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,
faithfulness and provision.
Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways
to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.
Pray for President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev and the country's other
governmental leaders .
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
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