Day 260 of My Second Bible Study Journey - 17 September reflections
Day 260, 17 September 2022
1) Nehemiah 7:4-73,8:1-12
Nehemiah 7:4-73
4 Now the city was large and spacious, yet the people in it were few
since there had been no houses built.
The List of Returned Exiles
Ezr 2:1-70
5 So my God put an idea in my mind, and I gathered the nobles, the officials,
and the people together to conduct a genealogy registration. When I found
the book of the genealogical register, it contained the list of those
who first came back. I found written in it:
6 (Ezr 2:1-70) These are the people of the province who returned
from the captivity of the exiles whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon
had carried away, but came back to Jerusalem and to Judah,
everyone to his city.
7 (Ezr 2:2) Those who came with Zerubbabel were Joshua, Nehemiah,
Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai,
Nehum, and Baanah.
The number of the men of the people of Israel was this:
8 The sons of Parosh, 2172;
9 the sons of Shephatiah, 372;
10 (Ezr 2:5) the sons of Arah, six hundred and fifty-two;
11 (Ezr 2:6) the sons of Pahath-Moab, of the sons of Jeshua and Joab,
two thousand eight hundred and eighteen;
12 the sons of Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
13 (Ezr 2:8) the sons of Zattu, eight hundred and forty-five;
14 the sons of Zakkai, seven hundred and sixty;
15 (Ezr 2:10) the sons of Binnui, six hundred and forty-eight;
16 the sons of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-eight;
17 (Ezr 2:12) the sons of Azgad, two thousand three hundred and twenty-two;
18 the sons of Adonikam, six hundred and sixty-seven;
19 the sons of Bigvai, two thousand and sixty-seven;
20 (Ezr 2:15) the sons of Adin, six hundred and fifty-five;
21 the sons of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety-eight;
22 (Ezr 2:19) the sons of Hashum, three hundred and twenty-eight;
23 (Ezr 2:17) the sons of Bezai, three hundred and twenty-four;
24 the sons of Hariph, one hundred and twelve;
25 (Ezr 2:20) the sons of Gibeon, ninety-five.
26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred and eighty-eight;
27 the men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight;
28 (Ezr 2:24) the men of Beth Azmaveth, forty-two;
29 (Jos 18:25; Ezr 2:25) the men of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth,
seven hundred and forty-three;
30 the men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred and twenty-one;
31 the men of Mikmash, one hundred and twenty-two;
32 (Ezr 2:28) the men of Bethel and Ai, one hundred and twenty-three;
33 the men of the other Nebo, fifty-two;
34 (Ne 7:12) the sons of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
35 the sons of Harim, three hundred and twenty;
36 the sons of Jericho, three hundred and forty-five;
37 (1Ch 8:12) the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred and twenty-one;
38 the sons of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.
Priestly Leaders
39 The priests:
the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred and seventy-three;
40 (1Ch 24:14)the sons of Immer, one thousand and fifty-two;
41 (1Ch 9:12) the sons of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred and forty-seven;
42 (1Ch 24:8) the sons of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.
43 (Ezr 2:40) The Levites:
the sons of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the sons of Hodaviah, seventy-four.
44 The singers:
the sons of Asaph, one hundred and forty-eight.
45 The gatekeepers:
the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub,
the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, one hundred and thirty-eight.
46 The temple servants:
the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
47 (Ezr 2:44)the sons of Keros, the sons of Sia, the sons of Padon,
48 the sons of Lebana, the sons of Hagaba, the sons of Shalmai,
49 the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar,
50 the sons of Reaiah, the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda,
51 the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah,
52 (Ezr 2:50) the sons of Besai, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephusim,
53 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
54 (Ezr 2:52) the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
55 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,
56 the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
57 (Ezr 2:55) The sons of Solomon's servants:
the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida,
58the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
59 (Ezr 2:57)the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil,
the sons of Pokereth-Hazzebaim, the sons of Amon.
60 All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon's servants
were three hundred and ninety-two.
61 (Ezr 2:59) These were they who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha,
Kerub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not show their fathers' houses
nor their lineage-whether they were of Israel:
62 The sons of
Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, six hundred and forty-two.
63 Of the priests:
the sons of
Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai, who married
one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called by their name.
64 These sought for their fathers' registration in the genealogical registry,
but it was not found. Therefore, they were considered as unclean
and removed from the priesthood.
65 (Ne 8:9; Ex 28:30) The magistrate said to them that they should not eat
of the most holy things until there was an appointed priest
with Urim and Thummim.
66 (Ezr 2:64) The whole congregation together was 42360,
67 besides their male and female servants, which numbered 7337;
and they had two hundred and forty-five male and female singers.
68 Their horses were seven hundred and thirty-six; their mules,
two hundred and forty-five;
69 their camels, four hundred and thirty-five; the donkeys,
six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
70 (Ne 8:9) Some of the chiefs of the fathers' households gave to the work.
The magistrate gave to the treasury one thousand gold drachmas,
[About 19 pounds, or 8.4 kilograms.]
fifty basins, and five hundred and thirty priests' garments.
71 Others of the chiefs of the fathers' households gave to the treasury
for the work twenty thousand gold drachmas
[About 375 pounds, or 170 kilograms; and in v. 72.]
and two thousand two hundred silver minas.
[About 1 1/3 tons, or 1.2 metric tons. ]
72 What the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand gold drachmas,
two thousand silver minas,
[About 1 1/4 tons, or 1.1 metric tons.]
and sixty-seven priests' garments.
73 So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers,
some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel lived in their cities.
[4] Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and
the houses were not builded.
[5] And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the
rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I
found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and
found written therein,
[6] These are the children of the province, that went up out of the
captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king
of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every
one unto his city;
[7] Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani,
Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of
the men of the people of Israel was this;
[8] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
[9] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
[10] The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.
[11] The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two
thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.
[12] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[13] The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.
[14] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
[15] The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.
[16] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.
[17] The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.
[18] The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.
[19] The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.
[20] The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.
[21] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
[22] The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.
[23] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.
[24] The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve.
[25] The children of Gibeon, ninety and five.
[26] The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.
[27] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
[28] The men of Beth-azmaveth, forty and two.
[29] The men of Kirjath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty
and three.
[30] The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.
[31] The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.
[32] The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.
[33] The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.
[34] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[35] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
[36] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
[37] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.
[38] The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.
[39] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine
hundred seventy and three.
[40] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
[41] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
[42] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
[43] The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the
children of Hodevah, seventy and four.
[44] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.
[45] The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the
children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the
children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.
[46] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the
children of Tabbaoth,
[47] The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,
[48] The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of
Shalmai,
[49] The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,
[50] The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,
[51] The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,
[52] The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of
Nephishesim,
[53] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of
Harhur,
[54] The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of
Harsha,
[55] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,
[56] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
[57] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children
of Sophereth, the children of Perida,
[58] The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
[59] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of
Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.
[60] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three
hundred ninety and two.
[61] And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha,
Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor
their seed, whether they were of Israel.
[62] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of
Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.
[63] And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the
children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the
Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.
[64] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from
the priesthood.
[65] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most
holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.
[66] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three
hundred and threescore,
[67] Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were
seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred
forty and five singing men and singing women.
[68] Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred
forty and five:
[69] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred
and twenty asses.
[70] And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha
gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred
and thirty priests' garments.
[71] And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work
twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of
silver.
[72] And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of
gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests'
garments.
[73] So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and
some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their
cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in
their cities.
Nehemiah 8:1-12
1 (Ezr 7:6; Ne 3:26) All the people gathered together as one man in the area
in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring
the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
2 (Lev 23:24; Nu 29:1) On the first day of the seventh month,
Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation of men, women,
and all who could listen with understanding.
3 In the area in front of the Water Gate, he read aloud from sunrise until
midday to the men, women, and those who could understand.
All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
4 Ezra the scribe stood on a raised wood platform, which they had made
for the purpose. Beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah,
and Maaseiah on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, Mishael,
Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5 (Jdg 3:20; 1Ki 8:14) Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people
(because he was above all the people), and, as he opened it, all the people
stood up.
6 (Ex 4:31; Ne 5:13)When Ezra blessed the Lord as the great God, all
the people responded "Amen, Amen!" By lifting up their hands as they bowed
their heads, they worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 (Ne 9:4; Ezr 10:22-23; Ne 3:23Then Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub,
Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah,
and the Levites, explained the Law to the people while the people stood in
their place.
8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, with interpretation, and
they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
9 (Ne 7:65; 7:70) Then Nehemiah the magistrate, Ezra the priest and scribe,
and the Levites who were teaching the people said to all the people, "This
day is holy to the Lord your God. Stop mourning and weeping." (This was
because all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.)
10 (Dt 26:11-13; Est 9:19) Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat,
drink the sweet drink, and send portions to those for whom nothing is
prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy
of the Lord is your strength."
11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying,
"Hush! Because today is holy you should stop being so sorrowful."
12 (Ne 8:7-8) Then all the people went to eat, to drink, to send portions,
and to enjoy a great celebration because they had understood the words
declared to them.
[1] And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the
street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe
to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to
Israel.
[2] And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men
and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first
day of the seventh month.
[3] And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate
from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that
could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the
book of the law.
[4] And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for
the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and
Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand,
Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah,
and Meshullam.
[5] And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was
above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
[6] And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered,
Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and
worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
[7] Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah,
Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused
the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
[8] So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the
sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
[9] And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe,
and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day
is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people
wept, when they heard the words of the law.
[10] Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet,
and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is
holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your
strength.
[11] So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the
day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
[12] And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send
portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words
that were declared unto them.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/17/deep-water-rescue
Entitled "Deep-Water Rescue"
Psalm 18:1-3,16-19
1 I love You, O Lord, my strength.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) The Lord is my pillar, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I will be saved from my enemies.
16 He sent from above, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
17 He delivered me from my strong enemy,
and from those who hated me,
for they were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
but the Lord was my support.
19 He also brought me forth into a large place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
[1] I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
[2] The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my
strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation,
and my high tower.
[3] I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be
saved from mine enemies.
[16] He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
[17] He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for
they were too strong for me.
[18] They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
[19] He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because
he delighted in me.
A record rainfall more than tripled what was forecasted in Waverly, Tennessee,
in August 2021. In the wake of the powerful storm, twenty people lost their
lives and hundreds of homes were destroyed. Had it not been for the compassion
and skill of helicopter pilot Joel Boyers, the loss of human life would’ve been
even greater.
The pilot took flight in response to a phone call from a woman who was
concerned about her loved ones. In addition to seeing houses on fire and cars
in trees, Boyers noted, "It was nothing but [muddy], raging water below me."
The pilot, however, bravely proceeded to rescue twelve people
from the roofs of their homes.
More often than not in life, the swirling floods we face aren't literal-but
oh, how real! In days of uncertainty and instability, we can feel overwhelmed,
unsafe-"in over our heads" mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
But we don't need to despair.
In Psalm 18, we read how David's enemies were many and mighty, but his God was
greater. How great? So great and powerful (v. 1) that he used multiple
metaphors (v. 2) to describe Him. God was mighty enough to rescue from deep
waters and strong enemies (vv. 16-17). How great? Great enough for us to call
upon Him in the name of Jesus, regardless of the volume and
depth of the "waters" surrounding us in life (v. 3).
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
What deep waters are you facing that compel you to call upon God?
What keeps you from calling on Him?
Strong, saving, rescuing God, in the midst
of my distress, when life's waters are raging, grant me the faith to see
You and cleave to You in every storm.
For further study, read Clinging to Hope in the Storm.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
And every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
And the crooked shall be made straight,
And the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.
Application
a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?
b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?
c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work
God still want to do in me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Philip 4:19
19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according
to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Ps 85:8-13
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I will hear what God the Lord will speak,
for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints,
but let them not turn again to folly.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Surely His salvation is near to them who fear Him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Mercy and truth have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Truth springs from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12 Yes, the Lord gives that which is good,
and our land shall yield its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before Him
and prepare a way for His footsteps.
8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak:
For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints:
But let them not turn again to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him;
That glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth are met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth;
And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good;
And our land shall yield her increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him;
And shall set us in the way of his steps.
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
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for the joy of the Lord to be upon you.
Pray to the Lord: "Strong, saving, rescuing God, in the midst
of my distress, when life's waters are raging, grant me the faith to see
You and cleave to You in every storm."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him do the construction work He needs
to see you through.
Pray to the Lord and remember He supplies all your needs.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for He is salvation.
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 for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
Pray that God will mobilise more Bhutanese Christians to share the Gospel
with the unreached.
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) Nehemiah 7:4-73,8:1-12
Nehemiah 7:4-73
4 Now the city was large and spacious, yet the people in it were few
since there had been no houses built.
The List of Returned Exiles
Ezr 2:1-70
5 So my God put an idea in my mind, and I gathered the nobles, the officials,
and the people together to conduct a genealogy registration. When I found
the book of the genealogical register, it contained the list of those
who first came back. I found written in it:
6 (Ezr 2:1-70) These are the people of the province who returned
from the captivity of the exiles whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon
had carried away, but came back to Jerusalem and to Judah,
everyone to his city.
7 (Ezr 2:2) Those who came with Zerubbabel were Joshua, Nehemiah,
Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai,
Nehum, and Baanah.
The number of the men of the people of Israel was this:
8 The sons of Parosh, 2172;
9 the sons of Shephatiah, 372;
10 (Ezr 2:5) the sons of Arah, six hundred and fifty-two;
11 (Ezr 2:6) the sons of Pahath-Moab, of the sons of Jeshua and Joab,
two thousand eight hundred and eighteen;
12 the sons of Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
13 (Ezr 2:8) the sons of Zattu, eight hundred and forty-five;
14 the sons of Zakkai, seven hundred and sixty;
15 (Ezr 2:10) the sons of Binnui, six hundred and forty-eight;
16 the sons of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-eight;
17 (Ezr 2:12) the sons of Azgad, two thousand three hundred and twenty-two;
18 the sons of Adonikam, six hundred and sixty-seven;
19 the sons of Bigvai, two thousand and sixty-seven;
20 (Ezr 2:15) the sons of Adin, six hundred and fifty-five;
21 the sons of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety-eight;
22 (Ezr 2:19) the sons of Hashum, three hundred and twenty-eight;
23 (Ezr 2:17) the sons of Bezai, three hundred and twenty-four;
24 the sons of Hariph, one hundred and twelve;
25 (Ezr 2:20) the sons of Gibeon, ninety-five.
26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred and eighty-eight;
27 the men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight;
28 (Ezr 2:24) the men of Beth Azmaveth, forty-two;
29 (Jos 18:25; Ezr 2:25) the men of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth,
seven hundred and forty-three;
30 the men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred and twenty-one;
31 the men of Mikmash, one hundred and twenty-two;
32 (Ezr 2:28) the men of Bethel and Ai, one hundred and twenty-three;
33 the men of the other Nebo, fifty-two;
34 (Ne 7:12) the sons of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
35 the sons of Harim, three hundred and twenty;
36 the sons of Jericho, three hundred and forty-five;
37 (1Ch 8:12) the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred and twenty-one;
38 the sons of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.
Priestly Leaders
39 The priests:
the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred and seventy-three;
40 (1Ch 24:14)the sons of Immer, one thousand and fifty-two;
41 (1Ch 9:12) the sons of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred and forty-seven;
42 (1Ch 24:8) the sons of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.
43 (Ezr 2:40) The Levites:
the sons of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the sons of Hodaviah, seventy-four.
44 The singers:
the sons of Asaph, one hundred and forty-eight.
45 The gatekeepers:
the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub,
the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, one hundred and thirty-eight.
46 The temple servants:
the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
47 (Ezr 2:44)the sons of Keros, the sons of Sia, the sons of Padon,
48 the sons of Lebana, the sons of Hagaba, the sons of Shalmai,
49 the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar,
50 the sons of Reaiah, the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda,
51 the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah,
52 (Ezr 2:50) the sons of Besai, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephusim,
53 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
54 (Ezr 2:52) the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
55 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,
56 the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
57 (Ezr 2:55) The sons of Solomon's servants:
the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida,
58the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
59 (Ezr 2:57)the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil,
the sons of Pokereth-Hazzebaim, the sons of Amon.
60 All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon's servants
were three hundred and ninety-two.
61 (Ezr 2:59) These were they who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha,
Kerub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not show their fathers' houses
nor their lineage-whether they were of Israel:
62 The sons of
Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, six hundred and forty-two.
63 Of the priests:
the sons of
Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai, who married
one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called by their name.
64 These sought for their fathers' registration in the genealogical registry,
but it was not found. Therefore, they were considered as unclean
and removed from the priesthood.
65 (Ne 8:9; Ex 28:30) The magistrate said to them that they should not eat
of the most holy things until there was an appointed priest
with Urim and Thummim.
66 (Ezr 2:64) The whole congregation together was 42360,
67 besides their male and female servants, which numbered 7337;
and they had two hundred and forty-five male and female singers.
68 Their horses were seven hundred and thirty-six; their mules,
two hundred and forty-five;
69 their camels, four hundred and thirty-five; the donkeys,
six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
70 (Ne 8:9) Some of the chiefs of the fathers' households gave to the work.
The magistrate gave to the treasury one thousand gold drachmas,
[About 19 pounds, or 8.4 kilograms.]
fifty basins, and five hundred and thirty priests' garments.
71 Others of the chiefs of the fathers' households gave to the treasury
for the work twenty thousand gold drachmas
[About 375 pounds, or 170 kilograms; and in v. 72.]
and two thousand two hundred silver minas.
[About 1 1/3 tons, or 1.2 metric tons. ]
72 What the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand gold drachmas,
two thousand silver minas,
[About 1 1/4 tons, or 1.1 metric tons.]
and sixty-seven priests' garments.
73 So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers,
some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel lived in their cities.
[4] Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and
the houses were not builded.
[5] And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the
rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I
found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and
found written therein,
[6] These are the children of the province, that went up out of the
captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king
of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every
one unto his city;
[7] Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani,
Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of
the men of the people of Israel was this;
[8] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
[9] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
[10] The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.
[11] The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two
thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.
[12] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[13] The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.
[14] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
[15] The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.
[16] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.
[17] The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.
[18] The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.
[19] The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.
[20] The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.
[21] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
[22] The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.
[23] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.
[24] The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve.
[25] The children of Gibeon, ninety and five.
[26] The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.
[27] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
[28] The men of Beth-azmaveth, forty and two.
[29] The men of Kirjath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty
and three.
[30] The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.
[31] The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.
[32] The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.
[33] The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.
[34] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[35] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
[36] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
[37] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.
[38] The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.
[39] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine
hundred seventy and three.
[40] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
[41] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
[42] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
[43] The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the
children of Hodevah, seventy and four.
[44] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.
[45] The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the
children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the
children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.
[46] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the
children of Tabbaoth,
[47] The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,
[48] The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of
Shalmai,
[49] The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,
[50] The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,
[51] The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,
[52] The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of
Nephishesim,
[53] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of
Harhur,
[54] The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of
Harsha,
[55] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,
[56] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
[57] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children
of Sophereth, the children of Perida,
[58] The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
[59] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of
Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.
[60] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three
hundred ninety and two.
[61] And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha,
Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor
their seed, whether they were of Israel.
[62] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of
Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.
[63] And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the
children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the
Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.
[64] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from
the priesthood.
[65] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most
holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.
[66] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three
hundred and threescore,
[67] Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were
seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred
forty and five singing men and singing women.
[68] Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred
forty and five:
[69] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred
and twenty asses.
[70] And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha
gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred
and thirty priests' garments.
[71] And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work
twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of
silver.
[72] And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of
gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests'
garments.
[73] So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and
some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their
cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in
their cities.
Nehemiah 8:1-12
1 (Ezr 7:6; Ne 3:26) All the people gathered together as one man in the area
in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring
the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
2 (Lev 23:24; Nu 29:1) On the first day of the seventh month,
Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation of men, women,
and all who could listen with understanding.
3 In the area in front of the Water Gate, he read aloud from sunrise until
midday to the men, women, and those who could understand.
All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
4 Ezra the scribe stood on a raised wood platform, which they had made
for the purpose. Beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah,
and Maaseiah on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, Mishael,
Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5 (Jdg 3:20; 1Ki 8:14) Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people
(because he was above all the people), and, as he opened it, all the people
stood up.
6 (Ex 4:31; Ne 5:13)When Ezra blessed the Lord as the great God, all
the people responded "Amen, Amen!" By lifting up their hands as they bowed
their heads, they worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 (Ne 9:4; Ezr 10:22-23; Ne 3:23Then Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub,
Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah,
and the Levites, explained the Law to the people while the people stood in
their place.
8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, with interpretation, and
they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
9 (Ne 7:65; 7:70) Then Nehemiah the magistrate, Ezra the priest and scribe,
and the Levites who were teaching the people said to all the people, "This
day is holy to the Lord your God. Stop mourning and weeping." (This was
because all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.)
10 (Dt 26:11-13; Est 9:19) Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat,
drink the sweet drink, and send portions to those for whom nothing is
prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy
of the Lord is your strength."
11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying,
"Hush! Because today is holy you should stop being so sorrowful."
12 (Ne 8:7-8) Then all the people went to eat, to drink, to send portions,
and to enjoy a great celebration because they had understood the words
declared to them.
[1] And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the
street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe
to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to
Israel.
[2] And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men
and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first
day of the seventh month.
[3] And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate
from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that
could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the
book of the law.
[4] And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for
the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and
Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand,
Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah,
and Meshullam.
[5] And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was
above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
[6] And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered,
Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and
worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
[7] Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah,
Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused
the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
[8] So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the
sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
[9] And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe,
and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day
is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people
wept, when they heard the words of the law.
[10] Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet,
and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is
holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your
strength.
[11] So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the
day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
[12] And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send
portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words
that were declared unto them.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/17/deep-water-rescue
Entitled "Deep-Water Rescue"
Psalm 18:1-3,16-19
1 I love You, O Lord, my strength.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) The Lord is my pillar, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I will be saved from my enemies.
16 He sent from above, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
17 He delivered me from my strong enemy,
and from those who hated me,
for they were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
but the Lord was my support.
19 He also brought me forth into a large place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
[1] I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
[2] The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my
strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation,
and my high tower.
[3] I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be
saved from mine enemies.
[16] He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
[17] He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for
they were too strong for me.
[18] They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
[19] He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because
he delighted in me.
A record rainfall more than tripled what was forecasted in Waverly, Tennessee,
in August 2021. In the wake of the powerful storm, twenty people lost their
lives and hundreds of homes were destroyed. Had it not been for the compassion
and skill of helicopter pilot Joel Boyers, the loss of human life would’ve been
even greater.
The pilot took flight in response to a phone call from a woman who was
concerned about her loved ones. In addition to seeing houses on fire and cars
in trees, Boyers noted, "It was nothing but [muddy], raging water below me."
The pilot, however, bravely proceeded to rescue twelve people
from the roofs of their homes.
More often than not in life, the swirling floods we face aren't literal-but
oh, how real! In days of uncertainty and instability, we can feel overwhelmed,
unsafe-"in over our heads" mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
But we don't need to despair.
In Psalm 18, we read how David's enemies were many and mighty, but his God was
greater. How great? So great and powerful (v. 1) that he used multiple
metaphors (v. 2) to describe Him. God was mighty enough to rescue from deep
waters and strong enemies (vv. 16-17). How great? Great enough for us to call
upon Him in the name of Jesus, regardless of the volume and
depth of the "waters" surrounding us in life (v. 3).
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
What deep waters are you facing that compel you to call upon God?
What keeps you from calling on Him?
Strong, saving, rescuing God, in the midst
of my distress, when life's waters are raging, grant me the faith to see
You and cleave to You in every storm.
For further study, read Clinging to Hope in the Storm.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
And every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
And the crooked shall be made straight,
And the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.
Application
a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?
b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?
c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work
God still want to do in me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Philip 4:19
19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according
to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Ps 85:8-13
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I will hear what God the Lord will speak,
for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints,
but let them not turn again to folly.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Surely His salvation is near to them who fear Him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Mercy and truth have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Truth springs from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12 Yes, the Lord gives that which is good,
and our land shall yield its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before Him
and prepare a way for His footsteps.
8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak:
For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints:
But let them not turn again to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him;
That glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth are met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth;
And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good;
And our land shall yield her increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him;
And shall set us in the way of his steps.
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
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for the joy of the Lord to be upon you.
Pray to the Lord: "Strong, saving, rescuing God, in the midst
of my distress, when life's waters are raging, grant me the faith to see
You and cleave to You in every storm."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him do the construction work He needs
to see you through.
Pray to the Lord and remember He supplies all your needs.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for He is salvation.
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 for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
Pray that God will mobilise more Bhutanese Christians to share the Gospel
with the unreached.
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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