Day 261 of my second Bible Study Journey - 18 Sept reflections
Day 261, 18 September 2022
At Calvarycommunity.ca , Lead Pastor Barry spoke about Why so much JOY in
Philippians.
Acts 16:14-25
14 (Lk 24:45; Ac 18:7) A woman named Lydia, a seller of purple fabric
of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard us.
The Lord opened her heart to acknowledge what Paul said.
15 (Ac 11:14; Heb 13:2) When she and her household were baptized,
she entreated us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord,
come to my house and remain there." And she persuaded us.
The Imprisonment in Philippi
16 (1Sa 28:7; 1Ch 10:13) On one occasion, as we went to the place of prayer,
a servant girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us,
who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
17 (Mk 5:7; Da 3:26) She followed Paul and us, shouting,
"These men are servants of the Most High God,
who proclaim to us the way of salvation."
18 (Mk 16:17; 1:34) She did this for many days. But becoming greatly
troubled, Paul turned to the spirit and said,
"I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her."
And it came out at that moment.
19 (Ac 21:30; 8:3) When her masters saw that the hope of their profits
was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace
to the rulers.
20 (Ac 28:22) And they brought them to the magistrates, saying,
"These men, being Jews, greatly trouble our city
21 (Est 3:8; Ac 16:12) and teach customs which are not lawful for us,
being Romans, to receive or observe."
22 (1Th 2:2; 2Co 6:5) The crowd rose up together against them.
And the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them.
23 After they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison,
commanding the jailer to guard them securely.
24 (Job 13:27; 33:11) Having received such an order, he threw them into
the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 (Job 35:10; Ps 42:8) At midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
[14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of
Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that
she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
[15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying,
If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and
abide there. And she constrained us.
[16] And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed
with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by
soothsaying:
[17] The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
[18] And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to
the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.
And he came out the same hour.
[19] And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they
caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
[20] And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do
exceedingly trouble our city,
[21] And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to
observe, being Romans.
[22] And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates
rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
[23] And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into
prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
[24] Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison,
and made their feet fast in the stocks.
[25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and
the prisoners heard them.
Matthew 5:11-12
11 “Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you,
and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12 Rejoice and be very glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you,
and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in
heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Acts 16:26-34
26 (Ac 4:31; 12:7) Suddenly there was a great earthquake,
so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.
And immediately all the doors were opened
and everyone's shackles were loosened.
27 (Ac 12:19) When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors open,
he drew his sword and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
28 But Paul shouted, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."
29 He called for lights and rushed in, trembling,
and fell down before Paul and Silas.
30 (Ac 2:37; 22:10) He then led them out and asked,
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 (Mk 16:16; Jn 1:12) They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,
and you and your household will be saved."
32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him
and to all who were in his household.
33 (Ac 16:15; 16:25) In that hour of the night he took them
and washed their wounds. And immediately he and his entire household
were baptized.
34 (Ac 2:46) Then he brought them up to his house and set food before them.
And he rejoiced with his entire household believing in God.
[26] And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of
the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every
one's bands were loosed.
[27] And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the
prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
[28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we
are all here.
[29] Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell
down before Paul and Silas,
[30] And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
[31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house.
[32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in
his house.
[33] And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes;
and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
[34] And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them,
and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Philippians 1:1-3
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians
3 I thank my God for every reminder of you.
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Heart of the Apostle
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
1) Nehemiah 8:13 - 10
Nehemiah 8:13-18
The Feast of Tabernacles
13 On the second day, the chiefs of the fathers' households
of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered to Ezra
the scribe in order to understand the words of the Law.
14 (Lev 23:34) They found written in the Law where the Lord had commanded
by Moses that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast
of the seventh month,
15 (Lev 23:4; 23:40) and that they should publish and proclaim
in all their cities and in Jerusalem, "Go out to the hills
and bring olive branches, along with wild olive branches, myrtle branches,
palm branches, and other leafy branches to make booths, as it was written."
16 (2Ki 14:13; Ne 12:39) So the people went out and brought back branches
and made themselves booths. Each household did so on its roof, in their yard,
on the grounds of the house of God, in the area in front of the Water Gate,
or in the area at the Gate of Ephraim.
17 (2Ch 8:13; 7:8-10) All the congregation who had returned from captivity
made booths and lived in them. Not since the days of Joshua the son of Nun
to that day had the children of Israel done so, and there was a tremendously
great feast.
18 (Lev 23:36; Nu 29:35) And day by day, from the first day to the last day,
he read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast seven
days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly as required.
[13] And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers
of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even
to understand the words of the law.
[14] And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by
Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of
the seventh month:
[15] And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in
Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and
pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick
trees, to make booths, as it is written.
[16] So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths,
every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts
of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street
of the gate of Ephraim.
[17] And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the
captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of
Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so.
And there was very great gladness.
[18] Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the
book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the
eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
Nehemiah 9
The Israelites Confess Their Sins
1 (Jos 7:6; 1Sa 4:12) Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children
of Israel were assembled with fasting and sackcloth,
and there was dirt on them.
2 (Ezr 10:11; Ne 13:3) The offspring of Israel separated themselves
from all the foreigners and then stood and confessed their sins
and the iniquities of their fathers.
3 (Ne 8:7-8) They stood in their place and read from the Book of the Law
of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day. And for another fourth,
they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God.
4 (Ne 8:7) Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani,
and Kenani stood up on the stairs of the Levites
and cried with a loud voice to the Lord their God.
5 (1Ch 29:13) Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah,
Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said:
"Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever! Let them
bless Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
6 (Ge 1:1; 2:1; 2Ki 19:15) You alone are the Lord. You have made heaven,
the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it,
the seas and all that is in them; and You preserve them all.
And the host of heaven worships You.
7 (Ge 11:31; 17:5) "You are the Lord God who chose Abram and brought him out
of Ur of the Chaldeans. You gave him the name Abraham
8 (Ge 15:6; 15:18-21)and found his heart faithful before You. And You made
a covenant with him to give him the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites,
the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites-to give it
to his seed. Indeed, You have fulfilled Your words because You are righteous.
9 "When You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry
by the Red Sea,
10 (Jer 32:20; Da 9:15) You enacted signs and wonders against Pharaoh,
against all his servants, and against all the people of his land because
You knew how arrogantly they had acted against them. Thus, You made a name
for Yourself, as it is this day.
11 (Ps 78:13; Ex 14:21-22) You divided the sea before them, so they might
pass through the midst of the sea on dry ground, and cast their pursuers
into the deep like a stone into stormy waters.
12 (Ex 13:21-22; Ne 9:19) By day You led them with a pillar of cloud,
and by night with a pillar of fire to light the way for them to go.
13 (Ex 20:1; 19:11) "You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them
from heaven and gave them just requirements, true laws, good statutes
and commandments.
14 (Ge 2:3; Ex 20:8-11) You also revealed to them Your Holy Sabbath and,
by the hand of Moses Your servant, set in place for them the precepts,
statutes, and laws.
15 (Ex 17:6; Dt 1:8) You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger
and brought water out of the rock for them for their thirst. You told
them to enter in order to possess the land which You had sworn to give them.
16 (Dt 31:27; Ne 9:10) "But they and our fathers acted proudly and hardened
their necks and did not obey Your commandments.
17 (Ps 78:11; 86:5) They refused to obey and were not mindful of Your wonders
that You performed among them. But they hardened their necks and in their
rebellion appointed a leader to return to their bondage. But You are a God
ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding
in kindness, and did not forsake them.
18 (Ex 32:4-8) "Even when they had made themselves a molded calf and said,
'This is your god that brought you out of Egypt,'
and committed terrible provocations,
19 (Ne 9:12; 9:27) yet You in Your great mercy did not forsake them
in the wilderness: The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day,
to lead them in the way, nor the pillar of fire by night, to light for them
the way they should go.
20 (Nu 11:17; Ex 16:15) You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them,
did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, and gave them water
for their thirst.
21 (Dt 2:7; 8:4) Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness,
so that they lacked nothing-their clothing did not wear out
nor did their feet swell.
22 (Nu 21:21-35) "You gave them kingdoms and nations,
and You divided them as boundaries. They possessed the land of Sihon,
which was the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og,
the king of Bashan.
23 (Ge 15:5; 22:17) Their descendants You increased like the stars
of heaven, and You brought them into the land, which You had promised
to their fathers that they would enter and possess it.
24 (Jos 11:23; 18:1) So the descendants went in and possessed the land,
and You subdued for them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites,
and gave them into their hands-with their kings and the peoples of the land
-to do with them as they would.
25 (Dt 32:15; 3:5) They captured unassailable cities and a fertile land.
They possessed houses full of all goods, wells dug, vineyards, olive groves,
and fruit trees in abundance, so they ate, were filled, and became fat,
and they indulged themselves in Your great goodness.
26 (1Ki 14:9; Jdg 2:11-12) "Nevertheless they became disobedient,
and rebelled against You, and cast Your law behind their backs,
and killed Your prophets who had warned them to turn back to You.
But they committed terrible provocations.
27 Therefore You delivered them into the hand of their enemies,
who afflicted them. When they cried to You in the time of their affliction,
You heard from heaven, and, according to Your abundant mercy, You gave them
deliverers who delivered them out of the hand of their enemies.
28 (Jdg 3:11-12; 3:30) "But after they had rest, they again did evil before
You. Therefore You abandoned them to the hand of their enemies, so that
they had dominion over them. Yet when they turned and cried to You,
You heard from heaven, and many times You delivered them according
to Your mercies.
29 (Ne 9:16; Lev 18:5) "You warned them in order to restore them again
to Your law, but they acted arrogantly and did not listen
to Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances
(which would enable a man to live, if he would do them),
stubbornly turning away and becoming belligerent so that
they would not hear.
30 (Ne 9:20; Isa 42:24) For many years You endured them
and warned them by Your Spirit in Your prophets, yet they would not listen.
Therefore, You gave them into the hand of the people of the lands.
31 (Jer 4:27; Ne 9:17) Nevertheless, for the sake of Your abundant mercy,
You did not completely destroy them or forsake them.
Indeed, You are a gracious and merciful God.
32 (2Ki 17:3; Ne 1:5) "Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty,
and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and mercy, let not all the hardship,
since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day, that has come on us,
our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers,
and on all Your people seem insignificant to You.
33 (Ge 18:25; Ps 106:6) You are righteous for everything that has come
upon us! You have acted faithfully while we have done wickedly.
34 For our kings, princes, priests, and fathers have failed to keep Your law
and did not obey Your commandments
and Your warnings even when You confronted
them.
35 (Dt 28:47) For whether in their kingdom or in Your abundant goodness
(that You gave them) or in the spacious and fertile land
(that You set before them), they have neither served You nor turned away
from their wicked deeds.
36 (Dt 28:48; Ezr 9:9) "Here we are, slaves today. The land that You gave
to our fathers was for eating its fruit and its goodness.
Behold, we have become slaves on account of it,
37 (Dt 28:33; 28:51) because its abundant produce belongs to the kings
whom You have set over us due to our sins. They have control over our bodies
and over our livestock, as they please. We are in great distress."
Signatories to the Agreement
38 (Ne 10:1; 10:29) So on the basis of all this, we are executing
a written agreement that is being sealed by our princes, Levites,
and priests.
[1] Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel
were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.
[2] And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and
stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
[3] And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the
LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they
confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
[4] Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani,
Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a
loud voice unto the LORD their God.
[5] Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah,
Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your
God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted
above all blessing and praise.
[6] Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of
heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein,
the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the
host of heaven worshippeth thee.
[7] Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him
forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;
[8] And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with
him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the
Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to
his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:
[9] And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their
cry by the Red sea;
[10] And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharoah, and on all his servants,
and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly
against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.
[11] And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through
the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest
into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.
[12] Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the
night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should
go.
[13] Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from
heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and
commandments:
[14] And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them
precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:
[15] And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest
forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them
that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give
them.
[16] But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and
hearkened not to thy commandments,
[17] And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou
didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed
a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon,
gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest
them not.
[18] Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God
that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;
[19] Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness:
the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the
way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way
wherein they should go.
[20] Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not
thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.
[21] Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that
they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
[22] Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them
into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king
of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.
[23] Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and
broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their
fathers, that they should go in to possess it.
[24] So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst
before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them
into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they
might do with them as they would.
[25] And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full
of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in
abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted
themselves in thy great goodness.
[26] Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast
thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against
them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.
[27] Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who
vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee,
thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou
gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
[28] But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore
leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the
dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou
heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according
to thy mercies;
[29] And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto
thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments,
but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in
them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not
hear.
[30] Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by
thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest
thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
[31] Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume
them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
[32] Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God,
who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before
thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our
priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people,
since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.
[33] Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast
done right, but we have done wickedly:
[34] Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept
thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith
thou didst testify against them.
[35] For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great
goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou
gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
[36] Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest
unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we
are servants in it:
[37] And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us
because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our
cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
[38] And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our
princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.
Nehemiah 10
Signatories of the Covenant
1 (Ne 9:38; 1:1) Now the names of those on the sealed agreement were:
Nehemiah, the magistrate, the son of Hakaliah,
and Zedekiah.
2 Next were Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah,
4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluk,
5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
8 Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah.
These were the priests.
9 The Levites were:
Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, and Kadmiel,
10 along with their relatives Shebaniah,
Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
11 Mika, Rehob, Hashabiah,
12 Zakkur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
13 Hodiah, Bani, and Beninu.
14 (Ne 7:8; 7:11-13) The leaders of the people were:
Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,
15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,
18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,
19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,
22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,
24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,
25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
26 Ahiah, Hanan, Anan,
27 Malluk, Harim, and Baanah.
Summary of the Covenant
28 (Ne 9:2) The remainder of the people, the priests, the Levites,
the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all those who
on the basis of the Law of God separated themselves from the people
of the lands-their wives, their sons, and their daughters, that is,
every one capable of knowledge and understanding-
29 (Ps 119:106;
2Ki 23:3) have decisively joined in with their countrymen
and their nobles, and obligated themselves-by both a curse and an oath-to
walk in the Law of God, which was given by Moses the servant of God,
and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord who is our Lord,
along with His judgments and His statutes
30 (Ex 34:16; Dt 7:3) so that we will not give our daughters
to the people of the land nor take their daughters for our sons.
31 (Ex 23:10-11; Ne 13:15-22) If the people of the land bring merchandise
or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them
on the Sabbath or a holy day. We will also renounce the seventh year harvest
and the full payment of every debt.
32 (Ex 30:11-16) We also establish for ourselves the ordinance to collect
from ourselves annually one-third of a shekel for the service of the house
of our God:
33 (2Ch 2:4; Lev 24:5-6) for the showbread, the continual grain offering,
the continual burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the New Moons, the appointed
feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make an atonement for
Israel, as well as for all the work of the house of our God.
34 (Ne 13:31; Isa 40:16) Also, we cast lots to determine the duty
of the supply of wood that the priests, the Levites,
and the people-according to the houses of our fathers,
being set by annually appointed times-might bring to the house of our God,
in order to burn it on the altar of the Lord our God,
as it is written in the Law;
35 (Ex 23:19; Dt 26:2) and, likewise, for the annual bringing
of the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all fruit
of all trees to the house of the Lord;
36 (Ex 13:2; Lev 27:26-27) and for bringing to the priests
who are ministering at the house of God, the firstborn of our sons
and livestock, as it is written in the Law, plus the firstborn
of our herds and flocks.
37 (Lev 23:17; Nu 18:21) Moreover, the first of our fresh dough,
our contributions, the fruit of every tree, and the new wine and oil we will
bring to the priests at the chambers of the house of our God, but the tithe
of our crops we will bring to the Levites, since they themselves receive
the tithes in all our agricultural cities.
38 (Ne 13:12-13) There must be a priest, a descendant of Aaron,
with the Levites when they are collecting tithes, and the Levites
will offer a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God,
for the chambers of the storehouse.
39 (2Ch 31:12) Both the children of Israel and the Levites
should bring the contribution of the grain, new wine,
and the fresh oil to the chambers because the vessels of the sanctuary
and the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers are there.
We resolve not to forsake the house of our God.
[1] Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of
Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,
[2] Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
[3] Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah,
[4] Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,
[5] Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
[6] Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
[7] Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
[8] Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.
[9] And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons
of Henadad, Kadmiel;
[10] And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
[11] Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,
[12] Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
[13] Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.
[14] The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,
[15] Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
[16] Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
[17] Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,
[18] Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,
[19] Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
[20] Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
[21] Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,
[22] Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
[23] Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub,
[24] Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,
[25] Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
[26] And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,
[27] Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
[28] And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the
singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the
people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their
daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
[29] They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse,
and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant
of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and
his judgments and his statutes;
[30] And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land,
nor take their daughters for our sons:
[31] And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath
day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy
day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every
debt.
[32] Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the
third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;
[33] For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the
continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set
feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an
atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.
[34] And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people,
for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the
houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the
altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:
[35] And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all
fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:
[36] Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in
the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the
house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:
[37] And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our
offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto
the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our
ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all
the cities of our tillage.
[38] And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the
Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes
unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
[39] For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the
offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where
are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the
porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
2) Our Daily Bread for 18 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/18/learning-and-loving
Entitled "Learning and Loving"
Mark 10:13-16
Little Children Blessed
Mt 19:13-18; Lk 18:15-17
13 (Mt 19:13-15; Mk 10:48) They brought young children to Him,
that He might touch them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, He was very displeased and said to them,
"Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them,
for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:17) Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive
the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter it."
16 (Mk 9:36) And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them,
and blessed them.
[13] And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and
his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
[14] But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them,
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such
is the kingdom of God.
[15] Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God
as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
[16] And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed
them.
At a primary school in Greenock, Scotland, three teachers on maternity leave
brought their babies to school every two weeks to interact with
schoolchildren. Playtime with babies teaches children empathy, or care
and feeling for others. Often, the most receptive are the students who are "a
little challenging," as one teacher put it. "It's often [schoolchildren] who
interact more on a one-to-one level." They learn "how much hard work it is to
take care of a child," and "more about each other's feelings as well."
Learning from an infant to care about others isn't a new idea to believers in
Jesus. We know the One who came as the baby Jesus. His birth changed
everything we understand about caring relationships. The first to learn of
Christ's birth were shepherds, a humble profession involving care of weak and
vulnerable sheep. Later, when children were brought to Jesus, He corrected
disciples who thought children unworthy. "Allow the little children to come to
Me," he said, "and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14).
Jesus "took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed
them" (v. 16). In our own lives, as His sometimes "challenging" children, we
could be considered unworthy too. Instead, as the One who came as a child,
Christ accepts us with His love-thereby teaching us the caring power
of loving babies and all people.
By: Patricia Raybon
Reflect & Pray
What do you enjoy about spending time with children?
What is Jesus teaching you today about how to love and care for others?
Our caring God, when I forget to show empathy for others,
help me to care as You would.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 1 Call to the Lord - 2 Samuel 22:3-4
3 (Ge 15:1; Ps 9:9) the God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my fortress and my sanctuary;
my Savior, You save me from violence.
4 (Ps 48:1; 96:4) I call upon the Lord, who is praiseworthy,
and I am saved from my enemies.
3 The God of my rock; in him
will I trust:
He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge,
My saviour; thou savest me from violence.
4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised:
So shall I be saved from mine enemies.
In the old Days of Television Western, we could always tell who the enemy was.
The bad guys wore black hats; the evil villain had a scar across
his cheek or a patch over one eye. But real life is
not quite so simple . Enemies come in many forms, and often are not easy to
recognise. Sin is an enemy; even those we love can seek
to undermine our faith;
modern materialism and distorted values lead us away from biblical principles.
These enemies may not seek our death in a physical sense,
but their influence results in spiritual death or, at the very least,
immaturity.
Yet God promises to rescue us from our enemies. David describes the Lord as a
"rock", a "shield", a "stronghold", and a "refuge". God provides a stable
foundation for our faith; he products us from the attacks of the enemy;
he offers a place of rest in battle.
Our battles are usually not physical ones, but rather spiritual
and emotional wars.
We struggle with difficult relationships, the burdens of the past,
the subtle accusations of the devil.
But these enemies can be overcome. David says,
"I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise" .
When we turn to the Lord, trust his Word, acknowledge his
worthiness, we put our own problems and difficulties in perspective.
We see that God is able to rescue us, and has promised to do so.
And as we respond to his grace by focusing
on him, we abandon trust in ourselves and allow him to do what he promised.
Application
a) What kinds of enemies do I face?
b) How have I tried to deal with those enemies by myself?
c) How can today's verses help me turn to the sources of my rescue?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:23-29
23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15) "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.
The measure you give will be measured for you,
and to you who hear will more be given.
25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.
And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 (Mt 13:24) He said, "The kingdom of God is like a man
who scatters seed on the ground.
27 (Ecc 11:5) He sleeps and rises night and day,
and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how.
28 For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade,
then the head, then the full seed in the head.
29 (Joel 3:13) But when the grain is ripe,
immediately he applies the sickle because the harvest has come."
23 "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. "
24 And he said unto them, "Take heed what ye hear:
with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you:
and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not,
from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should
cast seed into the ground;
27 and should sleep, and rise night and day,
and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade,
then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth,
immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Gift of Salvation
Ps 51:1-13
PSALMS 51
For the Music Director. A Psalm of David,
when Nathan the Prophet came to him,
after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to Your lovingkindness;
according to the abundance of Your compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For I acknowledge my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Against You, You only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified when You speak,
and You are blameless when You judge.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) You desire truth in the inward parts,
and in the hidden part You make me to know wisdom.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3 ) Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Make me to hear joy and gladness,
that the bones that You have broken may rejoice.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Hide Your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not cast me away from Your presence,
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
and uphold me with Your willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners will return to You.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet
came unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba.
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions:
And my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:
That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest,
and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity;
And in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:
And in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness;
That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins,
And blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God;
And renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence;
And take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;
And uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;
And sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Remember God's promises when You pray
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
18th Day of the Month
a) Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
( Jer 31:25
25 For I satiate the weary souls and I replenish every languishing soul.
25 For I have satiated the weary soul,
and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
( Ps 34:7
7 The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him,
and delivers them.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him,
And delivereth them.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to be a bondservent of Jesus Christ.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him through His Word.
Pray to the Lord: "Our caring God, when I forget to show empathy for others,
help me to care as You would."
Pray to the Lord and remember there is a spiritual war going on in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and ask Him to grow the Word in you.
Pray to the Lord and confess your sins and as the Lord to blot them out.
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 that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
Pray for the training and equipping of pastors in Sri Lanka so they can
minister amid the humanitarian crisis.
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.
At Calvarycommunity.ca , Lead Pastor Barry spoke about Why so much JOY in
Philippians.
Acts 16:14-25
14 (Lk 24:45; Ac 18:7) A woman named Lydia, a seller of purple fabric
of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard us.
The Lord opened her heart to acknowledge what Paul said.
15 (Ac 11:14; Heb 13:2) When she and her household were baptized,
she entreated us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord,
come to my house and remain there." And she persuaded us.
The Imprisonment in Philippi
16 (1Sa 28:7; 1Ch 10:13) On one occasion, as we went to the place of prayer,
a servant girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us,
who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
17 (Mk 5:7; Da 3:26) She followed Paul and us, shouting,
"These men are servants of the Most High God,
who proclaim to us the way of salvation."
18 (Mk 16:17; 1:34) She did this for many days. But becoming greatly
troubled, Paul turned to the spirit and said,
"I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her."
And it came out at that moment.
19 (Ac 21:30; 8:3) When her masters saw that the hope of their profits
was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace
to the rulers.
20 (Ac 28:22) And they brought them to the magistrates, saying,
"These men, being Jews, greatly trouble our city
21 (Est 3:8; Ac 16:12) and teach customs which are not lawful for us,
being Romans, to receive or observe."
22 (1Th 2:2; 2Co 6:5) The crowd rose up together against them.
And the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them.
23 After they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison,
commanding the jailer to guard them securely.
24 (Job 13:27; 33:11) Having received such an order, he threw them into
the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 (Job 35:10; Ps 42:8) At midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
[14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of
Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that
she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
[15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying,
If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and
abide there. And she constrained us.
[16] And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed
with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by
soothsaying:
[17] The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
[18] And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to
the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.
And he came out the same hour.
[19] And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they
caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
[20] And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do
exceedingly trouble our city,
[21] And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to
observe, being Romans.
[22] And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates
rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
[23] And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into
prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
[24] Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison,
and made their feet fast in the stocks.
[25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and
the prisoners heard them.
Matthew 5:11-12
11 “Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you,
and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12 Rejoice and be very glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you,
and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in
heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Acts 16:26-34
26 (Ac 4:31; 12:7) Suddenly there was a great earthquake,
so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.
And immediately all the doors were opened
and everyone's shackles were loosened.
27 (Ac 12:19) When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors open,
he drew his sword and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
28 But Paul shouted, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."
29 He called for lights and rushed in, trembling,
and fell down before Paul and Silas.
30 (Ac 2:37; 22:10) He then led them out and asked,
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 (Mk 16:16; Jn 1:12) They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,
and you and your household will be saved."
32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him
and to all who were in his household.
33 (Ac 16:15; 16:25) In that hour of the night he took them
and washed their wounds. And immediately he and his entire household
were baptized.
34 (Ac 2:46) Then he brought them up to his house and set food before them.
And he rejoiced with his entire household believing in God.
[26] And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of
the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every
one's bands were loosed.
[27] And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the
prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
[28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we
are all here.
[29] Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell
down before Paul and Silas,
[30] And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
[31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house.
[32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in
his house.
[33] And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes;
and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
[34] And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them,
and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Philippians 1:1-3
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians
3 I thank my God for every reminder of you.
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Heart of the Apostle
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
1) Nehemiah 8:13 - 10
Nehemiah 8:13-18
The Feast of Tabernacles
13 On the second day, the chiefs of the fathers' households
of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered to Ezra
the scribe in order to understand the words of the Law.
14 (Lev 23:34) They found written in the Law where the Lord had commanded
by Moses that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast
of the seventh month,
15 (Lev 23:4; 23:40) and that they should publish and proclaim
in all their cities and in Jerusalem, "Go out to the hills
and bring olive branches, along with wild olive branches, myrtle branches,
palm branches, and other leafy branches to make booths, as it was written."
16 (2Ki 14:13; Ne 12:39) So the people went out and brought back branches
and made themselves booths. Each household did so on its roof, in their yard,
on the grounds of the house of God, in the area in front of the Water Gate,
or in the area at the Gate of Ephraim.
17 (2Ch 8:13; 7:8-10) All the congregation who had returned from captivity
made booths and lived in them. Not since the days of Joshua the son of Nun
to that day had the children of Israel done so, and there was a tremendously
great feast.
18 (Lev 23:36; Nu 29:35) And day by day, from the first day to the last day,
he read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast seven
days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly as required.
[13] And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers
of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even
to understand the words of the law.
[14] And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by
Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of
the seventh month:
[15] And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in
Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and
pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick
trees, to make booths, as it is written.
[16] So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths,
every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts
of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street
of the gate of Ephraim.
[17] And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the
captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of
Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so.
And there was very great gladness.
[18] Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the
book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the
eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
Nehemiah 9
The Israelites Confess Their Sins
1 (Jos 7:6; 1Sa 4:12) Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children
of Israel were assembled with fasting and sackcloth,
and there was dirt on them.
2 (Ezr 10:11; Ne 13:3) The offspring of Israel separated themselves
from all the foreigners and then stood and confessed their sins
and the iniquities of their fathers.
3 (Ne 8:7-8) They stood in their place and read from the Book of the Law
of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day. And for another fourth,
they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God.
4 (Ne 8:7) Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani,
and Kenani stood up on the stairs of the Levites
and cried with a loud voice to the Lord their God.
5 (1Ch 29:13) Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah,
Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said:
"Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever! Let them
bless Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
6 (Ge 1:1; 2:1; 2Ki 19:15) You alone are the Lord. You have made heaven,
the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it,
the seas and all that is in them; and You preserve them all.
And the host of heaven worships You.
7 (Ge 11:31; 17:5) "You are the Lord God who chose Abram and brought him out
of Ur of the Chaldeans. You gave him the name Abraham
8 (Ge 15:6; 15:18-21)and found his heart faithful before You. And You made
a covenant with him to give him the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites,
the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites-to give it
to his seed. Indeed, You have fulfilled Your words because You are righteous.
9 "When You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry
by the Red Sea,
10 (Jer 32:20; Da 9:15) You enacted signs and wonders against Pharaoh,
against all his servants, and against all the people of his land because
You knew how arrogantly they had acted against them. Thus, You made a name
for Yourself, as it is this day.
11 (Ps 78:13; Ex 14:21-22) You divided the sea before them, so they might
pass through the midst of the sea on dry ground, and cast their pursuers
into the deep like a stone into stormy waters.
12 (Ex 13:21-22; Ne 9:19) By day You led them with a pillar of cloud,
and by night with a pillar of fire to light the way for them to go.
13 (Ex 20:1; 19:11) "You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them
from heaven and gave them just requirements, true laws, good statutes
and commandments.
14 (Ge 2:3; Ex 20:8-11) You also revealed to them Your Holy Sabbath and,
by the hand of Moses Your servant, set in place for them the precepts,
statutes, and laws.
15 (Ex 17:6; Dt 1:8) You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger
and brought water out of the rock for them for their thirst. You told
them to enter in order to possess the land which You had sworn to give them.
16 (Dt 31:27; Ne 9:10) "But they and our fathers acted proudly and hardened
their necks and did not obey Your commandments.
17 (Ps 78:11; 86:5) They refused to obey and were not mindful of Your wonders
that You performed among them. But they hardened their necks and in their
rebellion appointed a leader to return to their bondage. But You are a God
ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding
in kindness, and did not forsake them.
18 (Ex 32:4-8) "Even when they had made themselves a molded calf and said,
'This is your god that brought you out of Egypt,'
and committed terrible provocations,
19 (Ne 9:12; 9:27) yet You in Your great mercy did not forsake them
in the wilderness: The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day,
to lead them in the way, nor the pillar of fire by night, to light for them
the way they should go.
20 (Nu 11:17; Ex 16:15) You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them,
did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, and gave them water
for their thirst.
21 (Dt 2:7; 8:4) Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness,
so that they lacked nothing-their clothing did not wear out
nor did their feet swell.
22 (Nu 21:21-35) "You gave them kingdoms and nations,
and You divided them as boundaries. They possessed the land of Sihon,
which was the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og,
the king of Bashan.
23 (Ge 15:5; 22:17) Their descendants You increased like the stars
of heaven, and You brought them into the land, which You had promised
to their fathers that they would enter and possess it.
24 (Jos 11:23; 18:1) So the descendants went in and possessed the land,
and You subdued for them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites,
and gave them into their hands-with their kings and the peoples of the land
-to do with them as they would.
25 (Dt 32:15; 3:5) They captured unassailable cities and a fertile land.
They possessed houses full of all goods, wells dug, vineyards, olive groves,
and fruit trees in abundance, so they ate, were filled, and became fat,
and they indulged themselves in Your great goodness.
26 (1Ki 14:9; Jdg 2:11-12) "Nevertheless they became disobedient,
and rebelled against You, and cast Your law behind their backs,
and killed Your prophets who had warned them to turn back to You.
But they committed terrible provocations.
27 Therefore You delivered them into the hand of their enemies,
who afflicted them. When they cried to You in the time of their affliction,
You heard from heaven, and, according to Your abundant mercy, You gave them
deliverers who delivered them out of the hand of their enemies.
28 (Jdg 3:11-12; 3:30) "But after they had rest, they again did evil before
You. Therefore You abandoned them to the hand of their enemies, so that
they had dominion over them. Yet when they turned and cried to You,
You heard from heaven, and many times You delivered them according
to Your mercies.
29 (Ne 9:16; Lev 18:5) "You warned them in order to restore them again
to Your law, but they acted arrogantly and did not listen
to Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances
(which would enable a man to live, if he would do them),
stubbornly turning away and becoming belligerent so that
they would not hear.
30 (Ne 9:20; Isa 42:24) For many years You endured them
and warned them by Your Spirit in Your prophets, yet they would not listen.
Therefore, You gave them into the hand of the people of the lands.
31 (Jer 4:27; Ne 9:17) Nevertheless, for the sake of Your abundant mercy,
You did not completely destroy them or forsake them.
Indeed, You are a gracious and merciful God.
32 (2Ki 17:3; Ne 1:5) "Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty,
and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and mercy, let not all the hardship,
since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day, that has come on us,
our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers,
and on all Your people seem insignificant to You.
33 (Ge 18:25; Ps 106:6) You are righteous for everything that has come
upon us! You have acted faithfully while we have done wickedly.
34 For our kings, princes, priests, and fathers have failed to keep Your law
and did not obey Your commandments
and Your warnings even when You confronted
them.
35 (Dt 28:47) For whether in their kingdom or in Your abundant goodness
(that You gave them) or in the spacious and fertile land
(that You set before them), they have neither served You nor turned away
from their wicked deeds.
36 (Dt 28:48; Ezr 9:9) "Here we are, slaves today. The land that You gave
to our fathers was for eating its fruit and its goodness.
Behold, we have become slaves on account of it,
37 (Dt 28:33; 28:51) because its abundant produce belongs to the kings
whom You have set over us due to our sins. They have control over our bodies
and over our livestock, as they please. We are in great distress."
Signatories to the Agreement
38 (Ne 10:1; 10:29) So on the basis of all this, we are executing
a written agreement that is being sealed by our princes, Levites,
and priests.
[1] Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel
were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.
[2] And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and
stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
[3] And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the
LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they
confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
[4] Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani,
Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a
loud voice unto the LORD their God.
[5] Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah,
Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your
God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted
above all blessing and praise.
[6] Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of
heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein,
the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the
host of heaven worshippeth thee.
[7] Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him
forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;
[8] And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with
him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the
Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to
his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:
[9] And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their
cry by the Red sea;
[10] And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharoah, and on all his servants,
and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly
against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.
[11] And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through
the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest
into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.
[12] Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the
night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should
go.
[13] Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from
heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and
commandments:
[14] And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them
precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:
[15] And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest
forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them
that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give
them.
[16] But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and
hearkened not to thy commandments,
[17] And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou
didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed
a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon,
gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest
them not.
[18] Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God
that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;
[19] Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness:
the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the
way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way
wherein they should go.
[20] Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not
thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.
[21] Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that
they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
[22] Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them
into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king
of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.
[23] Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and
broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their
fathers, that they should go in to possess it.
[24] So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst
before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them
into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they
might do with them as they would.
[25] And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full
of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in
abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted
themselves in thy great goodness.
[26] Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast
thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against
them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.
[27] Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who
vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee,
thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou
gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
[28] But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore
leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the
dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou
heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according
to thy mercies;
[29] And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto
thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments,
but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in
them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not
hear.
[30] Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by
thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest
thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
[31] Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume
them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
[32] Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God,
who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before
thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our
priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people,
since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.
[33] Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast
done right, but we have done wickedly:
[34] Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept
thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith
thou didst testify against them.
[35] For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great
goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou
gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
[36] Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest
unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we
are servants in it:
[37] And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us
because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our
cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
[38] And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our
princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.
Nehemiah 10
Signatories of the Covenant
1 (Ne 9:38; 1:1) Now the names of those on the sealed agreement were:
Nehemiah, the magistrate, the son of Hakaliah,
and Zedekiah.
2 Next were Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah,
4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluk,
5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
8 Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah.
These were the priests.
9 The Levites were:
Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, and Kadmiel,
10 along with their relatives Shebaniah,
Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
11 Mika, Rehob, Hashabiah,
12 Zakkur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
13 Hodiah, Bani, and Beninu.
14 (Ne 7:8; 7:11-13) The leaders of the people were:
Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,
15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,
18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,
19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,
22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,
24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,
25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
26 Ahiah, Hanan, Anan,
27 Malluk, Harim, and Baanah.
Summary of the Covenant
28 (Ne 9:2) The remainder of the people, the priests, the Levites,
the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all those who
on the basis of the Law of God separated themselves from the people
of the lands-their wives, their sons, and their daughters, that is,
every one capable of knowledge and understanding-
29 (Ps 119:106;
2Ki 23:3) have decisively joined in with their countrymen
and their nobles, and obligated themselves-by both a curse and an oath-to
walk in the Law of God, which was given by Moses the servant of God,
and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord who is our Lord,
along with His judgments and His statutes
30 (Ex 34:16; Dt 7:3) so that we will not give our daughters
to the people of the land nor take their daughters for our sons.
31 (Ex 23:10-11; Ne 13:15-22) If the people of the land bring merchandise
or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them
on the Sabbath or a holy day. We will also renounce the seventh year harvest
and the full payment of every debt.
32 (Ex 30:11-16) We also establish for ourselves the ordinance to collect
from ourselves annually one-third of a shekel for the service of the house
of our God:
33 (2Ch 2:4; Lev 24:5-6) for the showbread, the continual grain offering,
the continual burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the New Moons, the appointed
feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make an atonement for
Israel, as well as for all the work of the house of our God.
34 (Ne 13:31; Isa 40:16) Also, we cast lots to determine the duty
of the supply of wood that the priests, the Levites,
and the people-according to the houses of our fathers,
being set by annually appointed times-might bring to the house of our God,
in order to burn it on the altar of the Lord our God,
as it is written in the Law;
35 (Ex 23:19; Dt 26:2) and, likewise, for the annual bringing
of the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all fruit
of all trees to the house of the Lord;
36 (Ex 13:2; Lev 27:26-27) and for bringing to the priests
who are ministering at the house of God, the firstborn of our sons
and livestock, as it is written in the Law, plus the firstborn
of our herds and flocks.
37 (Lev 23:17; Nu 18:21) Moreover, the first of our fresh dough,
our contributions, the fruit of every tree, and the new wine and oil we will
bring to the priests at the chambers of the house of our God, but the tithe
of our crops we will bring to the Levites, since they themselves receive
the tithes in all our agricultural cities.
38 (Ne 13:12-13) There must be a priest, a descendant of Aaron,
with the Levites when they are collecting tithes, and the Levites
will offer a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God,
for the chambers of the storehouse.
39 (2Ch 31:12) Both the children of Israel and the Levites
should bring the contribution of the grain, new wine,
and the fresh oil to the chambers because the vessels of the sanctuary
and the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers are there.
We resolve not to forsake the house of our God.
[1] Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of
Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,
[2] Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
[3] Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah,
[4] Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,
[5] Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
[6] Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
[7] Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
[8] Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.
[9] And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons
of Henadad, Kadmiel;
[10] And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
[11] Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,
[12] Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
[13] Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.
[14] The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,
[15] Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
[16] Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
[17] Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,
[18] Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,
[19] Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
[20] Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
[21] Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,
[22] Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
[23] Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub,
[24] Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,
[25] Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
[26] And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,
[27] Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
[28] And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the
singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the
people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their
daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
[29] They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse,
and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant
of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and
his judgments and his statutes;
[30] And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land,
nor take their daughters for our sons:
[31] And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath
day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy
day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every
debt.
[32] Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the
third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;
[33] For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the
continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set
feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an
atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.
[34] And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people,
for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the
houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the
altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:
[35] And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all
fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:
[36] Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in
the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the
house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:
[37] And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our
offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto
the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our
ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all
the cities of our tillage.
[38] And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the
Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes
unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
[39] For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the
offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where
are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the
porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
2) Our Daily Bread for 18 September 2022
https://odb.org/CA/2022/09/18/learning-and-loving
Entitled "Learning and Loving"
Mark 10:13-16
Little Children Blessed
Mt 19:13-18; Lk 18:15-17
13 (Mt 19:13-15; Mk 10:48) They brought young children to Him,
that He might touch them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, He was very displeased and said to them,
"Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them,
for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:17) Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive
the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter it."
16 (Mk 9:36) And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them,
and blessed them.
[13] And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and
his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
[14] But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them,
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such
is the kingdom of God.
[15] Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God
as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
[16] And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed
them.
At a primary school in Greenock, Scotland, three teachers on maternity leave
brought their babies to school every two weeks to interact with
schoolchildren. Playtime with babies teaches children empathy, or care
and feeling for others. Often, the most receptive are the students who are "a
little challenging," as one teacher put it. "It's often [schoolchildren] who
interact more on a one-to-one level." They learn "how much hard work it is to
take care of a child," and "more about each other's feelings as well."
Learning from an infant to care about others isn't a new idea to believers in
Jesus. We know the One who came as the baby Jesus. His birth changed
everything we understand about caring relationships. The first to learn of
Christ's birth were shepherds, a humble profession involving care of weak and
vulnerable sheep. Later, when children were brought to Jesus, He corrected
disciples who thought children unworthy. "Allow the little children to come to
Me," he said, "and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14).
Jesus "took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed
them" (v. 16). In our own lives, as His sometimes "challenging" children, we
could be considered unworthy too. Instead, as the One who came as a child,
Christ accepts us with His love-thereby teaching us the caring power
of loving babies and all people.
By: Patricia Raybon
Reflect & Pray
What do you enjoy about spending time with children?
What is Jesus teaching you today about how to love and care for others?
Our caring God, when I forget to show empathy for others,
help me to care as You would.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 1 Call to the Lord - 2 Samuel 22:3-4
3 (Ge 15:1; Ps 9:9) the God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my fortress and my sanctuary;
my Savior, You save me from violence.
4 (Ps 48:1; 96:4) I call upon the Lord, who is praiseworthy,
and I am saved from my enemies.
3 The God of my rock; in him
will I trust:
He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge,
My saviour; thou savest me from violence.
4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised:
So shall I be saved from mine enemies.
In the old Days of Television Western, we could always tell who the enemy was.
The bad guys wore black hats; the evil villain had a scar across
his cheek or a patch over one eye. But real life is
not quite so simple . Enemies come in many forms, and often are not easy to
recognise. Sin is an enemy; even those we love can seek
to undermine our faith;
modern materialism and distorted values lead us away from biblical principles.
These enemies may not seek our death in a physical sense,
but their influence results in spiritual death or, at the very least,
immaturity.
Yet God promises to rescue us from our enemies. David describes the Lord as a
"rock", a "shield", a "stronghold", and a "refuge". God provides a stable
foundation for our faith; he products us from the attacks of the enemy;
he offers a place of rest in battle.
Our battles are usually not physical ones, but rather spiritual
and emotional wars.
We struggle with difficult relationships, the burdens of the past,
the subtle accusations of the devil.
But these enemies can be overcome. David says,
"I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise" .
When we turn to the Lord, trust his Word, acknowledge his
worthiness, we put our own problems and difficulties in perspective.
We see that God is able to rescue us, and has promised to do so.
And as we respond to his grace by focusing
on him, we abandon trust in ourselves and allow him to do what he promised.
Application
a) What kinds of enemies do I face?
b) How have I tried to deal with those enemies by myself?
c) How can today's verses help me turn to the sources of my rescue?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:23-29
23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15) "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.
The measure you give will be measured for you,
and to you who hear will more be given.
25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.
And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 (Mt 13:24) He said, "The kingdom of God is like a man
who scatters seed on the ground.
27 (Ecc 11:5) He sleeps and rises night and day,
and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how.
28 For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade,
then the head, then the full seed in the head.
29 (Joel 3:13) But when the grain is ripe,
immediately he applies the sickle because the harvest has come."
23 "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. "
24 And he said unto them, "Take heed what ye hear:
with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you:
and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not,
from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should
cast seed into the ground;
27 and should sleep, and rise night and day,
and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade,
then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth,
immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Gift of Salvation
Ps 51:1-13
PSALMS 51
For the Music Director. A Psalm of David,
when Nathan the Prophet came to him,
after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to Your lovingkindness;
according to the abundance of Your compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For I acknowledge my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Against You, You only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified when You speak,
and You are blameless when You judge.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) You desire truth in the inward parts,
and in the hidden part You make me to know wisdom.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3 ) Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Make me to hear joy and gladness,
that the bones that You have broken may rejoice.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Hide Your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not cast me away from Your presence,
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
and uphold me with Your willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners will return to You.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet
came unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba.
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions:
And my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:
That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest,
and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity;
And in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:
And in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness;
That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins,
And blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God;
And renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence;
And take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;
And uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways;
And sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Remember God's promises when You pray
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
18th Day of the Month
a) Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
( Jer 31:25
25 For I satiate the weary souls and I replenish every languishing soul.
25 For I have satiated the weary soul,
and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
( Ps 34:7
7 The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him,
and delivers them.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him,
And delivereth them.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to be a bondservent of Jesus Christ.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him through His Word.
Pray to the Lord: "Our caring God, when I forget to show empathy for others,
help me to care as You would."
Pray to the Lord and remember there is a spiritual war going on in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and ask Him to grow the Word in you.
Pray to the Lord and confess your sins and as the Lord to blot them out.
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 that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
Pray for the training and equipping of pastors in Sri Lanka so they can
minister amid the humanitarian crisis.
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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