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Day 100 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 9 April 2024 reflections

Day 100, 9 Apr 2024



1) 1 Samuel 9, 1 Samuel 10, 1 Samuel 11, 1 Samuel 12



1 SAMUEL 9



Samuel Anoints Saul



1 (1Sa 14:51; 1Ch 9:36-39) Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name

was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, the son of

Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

2 He had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man,

and there was not a better looking man among the children of Israel.

From his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people.

3 Now the donkeys of Kish, the father of Saul, were lost.

And Kish said to his son Saul, "Take now one of the servants with you,

and arise, go find the donkeys."

4 (2Ki 4:42; Jos 24:33) He passed through the mountains of Ephraim,

and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them.

And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there.

Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.

5 (1Sa 10:2; 1:1) When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant

that was with him, "Come, and let us return lest my father stop caring

about the donkeys and worry about us."

6 (Dt 33:1; 1Ki 13:1) He said to him, "Look, there is in this city a man

of God, and he is highly respected. All that he speaks surely comes about.

Now let us go there. Perhaps he can show us the way that we should go."

7 (1Ki 14:3; 2Ki 8:8) Then Saul said to his servant, "But listen, if we go,

what will we bring the man? For the bread is gone from our satchels,

and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?"

8 And the servant answered Saul again, and said, "Look, I have here in my

hand a quarter of a shekel [About 1/10 ounce, or 3 grams. ] of silver.

I will give it to the man of God, to tell us our way."

9(2Sa 24:11; 2Ki 17:13)(Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire

of God, thus he said, "Come, and let us go to the seer." For he that is now

called a prophet was formerly called a seer.)

10 Then Saul said to his servant, "Well said. Come, let us go."

So they went to the city where the man of God was.

11 (Ge 24:11; Ex 2:16) As they went up the hill to the city, they found young

women going out to draw water and said to them, "Is the seer here?"

12 (Ge 31:54; 1Sa 10:5) And they answered them and said, "He is. See,

he is ahead of you. Hurry now, for today he came to the city,

because there is a sacrifice for the people in the high place today.

13 (Jn 6:11) As soon as you come into the city, you will find him

before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat

until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice. Afterwards

those invited will eat. Now therefore, go up, for about this time of the day

you will find him there."

14 So they went up into the city. And when they entered, Samuel was coming

toward them to go up to the high place.

15 (1Sa 15:1; Ac 13:21) Now the Lord had revealed in the ear of Samuel

one day before Saul came, saying,

16 (1Sa 10:1; Ex 3:7-9) "Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man

out of the land of Benjamin. And you will anoint him to be leader

over My people Israel, that he may save

My people out of the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked

upon My people, because their cry has come unto Me."

17 When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, "Here is the man of whom

I spoke to you! This one will rule over My people."

18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said,

"Tell me, please, where is the seer's house?"

19 Samuel answered Saul, and said, "I am the seer. Go up before me

to the high place, for you will eat with me today. And tomorrow

I will let you go, and will tell you then all that is in your heart.

20 (1Sa 8:5; 12:13) As for your donkeys that were lost three days ago,

do not your worry about them for they have been found. And on

whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and

on all your father's house?"

21 (1Sa 15:17; Jdg 20:46-48) And Saul answered and said,

"Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel?

And my family the least of all the families of the tribe

of Benjamin? Why do you speak to me this way?"

22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the hall,

and gave them a place at the head of those invited,

which were about thirty men.

23 Samuel said to the cook, "Bring the portion which I gave you, of which

I said to you, 'Set it aside.' "

24 (Lev 7:3-33; Eze 24:4) Then the cook took up the thigh and what was on it

and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, "Here is what was set aside.

Set it before you and eat, because it has been kept for you until this time,

since I said I have invited the people." So Saul ate with Samuel that day.

25 (Dt 22:8; Ac 10:9) When they had come down from the high place

into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul up on the roof.

26 They arose early, and it was at the rising of the dawn that Samuel

called to Saul on the roof, saying, "Get up, that I may send you away"

So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went to the street.

27 As they were going down to the outskirts of the city,

Samuel said to Saul,"Tell the servant to pass on before us."

So he passed on. "But you stand still and I will proclaim

to you the word of God."



1 Samuel 9

[1] Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel,

the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a

mighty man of power.

[2] And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly:

and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he:

from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

[3] And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his

son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.

[4] And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of

Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of

Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the

Benjamites, but they found them not.

[5] And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant

that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for

the asses, and take thought for us.

[6] And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God,

and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now

let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.

[7] Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we

bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a

present to bring to the man of God: what have we?

[8] And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at

hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of

God, to tell us our way.

[9] (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake,

Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was

beforetime called a Seer.)

[10] Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went

unto the city where the man of God was.

[11] And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens

going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?

[12] And they answered them, and said, He is; behold, he is before you: make

haste now, for he came to day to the city; for there is a sacrifice of the

people to day in the high place:

[13] As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him,

before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until

he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that

be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

[14] And they went up into the city: and when they were come into the city,

behold, Samuel came out against them, for to go up to the high place.

[15] Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,

[16] To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of

Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel,

that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have

looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.

[17] And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I

spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.

[18] Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray

thee, where the seer's house is.

[19] And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto

the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let

thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.

[20] And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind

on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it

not on thee, and on all thy father's house?

[21] And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of

the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the

tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?

[22] And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the

parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were

bidden, which were about thirty persons.

[23] And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of

which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.

[24] And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set

it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before

thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I

have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day.

[25] And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel

communed with Saul upon the top of the house.

[26] And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day,

that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send

thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel,

abroad.

[27] And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to

Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou

still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.



1 SAMUEL 10



1 (1Sa 16:13; Dt 32:9; Ps 2:12) Then Samuel took a vial of oil

and poured it upon his head. And he kissed him and said,

"Has not the Lord anointed you over His inheritance as ruler?

2 (1Sa 9:3-5; Ge 35:19-20) When you have departed from me today,

you will find two men by Rachel's tomb in the territory of Benjamin

at Zelzah. And they will say to you "The donkeys which you went to look

for have been found. And now, your father has stopped caring

about the donkeys, and worries for you, saying, "What will I do for my son?"

3 (Ge 28:22; 35:1) "Then you will go forward from there, and you will come

to the plain of Tabor. And there you will meet three men going up to God

to Bethel: one carrying three kids, another carrying three loaves of bread,

and another carrying a bottle of wine.

4 And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you will

receive from their hands.

5 (1Sa 13:3; 19:20) "After that you will come to the hill of God, where

the garrison of the Philistines is. And when you come there to the city,

you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place

with a harp, a tambourine, a flute, and a lyre before them.

And they will prophesy.

6 (1Sa 10:10; Nu 11:25; 1Sa 19:23-24) And the Spirit of the Lord will

come upon you, and you will prophesy with them. And you will

be turned into another man.

7 (Jdg 6:12; Ex 4:8) And it will be when these signs come to you,

do for yourself what the occasion requires; for God is with you.

8 (1Sa 11:14-15; 13:4) "Then you will go down before me to Gilgal.

And listen, I will be coming down to you, in order to offer burnt offerings,

and to offer sacrifices of peace offerings. Seven days you will wait, until I

come to you. Then I will make known to you what you will do."

9 And it happened, that when he turned his back to go from Samuel,

that God gave him another heart. And all those signs came to pass that day.

10 (1Sa 10:5-6) When they came to the hill, a group of prophets met him.

And the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

11 (1Sa 19:24; Jn 7:15) So when all who previously knew him saw that

he prophesied among the prophets, the people said one to another,

"What is this that has come upon the son of Kish?

Is Saul also among the prophets?"

12 (Isa 54:13; Jn 6:45) And a man from there answered and said,

"But who is their father?" Therefore it became a proverb,

"Is Saul also among the prophets?"

13 When he had finished prophesying, he came to the high place.

14 (1Sa 14:50) And Saul's uncle said to him and to his servant, "Where did you go?"

And he said, "To seek the donkeys. And when we saw that they were

nowhere around, we went to Samuel."

15 Saul's uncle said, "Please tell me what Samuel said to you."

16 (1Sa 9:20) Saul said to his uncle, "He told us plainly

that the donkeys were found." But the matter of the kingdom,

of which Samuel had spoken, he did not mention.

Saul Proclaimed King

17 (Jdg 20:1; 1Sa 7:5-6) Therefore Samuel called the people together

unto the Lord at Mizpah.

18 (Jdg 6:8-9) And he said to the children of Israel, "Thus says the Lord,

the God of Israel, 'I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you

out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms,

and of them that oppressed you.'

19 (1Sa 12:12; Jos 24:1) But you have today rejected your God,

who saves you from all your troubles and your distresses.

And you have said to Him, 'No, but set a king over us.'

Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord

by your tribes, and by your clans."

20 So Samuel brought near all the tribes of Israel

and the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

21 Then he brought near the tribe of Benjamin by its families.

And the family of Matri was chosen. Then Saul the son of Kish was taken.

But when they sought him, he could not be found.

22 Therefore they inquired again of the Lord, "Has the man come here yet?"

And the Lord answered, "He has hidden himself among the equipment."

23 (1Sa 9:2) So they ran and took him from there. When he stood among

the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders

and upward.

24 (2Sa 21:6; 1Ki 1:25) Then Samuel said to all the people,

"Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen?

Truly there is none like him among all the people."

And all the people shouted and said, "Long live the king."

25 (Dt 17:14-20; 1Sa 8:11-18) Samuel told the people the ordinances

of the kingdom, and wrote them in a book, and laid them up

before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.

26 (1Sa 11:4; 15:34) Saul also went home to Gibeah. And there went with him

a band of valiant men whose hearts God had touched.

27 (Dt 13:13; 1Ki 10:25) But some worthless men said, "How will this man

save us?" And they despised him, and did not bring him a present.

But he remained silent.



1 Samuel 10

[1] Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed

him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain

over his inheritance?

[2] When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by

Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say

unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy

father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What

shall I do for my son?

[3] Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the

plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to

Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread,

and another carrying a bottle of wine:

[4] And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou

shalt receive of their hands.

[5] After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of

the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to

the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the

high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before

them; and they shall prophesy:

[6] And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy

with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

[7] And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as

occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.

[8] And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come

down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of

peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew

thee what thou shalt do.

[9] And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God

gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.

[10] And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets

met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

[11] And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that,

behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to

another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among

the prophets?

[12] And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father?

Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?

[13] And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.

[14] And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And

he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came

to Samuel.

[15] And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.

[16] And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were

found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him

not.

[17] And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

[18] And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of

Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand

of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that

oppressed you:

[19] And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of

all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay,

but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by

your tribes, and by your thousands.

[20] And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the

tribe of Benjamin was taken.

[21] When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their

families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken:

and when they sought him, he could not be found.

[22] Therefore they inquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come

thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.

[23] And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the

people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

[24] And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath

chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people

shouted, and said, God save the king.

[25] Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in

a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away,

every man to his house.

[26] And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of

men, whose hearts God had touched.

[27] But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they

despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.



1 SAMUEL 11



Saul Rescues Jabesh Gilead



1 (Jdg 21:8; 1Sa 12:12) Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped

against Jabesh Gilead. And all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash,

"Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you."

2 (1Sa 17:26; Ge 34:14) Nahash the Ammonite answered them, "On this condition

will I make a covenant with you, that I may pluck out all your right eyes.

So I will inflict it as a reproach upon all Israel."

3 The elders of Jabesh said to him, "Give us seven days, that we may send

messengers to all the territory of Israel. And then if there is no one

to rescue us, we will come out to you."

4 (Jdg 2:4; 1Sa 10:26) So the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul, and spoke

the words in the ears of the people. And all the people lifted

up their voices, and wept.

5 (1Ki 19:19) Now Saul was coming out of the field after the cattle,

and Saul said, "Why are the people weeping?" And they reported to him

the words of the men of Jabesh.

6 (1Sa 10:10; Jdg 3:10) The Spirit of God came strongly upon Saul

when he heard these words, and he became very angry.

7 (Jdg 19:29; 20:1) He took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces.

And he sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hands

of messengers, saying, "Whoever does not come out after Saul

and after Samuel, so will it be done to his oxen." And the fear of the Lord

fell on the people, and they came out as one man.

8 (Jdg 1:4-5; 2Sa 24:9) When he numbered them in Bezek,

the children of Israel were three hundred thousand,

and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

9 They said to the messengers that came, "Thus will you say to the

men of Jabesh Gilead, 'Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot,

you will have help.'" And the messengers came and reported it

to the men of Jabesh and they were glad.

10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, "Tomorrow we will come out to you,

and you may do to us all that seems good to you."

11 (Jdg 7:16) On the next day Saul put the people in three companies.

And they came into the midst of the camp in the morning and struck down

the Ammonites until the heat of the day. Those surviving were scattered,

so that even two of them were not left together.

Saul Confirmed as King

12 (1Sa 10:27; Lk 19:27) The people said to Samuel, "Who said,

'Shall Saul reign over us?' Bring the men, that we may put them to death."

13 (Ex 14:13; 1Sa 19:5) Saul said, "There will not be a man put to death

this day. For today the Lord has worked deliverance in Israel."

14 (1Sa 10:8; 7:16) Then Samuel said to the people, "Come, and let us go

to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there."

15 (1Sa 10:8; 10:17) All the people went to Gilgal and there they made Saul

king before the Lord in Gilgal. And there they made sacrifices of peace

offerings before the Lord. And there Saul and all Israel's fighting

men rejoiced greatly.



1 Samuel 11

[1] Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh-gilead:

and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we

will serve thee.

[2] And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a

covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for

a reproach upon all Israel.

[3] And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite,

that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if

there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee.

[4] Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the

ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept.

[5] And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said,

What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the

men of Jabesh.

[6] And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and

his anger was kindled greatly.

[7] And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them

throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying,

Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done

unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came

out with one consent.

[8] And when he numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three

hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

[9] And they said unto the messengers that came, Thus shall ye say unto the

men of Jabesh-gilead, To morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall have

help. And the messengers came and shewed it to the men of Jabesh; and they

were glad.

[10] Therefore the men of Jabesh said, To morrow we will come out unto you,

and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good unto you.

[11] And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three

companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch,

and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that

they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left

together.

[12] And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign

over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.

[13] And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to

day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

[14] Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and

renew the kingdom there.

[15] And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before

the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings

before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.



1 SAMUEL 12



Samuel's Farewell Address



1 (1Sa 10:24; 11:14-15) Then Samuel said to all Israel: "I have listened to

your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you.

2 (1Sa 8:5; 8:1; 8:20) And now, see, the king walks before you, but I am old

and gray-headed. As for my sons, they are with you. But I have walked

before you from my childhood to this day.

3 (Nu 16:15; 1Sa 10:1) Behold, here I am. Witness against me before the Lord

and before His anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken?

Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have

I received any bribe to blind my eyes with? Indeed I will restore it you."

4 They said, "You have not defrauded us, nor oppressed us. Neither have you

taken anything from any man's hand."

5Ex 22:4; Ac 23:9He said to them, "The Lord is witness against you,

and His anointed is witness this day, t

hat you have not found anything in my hand."

And they answered, "He is witness."

6 (Mic 6:4; Ex 6:26) Samuel said to the people: "It is the Lord that prepared

Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.

7 (Isa 1:18) Now therefore stand still that I may reason with you before

the Lord, concerning all the righteous acts of the Lord, which He did for you

and your fathers.

8 (Ex 4:14-16; 2:23-24) "When Jacob went into Egypt and your fathers cried

out to the Lord, the Lord sent Moses and Aaron who brought forth your fathers

out of Egypt and made them dwell in this place.

9 (Jdg 3:12; 4:2) "When they forgot the Lord their God, He sold them

into the hand of Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor,

and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab.

And they fought against them.

10 (Jdg 2:13; 10:10) They cried to the Lord, and said,

'We have sinned, because we have forsaken the Lord and have served

the Baals and the Ashtoreths. But now deliver us out of the hand of

our enemies, and we will serve You.'

11 (Jdg 6:32; 6:14) The Lord sent Jerub-Baal, Bedan,Perhaps Barak here

(see LXX). Jephthah, and Samuel. And He delivered you out of the hand

of your enemies on every side, and you dwelled in safety.

12 (Jdg 8:23; 1Sa 8:5-7) "When you saw that Nahash, king of the Ammonites,

came against you, you said to me, 'No, but a king will reign over us,'

when the Lord your God was your king.

13 (1Sa 10:24; Hos 13:11) Now therefore, look at the king whom you have chosen

and for whom you have asked! And see that the Lord has set a king over you.

14 (Jos 24:14) If you will fear the Lord, and serve Him, and obey His voice,

and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and the king

that reigns over you will continue following the Lord your God.

15 (Jos 24:20; Isa 1:20) But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord,

but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then will the hand of the Lord

be against you, as it was against your fathers.

16 (Ex 14:13; 14:31) "Even now, take your stand and see this great thing

which the Lord is doing before your eyes.

17 (1Sa 7:9-10; 8:7) Is it not the wheat harvest today?

I will call to the Lord. And He will send thunder and rain, that you may know

and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done

in the sight of the Lord, by asking for yourselves a king."

18 (Ex 14:31; Ezr 10:9) So Samuel called to the Lord.

And the Lord sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly

feared the Lord and Samuel.

19 (Ex 9:28; 1Jn 5:16) All the people said to Samuel, "Pray for your servants

to the Lord your God, that we will not die, for we have added to all our sins

this evil, to ask for ourselves a king."

20 (Dt 11:16) Samuel said to the people, "Do not fear. You have done all this

wickedness, only do not turn aside from following the Lord,

and serve the Lord with all your heart.

21 (Hab 2:18; Jer 10:15) But do not turn aside, for then you would be going

after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.

22 (Jos 7:9; 1Ki 6:13) As befits His great name, the Lord will not abandon

His people. For it has pleased the Lord to make you His people.

23 (1Ki 8:36; Pr 4:11) Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin

against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you. But I will teach you the good

and the right way.

24 (Dt 10:21; Isa 5:12) Fear the Lord; serve Him in truth with all your heart,

and consider what great things He has done for you.

25 (Jos 24:20; 1Sa 31:1-5) But if you still do wickedly, both you

and your king will be swept away."



1 Samuel 12

[1] And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your

voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you.

[2] And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and

grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you

from my childhood unto this day.

[3] Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his

anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I

defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe

to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

[4] And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither

hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.

[5] And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed

is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they

answered, He is witness.

[6] And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and

Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.

[7] Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the LORD of

all the righteous acts of the LORD, which he did to you and to your fathers.

[8] When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your fathers cried unto the LORD,

then the LORD sent Moses and Aaron, which brought forth your fathers out of

Egypt, and made them dwell in this place.

[9] And when they forgat the LORD their God, he sold them into the hand of

Sisera, captain of the host of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines,

and into the hand of the king of Moab, and they fought against them.

[10] And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have

forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us

out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve thee.

[11] And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and

delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled

safe.

[12] And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came

against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the

LORD your God was your king.

[13] Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have

desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.

[14] If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not

rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the

king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:

[15] But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the

commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as

it was against your fathers.

[16] Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do

before your eyes.

[17] Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall

send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is

great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king.

[18] So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that

day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

[19] And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the

LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this

evil, to ask us a king.

[20] And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this

wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD

with all your heart;

[21] And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which

cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

[22] For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake:

because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

[23] Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in

ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

[24] Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for

consider how great things he hath done for you.

[25] But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and

your king.



2) Our Daily Bread for 9 April 2024 titled



Clothed in Christ




Romans 13:11-14



The Approach of the Day of Christ



11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time, now is the moment

to awake from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.

12 (Eph 5:11; 2Co 6:7) The night is far spent, the day is at hand.

Therefore let us take off the works of darkness and put on the armor

of light.

13 (Gal 5:21; Lk 21:34; Eph 5:18) Let us behave properly, as in the day,

not in carousing and drunkenness, not in immorality and wickedness,

not in strife and envy.

14 (Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no

provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.



[11] And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of

sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

[12] The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off

the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

[13] Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness,

not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

[14] But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the

flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.



I was so excited to put on my new glasses for the first time, but after just

a few hours I wanted to throw them away. My eyes ached and head throbbed

from adjusting to the new prescription. My ears were sore from the unfamiliar

frames. The next day I groaned when I remembered I had to wear them. I had to

repeatedly choose to use my glasses each day in order for my body to adjust.

It took several weeks, but after that, I hardly noticed I was wearing them.



Putting on something new requires an adjustment, but over time we grow into

it, and it suits us better. We may even see things we didn't see before.

In Romans 13, the apostle Paul instructed Christ followers to "put on

the armour of light" (v. 12) and practice right living. They had already

believed in Jesus, but it seems they had fallen into "slumber" and become

more complacent; they needed to "wake up" and take action, behave decently

and let go of all sin (vv. 11-13). Paul encouraged them to be clothed with

Jesus and become more like Him in their thoughts and deeds (v. 14).



We don't begin to reflect the loving, gentle, kind, grace-filled, and faithful

ways of Jesus overnight. It's a long process of choosing to "put on

the armour of light" every day, even when we don't want to because it's

uncomfortable. Over time, He changes us for the better.



By: Karen Pimpo



Reflect & Pray



What does it look like to "put on" Jesus today?

How does practicing Christlikeness become more comfortable over time?



Dear Jesus, thank You that You're transforming me day by day.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 3 The Kind Heart of Forgiveness



Ephesians 4:32



32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12-13; Mt 6:12) And be kind one to another,

tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.



32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.



Don had lost his job because he stood against his boss and refused to

compromise his Christian principles. Certain friends in the company had

turned against him, choosing to save their own jobs at any cost,

and he felt very alone, abandoned when he most needed the support

of those who cared.

But Don showed no signs of bitterness or unforgiveness. He refused to

recite the details of his firing to those around him, saying simply and

honestly, " I believe my boss was wrong in what he did. But God can show

him." The kindness of Don's heart, and the tenderness with which he

extended forgiveness, became a testimony to all who knew him. Don's

boss never "saw the light", never repented, but Don lived in the freedom of

forgiving.

Comparison is a rare commodity among Christains today. We seem to be

overstocked with judgment and crammed full of condemnation, but we have

little space in the corners of our lives for tenderheartedness. We are quick

to assume that we know another person's heart and have the remedy for

the problem, rather then giving that person the benefit of the doubt,

the room to grow, the freedom to make a mistake and seek forgiveness.

Jesus demonstrated the king compassion necessary in forgiveness when he

looked down at the soldiers who has crucified him, gambling at his feet

for his cloak, and said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what

are doing."

When others hurt and betray us, they often "do not know what they are

doing." we can, in Christ, offer compassionate forgiveness to them -

not condoning their actions or excusing their wrong, but forgiving ,

in the simplicity and purity of God's love.



Application



a) What is the difference between excusing a wrong and forgiving?



b) How has God forgiven me for Christ's sake?



c) What does today's verse tell me about my attitude in forgiveness?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



3 John 2



2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be

in good health, even as your soul is well.



2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,

even as thy soul prospereth.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Inexhaustible Strength



Is 40:27-31



27 Why do you say, O Jacob,

and assert, O Israel,

"My way is hidden from the Lord,

and my justice escapes the notice of my God"?

28 (Ps 147:5; Ge 21:33; Isa 57:15) Have you not known?

Have you not heard,

that the everlasting God, the Lord,

the Creator of the ends of the earth,

does not faint, nor is He weary?

His understanding is inscrutable.

29 (Isa 41:10) He gives power to the faint,

and to those who have no might He increases strength.

30 (Isa 9:17) Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

and the young men shall utterly fall,

31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4) but those who wait upon the Lord

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

and they shall walk and not faint.



27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid

from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God,

the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not,

neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might

he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall

utterly fall:

31 but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall

mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.



6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)



Manitoba



Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba



Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000



est Muslim Population 21 349



CNMM Networks: Winnipeg



The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very

diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting

it might be twice that size.

Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size

of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.

Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth

of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.

We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers

among Muslims in Winnipeg.



Let us intercede in unity for:



- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged

with great support



Adding further



30 day of Prayers from 10 March 2024 to 8 April 2024



1 Timothy 2:1-7



1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead

a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God

our Saviour,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come

to the knowledge of the truth.

5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God

and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.

This was the testimony given at the proper time.

7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle

(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles

in faith and truth.



[1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead

a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God

our Saviour,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come

to the knowledge of the truth.

5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God

and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.

This was the testimony given at the proper time.

7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle

(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles

in faith and truth.



How can we keep praying?



Pray for Muslims you know and those that live around you.



Ask those who are serving Christ among

Muslim people how you can pray for them.



When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray

for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also

participate in 30 Days.



What should you pray for?



Pray for the leaders of Muslim-majority nations to pursue peace and freedom

in the places they govern.



Pray for Muslim groups, tribes and communities in different regions to have

access to the gospel and respond to the message of Christ.



Pray for families and individuals to know the blessings of God and to be

saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.





My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .



7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



9th Day of the Month



a) Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout

the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,

faithfulness and provision.



(

Ps 100



A Psalm of thanksgiving.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;

come before His presence with singing.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;

it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise;

be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,

and His faithfulness to all generations.



Psalm 100



A Psalm of praise.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God:

It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;

We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise:

Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;

And his truth endureth to all generations.



)



b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways

to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.

(

1 Chr 12:32



32 (Est 1:13) From the sons of Issachar,

those having understanding of times

and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains

with all their brothers at their command.



32 And of the children of Issachar,

which were men that had understanding of the times,

to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred;

and all their brethren were at their commandment



)



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray that the Lord knows our heart.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, thank You that You're

transforming me day by day."



Pray to the Lord and pray to have a good attitude of forgiveness.



Pray to the Lord and pray for spiritual health.



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for strength.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged

with great support



Pray for Muslims you know and those that live around you.



Ask those who are serving Christ among

Muslim people how you can pray for them.



When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray

for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also

participate in 30 Days.



Pray for the leaders of Muslim-majority nations to pursue peace and freedom

in the places they govern.



Pray for Muslim groups, tribes and communities in different regions to have

access to the gospel and respond to the message of Christ.



Pray for families and individuals to know the blessings of God and to be

saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.



Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout

the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,

faithfulness and provision.



Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways

to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.



Pray fir pastors in Ethiopia like Dereje who haved faced severe opposition

due to their Christian witness



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

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - The Moonbase

"Doctor Who - The Moonbase" is a classic four-part serial from the Fourth

Season of the original series, originally aired in 1967. In this story, the

Second Doctor and his companions find themselves on a moonbase

in the year 2070, where they confront a deadly threat from the Cybermen.



Episode 1 sets up the premise effectively, introducing the futuristic setting

of the moonbase and establishing tension with the discovery of mysterious

silver creatures lurking in the shadows. The Cybermen's return as the primary

antagonists adds a sense of menace and raises the stakes for the Doctor

and his companions.



Throughout the serial, the Cybermen are portrayed with chilling effectiveness,

emphasising their emotionless nature and relentless pursuit of their goals. The

design of the Cybermen is particularly striking, showcasing their iconic silver

suits and distinctive voices.



"The Moonbase" benefits from strong pacing, with each episode building upon the

tension and escalating the threat posed by the Cybermen. The serial also

features memorable moments of suspense and drama,

keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.



The characterisation of the Doctor and his companions is well-handled, with

Patrick Troughton delivering a charismatic and resourceful performance as the

Second Doctor. The interactions between the Doctor, Jamie, Ben, and Polly add

depth to the story and highlight the importance of teamwork in overcoming

adversity.



Overall, "Doctor Who - The Moonbase" is a classic serial that successfully

combines elements of science fiction, horror, and adventure. While some aspects

of the production may feel dated by modern standards, the serial remains a

compelling and entertaining watch for fans of classic Doctor Who.



Episode 1: 8/10

Episode 2: 8/10

Episode 3: 8/10

Episode 4: 8/10



Overall Rating: 8/10

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - The Daleks

I can provide you with some reviews and insights to help you form your own

opinion on "Doctor Who: The Daleks"

(also sometimes referred to as "Doctor Who and the Daleks"):



Background



"The Daleks" is the second serial of Doctor Who, originally airing in six

parts in December 1963 and January 1964. It features the iconic debut of the

Daleks, one of the show's most enduring villains. The story follows the

Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara as they land on the planet Skaro,

home to the Daleks.



Review



Here's a breakdown of some key points to consider:



Landmark in Television History: The Daleks were a revelation in television.

Their unique design, electronic voices, and ruthless nature

made them instant pop culture icons.



Limited Special Effects by Modern Standards: The special effects used to

create the Daleks might seem primitive by today's standards. However,

they were groundbreaking for their time.



Simple Plot but Effective Execution: The plot of "The Daleks" is fairly

straightforward. However, the suspenseful atmosphere, moral dilemmas,

and introduction of the Daleks make it an engaging watch.



Character Development: This serial shows some development in the

characters, particularly Ian who becomes more assertive.



Reception



Positive: Praised for introducing the Daleks, creating a tense atmosphere,

and exploring themes of war and genocide.



Negative: Criticized for its simplistic plot and limited special effects

(by modern standards).



Overall Thoughts



"The Daleks" is a significant serial in Doctor Who history. While some

aspects might not hold up entirely against modern productions, its historical

significance and the introduction of the Daleks make it a must-watch for

any fan of the show.



Would I recommend watching it?:



If you're a die-hard Doctor Who fan or interested in television history,

"The Daleks" is a must-watch. However, if you're new to the show

and prefer more complex narratives with cutting-edge special effects,

you might want to start with a later serial.

Day 99 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 8 April 2024 reflections

Day 99, 8 April 2024



1) 1 Samuel 4 - 8



1 SAMUEL 4



1 (1Sa 7:12; 29:1) And the word of Samuel came to all Israel.



The Ark of God Captured



And Israel went out to battle against the Philistines

and they made camp beside Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped in Aphek.

2 The Philistines arrayed themselves in a battle line against Israel, and when

the battle was over, Israel was beaten before the Philistines, who struck

down on the field of battle about four thousand men.

3 When the people came into the camp, the elders of Israel said,

"Why has the Lord struck us today before the Philistines?

Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh to us,

that it might come among us and rescue us out of the hand of our enemies."

4 (2Sa 6:2; Ps 80:1) So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from

there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of Hosts, who dwells above the

cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there

with the ark of the covenant of God.

5 (Jos 6:5) When the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp,

all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the ground was in an uproar.

6 When the Philistines heard the sound of the shout, they said,

"What does this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?"

Then they understood that the ark of the Lord had come into the camp.

7 The Philistines were afraid, when they said, "God is come into the camp."

And they said, "Woe to us! For this has never happened to us before.

8 Woe to us! Who will deliver us out of the hand of these mighty gods?

These are the gods that struck the Egyptians with every plague

in the wilderness.

9 (Jdg 13:1; 1Co 16:13) Be strong and be men, O Philistines, lest you be

servants to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Now be men and fight."

10 (Dt 28:25; 1Sa 4:2) So the Philistines fought and Israel was beaten.

And they fled every man into his tent. It was a very great defeat,

for there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers.

11 (1Sa 2:34; Ps 78:64) Now the ark of God was taken, and the two sons

of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.



[1] And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against

the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the Philistines

pitched in Aphek.

[2] And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when

they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew

of the army in the field about four thousand men.

[3] And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said,

Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us

fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when

it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.

[4] So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark

of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims:

and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the

covenant of God.

[5] And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all

Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

[6] And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What

meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they

understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

[7] And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the

camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing

heretofore.

[8] Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods?

these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the

wilderness.

[9] Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be

not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves

like men, and fight.

[10] And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every

man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of

Israel thirty thousand footmen.

[11] And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and

Phinehas, were slain.



12 (Jos 7:6; 2Sa 1:2) There ran a man of Benjamin from the battle line,

and he came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes torn

and with dust upon his head.

13 (1Sa 1:9; 4:18) When he came, Eli was sitting on a seat by the wayside

watching. For his heart feared for the ark of God. Now the man came

to tell it in the city, and all the city cried out.

14 When Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said,

"What does the noise of this tumult mean?"

And the man hurriedly came and told Eli.

15 (1Sa 3:2) Now Eli was 98 years old, and his eyes were dim,

so that he could not see.

16 (2Sa 1:4) The man said to Eli, "I am he that came out of the army,

and I fled today out of the battle line."

And he said, "What is the word, my son?"

17 The messenger answered and said, "Israel has fled before the Philistines,

and there also has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons

also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead. And the ark of God is taken."

18 (1Sa 4:13) When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell from off the seat

backward by the side of the gate. And his neck broke and he died,

for he was an old and heavy man. And he had judged Israel forty years.

19 His daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was pregnant, about to give birth.

And when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken,

and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead,

she kneeled down and gave birth, for her pains came upon her.

20 (Ge 35:17-18) About the time of her death the women that stood

by her said to her, "Do not fear, for you have borne a son."

But she did not answer or regard it.

21 (Ps 26:8; Jer 2:11) She named the child Ichabod, saying,

"The glory is departed from Israel," because the ark of God was taken,

and because of her father-in-law and her husband.

22 She said, "The glory is departed from Israel, for the ark of God is taken."



[12] And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the

same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.

[13] And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for

his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city,

and told it, all the city cried out.

[14] And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the

noise of this tumult? And the man came in hastily, and told Eli.

[15] Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he

could not see.

[16] And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I

fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son?

[17] And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the

Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people,

and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is

taken.

[18] And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he

fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake,

and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel

forty years.

[19] And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be

delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and

that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and

travailed; for her pains came upon her.

[20] And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto

her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did

she regard it.

[21] And she named the child I-chabod, saying, The glory is departed from

Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law

and her husband.

[22] And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is

taken.



[Remember not to leave an evil legacy]



1 SAMUEL 5



The Philistines and the Ark



1 (1Sa 4:1; 7:12) Now the Philistines took the ark of God,

and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.

2 (Jdg 16:23; 1Ch 10:10) When the Philistines took the ark of God,

they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon.

3 (Isa 19:1; 46:1-2; 46:7) When the Ashdodites arose early in the morning,

Dagon had fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord.

And they took Dagon and set him in his place again.

4 (Mic 1:7; Jer 50:2) When they arose early on the next morning, again

Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord,

and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off

upon the threshold. Only the torso of Dagon was left to him.

5 (Zep 1:9) Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any coming

into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.

6 (1Sa 5:11; Ex 9:3; Ps 32:4) But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon

the Ashdodites. He desolated them and struck them with tumors,

even Ashdod and its territories.

7 When the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, "The ark of the God

of Israel cannot remain with us. For His hand is heavy upon us and upon

Dagon our god."

8 So they sent and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them,

and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?"

And they answered, "Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried around

to Gath." And they carried the ark of the God of Israel there.

9 (1Sa 5:6; Dt 2:15; 1Sa 7:13) It happened that after they had carried it

about, the hand of the Lord was against the city with a very great

destruction. And He struck the men of the city, both small and great.

And tumors broke out on them.

10 Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron.

And it came about that as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites

cried out, saying, "They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel

to slay us and our people."

11 (1Sa 5:6; 5:8-9) So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the

Philistines, and said, "Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go

again to His own place that He might not kill me and my people,"

for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city.

The hand of God was very heavy there.

12 (Ex 12:30) The men that did not die were plagued with the tumors.

And the cry of the city went up to heaven.



1 Samuel 5

[1] And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer

unto Ashdod.

[2] When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house

of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

[3] And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was

fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took

Dagon, and set him in his place again.

[4] And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was

fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head

of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold;

only the stump of Dagon was left to him.

[5] Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's

house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day.

[6] But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed

them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

[7] And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the

God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and

upon Dagon our god.

[8] They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto

them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they

answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And

they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither.

[9] And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the

LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the

men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret

parts.

[10] Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as

the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They

have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our

people.

[11] So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines,

and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his

own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly

destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.

[12] And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of

the city went up to heaven.



[Only Yahweh is the True God]



1 SAMUEL 6



The Ark Returned to Israel



1 Now the ark of the Lord had been in the country

of the Philistines seven months.

2 (Ge 41:8; Ex 7:11) The Philistines called for the priests and the diviners,

saying, "What shall we do with the ark of the Lord?

Tell us how we should send it to its place."

3 (Ex 23:15; Dt 16:16) They said, "If you send away the ark of the God

of Israel, do not send it empty. But return to Him a guilt offering.

Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why His hand

is not removed from you."

4 (Jos 13:3; Jdg 3:3) Then said they, "What will be the guilt offering

which we will return to Him?"

They answered, "Five golden tumors and five golden mice according

to the number of the lords of the Philistines. For one plague was on

you all, and on your lords.

5 (Jos 7:19; 1Sa 5:6-7; 5:11) Therefore you will make images of your tumors

and images of your mice that ravage the land. And you will give glory

to the God of Israel. Perhaps He will lighten His hand from off you,

even from off your gods and from off your land.

6 (Ex 7:13; 8:15) Why then do you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians

and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When He dealt severely with them,

did they not let the people go, and they departed?

7 (Nu 19:2; 2Sa 6:3) "Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milk

cows on which there has never been a yoke. Then tie the cows to the cart

and bring their calves home, away from them.

8 Then take the ark of the Lord and set it on the cart. And put the images

of gold, which you return to Him for a guilt offering, in a box by the side.

And send it away, that it may go.

9 (Jos 15:10; 21:16) See, if it goes up by the way of His own territory

to Beth Shemesh, then He has done us this great evil. But if not, then

we will know that it is not His hand that struck us; it was by chance

that it happened to us."

10 The men did so. And they took two milk cows, tied them to the cart,

and shut up their calves at home.

11 And they set the ark of the Lord on the cart, as well as the box

with the mice of gold and the images of their tumors.

12 Then the cows took the straight way to the way of Beth Shemesh,

and went along the highway, lowing as they went. They did not turn aside

to the right hand or to the left with the lords of the Philistines walking

after them to the border of Beth Shemesh.

13 Now Beth Shemesh was reaping their wheat harvest in the valley.

And they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and they rejoiced to see it.

14 (2Sa 24:22) The cart came into the field of Joshua, the Beth Shemite,

and stood there where there was a great stone. And they split the wood

of the cart, and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord.

15 The Levites took down the ark of the Lord and the box that was with it,

where the articles of gold were, and put them on the great stone.

And the men of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices

the same day to the Lord.

16 (Jos 13:3; Jdg 3:3) When the five lords of the Philistines had seen it,

they returned to Ekron the same day.

17 These are the golden tumors which the Philistines returned for

a guilt offering to the Lord: for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Ashkelon one,

for Gath one, for Ekron one.

18 And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities

of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities,

and of country villages. And the great stone, where they set the ark

of the Lord, is a witness to this day in the field of Joshua,

the Beth Shemite.

19 (Ex 19:21; Nu 4:15) Then He struck the men of Beth Shem­esh,

because they had looked into the ark of the Lord. He struck 50070 men.

And the people lamented, because the Lord had struck the people

with a great slaughter.

20 (2Sa 6:9; Mal 3:2) The men of Beth Shemesh said, "Who is able to stand

before the Lord, this holy God? And to whom will He go up from us?"

21 (1Ch 13:5-6; Jos 9:17) And they sent messengers to the inhabitants

of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have brought back the ark

of the Lord. Come down, and take it up to you."



1 Samuel 6

[1] And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven

months.

[2] And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying,

What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it

to his place.

[3] And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not

empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be

healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.

[4] Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall

return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice,

according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was

on you all, and on your lords.

[5] Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice

that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel:

peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods,

and from off your land.

[6] Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharoah

hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they

not let the people go, and they departed?

[7] Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there

hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home

from them:

[8] And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the

jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by

the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.

[9] And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Beth-shemesh,

then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that is

not his hand that smote us; it was a chance that happened to us.

[10] And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart,

and shut up their calves at home:

[11] And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with

the mice of gold and the images of their emerods.

[12] And the kine took the straight way to the way of Beth-shemesh, and went

along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right

hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto

the border of Beth-shemesh.

[13] And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the

valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see

it.

[14] And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Beth-shemite, and stood

there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart,

and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD.

[15] And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD, and the coffer that was

with it, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone:

and the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed

sacrifices the same day unto the LORD.

[16] And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned

to Ekron the same day.

[17] And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a

trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon

one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;

[18] And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the

Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of

country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down

the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of

Joshua, the Beth-shemite.

[19] And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the

ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore

and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of

the people with a great slaughter.

[20] And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy

LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?

[21] And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, saying,

The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and

fetch it up to you.



1 SAMUEL 7



1 So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the Lord.

And they brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill,

and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord.

2 And from the day the ark resided in Kiriath Jearim,

the days increased to twenty years.



1 Samuel 7

[1] And the men of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD,

and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified

Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.

[2] And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, that the

time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented

after the LORD.



Samuel Judges Israel



And all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.

3 (Jos 24:14; Ge 35:2; Dt 6:13) Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel,

saying, "If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart,

then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths from your midst.

And make firm your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only.

Then He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."

4 So the children of Israel put away the Baals and Ashtoreths

and served the Lord only.

5 (Jdg 20:1) Then Samuel said, "Gather all Israel to Mizpah,

and I will pray to the Lord for you."

6 (Jdg 10:10; Ps 106:6) They gathered together to Mizpah.

And they drew water and poured it out before the Lord.

And they fasted on that day, and said there,

"We have sinned against the Lord."

So Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah.

7 (1Sa 17:11; 13:6) When the Philistines heard that the children

of Israel were gathered together to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines

went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it,

they were afraid of the Philistines.

8 (Isa 37:4; 1Sa 12:19-24) The children of Israel said to Samuel,

"Do not stop crying unto the Lord our God for us, that He might save us

out of the hand of the Philistines."

9 (Ps 99:6; Jer 15:1) Samuel took a suckling lamb, and offered it for a burnt

offering unto the Lord. And Samuel cried to the Lord for Israel and the Lord

heard him.

10 (1Sa 2:10; Jos 10:10) As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering,

the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel, but the Lord thundered

with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines, and confused them.

So they were beaten before Israel.

11 Israel's fighting men went out of Mizpah, and pursued the Philistines,

and struck them, as far as below Beth Kar.

12 (Ge 35:14; Jos 4:9) Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah

and Shen. And he called its name EbenezerLit.

Stone of help. saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."

13 (Jdg 13:1) So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not again

come into the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against

the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

14 The cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored

to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath. And Israel rescued their territory

out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel

and the Amorites.

15 (1Sa 7:6; Jdg 2:16) So Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

16 He went annually in a circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpah.

And he judged Israel in all those places.

17 (1Sa 1:19; 1:1) But his return was to Ramah, for his house was there

and there he judged Israel. And there he built an altar to the Lord.



[3] And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return

unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and

Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve

him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

[4] Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and

served the LORD only.

[5] And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you

unto the LORD.

[6] And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out

before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned

against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

[7] And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered

together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And

when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

[8] And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the

LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the

Philistines.

[9] And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering

wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the

LORD heard him.

[10] And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew

near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder

on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were

smitten before Israel.

[11] And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines,

and smote them, until they came under Beth-car.

[12] Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and

called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

[13] So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast

of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days

of Samuel.

[14] And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were

restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did

Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace

between Israel and the Amorites.

[15] And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

[16] And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and

Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.

[17] And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he

judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.



1 SAMUEL 8



Israel Demands a King

1 (Dt 16:18-19) And it came about when Samuel was old, that he installed

his sons as judges for Israel.

2 Now the name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second

son was Abijah. They were judging in Beersheba.

3 (Dt 16:19; Ps 15:5) But his sons did not walk in his way, for they followed

after unlawful gain, and they took bribes, and they perverted justice.

4 (1Sa 7:17) And all the elders of Israel gathered together and they came

to Samuel at Ramah.

5 (Dt 17:14-15; 1Sa 8:19-20) They said to him, "You are old and your sons

do not walk in your ways. Now, install for us a king to govern us like

all the nations."

6 (1Sa 15:11; 12:17) But the thing was evil in the eyes of Samuel,

because they said, "Give us a king to govern us."

And Samuel prayed to the Lord.

7 (Ex 16:8; 1Sa 10:19) The Lord said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people

in relation to all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected,

but Me they have rejected from reigning over them.

8 Just as all the deeds which they have done to Me, from the day I brought

them up from Egypt even to this day, in that they have forsaken Me

and have served other gods, so they are doing also to you now.

9 (1Sa 8:11-18; 10:25) Now then, obey their voice. Only you will testify

against them and proclaim to them the judgment concerning the king

who will reign over them."

10 So Samuel said all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking

from him a king.

11 (1Sa 10:25; 14:52) And he said, "This will be the judgment concerning

the king who will reign over you: Your sons he will take in order to place

them for himself in his chariots and as his horsemen, and they will run

before his chariot,

12 and in order to assign for himself captains of thousands and captains

of fifties, and to plow his ground, and to gather in his harvest,

and to make his weapons of war and the equipment of his chariots.

13 And your daughters he will take for perfumers, and cooks, and bakers.

14 (1Ki 21:7; Eze 46:18) And your choicest fields, and vineyards,

and olive groves he will take and give them to his servants.

15 And of your seed fields and your vineyards he will take a tenth

of their harvest and will give it to his high officials and to his servants.

16 And your menservants and your maidservants, and the best of your

young men and asses he will take and make do his work.

17 Your flocks he will take a tenth of, but you will be his for slaves.

18 (Isa 1:15; Mic 3:4) And you will cry out in that day because of your king,

whom you have chosen for yourselves,

but the Lord will not answer you in that day."

19 (Jer 44:16_ But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel.

And they said, "No! But surely a king will be over us!

20 (1Sa 8:5) So that we also will be like all the nations!

And so that our king will govern us, and will go out before us,

and will fight our battles."

21 (Jdg 11:11) And after Samuel heard all the words of the people,

he spoke them in the hearing of the Lord.

22 (1Sa 8:7; Hos 13:11) And the Lord said to Samuel,

"Obey their voice, and make for them a king."

So Samuel said to Israel's fighting men,

"Go every man to his city."



1 Samuel 8

[1] And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges

over Israel.

[2] Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second,

Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.

[3] And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and

took bribes, and perverted judgment.

[4] Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to

Samuel unto Ramah,

[5] And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy

ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

[6] But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge

us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.

[7] And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in

all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have

rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

[8] According to all the works which they have done since the day that I

brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have

forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

[9] Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly

unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.

[10] And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of

him a king.

[11] And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over

you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots,

and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.

[12] And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over

fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and

to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.

[13] And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks,

and to be bakers.

[14] And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards,

even the best of them, and give them to his servants.

[15] And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and

give to his officers, and to his servants.

[16] And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your

goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.

[17] He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.

[18] And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall

have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.

[19] Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they

said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;

[20] That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge

us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.

[21] And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in

the ears of the LORD.

[22] And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a

king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.



2) Our Daily Bread for 8 April 2024 titled



Joy in the City




Proverbs 11:1-11



Proverbs 11



1 (Pr 16:11; 20:10; 20:23) A false balance is abomination to the Lord,

but a just weight is His delight.

2 (Pr 29:23; 18:12) When pride comes, then comes shame;

but with the humble is wisdom.

3 (Pr 13:6 ) The integrity of the upright will guide them,

but the perverseness of transgressors will destroy them.

4 (Ge 7:1; Pr 10:2) Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

but righteousness delivers from death.

5 (Pr 5:22) The righteousness of the upright will direct his way,

but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.

6 (Ecc 10:8) The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,

but transgressors will be taken by their schemes.

7 (Pr 10:28; Job 8:13-14) When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish,

and the hope of unjust men perishes.

8 (Pr 21:18) The righteous is delivered out of trouble,

and the wicked comes in his place.

9 A hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor,

but through knowledge the just will be delivered.

10 (Pr 28:12) When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices;

and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11 (Pr 29:8) By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted,

but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.



1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:

But a just weight is his delight.

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame:

But with the lowly is wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them:

But the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath:

But righteousness delivereth from death.

5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way:

But the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them:

But transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish:

And the hope of unjust men perisheth.

8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble,

And the wicked cometh in his stead.

9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour:

But through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth:

And when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:

But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.



When France and Argentina met in the 2022 World Cup final, it was an

incredible contest that many dubbed the "greatest World Cup match in

history." As the final seconds ticked off in extra time, the score was tied

3-3, sending the soccer teams to penalty kicks. After Argentina made

the winning goal, the nation erupted in celebration. More than a million

Argentineans overwhelmed downtown Buenos Aires. Drone footage spread across

social media showing this raucous, happy scene. One BBC report described

how the city quaked with "an explosion of joy."



Joy is always a wonderful gift. Proverbs, though, describes how a city,

a people, can experience joy that goes even deeper and lasts far longer.

"When the righteous prosper," Proverbs says, "the city rejoices" (11:10).

When those who truly live by God's designs for humanity begin to influence

a community, then this signals good news because it means God's justice

is taking hold. Greed diminishes. The poor find support. The oppressed

are protected. Whenever God's right way of living flourishes,

then there's joy and "blessing" in the city (v. 11).



If we're genuinely living out God’s ways, then the result will be good news

for everyone. The way we live will make the community around us better

and more whole. God invites us to be part of His work to heal the world.

He invites us to bring joy to the city.



By: Winn Collier



Reflect & Pray



Where do you see the need for joy in your city?

How can you bring God's joy there?



Dear God, please help me to join You in bringing joy to others.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 2 - The key to the Prison Cell



Matt 6:14-15



14 For if you forgive men for their sins, your heavenly Father will

also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men for their sins,

neither will your Father forgive your sins.



14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will

also forgive you: 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses,

neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.



Ann had been badly wounded in a relationship that had ended in anger

and accusation. For more than a year, Ann nursed her bitterness, rallying

support for her attitudes from friends and colleagues. Any time she saw

her former friend, Ann put up an icy wall of hostility. She thought she was

"getting over" the hurt, but the very mention of her friend's name brought

back a flood of negative feelings. Ann was trapped, locked in a prison of

unforgiveness , a jail built block by block by her own unwillingness to

forgive. Ann didn't "get over it"; instead, her wounds festered

and her bitterness grew worse.

Then one day - she never knew how - Ann let go of her bitterness. The barriers

of hostility and anger melted away, and when she saw her friend again, she was

able to forgive. And Ann was finally able to turn to the Lord for her own

healing and forgiveness.

"If you do not forgive," Jesus says - and the statement falls hard on

unforgiving hearts, "Neither will you be forgiven." In one sense, God's

forgiveness is unconditional - we do not have to earn or deserve it, and it is

always available to us. But we cannot experience the forgiveness God has

extended to us when we harbour unforgiveness towards others and build walls

of bitterness in our hearts.

When we refuse forgiveness toward those who have hurt or betrayed us, we do

not keep them in bondage, but ourselves. We lock ourselves away for an

awareness of God's loving presence; we imprison ourselves in a cell of

revenge. But when we reach out to forgive, we turn in the lock;

the door is open for our own sins to be forgiven and our own hearts

cleansed and purified.



Application



a) Why is forgiving others a condition for experiencing forgiveness

in my own life?



b) How can these verses have a practical effect upon my willingness

to forgive others?





4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



2 Chr 31:21



21 And in every deed that he undertook in the service of the house

of God and with the law and commandment to seek out his God,

he did this with all his heart, and he found success.



21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house

of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God,

he did it with all his heart, and prospered.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Protection in Times of Trouble



Ps 27:1-6



PSALMS 27



A Psalm of David.



1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom will I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life;

of whom will I be afraid?

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) When the wicked came against me

to eat my flesh -

my enemies and my foes -

they stumbled and fell.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Though an army should encamp against me,

my heart will not fear;

though war should rise against me,

in this will I be confident.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One thing I have asked from the Lord,

that will I seek after -

for me to dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to see the beauty of the Lord,

and to inquire in His temple.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For in the time of trouble

He will hide me in His pavilion;

in the shelter of His tabernacle He will hide me;

He will set me up on a rock.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8 - 9) Now my head will be lifted up

above my enemies encircling me;

therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;

I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.



1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,

came upon me to eat up my flesh,

They stumbled and fell.

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:

Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;

That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:

In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;

he shall set me up upon a rock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up,

Above mine enemies round about me:

Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;

I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.





6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)



Manitoba



Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba



Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000



est Muslim Population 21 349



CNMM Networks: Winnipeg



The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very

diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting

it might be twice that size.

Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size

of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.

Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth

of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.

We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers

among Muslims in Winnipeg.



Let us intercede in unity for:



- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged

with great support



Adding further





Pray for the Moors of Mauritania




John 5:17



17 (Jn 9:4; 14:10) Jesus answered them, "My Father is working still,

and I am working."



[17] But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.



Mauritania is an Islamic republic in West Africa and is predominantly

a desert country - mostly hot, dry, and windy. It is about the size

of France and Spain combined, but with only 4.3 million inhabitants.

Mauritania has an ethnically diverse population, but two dominating groups are

the Bidhan, or "white Moors" who are 30% of the population and the Haratin,

or "black Moors" who make up 40%. Both groups are themselves a blend of Arab

and Berber cultural influences. They are almost entirely Muslim.



Most Moorish families were still nomads only two or three generations ago,

but sustained droughts forced over one million people to move to the capital,

Nouakchott, and become more involved in trade.



The status of Moorish women is somewhat different from other societies

in the region. A striking example is a genre of exclusively female poetry

called tebra, which is composed and recited by women before an all-female

audience only.



Mothers from the Riyad 5 school have formed the Association for the Promotion

of our Students and their Futures to keep students safe outside of school,

Nouakchott, Mauritania.



However, Mauritanian Moors also have a tradition of viewing obesity in women

as a status symbol, promoting the idea that a man with a thin wife must not

be able to afford to feed her. This has led to dangerous practices

of over-eating, sometimes by force, with the aim of attracting a wealthy

husband. Other challenges faced by Moorish women include the practices

of female genital mutilation and child marriage – also done with the aim

of making girls attractive to men in the hope of securing financial security.



How to Pray



Pray for Moorish women to understand the love that God

has for them and their value in His Kingdom.



Pray that God’s love and salvation would be revealed

to all the people of Mauritania.



Pray for the tribes of Mauritania to find in Christ

the fulfillment of His promises of peace and salvation.



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .



7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



8th Day of the Month



a) Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer

and never cease to call upon God



(

Is 62:6



6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,

who shall never hold their peace day nor night.

You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;



6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold

their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,



Ps 5:3



3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;

in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.



3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;

In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.



Ps 55:17



17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,

and He will hear my voice.



17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:

And he shall hear my voice.



)



b) Pray for the province of Manitoba



I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them

to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.

( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings

and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life

in all godliness and honesty,

3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and

acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come

to the knowledge of the truth.



1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to leave a good legacy in His name.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to join You

in bringing joy to others."



Pray to the Lord and pray to honestly forgive trespasses.



Pray to the Lord and pray to seek hikm is your work.



Pray to the Lord and pray to put your faith in the Lord.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged

with great support



Pray for Moorish women to understand the love that God

has for them and their value in His Kingdom.



Pray that God’s love and salvation would be revealed

to all the people of Mauritania.



Pray for the tribes of Mauritania to find in Christ

the fulfillment of His promises of peace and salvation.



Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer

and never cease to call upon God



Pray that more Kuwaitis will head the Good News of Jesus Christ and place

their faith in Him.



Pray that isolated Christians in Oman who must worship alone will experience

the joy and comfort of God's presence.



Pray for new Christians in Benin whose lives are at risk due to opposing

family and community members.



Praise God that Qataris can access the Bible via the Internet!

Pray that many more will be transformed by God's Word.



Pray that ministry workers who are reaching out to Syrian Refugees with the

message of Christ and be strengthened.



Pray for Berber Christians in Algeria who continue to boldly share

the Gospel in and around the al-Qaida terrorist camps.



Pray for an intelligence officer in Turkmenistan whose heart was touched

by the Gospel due to the faithful witness of one of his captives.



Praise God for Mussalam's faithfulness in Uzbekistan to the Lord

and her courage despite persecution from family members.



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

Google Gemini compares Tom Baker and David Tennant

Both Tom Baker's 4th Doctor and David Tennant's 10th Doctor are incredibly

popular among Doctor Who fans, but for different reasons.

Here's a breakdown of their strengths and why they resonate with viewers:



Tom Baker (4th Doctor):



Strengths:

Iconic Status: Baker's portrayal is arguably the most iconic Doctor. His

long tenure (seven seasons) and flamboyant costume cemented him

in popular culture.



He was both alien and charming.



Exploration and Wonder: Baker's era captured the spirit of exploration and

wonder inherent in Doctor Who. His stories often emphasised fantastical

as the quintessential Doctor Who.



David Tennant (10th Doctor):



Strengths:

Modern Appeal: Tennant brought Doctor Who back to mainstream popularity in

the revived series. His Doctor was charismatic, heroic, and had a strong

emotional connection with his companions.

Darkness and Vulnerability: While Tennant's Doctor had a heroic side, he

also grappled with inner darkness and the burden of his long life. This

complexity made him relatable.

Fast-Paced Adventures: The revived series offered a more modern approach to

storytelling, with faster pacing and higher production values. Tennant's

Doctor thrived in this format.



Popularity: David Tennant is hugely popular among newer fans,

particularly those who watched the revived series during his tenure.

He's often seen as a gateway to the wider world of Doctor Who.



Who is More Popular?



It's difficult to say definitively who is more popular. Here are some factors

to consider:



Generational Bias: Fans who grew up with Baker tend to favour him,

while those who started with Tennant might lean towards him.

Accessibility: The revived series with Tennant is more readily

available than classic Doctor Who with Baker. This can influence

perception of popularity.



Ultimately, both Tom Baker and David Tennant are fantastic Doctors who have

brought joy to millions of fans. Their unique strengths and the eras they

represent ensure their continued popularity

within the vast Doctor Who universe.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - The Underwaterw Menace

"Doctor Who - The Underwater Menace" is a four-part serial from the Fourth

Season of the original series, first broadcast in 1967. The story revolves

around the Doctor and his companions landing on the lost underwater city of

Atlantis, where they encounter a megalomaniacal scientist intent on raising

Atlantis from the depths of the ocean.



Episode 1 introduces the intriguing premise of an underwater civilisation,

showcasing impressive set design and atmosphere. However, subsequent episodes

struggle to maintain momentum, with the plot becoming increasingly convoluted

and the pacing uneven.



One of the standout elements of "The Underwater Menace" is the memorable

performance of Joseph Furst as Professor Zaroff, the deranged scientist

determined to conquer the world. Furst brings a charismatic yet sinister

presence to the role, elevating the story whenever he appears on screen.



Unfortunately, the serial suffers from production limitations, particularly

evident in the underwater sequences, which are hampered by primitive special

effects. Additionally, the characterisation of the Doctor and his companions

feels somewhat underdeveloped, with less focus on their interactions and

dynamics compared to other serials.



While "The Underwater Menace" has its flaws, including a somewhat lackluster

resolution, it still offers moments of entertainment and showcases the

creativity of Doctor Who's early years.



Episode 1: 6/10

Episode 2: 5/10

Episode 3: 4/10

Episode 4: 5/10



Overall Rating: 5/10

Day 98 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 7 April 2024 reflections

Day 98, 7 April 2024



Today at

Calvary Community Church
, Pastor Barry Regier spoke on

On Mission with the Rusen Christ



JOb 1:6-8



6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves

before the Lord, and the Adversary also came among them. 7 And the Lord

said to the Adversary, "From where have you come?" Then the Adversary

answered the Lord, saying, "From roaming on the earth, and from walking up

and down on it."

8 And the Lord said to the Adversary, "Have you considered My servant Job,

that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and an upright man,

who fears God, and avoids evil?"



[6] Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves

before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

[7] And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered

the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up

and down in it.

[8] And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that

there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that

feareth God, and escheweth evil?



Ephesians 5:8-10



8 (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36) For you were formerly darkness,

but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-

9 (Ro 15:14) for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness

and righteousness and truth-

10 (1Th 5:21) proving what is pleasing to the Lord.



[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk

as children of light:

[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and

truth;)

[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.



Matthew 28:19-20



19 (Mk 16:15-16; Ac 1:8) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 (Mt 18:20; Ac 2:42) teaching them to observe all things I have commanded

you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.



[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of

the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:

and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.



Acts 1:8



8 (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit

comes upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."



[8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon

you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all

Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.



Through Philip's example we learn to



A) Follow God's leading Acts 8:26



Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch



26 (Ac 5:19; 27:23; 12:23) Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,

"Rise up and go toward the south on the way that goes down from Jerusalem

to Gaza." This is desert.



[26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go

toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza,

which is desert.



B) Make ourselves Available Acts 8:27-29



27 (Ps 68:31; 87:4) So he rose up and went. And there was a man of Ethiopia,

a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians,

who was in command of her entire treasury.

He had come to Jerusalem to worship.

28 He was returning, sitting in his chariot

and reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.

29 (Ac 10:19; 11:12) The Spirit said to Philip,

"Go to this chariot and stay with it."



[27] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of

great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of

all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

[28] Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

[29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this

chariot.



C) Take initiative Acts 8:30



30 Then Philip ran to him, and heard him read the book of Isaiah the prophet,

and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"



[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,

and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?



D) Be tactful 1 Peter 3:15-16 Acts 8:30-31



15 (Col 4:6; Isa 29:23) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.

Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for

a reason for the hope that is in you, with

gentleness and fear.

16 (Heb 13:18; 1Pe 2:12) Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak

evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.



[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give

an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you

with meekness and fear:

[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of

evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in

Christ.



30 Then Philip ran to him, and heard him read the book of Isaiah the prophet,

and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"



[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,

and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?



31 (Ro 10:14) He said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"

So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.



[31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired

Philip that he would come up and sit with him.



E) Be prepared



32 (Isa 53:7-8) The passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:

"He was led as a sheep to slaughter;

and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,

so He opened not His mouth.

33 (Isa 53:8; 53:12) In His humiliation justice was denied Him;

who will speak of His generation?

For His life is taken from the earth."

34 The eunuch said to Philip, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet speak,

of himself or of someone else?"

35 (Lk 24:27; Ac 18:28) Then Philip spoke, beginning with the same Scripture,

and preached Jesus to him.



[32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a

sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened

he not his mouth:

[33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare

his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

[34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh

the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

[35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and

preached unto him Jesus.





36 (Ac 10:47) As they went on their way, they came to some water.

And the eunuch said, "Look, here is water.

What hinders me from being baptised?"

37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He answered,

"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

38 And he commanded the chariot to halt. Then both Philip and the eunuch went

down into the water, and he baptized him.

39 (1Ki 18:12; 2Ki 2:16) When they came up out of the water,

the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away. And the eunuch saw him no more,

and he went his way rejoicing.

40 (Ac 10:1; 21:8) But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through,

he preached the gospel in all the cities until he came to Caesarea.



[36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the

eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.

And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

[38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both

into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

[39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord

caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way

rejoicing.

[40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all

the cities, till he came to Caesarea.



The Romans Road to Sharing Jesus



i) Romans 3:23



23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,



[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;



ii) Romans 6:23



23 (Ro 5:12; Ge 2:17; Ro 2:7) For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.



[23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.



iii) Romans 5:8



8 (Jn 15:13; 1Pe 3:18) But God demonstrates His own love toward us,

in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.



[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet

sinners, Christ died for us.



iv) Romans 10:9-10



9 (Lk 12:8; Php 2:11) that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord,

and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,

you will be saved,

10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth

confession is made unto salvation.



[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt

believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be

saved.

[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth

confession is made unto salvation.



v) Romans 10:13



13 (Ac 2:21; Joel 2:32) For, "Everyone who calls on the name

of the Lord shall be saved."(Joel 2:32.)



[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.



1) 1 Samuel 1 - 3



1 SAMUEL 1



The Birth of Samuel



1 (1Sa 1:19; 1Ch 6:34) Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim Zuphim,

in the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham,

the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

2 And he had two wives; the name of one was Hannah and the name of the second

was Peninnah. Now Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

3 (Ex 23:14; Dt 12:5-7) This man went up out of his city annually to worship

and to sacrifice to the Lord of Hosts in Shiloh. And there the two sons of Eli,

Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the Lord.

4 (Dt 12:17-18; 16:11) When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he gave

portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters.

5 (Ge 30:2) But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved Hannah,

but the Lord had closed her womb.

6 Now her rival provoked her greatly, making her miserable because the Lord

had closed her womb.

7 Thus it was yearly, when she went up to the house of the Lord,

that she provoked her. So Hannah wept and did not eat.

8 (Ru 4:15) Then said Elkanah her husband to her, "Hannah, why are

you weeping? And why do you not eat? Why is your heart grieved?

Am I not better to you than ten sons?"



[1] Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and

his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu,

the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

[2] And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of

the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

[3] And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice

unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and

Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.

[4] And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his

wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

[5] But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the

LORD had shut up her womb.

[6] And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because

the LORD had shut up her womb.

[7] And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the

LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.

[8] Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why

eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than

ten sons?



9 (1Sa 3:3) So Hannah arose after they had eaten in Shiloh and after

they had drunk. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a seat by the door

of the tabernacle of the Lord.

10 (Job 7:11; 10:1) And she was bitter, and prayed to the Lord,

and wept severely.

11 (Jdg 13:5; Ge 29:32; Nu 6:5) So she made a vow and said, "O Lord of Hosts,

if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant, and remember

me and not forget Your maidservant, but will give to Your maidservant a baby

boy, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor

shall touch his head."Perhaps Barak here (see LXX).

12 And as she was praying before the Lord, Eli watched her mouth.

13 (Ge 24:42-45) Now Hannah was speaking in her heart. Her lips were moving,

but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.

14 So Eli said to her, "How long will you be drunk?

Put away your wine from you."

15 (Ps 42:4; 62:8) And Hannah answered and said, "No, my lord, I am a woman

of sorrow. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my

soul before the Lord.

16 (1Sa 2:12) Do not consider your handmaid to be a sinful woman, for out of

the abundance of my concern and provocation I have spoken until now."

17 (Jdg 18:6; 2Ki 5:19) Then Eli answered and said, "Go in peace, and the God

of Israel grant you your request that you have asked of Him."

18 (Ru 2:13; Ge 33:15) And she said, "Let your handmaid find grace in your

sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was not sad as before.

19 (Ge 30:22; 4:1) They rose up in the morning early and worshipped before

the Lord. And they returned and came to their house to Ramah. And Elkanah

knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her.

20 (Ge 41:51-52; Ex 2:10) And it came to pass that Hannah conceived

and bore a son. And she called his name Samuel saying,

"Because I have asked him of the Lord."



[10] And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept

sore.

[11] And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed

look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget

thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will

give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor

come upon his head.

[12] And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli

marked her mouth.

[13] Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice

was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

[14] And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine

from thee.

[15] And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful

spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my

soul before the LORD.

[16] Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the

abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

[17] Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant

thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

[18] And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman

went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

[19] And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD,

and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his

wife; and the LORD remembered her.

[20] Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah

had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying,

Because I have asked him of the LORD.



The Dedication of Samuel



21 (1Sa 1:3) Then the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer

to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and his vow.

22 (1Sa 1:11; 1:28) But Hannah did not go, for she said to her husband,

"I will not go up until the child is weaned, and then I will bring him,

that he may appear before the Lord and live there forever."

23 (2Sa 7:25) So Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems good to you.

Wait until you have weaned him; only may the Lord establish His word."

So the woman remained, and nursed her son until she weaned him.

24 (Jos 18:1; Nu 15:9-10) When she had weaned him, she took him up with her

with three bulls, one ephah [Likely about 36 pounds, or 16 kilograms.]

of flour, and a bottle of wine. And she brought him to the house of the Lord

in Shiloh, though the boy was young.

25 (Lk 2:22) Then they slaughtered a bull, and they brought the boy to Eli.

26 (2Ki 2:2; 2:4) And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am

the woman that stood by you here praying to the Lord.

27 (1Sa 1:11-13) For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition

which I asked of Him.

28 (Ge 24:26; 24:52) Therefore also I have let the Lord have him.

As long as he lives he will be dedicated to the Lord."

And he worshipped the Lord there.



[21] And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD

the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

[22] But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up

until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear

before the LORD, and there abide for ever.

[23] And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry

until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman

abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

[24] And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three

bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto

the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.

[25] And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.

[26] And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman

that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

[27] For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I

asked of him:

[28] Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he

shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.



1 SAMUEL 2



The Prayer of Hannah



1 (Ps 9:14; 13:5) Hannah prayed, saying:

"My heart rejoices in the Lord;

my horn is exalted in the Lord.

My mouth is bold against my enemies,

because I rejoice in Your salvation.

2 (Ex 15:11; 2Sa 22:32) "There is none holy as the Lord,

for there is none besides You,

and there is no rock like our God.

3 (1Ki 8:39; Pr 8:13) "Do not multiply proud speech,

nor let arrogance come out of your mouth,

for the Lord is the God of knowledge,

and by Him actions are examined.

4 (Ps 37:15; 46:9) "The bows of the mighty are broken,

but those who stumbled are girded with strength.

5 (Ps 113:9; Jer 15:9) Those that were full have hired out

themselves for bread,

and those that were hungry ceased to hunger.

Even the barren has borne seven,

and she that has many children wastes away.

6 (Dt 32:39; 2Ki 5:7; Isa 26:19) "The Lord kills and makes alive;

He brings down to the grave and brings up.

7 (Job 5:11; Ps 75:7) The Lord makes poor and makes rich;

He brings low and lifts up.

8 (Ps 113:7-8; Job 38:4-6) He raises up the poor out of the dust

and lifts up the oppressed from the dunghill

to make them sit with princes

and inherit a throne of glory.

"For the pillars of the earth belong to the Lord,

and He has set the world upon them.

9 (Ps 33:16-17; 91:11-12) He will guard the feet of His saints,

but the wicked will be silent in darkness.

"For by strength shall no man prevail.

10 (Ps 2:9; 89:24) The adversaries of the Lord will be broken to pieces;

He will thunder against them out of heaven.

The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

"He will give strength to His king

and exalt the horn of His anointed."

11 (1Sa 2:18; 3:1_ Then Elkanah went to Ramah to his house.

And the boy ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.



[1] And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn

is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I

rejoice in thy salvation.

[2] There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither

is there any rock like our God.

[3] Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your

mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

[4] The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded

with strength.

[5] They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that

were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath

many children is waxed feeble.

[6] The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and

bringeth up.

[7] The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

[8] He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from

the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne

of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the

world upon them.

[9] He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in

darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

[10] The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven

shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and

he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

[11] And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto

the LORD before Eli the priest.

[12] Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.



Wicked Sons of Eli



12 (Jer 2:8; Jdg 2:10) Now the sons of Eli were corrupt.

They did not know the Lord.

13 The priest's custom with the people was that when any man offered

a sacrifice, the priest's servant came while the flesh was cooking with

a three-pronged fork in his hand.

14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or cauldron, or pot,

and all that the fork brought up the priest took for himself.

This they did in Shiloh to all the children of Israel who came there.

15 (Lev 3:16; 3:3-5) Even before they burned the fat, the priest's servant

would come and say to the man sacrificing, "Give meat for the priest

to roast. For he will not take boiled meat from you, but only raw."

16 If any man said to him, "Let them first burn the fat and then take

as much as you wish," then he would answer him, "No, but you will give

it to me now, and if not, I will take it by force."

17 (Ge 6:11) Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before

the Lord. For the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt.



[13] And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered

sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with

a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

[14] And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that

the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh

unto all the Israelites that came thither.

[15] Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to

the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not

have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

[16] And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat

presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer

him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by

force.

[17] Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for

men abhorred the offering of the LORD.



God Blesses Hannah



18 (1Sa 2:11; 3:1) But Samuel ministered before the Lord, as a boy,

wearing a linen ephod.

19 (1Sa 1:3; 1:21) Now his mother would make him a little coat

and brought it to him every year when she came up with her husband to

offer the yearly sacrifice.

20 (1Sa 1:27-28) And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say,

"The Lord give you offspring from this woman for the sake of the request

which was made to the Lord." Then they would return to their home.

21 (Ge 21:1; Jdg 13:24) The Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived

and bore three sons and two daughters.

And the boy Samuel grew before the Lord.





[18] But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a

linen ephod.

[19] Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from

year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly

sacrifice.

[20] And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed

of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto

their own home.

[21] And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons

and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.





Eli Confronts Hophni and Phinehas



22 (Ex 38:8; 1Sa 2:13-17) Now Eli was very old, and he heard all that

his sons were doing to all Israel, even that they lay with the women

who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.

23 He said to them, "Why are you doing these things? For I am hearing

of your evil dealings from all these people.

24 No, my sons! Truly, it is not a good report that I hear the people

of the Lord spreading.

25 (Jos 11:20; Nu 15:30) If one man sins against another, God will judge him,

but if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him" But they

did not listen to the voice of their father, because the Lord desired

to kill them.

26 (Lk 2:52) Now the boy Samuel was growing both in stature

and favor with the Lord and also with men.



[22] Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel;

and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle

of the congregation.

[23] And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil

dealings by all this people.

[24] Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD's

people to transgress.

[25] If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man

sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they

hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay

them.

[26] And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and

also with men.



God's Case Against the House of Eli



27 (1Ki 13:1; Ex 4:14-16) A man of God came to Eli and said to him,

"Thus says the Lord, 'Did I not plainly reveal Myself to the house

of your father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?

28 (Ex 28:1; Lev 8:7-8) And choose him out of all the tribes of Israel

to be My priest, to offer upon My altar, to burn incense, to wear

an ephod before Me? And I gave to the house of your father

all the offerings made by fire by the children of Israel?

29 (1Sa 2:13-17; Mt 10:37) Why do you kick at My sacrifice and

at My offering, which I have commanded in My dwelling, and honor your sons

above Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings

of Israel My people?'

30 (Ex 29:9; Ps 50:23) "Therefore the Lord God of Israel says, 'I surely said

that your house, and the house of your father, should walk before Me

forever,' but now the Lord says, 'Far be it from Me to do so, for those

who honor Me, I will honor, and those that despise Me will be humbled.

31 (1Sa 22:17-20) The days are coming when I will cut off your authority

and the strength of your father's house, so there shall not be an old man

in your house.

32 (Zec 8:4; 1Sa 4:11) You shall see the distress of My dwelling, despite

all the good which will be done for Israel. And there shall not be an elderly

man in your house perpetually.

33 Yet the one I do not cut off from My altar will be spared so your eyes

will not stop weeping or your soul grieving. All the increase of your house

will die in their prime.

34 (1Sa 4:11; 1Ki 13:3) "'This will be the sign to you which will come upon

your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas: In one day, they will both die.

35 (2Sa 7:11; 7:27) And I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest;

what is in My heart and in My soul he will do it. And I will build him

a sure house, and it will walk before My anointed forever.

36 (1Ki 2:27) But it will be that everyone who is left in your house

will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a morsel

of bread, and will say, Please attach me to one of the priestly offices,

that I may eat a piece of bread."



[27] And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the

LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in

Egypt in Pharaoh's house?

[28] And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest,

to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and

did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of

the children of Israel?

[29] Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have

commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make

yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

[30] Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house,

and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the

LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and

they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

[31] Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of

thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.

[32] And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which

God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for

ever.

[33] And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall

be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of

thine house shall die in the flower of their age.

[34] And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons,

on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.

[35] And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to

that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure

house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

[36] And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house

shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread,

and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I

may eat a piece of bread.



[Remember in any position, the Lord gave you stewardship of it]



1 SAMUEL 3



God Calls Samuel



1 (1Sa 2:11; Ps 74:9) Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord

before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days.

There was no vision coming forth.

2 (1Sa 4:15; Ge 27:1)At that time, Eli was lying down in his place

(now his eyes had begun to grow weak that he could not see),

3 (Ex 27:20-21; Lev 24:2-4) and the lamp of God had not yet gone out,

and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord where the ark of God was.

4 Then the Lord called to Samuel, and he answered, "Here I am."

5 He ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called to me."

And he said, "I did not call. Return, lie down again."

And he went and lay down.

6 The Lord called Samuel again. So Samuel arose and went to Eli,

and said, "Here I am, for you called me."

And he answered, "I did not call, my son. Return, lie down again."

7 (Ac 19:2) Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor had the word

of the Lord been revealed to him.

8 The Lord again called Samuel a third time. So he arose and went to

Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me."

Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling to the boy.

9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel,"Go, lie down. And it will be,

if He calls you, that you will say, 'Speak, Lord, for Your servant listens.'"

So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 The Lord came and stood, and He called as at other times, "Samuel, Samuel."

Then Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant listens."

11 (2Ki 21:12; Jer 19:3) The Lord said to Samuel, "See, I am doing something

in Israel which will make both ears ring of every one that hears it.

12 (1Sa 2:27-36) In that day I will bring about against Eli everything which

I have spoken with regard to his house, from beginning to end.

13 (1Sa 2:12; 2:17) For I told him that I will judge his house forever,

for the guilt which he knew, because his sons are cursed,

and he did not rebuke them.

14 (Isa 22:14; 1Sa 2:25) Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that

the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for with sacrifice

nor offering forever."

15 Samuel lay until the morning; then he opened the doors of the house

of the Lord. Now Samuel feared to report the vision to Eli.

16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, "Samuel, my son."

And he answered, "Here I am."

17 (Ru 1:17; 2Sa 3:35) He said, "What is the thing that the Lord has spoken t

o you? Do not hide it from me. Thus may God do so to you, and more also,

if you hide from me a word out of all the things that He spoke to you."

18 (Job 2:10; Isa 39:8) Samuel told him everything, and did not hide from

him a thing. And he said, "It is the Lord; let Him do

what is good in His eyes."

19 (1Sa 2:21; 9:6) And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him

and did not let any of his words fall to the ground.

20 (Jdg 20:1; 2Sa 3:10) All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that

Samuel was proven to be a prophet of the Lord.

21 (Ge 12:7; 1Sa 3:1) And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh.

For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.



[1] And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word

of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

[2] And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place,

and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

[3] And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the

ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;

[4] That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

[5] And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he

said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

[6] And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli,

and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not,

my son; lie down again.

[7] Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD

yet revealed unto him.

[8] And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went

to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that

the LORD had called the child.

[9] Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he

call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So

Samuel went and lay down in his place.

[10] And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel,

Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

[11] And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at

which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

[12] In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken

concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.

[13] For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the

iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he

restrained them not.

[14] And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of

Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

[15] And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of

the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

[16] Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here

am I.

[17] And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I

pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou

hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.

[18] And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said,

It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

[19] And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his

words fall to the ground.

[20] And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was

established to be a prophet of the LORD.

[21] And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to

Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.



[Hide nothing the Lord says, for He is in control]



2) Our Daily Bread for 7 April 2024 titled



Five Good Things




Psalm 107:1-9



1 Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good,

for His mercy endures forever!

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Let the redeemed of the Lord speak out,

whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) and gathered them from the lands,

from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) They wandered in the wilderness on a deserted path;

they found no city to dwell in.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Hungry and thirsty,

their soul fainted in them.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble,

and He delivered them out of their distresses.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He led them on a level road,

that they might go to a city to live in.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Let them praise the Lord for His goodness

and for His wonderful works to the people!

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) For He satisfies the longing soul

and fills the hungry soul with goodness.



[1] O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for

ever.

[2] Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the

hand of the enemy;

[3] And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west,

from the north, and from the south.

[4] They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no

city to dwell in.

[5] Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

[6] Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them

out of their distresses.

[7] And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of

habitation.

[8] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his

wonderful works to the children of men!

[9] For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with

goodness.



According to research, people who are intentionally grateful for what

they have report better sleep, fewer symptoms of illness, and more happiness.

Those are impressive benefits. Psychologists even suggest keeping a

"gratitude journal" to improve our well-being, writing down five things

we're grateful for each week.



Scripture has long promoted the practice of gratitude. From meals

and marriage (1 Timothy 4:3-5) to the beauties of creation (Psalm 104),

the Bible has called us to see such things as gifts and to thank the Giver

for them. Psalm 107 lists five things Israel could be especially grateful

for: their rescue from the desert (vv. 4-9), their release from captivity

(vv. 10-16), healing from disease (vv. 18-22), safety at sea (vv. 23-32),

and their flourishing in a barren land (vv. 33-42).

"Give thanks to the Lord," the psalm repeats, for these are all signs

of God's "unfailing love" (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31).



Do you have a notepad handy? Why not write down five good things you're

grateful for now? It might be the meal you just enjoyed, your marriage or,

like Israel, God's rescue points in your life to date. Give thanks

for the birds singing outside, the smells from your kitchen,

the comfort of your chair, the murmurs of loved ones.

Each is a gift and a sign of God’s unfailing love.



By: Sheridan Voysey



Reflect & Pray



Why do you think Scripture so often calls us to be thankful?

What five good things are you grateful for today?



Father God, I'm grateful for every good thing

You've brought into my life. And most of all, I'm grateful for You.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 1 - Forgiving as God Forgave



Col 3:13



13 Bear with one another and forgive one another. If anyone

has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.



13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man

have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.



"No!" Brett slammed his hand against the desk to punctuate his point.

"My wife's infidelity is completely unforgivable. She just wants to make things

look good, to have me condone her new relationship.

I won't do it. I won't forgive her."

Brett was a man in pain, and his perspective on forgiving

his wife is understandable. But unfortunately, many of us are

the victims of "unforgivable" offenses; many of us, as well,

are the perpetrators of such offenses, and we desperately need

to be forgiven.

Brett ultimately came to understand that forgiving and "unforgivable"

hurt is not based on the worthiness of the recipient of forgiveness,

but on the worthiness of Christ himself. The Bible teaches that we are bound

to forgiveness for one simple reason:

because God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ.

"Forgive as the Lord forgave", Paul commands in Col 3:13 . How did Christ

forgive? Freely, completely, without basing his forgiveness on our merit. He

forgave us unilaterally, offering forgiveness before we asked,

before we were aware of our sin and the pain it caused him,

before we came to him in repentance.

Forgiveness does more that release the perpetrator for the bondage of

his wrongdoing. It releases the victim as well. Forgiveness frees

the forgiver from the bondage of anger and bitterness that keeps him distant

from the love of God. We can forgive the most "unforgivable" of offenses

against us when we focus our attention not on the offender, but on Christ,

who forgave us.



Application



a) Have I ever harboured unforgiveness toward another person?

What was the result in my spiritual/emotional life?



b) Is there someone in my life who has hurt me, who I need to forgive?

How can this verse help me extend the forgiveness to that person?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



2 Cor 9:8,11



8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you,

so that you, always having enough of everything,

may abound to every good work.

11 So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness,

which makes us give thanks to God.



8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having

all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

11 being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through

us thanksgiving to God.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are Facing Pain and Suffering



Ps 9:9-12



9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble.

10 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,

for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

11 Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;

declare His deeds among the people.

12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;

He does not forget the cry of the humble.



Waw

9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

A refuge in times of trouble.

10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:

For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Zain

11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:

Declare among the people his doings.

12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:

He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13





9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.





6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)



Manitoba



Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba



Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000



est Muslim Population 21 349



CNMM Networks: Winnipeg



The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very

diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting

it might be twice that size.

Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size

of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.

Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth

of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.

We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers

among Muslims in Winnipeg.



Let us intercede in unity for:



- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged

with great support



Adding further



30 day of Prayers from 18 March 2023 to 18 April 2023





Pray for the Afar of Ethiopia




Luke 15:4



4 (Eze 34:11-12; 34:16) "What man among you having a hundred sheep

and losing one of them does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness

and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?



[4] What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth

not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is

lost, until he find it?



The Afar people group mostly live in East Africa, in the nations of Ethiopia,

Djbouti and Eritrea. They are almost entirely Muslim - there are less than

0.5% known believers in their ethnic group. With a population of only

2 million, they are a small population but they have existed for centuries

- they claim to be the descendants of Ham, the son of Noah. The Afar have

been known as Muslims since the earliest recording of them, although there

are traces of their ancient spiritual beliefs in their customs,

such as wearing amulets, divination and folk magic.



Most Afar - around 1.5 million - live in Ethiopia. Most of them live

a nomadic life and work as herdsmen, while others work in the salt

mines of the Danakil Depression - a feature of the dry land where

they have survived heat and drought for generations.



There are many obstacles to the Afar people hearing the gospel.

Their nomadic lifestyle, a strong cultural identity shaped around Islam,

and social pressure to remain faithful to the tribal beliefs make it

very challenging to introduce the message of Jesus. As drought and famine

force more Afar into urban areas for work, they may have more opportunities

to meet a Christian but it is still unlikely.



How to Pray



Pray for the Afar people to have dreams

and visions of Jesus that lead to salvation.



Pray that ministries in Ethiopia will find creative ways

of sharing the gospel with the Afar.



Ask the Lord to bless the Afar people, and to send them

ways to experience His great love for them.



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .



7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



7th Day of the Month



a) Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society

and be their help



(

Ps 34:18 - The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,

and saves the contrite of spirit.



18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;

And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.



Ps 145: 14 - 16



14 The Lord upholds all who fall,

and raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all wait upon You,

and You give them their food in due season.

16 You open Your hand

and satisfy the desire of every living thing.



Samek

14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,

And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

Ain

15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;

And thou givest them their meat in due season.

Pe

16 Thou openest thine hand,

And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.



)



b) Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your

city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.

(



Romans 12:4-8



4 (1Co 12:12-14)For just as we have many parts in one body,

and not all parts have the same function,

5(1Co 10:17; 12:20)so we, being many, are one body in Christ,

and all are parts of one another.

6(Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2)We have diverse gifts according to the grace that

is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;

7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11)if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;

8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with

generosity; he who rules, with diligence;

he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.



4 For as we have many members in one body,

and all members have not the same office:

5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,

and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that

is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according

to the proportion of faith;

7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth,

on teaching;

8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let

him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence;

he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.



Col 3:17



17(1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20)And whatever you do in word or deed,

do all in the name

of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.



17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name

of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.



)





Conclusion:



Lord Jesus, l know that I am a sinner and that I need Your forgiveness. I

believe that You died for my sins and l trust in You alone for my salvation. I

choose to turn away from the things in my life of which You don't approve

and now surrender my life to You. I invite You to come and reign and rule in

my heart and fife and open my spirit Establish Your presence within me

and please bring me Your peace. I want to know the power of the Holy Spirit

working in me and live forever with You in the Kingdom of God. I choose to

trust and follow You as my Lord and saviour. Amen



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a good steward of what the Lord has given you

and to dedicate your children to Him.



Pray to the Lord: "Father God, I'm grateful for every good thing

You've brought into my life. And most of all, I'm grateful for You."



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a genuine forgiver.



Pray to the Lord and pray to receive His Grace.



Pray to the Lord and pray to put your trust in the Lord,

]even in tiems of troubles.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged

with great support



Pray for the Afar people to have dreams

and visions of Jesus that lead to salvation.



Pray that ministries in Ethiopia will find creative ways

of sharing the gospel with the Afar.



Ask the Lord to bless the Afar people, and to send them

ways to experience His great love for them..



Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society

and be their help



Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your

city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.





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

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - An Unearthly Child

I can provide you with some reviews and insights into "Doctor Who: An Unearthly

Child" to help you form your own opinion:



Background



"An Unearthly Child" is the very first serial of Doctor Who, originally airing

in four parts in November 1963. It introduces viewers to the Doctor, his

granddaughter Susan, and the companions Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright.

The serial is a historical adventure, landing the TARDIS in prehistoric Earth.



Review



Here's a breakdown of some key points:



Groundbreaking for Television: For its time, "An Unearthly Child" was

a groundbreaking show. The concept of a time-traveling alien was original,

and the serial tackled social issues like classism

that were rarely seen on television at the time.



Slow Pace by Modern Standards: Viewers accustomed to the fast-paced action of

modern Doctor Who might find "An Unearthly Child" slow. The dialogue can be

exposition-heavy, and the plot unfolds gradually.



Characters Still Developing: The Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara were all

introduced in this serial. Their personalities and dynamics are still being

established, which can feel underdeveloped compared to later seasons.



Historical Accuracy (or Lack Thereof): The portrayal of prehistoric humanity

in "An Unearthly Child" is not entirely accurate by today's standards.

However, historical accuracy wasn't a major focus of the show in its early

days.



Reception



Positive: Praised for its originality, themes, and introduction of the

TARDIS and the Doctor.



Negative: Criticised for its slow pace, dialogue, and lack of historical

accuracy.



Overall Thoughts



"An Unearthly Child" holds historical significance as the birth of Doctor Who.

While it might not hold up entirely by modern standards, it's a valuable piece

of television history that laid the foundation for one of the longest-running

science fiction shows ever.



Would I recommend watching it?:



If you're a die-hard Doctor Who fan or interested in television history,

"An Unearthly Child" is a must-watch. However, if you're new to the show

and prefer fast-paced action adventures, you might want to start with a later

serial.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who the Highlanders

"Doctor Who - The Highlanders" is a classic serial from the Second Doctor era, originally aired in 1966. Set in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden during the Jacobite rising of 1745, this four-part adventure sees the Doctor, Jamie, and Polly caught up in historical intrigue and rebellion.



The story presents an engaging historical backdrop, rich in detail and atmosphere. It explores the clash between the Scottish Highlanders and the Redcoats, capturing the essence of the period with authenticity. The serial features strong characterizations, particularly of Jamie McCrimmon, who becomes a pivotal companion for the Doctor.



One notable aspect of "The Highlanders" is its humor. The Second Doctor, played by Patrick Troughton, shines with his quirky mannerisms and quick thinking. His interactions with Jamie and Polly provide moments of levity amidst the tense political backdrop.



However, the story does suffer from pacing issues, particularly in the second half. Some scenes feel drawn out, and the plot could have been more tightly woven. Additionally, the absence of surviving episodes (as most of them are missing from the BBC archives) makes it challenging to fully appreciate the visual aspects of the story.



Overall, "Doctor Who - The Highlanders" is a solid historical adventure with strong performances and a captivating setting. While it has its flaws, particularly in pacing, it remains an enjoyable watch for fans of classic Doctor Who.



Rating: 7/10

Day 97 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 6 April 2024 reflections

Day 97, 6 April 2024



1) Ruth

1 Chronicles 2:9-55

1 Chronicles 4:1-23

1 Samuel 1:1-8



RUTH 1



Naomi Loses



1 (Ge 12:10; 26:1) In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine

in the land. And a man from Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the land

of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.

2 (Ge 35:19) The name of the man was Elimelek, the name of his wife

was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion.

They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. And they went to Moab

and lived there.

3 Now Elimelek, the husband of Naomi, died,

so she was left alone with her two sons.

4 (Mt 1:5) They took Moabite wives for themselves; the name of one

was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years.

5 Then Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left

without her two sons and her husband.

6 (Ex 4:31; Ps 132:15) So she got up with her daughters-in-law to return

from the land of Moab, for in the land of Moab, she had heard

that the Lord had visited His people by giving them food.

7 She set out from the place where she had been,

with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on their way

to return to the land of Judah.

8 (Ru 1:5; 2:20) Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law,

"Go, return each to her mother's house. May the Lord deal kindly

with you, as you have dealt with your deceased husbands and with me.

9 (Ru 3:1) May the Lord grant that you each find rest

in the house of another husband."

Then she kissed them, and they raised their voices and wept aloud.

10 They said to her, "We will return with you to your people."

11 (Ge 38:11; Dt 25:5) But Naomi said, "Turn back, my daughters.

Why would you go with me? Are there sons in my womb,

who could become your husbands?

12 Turn back, my daughters! Go, for I am too old to have a husband.

Even if I thought that there was still hope for me, that I could have

a husband tonight and give birth to sons,

13 (Jdg 2:15; Job 19:2) 1would you wait until they were grown?

Would you refrain from getting married? No, my daughters.

It is much more bitter for me than for you, for the hand of the Lord

has turned against me."

14 (Pr 17:17; 18:24) Then they raised their voices and wept aloud once more.

Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

15 (Jdg 11:24; Jos 24:15) Naomi said, "Look, your sister-in-law has returned

to her people and her gods. Return with her!"

16 (Ru 2:11-12) But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back

from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay,

I will stay. Your people shall be my people and your God my God.

17 (1Sa 3:17; 25:22) Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.

May the Lord do thus to me, and worse,

if anything but death separates you and me!"

18 (Ac 21:14) When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her,

she said no more to her.

19 (Mt 21:10) So they both went on until they came to Bethlehem.

When they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them,

and the women asked, "Is this Naomi?"

20 (Job 6:4) But she said to them, "Do not call me Naomi. Call me Mara,

because the Almighty has brought great bitterness to me.

21 (Job 1:21) I was full when I left, but the Lord has caused me to return

empty. Why should you call me Naomi when the Lord has opposed me?

The Almighty has brought misfortune upon me!"

22 (Ru 2:23; 2Sa 21:9) So Naomi returned from the land of Moab

with Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law.

They came to Bethlehem at the start of the spring barley harvest.



Ruth 1

[1] Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a

famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in

the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

[2] And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi,

and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of

Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

[3] And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

[4] And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was

Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten

years.

[5] And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of

her two sons and her husband.

[6] Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the

country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD

had visited his people in giving them bread.

[7] Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two

daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land

of Judah.

[8] And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her

mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the

dead, and with me.

[9] The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of

her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

[10] And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy

people.

[11] And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are

there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

[12] Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an

husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to

night, and should also bear sons;

[13] Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them

from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your

sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.

[14] And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her

mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

[15] And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people,

and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

[16] And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from

following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou

lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

[17] Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do

so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

[18] When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she

left speaking unto her.

[19] So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass,

when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them,

and they said, Is this Naomi?

[20] And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the

Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

[21] I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why

then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the

Almighty hath afflicted me?

[22] So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with

her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem

in the beginning of barley harvest.



RUTH 2



Ruth Meets Boaz



1 (Ru 3:2; 3:12) Now Naomi had a relative of her husband,

a man of prominence and means from the clan of Elimelek. His name was Boaz.

2 (Lev 19:9; 23:22) Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Please let me go into

the field and glean among the heads of grain behind anyone

in whose eyes I may find favor."

Naomi said to her, "Go, my daughter.."

3 So she went to glean in the field behind the harvesters. She happened

to come to a part of the field belonging to Boaz,

who was from the clan of Elimelek.

4 (Ps 129:7-8; Lk 1:28) Just then Boaz came from Bethlehem

and said to the harvesters, "May the Lord be with you!"

And they said to him, "May the Lord bless you."

5 Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of his harvesters,

"Whose young woman is this?"

6 (Ru 1:22) So the servant who was in charge of his harvesters answered,

"She is the young Moabitess woman who came back with Naomi

from the land of Moab.

7 She said, 'Please let me glean and gather grain among the bundles

behind the harvesters.' So she came and has remained from morning

until now, though she rested a little while in the house."

8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Listen, my daughter. Do not go to glean

in another field and leave this one. Stay close to my young women.

9 Keep your eyes on the field in which they reap and follow after them.

I have commanded the men not to touch you. When you are thirsty,

go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn."

10 (1Sa 25:23) So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground,

and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes,

that you should acknowledge me, a foreigner?"

11 Boaz answered and said to her, "I have been told all that you have done

for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband,

and how you left your father and mother and your homeland

and came to a people you did not know before.

12 (1Sa 24:19; Ru 1:16) May the Lord reward your deeds.

May you have a full reward from the Lord, the God of Israel,

under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

13 (Ge 33:15; 1Sa 1:18) Then she said, "May I find favor in your eyes,

my lord, for you have comforted me and have spoken kindly

to your servant, though I am not like one of your servant girls."

14 (Ru 2:18) At mealtime Boaz said to her, "Come over here,

and eat some bread, and dip your piece in the vinegar."

So she sat down beside the harvesters, and he passed her some roasted grain.

She ate and was full and had some left over.

15 When she got up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men,

"Let her glean even among the bundles, and do not harm her.

16 Also pull out some grain for her from the bundles and leave it

so that she may glean it, and do not rebuke her."

17 So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out

what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah

[Likely about 30 pounds, or 13 kilograms.]

of barley.

18 (Ru 2:14) She took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law

saw what she had gleaned. She drew it out and gave her what she had left,

after she had been satisfied.

19 (Ru 2:10; Ps 41:1) Her mother-in-law said to her,

"Where did you glean today, and where did you work?

May he who took notice of you be blessed."

So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked,

and said, "The name of the man with whom I worked today is Boaz."

20 (2Sa 2:5; Ru 3:9-10) Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law,

"May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn His kindness

to the living and to the dead." Naomi said to her, "This man is

a close relative of ours, one of our redeeming relatives."

21 Then Ruth the Moabitess said, "He even told me, 'You should stay close

to my servants until they have finished all my harvest.' "

22 Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law,

"It is better, my daughter, that you go with his young women,

for in someone else's field you might be harmed."

23 So she stayed close to the young women of Boaz to glean until

the end of barley harvest and wheat harvest.

And she lived with her mother-in-law.



Ruth 2

[1] And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the

family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

[2] And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and

glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said

unto her, Go, my daughter.

[3] And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and

her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of

the kindred of Elimelech.

[4] And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The

LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.

[5] Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose

damsel is this?

[6] And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is

the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:

[7] And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers

among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning

until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

[8] Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean

in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:

[9] Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after

them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and

when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the

young men have drawn.

[10] Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said

unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take

knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

[11] And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all

that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband:

and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy

nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

[12] The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the

LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

[13] Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou

hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine

handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

[14] And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the

bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers:

and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and

left.

[15] And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men,

saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:

[16] And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave

them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.

[17] So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had

gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

[18] And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw

what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had

reserved after she was sufficed.

[19] And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day?

and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee.

And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The

man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.

[20] And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who

hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said

unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

[21] And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast

by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

[22] And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter,

that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other

field.

[23] So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley

harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.



RUTH 3



Ruth's Redemption



1 (Ru 1:9) One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her,

"My daughter, why should I not find a home that will be good for you?

2 (Ru 2:8) Now is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women

you have been working? Tonight he winnows barley on the threshing floor.

3 (2Sa 14:2) Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes.

Then go down to the threshing floor, but do not let the man know

you are there until he has finished eating and drinking.

4 When he lies down, notice the place where he is lying.

Go in and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what you will do."

5 She said to her, "All that you say to me I will do."

6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did all that

her mother-in-law had instructed.

7 (Jdg 19:6; 19:9) When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry,

he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain.

Then Ruth came softly, uncovered his feet, and lay down.

8 At midnight, the man was startled and rolled over; and there,

a woman was lying at his feet.

9 (Ru 2:20; Eze 16:8) He said, "Who are you?"

And she answered, "I am Ruth, your maidservant.

Spread your cloak over me, for you are a redeeming kinsman."

10 (Ru 2:20; 1:8) He said, "May you be blessed of the Lord, my daughter.

You have shown your last act of kindness to be greater than the first,

because you have not pursued young men, whether poor or rich.

11 (Pr 12:4; 31:10) So now, my daughter, do not worry. All that you ask me,

I will do for you. All of my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman

of noble character.

12 (Ru 4:1) Now it is true that I am a redeeming kinsman.

Yet there is another redeemer closer than I am.

13 (Jdg 8:19; Ru 4:5) Stay here tonight, and in the morning

if he wants to redeem you, very well. Let him do so.

Yet if he does not want to redeem you, then I will redeem you.

I will, as the Lord lives! Sleep here until morning."

14 (Ro 14:16; 2Co 8:21) So she lay at his feet until morning,

but she arose before one could recognize another. Then he said,

"It must not be known that a woman came to the threshing floor."

15 He said, "Bring me the shawl you have on you, and hold it."

So she held it, and he poured six measures of barley into it

and placed it on her. Then she went into the city.

16 When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi said,

"How did it go, my daughter?"

Then she told her all that Boaz had done for her.

17 She said, "He gave me these six ephahs of barley, for he said to me,

'Do not return to your mother-in-law empty-handed.' "

18 (Ps 37:3-5) Then Naomi said, "Wait here, my daughter, until you learn

what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today."



Ruth 3

[1] Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not

seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?

[2] And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast?

Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.

[3] Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee,

and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man,

until he shall have done eating and drinking.

[4] And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place

where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee

down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.

[5] And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.

[6] And she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her

mother in law bade her.

[7] And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to

lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered

his feet, and laid her down.

[8] And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned

himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet.

[9] And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid:

spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.

[10] And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast

shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as

thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

[11] And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou

requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous

woman.

[12] And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a

kinsman nearer than I.

[13] Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will

perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's

part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do

the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the

morning.

[14] And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one

could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into

the floor.

[15] Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And

when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her:

and she went into the city.

[16] And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my

daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.

[17] And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to

me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.

[18] Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter

will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing

this day.





RUTH 4



Boaz Marries Ruth



1 (Ru 3:12) So Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there.

And now the redeemer of whom he had spoken passed by,

and Boaz said, "Come over, friend, and sit here."

So he went over and sat down.

2 (1Ki 21:8; Pr 31:23) Then Boaz took ten men from among the elders

of the town and said, "Sit here." So they sat down.

3 He said to the redeemer, "Naomi, who has come back from the land of Moab,

must sell the plot of land belonging to our brother Elimelek.

4 I thought I should inform you and say, 'Buy it in the presence of those

sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want

to redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not redeem it, tell me

so that I know, for there is no one prior to you to redeem it,

and I am next after you.' "

So he said, "I will redeem it."

5 (Ge 38:8; Dt 25:5-6) Then Boaz said, "On the day you buy the field

from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabitess,

the wife of the deceased, to perpetuate the name of the deceased

through his inheritance."

6 The redeemer replied, "I am not able to redeem it for myself lest

I ruin my own inheritance. Take my redemption rights for yourself,

for I cannot do it."

7 (Dt 25:7-10) (Now this was the custom in ancient times in Israel

for redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, a man would

remove his sandal and give it to his neighbor.

This was a binding act in Israel.)

8 Therefore the redeemer said to Boaz, "Buy it yourself,"

and he removed his sandal.

9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "You are witnesses today

that I have bought everything that belonged to Elimelek, Kilion,

and Mahlon from Naomi.

10 (Dt 25:6) Moreover I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess,

the wife of Mahlon, to be my wife, in order to preserve the name

of the deceased man for his inheritance, so that his name will not be

cut off from among his brothers or from his town.

You are witnesses this day."

11 (Dt 25:9; Ge 29:32-30:24) Then all the people who were at the gate,

along with the elders, said, "We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman

who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built up

the house of Israel. May you do well in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem!

12 (Ge 38:29; 46:12) May your house be like the house of Perez,

whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring

that the Lord will give you by this young woman."



Ruth 4

[1] Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the

kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn

aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.

[2] And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down

here. And they sat down.

[3] And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the

country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which was our brother

Elimelech's:

[4] And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants,

and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but

if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none

to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem

it.

[5] Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi,

thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise

up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.

[6] And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own

inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.

[7] Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming

and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his

shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.

[8] Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off

his shoe.

[9] And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses

this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was

Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

[10] Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be

my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the

name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate

of his place: ye are witnesses this day.

[11] And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are

witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel

and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily

in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

[12] And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto

Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman.



RUTH 4



The Genealogy of David



13 (Ge 29:31; 33:5) So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife.

When they came together, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she bore a son.

14 (Lk 1:58) Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not

left you without a redeemer. May he become famous in Israel!

15 (1Sa 1:8) He will be a comfort for your soul and support you in your

old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better

to you than seven sons, has given birth to him."

16 Then Naomi took the child, laid him on her lap, and became his nurse.

17 The neighbor women gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi!"

And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

18 (1Ch 2:4-8; Mt 1:3-6) Now these are the descendants of Perez:

Perez was the father of Hezron,

19 Hezron the father of Ram,

Ram the father of Amminadab,

20 (Nu 1:7) Amminadab the father of Nahshon,

Nahshon the father of Salmon,

21 (Mt 1:5; Lk 3:32) Salmon the father of Boaz,

Boaz the father of Obed,

22 Obed the father of Jesse,

and Jesse the father of David.



[13] So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her,

the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.

[14] And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left

thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

[15] And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of

thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better

to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

[16] And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse

unto it.

[17] And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son

born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the

father of David.

[18] Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,

[19] And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab,

[20] And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon,

[21] And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed,

[22] And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.



1 Chron 2



9 Ru 4:19; 1Ch 2:42Now the sons of Hezron, who were born to him, were

Jerahmeel, Ram, and Kelubai.



Sons of Ram



10 (Mt 1:4; Nu 1:7)Ram became the father of

Amminadab, and Amminadab became the father of Nahshon,

a leader of the sons of Judah.

11 (Ru 4:21; Mt 1:4-5) Nahshon became the father of Salma, and Salma

became the father of Boaz. 12Boaz became the father of Obed,

and Obed became the father of Jesse.

13 (1 Sa 17:13) Now Jesse became the father of

his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimea the third,

14 Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth,

15 Ozem the sixth, David the seventh;

16 (1Sa 26:6) their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail.

The sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, three in all.

17 (2Sa 17:25) Abigail bore Amasa: the father of Amasa was Jether

the Ishmaelite.



Sons of Caleb



18 Caleb the son of Hezron had children with his wife Azubah and with Jerioth.

These are her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.

19 (1Ch 2:50) Now Azubah died, and Caleb took Ephrath as a wife. She bore Hur

for him.

20 (Ex 31:2) Hur became the father of Uri,

and Uri became the father of Bezalel.

21 (Nu 27:1) Afterward Hezron had relations with the daughter of Makir,

the father of Gilead, whom he took as a wife when he was sixty years old,

and she bore Segub for him.

22 Segub became the father of Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land

of Gilead.

23 He took Geshur and Aram, the towns of Jair, from them,

with Kenath and its villages, sixty towns. All these were descendants

of Makir, the father of Gilead.

24 (1Ch 4:5) After the death of Hezron in Caleb Ephrathah, Hezron's wife

Abijah bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa.



Sons of Jerahmeel



25 Now the sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were

Ram the firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah.

26 Jerahmeel also had another wife. Her name was Atarah,

and she was the mother of Onam.

27 The sons of Ram the firstborn of Je­rahmeel were Maaz, Jamin, and Eker.

28 The sons of Onam were Shammai and Jada.

And the sons of Shammai were Nadab and Abishur.

29 The name of the wife of Abishur was Abihail. She bore him Ahban and Molid.

30 The sons of Nadab were Seled and Appaim, but Seled died without children.

31 (1Ch 2:34-35) The son of Appaim was Ishi. The son of Ishi was Sheshan,

and the son of Sheshan was Ahlai.

32 The sons of Jada the brother of Shammai were

Jether and Jonathan, but Jether died without children.

33 The sons of Jonathan were

Peleth and Zaza.

These were the sons of Jerahmeel.

34 Now Sheshan had no children except daughters,

but he did have a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.

35 Sheshan gave one of his daughters to Jarha his servant as a wife,

and she bore him Attai.

36 (1Ch 11:41) Attai became the father of Nathan, and Nathan became

the father of Zabad.

37 Zabad became the father of Ephlal, and Ephlal became the father of Obed.

38 Obed became the father of Jehu, and Jehu became the father of Azariah.

39 Azariah became the father of Helez, and Helez became the father of Eleasah.

40 Eleasah became the father of Sismai,

and Sismai became the father of Shallum.

41 Shallum became the father of Jekamiah,

and Jekamiah became the father of Elishama.



Caleb's Clans



42 Now the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were Mesha his firstborn,

who was the father of Ziph, and the sons of Mareshah the father of Hebron.

43 The sons of Hebron were Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema.

44 Shema became the father of Raham, the father of Jorkeam,

and Rekem became the father of Shammai.

45 Jos 15:58The son of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth Zur.

46 Ephah, Caleb's concubine, bore Haran, Moza, and Gazez,

and Haran became the father of Gazez.

47 The sons of Jahdai were Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.

48 Maakah, Caleb’s concubine, bore Sheber and Tirhanah.

49 Jos 15:31She also bore Shaaph the father of Madmannah,

Sheva the father of Makbenah, and the father of Gibea.

The daughter of Caleb was Aksah.

50 These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah:

Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim,

51 (1Ch 4:4) Salma the father of Bethlehem,

and Hareph the father of Beth Gader.

52 (1Ch 4:2) Now sons were born to Shobal the father of Kiriath Jearim:

Haroeh and half of the Manahathites.

53 (2Sa 23:38) The families of Kiriath Jearim were the Ithrites, the Puthites,

the Shumathites, and the Mishraites. From these the Zorathites

and the Eshtaolites went forth.

54 (Ezr 2:22; Ne 7:26) The sons of Salma were

Bethlehem, the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, and half

of the Manahath­ites, the Zorites.

55 (Jdg 1:16; 2Ki 10:15) The families of the scribes who lived at Jabez were

the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. They are the Kenites

who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rekab.



9 The sons also of Hezron, that were born unto him; Jerahmeel, and Ram,

and Chelubai.

10 And Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon,

prince of the children of Judah;

11 and Nahshon begat Salma, and Salma begat Boaz,

12 and Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse,

13 and Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second,

and Shimma the third,

14 Nethaneel the fourth, Raddai the fifth,

15 Ozem the sixth, David the seventh:

16 whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah;

Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.

17 And Abigail bare Amasa: and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmeelite.

18 And Caleb the son of Hezron begat children of Azubah his wife,

and of Jerioth: her sons are these; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon.

19 And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.

20 And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel.

21 And afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father

of Gilead, whom he married when he was threescore years old;

and she bare him Segub.

22 And Segub begat Jair, who had three and twenty cities

in the land of Gilead.

23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair,

from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities.

All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.

24 And after that Hezron was dead in Caleb-ephratah, then Abiah Hezron's wife

bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa.

25 And the sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were, Ram the firstborn,

and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, and Ahijah.

26 Jerahmeel had also another wife, whose name was Atarah;

she was the mother of Onam.

27 And the sons of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were, Maaz, and Jamin,

and Eker.

28 And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada. And the sons of Shammai;

Nadab, and Abishur.

29 And the name of the wife of Abishur was Abihail,

and she bare him Ahban, and Molid.

30 And the sons of Nadab; Seled, and Appaim: but Seled died without children.

31 And the sons of Appaim; Ishi. And the sons of Ishi; Sheshan.

And the children of Sheshan; Ahlai.

32 And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai; Jether, and Jonathan:

and Jether died without children.

33 And the sons of Jonathan; Peleth, and Zaza.

These were the sons of Jerahmeel.

34 Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant,

an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.

35 And Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha his servant to wife;

and she bare him Attai.

36 And Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat Zabad,

37 and Zabad begat Ephlal, and Ephlal begat Obed,

38 and Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Azariah,

39 and Azariah begat Helez, and Helez begat Eleasah,

40 and Eleasah begat Sisamai, and Sisamai begat Shallum,

41 and Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begat Elishama.

42 Now the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were, Mesha his firstborn,

which was the father of Ziph; and the sons of Mareshah the father of Hebron.

43 And the sons of Hebron; Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema.

44 And Shema begat Raham, the father of Jorkoam: and Rekem begat Shammai.

45 And the son of Shammai was Maon: and Maon was the father of Beth-zur.

46 And Ephah, Caleb's concubine, bare Haran, and Moza, and Gazez:

and Haran begat Gazez.

47 And the sons of Jahdai; Regem, and Jotham, and Gesham, and Pelet,

and Ephah, and Shaaph.

48 Maachah, Caleb's concubine, bare Sheber, and Tirhanah.

49 She bare also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father

of Machbenah, and the father of Gibea: and the daughter of Caleb was Achsa.

50 These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah;

Shobal the father of Kirjath-jearim,

51 Salma the father of Beth-lehem, Hareph the father of Beth-gader.

52 And Shobal the father of Kirjath-jearim had sons; Haroeh,

and half of the Manahethites.

53 And the families of Kirjath-jearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites,

and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites,

and the Eshtaulites.

54 The sons of Salma; Beth-lehem, and the Netophathites, Ataroth,

the house of Joab, and half of the Manahethites, the Zorites.

55 And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites,

the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath,

the father of the house of Rechab.



1 Chronicles 4



Other Sons of Judah



1 (Ge 46:12; 38:29) The sons of Judah

were Perez, Hezron, Karmi, Hur, and Shobal.

2 Reaiah the son of Shobal became the father of Jahath,

and Jahath became the father of Ahumai and Lahad.

These are the families of the Zorathites.

3 These were the sons of the father of Etam:

Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash. The name of their sister was Hazzelelponi.

4 (1Ch 2:50; 4:18) Penuel was the father of Gedor, and Ezer was the father

of Hushah.

These were the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah,

the father of Bethlehem.

5 (1Ch 2:24) Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives: Helah and Naarah.

6 Naarah bore him Ahuzzam, Hepher, Temeni, and Haahashtari.

These were the sons of Naarah.

7 The sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar, and Ethnan.

8 Koz became the father of Anub and Hazzobebah

and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.

9 (Ge 34:19) Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers,

and his mother called his name Jabez, saying,

"Because I bore him in hardship."

10 Then Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying,

"Oh, that You would indeed bless me and enlarge my territory,

that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from evil,

that it may not bring me hardship!" So God granted what he asked.

11 Kelub the brother of Shuhah became the father of Mehir,

who was the father of Eshton.

12 Eshton became the father of Beth Rapha,

aseah, and Tehinnah the father of Ir Nahash. These were the men of Rekah.

13 (Jos 15:17; Jdg 1:13) The sons of Kenaz were

Othniel and Seraiah,

and the sons of Othniel were

Hathath and Meonothai.

14 Meonothai became the father of Ophrah,

and Seraiah became the father of Joab,

the father of Ge Harashim, for they were craftsmen.

15 (Nu 13:6) The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh

were Iru, Elah, and Naam,and the son of Elah was Kenaz.

16 The sons of Jehallelel were Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel.

17 The sons of Ezrah were Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon,

and Mered's wife bore Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.

18 (1Ch 4:4) His Judean wife bore Jered the father of Gedor, Heber

the father of Soko, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.

So these were the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took.

19 (Jos 15:44) The sons of his wife Hodiah, the sister of Naham,

were the father of Keilah the Garmite and Eshtemoa the Maakathite.

20 The sons of Shimon were Amnon, Rinnah, Ben-Hanan, and Tilon.

And the sons of Ishi were Zoheth and Ben-Zoheth.

21 (Ge 38:5; 46:12) The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were

Er the father of Lekah, Laadah the father of Mareshah,

the families of the house of workers of fine linen at Beth Ashbea;

22 Jokim, the men of Kozeba, Joash, Saraph, who was lord in Moab,

and Jashubi Lehem (these records are ancient).

23 They were the potters, those dwelling at Netaim and Gederah

(they dwelt there with the king for his work).



Sons of Judah



1 The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

2 And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai,

and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites.

3 And these were of the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash:

and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi:

4 and Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah.

These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah,

the father of Beth-lehem.

5 And Ashur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.

6 And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari.

These were the sons of Naarah.

7 And the sons of Helah were, Zereth, and Jezoar, and Ethnan.

8 And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families

of Aharhel the son of Harum.

9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren:

and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless

me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me,

and that thou wouldest keep me from evil,

that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

11 And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat Mehir, which was the father of Eshton.

12 And Eshton begat Beth-rapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father

of Irnahash. These are the men of Rechah.

13 And the sons of Kenaz; Othniel, and Seraiah:

and the sons of Othniel; Hathath.

14 And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah begat Joab, the father

of the valley of Charashim; for they were craftsmen.

15 And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam:

and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz.

16 And the sons of Jehaleleel; Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel.

17 And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon:

and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.

18 And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber

the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah.

And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took.

19 And the sons of his wife Hodiah the sister of Naham,

the father of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maachathite.

20 And the sons of Shimon were, Amnon, and Rinnah, Ben-hanan,

and Tilon. And the sons of Ishi were, Zoheth, and Ben-zoheth.

21 The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah,

and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them

that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,

22 and Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph,

who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubi-lehem. And these are ancient things.

23 These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges:

there they dwelt with the king for his work.



1 Samuel 1:1-8



1 SAMUEL 1



The Birth of Samuel



1 (1Sa 1:19; 1Ch 6:34) Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim Zuphim,

in the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham,

the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

2 And he had two wives; the name of one was Hannah and the name of the second

was Peninnah. Now Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

3 (Ex 23:14; Dt 12:5-7) This man went up out of his city annually to worship

and to sacrifice to the Lord of Hosts in Shiloh. And there the two sons of Eli,

Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the Lord.

4 (Dt 12:17-18; 16:11) When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he gave

portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters.

5 (Ge 30:2) But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved Hannah,

but the Lord had closed her womb.

6 Now her rival provoked her greatly, making her miserable because the Lord

had closed her womb.

7 Thus it was yearly, when she went up to the house of the Lord,

that she provoked her. So Hannah wept and did not eat.

8 (Ru 4:15) Then said Elkanah her husband to her, "Hannah, why are

you weeping? And why do you not eat? Why is your heart grieved?

Am I not better to you than ten sons?"



[1] Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and

his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu,

the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

[2] And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of

the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

[3] And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice

unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and

Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.

[4] And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his

wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

[5] But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the

LORD had shut up her womb.

[6] And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because

the LORD had shut up her womb.

[7] And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the

LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.

[8] Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why

eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than

ten sons?



2) Our Daily Bread for 6 April 2024 titled



Our New Nature in Christ




Ephesians 4:17-28



The Old Life and New Life



17 (Ro 1:21; Eph 2:1-3) Therefore this I say and testify in the Lord,

that from now on you walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity

of their minds,

18 (Eph 2:12; Gal 4:8) having their understanding darkened, excluded

from the life of God through the ignorance that is within them,

due to the hardness of their hearts.

19 (1Ti 4:2) Being calloused they have given themselves over to sensuality

for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

20 But you did not learn about Christ in this manner,

21 (Eph 1:13) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him,

as the truth is in Jesus:

22 (Ro 6:6; Heb 3:13) that you put off the former way of life in the old

nature, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,

23 (Ro 12:2; Col 3:10) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 (Ro 6:4; Eph 2:10) and that you put on the new nature,

which was created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.



[17] This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk

not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

[18] Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God

through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their

heart:

[19] Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,

to work all uncleanness with greediness.

[20] But ye have not so learned Christ;

[21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the

truth is in Jesus:

[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which

is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

[24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in

righteousness and true holiness.



Rules for the New Life



25 (Col 3:9; Zec 8:16; Ro 12:5) Therefore, putting away lying, let every man

speak truthfully with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.

26 (Ps 37:8; 4:4) Be angry but do not sin.

Do not let the sun go down on your anger.

27 (Jas 4:7) Do not give place to the devil.

28 (Ex 20:15; 1Th 4:11-12) Let him who steals steal no more. Instead,

let him labour, working with his hands things which are good,

that he may have something to share with him who is in need.



[25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:

for we are members one of another.

[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

[27] Neither give place to the devil.

[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working

with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that

needeth.



Our blue spruce was dropping pinecones and needles. The tree doctor took one

look at it and explained the problem. "It's just being a spruce," he said.

I'd hoped for a better explanation. Or a remedy. But the tree man shrugged,

saying again, "It's just being a spruce." By nature, the tree sheds

needles. It can't change.



Thankfully, our spiritual lives aren't limited by unchangeable actions

or attitudes. Paul stressed this liberating truth to the new believers

at Ephesus. The gentiles were "darkened in their understanding," he said,

their minds closed to God. They possessed hardened hearts containing

"every kind of impurity," and sought only

after pleasures and greed (Ephesians 4:18-19).



But "since you have heard about Jesus" and His truth, the apostle wrote,

"throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life" (v. 22 nlt).

Paul noted how our old nature "is corrupted by lust and deception." He said,

"Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature,

created to be like God-truly righteous and holy" (vv. 22-24 nlt).



Then he listed new ways to live. Stop lying. Resist anger. Stop cursing.

Quit stealing. "Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give

generously to others in need" (v. 28 nlt). Our new self in Christ allows

us to live a life worthy of our calling, yielded to our Saviour's way.



By: Patricia Raybon



Reflect & Pray



What does it mean to put on your "new self"?

How can you seek to walk the Saviour's way?



Renew my nature today, dear Jesus,

as I yield to become more like You.



Learn more about developing your new nature in Christ.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 7 Break up Your Fallow Ground



Hosea 10:12



12 Sow to yourselves righteousness, reap mercy,

break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord,

until He comes and rains righteousness upon you.



12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy;

break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD,

till he come and rain righteousness upon you.



When a farmer prepares to plant his crop, a great deal of preparation

is necessary before the seen can be sown. He has to plow up the ground,

turning under the stubble from the previous harvest, harrow the field to

break up the clods, and fertilise- readying the soil for optimum growth.

A fallow field, one that was not planted the previous season, must be

broken and worked so that the seed can find root in the ground.

The Bible likens spiritual growth to raising crops. God is the one

who brings rain and gives growth, but the success or failure

of the seed - both in initial salvation and in ongoing maturity -

is often linked to how well the soil has been prepared.

That preparation isn't always a pleasant or rewarding process.

We may resist the plowing or harrowing that comes through

the Holy Spirit's conviction of sin. We may need to dig up boulders

of bitterness and thistles of anger; we may have to plow under the

stubble of the last crop of lessons, working that mulch deep into our lives.

But the final outcome is worth the effort - even the pain - that

preparation brings. Broken up, harrowed, readied for the seed of God's Word,

we are rich and fertile ground, and the seed of righteousness produces

an abundant crop in us.



Application



a) In what ways have I been "broken up" and "harrowed" by the Holy

Spirit to prepare me for God's work in me?



b) How can I apply these verses to myself? How can I

"sow in righteousness," "reap in mercy," "break up my fallow ground"?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Hebrews 7:8



8 In the one case mortal men receive tithes,

but in the other he of whom it is witnessed

that he is alive receives them.



8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them,

of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are Facing Pain and Suffering



2 Cor 12:7-10



7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance

of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan,

to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.

8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.

9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made

perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in hardships,

in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake.

For when I am weak, then I am strong.



7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of

the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is

made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my

infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,

in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak,

then am I strong.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.





6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)



Manitoba



Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba



Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000



est Muslim Population 21 349



CNMM Networks: Winnipeg



The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very

diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting

it might be twice that size.

Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size

of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.

Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth

of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.

We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers

among Muslims in Winnipeg.



Let us intercede in unity for:



- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged

with great support



Adding further





Pray for the Cham




Romans 10:15



15 (Isa 52:7; Na 1:15) And how shall they preach unless they are sent?

As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach

the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good things!"(Isa 52:7.)



[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How

beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring

glad tidings of good things!



The Cham people originate from the ancient Champa Kingdom located

in present-day Vietnam. A large number of them migrated west into Cambodia

forming what is now considered a separate ethnic group, the Western Cham.

They represent 3% of the population of Cambodia, about 600,000 people.



Most Cambodians are of the Khmer people group and follow Buddhism.

The Western Cham are almost all Muslim and can be found in nearly every

province of Cambodia, though the largest populations occur in the provinces

of Kampong Cham and Kampong Chhnang, where large river systems are located.



Some Cham Muslims practice a form of Islam, unique to them, that was

developed from their own traditional practices and the Islam introduced

by Arab traders. However, Islamic missionary efforts to Cambodia

have encouraged people to follow more common forms of Islam,

as practiced globally.



Nop is an 84-year-old Cham lady who lives in Cambodia. A Christian friend

gave her an audio New Testament in her own language and she listened to

the gospel message from morning until evening. Every day she would listen

to her audio bible, and then one day she asked her friend if she could be

baptised. Her friend was surprised as she had never shared about baptism

with Nop, but Nop learned about it from just listening to God's word.



God's word is alive and truly is at work in people's hearts,

even among the Cham.



How to Pray



The New Testament is available in the Cham language

both in written and audio form. Pray that when people read

or listen to His word, God will reveal Himself so that

they will come to know Jesus.



Pray for more Christian missionaries to serve among the Cham

and for them to have more opportunities to hear the gospel.



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .



7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



6th Day of the Month



a) Pray for a more effective witness by the church in every Canadian community



(

Deut 4:6-7



6 (Job 28:28; Pr 1:7 ) Therefore, keep and do them, for this is your wisdom and

your understanding in the sight of the nations which shall hear all these

statutes, and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and

understanding people."

7 (2Sa 7:23; Ps 46:1) For what nation is there so great, who has a god so near

to it as the Lord our God is in all things whenever we call on Him?



6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and

your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these

statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and

understanding people.

7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them,

as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?



Matt 5:13-16



13 (Lev 2:13; Lk 14:34-35) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt

loses its saltiness, how shall it be made salty? It is from then on good for

nothing but to be thrown out and to be trampled underfoot by men.

14 (Jn 8:12; Pr 4:18) "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden.

15 (Mk 4:21; Lk 8:16) 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.

16 (1Pe 2:12; Mt 9:8; Jn 15:8) Let your light so shine before men that they

may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.



13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing,

but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set

on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on

a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.



Acts 1:8



8 (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15) "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes

upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and

Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."



8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,

and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."



b) Pray for the province of British Columbia



I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, that God's Spirit would influence then to

act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.

( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4) 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone, 2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings

and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life

in all godliness and honesty, 3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and

acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all

men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 for kings,

and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable

life in all godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable

in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign and booklet

to turn many hearts to Jesus



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to expand your godly influence and thank Him for

His ordering of history and His redemption.



Pray to the Lord: "Renew my nature today, dear Jesus,

as I yield to become more like You."



Pray to the Lord and pray to break up fallow grouond in your life

and reap righteousness.



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for the tihes and offerings

you give to go to righteousness.



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for strength in illness.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged

with great support



- Pray for thousands of Christ-exacting,

multiplying house churches in the 27

languages spoken in this city.

- Pray fora mighty movement of prayer to

sweep over the house churches.

- Pray for Tripoli to be a sending place,

impacting the entire nation and the region

with the delivering power of Jesus.

- Pray for the Kingdom of God to destroy

the works of the devil.



Pray for a more effective witness by the church in every community



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



Google Gemini comments on why Adric was not a popular companion

Adric, a companion of the Fourth Doctor in Doctor Who, is a character who tends to spark strong reactions, and unfortunately for him, those reactions are often negative. Here's a breakdown of why some fans dislike Adric:



Annoying Personality: One of the most common complaints is that Adric comes across as arrogant, know-it-all, and prone to whining. His constant need to prove himself and his bickering with other companions can be grating for viewers.



Lack of Character Development: While some companions grow and change throughout their time with the Doctor, Adric doesn't seem to undergo much development. He remains stuck in this know-it-all phase, which makes him less relatable and interesting for some viewers.



Unconvincing Acting: Matthew Waterhouse, the actor who portrayed Adric, was relatively young and inexperienced at the time. This can make Adric's portrayal feel wooden and unconvincing, further contributing to his unlikeable qualities.



Unnecessary Risk-Taking: Adric often disobeys orders and takes unnecessary risks, which can be frustrating for viewers. This recklessness often puts himself and his companions in danger, making him seem immature and irresponsible.



Overshadowed by Other Companions: Adric's time with the Doctor coincided with companions like Romana and Sarah Jane Smith, who were generally well-liked by fans. In comparison, Adric's less endearing qualities can stand out more.



However, it's important to consider some counterpoints:



He's a Teenager: Adric is a teenager, and teenagers can be arrogant, know-it-all, and prone to taking risks. While these qualities might be annoying, they can also be seen as realistic for his age.



He Does Have Positive Traits: Adric is intelligent, resourceful, and possesses a strong sense of loyalty. He can be brave and decisive in dangerous situations.



His Death Had Impact: Adric's tragic death in "Earthshock" is one of the most powerful moments in classic Doctor Who. It showed the Doctor's vulnerability and the high stakes involved in traveling through time and space.



Ultimately, whether you like Adric or not comes down to personal preference. While he has some qualities that rub viewers the wrong way, he's not a completely one-dimensional character.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - The Power of the Daleks

"Doctor Who: The Power of the Daleks" is a six-part serial from the fourth season of the original Doctor Who series, originally aired in 1966. This serial is notable for being the first full adventure to feature the Second Doctor, portrayed by Patrick Troughton, following the departure of the First Doctor, played by William Hartnell. Set on the planet Vulcan, the story revolves around the Doctor and his companions uncovering a plot by the Daleks to manipulate a colony of humans.



Part 1:

"The Power of the Daleks: Episode 1" serves as a strong introduction to the Second Doctor's era. Viewers witness the regeneration of the Doctor and his companions' initial reactions to his new appearance and personality. The atmosphere is tense as the Daleks' presence on Vulcan is hinted at, setting the stage for the conflict to come.



Rating: 8.5 out of 10



Part 2:

"The Power of the Daleks: Episode 2" sees the Doctor and his companions delving deeper into the mystery surrounding the Daleks' presence on Vulcan. Tensions escalate as the true extent of the Daleks' plans becomes apparent, leading to a thrilling cliffhanger that leaves viewers eager for more.



Rating: 9 out of 10



Part 3:

"The Power of the Daleks: Episode 3" ramps up the suspense as the Doctor and his companions race against time to thwart the Daleks' schemes. The stakes feel appropriately high, and the pacing remains brisk as the plot unfolds. The serial benefits from strong performances and atmospheric direction.



Rating: 8.5 out of 10



Part 4:

"The Power of the Daleks: Episode 4" delivers a thrilling climax as the Doctor and his companions confront the Daleks in a final showdown. The action is fast-paced, and the resolution is both satisfying and poignant. The episode effectively sets the stage for future encounters with the Daleks, cementing their status as one of the Doctor's most formidable foes.



Rating: 9 out of 10



Part 5:

"The Power of the Daleks: Episode 5" continues the tension as the Doctor and his companions struggle to outwit the Daleks and prevent them from achieving their goals. The character dynamics are explored in depth, adding depth to the storyline. The episode builds towards a thrilling climax, keeping viewers engaged until the very end.



Rating: 8.5 out of 10



Part 6:

"The Power of the Daleks: Episode 6" brings the story to a satisfying conclusion as the Doctor and his companions face off against the Daleks in a final showdown. The resolution is both thrilling and emotional, with the Doctor confronting the Daleks in a battle of wits and wills. The episode effectively wraps up loose ends and sets the stage for future adventures.



Rating: 9 out of 10



Overall, "Doctor Who: The Power of the Daleks" is a compelling and well-executed serial that showcases the strengths of the Second Doctor's era. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and suspenseful atmosphere, it remains a standout entry in the Doctor Who canon.



Average Rating: (8.5 + 9 + 8.5 + 9 + 8.5 + 9) / 6 = 8.83 out of 10

Day 96 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 5 April 2024 reflections

Day 96, 5 April 2024



1) Judges 19, Judges 20, Judges 21



JUDGES 19



A Levite and His Concubine



1 (Jdg 18:1; 17:8) In those days, when there was no king in Israel,

there was a certain Levite living as resident foreigner in a remote

part of the hill country of Ephraim. He took a concubine for himself

from Bethlehem in Judah.

2 Yet his concubine became angry with him and went away from him

to her father's house at Bethlehem in Judah. She was there for four months.

3 (Ge 34:3; 50:21) Her husband got up and went after her in order to speak

tenderly to her and bring her back. His servant and two donkeys were with

him. When he came to her father's house, the girl's father saw him

and was happy to meet with him.

4 His father-in-law, the girl's father, prevailed upon him to stay with him

for three days. So they ate and drank and spent the night there.

5 (Ge 18:5; Jdg 19:8) On the fourth day they woke up early in the morning.

He got ready to go, but the girl's father said to his son-in-law,

"Strengthen yourself with a little food, and then you can go."

6 (Jdg 16:25; 19:9) So the two of them sat down to eat and drink together.

Then the girl's father said to the man,

"Please spend the night and let your heart be merry."

7 The man got up to go, but his father-in-law urged him until he turned back

and spent the night there.

8 He got up early in the morning on the fifth day to go. The girl's father said,

"Please, strengthen yourself and wait until later in the day."

So the two of them ate.

9 Then the man got up to go: he, his concubine, and his servant.

His father-in-law, the girl's father, said to him, "Look! It is getting dark.

Spend the night! Settle in and spend the night here, let your heart be merry.

You can get up early tomorrow and go home."

10 (Jos 15:8; 15:63) Yet the man did not want to spend the night,

so he got up and left and approached Jebus (that is, Jerusalem).

Two saddled donkeys and his concubine were with him.

11 When they were near Jebus, it was getting very late.

The servant said to his master, "Come, let us turn aside

to this Jebusite city and spend the night in it."

12 His master said to him, "We must not turn aside to a city of foreigners,

who are not children of Israel. We will continue on to Gibeah."

13 He said to his servant, "Come, let us go to one of these places.

We will spend the night in Gibeah or Ramah."

14 They continued and went on. The sun went down

when they were near Gibeah in Benjamin.

15 (Jdg 19:18) So they turned aside there to go and spend the night

in Gibeah. They went in and sat in the city square,

but no one took them in to spend the night.

16 (Jdg 19:1; Ps 104:23) Just then, an old man came in at evening time from

his work in the field. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim

and lived as a resident foreigner in Gibeah,

but the townspeople were Benjamites.

17 He looked up and saw the traveler in the city square.

The old man said, "Where are you going, and where do you come from?"

18 (Jdg 18:31) He said to him, "We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah

to a remote part of the hill country of Ephraim. I am from there.

I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and now I am going to the house of the Lord.

No one has taken me into his home.

19 Yet there is enough straw and fodder for our donkeys, with bread and wine

for me, your maidservant, and the young man who is with your servant.

We do not lack anything."

20 (Jdg 6:23) The old man said, "Do not worry. I will take care of whatever

you need. Just do not spend the night in the city square."

21 (Ge 18:4; 43:24) So he brought him into his house and gave food

to his donkeys. They washed their feet, ate, and drank.

22 (Ge 19:4-5; Dt 13:13) While they were enjoying themselves, the men

of the city, who were wicked men, surrounded the house and pounded

on the door. They said to the old man, the master of the house,

"Bring out the man who came to your house, so we can have relations with him."

23 (Ge 34:7; Jdg 20:6) The master of the house went out to them and said,

"No, my brothers, do not commit this evil act, not after this man has come

into my house. Do not commit this disgrace.

24 (Ge 19:8; Dt 21:14) Here are my virgin daughter and the man's concubine.

Let me bring them out to you. Ravish them and do to them what you please.

But do not commit this vile act against this man."

25 The men were unwilling to listen to him, so the man seized his concubine

and brought her out to them in the street. They knew her and abused her all

night until morning. As the dawn began to break, they let her go.

26 The woman came back at daybreak and fell down at the door of the man's

house where her master was, lying there until it was light.

27 Her master got up in the morning and opened the doors of the house.

He went out to go on his way, but there was the woman, his concubine,

fallen at the door of the house with her hands on the threshold.

28 (Jdg 20:5) He said to her, "Get up, let us be going," but there was

no answer. So the man put her on a donkey and went home.

29 (1Sa 11:7) When he got home, he took a knife and seized his concubine,

then cut her body into twelve pieces. Then he sent her throughout

all the territory of Israel.

30 (Jdg 20:7; Pr 13:10) Everyone who saw this said, "Nothing like this has

been done or seen since the day the children of Israel came out of the land

of Egypt until today. Consider it, take counsel, and speak up!"



Judges 19

[1] And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel,

that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who

took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah.

[2] And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him

unto her father's house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months.

[3] And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her,

and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses:

and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the

damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

[4] And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode

with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.

[5] And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the

morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his

son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go

your way.

[6] And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the

damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry

all night, and let thine heart be merry.

[7] And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him:

therefore he lodged there again.

[8] And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart: and the

damsel's father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried

until afternoon, and they did eat both of them.

[9] And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his

servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now

the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day

groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow

get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.

[10] But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed,

and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two

asses saddled, his concubine also was with him.

[11] And when they were by Jebus, the day was far spent; and the servant

said unto his master, Come, I pray thee, and let us turn in into this city

of the Jebusites, and lodge in it.

[12] And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the

city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over

to Gibeah.

[13] And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of

these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah.

[14] And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them

when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin.

[15] And they turned aside thither, to go in and to lodge in Gibeah: and

when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city: for there was no

man that took them into his house to lodging.

[16] And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at

even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the

men of the place were Benjamites.

[17] And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the

street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence

comest thou?

[18] And he said unto him, We are passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the

side of mount Ephraim; from thence am I: and I went to Bethlehemjudah, but I

am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that receiveth me

to house.

[19] Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread

and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is

with thy servants: there is no want of any thing.

[20] And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants

lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.

[21] So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses:

and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.

[22] Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the

city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the

door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth

the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.

[23] And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, Nay, my

brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come

into mine house, do not this folly.

[24] Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will

bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto

you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing.

[25] But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine,

and brought her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the

night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go.

[26] Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the

door of the man's house where her lord was, till it was light.

[27] And her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house,

and went out to go his way: and, behold, the woman his concubine was fallen

down at the door of the house, and her hands were upon the threshold.

[28] And he said unto her, Up, and let us be going. But none answered. Then

the man took her up upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat him unto his

place.

[29] And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on

his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces,

and sent her into all the coasts of Israel.

[30] And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done

nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of

Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.



JUDGES 20



The Children of Israel Punish the Benjamites



1 (Jdg 11:11; 21:5) All the children of Israel from Dan to Beersheba,

and also from the land of Gilead, went out and gathered together in

an assembly as one man before the Lord at Mizpah.

2 (Jdg 8:10; 20:15) The leaders of all the people from all the tribes

of Israel presented themselves in an assembly of the people of God,

who numbered four hundred thousand infantrymen bearing swords.

3(The Benjamites heard that the children of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.)

The children of Israel said, "Tell how this evil happened!"

4 So the Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, answered,

"My concubine and I came to Gibeah, in Benjamin, to spend the night.

5 (Jdg 19:22; 19:25-26) Then the leaders of Gibeah rose up against me.

At night they surrounded the house where I was staying.

They wanted to kill me; instead they ravished my concubine so that she died.

6 (Jdg 19:29; Jos 7:15) I seized my concubine, cut her into pieces,

and sent her throughout all the territory of Israel,

because they committed an infamous and disgraceful act in Israel.

7 (Jdg 19:30) Now, all of you are children of Israel.

Give your advice and counsel here."

8 All the people arose as one man and said, "Not a man among us will go

to his tent, and no one will turn aside to his house.

9 Now this is what we will do to Gibeah. We will go against it by lot.

10 We will take ten men out of every hundred, from every tribe of Israel,

a hundred from every thousand, and a thousand from every ten thousand,

to bring provisions for the troops. Then when they come to Gibeah

in Benjamin, they may repay them for all the evil

that they committed in Israel."

11 So all the men of Israel gathered at the city, united like one man.

12 (Dt 13:14) The tribes of Israel sent men throughout the whole tribe

of Benjamin, saying, "What is this evil that has been committed among you?

13 (Dt 13:13; 17:12) Now hand over the wicked men in Gibeah,

so that we can kill them and purge the evil from Israel."

Yet the Benjamites were not willing to listen

to their fellow children of Israel.

14 The Benjamites gathered from their cities at Gibeah in order to go

out and wage war against the children of Israel.

15 (Nu 26:41) That day, the Benjamites mustered twenty-six thousand armed men

from the cities and seven hundred specially chosen men from Gibeah.

16 (Jdg 3:15; 1Ch 12:2) Out of all these people there were seven hundred

specially chosen men who were left-handed, all of whom could sling

a stone at a hair and not miss.

17 The men of Israel, apart from Benjamin, gathered four hundred thousand

armed men who drew the sword; all of them were men of war.

18 (Nu 27:21; Jdg 20:23) The children of Israel arose, went up to Bethel,

and asked God, "Who should go up first to wage war against the Benjamites?"

The Lord said, "Judah first."

19T he children of Israel got up in the morning and camped against Gibeah.

20 The men of Israel went out for battle with Benjamin,

and the men of Israel lined up for battle at Gibeah.

21 (Jdg 20:25) Then the Benjamites came out from Gibeah

and struck twenty-two thousand Israelite men down to the ground.

22 The people, the men of Israel, rallied and lined up for battle again

in the place where they had lined up on the first day.

23 (Jdg 20:26-27) Then the children of Israel went up

and wept before the Lord until evening. They asked the Lord,

"Should we advance and fight our brother-tribesmen the Benjamites again?"

The Lord said, "Advance against them."

24 So the children of Israel advanced against the Benjamites for the second day.

25 (Jdg 20:21) And on the second day, the Benjamites went out from Gibeah

to meet them and again struck eighteen thousand men down to the ground,

every one of them armed.

26 (Jdg 20:23; 20:18) Then all the children of Israel, all the people, went up

to Bethel where they wept and sat before the Lord.

They fasted that day until evening and offered burnt offerings and peace

offerings before the Lord.

27 (Jos 18:1; Jdg 20:18) The children of Israel asked the Lord

(because the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,

28 (Dt 18:5; Jos 24:33) and Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron,

stood before it then), "Should we go out again to wage war with our

brother-tribesmen the Benjamites, or should we not?"

The Lord said, "Go up, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands."

29 (Jos 8:4) So Israel set an ambushing force around Gibeah.

30 The children of Israel went up against the Benjamites on the third day

and lined up at Gibeah as before.

31 The Benjamites went out to engage the people and were drawn away

from the city. They began to strike the people down as before. On the

main roads that go up to Bethel and Gibeah and in the field,

they struck down about thirty children of Israel.

32 The Benjamites said, "They are struck down before us like

at the beginning." But the children of Israel said, "Let us retreat

and draw them away from the city toward the main roads."

33 So all the men of Israel rose up out of their place

and assumed their battle positions at Baal Tamar.

Then the men of Israel in ambush charged out of their places,

out of the meadows of Gibeah.

34 (Jos 8:14; Job 21:13) Ten thousand specially chosen men

from all of Israel came against Gibeah. The battle was fierce,

and the Benjamites did not know that disaster was upon them.

35 The Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel, and that day the children

of Israel struck down 25100 Benjamites, every one of them armed.

36 The Benjamites saw that they were defeated.

Now the men of Israel had withdrawn from Benjamin, because they relied

on the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah.

37 (Jos 8:19) So the ambushing force rushed on and attacked Gibeah.

They struck down the whole city with the edge of the sword.

38 The men of Israel had made an agreement with the ambushing force

that when they sent up a large amount of smoke from the city,

39 (Jdg 20:32) the children of Israel would turn around in battle.

When the Benjamites had begun to strike the children of Israel down,

about thirty men, they said, "Surely they are struck down before us like

at the beginning."

40 (Jos 8:20) Yet when the smoke began to rise up from the city in a column,

the Benjamites looked behind them and suddenly noticed the whole city

going up in smoke to the sky.

41 Then the men of Israel turned around, and the men of Benjamin

were horrified because they saw that disaster had come on them.

42 So they fled from the men of Israel toward the direction

of the wilderness, but the battle overtook them. Whoever came out

of the cities destroyed them in their midst.

43 They surrounded the Benjamites, chased them without rest,

and trampled them down near Gibeah toward the east.

44 Eighteen thousand men from Benjamin fell; all these were men of valor.

45 (Jos 15:32; Jdg 21:13) The rest turned and fled toward the wilderness

to Rimmon Rock, and they cut down five thousand men on the main roads.

They pursued them relentlessly until they reached Gidom

and killed two thousand of them.

46 So the Benjamites who fell that day numbered 25000, every one

of them armed, valorous men.

47 However, six hundred men turned and fled toward the wilderness,

to Rimmon Rock. They dwelled at Rimmon Rock for four months.

48 Yet the men of Israel turned back against the Benjamites

and struck them with the edge of the sword-city inhabitants, animals,

and everything that could be found. Indeed, they set on fire every city

that could be found.



Judges 20

[1] Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was

gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, with the land of

Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

[2] And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel,

presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred

thousand footmen that drew sword.

[3] (Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were

gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell us, how was this

wickedness?

[4] And the Levite, the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and

said, I came into Gibeah that belongeth to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to

lodge.

[5] And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about

upon me by night, and thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they

forced, that she is dead.

[6] And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout

all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed

lewdness and folly in Israel.

[7] Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and

counsel.

[8] And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to

his tent, neither will we any of us turn into his house.

[9] But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go

up by lot against it;

[10] And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of

Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to

fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of

Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.

[11] So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together

as one man.

[12] And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin,

saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you?

[13] Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in

Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But

the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren

the children of Israel:

[14] But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the

cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

[15] And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the

cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabitants

of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men.

[16] Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded;

every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.

[17] And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred

thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.

[18] And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and

asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle

against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up

first.

[19] And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against

Gibeah.

[20] And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men

of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah.

[21] And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed

down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men.

[22] And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their

battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the

first day.

[23] (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until

even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle

against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up

against him.)

[24] And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin

the second day.

[25] And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and

destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen

thousand men; all these drew the sword.

[26] Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came

unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted

that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before

the LORD.

[27] And the children of Israel inquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the

covenant of God was there in those days,

[28] And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in

those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children

of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to

morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.

[29] And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah.

[30] And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on

the third day, and put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other

times.

[31] And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were

drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, and kill,

as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of

God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.

[32] And the children of Benjamin said, They are smitten down before us, as

at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them

from the city unto the highways.

[33] And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put

themselves in array at Baal-tamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came

forth out of their places, even out of the meadows of Gibeah.

[34] And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all

Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them.

[35] And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel

destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred

men: all these drew the sword.

[36] So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of

Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in

wait which they had set beside Gibeah.

[37] And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in

wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the

sword.

[38] Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers

in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the

city.

[39] And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to

smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said,

Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.

[40] But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of

smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city

ascended up to heaven.

[41] And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were

amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.

[42] Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way

of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of

the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.

[43] Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and

trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.

[44] And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of

valour.

[45] And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon:

and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard

after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.

[46] So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five

thousand men that drew the sword; all these were men of valour.

[47] But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock

Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.

[48] And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and

smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city, as the

beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that

they came to.



JUDGES 21



Wives for the Benjamites



1 (Jdg 20:1; 21:18) In Mizpah the men of Israel had taken an oath:

"No one among us will give his daughter to a Benjamite as his wife."

2 (Jdg 20:26; 20:18) So the people came to Bethel and sat there before

God until evening. They raised their voices and wept, sobbing loudly.

3 They said, "Why, Lord God of Israel, has this happened in Israel,

that today a tribe is missing from Israel?"

4 (2Sa 24:25) In the morning the people got up early and built an altar

there. They offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.

5 (Jdg 5:23) The children of Israel said, "Who from all the tribes of Israel

did not go up with the assembly to the Lord?" For they vowed a solemn

oath regarding whoever did not go up to the Lord at Mizpah stating,

"He must be killed."

6 (Jdg 21:15) The children of Israel lamented for Benjamin their brother,

and said, "One tribe is cut off from Israel today.

7 (Jdg 21:1) What can we do to find wives for those who are left?

For we swore by the Lord not to give them our daughters as wives."

8 (1Sa 31:11-13) So they said, "Is there anyone from among the tribes

of Israel who did not go up to the Lord at Mizpah?" Then they learned

that no one from the camp of Jabesh Gilead had come to the assembly.

9 When the people were counted, indeed, there was not a man there

from among the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead.

10 (Jdg 5:23; 21:5) So the assembly sent twelve thousand valorous men there

and commanded them, "Go and strike down the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead

with the edge of the sword, including women and children.

11 (Nu 31:17-18) This is what you will do: You will kill every man

and every woman who has slept with a man."

12 (Jos 18:1) So among the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead they found

400 virgins who had never slept with a man, and they brought them

to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan.

13 (Dt 20:10; Jdg 20:47) Then the whole assembly sent someone to speak

to the Benjamites who were at Rimmon Rock, and they declared peace.

14 So the Benjamites returned at that time, and they gave to them the women

who were still alive from among the women of Jabesh Gilead.

Yet they did not find enough for them.

15 (Jdg 21:6) The people felt sorry for Benjamin, for the Lord had made a gap

among the tribes of Israel.

16 The elders of the assembly said, "What can we do to find wives for those

who are left? The Benjamite women were destroyed."

17 They said, "There must be an inheritance for the remnant of Benjamin,

so that a tribe will not be wiped out from Israel.

18 (Jdg 21:1) Yet we cannot give them our daughters for wives,

for the children of Israel swore, 'Cursed be anyone who gives

a wife to Benjamin.' "

19 They said, "Wait! There is an annual festival of the Lord in Shiloh,

which is north of Bethel, east of the main road that goes up from Bethel

to Shechem, and south of Lebonah."

20 So they commanded the Benjamites, "Go and hide in the vineyards.

21 (Ex 15:20; Jdg 11:34) Watch, and then when the daughters of Shiloh

come out to dance in the dances, come out from the vineyards

and have every man grab a wife for himself from among

the daughters of Shiloh. Then go to the land of Benjamin.

22 (Jdg 21:1; 21:18) When their fathers or their brothers come to us

to complain, we will say to them, 'Be favorable to them for our sakes,

because we did not take for each man a wife in the battle;

for you have not given women to them at the time,

thereby making yourselves guilty.' "

23 (Jdg 20:48) So the Benjamites did this. They carried away wives

for each man from among the dancers that they caught. Then they

returned to their inheritance, rebuilt the cities, and lived in them.

24 At that time, the children of Israel departed from there each man

to his tribe and to his family. They went out from

there to their own inheritance.

25 (Jdg 17:6; 18:1) In those days there was no king in Israel;

everyone did what was right in his own eyes.



Judges 21

[1] Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any

of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.

[2] And the people came to the house of God, and abode there till even

before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;

[3] And said, O LORD God of Israel, why is this come to pass in Israel, that

there should be to day one tribe lacking in Israel?

[4] And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built

there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.

[5] And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of

Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had

made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh,

saying, He shall surely be put to death.

[6] And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and

said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.

[7] How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by

the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?

[8] And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not

up to Mizpeh to the LORD? And, behold, there came none to the camp from

Jabesh-gilead to the assembly.

[9] For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the

inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead there.

[10] And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the

valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of

Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children.

[11] And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every

male, and every woman that hath lain by man.

[12] And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead four hundred

young virgins, that had known no man by lying with any male: and they

brought them unto the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.

[13] And the whole congregation sent some to speak to the children of

Benjamin that were in the rock Rimmon, and to call peaceably unto them.

[14] And Benjamin came again at that time; and they gave them wives which

they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh-gilead: and yet so they sufficed

them not.

[15] And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had

made a breach in the tribes of Israel.

[16] Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for

them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?

[17] And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of

Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.

[18] Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children

of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.

[19] Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly

in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the

highway that goeth up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

[20] Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie

in wait in the vineyards;

[21] And see, and, behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in

dances, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife

of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.

[22] And it shall be, when their fathers or their brethren come unto us to

complain, that we will say unto them, Be favourable unto them for our sakes:

because we reserved not to each man his wife in the war: for ye did not give

unto them at this time, that ye should be guilty.

[23] And the children of Benjamin did so, and took them wives, according to

their number, of them that danced, whom they caught: and they went and

returned unto their inheritance, and repaired the cities, and dwelt in them.

[24] And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to

his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his

inheritance.

[25] In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was

right in his own eyes.



2) Our Daily Bread for 5 April 2024 entitled



God's Presence




Ecclesiastes 3:1-11



A Time for Everything



1 (Ecc 3:17) To everything there is a season,

a time for every purpose under heaven:

2 (Heb 9:27; Job 14:5) a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted;

3 (1Sa 2:6; Hos 6:1-2) a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 (Ex 15:20; Ro 12:15) a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 (2Ki 3:25; Joel 2:16) a time to cast away stones,

and a time to gather stones;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 a time to gain, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 (Am 5:13; Ge 37:29) a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 (Lk 14:26) a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time of war, and a time of peace.



The God-Given Task



9 (Ecc 1:3; 2:11) What benefit does the worker have in his toil?

10 (Ge 3:19; Ecc 2:26) I have seen the task that God has given to sons of men

to be concerned with.

11 (Ecc 8:17; Ro 11:33) He has made everything beautiful in its appropriate

time. He has also put obscurity in their hearts Or timelessness,

or perpetuity. so that no one comes to know the work that God has done

from the beginning to the end.



Ecclesiastes 3

1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose

under the heaven:

2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck

up that which is planted;

3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down,

and a time to build up;

4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to

embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence,

and a time to speak;

8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men

to be exercised in it.

11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set

the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that

God maketh from the beginning to the end.



Monique was struggling. She had friends who were believers in Jesus,

and she respected how they handled life's struggles. She was even a bit

jealous of them. But Monique didn't think she could live the way they did;

she thought having faith in Christ was about following rules. Finally, a

fellow college student helped her see that God wasn't out to spoil her life;

instead, He wanted the best for her amidst her ups and downs. Once she

understood this, Monique was ready to trust Jesus as her Saviour

and embrace the magnificent truth about God's love for her.



King Solomon could have given Monique similar advice. He acknowledged

that this world does have its sorrows. Indeed, "To every thing there

is a season" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)-"a time to mourn, and a time to dance" (v. 4).

But there's more. God "has also set eternity in the human heart" (v. 11).

An eternity meant to be lived in His presence.



Monique gained life "to the full," as Jesus said (John 10:10), when she

trusted Him. But she gained so much more! Through faith, the

"eternity in [her] heart" (Ecclesiastes 3:11) became the promise of a

future when life's struggles will be forgotten (Isaiah 65:17)

and God's glorious presence will be an eternal reality.



By: Dave Branon



Reflect & Pray



How have you experienced the fulfilling life Jesus offers?

What are some things about your life in Him that you’re thankful for?



Dear Jesus, Solomon was right.

Life is a rollercoaster. Thank You for making this life

valuable and worth the effort. And thank You for the

eternal joys that await.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 6 God Works!



Phil 2:12-13



12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence,

but so much more in my absence, work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.



12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence

only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will

and to do of his good pleasure.



"I just can't do it!" Marlys, a career woman in her 30s, was struggling to fit

her new Christian principles into the business world. Accustomed to the

cutthroat tactics of the corporate hierarchy, she has a hard time knowing

Jesus' examples of grace and mercy applied.

Marlys was right. She couldn't do it. In our own strength, none of us is able

to "live the Christian life." Someone has said, " The Christian life isn't

difficult -- it's impossible!" Only the power of the Holy Spirit is

effective to work the needed changes in our priorities and behaviour;

only God can accomplish what he calls us to do.

In Phillippians 2:12, Paul says "work it out." If we stop there,

we are likely to throw up our hands in despair.

But the good news appears in verse 13:

" For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure."

WE are not left on our own to figure out how to live the Christian life.

God gives us both the will and the ability to obey him, to live in a way

that will please him.

The key to a God-pleasing life is not performance, but obedience. God does not

expect us to "do great things" for him, to deserve his love and grace.

Our part in the process of salvation is to respond in obedience to the Lord,

to say "yes" to what he asks of us. We cannot change ourselves;

we cannot even know ourselves apart from the Spirit's insight. But

as we cooperate with him, as we agree to be obedient, the Spirit changes us

within, and those changes are "worked out" into our lives.



Application



a) Have I ever tried to "Live the Christian life" on my own strength?

What was the result?



b) In what practical ways is Paul's declaration that "God works in me"

good new in my life?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Malachi 3:10-12



10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in

My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not

open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing,

that there will not be room enough to receive it.

11 I will rebuke the devourer

for your sakes, so that it will not destroy the fruit of your ground,

and the vines in your field will not fail to bear fruit,

says the Lord of Hosts.

12 Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be

a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.



10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in

mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not

open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall

not be room enough to receive it.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy

the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit

before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be

a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are Worried Over Money



Matt 6:19-21



Treasures in Heaven



Lk 12:33-34



19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth

and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

20 But store up

for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy

and where thieves do not break in nor steal,

21 for where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.



19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth

and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth

nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13





9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.



6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)



Manitoba



Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba



Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000



est Muslim Population 21 349



CNMM Networks: Winnipeg



The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very

diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting

it might be twice that size.

Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size

of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.

Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth

of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.

We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers

among Muslims in Winnipeg.



Let us intercede in unity for:



- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged

with great support



Adding further





Pray for the Riau Malay




Matthew 11:28-30



28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened,

and I will give you rest.

29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.

For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

[Jer 6:16. ]

30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”



[28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give

you rest.

[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in

heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

[30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.



"Have you heard of Lailat al Qadr, or the Night of Power?" Laman asked

a gospel worker as they shared coffee together. Laman is one of 2.2 million

Riau Malay Muslims in Indonesia.



"Lailat al Qadr is the most special night of the year. The barrier separating

heaven and earth is at its thinnest. One fortunate individual’s prayer will

be granted, completely, no questions asked! Imagine that!"



"Why this night?" asked the gospel worker.



"Good question. It marks the night when the Qur'an

was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad."



"So what prayers will you be praying through the night Laman?"



Laman's eyes clouded as he thought of his recently deceased parents.

The years during the COVID pandemic had been difficult and the communal meals

he held to pray for them had been more modest than he had wanted. His heart

felt heavy as he considered that the fate of his parents depended

on the prayers of remaining family members.



He sighed, "My deepest desire is for my mother and father to be accepted

by Allah. May all their sins be forgiven."



How to Pray



As Riau Malay seek Allah's favour during the Night of Power,

pray their eyes will be opened to see that God accepts all

who come to Him through Jesus Christ.



Pray that Riau Malay Muslims will know that they can give their economic

and family burdens to Jesus, and he will give them rest.



Pray for the Holy Spirit to stir Christians in Riau province

to boldly share their faith with Riau Malay Muslims.



See also Pray for Egyptians



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .



7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



5th Day of the Month



a) Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,

that the Lord will draw them to Himself

(PS 145:13-18

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

14 The Lord upholds all who fall,

and raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all wait upon You,

and You give them their food in due season.

16 You open Your hand

and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways

and loving in all His works.

18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,

to all who call upon Him in truth.

)



Mem

13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

Samek

14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,

And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

Ain

15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;

And thou givest them their meat in due season.

Pe

16 Thou openest thine hand,

And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Zade

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,

And holy in all his works.

Qoph

18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,

To all that call upon him in truth.



b) Pray for the Lord to search your life ,

reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness

( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,

and lead me in the ancient way. "



24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting.



1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us

our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "



9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray not to be in conflict .



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, Solomon was right.

Life is a rollercoaster. Thank You for making this life

valuable and worth the effort. And thank You for the

eternal joys that await."



Pray to the Lord and pray to live Life under the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a generous giver.



Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

- for the recent Somali woman who found faith in Jesus and stood her ground

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged

with great support



How to Pray



As Riau Malay seek Allah's favour during the Night of Power,

pray their eyes will be opened to see that God accepts all

who come to Him through Jesus Christ.



Pray that Riau Malay Muslims will know that they can give their economic

and family burdens to Jesus, and he will give them rest.



Pray for the Holy Spirit to stir Christians in Riau province

to boldly share their faith with Riau Malay Muslims.



Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,

that the Lord will draw them to Himself



Pray for the Lord to search your life ,

reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness



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



Google Gemini comments on K-9 as AI in Doctor Who

K-9, the robotic dog companion in Doctor Who, is a fascinating example of artifi

Subject: Google Gemini Comments on K-9 as a form of Artificial Intelligence in D

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K-9, the robotic dog companion in Doctor Who, is a fascinating example of

artificial intelligence. Here's a breakdown of his capabilities and how he

represents AI in the show:



Advanced Intelligence: K-9 exhibits a high level of intelligence. He can

understand complex instructions, analyse situations, and even offer strategic

advice to the Doctor. He possesses vast knowledge on various subjects,

demonstrated by his ability to translate languages, access information banks,

and perform medical scans.



Limited Independence: While intelligent, K-9 lacks true autonomy. He relies

on the Doctor for programming and guidance. His primary function is to assist

the Doctor, and his actions are heavily influenced by his directives.



Emotional Capacity (or Mimicry?): K-9 shows glimpses of emotions, expressing

frustration, excitement, and even a sense of self-preservation. However,

it's debatable if these are true emotions or simply advanced programming

designed to mimic human responses and enhance his effectiveness as a companion.



Evolution of K-9: There have been several iterations of K-9 throughout Doctor

Who, each with slightly different capabilities. This reflects the show's

evolving portrayal of AI, with later versions sometimes exhibiting more

sophisticated decision-making abilities.



K-9 as a Tool vs. Companion: K-9 primarily functions as a tool for the Doctor.

He provides valuable assistance but doesn't possess the same level of

agency or emotional connection as some of the Doctor's human companions.

However, his loyalty and quirky personality have made him a fan favourite

despite (or perhaps because of) his non-human nature.



K-9 and the Mirror of AI in Doctor Who: K-9 represents a specific type of AI

in Doctor Who - the intelligent assistant. He highlights the potentiala

benefits of AI for exploration, analysis, and even companionship.

However, his limitations also raise questions about the line between

intelligent machines and truly sentient beings, a theme explored

throughout the show's history.

ChatGPt reviews Doctor Who the Tenth Planet

"Doctor Who: The Tenth Planet" is a four-part serial from the fourth season

of the original Doctor Who series, originally broadcast in 1966. This iconic

story introduces viewers to the concept of regeneration, a crucial element

in the Doctor Who mythology.



Part 1:

"The Tenth Planet: Episode 1" sets the stage for the serial, introducing

viewers to the mysterious planet Mondas, the Doctor's encounter with the

Cybermen, and the impending threat to Earth. The atmosphere is tense and

foreboding as the Doctor and his companions uncover the sinister plans

of the Cybermen. The introduction of the iconic villains adds a sense

of menace to the story.



Rating: 8.5 out of 10



Part 2:

"The Tenth Planet: Episode 2" sees the situation on Earth escalate

as the Cybermen launch their invasion. The Doctor and his companions

must race against time to thwart the Cybermen's plans and save humanity

from destruction. The tension builds steadily, with plenty of action

and suspense to keep viewers engaged.



Rating: 9 out of 10



Part 3:

"The Tenth Planet: Episode 3" ramps up the stakes as the Cybermen's invasion

reaches its climax. The Doctor faces off against the Cybermen in a thrilling

confrontation, leading to a dramatic showdown aboard their spacecraft.

The performances are strong, and the special effects work effectively

to bring the Cybermen to life.



Rating: 9.5 out of 10



Part 4:

"The Tenth Planet: Episode 4" brings the story to a dramatic conclusion

as the Doctor confronts the Cybermen's leader, the Cyber-Controller.

The resolution is both satisfying and bittersweet, with the Doctor

facing his own mortality as he undergoes his first regeneration.

The episode lays the groundwork for future incarnations of the Doctor,

cementing its place in Doctor Who history.



Rating: 9.5 out of 10



Overall, "Doctor Who: The Tenth Planet" is a landmark serial that introduces

one of the most iconic elements of the series: regeneration. With its

gripping storyline, memorable villains, and historic significance,

it remains a standout entry in the Doctor Who canon.



Average Rating: (8.5 + 9 + 9.5 + 9.5) / 4 = 9.125 out of 10