Day 258 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 15 September 2025 reflections
Day 258, 15 September 2025
1) Ezra 5:1, Haggai 1, Haggai 2:1-9, Zechariah 1:1-6,
Haggai 2:10-19, Ezra 5:2, Haggai 2:20-23, Zechariah 1:7-21
Ezra 5:1
Restoration of the Temple Resumed
1 Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied
to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel
who was over them.
[1] Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of
Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the
name of the God of Israel, even unto them.
Haggai 1
Haggai 1
God's Command to Rebuild the Temple
1 (Ezr 2:2; 3:2; 3:8) In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month,
on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came
by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel,
governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak,
the high priest, saying,
2 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: These people say, The time has not yet come
to rebuild the house of the Lord.
3 (Ezr 5:1) Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying:
4 (2Sa 7:2; Ps 132:3-5) Is it time for you yourselves to live in paneled
houses, while this house lies in ruins?
5 (La 3:40) Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of Hosts: Consider your ways.
6 (Hag 2:16; Zec 8:10) You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat,
but you do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink;
you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages earns
wages to put them into a bag with holes.
7 (Hag 1:5) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Consider your ways.
8 (Ps 132:13-14; Hag 2:7) Go up to the mountain and bring wood
and rebuild the house, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,
says the Lord.
9 (Hag 1:4; Isa 40:7) You looked for much, and it came to little;
and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? says the Lord of Hosts.
Because of My house that lies in ruins while each of you runs to his own house.
10 (Lev 26:19; Dt 28:23-24) Therefore the heavens above you have withheld
the dew, and the earth has withheld its crops.
11 (Hag 2:17; Dt 28:22) I called for a drought on the land and the mountains,
on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on what the ground brings forth,
on men, on livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.
Haggai 1
[1] In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the
first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet
unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua
the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,
[2] Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time
is not come, the time that the LORD's house should be built.
[3] Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
[4] Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this
house lie waste?
[5] Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.
[6] Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not
enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but
there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it
into a bag with holes.
[7] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.
[8] Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I
will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.
[9] Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought
it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of
mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.
[10] Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is
stayed from her fruit.
[11] And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains,
and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon
that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and
upon all the labour of the hands.
The People Obey God's Command
12 (Isa 50:10; Hag 1:14) Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua
the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people,
obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet,
as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord.
13 (Ps 46:11; Isa 41:10) Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke
the message of the Lord to the people, saying: I am with you, says the Lord.
14 (Hag 1:1; Ezr 5:2) Andthe Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabeltheson
of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua
the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant
of the people. And they came and worked on thehouse of the Lord of Hosts
their God,
15 (Hag 1:1) on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year
of King Darius.
[12] Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech,
the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the
LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God
had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.
[13] Then spake Haggai the LORD's messenger in the LORD's message unto the
people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.
[14] And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel,
governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high
priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and
did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,
[15] In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of
Darius the king.
Haggai 2:1-9
The Future Glory of the Temple
1 (Hag 1:1) In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month,
the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying:
2 (Hag 1:1) Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah,
and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant
of the people, saying:
3 (Ezr 3:12) Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory?
How do you see it now? Is it not, in your eyes, as nothing in comparison?
4 (Zec 8:9; 2Sa 5:10) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord,
and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong all you
people of the land, says the Lord. Work, for I am with you, says the Lord
of Hosts.
5 (Ne 9:20; Ex 29:45-46) According to the covenant that I made with you
when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.
6 (Isa 10:25; 29:17) For thus says the Lord of Hosts: Once more,
in a little while, I will shake the heavens and earth, the sea and dry land.
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations, and they will come
with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,
says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater than the former,
says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place I will give peace,
says the Lord of Hosts.
[1] In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came
the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,
[2] Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to
Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the
people, saying,
[3] Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do
ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?
[4] Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O
Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of
the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of
hosts:
[5] According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of
Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
[6] For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I
will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
[7] And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come:
and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
[8] The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
[9] The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former,
saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD
of hosts.
Zechariah 1:1-6
1 (Ne 12:4; Mt 23:3) 5In the eighth month,
during the second year of King Darius,
the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah,
son of Berekiah, son of Iddo, saying:
A Call to Repentance
2 (Jer 44:6) The Lord was very angry with your fathers,
3 (Mal 3:7; Isa 31:6) so you will say to them, Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts.
4 (Ps 78:8; 2Ch 36:15-16) Do not be like your fathers to whom the former
prophets cried, "Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Turn away from your evil ways
and deeds!" But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, says the Lord.
5 So where are your fathers, and do the prophets live forever?
6 (La 2:17; Dt 28:15 )Surely My words and statutes that I commanded
to My servants, the prophets, did they not persuade your fathers?
They turned back and said, "Whatever the Lord of Hosts planned to do
to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us."
[1] In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of
the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the
prophet, saying,
[2] The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers.
[3] Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye
unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the
LORD of hosts.
[4] Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried,
saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways,
and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me,
saith the LORD.
[5] Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?
[6] But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the
prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and
said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our
ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
Haggai 2:10-19
Blessings on a Defiled People
10 (Hag 2:20; 1:1) On the 24th day of the ninth month,
in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet,
saying:
11 (Lev 10:10-11; Mal 2:7) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Now ask the priests concerning the law, saying,
12 (Lev 6:27; Mt 23:19) If a man carries holy meat in the fold of his garment,
and touches with his fold bread or stew, or wine or oil, or any food,
will it become holy?
The priests answered, "No."
13 Then Haggai said, "If one who is unclean by contact with a dead body
touches any of these, will it become unclean?"
The priests answered, "It will become unclean."
14 (Pr 15:8; Isa 1:11-15) Then Haggai said, So it is with this people,
and so it is with this nation before Me, says the Lord,
and so with every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.
15 (Hag 1:5; Ezr 3:10) Now consider from this day onward: from before stone
was laid upon stone in the temple of the Lord,
16 (Hag 1:6) from those days when one came to a heap of twenty measures,
there were but ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures,
there were but twenty.
17 (Dt 28:22; 1Ki 8:37) I struck you and all the labor of your hands
with blight and mildew and hail; yet you did not turn to Me.
18 (Zec 8:9; Hag 2:15) Consider from this day onward, from the 24th day
of the ninth month, from the day when the foundation of the temple
of the Lord was laid, consider:
19 (Ps 128:1-5; Mal 3:10) Isthe seed yet in the barn?
As of yet, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree
have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.
[10] In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of
Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
[11] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law,
saying,
[12] If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt
do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy?
And the priests answered and said, No.
[13] Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of
these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be
unclean.
[14] Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this
nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and
that which they offer there is unclean.
[15] And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a
stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:
[16] Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures,
there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty
vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.
[17] I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the
labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD.
[18] Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day
of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD's
temple was laid, consider it.
[19] Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree,
and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this
day will I bless you.
Ezra 5:2
2 (Ezr 3:2; 6:14) Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Joshua the son
of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem,
and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
[2] Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of
Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and
with them were the prophets of God helping them.
Haggai 2:20-23
The Promise of God to Zerubbabel
20 The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai
on the 24th day of the month:
21 (Ezr 5:2; Hag 1:1) Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying,
I will shake the heavens and the earth.
22 (Mic 5:10; Jdg 7:22) I will overthrow the throne of the kingdoms.
I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations.
I will overthrow the chariots and their riders. The horses and their riders
will come down, every one by the sword of his brother.
23 (Isa 43:10; 42:1) On that day, says the Lord of Hosts, I will take you,
O Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the Lord,
and I will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,
says the Lord of Hosts.
[20] And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and
twentieth day of the month, saying,
[21] Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the
heavens and the earth;
[22] And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the
strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots,
and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come
down, every one by the sword of his brother.
[23] In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel,
my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a
signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 1:7-21
Vision of the Horsemen
7 (Zec 1:1) On the 24th day, in the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat,
during the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet
Zechariah, son of Berekiah, son of Iddo:
8 (Rev 6:4; Zec 6:2-7; Isa 41:19) I saw during the night a man riding on
a red horse. But he was standing among the myrtle trees that were
in the ravine, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses.
9 (Zec 4:4-5; 1:19) And I said, "What are these, my lord?"
Then the angel who was speaking with me said,
"I will show you what these are."
10 (Zec 1:11; 6:5-8) Then the man who was standing among the myrtle trees
responded and said, "These are the ones whom the Lord has sent out to walk to
and fro on the earth."
11 (Zec 1:10; 1:8) They answered and said to the angel of the Lord
who was standing among the myrtle trees,
"We have gone to and fro on the earth,
and all the earth is resting and peaceful."
12 (Ps 102:13; Jer 29:10) Then the angel of the Lord said,
"How much longer, O Lord of Hosts, will You withhold mercy
from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah with which
You have been angry these seventy years?"
13 (Isa 40:1-2; Jer 29:10) And the Lord answered the angel speaking
to me with good and comforting words.
14 (Joel 2:18; Isa 40:6) So the angel who spoke with me said, Cry out,
saying: Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I have a great jealousy
for Jerusalem and Zion.
15 (Isa 54:8; Zec 1:2) And I have a great anger for those nations
who are at ease, for while I was angry but a little,
they helped to increase evil.
16 (Zec 4:9; 8:3) Therefore thus says the Lord: I have returned to Jerusalem
with mercy, and My house will be built in it, says the Lord of Hosts,
and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem.
17 (Isa 51:3; Zec 2:12) Cry out again, saying, Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Yet again My cities will overflow with goodness,
and again the Lord will comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.
[7] Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the
month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD
unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
[8] I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he
stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him
were there red horses, speckled, and white.
[9] Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with
me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.
[10] And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These
are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
[11] And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle
trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold,
all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.
[12] Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long
wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against
which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?
[13] And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words
and comfortable words.
[14] So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus
saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a
great jealousy.
[15] And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I
was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.
[16] Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies:
my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be
stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
[17] Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through
prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion,
and shall yet choose Jerusalem.
The Vision of the Horns and Craftsmen
18 And I then lifted up my eyes, and I saw four horns.
19 (Zec 1:21; 1:9) And I said to the angel speaking to me, "What are these?"
And he answered, "These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel,
and Jerusalem."
20 Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen.
21 (Ps 75:4-5; Zec 1:19) And I said, "What are these coming to do?"
And he said, "These are the horns that scattered Judah
after which no one could raise his head; and these four craftsmen
have come to terrify and throw down the horns of the nations
who lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it."
[18] Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.
[19] And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he
answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and
Jerusalem.
[20] And the LORD shewed me four carpenters.
[21] Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the
horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but
these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which
lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 September 2024 titled Making Disciples for Christ
by Patricia Rayborn
Matthew 28:16-20
The Commissioning of the Disciples
Mk 16:14-18; Lk 24:36-49; Jn 20:19-23; Ac 1:6-8
16 (Mt 28:7; 26:32) Then the eleven disciples went away to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
17 (Mt 28:9) When they saw Him, they worshipped Him. But some doubted.
18 (Mt 11:27; Ro 14:9) Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
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.
[16] Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where
Jesus had appointed them.
[17] And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
[18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth.
[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.
Early in the basketball season, the coach at our neighbourhood middle school
seemed to work hardest convincing his players to risk shooting the ball.
"Shoot!" he pleaded from the sidelines. His players eagerly passed the ball.
Dribbling was a favorite too. The season was half over before most of them
would shed their doubts and try to shoot the ball to score. But "going for it"
made all the difference. By obeying their coach, letting go of doubt,
and trying - even if they often missed the target - they learned to win.
Jesus teaches us to let go of doubt to obey His call to make disciples. He
explains, " All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
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."
(Matthew 28:18-20).
In practical terms, this can mean stepping out of our comfort to share our
story of what God has done for us. Or getting involved in the lives of our
hurting neighbours, showing them Jesus' love. Such approaches work,
but only if we let go and try them.
Above all, we go in Jesus' authority to attempt what may look hard - making
disciples. But we need not fear. Jesus promised:
"lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (v. 20).
Reflect & Pray
What fears and doubts do you have about making disciples?
Why? How can you obey Christ's call?
I need practice making disciples, dear Father,
but please encourage me to let go of doubt and try.
Learn more about the work God is doing in our lives by reading the Mission of God.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 2 - Growing Up
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable
for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction
in righteousness,
17 (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21) that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness:
17 that the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.
"I can't wait till I get big!" Marc, age 5, declared. "Then I do
what I want!" Most of us, as children, shared Marc's statement.
We looked forward to that "magic age" - 16, 18, 21 - when we
would be adults: mature, able to make our own decisions.
We find, of course, that adulthood has its own share of
difficulties and conflicts. But even in our spiritual lives
we often long for a "magic moment" of maturity. As one woman
confessed, "Ever since I became a Christian, I've hoped I'd wake up
one morning to find myself mature."
But growth in the spiritual life comes gradually, like growth in
the physical world. In 2 Tim 2:16-17, Paul gives the young pastor
Timothy an important key to spiritual growing up - the Word of God.
The Word is "profitable" or "useful," Paul says, for "teaching" - that is,
for developing a right concept of God. Scripture offers "rebuke" when
we go wrong, "correction" to set us on the right path, and "training
in righteousness" so that we can grow in the image of Christ.
The purpose of Scripture's work in our lives, Paul emphasises,
is that we may be "perfect" - mature, equipped for the good things
God has for us to do. Such maturity does not come easily
or instantaneously, but it does come - sometimes imperceptibly -
as we submit our lives to the transforming power of God's Word.
Application
a) In what areas of my life do I need to grow? How can I benefit
from the Bible's
i) teaching?
ii) rebuke?
iii) correction?
iv) training in righteousness?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 8:18
18 But you must remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you
the ability to get wealth, so that He may establish His covenant which
He swore to your fathers, as it is today.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee
power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto
thy fathers, as it is this day.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
PSALMS 25:15-21
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for He will lead my feet from the net.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,
for I am isolated and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look on my pain and misery,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!
Let me not suffer shame,
for I seek refuge in You.
21 Truth and integrity will preserve me
while I wait for You.
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;
For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;
For I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:
O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;
And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:
Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
For I wait on thee.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, 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.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for Him to rebuild your spiritual life.
Pray to the Lord: "I need practice making disciples, dear Father,
but please encourage me to let go of doubt and try."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the benifits of obeying the Lord's word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His Covenant.
Pray to the Lord and pray to that integrity and uprightness preserve you.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Pray for the boldness and strength of missionaries proclaiming the Gospel
in hostile communities in Kenya.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Ezra 5:1, Haggai 1, Haggai 2:1-9, Zechariah 1:1-6,
Haggai 2:10-19, Ezra 5:2, Haggai 2:20-23, Zechariah 1:7-21
Ezra 5:1
Restoration of the Temple Resumed
1 Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied
to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel
who was over them.
[1] Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of
Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the
name of the God of Israel, even unto them.
Haggai 1
Haggai 1
God's Command to Rebuild the Temple
1 (Ezr 2:2; 3:2; 3:8) In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month,
on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came
by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel,
governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak,
the high priest, saying,
2 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: These people say, The time has not yet come
to rebuild the house of the Lord.
3 (Ezr 5:1) Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying:
4 (2Sa 7:2; Ps 132:3-5) Is it time for you yourselves to live in paneled
houses, while this house lies in ruins?
5 (La 3:40) Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of Hosts: Consider your ways.
6 (Hag 2:16; Zec 8:10) You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat,
but you do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink;
you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages earns
wages to put them into a bag with holes.
7 (Hag 1:5) Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Consider your ways.
8 (Ps 132:13-14; Hag 2:7) Go up to the mountain and bring wood
and rebuild the house, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,
says the Lord.
9 (Hag 1:4; Isa 40:7) You looked for much, and it came to little;
and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? says the Lord of Hosts.
Because of My house that lies in ruins while each of you runs to his own house.
10 (Lev 26:19; Dt 28:23-24) Therefore the heavens above you have withheld
the dew, and the earth has withheld its crops.
11 (Hag 2:17; Dt 28:22) I called for a drought on the land and the mountains,
on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on what the ground brings forth,
on men, on livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.
Haggai 1
[1] In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the
first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet
unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua
the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,
[2] Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time
is not come, the time that the LORD's house should be built.
[3] Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
[4] Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this
house lie waste?
[5] Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.
[6] Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not
enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but
there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it
into a bag with holes.
[7] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.
[8] Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I
will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.
[9] Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought
it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of
mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.
[10] Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is
stayed from her fruit.
[11] And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains,
and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon
that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and
upon all the labour of the hands.
The People Obey God's Command
12 (Isa 50:10; Hag 1:14) Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua
the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people,
obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet,
as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord.
13 (Ps 46:11; Isa 41:10) Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke
the message of the Lord to the people, saying: I am with you, says the Lord.
14 (Hag 1:1; Ezr 5:2) Andthe Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabeltheson
of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua
the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant
of the people. And they came and worked on thehouse of the Lord of Hosts
their God,
15 (Hag 1:1) on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year
of King Darius.
[12] Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech,
the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the
LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God
had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.
[13] Then spake Haggai the LORD's messenger in the LORD's message unto the
people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.
[14] And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel,
governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high
priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and
did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,
[15] In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of
Darius the king.
Haggai 2:1-9
The Future Glory of the Temple
1 (Hag 1:1) In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month,
the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying:
2 (Hag 1:1) Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah,
and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant
of the people, saying:
3 (Ezr 3:12) Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory?
How do you see it now? Is it not, in your eyes, as nothing in comparison?
4 (Zec 8:9; 2Sa 5:10) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord,
and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong all you
people of the land, says the Lord. Work, for I am with you, says the Lord
of Hosts.
5 (Ne 9:20; Ex 29:45-46) According to the covenant that I made with you
when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.
6 (Isa 10:25; 29:17) For thus says the Lord of Hosts: Once more,
in a little while, I will shake the heavens and earth, the sea and dry land.
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations, and they will come
with the wealth of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,
says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater than the former,
says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place I will give peace,
says the Lord of Hosts.
[1] In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came
the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,
[2] Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to
Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the
people, saying,
[3] Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do
ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?
[4] Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O
Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of
the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of
hosts:
[5] According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of
Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
[6] For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I
will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
[7] And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come:
and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
[8] The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
[9] The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former,
saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD
of hosts.
Zechariah 1:1-6
1 (Ne 12:4; Mt 23:3) 5In the eighth month,
during the second year of King Darius,
the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah,
son of Berekiah, son of Iddo, saying:
A Call to Repentance
2 (Jer 44:6) The Lord was very angry with your fathers,
3 (Mal 3:7; Isa 31:6) so you will say to them, Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts.
4 (Ps 78:8; 2Ch 36:15-16) Do not be like your fathers to whom the former
prophets cried, "Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Turn away from your evil ways
and deeds!" But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, says the Lord.
5 So where are your fathers, and do the prophets live forever?
6 (La 2:17; Dt 28:15 )Surely My words and statutes that I commanded
to My servants, the prophets, did they not persuade your fathers?
They turned back and said, "Whatever the Lord of Hosts planned to do
to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us."
[1] In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of
the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the
prophet, saying,
[2] The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers.
[3] Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye
unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the
LORD of hosts.
[4] Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried,
saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways,
and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me,
saith the LORD.
[5] Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?
[6] But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the
prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and
said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our
ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.
Haggai 2:10-19
Blessings on a Defiled People
10 (Hag 2:20; 1:1) On the 24th day of the ninth month,
in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet,
saying:
11 (Lev 10:10-11; Mal 2:7) Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Now ask the priests concerning the law, saying,
12 (Lev 6:27; Mt 23:19) If a man carries holy meat in the fold of his garment,
and touches with his fold bread or stew, or wine or oil, or any food,
will it become holy?
The priests answered, "No."
13 Then Haggai said, "If one who is unclean by contact with a dead body
touches any of these, will it become unclean?"
The priests answered, "It will become unclean."
14 (Pr 15:8; Isa 1:11-15) Then Haggai said, So it is with this people,
and so it is with this nation before Me, says the Lord,
and so with every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.
15 (Hag 1:5; Ezr 3:10) Now consider from this day onward: from before stone
was laid upon stone in the temple of the Lord,
16 (Hag 1:6) from those days when one came to a heap of twenty measures,
there were but ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw fifty measures,
there were but twenty.
17 (Dt 28:22; 1Ki 8:37) I struck you and all the labor of your hands
with blight and mildew and hail; yet you did not turn to Me.
18 (Zec 8:9; Hag 2:15) Consider from this day onward, from the 24th day
of the ninth month, from the day when the foundation of the temple
of the Lord was laid, consider:
19 (Ps 128:1-5; Mal 3:10) Isthe seed yet in the barn?
As of yet, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree
have yielded nothing. But from this day on I will bless you.
[10] In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of
Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
[11] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law,
saying,
[12] If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt
do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy?
And the priests answered and said, No.
[13] Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of
these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be
unclean.
[14] Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this
nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and
that which they offer there is unclean.
[15] And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a
stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:
[16] Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures,
there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty
vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.
[17] I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the
labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the LORD.
[18] Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day
of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD's
temple was laid, consider it.
[19] Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree,
and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this
day will I bless you.
Ezra 5:2
2 (Ezr 3:2; 6:14) Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Joshua the son
of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem,
and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
[2] Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of
Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and
with them were the prophets of God helping them.
Haggai 2:20-23
The Promise of God to Zerubbabel
20 The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai
on the 24th day of the month:
21 (Ezr 5:2; Hag 1:1) Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying,
I will shake the heavens and the earth.
22 (Mic 5:10; Jdg 7:22) I will overthrow the throne of the kingdoms.
I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations.
I will overthrow the chariots and their riders. The horses and their riders
will come down, every one by the sword of his brother.
23 (Isa 43:10; 42:1) On that day, says the Lord of Hosts, I will take you,
O Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the Lord,
and I will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,
says the Lord of Hosts.
[20] And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and
twentieth day of the month, saying,
[21] Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the
heavens and the earth;
[22] And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the
strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots,
and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come
down, every one by the sword of his brother.
[23] In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel,
my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a
signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 1:7-21
Vision of the Horsemen
7 (Zec 1:1) On the 24th day, in the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat,
during the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet
Zechariah, son of Berekiah, son of Iddo:
8 (Rev 6:4; Zec 6:2-7; Isa 41:19) I saw during the night a man riding on
a red horse. But he was standing among the myrtle trees that were
in the ravine, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses.
9 (Zec 4:4-5; 1:19) And I said, "What are these, my lord?"
Then the angel who was speaking with me said,
"I will show you what these are."
10 (Zec 1:11; 6:5-8) Then the man who was standing among the myrtle trees
responded and said, "These are the ones whom the Lord has sent out to walk to
and fro on the earth."
11 (Zec 1:10; 1:8) They answered and said to the angel of the Lord
who was standing among the myrtle trees,
"We have gone to and fro on the earth,
and all the earth is resting and peaceful."
12 (Ps 102:13; Jer 29:10) Then the angel of the Lord said,
"How much longer, O Lord of Hosts, will You withhold mercy
from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah with which
You have been angry these seventy years?"
13 (Isa 40:1-2; Jer 29:10) And the Lord answered the angel speaking
to me with good and comforting words.
14 (Joel 2:18; Isa 40:6) So the angel who spoke with me said, Cry out,
saying: Thus says the Lord of Hosts: I have a great jealousy
for Jerusalem and Zion.
15 (Isa 54:8; Zec 1:2) And I have a great anger for those nations
who are at ease, for while I was angry but a little,
they helped to increase evil.
16 (Zec 4:9; 8:3) Therefore thus says the Lord: I have returned to Jerusalem
with mercy, and My house will be built in it, says the Lord of Hosts,
and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem.
17 (Isa 51:3; Zec 2:12) Cry out again, saying, Thus says the Lord of Hosts:
Yet again My cities will overflow with goodness,
and again the Lord will comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.
[7] Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the
month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD
unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
[8] I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he
stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him
were there red horses, speckled, and white.
[9] Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with
me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.
[10] And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These
are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
[11] And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle
trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold,
all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.
[12] Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long
wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against
which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?
[13] And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words
and comfortable words.
[14] So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus
saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a
great jealousy.
[15] And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I
was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.
[16] Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies:
my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be
stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
[17] Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through
prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion,
and shall yet choose Jerusalem.
The Vision of the Horns and Craftsmen
18 And I then lifted up my eyes, and I saw four horns.
19 (Zec 1:21; 1:9) And I said to the angel speaking to me, "What are these?"
And he answered, "These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel,
and Jerusalem."
20 Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen.
21 (Ps 75:4-5; Zec 1:19) And I said, "What are these coming to do?"
And he said, "These are the horns that scattered Judah
after which no one could raise his head; and these four craftsmen
have come to terrify and throw down the horns of the nations
who lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it."
[18] Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.
[19] And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he
answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and
Jerusalem.
[20] And the LORD shewed me four carpenters.
[21] Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the
horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but
these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which
lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 September 2024 titled Making Disciples for Christ
by Patricia Rayborn
Matthew 28:16-20
The Commissioning of the Disciples
Mk 16:14-18; Lk 24:36-49; Jn 20:19-23; Ac 1:6-8
16 (Mt 28:7; 26:32) Then the eleven disciples went away to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
17 (Mt 28:9) When they saw Him, they worshipped Him. But some doubted.
18 (Mt 11:27; Ro 14:9) Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
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.
[16] Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where
Jesus had appointed them.
[17] And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
[18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth.
[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.
Early in the basketball season, the coach at our neighbourhood middle school
seemed to work hardest convincing his players to risk shooting the ball.
"Shoot!" he pleaded from the sidelines. His players eagerly passed the ball.
Dribbling was a favorite too. The season was half over before most of them
would shed their doubts and try to shoot the ball to score. But "going for it"
made all the difference. By obeying their coach, letting go of doubt,
and trying - even if they often missed the target - they learned to win.
Jesus teaches us to let go of doubt to obey His call to make disciples. He
explains, " All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
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."
(Matthew 28:18-20).
In practical terms, this can mean stepping out of our comfort to share our
story of what God has done for us. Or getting involved in the lives of our
hurting neighbours, showing them Jesus' love. Such approaches work,
but only if we let go and try them.
Above all, we go in Jesus' authority to attempt what may look hard - making
disciples. But we need not fear. Jesus promised:
"lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (v. 20).
Reflect & Pray
What fears and doubts do you have about making disciples?
Why? How can you obey Christ's call?
I need practice making disciples, dear Father,
but please encourage me to let go of doubt and try.
Learn more about the work God is doing in our lives by reading the Mission of God.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 2 - Growing Up
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable
for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction
in righteousness,
17 (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21) that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness:
17 that the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.
"I can't wait till I get big!" Marc, age 5, declared. "Then I do
what I want!" Most of us, as children, shared Marc's statement.
We looked forward to that "magic age" - 16, 18, 21 - when we
would be adults: mature, able to make our own decisions.
We find, of course, that adulthood has its own share of
difficulties and conflicts. But even in our spiritual lives
we often long for a "magic moment" of maturity. As one woman
confessed, "Ever since I became a Christian, I've hoped I'd wake up
one morning to find myself mature."
But growth in the spiritual life comes gradually, like growth in
the physical world. In 2 Tim 2:16-17, Paul gives the young pastor
Timothy an important key to spiritual growing up - the Word of God.
The Word is "profitable" or "useful," Paul says, for "teaching" - that is,
for developing a right concept of God. Scripture offers "rebuke" when
we go wrong, "correction" to set us on the right path, and "training
in righteousness" so that we can grow in the image of Christ.
The purpose of Scripture's work in our lives, Paul emphasises,
is that we may be "perfect" - mature, equipped for the good things
God has for us to do. Such maturity does not come easily
or instantaneously, but it does come - sometimes imperceptibly -
as we submit our lives to the transforming power of God's Word.
Application
a) In what areas of my life do I need to grow? How can I benefit
from the Bible's
i) teaching?
ii) rebuke?
iii) correction?
iv) training in righteousness?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 8:18
18 But you must remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you
the ability to get wealth, so that He may establish His covenant which
He swore to your fathers, as it is today.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee
power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto
thy fathers, as it is this day.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
PSALMS 25:15-21
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for He will lead my feet from the net.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,
for I am isolated and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look on my pain and misery,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!
Let me not suffer shame,
for I seek refuge in You.
21 Truth and integrity will preserve me
while I wait for You.
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;
For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;
For I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:
O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;
And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:
Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
For I wait on thee.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, 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.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for Him to rebuild your spiritual life.
Pray to the Lord: "I need practice making disciples, dear Father,
but please encourage me to let go of doubt and try."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the benifits of obeying the Lord's word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His Covenant.
Pray to the Lord and pray to that integrity and uprightness preserve you.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Pray for the boldness and strength of missionaries proclaiming the Gospel
in hostile communities in Kenya.
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.