Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Psalm 92

[1] It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises

unto thy name, O most High:

[2] To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness

every night,

[3] Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp

with a solemn sound.

[4] For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in

the works of thy hands.

[5] O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

[6] A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

[7] When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of

iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:

[8] But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore.

[9] For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish;

all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

[10] But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be

anointed with fresh oil.

[11] Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall

hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.

[12] The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a

cedar in Lebanon.

[13] Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the

courts of our God.

[14] They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and

flourishing;

[15] To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no

unrighteousness in him.



PSALMS 93



1 The Lord reigns; He is robed in majesty;

the Lord is robed; He has put on strength as His belt.

Indeed, the world is established;

it cannot be moved.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Your throne is established of old;

You are from everlasting.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) The floods have lifted up, O Lord,

the floods have lifted up their voice;

the floods lift up their roaring waves.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) The Lord on high is mightier

than the noise of many waters,

yes, than the mighty waves of the sea.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Your statutes are very sure;

holiness is becoming to Your house,

O Lord, forever.



Psalm 93

[1] The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with

strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished,

that it cannot be moved.

[2] Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.

[3] The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their

voice; the floods lift up their waves.

[4] The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than

the mighty waves of the sea.

[5] Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD,

for ever.



2) Our Daily Bread for 26 April 2026 titled

Restoration Efforts by Kirsten Holmberg



Ezra 2:68



68 As some of the heads of households came to the house of the Lord

in Jerusalem, they volunteered to erect the foundations for the house of God.



[68] And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of

the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set

it up in his place:



Ezra 3:1



1 (Lev 23:24) When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel

had resettled in their cities, and the people gathered themselves together,

as one man, to Jerusalem.





[1] And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in

the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.



Ezra 3:3-7



3 (Nu 28:2-8; Ezr 4:4) They set the altar upon its foundations and,

because they were living in fear of some of the peoples of the region,

they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord-morning and evening.

4 (Ex 23:16; Nu 29:12-38) They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles,

as it had been written, and offered the daily burnt offerings

in accordance with the daily schedule, according to each day's custom.

5 (Nu 29:39) Thereafter, observance of the burnt offering became a perpetual

sacrifice with regard to the New Moon sacrifices and all of the appointed

feasts of the Lord that had been consecrated, and all of the voluntary

freewill offerings to the Lord.

6 From the first day of the seventh month

they had begun to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord,

but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.



[3] And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of

the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto

the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.

[4] They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered

the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of

every day required;

[5] And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new

moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of

every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.

[6] From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt

offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was

not yet laid.



7 (1Ki 5:6; Ac 9:36) They gave money to the masons and carpenters,

and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and to the people of Tyre

so that they would bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, at Joppa,

according to the grant they had from Cyrus king of Persia.



[7] They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat,

and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar

trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had

of Cyrus king of Persia.



1 Thessalonians 5:11



11 (Eph 4:29; Heb 10:25) So comfort yourselves together,

and edify one another, just as you are doing.



[11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as

also ye do.



In April 2019, a fire broke out in Notre-Dame de Paris - the city's famed

medieval cathedral - destroying the spire and a "forest" of oak beams

supporting the lead roof. Almost immediately, plans formed to restore the

cathedral. Donations poured in from across the globe, and craftsmen have

undertaken restoration using the same building techniques and the same types

of timber and stone employed in the original structure.



When Nebuchadnezzar instructed his armies to set fire to God's temple

in 586 B.C. as part of his siege on Jerusalem, the structure was decimated

(2 Kings 25:9). When the people returned to Jerusalem after decades

in captivity in Babylon, they "gave freewill offerings toward

the rebuilding of the house of God" (Ezra 2:68).



After tending first to the altar, they "gave money to the masons

and carpenters" and secured "cedar logs by sea from Lebanon" to lay the

temple's foundation (3:7). Though their rebuilding efforts were opposed

and even sabotaged, the task was finally completed, and God's people once

again worshiped Him in His temple (6:14-22).



As believers in Jesus, we - together - are God's temple

(1 Corinthians 3:16-17). God equips us to continuously restore fellow

believers and "build each other up," not with wood or stone, but with

encouraging words, prayer, and spiritual gifts (1 Thessalonians 5:11).



Reflect & Pray



How are you building up fellow believers in Jesus?

How has someone built you up recently?



Thank You, loving Father, for supplying what I

need to build up and restore others as Your temple.





The words we speak can encourage or discourage, so we need

to choose our words wisely.





3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 1 - God's Perspective



Philippians 4:13



13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because

of Christ who strengthens me.



13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.



Many of us live out self-fulfilling prophecies. We believe

what we tell ourselves - or what we have been told by others:

"You're stupid", "You're ugly", "You'll never amount to anything,"

"You can't do anything right."

We programme ourselves for spiritual failure as well.

"I just can't memorise Scripture," we say. "It comes and goes,

and I can't seem to get it to stay." Yet daily we memorise

volumes of information that is less significant than the

Scriptures - telephone numbers, identification codes,

songs lyrics, advertising jingles.

The answer to the dilemma of negativism is not positive

thinking, but right thinking - biblical thinking, according

to what the Bible reveals of God's perspective. God says,

"You are worthwhile. You are valued. You are loved. I created you

just as you are, and whatever I call you to do,

I will give you the strength to do it.

The context of Phillipians 4:13 shows that Paul had learned

this important secret of spiritual strength. Paul had known

poverty and plenty, trouble and victory. But he also knew

he did not have to let circumstances determine his response to God's will.

We need not be controlled by the negative messages life throws in our paths

- even those self-defeating pronouncements we make to ourselves.

Rather, we can respond according to God's perspective, with the

conviction that God has given us strength we need to meet the

challenges we face.



Application



a) What challenges do I face that make me realise my own insufficiencies?

IS memorising Scripture one of those challenges for me?



b) How does today's memory verse help me face those challenges?

Day 116, 26 April 2026



Today at Calvary Community Church

, Pastor Nathan Zieber spoke on Living in Community.



1 Peter 4:7-9



7 (1Pe 1:13; Lk 21:36) The end of all things is near.

Therefore be solemn and sober so you can pray.

8 (Pr 10:12; Jas 5:20) Above all things, have unfailing love for one another,

because love covers a multitude of sins.

9 (Php 2:14; 1Ti 3:2) Show hospitality to one another without complaining.



[7] But the end of all things is at hand:

be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

[8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:

for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

[9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging.



1) Psalms 81,88,92,93



PSALMS 81



For the Music Director. According to The Gittith. A Psalm of Asaph.



1 Sing aloud unto God our strength;

make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Lift up a melody, and sound the tambourine,

the pleasant lyre with the harp.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Blow the trumpet at the New Moon,

at the full moon on our feast day.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) For this is a statute for Israel,

a decree of the God of Jacob.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) This He ordained in Joseph as a decree

when He went out against the land of Egypt.

I heard a voice that I had not known:

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) "I removed his shoulder from the burden;

his hands were released from holding the basket.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) You called in trouble, and I delivered you;

I answered you in the secret place of thunder;

I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Hear, O My people, and I will testify against you.

O Israel, if you would listen to me!

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) There shall be no strange god among you;

neither shall you bow down to any strange god.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) I am the Lord your God,

who brought you out of the land of Egypt;

open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) "But My people would not listen to My voice;

Israel would not submit to Me.

12 So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts,

to walk in their own counsels.

13 "Oh, that My people would listen to Me,

and Israel would follow in My ways!

14 I would soon subdue their enemies,

and turn My hand against their adversaries.

15 Let those who hate the Lord cower before Him

and their fate might last forever.

16 But I would feed them with the finest of wheat,

and with honey out of the rock I would satisfy you."



Psalm 81

[1] Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of

Jacob.

[2] Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the

psaltery.

[3] Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our

solemn feast day.

[4] For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.

[5] This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the

land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.

[6] I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from

the pots.

[7] Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the

secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.

[8] Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt

hearken unto me;

[9] There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any

strange god.

[10] I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt:

open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

[11] But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of

me.

[12] So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their

own counsels.

[13] Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my

ways!

[14] I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against

their adversaries.

[15] The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but

their time should have endured for ever.

[16] He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with

honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.



PSALMS 88



For the Music Director. A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. To the melody

of "Suffering of Affliction." A Contemplative Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite.



1 O Lord, God of my salvation,

I cry out day and night before You.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Let my prayer come before You;

incline Your ear to my cry.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For my soul is full of troubles,

and my life draws near to Sheol.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) I am counted with those who go down to the grave;

I am a man who has no strength,

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) like one who is set free among the dead,

like the slain who lie in the grave,

like those whom You remember no more,

for they are cut off from Your hand.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) You have laid me in the depths of the pit,

in dark and deep regions.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Your wrath lies heavy upon me,

and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) You have caused my companions to be far from me;

You have made me an abomination to them;

I am shut up, and I cannot escape;

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) my eye is dim from my affliction.

Lord, I call daily upon You,

and I have stretched out my hands to You.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Will You show wonders to the dead?

Shall the dead rise up to praise You? Selah

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave,

or your faithfulness in Abaddon?

12 Shall Your wonders be known in the darkness

or Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

13 But unto You have I cried, O Lord,

and in the morning my prayer comes before You.

14 O Lord, why do You cast away my soul?

Why do You hide Your face from me?

15 I am afflicted and close to death since my youth;

while I suffer Your terrors I am helpless.

16 Your fierce wrath sweeps over me;

Your terrors destroy me.

17 They come around me daily like a flood;

they encircle me together.

18 You have caused to be far from me my lovers and friends,

and my companion is darkness.



Psalm 88

[1] O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:

[2] Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;

[3] For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the

grave.

[4] I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that

hath no strength:

[5] Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou

rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.

[6] Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

[7] Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy

waves. Selah.

[8] Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an

abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

[9] Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily

upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

[10] Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise

thee? Selah.

[11] Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness

in destruction?

[12] Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the

land of forgetfulness?

[13] But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer

prevent thee.

[14] LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?

[15] I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy

terrors I am distracted.

[16] Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.

[17] They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about

together.

[18] Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into

darkness.



PSALMS 92



A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath day.



1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

and to sing praises unto Your name, O Most High:

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) to declare forth Your lovingkindness in the morning

and Your faithfulness in the night,

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) on a ten-stringed lute and on the harp,

and on the lyre with a solemn sound.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) For you, O Lord, have made me glad through Your work;

I will sing joyfully at the works of Your hands.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) O Lord, how great are Your works!

Your thoughts are very deep!

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) A brutish man does not recognize,

neither does the fool understand this.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Though the wicked spring up as the grass

and all those who do iniquity flourish,

they shall be destroyed forever:

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) But You, O Lord, are on high forever.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) For Your enemies, O Lord,

for Your enemies shall perish;

all those who do iniquity shall be scattered.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) But my horn You have exalted

like the horn of the wild ox;

You have anointed me with fresh oil.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) My eyes also shall see the downfall of my enemies,

and my ears shall hear the doom of my wicked adversaries.

12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree

and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

13 Those that are planted in the house of the Lord

shall flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age;

they shall be filled with vitality and foliage,

15 to show that the Lord is upright;

He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Day 89, 30 March 2026



1) Judges 3, Judges 4, Judges 5

JUDGES 3



1 (Jdg 2:21-22) Now these are the nations that the Lord left to test

those in Israel who had not experienced war in Canaan

2 (so that later generations of the children of Israel who did not

know war before might know it, to teach them how to fight):

3 (Jos 13:3; 13:5) the five Philistine lords, all the Canaanites,

the Sidonians, and the Hivites living on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal

Hermon to Lebo Hamath.

4 (Jdg 2:22; 3:1) They were to test Israel, in order to know if they would

obey the commandments of the Lord, which He commanded their fathers

by the hand of Moses.

5 (Ex 3:8) The children of Israel lived among the Canaanites, Hittites,

Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

6 (Ex 34:16; Dt 7:3-4) They took their daughters for themselves as wives,

and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.





Judges 3

[1] Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them,

even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;

[2] Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach

them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;

[3] Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the

Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount

Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath.

[4] And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would

hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers

by the hand of Moses.

[5] And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and

Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:

[6] And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their

daughters to their sons, and served their gods.



Othniel



7 (Ex 34:13; Jdg 2:11-13) The children of Israel did what was evil

in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served

the Baals and the Asherahs.

8 (Jdg 2:14; Hab 3:7) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel,

and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia.

The children of Israel served Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years.

9 (Jdg 1:13; 3:15) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,

and the Lord raised up a deliverer in order to save the children of Israel

-Othniel son of Kenaz, the younger brother of Caleb.

10 (Jdg 6:34; 11:29) The Spirit of the Lord came on him,

and he judged Israel. He went out to battle,

and the Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hands,

so that Othniel overpowered Cushan-Rishathaim.

11 (Jos 11:23; Jdg 3:30) The land rested forty years, then Othniel

son of Kenaz died.



[7] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat

the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.

[8] Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them

into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of

Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years.

[9] And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up

a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the

son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.

[10] And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and

went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of

Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against

Chushan-rishathaim.

[11] And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.



Ehud



12 (1Sa 12:9; Jdg 2:19) Then the children of Israel once more did

what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord strengthened

King Eglon of Moab against Israel because they had done

what was evil in the sight of the Lord.

13 (Jdg 1:16; Dt 34:3) Eglon joined forces with the Ammonites and Amalekites;

then he went and attacked Israel and took possession of the City of Palms.

14 The children of Israel served King Eglon of Moab for eighteen years.

15 (Jdg 3:9; Ps 78:34) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,

and the Lord raised up a deliverer-Ehud son of Gera the Benjamite,

a left-handed man. The children of Israel sent a tribute payment by him

to King Eglon of Moab.

16 Ehud made a cubit-long (About 18 inches, or 45 centimeters.)

two-edged sword for himself and strapped it onto his right thigh

under his cloak.

17 He brought the tribute payment to King Eglon of Moab.

Now Eglon was a very fat man.

18 When Ehud finished offering the tribute payment,

he sent away the people who carried it.

19 (Jos 4:20) But he himself turned back from the stone idols that

were at Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king."

And he said, "Keep silence!" And all who attended him departed from him.

20 (Am 3:15) Ehud approached him as he was sitting alone in his cool

upper chamber. Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you."

And Eglon rose from his seat.

21 Then Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh,

and plunged it into the belly of Eglon.

22 The hilt went in after the blade and the fat closed over the blade

and his entrails came out, for he did not pull the sword

out of the belly of Eglon.

23 Then Ehud went out to the entrance hall and closed the doors of

the upper chamber on him and locked them.

24 (1Sa 24:3) When he went out, the servants of Eglon came.

They looked and noticed the doors of the upper chamber were locked.

They thought, "Surely he is attending to his needs in the cool chamber."

25 They waited until they were embarrassed, but he still did not open

the doors of the upper chamber. So they took a key and opened it.

There, fallen dead on the floor, was their lord.

26 Yet Ehud escaped while they were waiting. He passed the sacred stones

and escaped to Seirah.

27 (Jdg 6:34; 1Sa 13:3) Upon his arrival, he blew a ram's horn trumpet

in the hill country of Ephraim. Then the children of Israel went down

with him from the hill country, and he led them.

28 (Jdg 12:5; Jos 2:7) He said to them, "Follow me, for the Lord has given

your enemies the Moabites into your hands." They followed him,

and they captured the Jordan fords leading to Moab.

They did not let anyone cross.

29 They struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all strong and valorous men,

and not a single man escaped.

30 (Jdg 3:11) So Moab was humbled under the hand of Israel that day,

and the land had peace for eighty years.



[12] And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and

the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they

had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

[13] And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and

smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.

[14] So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.

[15] But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised

them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded:

and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of

Moab.

[16] But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and

he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.

[17] And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a

very fat man.

[18] And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the

people that bare the present.

[19] But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and

said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And

all that stood by him went out from him.

[20] And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which

he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto

thee. And he arose out of his seat.

[21] And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right

thigh, and thrust it into his belly:

[22] And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the

blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt

came out.

[23] Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the

parlour upon him, and locked them.

[24] When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that,

behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth

his feet in his summer chamber.

[25] And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the

doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and,

behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.

[26] And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries,

and escaped unto Seirath.

[27] And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the

mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the

mount, and he before them.

[28] And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered

your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and

took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

[29] And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty,

and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.

[30] So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had

rest fourscore years.



Shamgar



31 (Jdg 5:6; 2:16) After Ehud was Shamgar son of Anath.

He struck down six hundred Philistine men with an ox goad.

He also saved Israel.



[31] And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the

Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

JUDGES 4



Deborah

1 When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel once more

did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.

2 (Jos 11:1; Jdg 4:13) The Lord sold them into the hands

of King Jabin of Canaan, who ruled in Hazor.

The commander of his army was Sisera. He lived in Harosheth Haggoyim.

3 (Jdg 1:19; 3:9) The children of Israel cried out to the Lord,

for Sisera had 900 iron chariots and had forcefully oppressed

the children of Israel for twenty years.

4 Now Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophetess.

She judged Israel at that time.

5 (Ge 35:8) She would sit under the palm tree of Deborah

between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim.

The children of Israel would go up to her for her to render judgment.

6 (Heb 11:32; Jos 19:37) She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh

in Naphtali and said to him, "The Lord God of Israel commands you,

'Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor, and take 10000 from the tribes

of Naphtali and Zebulun with you.

7 (Jdg 5:21; 1Ki 18:40) I will draw Sisera, the commander of the army

of Jabin, with his chariots and large army to you at the River Kishon

and give him into your hands.' "

8 Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go,

but if you will not go with me, then I will not go."

9 (Jdg 2:14) She said, "I will indeed go with you. However, the way

you are going will gain you no glory, for the Lord will deliver Sisera

into the hand of a woman." Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh.

10 (Jdg 5:18; 5:15) Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh.

10000 men went up on foot with him, and Deborah went up with him also.

11 (Nu 10:29; Jos 19:33) Now Heber the Kenite had moved away from the Kenites,

who were descendants of Hobab, Moses' father-in-law.

He pitched his tent at the oak in Zaanannim, near Kedesh.

12 Then they told Sisera that Barak son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor.

13 (Jdg 4:2-3) So Sisera summoned all his 900 iron chariots

and all the people with him, from Harosheth Haggoyim to the River Kishon.

14 (Dt 9:3; 2Sa 5:24) Then Deborah said to Barak,"Get up, for this is the day

that the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone

out before you?" So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10000 men

behind him.

15 (Jos 10:10; Ps 83:9-10) The Lord routed Sisera and all of his chariots

and all of his army with the edge of the sword in front of Barak.

Sisera dismounted his chariot and fled on foot.

16 Barak chased after the chariots and the army as far as Harosheth Haggoyim.

The whole army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword. Not a single man survived.

17 Sisera fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite,

for there was peace between King Jabin of Hazor

and the family of Heber the Kenite.

18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him,

"Turn aside, my lord. Turn aside to me. Do not be afraid."

So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.

19 (Jdg 5:25-26) He said to her, "Please give me a little water to drink,

for I am thirsty." So she opened a leather milk container, gave it to him to drink,

and covered him.

20 He said to her, "Stand in the entrance to the tent,

and if anyone comes and asks you, 'Is there a man here?' then you say, 'No.' "

21 Then Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg and a hammer in her hand

and went quietly to him, for he was fast asleep and tired.

She drove the tent peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground,

so he died.

22 Now as Barak had been chasing Sisera, Jael came out to meet him and said,

"Come, and I will show you the man whom you seek."

When he came in, there was Sisera fallen dead with a tent peg in his temple.

23 (Ne 9:24; Ps 18:47) So God humbled King Jabin of Canaan

before the children of Israel that day.

24 The children of Israel grew more and more powerful

over King Jabin of Canaan until he was no more.



Judges 4

[1] And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when

Ehud was dead.

[2] And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that

reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in

Harosheth of the Gentiles.

[3] And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred

chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of

Israel.

[4] And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at

that time.

[5] And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in

mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

[6] And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali,

and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and

draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children

of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

[7] And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of

Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him

into thine hand.

[8] And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if

thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.

[9] And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey

that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell

Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to

Kedesh.

[10] And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with

ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.

[11] Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in

law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent

unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.

[12] And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to

mount Tabor.

[13] And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred

chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of

the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.

[14] And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD

hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee?

So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.

[15] And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his

host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down

off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.

[16] But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto

Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of

the sword; and there was not a man left.

[17] Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of

Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and

the house of Heber the Kenite.

[18] And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord,

turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent,

she covered him with a mantle.

[19] And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink;

for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and

covered him.

[20] Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be,

when any man doth come and inquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here?

that thou shalt say, No.

[21] Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in

her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and

fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

[22] And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and

said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And

when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his

temples.

[23] So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children

of Israel.

[24] And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against

Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.

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



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 29 of the Month



a) Pray that God will enlighten those in medicine and health care

to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true

integrity and compassion (



Ps 139:13-16



13 You brought my inner parts into being;

You wove me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise you, for You made me with fear and wonder;

marvelous are Your works,

and You know me completely.

15 My frame was not hidden from You

when I was made in secret,

and intricately put together in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw me unformed,

yet in Your book

all my days were written,

before any of them came into being.



13 For thou hast possessed my reins:

Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee,

When I was made in secret, and curiously wrought

in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;

And in thy book all my members were written,

Which in continuance were fashioned,

When as yet there was none of them.



)



b) Pray that the Church in Canada will remember the poor

and compassionately respond to their plight (



Gal 2:10



10 (Ac 24:17) Only they requested that we should remember the poor,

which I also was eager to do.



10 Only they would that we should remember the poor;

the same which I also was forward to do.



)



Conclusion:



Pray to know Lord Jesus , the humbly King as seen in Palm Sunday.



Pray to the Lord and pray that the Lord will let Godly people rise and rule.



Pray to the Lord: "Creator God, You cherish me. Even when

I'm wracked with pain and doubt, you provide hope and love."



Pray to the Lord and Pray to Jesus who will protect you from your enemies.



Pray to the Lord and pray for the prosperity of your soul.



Pray to the Lord and pray to JEsus who gives you strength.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart

and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing

Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.

- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the

spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into

converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.

- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more

to be raised up into effective witness.

- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon

to spread and grow to other cities.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray that God will enlighten those in medicine and health care

to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true

integrity and compassion.



Pray that the Church will remember the poor

and compassionately respond to their plight.



CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Pray for the safety of Christians delivering lifesaving supplies to displaced victims of war.



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

JUDGES 2



The Angel of the Lord at Bokim



1 (Ge 17:7-8; Ex 20:2) The angelAt times the Lord speaks directly through

an angel (cf. the story of the burning bush in Ex 3:2-4). of the Lord went up

from Gilgal to Bokim and said, "I brought you up from Egypt and brought

you into the land that I promised your fathers. I said, 'I will never break

My covenant with you,

2 (Dt 7:2-4) but you must not make a pact with the inhabitants of this land,

and you must tear down their altars.' Yet you have not obeyed Me.

What is this you have done?

3 (Nu 33:55; Jos 23:13; Dt 7:16) So now I say, 'I will not drive them out

before you. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will

be a snare to you.' "

4 When the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the children of Israel,

the people raised their voices and wept aloud.

5 They named that place Bokim and sacrificed to the Lord there.



[1] And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made

you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware

unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.

[2] And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall

throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done

this?

[3] Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but

they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto

you.

[4] And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto

all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

[5] And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there

unto the LORD.



The Death of Joshua



6 (Jos 24:28-31) When Joshua dismissed the people,

each Israelite went to his inheritance to possess the land.

7 (Jos 24:31) So the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua,

and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen

all the great works that the Lord had done for Israel.

8 Joshua, the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 .

9 (Jos 19:50) They buried him in the territory of his inheritance

in Timnath Heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.

10 (Ex 5:2; 1Sa 2:12) That entire generation passed away,

and after them grew up a generation who did not know the Lord

or the deeds that He had done for Israel.



[6] And when Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went every

man unto his inheritance to possess the land.

[7] And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days

of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the

LORD, that he did for Israel.

[8] And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an

hundred and ten years old.

[9] And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-heres,

in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.

[10] And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and

there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet

the works which he had done for Israel.



Israel's Unfaithfulness



11 (Jdg 3:7; 4:1) The children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord

and served the Baals.

12 (Ex 20:5) They abandoned the Lord God of their fathers, who brought them

out of the land of Egypt. They followed after other gods,

the gods of the peoples around them. They worshipped them

and provoked the Lord to anger.

13 (Jdg 10:6; 3:7) They abandoned the Lord and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.

14 (Dt 32:30; Lev 26:37) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel,

and He gave them into the hands of those who plundered them;

and He sold them into the hands of their enemies around them,

so that they were no longer able to stand against their enemies.

15 (Dt 28:15-68) Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord

was against them to bring disaster, as the Lord had said

and as He had sworn to them. They were in great distress.

16 (Ac 13:20; Jdg 3:15) Then the Lord raised up judges who delivered

them from the hand of those who plundered them.

17 (Jdg 2:7; Dt 9:12) Yet they would not listen to their judges,

for they prostituted themselves to other gods and worshipped them.

They quickly turned aside from the path their fathers had walked,

who had obeyed the commandments of the Lord.

They did not do as their fathers had done.

18 (Dt 32:36; Jos 1:5) When the Lord raised up judges for them,

the Lord was with the judge and delivered them from the hand of their enemies

all the days of the judge; for their groaning before their oppressors

and tormentors grieved the Lord.

19 (Jdg 4:1; 8:33) When the judge died, the people turned back

and acted more wickedly than their fathers, pursuing other gods

to serve and worship them. They would not give up their practices

and obstinate ways.

20 (Jdg 2:14; Jos 23:16) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel,

and He said, "Because this nation has violated My covenant that

I commanded their fathers and has not heeded My voice,

21 (Jos 23:13; Jdg 2:3) I will no longer drive out from before them any

of the nations that Joshua left when he died,

22 (Dt 8:2; 8:16; 13:3) so that through them I may test Israel

and see whether or not they will keep the ways of the Lord,

to walk in them as their fathers did."

23 So the Lord left those nations, not hurrying to drive them out;

and He did not deliver them into the hand of Joshua.



[11] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and

served Baalim:

[12] And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out

of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people

that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the

LORD to anger.

[13] And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.

[14] And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them

into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the

hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand

before their enemies.

[15] Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for

evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they

were greatly distressed.

[16] Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the

hand of those that spoiled them.

[17] And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a

whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned

quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the

commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.

[18] And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the

judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of

the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of

them that oppressed them and vexed them.

[19] And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and

corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to

serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own

doings, nor from their stubborn way.

[20] And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and he said, Because

that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their

fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice;

[21] I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the

nations which Joshua left when he died:

[22] That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of

the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.

[23] Therefore the LORD left those nations, without driving them out

hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.



2) Our Daily Bread for 29 March 2026 titled

Tears and Hope by Amy Boucher Pye



Isaiah 55:6-13



6 (Ps 32:6; Isa 45:19 ) Seek the Lord while He may be found,

call you upon Him while He is near.

7 (Isa 44:22; Pr 28:13) Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts;

and let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him,

and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

nor are your ways My ways,

says the Lord.

9 (Ps 103:11) For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are My ways higher than your ways,

and My thoughts than your thoughts.

10 (Isa 30:23) For as the rain comes down,

and the snow from heaven,

and do not return there

but water the earth

and make it bring forth and bud

that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

11 (Isa 45:23; 46:10) so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

it shall not return to Me void,

but it shall accomplish that which I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

12 (Isa 44:23; Ps 105:43) For you shall go out with joy,

and be led out with peace;

the mountains and the hills

shall break forth into singing before you,

and all the trees of the field

shall clap their hands.

13 (Isa 41:19; 60:13) Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree,

and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;

and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial,

for an everlasting sign

that shall not be cut off.



[6] Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

[7] Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to

our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

[8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,

saith the LORD.

[9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than

your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

[10] For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth

not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that

it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

[11] So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not

return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it

shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

[12] For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the

mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all

the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

[13] Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the

brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name,

for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.



Although it was Palm Sunday, a day to celebrate the triumphal entrance of

Jesus into Jerusalem, for Mary Edwar it became a time of deep pain. Leaving

their church after the service, she and her husband, Kareem, were holding

hands when a bomb went off. The device killed Kareem and injured Mary,

causing her to miscarry.



While Mary recuperated, she felt furious while grieving for her husband

and child. But somehow reading the Bible calmed "the volcano inside her."

In particular, when she struggled to comprehend why God allowed the atrocity,

Isaiah 55:9 helped: "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways

higher than your ways." As she understood that God extends grace even

when He's dishonoured, she felt soothed by His Spirit.



Mary considered Isaiah's message from God to His wayward people. While calling

them back to Himself, God sought to expand their understanding of His merciful

character. Even as the heavens are "higher than" the earth, so were God's ways

"higher than" theirs (v. 9). So too will God show love and grace, more than

they could imagine.



While grieving deeply, Mary was stunned to receive God's gift of peace. She

welcomed Jesus' consoling love, which He poured out in the events that we mark

during Holy Week. He's eager to give us His peace too; we need only

to look to Him.



Reflect & Pray



How does reflecting on God's loving nature help you?

How have you found peace when reading the Bible?



Creator God, You cherish me. Even when

I'm wracked with pain and doubt, you provide hope and love.

Day 88, 29 March 2026 - Happy Palm Sunday



Today at Calvary

Community Church , Pastor Nathan Ziber spoke on

The Crew, The Crowd, and the Critics



Luke 19:35-40



35 (Mt 21:7; Mk 11:7-8) They brought it to Jesus. And they threw

their garments on the colt, and they set Jesus on it.

36 As He went, they spread their clothes in the street.

37 When He was coming near the descent of the Mount of Olives,

the whole crowd of the disciples began to rejoice

and praise God with loud voices for all the mighty works that they had seen,

38 (Lk 13:35; Mt 21:9) saying:

'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!'(Ps 118:26.)

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Him,

"Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."

40 (Hab 2:11) He answered them, "I tell you, if these should be silent,

the stones would immediately cry out."



[35] And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the

colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

[36] And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

[37] And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of

Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God

with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

[38] Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace

in heaven, and glory in the highest.

[39] And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him,

Master, rebuke thy disciples.

[40] And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should

hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.



1) Judges 1 , Judges 2



JUDGES 1



Israel Fights Remaining Canaanites



1 (Nu 27:21; Jdg 20:18) After the death of Joshua, the children of Israel

inquired of the Lord, "Who should go up against the Canaanites first,

in order to wage war against them?"

2 The Lord said, "Judah shall go up.

Indeed, I have given the land into their hands."

3 (Jdg 1:17) Then the men of Judah said to Simeon,

their brothers, "Come up with us into our allotted territory.

We will wage war against the Canaanites. Likewise we will go

with you into your allotted territory." So Simeon went with them.

4 (1 Sa 11:8) Then Judah went up, and the Lord gave the Canaanites

and Perizzites into their hands. They struck down ten thousand men in Bezek.

5 They found Adoni-Bezek in Bezek and fought against him.

They struck down the Canaanites and Perizzites.

6 Yet Adoni-Bezek fled, and they chased after him, seized him,

and cut off his thumbs and big toes.

7 (1Sa 15:33) Adoni-Bezek said, "Seventy kings whose thumbs

and big toes were cut off once collected scraps of food

under my table. Just as I have done, so God has repaid me."

They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there.

8 (Jos 15:63; Jdg 1:21) Then Judah waged war against Jerusalem.

They captured it, struck it with the edge of the sword,

and sent the city up in flames.

9 Afterwards, Judah went down to wage war against the Canaanites

living in the hill country, the Negev, and the lowlands.

10 (Nu 13:22; Jos 14:15) Judah went against the Canaanites living

in Hebron (previously the name of Hebron was Kiriath Arba)

and they struck down Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.

11 (Jos 15:15) From there they went against the inhabitants of Debir

(previously the name of Debir was Kiriath Sepher).

12 Caleb said, "He who attacks Kiriath Sepher and takes it,

I will give him my daughter Aksah as wife."

13 (Jdg 3:9) Othniel son of Kenaz, the younger brother of Caleb,

captured it. So Caleb gave him Aksah his daughter in marriage.

14 When she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father

for a field. As she dismounted from her donkey, Caleb said to her,

"What can I do for you?"

15 She answered, "Please give me a special gift.

Since you have given me land in the Negev, now give me springs of water."

So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

16 (Nu 10:29-32; 21:1; Dt 34:3) The descendants of Moses' father-in-law,

the Kenite, went up with the descendants of Judah from the City of Palms

to the Negev near Arad. Then they went and lived with the people.

17 (Nu 21:3) But Judah went with his brother Simeon

and struck down the Canaanites living in Zephath and utterly destroyed it.

So now they call the city Hormah.

18 (Jos 11:22; Jdg 3:3) Then Judah captured Gaza, Ashkelon, Ekron,

and the territory belonging to each of these cities.

19 (Jdg 1:2) The Lord was with Judah, and they took the hill country

but could not drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain,

for they had iron chariots.

20 (Jdg 1:10; Jos 15:13-14) They gave Hebron to Caleb,

as Moses had said, and he drove out the three sons of Anak.

21 (Jos 15:63) However, the tribe of Benjamin did not drive out

the Jebusites living in Jerusalem, so the Jebusites live

with the tribe of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

22 (Jdg 1:19) The descendants of Joseph went up against Bethel,

and the Lord was with them.

23 (Ge 28:19; 35:6) The descendants of Joseph sent spies into Bethel

(the former name of the city was Luz).

24 The spies saw a man coming out of the city and said to him,

"Please show us the entrance to the city, and we will deal kindly with you."

25 So he showed them an entrance to the city. They struck the city with the

edge of the sword, but they let the man and his extended family go.

26 The man went to the land of the Hittites. He built a city

and named it Luz, and that is its name to this day.

27 (Jos 17:11-13) Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants

of Beth Shan, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, or their daughter villages,

for the Canaanites were determined to live in that land.

28 When the children of Israel became strong, they put the Canaanites

to hard labor as slaves, but they did not actually drive them out.

29 (Jos 16:10; 1Ki 9:16) Ephraim did not drive out the inhabitants

of Gezer, so the Canaanites lived among them in Gezer.

30 (Jos 19:15) Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron

and Nahalol, so the Canaanites lived among them and became

slave laborers.

31 (Jos 19:24-30) Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Akko,

Sidon, Ahlab, Akzib, Helbah, Aphek, or Rehob.

32 Asher lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land,

for they did not drive them out.

33 (Jos 19:32-38) Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh

or Beth Anath, so they live among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land.

The Canaanites of Beth Shemesh and Beth Anath became slave laborers for them.

34 (Jos 19:47) The Amorites pushed the tribe of Dan into the hill country,

for they would not let them come down to the coastal plain.

35 (Jos 19:42) The Amorites were determined to live in Mount Heres, Aijalon,

and Shaalbim, but the hand of the descendants of Joseph was heavy on them,

and they became slave laborers.

36 (Nu 34:4) The border of the Amorites was from the Ascent of Akrabbim

to Sela and beyond.



Judges 1

[1] Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of

Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites

first, to fight against them?

[2] And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land

into his hand.

[3] And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot,

that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee

into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.

[4] And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the

Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

[5] And they found Adoni-bezek in Bezek: and they fought against him, and

they slew the Canaanites and the Perizzites.

[6] But Adoni-bezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and

cut off his thumbs and his great toes.

[7] And Adoni-bezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and

their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have

done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there

he died.

[8] Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken

it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

[9] And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the

Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley.

[10] And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the

name of Hebron before was Kirjath-arba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman,

and Talmai.

[11] And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name

of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher:

[12] And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him

will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

[13] And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he

gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

[14] And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of

her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto

her, What wilt thou?

[15] And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a

south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper

springs and the nether springs.

[16] And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of

the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of

Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the

people.

[17] And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites

that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city

was called Hormah.

[18] Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast

thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.

[19] And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the

mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because

they had chariots of iron.

[20] And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence

the three sons of Anak.

[21] And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that

inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin

in Jerusalem unto this day.

[22] And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD

was with them.

[23] And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the

city before was Luz.)

[24] And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto

him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew

thee mercy.

[25] And when he shewed them the entrance into the city, they smote the city

with the edge of the sword; but they let go the man and all his family.

[26] And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and

called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day.

[27] Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and her

towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns,

nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo

and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

[28] And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the

Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.

[29] Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but

the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.

[30] Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the

inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became

tributaries.

[31] Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the

inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of

Aphik, nor of Rehob:

[32] But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the

land: for they did not drive them out.

[33] Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh, nor the

inhabitants of Beth-anath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the

inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and of

Beth-anath became tributaries unto them.

[34] And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they

would not suffer them to come down to the valley:

[35] But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in

Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became

tributaries.

[36] And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from

the rock, and upward.

Matthew 21:1-11



The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem

Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:28-38; Jn 12:12-19



1 (Mt 24:3; 26:30) When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage,

on the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,

2 saying to them, "Go over into the village opposite you,

and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her.

Untie them and bring them to Me.

3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.'

And he will send them immediately."

4 (Mt 1:22; Jn 12:15) All this was done to fulfill

what was spoken by the prophet, saying:

5 (Isa 62:11; Ge 49:10) "Tell the daughter of Zion,

'Look, your King is coming to you,

humble, and sitting on a donkey,

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'Zec 9:9."

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.

7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their garments on them,

and He sat on them.

8 (2Ki 9:13) A very large crowd spread their garments on the road.

Others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him

and that followed Him cried out:

"Hosanna to the Son of David!

'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' (Ps 118:26.)

Hosanna in the highest!"

10 When He entered Jerusalem, the entire city was moved,

saying, "Who is He?"

11 (Lk 7:16; Jn 6:14) The crowds said, "This is Jesus,

the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."



In Jerusalem



Triumphal Entry



1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto

the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

2 saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway

ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them

unto me.

3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of

them; and straightway he will send them.

4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken

by the prophet, saying,

5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion,

Behold, thy King cometh unto thee,

Meek, and sitting upon an ass,

And a colt the foal of an ass.

6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

7 and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes,

and they set him thereon.

8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way;

others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying,

Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the

Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying,

Who is this?

11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.



Luke 19:28-40



The Triumphant Entry in Jerusalem

Mt 21:1-11; Mk 11:1-11; Jn 12:12-19



28 (Lk 9:51) When He had said this, He went before them,

ascending up to Jerusalem.

29 (Ac 1:12; Zec 14:4) When He came near to Bethphage and Bethany,

at the mountain called the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples,

30 saying, "Go over into the village opposite you, where, as you enter,

you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat.

Untie it and bring it here.

31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' you shall say to him,

'Because the Lord has need of it.' "

32 Those who were sent went and found it just as He had told them.

33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them,

"Why are you untying the colt?"

34 They said, "The Lord has need of it."

35 (Mt 21:7; Mk 11:7-8) They brought it to Jesus. And they threw

their garments on the colt, and they set Jesus on it.

36 As He went, they spread their clothes in the street.

37 When He was coming near the descent of the Mount of Olives,

the whole crowd of the disciples began to rejoice

and praise God with loud voices for all the mighty works that they had seen,

38 (Lk 13:35; Mt 21:9) saying:

'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!'(Ps 118:26.)

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Him,

"Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."

40 (Hab 2:11) He answered them, "I tell you, if these should be silent,

the stones would immediately cry out."



[28] And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

[29] And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at

the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

[30] Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your

entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him,

and bring him hither.

[31] And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto

him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

[32] And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said

unto them.

[33] And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them,

Why loose ye the colt?

[34] And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

[35] And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the

colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

[36] And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

[37] And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of

Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God

with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

[38] Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace

in heaven, and glory in the highest.

[39] And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him,

Master, rebuke thy disciples.

[40] And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should

hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.



John 12:12-19



The Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem

Mt 21:1-11; Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:28-40



12 On the next day a great crowd that had come to the feast heard

that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.

13 (Jn 1:49; Ps 118:25-26) They took branches of palm trees,

and went out to meet Him, and cried out:

"Hosanna!

'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!(Ps 118:25-26.)

The King of Israel!"

14 Then Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written:

15 (Zec 9:9) “Fear not, daughter of Zion;

see, your King is coming,

sitting on a donkey's colt." (Zec 9:9).

16 (Jn 2:22; 7:39) His disciples did not understand these things at first.

But when Jesus was glorified, they remembered that these things

were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.

17 Now the crowd that was with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb

and raised him from the dead bore witness.

18 (Jn 12:11) The crowd went and met Him for this reason: They heard that

He had performed this sign.

19 (Jn 3:26) So the Pharisees said among themselves, "See, you are gaining

nothing! Look, the world has followed Him!"



[12] On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they

heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

[13] Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried,

Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

[14] And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is

written,

[15] Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an

ass's colt.

[16] These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus

was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him,

and that they had done these things unto him.

[17] The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of

his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

[18] For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had

done this miracle.

[19] The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye

prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.



Luke 19:41-44



41 (Lk 13:34-35; Jn 11:35) When He came near, He beheld the city

and wept over it,

42 (Dt 32:29) saying, "If you, even you, had known even today what things

would bring you peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

43 (Eze 4:2; 26:8) For the days will come upon you when your enemies

will build an embankment around you and surround you,

and press you in on every side.

44 (Lk 21:6; 1Pe 2:12) They will dash you, and your children within you,

to the ground. They will not leave one stone upon another within you,

because you did not know the time of your visitation."



[41] And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

[42] Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the

things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

[43] For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a

trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

[44] And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee;

and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou

knewest not the time of thy visitation.

John 12:20-36



Some Greeks Seek Jesus



20 (Jn 7:35; 1Ki 8:41-43) Now there were some Greeks among those who went

up to worship at the feast.

21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him,

"Sir, we want to see Jesus."

22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

23 (Jn 13:31-32) Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man

to be glorified.

24 Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground

and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.

25 (Mt 10:39; Lk 14:26) He who loves his life will lose it.

And he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

26 (Jn 14:3; 17:24) If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am,

there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.



[20] And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the

feast:

[21] The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee,

and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

[22] Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell

Jesus.

[23] And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man

should be glorified.

[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the

ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much

fruit.

[25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in

this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

[26] If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall

also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.



The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up



27 (Lk 22:53; Jn 13:21) "Now My soul is troubled. What shall I say?

'Father, save Me from this hour'? ­Instead, for this reason I came

to this hour.

28 (Mt 3:17; 17:5) Father, glorify Your name."

Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have glorified it, and will glorify

it again."

29 The crowd that stood by and heard it said that it had thundered.

Others said, "An angel has spoken to Him."

30 (Jn 11:42) Jesus answered, "This voice came not for My sake,

but for your sakes.

31 (Jn 14:30; 2Co 4:4; Eph 6:12) Now judgment is upon this world.

Now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

32 (Jn 6:44; 3:14; 8:28) And if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw

all men to Myself."

33 (Jn 18:32; 21:19) He said this to signify by what kind of death

He would die.

34 (Ps 110:4; Isa 9:7) The crowd answered Him, "We have heard from the law

that the Christ remains forever. Why do You say, 'The Son of Man must be

lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?"

35 (Jn 12:46; Eph 5:8) Then Jesus said to them, "Yet a little while the light

is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you.

He who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.

36 (Lk 16:8; Jn 8:59) While you have light, believe in the light that

you may become sons of light." Jesus said these things, and departed

and hid Himself from them.



[20] And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the

feast:

[21] The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee,

and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

[22] Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell

Jesus.

[23] And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man

should be glorified.

[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the

ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much

fruit.

[25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in

this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

[26] If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall

also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 26:6-13, John 12:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11,

Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19, Luke 19:41-44, John 12:20-36



Mark 14:3-9



The Anointing at Bethany

Mt 26:6-13; Jn 12:1-8



3 (Mt 21:17; Lk 7:37-39) While He was in Bethany in the house of Simon

the leper, as He sat at supper, a ­woman came with an alabaster jar

of ointment, a very costly spikenard. She broke the jar and poured

the ointment on His head.

4 There were some with indignation within themselves, saying,

"Why was this ointment wasted?

5 (Jn 13:29) It might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii

(A year's wages.) and given to the poor." And they grumbled against her.

6 Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done

a good work for Me.

7 (Dt 15:11; Mt 26:11) You always have the poor with you, and whenever

you wish, you may do good to them. But you will not always have Me.

8 (2Co 8:12) She has done what she could. She has come beforehand

to anoint My body for burial.

9 (Mk 16:15) Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel will be preached

throughout the whole world, what she has done will also be spoken of

as a memorial to her."



[3] And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat,

there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very

precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

[4] And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said,

Why was this waste of the ointment made?

[5] For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have

been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

[6] And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a

good work on me.

[7] For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do

them good: but me ye have not always.

[8] She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to

the burying.

[9] Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached

throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of

for a memorial of her.



Matthew 26:6-13



The Anointing at Bethany

Mk 14:3-9; Jn 12:1-8



6 (Mt 21:17) When Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,

7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment

and poured it on His head as He sat at supper.

8 When His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "For what purpose

is this waste?

9 This ointment might have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor."

10 When Jesus perceived it, He said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman?

She has done a good work for Me.

11 (Dt 15:11; Mk 14:7) For you have the poor always with you,

but you do not always have Me.

12 In pouring this ointment on My body, she did it for My burial.

13 (Mt 24:14; Mk 14:9) Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel shall

be preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be told

in memory of her."



[6] Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

[7] There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious

ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.

[8] But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what

purpose is this waste?

[9] For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.

[10] When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman?

for she hath wrought a good work upon me.

[11] For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

[12] For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my

burial.

[13] Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the

whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a

memorial of her.



John 12:1-11



John 12



The Anointing at Bethany

Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9

1 (Jn 11:55; Mt 21:17) Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany,

where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead.

2 (Lk 10:38-42) They prepared a supper for Him there. Martha served,

but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him.

3 (Jn 11:2; Lk 7:37-38) Then Mary took a pint

(Gk. a litra, or half a liter.) of very costly ointment made

from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet

with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.

4 (Mt 10:4) But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son,

who would betray Him, said,

5 "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii

(About a year's wages.) and given to the poor?"

6 (Jn 13:29) He said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because

he was a thief. And having the money box, he used to steal what was put in it.

7 But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of My

burial.

8 (Dt 15:11; Mt 26:11) For you always have the poor with you,

but you do not always have Me."



[1] Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus

was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

[2] There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of

them that sat at the table with him.

[3] Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and

anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house

was filled with the odour of the ointment.

[4] Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which

should betray him,

[5] Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the

poor?

[6] This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a

thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

[7] Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she

kept this.

[8] For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.



The Plot Against Lazarus



9 When many of the Jews learned that He was there, they came, not for Jesus'

sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from

the dead.

10 (Lk 16:31) So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also,

11 (Jn 11:45; 12:18) because on account of him many of the Jews went away

and believed in Jesus.



[9] Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came

not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had

raised from the dead.

[10] But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to

death;

[11] Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed

on Jesus.



Mark 11:1-11



Mark 11



The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem

Mt 21:1-11; Lk 19:28-40; Jn 12:12-19



1 (Zec 14:4; Mt 21:17) When they drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage

and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent out two of His disciples

2 and said to them, "Go into the village opposite you. As soon as you enter

it, you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it

and bring it here.

3 If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' say 'The Lord has need

of it,' and immediately he will send it here."

4 They went their way and found the colt tied by the door outside

on the street. And they untied it.

5 Some of those who stood there said to them,

"What are you doing untying the colt?"

6 They answered just as Jesus had commanded. And they let them go.

7 (Mt 21:4-5; 21:7-8) They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments

on it. And He sat upon it.

8 Many spread their garments on the street. And others cut down branches off

the trees and scattered them on the street.

9 (Ps 118:25-26; Mt 23:39) Those who went before

and those who followed cried out, saying:

"Hosanna!

'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'(Ps 118:26.)

10 (Lk 2:14; Ps 148:1) Blessed is the kingdom of our father David

that is coming in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest!"

11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. When He had looked

around at everything, as the hour was now late,

He went out to Bethany with the twelve.



[1] And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the

mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

[2] And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and

as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never

man sat; loose him, and bring him.

[3] And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath

need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

[4] And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in

a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

[5] And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing

the colt?

[6] And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them

go.

[7] And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and

he sat upon him.

[8] And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches

off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

[9] And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying,

Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

[10] Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of

the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

[11] And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had

looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went

out unto Bethany with the twelve.

PSALMS 91



1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God in whom I trust."

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He shall cover you with His feathers,

and under His wings you shall find protection;

His faithfulness shall be your shield and wall.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

nor of the arrow that flies by day;

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) nor of the pestilence that pursues in darkness,

nor of the destruction that strikes at noonday.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) A thousand may fall at your side

and ten thousand at your right hand,

but it shall not come near you.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Only with your eyes shall you behold

and see the reward of the wicked.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,

even the Most High, your dwelling,

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) there shall be no evil befall you,

neither shall any plague come near your tent;

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) for He shall give His angels charge over you

to guard you in all your ways.

12 They shall bear you up in their hands,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder;

the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

and I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him

and show him My salvation.



Psalm 91



1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:

My God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,

And from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:

His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;

Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;

Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand;

But it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold

And see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge,

Even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee,

Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee,

To keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands,

Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:

The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:

I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:

I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him,

And shew him my salvation.



DEUTERONOMY 34



The Death of Moses



1 (Dt 32:49; Nu 27:12) Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo,

to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. Then the Lord showed him all

the land-from Gilead to Dan,

2 (Dt 11:24) and all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh,

and all the land of Judah, to the Mediterranean Sea,

3 (Jdg 1:16; 3:13) and the Negev and the plain of the valley of Jericho,

the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar.

4 (Ge 12:7; 28:13) The Lord said to him, "This is the land which I swore

to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying,

'I will give it to your descendants.' I have caused you to see it with

your eyes, but you will not cross over there."

5 (Dt 32:50; Jos 1:1-2) So Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there

in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.

6 (Jude 1:9) He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab,

opposite Beth Peor, but no man knows of his burial place to this day.

7 (Ge 27:1; Dt 31:2) Moses was 120 years old when he died.

His eye was not dim, nor was his vitality diminished.

8 (Ge 50:3; 50:10) The children of Israel wept for Moses

in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping

and mourning for Moses were ended.

9 (Isa 11:2; Da 6:3) Now Joshua, the son of Nun, was full of the spirit

of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. And the children

of Israel - listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

10 (Ex 33:11) Since then there has not arisen a prophet in Israel

like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

11 (Dt 4:34; 7:19) in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him

to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh, to all his servants,

and to all his land,

12 and by all that mighty power and by all the great terror which Moses

displayed in the sight of all Israel.



Deuteronomy 34

[1] And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to

the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all

the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

[2] And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the

land of Judah, unto the utmost sea,

[3] And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm

trees, unto Zoar.

[4] And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham,

unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have

caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.

[5] So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab,

according to the word of the LORD.

[6] And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against

Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

[7] And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was

not dim, nor his natural force abated.

[8] And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty

days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

[9] And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses

had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him,

and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

[10] And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the

LORD knew face to face,

[11] In all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the

land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land,

[12] And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses

shewed in the sight of all Israel.



2) Our Daily Bread for 21 March 2026 titled



An Offering for Jesus



2 Corinthians 4:5-12



5 (1Co 1:23; 2Co 1:24) For we do not preach ourselves,

but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants

for Jesus' sake.

6 (Ge 1:3; 2Pe 1:19) For God, who commanded the light to shine

out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light

of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 (2Co 5:1; La 4:2) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

the excellency of the power being from God and not from ourselves.

8 (2Co 7:5) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;

we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 (Heb 13:5) persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 (Ro 6:5; 2Co 1:5) and always carrying around in the body the death

of the Lord Jesus, that also the life of Jesus might be expressed

in our bodies.

11 (Ro 8:36) For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake,

that also the life of Jesus might be manifested in our mortal flesh.

12 (2Co 13:9) So then, death works in us, but life in you.



[5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves

your servants for Jesus' sake.

[6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined

in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the

face of Jesus Christ.

[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the

power may be of God, and not of us.

[8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but

not in despair;

[9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

[10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the

life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

[11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that

the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

[12] So then death worketh in us, but life in you.



"I lift mine eyes, but dimm'd with grief / No everlasting hills I see," wrote

the Victorian poet Christina Rosetti in her poignant poem "A Better

Resurrection." Rosetti's poem describes grasping for hope when she feels none,

"numb'd too much for hopes or fears"” Yet Rosetti was anchored in a hope

deeper than her feelings of despair. Though she could see "no bud

nor greenness" pointing to Christ's resurrection renewing her life,

she confessed, "Yet rise it shall" and prayed, "O Jesus, rise in me."



In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul also described experiencing suffering

"far beyond [his] ability to endure, so that [he] despaired of life itself"

(1:8). But he found that his despair taught him to find his hope only

in "God, who raises the dead" (v. 9).



And he learned that as we carry the hope of the gospel in the still-imperfect

"jars of clay" of our bodies, Christ's resurrection life and hope shine

through, revealing "that this all-surpassing power is from God

and not from us" (4:7).



This shift happens in Rosetti's poem too. As she lifted her broken heart up to

God, her prayer became only that the broken pieces of her life would be "cast

in the fire" to be molded and transformed into an offering "for Him, my King."

Her poem concludes simply: "O Jesus, drink of me."



By: Monica La Rose

Reflect & Pray



How can voicing our pain honestly to God bring comfort and hope?

How have you experienced Him transforming the pieces of your life?



Dear God, thank You that hope is real

even when I can't feel it. Please help me to offer my life to You.





For further study, read The God Who Upholds You.

Numbers 33

[1] These are the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out

of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron.

[2] And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the

commandment of the LORD: and these are their journeys according to their

goings out.

[3] And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day

of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel

went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.

[4] For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten

among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments.

[5] And the children of Israel removed from Rameses, and pitched in Succoth.

[6] And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which is in the

edge of the wilderness.

[7] And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pi-hahiroth, which is

before Baal-zephon: and they pitched before Migdol.

[8] And they departed from before Pi-hahiroth, and passed through the midst

of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the

wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.

[9] And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve

fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched

there.

[10] And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.

[11] And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of

Sin.

[12] And they took their journey out of the wilderness of Sin, and encamped

in Dophkah.

[13] And they departed from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush.

[14] And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no

water for the people to drink.

[15] And they departed from Rephidim, and pitched in the wilderness of

Sinai.

[16] And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at

Kibroth-hattaavah.

[17] And they departed from Kibroth-hattaavah, and encamped at Hazeroth.

[18] And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah.

[19] And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmon-parez.

[20] And they departed from Rimmon-parez, and pitched in Libnah.

[21] And they removed from Libnah, and pitched at Rissah.

[22] And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelathah.

[23] And they went from Kehelathah, and pitched in mount Shapher.

[24] And they removed from mount Shapher, and encamped in Haradah.

[25] And they removed from Haradah, and pitched in Makheloth.

[26] And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped at Tahath.

[27] And they departed from Tahath, and pitched at Tarah.

[28] And they removed from Tarah, and pitched in Mithcah.

[29] And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah.

[30] And they departed from Hashmonah, and encamped at Moseroth.

[31] And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan.

[32] And they removed from Bene-jaakan, and encamped at Hor-hagidgad.

[33] And they went from Hor-hagidgad, and pitched in Jotbathah.

[34] And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah.

[35] And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Ezion-gaber.

[36] And they removed from Ezion-gaber, and pitched in the wilderness of

Zin, which is Kadesh.

[37] And they removed from Kadesh, and pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of

the land of Edom.

[38] And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the

LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were

come out of the land of Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month.

[39] And Aaron was an hundred and twenty and three years old when he died in

mount Hor.

[40] And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of

Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.

[41] And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.

[42] And they departed from Zalmonah, and pitched in Punon.

[43] And they departed from Punon, and pitched in Oboth.

[44] And they departed from Oboth, and pitched in Ije-abarim, in the border

of Moab.

[45] And they departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibon-gad.

[46] And they removed from Dibon-gad, and encamped in Almon-diblathaim.

[47] And they removed from Almon-diblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of

Abarim, before Nebo.

[48] And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the

plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

[49] And they pitched by Jordan, from Beth-jesimoth even unto Abel-shittim

in the plains of Moab.

[50] And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near

Jericho, saying,

[51] Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are

passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan;

[52] Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before

you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images,

and quite pluck down all their high places:

[53] And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein:

for I have given you the land to possess it.

[54] And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your

families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the

fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's inheritance shall be

in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers

ye shall inherit.

[55] But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before

you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them

shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in

the land wherein ye dwell.

[56] Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought

to do unto them.



2) Our Daily Bread for 8 March 2025 titled

God's Loving Deeds by Anne Cetas



Psalm 107:1-11,41-43



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.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Some sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

being prisoners in affliction and irons,

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) because they rebelled against the words of God

and rejected the counsel of the Most High.

41 yet He raises up the poor from affliction

and cares for their families like flocks of sheep.

42 The righteous shall see it and rejoice,

and all evil people shall stop their mouth.

43 Whoever is wise let him observe these things;

let them consider the lovingkindness of the Lord



[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.

[10] Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in

affliction and iron;

[11] Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the

counsel of the most High:

[41] Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him

families like a flock.

[42] The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop

her mouth.

[43] Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall

understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.



They sit side by side on Ball Street in my city - the Grand Ideas Garden and

the county jail. My friend Joann loved both places. She loved to sit in the

garden, thinking about the goodness of God and her love for Him because of

what He'd done in her life. She also loved to share with the women in the jail

and tell her story of God redeeming her life after many bad choices and

wandering far from Him. Often, she would tell me of her passion: her dream

that all the women there would someday understand and experience the love

of God for them personally.



The psalmist told his fellow Israelites to "tell their story" of how God

redeemed them from their enemies (Psalm 107:2). They had "wandered in desert

wastelands," "they were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away"

(vv. 4-5). At times they rebelled against God, and He disciplined them

(vv. 10-12). Yet every time "they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,

. . . he delivered them from their distress" (v. 6). They had much to give

God thanks for and to talk about with others. As the Israelites learned, and

we can learn also, He has a love that will never let us go.



We too can take opportunities to "ponder the loving deeds of the Lord" toward

us (v. 43), give thanks to Him, and tell our own story of His rescue.



Reflect & Pray



What has God done for you to transform your life?

Who can you share your story with?



You are so good, and what You’ve done for me

is worth telling others about, dear God. Please give me

the words and open my mouth to speak about You.



Look at what Scripture

says about witnessing to others.

Numbers 32

[1] Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great

multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of

Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

[2] The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto

Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation,

saying,

[3] Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and

Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

[4] Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel,

is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:

[5] Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land

be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.

[6] And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben,

Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?

[7] And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from

going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?

[8] Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the

land.

[9] For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they

discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go

into the land which the LORD had given them.

[10] And the LORD's anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,

[11] Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old

and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and

unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me:

[12] Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of

Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.

[13] And the LORD's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them

wander in the wilderness fourty years, until all the generation, that had

done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed.

[14] And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, an increase of

sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel.

[15] For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the

wilderness; and ye shall destroy all this people.

[16] And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here

for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:

[17] But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel,

until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell

in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

[18] We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have

inherited every man his inheritance.

[19] For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward;

because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.

[20] And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed

before the LORD to war,

[21] And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the LORD, until he hath

driven out his enemies from before him,

[22] And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall

return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land

shall be your possession before the LORD.

[23] But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and

be sure your sin will find you out.

[24] Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do

that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.

[25] And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spake unto Moses,

saying, Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth.

[26] Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be

there in the cities of Gilead:

[27] But thy servants will pass over, every man armed for war, before the

LORD to battle, as my lord saith.

[28] So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the

son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:

[29] And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of

Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the

LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the

land of Gilead for a possession:

[30] But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have

possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

[31] And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As

the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.

[32] We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, that

the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be ours.

[33] And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the

children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph,

the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of

Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of

the country round about.

[34] And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,

[35] And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,

[36] And Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep.

[37] And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,

[38] And Nebo, and Baal-meon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and

gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

[39] And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took

it, and dispossessed the Amorite which was in it.

[40] And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt

therein.

[41] And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and

called them Havoth-jair.

[42] And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it

Nobah, after his own name.



(The Battle belongs to the Lord)



NUMBERS 33



Recounting Israel's Journey



1 (Ps 77:20; Mic 6:4) These are the journeys of the children of Israel,

who went out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand

of Moses and Aaron.

2 (Nu 9:17-23) Moses recorded the starting points of their journeys

at the command of the Lord. These are their journeys according

to their starting points.

3 (Ex 14:8; 12:37) They set out from Rameses in the first month,

on the fifteenth day of the first month. On the day after the Passover

the children of Israel went out with a high hand

in the sight of all the Egyptians,

4 (Ex 12:12; Isa 19:1) because the Egyptians buried all their firstborn,

whom the Lord had killed among them. Upon their gods the Lord

executed judgments.

5 (Ex 12:37) The children of Israel set out from Rameses

and camped in Sukkoth.

6 (Ex 13:20) They set out from Sukkoth and camped in Etham,

which is on the edge of the wilderness.

7 (Ex 14:2; 14:9) They set out from Etham and turned to Pi Hahiroth,

which is before Baal Zephon, and they camped before Migdol.

8 They set out from before Pi Hahiroth, and passed through the midst

of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey

in the Wilderness of Etham, and camped in Marah.

9 (Ex 15:27) They set out from Marah, and came to Elim, and in Elim

were twelve fountains of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

10 They set out from Elim and camped by the Red Sea.

11 (Ex 16:1) They set out from the Red Sea and camped

in the Wilderness of Sin.

12 They set out from the Wilderness of Sin and camped in Dophkah.

13 They set out from Dophkah and camped in Alush.

14 They set out from Alush and camped at Rephidim,

where there was no water for the people to drink.

15 (Ex 19:1-2) They set out from Rephidim and camped

in the Wilderness of Sinai.

16 (Nu 11:34) They set out from the Wilderness of Sinai and camped

at Kibroth Hattaavah.

17 (Nu 11:35) They set out from Kibroth Hattaavah and camped at Hazeroth.

18 (Nu 12:16) They set out from Hazeroth and camped in Rithmah.

19 They set out from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon Perez.

20 They set out from Rimmon Perez and camped in Libnah.

21 They set out from Libnah and camped at Rissah.

22 They set out from Rissah and camped in Kehelathah.

23 They set out from Kehelathah and camped at Mount Shepher.

24 They set out from Mount Shepher and camped in Haradah.

25 They set out from Haradah and camped in Makheloth.

26 They set out from Makheloth and camped at Tahath.

27 They set out from Tahath and camped at Terah.

28 They set out from Terah and camped in Mithkah.

29 They went from Mithkah and camped in Hashmonah.

30 They set out from Hashmonah and camped at Moseroth.

31 (Dt 10:6) They set out from Moseroth and camped in Bene Jaakan.

32 (Dt 10:7) They set out from Bene Jaakan and camped at Hor Haggidgad.

33 (Dt 10:7) They set out from Hor Haggidgad and camped in Jotbathah.

34 They set out from Jotbathah and camped at Abronah.

35 (Dt 2:8; 1Ki 9:26) They set out from Abronah and camped at Ezion Geber.

36 (Nu 20:1; 27:14) They set out from Ezion Geber and camped

in the Wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh.

37 (Nu 21:4; 20:22-23) They set out from Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor,

at the edge of the land of Edom.

38 (Dt 10:6; 32:50) Aaron the priest went up onto Mount Hor at the word

of the Lord and died there in the fortieth year after the children of Israel

came out of the land of Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month.

39 Aaron was 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor.

40 King Arad the Canaanite, who lived in the south in the land of Canaan,

heard of the coming of the children of Israel.

41 They set out from Mount Hor and camped in Zalmonah.

42 They set out from Zalmonah and camped in Punon.

43 (Nu 21:10) They set out from Punon and camped in Oboth.

44 (Nu 21:11) They set out from Oboth and camped in Iye Abarim,

on the border of Moab.

45 They set out from Iye Abarim and camped in Dibon Gad.

46 They set out from Dibon Gad and camped in Almon Diblathaim.

47 (Dt 32:49) They set out from Almon Diblathaim

and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

48 (Nu 22:1) They set out from the mountains of Abarim

and camped in the plains of Moab near Jordan of Jericho.

49 They camped by Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth

to Abel Shittim in the plains of Moab.

Instructions for Conquering Canaan

50 The Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho,

saying:

51 (Jos 3:17; Dt 9:1) Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them:

When you are crossing over Jordan into the land of Canaan,

52 (Ex 23:24; Lev 26:1) then you will drive out all the inhabitants

of the land from before you, and destroy all their carved images,

and destroy all their molded images, and destroy all their high places,

53 and you will drive out the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it,

because I have given you the land to inherit it.

54 (Nu 26:53-56) You will possess the land by lot for an inheritance

among your families, and to the larger you will give the larger inheritance,

and to the smaller you will give the smaller inheritance. Every man's

inheritance will be in the place where his lot falls. By the tribes of your

fathers you will inherit.

55 (Jdg 2:3) But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from

before you, then those whom you let remain will be like thorns in your

eyes and thorns in your sides. They will show hostility to you in the land

in which you live.

56 (Dt 28:63) And what I had planned to do to them, I will do to you.

Numbers 22



Balaam's First Prophecy



41 (Nu 23:13) It came to pass on the next day that Balak took Balaam

and brought him up to Bamoth Baal, and from there he saw

the extent of the people.



[41] And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought

him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost

part of the people.



(Never oppose the Will of God)



NUMBERS 23

1 (Nu 23:29) And Balaam said to Balak, "Build for me seven altars,

and prepare for me seven oxen and seven rams."

2 (Nu 23:14; 23:30) Balak did as Balaam had spoken, and Balak and Balaam

offered on every altar a bull and a ram.

3 (Nu 23:15; 24:1) Balaam said to Balak, "Stand by your burnt offering,

and I will go. Perhaps the Lord will come to meet me, and whatever

He shows me I will tell you." And he went to a high place.

4 (Nu 23:16) God met Balaam, and he said to Him,

"I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered on every altar a bull

and a ram."

5 (Dt 18:18; Jer 1:9) The Lord put a word in the mouth of Balaam

and said, "Return to Balak, and thus you will speak."

6 So he returned to Balak, who was standing by his

burnt offering with all the princes of Moab.

7 (Nu 22:5-6; 23:18) Then Balaam uttered his oracle, saying:

"Balak has brought me from Aram,

the king of Moab from the mountains of the east,

saying, 'Come, curse Jacob for me,

and come, defy Israel!'

8 How will I curse

whom God has not cursed?

Or how will I defy

whom the Lord has not defied?

9 (Ex 33:16; Dt 32:8 ) For from the top of the rocks I see him,

and from the hills I behold him;

there, the people will dwell alone

and will not be counted among the nations.

10 (Ge 13:16; Ps 37:37) Who can count the dust of Jacob

and the number of the fourth part of Israel?

Let me die the death of the righteous,

and let my last end be like his!"

11 (Nu 24:10; 22:11) And Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me?

I brought you to curse my enemies, but now you have certainly blessed them."

12 (Nu 22:38) He answered and said, "Must I not take heed to speak

what the Lord puts in my mouth?"



[1] And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me

here seven oxen and seven rams.

[2] And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on

every altar a bullock and a ram.

[3] And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go:

peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I

will tell thee. And he went to an high place.

[4] And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars,

and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.

[5] And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak,

and thus thou shalt speak.

[6] And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he,

and all the princes of Moab.

[7] And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath

brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse

me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.

[8] How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom

the LORD hath not defied?

[9] For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold

him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the

nations.

[10] Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of

Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like

his!

[11] And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to

curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.

[12] And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the

LORD hath put in my mouth?



Balaam's Second Prophecy



13 And Balak said to him, "Please come with me to another place from

where you may see them. You will see part of them, but will not see

them all. Curse them for me from there."

14 (Nu 23:1-2) He brought him into the field of Zophim,

to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars and offered a bull a

nd a ram on each altar.

15 (Nu 23:3_ He said to Balak, "Stand here by your burnt offerings

while I meet the Lord over there."

16 (Nu 23:5) The Lord met Balaam and put a word in his mouth

and said, "Go again to Balak, and thus you will speak."

17 When he came to him, he was standing by his burnt offerings

with the princes of Moab. And Balak said to him, "What has the Lord spoken?"

18 And he took up his parable and said:

"Rise up, Balak, and hear!

Listen to me, you son of Zippor!

19 (1Sa 15:29; Mal 3:6; Jas 1:17) God is not a man, that He should lie,

nor a son of man, that He should repent.

Has He spoken, and will He not do it?

Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

20 (Ge 22:17; Nu 22:12) See, I have received a commandment to bless,

and He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

21 (Jer 50:20; Ex 29:45-46) "He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob,

nor has He seen perverseness in Israel.

The Lord his God is with him,

and the shout of a king is among them.

22 (Nu 24:8; Dt 33:17; Job 39:9-11) God, who brings them out of Egypt,

has strength like a wild ox.

23 (Nu 24:1) Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob,

nor is there any divination against Israel.

For this time it will be said of Jacob and of Israel,

'See what God has done!'

24 (Ge 49:9; 49:27) A people rises up as a great lion,

and lifts itself up like a lion;

it shall not lie down until it eats the prey

and drinks the blood of the slain."

25 Balak said to Balaam, "Do not curse them at all, nor bless them at all."

26 (Nu 22:18) But Balaam answered and said to Balak, "

Did I not tell you, saying, 'All that the Lord speaks, I must do'?"



[13] And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place,

from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of

them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

[14] And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and

built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.

[15] And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet

the LORD yonder.

[16] And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go

again unto Balak, and say thus.

[17] And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and

the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD

spoken?

[18] And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken

unto me, thou son of Zippor:

[19] God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he

should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and

shall he not make it good?

[20] Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and

I cannot reverse it.

[21] He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness

in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among

them.

[22] God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an

unicorn.

[23] Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any

divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob

and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

[24] Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself

as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink

the blood of the slain.

[25] And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them

at all.

[26] But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All

that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?



Balaam's Third Prophecy



27 And Balak said to Balaam, "Please come. I will bring you to another place.

Perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there."

28 (Nu 21:20) Balak brought Balaam to the top of Peor,

which looks toward Jeshimon.

29 Balaam said to Balak, "Build for me seven altars,

and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams."

30 Balak did as Balaam said and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.



[27] And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto

another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me

them from thence.

[28] And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward

Jeshimon.

[29] And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me

here seven bullocks and seven rams.

[30] And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on

every altar.



NUMBERS 24



1 (Nu 23:23; 23:3) And when Balaam saw that

it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as other times to seek

for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.

2 (1Sa 19:20; 2Ch 15:1) Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel

dwelling in their tents by their tribes, and the Spirit of God came on him.

3 (Nu 23:7; 24:16) He took up his proverb and said:

"Balaam the son of Beor has said,

and the man whose eyes are open has said,

4 (Nu 12:6; Eze 1:28) he has said, who heard the words of God,

who saw the vision of the Almighty,

falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

5 "How lovely are your tents, O Jacob,

and your tabernacles, O Israel!

6 (Ps 1:3; 104:16) "Like palm trees are they spread out,

like gardens by the river's side,

like the aloe plant, which the Lord has planted,

and like cedar trees beside the waters.

7 (2Sa 5:12; 1Ch 14:2) He will pour the water out of his buckets,

and his seed will be in many waters.

"His king will be higher than Agag,

and his kingdom will be exalted.

8 (Nu 23:22; Ps 45:5) "God brings him out of Egypt;

he has the horns of a wild ox;

he will eat up the nations, his enemies,

and will break their bones,

and pierce them through with his arrows.

9 (Ge 12:3; 49:9) He crouches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lion,

who will stir him up?

"Blessed is he who blesses you,

and cursed is he who curses you."

10 (Nu 23:11; Eze 21:14) The anger of Balak was inflamed against Balaam,

and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam,

"I called you to curse my enemies, and indeed,

you have certainly blessed them these three times.

11 (Nu 22:17; 22:37) Now flee to your own place. I thought to promote you

to great honor. But certainly, the Lord has kept you back from honor."

12 (Nu 22:18) Balaam said to Balak, "Did I not speak to your messengers

which you sent to me, saying,

13 'If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go

beyond the mouth of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own mind.

But what the Lord speaks, I will speak'?

14 (Ge 49:1; Mic 6:5) And now, I am going to my people. Come,

I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the latter days."

The Feast of Tabernacles

Nu 29:12-39; Dt 16:13-17



33 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

34 (Ezr 3:4; Ne 8:14) Speak to the children of Israel, saying:

The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be

the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord.

35 (Lev 23:7-8; 23:24-25) On the first day shall be a holy convocation.

You shall do no regular work.

36 (Ne 8:18; Jn 7:37) For seven days you shall offer food offerings

made by fire to the Lord. On the eighth day it shall be a holy convocation

to you, and you shall offer a food offering made by fire to the Lord.

It is a solemn assembly, and you shall do no regular work.

37 (Lev 23:2; 23:4) These are the appointed feasts of the Lord,

which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer a food offering

made by fire to the Lord, burnt offerings and grain offerings,

sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its proper day,

38 (Nu 29:39) besides the Sabbaths of the Lord, besides your gifts,

besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings

which you give to the Lord,

39 (Ex 23:16; Dt 16:13) On the fifteenth day of the seventh month,

when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you shall keep

a feast to the Lord for seven days. On the first day shall be a sabbath,

and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.

40 (Dt 16:14-15) You shall take on the first day the branches of majestic

trees-branches of palm trees, branches of leafy trees,

and willows from a brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God

for seven days.

41 (Nu 29:12) You shall keep it as a feast to the Lord for seven days

in the year. It shall be a perpetual statute in your generations.

You shall celebrate it in the seventh month.

42 (Ne 8:14-17) You shall dwell in booths for seven days.

All who are native children of Israel shall dwell in booths,

43 (Dt 31:10-13) that your generations may know that I made the children

of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt:

I am the Lord your God.

44 Moses declared to the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord.



[33] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

[34] Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this

seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the

LORD.

[35] On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile

work therein.

[36] Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on

the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an

offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall

do no servile work therein.

[37] These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy

convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt

offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing

upon his day:

[38] Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all

your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the

LORD.

[39] Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered

in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on

the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.

[40] And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees,

branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the

brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

[41] And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It

shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in

the seventh month.

[42] Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall

dwell in booths:

[43] That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to

dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD

your God.

[44] And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the LORD.



2) Our Daily Bread for 20 February 2025 titled



https://www.pray30days.org/2022/pray-for-the-shabak-of-iraq

by Monica La Rose



1 Thessalonians 5:10-23



10 (2Co 5:15) who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep,

we should live together with Him.

11 (Eph 4:29; Heb 10:25) So comfort yourselves together,

and edify one another, just as you are doing.



[10] Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live

together with him.

[11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as

also ye do.



Final Exhortations and Greetings



12 (Heb 13:17; 1Co 16:16; 16:18) We ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those

who labor among you, and are appointed over you in the Lord, and instruct you.

13 (Mk 9:50) Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.

And be at peace among yourselves.

14 (Ro 14:1; Ac 20:35) Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly,

comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, and be patient toward everyone.

15 (1Pe 3:9; Gal 6:10) See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone.

But always seek to do good to one another and to all.

16 (Php 4:4) Rejoice always.

17 (Eph 6:18; Lk 18:1) Pray without ceasing.

18 (Eph 5:20; Heb 13:15) In everything give thanks,

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19 (Eph 4:30; 1Co 14:30; 1Ti 4:14) Do not quench the Spirit.

20 (1Co 11:4; 14:1) Do not despise prophecies.

21 (1Jn 4:1; Lk 12:57; Ac 17:11) Examine all things.

Firmly hold onto what is good.

22 Abstain from all appearances of evil.

23 (Ro 15:33; Heb 4:12) May the very God of peace sanctify you completely.

And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul,

and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.



[12] And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and

are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

[13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at

peace among yourselves.

[14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the

feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

[15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that

which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

[16] Rejoice evermore.

[17] Pray without ceasing.

[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

[19] Quench not the Spirit.

[20] Despise not prophesyings.

[21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.

[23] And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your

whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our

Lord Jesus Christ.



In 2023, Kenyan police intervened to end what's being called the

"Shakahola Massacre" - in which hundreds died after following a cult leader's

directions to starve themselves to meet Jesus. The leader had allegedly

promised he too would leave earth in this way after his followers did.

After his arrest, he denied ever teaching this.



The tragedy is a troubling example of how dangerous it is to blindly trust

those claiming to be spiritual leaders. Cult members were so deceived that

they resisted those who came to save them from starvation. One survivor

described getting "addicted" to the leader's teachings.



Jesus Christ is the true leader of those who trust in Him. He loved us so much

He was willing to die for us to have life (1 Thessalonians 5:10). He calls us

to live for Him, "awake and sober" (v. 6) and to test any teaching of others

against His teaching (vv. 20-22).



We respond to Christ's love not by harming ourselves or others but by

"encourag[ing] . . . and build[ing] each other up" (v. 11).

By living "in peace with each other" (v. 13) and striving "to do what is good

for each other and for everyone else" (v. 15). Through daily reliance on

and trust in Christ's Spirit (v. 19), we can live a life of love as we eagerly

await Christ's coming (v. 23).



Reflect & Pray



When have you seen damage done through false teaching?

How can Christ's example of love help us recognize untrustworthy leaders?



Loving God, please help me never replace Jesus in my heart

with any other leader and help me live for You.





For further study, read Living Right Among Pagans.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 6 Humility and Exaltation



1 Peter 5:6-7



6 (Jas 4:10; Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,

that He may exalt you in due time.

7 (Ps 55:22; 37:5) Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.



6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.



"I was so humble I was given an award for humility," the pastor quipped.

"They gave me a humility plaque - but they had to take it back when I hung it

on my office wall."

Humility is rare among 20th Century Christians. Our pride takes two

seemingly contradictory forms: Self-exaltation and self-denial. But both

focus on self, not on God.

Francois Fenelon, 17th century French archbishop, From his

"Letters of Spiritual Counsel" wrote:

"He who so completely forget himself that he never thinks of self ... is

truly humble. If we had the light to discern it, we should see clearly that

when we think we are humbling ourselves we are exalting ourselves;

when we think we are annihilating ourselves we are seeking out own life."

True humility, as Fenelon implies, means recognising who we are in the light

of who God is. Excess of self-importance and low self-esteem are both

self-centered perspectives; true humility is God-centered.

When we humble ourselves, we become intensely aware of God and less

aware of ourselves. We can focus on his face and get our eyes off our own

image. We can stop worrying about how others perceive us. Such humbling

is difficult - as one 70-year-old saint joked, "It ain't the heat that gets

you, it's the humility." But when we submit to him and fell the weight of the

"Mighty hand of God" upon us, we can forget ourselves, abandon

ourselves to his presence, and cast our cares upon him.



Application



a) What form does my pride usually take - self-exaltation or self-degradation?



b) Why must I humble myself in order for the Lord to lift me up?



c) How can today's verse encourage me when times are tough?