Dave Yadallee's personal blog

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 6 Reconciliation



2 Cor 5:18-19



18 All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ

and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation,

19 that is, that God was

in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins

against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.



18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus

Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.



When Paul writes in 2 Cor 5:17 that we become a "new creation" in Christ

Jesus, the story does not end there. The verses following give us direction

for tht new life in Christ. "All This", Paul says, referring to the miracle of

new life in Christ, "is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ

and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reconciliation means to bring back together what was once separated. Man was

separated from God by sin, and God took the initiative to reconcile man to

himself. Our "ministry of reconciliation" as Christians is twofold: to draw

others to the Lord and to work for reconciliation between individuals.

Reconciliation is the ultimate goal of forgiveness. God, through his grace ,

extends forgiveness to us when we are still sinners, unrepentant,

undeserving. When we respond, we come into reconciliation with him

and are brought back into oneness. Likewise, when we extend the grace

of forgiveness to another, we are set free by the act of forgiving, but we

hope that the ultimate outcome will be reconciliation.

God shows us the pattern: he is the wronged party, yet he does not wait for

the offender to come to him, hat in hand. He takes a bold initiative, offering

forgiveness freely with out regard to merit. The pattern applies to us;

as the new life in Christ takes hold of us, we must reach out, and reach,

and keep on reaching, breaking down the barriers, taking the risk of

rejection so that we may come to reconciliation.



Application



a) What barriers stand between me and reconciliation with another person?



b) How can I take a risk and reach out to offer forgiveness and

reconciliation to them?



c) What kind of attitude do I need to be a "minister of reconciliation"?



4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland



Deut 8:18



18 But you must remember the Lord your God,

for it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth,

so that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers,

as it is today.



18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth

thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant

which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.



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



God's Guiding Presence



Ps 119:105-112



Nun



105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,

that I will keep Your righteous judgments.

107 I am greatly afflicted;

revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.

108 Accept the freewill offerings of my praise, O Lord,

and teach me Your judgments.

109 My soul is continually in my hand,

yet I do not forget Your law.

110 The wicked have laid a trap for me,

yet I do not depart from Your precepts.

111 Your testimonies are my inheritance forever,

for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes always,

even unto the end.



Nun

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,

And a light unto my path.

106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,

That I will keep thy righteous judgments.

107 I am afflicted very much:

Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,

And teach me thy judgments.

109 My soul is continually in my hand:

Yet do I not forget thy law.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me:

Yet I erred not from thy precepts.

111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever:

For they are the rejoicing of my heart.

112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes

Alway, even unto the end.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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

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



Manitoba



Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba



Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000



est Muslim Population 21 349



CNMM Networks: Winnipeg



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

diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting

it might be twice that size.

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

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

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

of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.

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

among Muslims in Winnipeg.



Let us intercede in unity for:



- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

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

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

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

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

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

with great support



Adding further



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



1 Timothy 2:1-7



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

intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

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

a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

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

our Saviour,

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

to the knowledge of the truth.

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

and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

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

This was the testimony given at the proper time.

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

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

in faith and truth.



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

intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

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

a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

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

our Saviour,

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

to the knowledge of the truth.

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

and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

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

This was the testimony given at the proper time.

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

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

in faith and truth.



How can we keep praying?



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



Ask those who are serving Christ among

Muslim people how you can pray for them.



When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray

for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also

participate in 30 Days.



What should you pray for?



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

in the places they govern.



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

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



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

saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.



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

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

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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



10th Day of the Month



a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of

Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.



(

John 3:16



16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."



16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that

whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.



)



b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,

soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.





Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray that the Lord will give you victory.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You that I'm safe in Your hands."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know that we are ministers of reconciliation.



Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His covenant.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know his Holy Word is lap unto your feet.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

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

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

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

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

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

with great support



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



Ask those who are serving Christ among

Muslim people how you can pray for them.



When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray

for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also

participate in 30 Days.



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

in the places they govern.



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

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



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

saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.



Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout

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

faithfulness and provision.



Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of

Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.



Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,

soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.



Pray for the protection and provision of Christian converts from Islam in

Burundi

who are enduring persecution.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God

1 Samuel 14



[24] And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured

the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening,

that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any

food.

[25] And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the

ground.

[26] And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped;

but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.

[27] But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the

oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and

dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were

enlightened.

[28] Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged

the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this

day. And the people were faint.

[29] Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you,

how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this

honey.

[30] How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil

of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater

slaughter among the Philistines?

[31] And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and

the people were very faint.

[32] And the people flew upon the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and

calves, and slew them on the ground: and the people did eat them with the

blood.

[33] Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against the LORD,

in that they eat with the blood. And he said, Ye have transgressed: roll a

great stone unto me this day.

[34] And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and say unto them,

Bring me hither every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and slay them

here, and eat; and sin not against the LORD in eating with the blood. And

all the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and slew them

there.

[35] And Saul built an altar unto the LORD: the same was the first altar

that he built unto the LORD.

[36] And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil

them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they

said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us

draw near hither unto God.

[37] And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines?

wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that

day.

[38] And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and

know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

[39] For, as the LORD liveth, which saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan

my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people

that answered him.

[40] Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on one side, and I and Jonathan my

son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul, Do what

seemeth good unto thee.

[41] Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot.

And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.

[42] And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan

was taken.

[43] Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan

told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod

that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.

[44] And Saul answered, God do so and more also: for thou shalt surely die,

Jonathan.

[45] And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought

this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall

not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God

this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

[46] Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines

went to their own place.

[47] So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his

enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and

against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines:

and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.

[48] And he gathered an host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel

out of the hands of them that spoiled them.



Saul's Family



49 (1Sa 31:2; 1Ch 8:33) Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi,

and Malki-Shua. And the names of his two daughters were Merab,

the firstborn, and Michal, the youngest.

50 (2Sa 2:8) And the name of the wife of Saul was Ahinoam,

the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the captain of his army

was Abner, the son of Ner, the uncle of Saul.

51 (1Sa 9:1; 9:21) Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner

was the son of Abiel.

52 (1Sa 8:11) There was strong war against the Philistines

all the days of Saul, and when Saul saw any strong man,

or any valiant man, he took him into his service.



[49] Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the

names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and

the name of the younger Michal:

[50] And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and

the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.

[51] And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the

son of Abiel.

[52] And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul:

and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him.



2) Our Daily Bread for 10 April 2026 titled Safe in God's Hands

by Nancy Gavilanes



Isaiah 41:8-14



8 (2Ch 20:7; Jas 2:23) But you, Israel, are My servant,

Jacob whom I have chosen,

the seed of Abraham, My friend.

9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,

and called from its remotest parts,

and said to you, "You are My servant;

I have chosen you and have not rejected you."

10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

11 (Isa 45:24; Ex 23:22) Certainly all those who were incensed against you

shall be ashamed and humiliated;

they shall be as nothing,

and those who strive with you shall perish.

12 (Ps 37:35-36; Job 20:7-9) You shall seek them

and shall not find them, even those who contended with you.

Those who war against you

shall be as nothing, as a thing of nonexistence.

13 (Isa 45:1) For I, the Lord your God,

will hold your right hand,

saying to you, "Do not fear;

I will help you."

14 (Ps 22:6; Isa 43:14) Do not fear, you worm Jacob,

and you men of Israel.

I will help you, says the Lord

and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.



[8] But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of

Abraham my friend.

[9] Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from

the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have

chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

[10] Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I

will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with

the right hand of my righteousness.

[11] Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and

confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall

perish.

[12] Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended

with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a

thing of nought.

[13] For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear

not; I will help thee.

[14] Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee,

saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.



I shut my eyes as the amusement park ride creeped higher - trying to ignore

all the creaking coming from this wildly popular ride I was on. When it

stopped for a moment, I made the mistake of peeking and was horrified to see

the plunge we were about to take. I closed my eyes again and screamed the

whole way down. That childhood memory still makes me shudder.



Sometimes in life it can feel like we're falling further and further with no

one to catch us. But when life seems chaotic and out of control, we can find

comfort in knowing that God is with us. As believers, we know that God dwells

in us through the Holy Spirit. We can speak to Him and be guided by Scripture.



God wanted to assure the Israelites that He would "catch" them even in the

midst of their "fall" of rebellion. He said through the prophet Isaiah,

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will

strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"

(Isaiah 41:10). God wanted them to know He would help them through their

trials (v. 13). How encouraging it must've been for the Israelites to know

that God hadn't abandoned them even while they were living as prisoners

in a foreign land.



When our life feels like it’s out of control, we can take courage knowing that

God is there to help us. We're safe in His loving and mighty hands.



Reflect & Pray



What challenge are you facing today? How does it feel knowing God is with you?



Dear God, thank You that I'm safe in Your hands.

1 SAMUEL 14



Jonathan Defeats the Philistines



1 A day came that Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man that

bore his armor, "Come, and let us cross over to the Philistine garrison

which is on the other side." But he did not tell his father.

2 (1Sa 13:15-16) Now Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah

under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron. And the people

that were with him were about six hundred men.

3 (1Sa 2:28; 4:21) And Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother,

the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh,

was wearing the ephod. But the people did not know that Jonathan had gone.

4 (1Sa 13:23) Between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over

to the Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side,

and a sharp rock on the other side. And the name of the one was Bozez,

and the name of the other Seneh.

5 The crag of the one rose north opposite Mikmash,

and the other faced southward opposite Geba.

6 (1Sa 17:26; 17:36) Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor,

"Come, and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised.

Perhaps the Lord will work for us. For the Lord is not limited

to save by many or by few."

7 His armor bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart.

Turn yourself, and I will be with you according to your heart."

8 (Jdg 7:9-14) Then Jonathan said, "Now we will cross over to these men,

and we will reveal ourselves to them.

9 If they say to us, 'Wait until we come to you,' then we will stand still

in our place, and we will not go up to them.

10 (Ge 24:14) But if they say, 'Come up to us,' then we will go up,

for the Lord has delivered them into our hand, and this will be a sign to us."

11 (1Sa 13:6; 14:22) So the two of them revealed themselves to the garrison

of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, "Look, the Hebrews are coming

out of the caves where they have hidden themselves."

12 (1Sa 17:43-44; 2Sa 5:24) The men of the garrison answered Jonathan

and his armor bearer, and said,

"Come up to us, and we will teach you something."

So Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up after me.

For the Lord has delivered them into the hand of Israel."

13 Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet with his armor

bearer behind him. And they fell before Jonathan. And his armor bearer

was dealing death blows after him.

14 That first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made,

was about twenty men within about a half-acre field.

15 (1Sa 13:17; Ge 35:5) There was trembling in the camp, in the field,

and among all the people. The garrison and the raiders also trembled,

and the ground quaked. It was the fear of God.

16 The watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold,

the multitude melted away, and they went even here and there.

17 Then Saul said to the people that were with him,

"Number now, and see who has gone from us."

And when they had numbered, Jonathan nor his armor bearer were there.

18 Saul said to Ahijah, "Bring here the ark of God." For the ark of God was

at that time with the children of Israel.

19 (Nu 27:21) It came to pass, while Saul talked to the priest,

that the noise which was in the camp of the Philistines went on

and increased. So Saul said to the priest, "Withdraw your hand."

20 (Jdg 7:22; 2Ch 20:23) Saul and all the people who were

with him assembled, and they went to the battle. And every man's sword

was against his fellow, so that there was very great confusion.

21 (1Sa 29:4) Even the Hebrews who were with the Philistines the days

before, who went up with them into the camp from the country round

about, even they also turned to be with the children of Israel that were

with Saul and Jonathan.

22 (1Sa 13:6) Also all of Israel's fighting men, who had hidden themselves

in mountains of Ephraim, heard that the Philistines fled, and even they

followed hard after them in the battle.

23 (Ex 14:30; 1Sa 13:5) So the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle

passed beyond Beth Aven.



[1] Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto

the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the

Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his

father.

[2] And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibeah under a pomegranate

tree which is in Migron: and the people that were with him were about six

hundred men;

[3] And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, I-chabod's brother, the son of Phinehas,

the son of Eli, the LORD's priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the

people knew not that Jonathan was gone.

[4] And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the

Philistines' garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side and a sharp

rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of

the other Seneh.

[5] The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash,

and the other southward over against Gibeah.

[6] And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let

us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD

will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or

by few.

[7] And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn

thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.

[8] Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we

will discover ourselves unto them.

[9] If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand

still in our place, and will not go up unto them.

[10] But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD

hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.

[11] And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the

Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of

the holes where they had hid themselves.

[12] And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and

said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto

his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into

the hand of Israel.

[13] And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his

armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer

slew after him.

[14] And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was

about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of

oxen might plow.

[15] And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the

people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth

quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

[16] And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the

multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.

[17] Then said Saul unto the people that were with him, Number now, and see

who is gone from us. And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his

armourbearer were not there.

[18] And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of

God was at that time with the children of Israel.

[19] And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the priest, that the noise

that was in the host of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said

unto the priest, Withdraw thine hand.

[20] And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves,

and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his

fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.

[21] Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time,

which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even

they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

[22] Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount

Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed

hard after them in the battle.

[23] So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto

Beth-aven.



Saul's Rash Oath



24 (Jos 6:26) Now Israel's fighting men were distressed that day.

For Saul had placed the people under a curse, saying,

"Cursed is the man that eats any food before it is evening,

and I have been avenged on my enemies."

So none of the people tasted any food.

25 All the people of the land came to the forest, and there was honey

on the ground.

26 When the people came into the forest there was flowing honey.

But no man put his hand to his mouth, because the people feared the oath.

27 (1Sa 30:12; 14:43) But Jonathan had not heard when his father made

the people swear. Therefore he put forward the end of the rod that was

in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb. Then he put his hand to his

mouth, and his eyes were brightened.

28 Then one of the people answered, and said, "Your father surely made

the people swear, saying, 'Cursed is the man that eats any food this day.' "

And the people were weary.

29 (1Ki 18:18) Then said Jonathan, "My father has troubled the land.

See how my eyes have brightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

30 How much more, if the people had surely eaten freely today of the spoil

of their enemies which they found? But now the defeat of the Philistines

has not been great."

31 (Jos 10:12) And they struck the Philistines that day from Mikmash

to Aijalon, and the people were very weary.

32 (Lev 3:17; 1Sa 15:19) The people rushed upon the spoil;

they took sheep, oxen, and calves and slew them on the ground.

And the people ate them with the blood.

33 Then they reported to Saul, saying, "Look, the people are sinning against

the Lord by eating the blood."

And he said, "You have dealt faithlessly. Roll a great stone to me this day."

34 Saul said, "Disperse yourselves among the people, and say to them,

'Bring to me here every man his ox or sheep. And slaughter them here,

and eat. But you shall not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.' '

And all the people brought every man his ox with him that night,

and slew them there.

35 (1Sa 7:17) And Saul built an altar to the Lord. It was the first altar

that he built to the Lord.

36 Saul said, "Let us go down after the Philistines by night

and plunder them until the morning light. And let us not leave a man of them."

And they said, "Do whatever seems good to you."

Then the priest said, "Let us draw near here to God."

37 (1Sa 28:6) Saul asked of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines?

Will You deliver them into the hand of Israel?" But He did not answer him

that day.

38 (1Sa 10:19-20) Saul said, "Come here, all you leaders of the people,

and observe and see how this sin has come about this day.

39 (1Sa 14:44; 2Sa 12:5) For, as the Lord lives, who saves Israel,

even if it is in Jonathan my son, he will surely die."

But there was not one who answered him from among all the people.

40 Then he said to all Israel, "You will be on one side, and I and Jonathan

my son will be on the other side."

And the people said to Saul, "Do what seems good to you."

41 (Ac 1:24; Jos 7:16-18) Therefore Saul said to the Lord, the God of Israel,

“Give a perfect lot.” And Saul and Jonathan were taken,

but the people escaped.

42 Saul said, "Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son."

And Jonathan was taken.

43 (Jos 7:19; 1Sa 14:27) Then Saul said to Jonathan,

"Tell me what you have done."

And Jonathan told him, and said,

"I indeed tasted a little honey with the end of the staff that was

in my hand. Here I am. I must die."

44 (Ru 1:17; 1Sa 14:39) Saul said, "May God do so to me and more also,

for you will surely die, Jonathan."

45 (2Sa 14:11; 1Ki 1:52) The people said to Saul, "Will Jonathan die, who has

worked this great salvation in Israel? God forbid. As the Lord lives,

there will not one hair of his head fall to the ground.

For he has worked with God this day." So the people rescued Jonathan,

and he did not die.

46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines, and the Philistines

went to their own place.

47 (2Sa 10:6) So Saul took the kingdom over Israel and fought against

all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the Ammonites,

against Edom and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines.

Whatever place he turned himself, he defeated them.

48 He gathered an army, and struck the Amalekites, and delivered Israel

out of the hand of its plunderers.

Day 100, 10 April 2026



1) 1 Chronicles 9:35-39

1 Samuel 13, 1 Samuel 14



1 Chronicles 9:35-39



35 Now Jeiel the father of Gibeon,

whose wife's name was Maakah, dwelt in Gibeon.

36 His firstborn son was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,

37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth.

38 Mikloth became the father of Shimeam. These also dwelt in Jerusalem

with their own families near their brothers.

39 (1Sa 13:22) Ner became the father of Kish; Kish the father of Saul;

Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab, and Esh-Baal.



[35] And in Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, Jehiel, whose wife's name was

Maachah:

[36] And his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and

Nadab,

[37] And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.

[38] And Mikloth begat Shimeam. And they also dwelt with their brethren at

Jerusalem, over against their brethren.

[39] And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and

Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal.



1 Samuel 13, 1 Samuel 14



1 SAMUEL 13



Saul Fails His Commission

1 Saul was thirty years old when he began to reign,

and he reigned 42 years over Israel. [Lit. “The son of a year

was Saul in his ruling and two years he ruled over Israel.”]

[Most translations read in Saul’s age and length of reign

from external evidence (Josephus) or from the New Testament

(Paul, who mentions a forty-year reign for Saul in Ac 13:21).

2 (1Sa 10:26; 13:5) Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel.

2000 were with Saul in Mikmash and in mountains of Bethel,

and a 1000 were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin.

The rest of the people he sent each to his tent.

3 (1Sa 10:5; Jdg 3:27) Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines

that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew

the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, "Let the Hebrews hear."

4 (Ge 34:30; Ex 5:21) All Israel heard that Saul had struck the garrison

of the Philistines, and that Israel had become odious to the Philistines.

And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.

5 (Jos 11:4; 1Sa 14:23) The Philistines gathered together to fight

with Israel, 30000 chariots and 6000 horsemen, with people

like the sand which is on the seashore in multitude.

And they came up and camped in Mikmash, east of Beth Aven.



[1] Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel,

[2] Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were

with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan

in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his

tent.

[3] And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and

the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the

land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

[4] And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the

Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the

Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.

[5] And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel,

thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand

which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in

Michmash, eastward from Beth-aven.



6 (Jdg 6:2; Heb 11:38) When Israel's fighting men saw that they

were in a strait (for the people were distressed), then the people

hid themselves in caves, in hollows, among rocks, and in cellars

and cisterns.

7 Some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead.

But as for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him,

trembling.

8 (1Sa 10:8) He waited seven days, according to the set time that Samuel

had appointed. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people

were scattered from him.

9 (1Ki 3:4; Dt 12:6) Saul said, "Bring here to me the burnt offering

and the peace offerings." Then he offered the burnt offering.

10 (1Sa 15:13) When he finished offering the burnt offering, Samuel came.

And Saul went out to meet him to greet him.

11 (1Sa 13:2; 13:5) Samuel said, "What have you done?"

And Saul said, "Because I saw that the people were scattered from me,

and that you did not come to the appointed assembly days, and the Philistines

are gathering themselves together at Mikmash,

12 therefore I said, 'The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal,

and I have not yet appeased the face of the Lord.'

So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering."

13 (2Ch 16:9; 1Sa 15:11) Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly.

You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God,

which He commanded you. Truly now, the Lord would have established

your kingdom over Israel forever.

14 (1Sa 15:28; Ac 13:22) But now your kingdom will not continue.

The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart

and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over His people,

because you have not kept that which the Lord commanded you."

15 (1Sa 13:2; 14:2) Samuel arose, and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah

of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him,

about six hundred men.

Israel Unarmed

16 Now Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were with them,

were staying in Gibeah of Benjamin, but the Philistines encamped in Mikmash.

17 (Jos 18:23; 1Sa 14:15) Then raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines

in three companies. One company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah,

to the land of Shual.

18 (Ne 11:34; Jos 18:13-14) And another company turned the way to Beth Horon.

And another company turned to the way of the border that looks to the Valley

of Zeboyim toward the wilderness.



[6] When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people

were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in

thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

[7] And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead.

As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him

trembling.

[8] And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had

appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from

him.

[9] And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings.

And he offered the burnt offering.

[10] And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the

burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he

might salute him.

[11] And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that

the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days

appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at

Michmash;

[12] Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal,

and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore,

and offered a burnt offering.

[13] And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept

the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would

the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

[14] But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man

after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his

people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

[15] And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin.

And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred

men.

[16] And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with

them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.

[17] And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three

companies: one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the

land of Shual:

[18] And another company turned the way to Beth-horon: and another company

turned to the way of the border that looketh to the valley of Zeboim toward

the wilderness.



19 (2Ki 24:14; Jdg 5:8) Now there was no blacksmith found throughout

all the land of Israel. For the Philistines said, "Lest the Hebrews make

for themselves swords or spears."

20 So all the children of Israel went down to the Philistines, to sharpen

every man his plow-point, his axe, his adze and his hoe.

21 The sharpening charge was two-thirds of a shekel

(About 1/4 ounce, or 8 grams.) for plow-points, axes, pitchforks, and adzes,

and to fix an ox-goad.

22 (Jdg 5:8) So it came to pass on the day of battle, that neither sword

nor spear were found in the hand of any of the people who were with

Saul and Jonathan. But they were found in the hand of Saul

and Jonathan his son.

23 (Isa 10:28; 1Sa 14:1) And the garrison of the Philistines had marched

out to the ravine of Mikmash.



[19] Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the

Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:

[20] But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every

man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.

[21] Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the

forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.

[22] So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword

nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and

Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.

[23] And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of

Michmash.

6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2026 edition?)



Manitoba



Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba



Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000



est Muslim Population 21 349



CNMM Networks: Winnipeg



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

diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting

it might be twice that size.

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

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

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

of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.

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

among Muslims in Winnipeg.



Let us intercede in unity for:



- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

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

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

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

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

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

with great support



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.



For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.



You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"



Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:



- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,

"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

18 Even on My menservants and maidservants

I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:

blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,

and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]



Footnotes

Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



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

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

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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



9th Day of the Month



a) Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout

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

faithfulness and provision.



(

Ps 100



A Psalm of thanksgiving.

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

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

come before His presence with singing.

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

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

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

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

and into His courts with praise;

be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

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

and His faithfulness to all generations.



Psalm 100



A Psalm of praise.

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

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

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God:

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

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

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

Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

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

And his truth endureth to all generations.



)



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

to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.

(

1 Chr 12:32



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

those having understanding of times

and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains

with all their brothers at their command.



32 And of the children of Issachar,

which were men that had understanding of the times,

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

and all their brethren were at their commandment



)



Conclusion:



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



Pray to the Lord: "Holy Spirit, please fill me afresh to love others well!"



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a gracious forgiver.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know His richness.



Pray to the Lord and pray to Him as forgiveness.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

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

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

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

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

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

with great support



Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout

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

faithfulness and provision.



Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways

to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.



Pray for evangelists who are sharing the Gospel among

Indonesia's more than

220 million Muslims.



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

2) Our Daily Bread for 9 April 2026 titled Prompted by Love



1 Thessalonians 1:2-7



The Thessalonians' Faith and Example



2 (Ro 1:8-9) We give thanks to God always for you all,

mentioning you in our prayers,

3 (2Th 1:11; Ro 15:4) remembering without ceasing your work of faith,

labor of love, and patient hope in our Lord Jesus Christ

in the sight of God and our Father.

4 (2Th 2:13; 2Pe 1:10) For we know, beloved brothers, your election by God.

5 (Col 2:2; 2Th 2:14) For our gospel did not come to you in word only,

but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance,

just as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

6 (Ac 13:52; 1Co 4:16) You became followers of us and the Lord,

having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.

7 Therefore you were examples to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia.



[2] We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our

prayers;

[3] Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and

patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our

Father;

[4] Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

[5] For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in

the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were

among you for your sake.

[6] And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word

in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

[7] So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.



Emily Kenward walked down Lavender Street in Brighton, England. Having

recently become a believer in Jesus, she now saw the street differently. She

noticed how many homes had their curtains drawn in the daytime, and how few

older people were about, despite the area's high elderly population.

It spurred an idea.



Emily found out where Brighton's elderly lived and invited them to an

afternoon tea. Those who came told a similar story. Now living alone, they

often went months without seeing anyone. What they longed for, they said,

was a visitor.



Believing in Jesus changes how we respond to the world and its needs. We see

this happening to the Thessalonians.

Having turned to God (1 Thessalonians 1:9), they had become a model of faith

to others by their transformed lives (vv. 6-7). The apostle Paul noted their

"work produced by faith" and their "labour prompted by love" (v. 3). True

faith had moved them to acts of service that brought honor to Jesus.



Emily was so moved by what she heard at that afternoon tea that she started a

charity linking Brighton's elderly with volunteer visitors. She remembers one

woman hugging her tightly, sobbing, grateful for finally feeling seen and

heard. The work grew, inspiring others to do the same. It makes me wonder what

labours prompted by love the Holy Spirit might inspire you and me to do today.



By: Sheridan Voysey



Reflect & Pray



What need do you see in your community? Listening to the Spirit, what would

a labour prompted by love look like to help meet it?



Holy Spirit, please fill me afresh to love others well!



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 5 When you pray



Mark 11:25



25 And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone,

so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins.



25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:

that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.



"My prayer don't seem to be very effective," a man told his pastor." I try

to make contact with God, but my prayers seem to hit the ceiling and bounce

back."

The pastor thought for a moment, then gently suggested,

"Is there someone in your life you haven't forgiven?"

"What do you mean?" The man's face flushed; the pastor has obviuosly struck

a nerve. "Well, I guess I've had some struggles with my mother ... and then,

my wife, and I ... ." The hidden truth came to light: the man was bound in

unforgiving relationships with five of the closest people to him.

Forgiveness is an essential element in prayer. For a very good reason,

worship services in liturgical churches place the confession of sin and the

absolution near the beginning of the service, before the reading of God's

Word, prayer, and the sermon. Forgiveness - both the Lord's forgiveness

of us and our forgiveness of others - clears the way for unhindered

communication between God and his people.

When we carry anger and bitterness, or even deeply buried, well-subliminated

unforgiveness, into the presence of God, our prayers will be affected. We can,

however, free the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and the lives of others

through forgiveness. We can choose to forgive in light of God's forgiveness

of us. And when we do, the channels are re-established;

we can pray in power and open ourselves to an awareness of his activity

in our lives.



Application



a) Have my prayers ever been affected by unforgiveness in my life?



b) Is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive,

whether or not I can work toward?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



2 Cor 8:9



9 (Mt 20:28; 2Co 6:10; 13:14) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor,

that through His poverty you might be rich.



9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich,

yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.



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



God's Freeing Forgiveness



Eph 1:3-8a



Spiritual Blessings in Christ



3 (2Co 1:3; Eph 6:12; 2:6) Blessed be the God and Father of

our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual

blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

4 (Eph 5:27; Col 1:22) just as He chose us in Him

before the foundation of the world, to be holy

and blameless before Him in love;

5 (Ro 8:29-30; Eph 1:11) He predestined us to adoption as sons

to Himself through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure

of His will,

6 (Mt 3:17; Eph 1:12) to the praise of the glory of His grace

which He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.

7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood

and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace,

8 which He lavished



3 Blessed be the God and Father of

our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual

blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 according as he hath chosen us in him

before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy

and without blame before him in love:

5 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children

by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure

of his will,

6 to the praise of the glory of his grace,

wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood,

the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

8 wherein he hath abounded



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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

1 SAMUEL 10



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and another carrying a bottle of wine.

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

receive from their hands.

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

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

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

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

And they will prophesy.

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

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

be turned into another man.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Saul also among the prophets?"

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

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

"Is Saul also among the prophets?"

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

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

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

nowhere around, we went to Samuel."

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

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

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

of which Samuel had spoken, he did not mention.

Saul Proclaimed King

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

unto the Lord at Mizpah.

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

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

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

and of them that oppressed you.'

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

who saves you from all your troubles and your distresses.

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

Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord

by your tribes, and by your clans."

20 So Samuel brought near all the tribes of Israel

and the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and upward.

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

"Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen?

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

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

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

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

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

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

a band of valiant men whose hearts God had touched.

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

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

But he remained silent.



1 Samuel 10

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

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

over his inheritance?

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

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

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

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

shall I do for my son?

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

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

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

and another carrying a bottle of wine:

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

shalt receive of their hands.

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

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

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

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

them; and they shall prophesy:

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

with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

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

occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.

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

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

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

thee what thou shalt do.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the prophets?

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

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

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

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

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

to Samuel.

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

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

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

not.

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

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

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

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

oppressed you:

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

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

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

your tribes, and by your thousands.

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

tribe of Benjamin was taken.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

shouted, and said, God save the king.

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

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

every man to his house.

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

men, whose hearts God had touched.

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

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



1 SAMUEL 11



Saul Rescues Jabesh Gilead



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

up their voices, and wept.

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

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

the words of the men of Jabesh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the children of Israel were three hundred thousand,

and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

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

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

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

to the men of Jabesh and they were glad.

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

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

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

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

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

so that even two of them were not left together.

Saul Confirmed as King

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

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

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

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

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

to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there."

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

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

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

men rejoiced greatly.

1 Samuel 11

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

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

will serve thee.

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

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

a reproach upon all Israel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

men of Jabesh.

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

his anger was kindled greatly.

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

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

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

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

out with one consent.

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

hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.

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

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

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

were glad.

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

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

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

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

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

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

together.

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

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

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

day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.

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

renew the kingdom there.

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

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

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



1 SAMUEL 12



Samuel's Farewell Address



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

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

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

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

before you from my childhood to this day.

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

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

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

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

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

taken anything from any man's hand."

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

and His anointed is witness this day, t

hat you have not found anything in my hand."

And they answered, "He is witness."

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

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

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

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

and your fathers.

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

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

out of Egypt and made them dwell in this place.

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

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

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

And they fought against them.

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

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

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

our enemies, and we will serve You.'

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

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

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

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

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

when the Lord your God was your king.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

be against you, as it was against your fathers.

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

which the Lord is doing before your eyes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

feared the Lord and Samuel.

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

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

this evil, to ask for ourselves a king."

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

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

and serve the Lord with all your heart.

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

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

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

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

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

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

and the right way.

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

and consider what great things He has done for you.

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

and your king will be swept away."



1 Samuel 12

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

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

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

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

from my childhood unto this day.

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

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

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

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

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

hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.

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

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

answered, He is witness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Egypt, and made them dwell in this place.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

safe.

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

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

LORD your God was your king.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

it was against your fathers.

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

before your eyes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

evil, to ask us a king.

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

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

with all your heart;

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

cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

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

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

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

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

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

consider how great things he hath done for you.

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

your king.

Day 99, 9 Apr 2026



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



1 SAMUEL 9



Samuel Anoints Saul



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

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

Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

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

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

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

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

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

and arise, go find the donkeys."

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

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

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

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

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

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

about the donkeys and worry about us."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

called a prophet was formerly called a seer.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

you will find him there."

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

toward them to go up to the high place.

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

one day before Saul came, saying,

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

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

over My people Israel, that he may save

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

on all your father's house?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

which were about thirty men.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to you the word of God."



1 Samuel 9

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

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

mighty man of power.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benjamites, but they found them not.

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

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

the asses, and take thought for us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God, to tell us our way.

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

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

beforetime called a Seer.)

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

unto the city where the man of God was.

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

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

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

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

people to day in the high place:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

thee, where the seer's house is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

bidden, which were about thirty persons.

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

which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.

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

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

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

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

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

communed with Saul upon the top of the house.

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

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

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

abroad.

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

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

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

Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.



For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.



You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"



Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:



- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,

"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

18 Even on My menservants and maidservants

I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:

blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,

and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]



Footnotes

Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



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

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

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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



8th Day of the Month



a) Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer

and never cease to call upon God



(

Is 62:6



6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,

who shall never hold their peace day nor night.

You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;



6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold

their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,



Ps 5:3



3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;

in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.



3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;

In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.



Ps 55:17



17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,

and He will hear my voice.



17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:

And he shall hear my voice.



)



b) Pray for the province of Manitoba



I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them

to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.

( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings

and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life

in all godliness and honesty,

3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and

acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

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

to the knowledge of the truth.



1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to leave a good legacy in His name.



Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, please help me rest in Your

provision as I follow You."



Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving without a scorecard.



Pray to the Lord and pray to cleave to Him.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know He who created you.



Agree in prayer with us for:

- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

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

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

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

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

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

with great support



Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer

and never cease to call upon God



Pray that the people of Benin

will flee from voodoo practices and find spiritual freedom in Christ.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God

1 Samuel 7



[3] And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return

unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and

Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve

him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

[4] Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and

served the LORD only.

[5] And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you

unto the LORD.

[6] And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out

before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned

against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

[7] And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered

together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And

when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

[8] And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the

LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the

Philistines.

[9] And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering

wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the

LORD heard him.

[10] And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew

near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder

on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were

smitten before Israel.

[11] And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines,

and smote them, until they came under Beth-car.

[12] Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and

called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

[13] So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast

of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days

of Samuel.

[14] And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were

restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did

Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace

between Israel and the Amorites.

[15] And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

[16] And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and

Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.

[17] And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he

judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.



1 SAMUEL 8



Israel Demands a King

1 (Dt 16:18-19) And it came about when Samuel was old, that he installed

his sons as judges for Israel.

2 Now the name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second

son was Abijah. They were judging in Beersheba.

3 (Dt 16:19; Ps 15:5) But his sons did not walk in his way, for they followed

after unlawful gain, and they took bribes, and they perverted justice.

4 (1Sa 7:17) And all the elders of Israel gathered together and they came

to Samuel at Ramah.

5 (Dt 17:14-15; 1Sa 8:19-20) They said to him, "You are old and your sons

do not walk in your ways. Now, install for us a king to govern us like

all the nations."

6 (1Sa 15:11; 12:17) But the thing was evil in the eyes of Samuel,

because they said, "Give us a king to govern us."

And Samuel prayed to the Lord.

7 (Ex 16:8; 1Sa 10:19) The Lord said to Samuel, "Obey the voice of the people

in relation to all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected,

but Me they have rejected from reigning over them.

8 Just as all the deeds which they have done to Me, from the day I brought

them up from Egypt even to this day, in that they have forsaken Me

and have served other gods, so they are doing also to you now.

9 (1Sa 8:11-18; 10:25) Now then, obey their voice. Only you will testify

against them and proclaim to them the judgment concerning the king

who will reign over them."

10 So Samuel said all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking

from him a king.

11 (1Sa 10:25; 14:52) And he said, "This will be the judgment concerning

the king who will reign over you: Your sons he will take in order to place

them for himself in his chariots and as his horsemen, and they will run

before his chariot,

12 and in order to assign for himself captains of thousands and captains

of fifties, and to plow his ground, and to gather in his harvest,

and to make his weapons of war and the equipment of his chariots.

13 And your daughters he will take for perfumers, and cooks, and bakers.

14 (1Ki 21:7; Eze 46:18) And your choicest fields, and vineyards,

and olive groves he will take and give them to his servants.

15 And of your seed fields and your vineyards he will take a tenth

of their harvest and will give it to his high officials and to his servants.

16 And your menservants and your maidservants, and the best of your

young men and asses he will take and make do his work.

17 Your flocks he will take a tenth of, but you will be his for slaves.

18 (Isa 1:15; Mic 3:4) And you will cry out in that day because of your king,

whom you have chosen for yourselves,

but the Lord will not answer you in that day."

19 (Jer 44:16_ But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel.

And they said, "No! But surely a king will be over us!

20 (1Sa 8:5) So that we also will be like all the nations!

And so that our king will govern us, and will go out before us,

and will fight our battles."

21 (Jdg 11:11) And after Samuel heard all the words of the people,

he spoke them in the hearing of the Lord.

22 (1Sa 8:7; Hos 13:11) And the Lord said to Samuel,

"Obey their voice, and make for them a king."

So Samuel said to Israel's fighting men,

"Go every man to his city."



1 Samuel 8

[1] And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges

over Israel.

[2] Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second,

Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba.

[3] And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and

took bribes, and perverted judgment.

[4] Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to

Samuel unto Ramah,

[5] And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy

ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

[6] But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge

us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.

[7] And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in

all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have

rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

[8] According to all the works which they have done since the day that I

brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have

forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.

[9] Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly

unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.

[10] And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of

him a king.

[11] And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over

you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots,

and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.

[12] And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over

fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and

to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.

[13] And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks,

and to be bakers.

[14] And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards,

even the best of them, and give them to his servants.

[15] And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and

give to his officers, and to his servants.

[16] And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your

goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.

[17] He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.

[18] And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall

have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.

[19] Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they

said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;

[20] That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge

us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.

[21] And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in

the ears of the LORD.

[22] And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a

king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.



2) Our Daily Bread for 8 April 2026 titled God Our Provider



Matthew 17:24-27



Payment of the Temple Tax



24 (Ex 30:13; 38:26; Mk 9:33) When they came to Capernaum, those who collected

tax money came to Peter and said,

"Does your Teacher not pay the tax[Dt 25:5.]?"

25 Mt 22:17; 22:19He said, "Yes."

And when he came home, Jesus stopped him, saying, "What do you think, Simon?

From whom do the kings of the earth take custom or taxes?

From their own sons or from strangers?"

26 Peter said to Him, "From strangers."

Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.

27 (1Co 8:13)However, lest we offend them, go to the sea and cast a hook,

and take the first fish that comes up. And when you open its mouth,

you will find a coin. Take it and give it to them for you and Me."



[24] And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money

came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

[25] He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented

him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth

take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

[26] Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the

children free.

[27] Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and

cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast

opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto

them for me and thee.



In 2024, teenager Keegan happily reeled in a two-foot barramundi. But his

happiness became elation when his little sister pointed out a tag on the fish.

His catch was worth one million dollars as part of an Australian fishing

competition. The annual event had been held since 2015;

Keegan was the first to win the coveted top cash prize.



However slim the odds of catching that fish, the odds were far lower that a

fish caught at random would have a coin in its mouth. But in Matthew's gospel,

Jesus instructed His disciple Peter to "go to the lake and . . . take the

first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin"

(17:27).



The context of this unlikely catch was a question of whether Jesus paid the

temple tax (v. 24). The irony of insisting that Jesus - God's Son - pay a tax

to support God's temple, wasn't lost on Him. He pointed out that the king's

children don't pay taxes to the king (vv. 25-26).



But there was no need to "cause offense" and distract others from His teaching

by being perceived as a tax evader (v. 27). So Jesus instructed Peter to catch

that fish, which had the exact amount to pay both His and Peter's tax! Perhaps

in part it was a reminder to Peter - and to us - that God is a provider who is

always with His children as they follow Him.



Reflect & Pray



When have you experienced unlikely events in which you saw God's hand at work?

How does trusting Him free you to live in obedience?



Loving God, please help me rest in Your provision as I follow You.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 4 "Formula" for Forgiveness



Luke 17:3 - 4



3 (Lev 19:17; Mt 18:21)"Take heed to yourselves."

"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. And if he repents,

forgive him.

4 (Mt 18:21-22) If he sins against you seven times in a day,

and seven times in a day turns to you, saying,

'I repent,' you must forgive him."



3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him;

and if he repent, forgive him.

4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,

and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent;

thou shalt forgive him.



The context of these verses give us an interesting perspective of Jesus'

disciples. In a corollary passage in Matthew 18, the disciples (through

Peter, the designated mouthpiece) ask Jesus,

21 (Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3-4) Then Peter came to Him and said,

"Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?

Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21)

The disciples wanted a "formula" for forgiveness: they wanted to be able to

develop a checklist. Once, twice, maybe three times a brother could be

forgiven, but after that, you could write him off. After all, if

he keeps on offending over and over again, he doesn't deserve to be forgiven!

But Jesus says, " Rebuke him - let him know his fault; if he repents,

forgive him - even seven times in the same day!"

And the disciplines' response is predictable: "Lord, increase our faith!" They

were more comfortable with their own formula for forgiveness than with the

outrageous demands of the love that Christ imposed upon them.

We are so like the disciples. We want to draw a line and say. "This far

- no more. I'll forgive you once, but don't do it again. Now that you're

forgiven, you'd better shape up!". Yet God's love doesn't recognise "again".

He forgives, and no matter how often we come to him in repentance

for repeated offenses, his arms of forgiveness are open to us.

That is the way God wants us to forgive. He wants us to lay aside our

checklists, put away our suspicions, abandon our scoreboards, and forgive.

Seven times, or seventy times seven, as often as we have sinned against God

and been forgiven, we are to forgive.



Application



a) Have I ever kept a "scorecard" of performance on someone I

have forgiven ? Why?



b) Why do I need "increased faith" to be able to forgive as

Jesus calls me to?





4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Deut 30:19-20



19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,

that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.

Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,

that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,

for He is your life and the length of your days;

and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord

swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.



19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,

that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:

therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,

and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:

for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:

that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD

sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.



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



God's Freeing Forgiveness



Ps 103:1-14



PSALMS 103



A Psalm of David.



1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits,

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,

who heals all your diseases,

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord does righteousness

and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,

His acts to the people of Israel.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,

neither will He keep his anger forever.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,

so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,

so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.

14 For He knows how we are formed;

He remembers that we are dust.



Psalm 103



A Psalm of David.



1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:

And all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;

Who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;

Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;

So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment

For all that are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways unto Moses,

His acts unto the children of Israel.

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9 He will not always chide:

Neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;

Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,

So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west,

So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like as a father pitieth his children,

So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

14 For he knoweth our frame;

He remembereth that we are dust.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



Manitoba



Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba



Manitoba 2015 population 1 282 000



est Muslim Population 21 349



CNMM Networks: Winnipeg



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

diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting

it might be twice that size.

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

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

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

of this Muslim centre in Manitoba.

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

among Muslims in Winnipeg.



Let us intercede in unity for:



- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population

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

communities around them, as well as training new workers

- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim

background believers and for effectiveness in outreach

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

in the face of opposition to her new faith.

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

with great support

1 SAMUEL 6



The Ark Returned to Israel



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

of the Philistines seven months.

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

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

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

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

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

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

is not removed from you."

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

which we will return to Him?"

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

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

you all, and on your lords.

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

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

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

even from off your gods and from off your land.

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

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

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

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

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

and bring their calves home, away from them.

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

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

And send it away, that it may go.

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

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

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

that it happened to us."

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

and shut up their calves at home.

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

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

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

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

to the right hand or to the left with the lords of the Philistines walking

after them to the border of Beth Shemesh.

13 Now Beth Shemesh was reaping their wheat harvest in the valley.

And they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and they rejoiced to see it.

14 (2Sa 24:22) The cart came into the field of Joshua, the Beth Shemite,

and stood there where there was a great stone. And they split the wood

of the cart, and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord.

15 The Levites took down the ark of the Lord and the box that was with it,

where the articles of gold were, and put them on the great stone.

And the men of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices

the same day to the Lord.

16 (Jos 13:3; Jdg 3:3) When the five lords of the Philistines had seen it,

they returned to Ekron the same day.

17 These are the golden tumors which the Philistines returned for

a guilt offering to the Lord: for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Ashkelon one,

for Gath one, for Ekron one.

18 And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities

of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities,

and of country villages. And the great stone, where they set the ark

of the Lord, is a witness to this day in the field of Joshua,

the Beth Shemite.

19 (Ex 19:21; Nu 4:15) Then He struck the men of Beth Shem­esh,

because they had looked into the ark of the Lord. He struck 50070 men.

And the people lamented, because the Lord had struck the people

with a great slaughter.

20 (2Sa 6:9; Mal 3:2) The men of Beth Shemesh said, "Who is able to stand

before the Lord, this holy God? And to whom will He go up from us?"

21 (1Ch 13:5-6; Jos 9:17) And they sent messengers to the inhabitants

of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have brought back the ark

of the Lord. Come down, and take it up to you."



1 Samuel 6

[1] And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven

months.

[2] And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying,

What shall we do to the ark of the LORD? tell us wherewith we shall send it

to his place.

[3] And they said, If ye send away the ark of the God of Israel, send it not

empty; but in any wise return him a trespass offering: then ye shall be

healed, and it shall be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.

[4] Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall

return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice,

according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was

on you all, and on your lords.

[5] Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice

that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel:

peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods,

and from off your land.

[6] Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharoah

hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they

not let the people go, and they departed?

[7] Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there

hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home

from them:

[8] And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it upon the cart; and put the

jewels of gold, which ye return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by

the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.

[9] And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Beth-shemesh,

then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that is

not his hand that smote us; it was a chance that happened to us.

[10] And the men did so; and took two milch kine, and tied them to the cart,

and shut up their calves at home:

[11] And they laid the ark of the LORD upon the cart, and the coffer with

the mice of gold and the images of their emerods.

[12] And the kine took the straight way to the way of Beth-shemesh, and went

along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right

hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto

the border of Beth-shemesh.

[13] And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the

valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see

it.

[14] And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Beth-shemite, and stood

there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart,

and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD.

[15] And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD, and the coffer that was

with it, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone:

and the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed

sacrifices the same day unto the LORD.

[16] And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned

to Ekron the same day.

[17] And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a

trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon

one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;

[18] And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the

Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of

country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down

the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of

Joshua, the Beth-shemite.

[19] And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the

ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore

and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten many of

the people with a great slaughter.

[20] And the men of Beth-shemesh said, Who is able to stand before this holy

LORD God? and to whom shall he go up from us?

[21] And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, saying,

The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and

fetch it up to you.



1 SAMUEL 7



1 So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the Lord.

And they brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill,

and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord.

2 And from the day the ark resided in Kiriath Jearim,

the days increased to twenty years.



1 Samuel 7

[1] And the men of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD,

and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified

Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.

[2] And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, that the

time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented

after the LORD.



Samuel Judges Israel



And all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.

3 (Jos 24:14; Ge 35:2; Dt 6:13) Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel,

saying, "If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart,

then put away the foreign gods and Ashtoreths from your midst.

And make firm your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only.

Then He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."

4 So the children of Israel put away the Baals and Ashtoreths

and served the Lord only.

5 (Jdg 20:1) Then Samuel said, "Gather all Israel to Mizpah,

and I will pray to the Lord for you."

6 (Jdg 10:10; Ps 106:6) They gathered together to Mizpah.

And they drew water and poured it out before the Lord.

And they fasted on that day, and said there,

"We have sinned against the Lord."

So Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah.

7 (1Sa 17:11; 13:6) When the Philistines heard that the children

of Israel were gathered together to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines

went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it,

they were afraid of the Philistines.

8 (Isa 37:4; 1Sa 12:19-24) The children of Israel said to Samuel,

"Do not stop crying unto the Lord our God for us, that He might save us

out of the hand of the Philistines."

9 (Ps 99:6; Jer 15:1) Samuel took a suckling lamb, and offered it for a burnt

offering unto the Lord. And Samuel cried to the Lord for Israel and the Lord

heard him.

10 (1Sa 2:10; Jos 10:10) As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering,

the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel, but the Lord thundered

with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines, and confused them.

So they were beaten before Israel.

11 Israel's fighting men went out of Mizpah, and pursued the Philistines,

and struck them, as far as below Beth Kar.

12 (Ge 35:14; Jos 4:9) Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah

and Shen. And he called its name EbenezerLit.

Stone of help. saying, "Th

Day 98, 8 April 2025



1) 1 Samuel 4 , 1 Samuel 5, 1 Samuel 6, 1 Samuel 7, 1 Samuel 8



1 SAMUEL 4



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



The Ark of God Captured



And Israel went out to battle against the Philistines

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

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

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

down on the field of battle about four thousand men.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

with the ark of the covenant of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These are the gods that struck the Egyptians with every plague

in the wilderness.

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

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

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

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

for there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers.

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

of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.



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

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

pitched in Aphek.

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

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

of the army in the field about four thousand men.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

covenant of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

heretofore.

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

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

wilderness.

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

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

like men, and fight.

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

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

Israel thirty thousand footmen.

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

Phinehas, were slain.



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

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

and with dust upon his head.

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

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

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

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

"What does the noise of this tumult mean?"

And the man hurriedly came and told Eli.

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

so that he could not see.

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

and I fled today out of the battle line."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But she did not answer or regard it.

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

and told it, all the city cried out.

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

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

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

could not see.

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

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

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

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

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

taken.

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

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

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

forty years.

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

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

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

travailed; for her pains came upon her.

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

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

she regard it.

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

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

and her husband.

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

taken.



[Remember not to leave an evil legacy]



1 SAMUEL 5



The Philistines and the Ark



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

and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

even Ashdod and its territories.

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

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

Dagon our god."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And tumors broke out on them.

10 Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron.

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

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

to slay us and our people."

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

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

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

for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city.

The hand of God was very heavy there.

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

And the cry of the city went up to heaven.



1 Samuel 5

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

unto Ashdod.

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

of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

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

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

Dagon, and set him in his place again.

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

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

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

only the stump of Dagon was left to him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

upon Dagon our god.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

parts.

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

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

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

people.

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

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

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

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

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

the city went up to heaven.



[Only Yahweh is the True God]