2 Samuel 19

[31] And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over

Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

[32] Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had

provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very

great man.

[33] And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will

feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

[34] And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I

should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

[35] I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and

evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more

the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy

servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

[36] Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why

should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

[37] Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine

own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But

behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to

him what shall seem good unto thee.

[38] And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to

him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require

of me, that will I do for thee.

[39] And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over,

the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own

place.

[40] Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all

the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

[41] And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the

king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have

brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over

Jordan?

[42] And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king

is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we

eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift?

[43] And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten

parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then

did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back

our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of

the men of Israel.



2 Samuel 20

Sheba Rebels Against David

1 (1Ki 12:16; Dt 13:13) There happened to be a worthless man there whose name

was Sheba the son of Bikri, a Benjamite. He sounded the trumpet and said,

"We have no share in David,nor do we have an inheritance in the son of Jesse;

every man to his tents, O Israel."

2 So every man of Israel withdrew from following David and followed

after Sheba the son of Bikri, but the men of Judah stayed with their king,

from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem.

3 (2Sa 15:16; 16:21-22) When the king came to his house in Jerusalem,

he took the ten women, the concubines whom he had left to keep

watch over the house, and he placed them in custody. He provided

for them but did not go in to them. They were shut up until the day

of their deaths, living as in widowhood.

4 (2Sa 17:25; 19:13) Then the king said to Amasa, "Summon for me the men

of Judah in three days, then present yourself here."

5 (1Sa 13:8) So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he delayed beyond

the deadline determined for him.

6 (2Sa 11:11; 21:17) So David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bikri

will cause more harm for us than Absalom. You take your lord's servants

and pursue after him. Otherwise, he will find fortified cities and escape

from our sight."

7 (2Sa 8:18; 1Ki 1:38) The men of Joab went out after him,

along with the Kerethites, the Pelethites, and all of the warriors;

and they went out from Jerusalem to pursue after Sheba the son of Bikri.

8 (2Sa 2:13; 3:30) When they were at the large stone which is in Gibeon,

Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was dressed in his battle armor,

and fastened on it was a belt with a sword in its sheath at the waist.

As he went forward, it fell out.

9 Joab said to Amasa, "Is it well with you, my brother?" and he took Amasa

by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.

10 (2Sa 2:23; 3:27) Amasa was not on guard against the sword

in the hand of Joab, and he struck him in the midsection spilling

his entrails on the ground. He died without being struck a second time.

Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bikri.

11 (2Sa 20:13) Now one of the young men of Joab stood by him and said,

"Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab."

12 Now Amasa was wallowing in his own blood in the middle of the path.

When the man saw that all of the people stood still, he moved Amasa

from the path to the field and threw a covering over him,

when he observed that everyone who passed by would stop.

13 Once he removed him from the path, all of the men passed by,

following Joab in pursuit of Sheba the son of Bikri.

14 (2Ki 15:29) He passed through all of the tribes of Israel toward

Abel Beth Maakah, also passing by all of the Bikrites. Once assembled,

they also came after him.

15 (2Ki 19:32; Jer 32:24) They came and besieged him in Abel Beth Maakah.

They constructed a siege ramp against the city, standing it against

the rampart. As all of the people who were with Joab were battering

the city wall in order to bring it down,

16 (2Sa 14:2) a wise woman called from the city, "Listen! Listen! Say to Joab,

'Come closer so that I may speak with you.' "

17 When he came near, the woman said, "Are you Joab?" He said, "I am."

She said to him, "Listen to the words of your servant,"

and he said, "I'm listening."

18 She said, "In former times, they would say,

'Let them inquire carefully in Abel,' and thus they would resolve an issue.

19 (1Sa 26:19; 2Sa 21:3) I am a trustworthy and faithful one of Israel.

You are attempting to destroy a city, even a mother, in Israel.

Why do you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?"

20 Joab responded, "Far be it, far be it from me to swallow up or destroy.

21 That is not true. But a man from the hill country of Ephraim,

Sheba the son of Bikri by name, has lifted his hand against King David.

Only deliver him, and I will depart from the city."

And the woman said to Joab, "His head will be thrown to you over the wall."

22 (2Sa 20:1) The woman, with her wisdom, came to all of the people

in the city, and they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bikri.

When they threw it to Joab, he blew the horn, and they dispersed

from the city, each going to his own tent.

Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.



2 Samuel 20

[1] And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba,

the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no

part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to

his tents, O Israel.

[2] So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the

son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even

to Jerusalem.

[3] And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten

women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in

ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the

day of their death, living in widowhood.

[4] Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three

days, and be thou here present.

[5] So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than

the set time which he had appointed him.

[6] And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more

harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him,

lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.

[7] And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the

Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to

pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

[8] When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before

them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it

a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as

he went forth it fell out.

[9] And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took

Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

[10] But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he

smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground,

and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother

pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.

[11] And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab,

and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.

[12] And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the

man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway

into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that

came by him stood still.

[13] When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after

Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.

[14] And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to

Beth-maachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went

also after him.

[15] And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maachah, and they cast

up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people

that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

[16] Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you,

unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.

[17] And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And

he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine

handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.

[18] Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying,

They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.

[19] I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou

seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up

the inheritance of the LORD?

[20] And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should

swallow up or destroy.

[21] The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of

Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against

David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said

unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.

[22] Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off

the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a

trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab

returned to Jerusalem unto the king.



David's Officials



23 (2Sa 8:16-18) Now Joab was over the entire army of Israel.

Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites.

24 (1Ki 4:3; 12:18) Adoniram was over conscripted labor. Jehoshaphat

the son of Ahilud was secretary.

25 (2Sa 8:17; 1Ki 4:4) Sheva was scribe. Zadok and Abiathar were priests,

26 (2Sa 23:38) and also Ira the Jairite was priest to David.



[23] Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of

Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

[24] And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was

recorder:

[25] And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:

[26] And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

1)2 Samuel 19, 2 Samuel 20, 2 Samuel 21, 1 Chronicles 20:4-8



2 Samuel 19

1 (2Sa 18:5; 18:14) It was reported to Joab that the king was weeping

and mourning over Absalom.

2 The victory that day was turned into mourning for all of the people,

for the people heard that day, "The king is grieving for his son."

3 So the people entered the city by stealth that day, as a people

who have been disgraced steal away when they flee from battle.

4 (2Sa 15:30; 18:33) The king covered his face and called with

a loud voice, "My son Absalom, my son, my son!"

5 Then Joab came to the king in his house and said,

"Today you have shamed the faces of all of your servants

who saved your life today, as well as the lives of your sons and daughters,

the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines,

6 by loving those who hated you and hating those who love you.

You have shown today that commanders and servants are nothing to you.

I know that if Absalom were alive instead today and all of us were dead,

then this would be right in your eyes.

7 (Pr 14:28; Ge 34:3) Now go out and speak reassuringly to your servants,

for I swear by the Lord that if you do not go out, no man will stay with you

this night, and this will be worse for you than any calamity that has come

against you from your youth until now."

8 (2Sa 18:24; 18:4) So the king arose and took his seat in the gate,

and the people were all told, "The king is sitting in the gate."

So all the people came before the king, but the children of Israel

had fled, each to his tent.



[1] And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

[2] And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people:

for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.

[3] And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people

being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.

[4] But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O

my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

[5] And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed

this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life,

and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives,

and the lives of thy concubines;

[6] In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast

declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for

this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this

day, then it had pleased thee well.

[7] Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants:

for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with

thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that

befell thee from thy youth until now.

[8] Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the

people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people

came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.



David Returns to Jerusalem



9 (2Sa 15:14; 8:1-14) Now all of the people began to quarrel throughout

all of the tribes of Israel, saying, "The king delivered us from the hand

of our enemies, and he saved us from the hand of the Philistines,

but now he has fled from the land on account of Absalom.

10 But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle.

Now why are you idle to bring back the king?"

11 (2Sa 15:29) Then David sent word to Zadok and Abiathar the priests,

saying, "Speak to the elders of Israel, saying, 'Why are you last to bring

the king back to his house when the word of all Israel has come to the king,

to his house?

12 (2Sa 5:1) You are my brother. You are my bone and my flesh.

Why are you last to bring back the king?'

13 (2Sa 17:25; Ru 1:17) Say to Amasa, 'Are you not my bone and my flesh?

May God do to me, and more so, if you are not commander of the army

before me from now on in the place of Joab.' "

14 (Jdg 20:1) He swayed the heart of every man of Judah as though they were

one man, and they sent a message to the king:

"Return, you and all of your servants."

15 (Jos 5:9; 1Sa 11:14-15) So the king returned and came as far as the Jordan,

and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and bring the king

across the Jordan.

16 (1Ki 2:8; 2Sa 16:5-13) Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite who was

from Bahurim, hastened to go down with the men of Judah to meet King David.

17 (2Sa 9:2; 16:1-4) With him were a thousand men from Benjamin. And Ziba,

the servant of the house of Saul, with his fifteen sons and twenty servants,

rushed down to the Jordan before the king.

18 They crossed the ford to bring the household of the king across

and to do what was pleasing in his eyes.

Shimei the son of Gera fell before the king as he was crossing the Jordan,

19 (1Sa 22:15) and he said to the king, "Do not regard me as guilty, my lord,

or remember how your servant went astray the day when my lord the king

went out from Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart.

20 (2Sa 16:5) For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore, I have

come this day, first from all of the house of Joseph, to go down to meet

my lord the king."

21 (Ex 22:28; 1Sa 26:9) Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered,

"Shall not Shimei be put to death for this,

because he cursed the anointed of the Lord?"

22 (1Sa 11:13; 2Sa 16:10) David said, "What do you sons of Zeruiah

have against me that you should become an adversary to me today?

Should any man in Israel be put to death today?

For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?"

23 (1Ki 2:8-9; 2:37) The king said to Shimei, "You will not die."

The king gave him his oath.

24 Then Mephibosheth the son of Saul went down to meet the king.

He had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his mustache, nor washed

his clothes from the day the king left until the day he came back in peace.

25 (2Sa 16:17) When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king

said to him, "Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?"

26 He said, "My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For your servant said,

'I will saddle the mule for myself in order to ride on

it and go with the king,' because your servant is lame.

27 (2Sa 14:17; 14:20) But he has slandered your servant to my lord the king.

Still my lord the king is as the angel of God, so do what seems best to you.

28 (2Sa 9:13; 9:10) For all my father's house were but dead men

before my lord the king. Yet you set your servant among those who eat

at your table. What right do I have to cry out any more to the king?"

29 The king said to him, "Why do you still speak of your affairs?

I say that you and Ziba shall divide the field."

30 Mephibosheth said to the king, "Let him even take everything,

since my lord the king has come safely to his house."



[9] And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel,

saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered

us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land

for Absalom.

[10] And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore

why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?

[11] And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak

unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back

to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to

his house.

[12] Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye

the last to bring back the king?

[13] And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do

so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me

continually in the room of Joab.

[14] And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of

one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy

servants.

[15] So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to

go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.

[16] And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted

and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

[17] And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the

servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants

with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.

[18] And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household,

and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before

the king, as he was come over Jordan;

[19] And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me,

neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that

my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his

heart.

[20] For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am

come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my

lord the king.

[21] But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be

put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?

[22] And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye

should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death

this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?

[23] Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king

sware unto him.

[24] And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had

neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes,

from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

[25] And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king,

that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me,

Mephibosheth?

[26] And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy

servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to

the king; because thy servant is lame.

[27] And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord

the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.

[28] For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king:

yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table.

What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?

[29] And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters?

I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

[30] And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch

as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.



31 (1Ki 2:7) Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim

in order to see the king across the Jordan.

32 (1Sa 25:2) Barzillai was very old, eighty years old. But he sustained

the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man.

33 The king said to Barzillai, "Cross over with me and I will sustain you

with me in Jerusalem."

34 Barzillai said to the king, "How many days are left in my life that

I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?

35 (2Sa 15:33; Ezr 2:65) I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what

is pleasant from what is harmful? Can your servant taste what I eat

and what I drink? Can I still hear the voices of men and women who sing?

Why, then, should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?

36 Your servant is merely crossing over the Jordan with the king.

Why should the king repay me with this reward?

37 (1Ki 2:7; Jer 41:17) Now allow your servant to return, that I may die

in my own city with the grave of my father and my mother.

But here is your servant Kimham. He will cross over with my lord the king.

Do for him what seems best to you."

38 The king said, "Kimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him

what seems best to you. Whatever you require of me, I will do for you."

39 (Ge 31:55; 47:7; Ru 1:14) All of the people crossed over the Jordan.

And when the king had crossed over, the king kissed Barzillai a

nd blessed him and he returned to his own place.

40 The king passed on to Gilgal, and Kimham went on with him;

all of the people of Judah and half of the people of Israel passed

on with the king.

41 (Jdg 8:1; 12:1) Now all of the men of Israel were coming to the king

and said to the king, "Why have our brothers, the men of Judah,

stolen you away and brought the king and his household across the Jordan,

and all of the men of David with him?"

42 (2Sa 19:12) All of the men of Judah answered the men of Israel,

"Because the king is our close relative. Why are you angry over this matter?

Have we eaten at all at the king's expense? Has he given any gift to us?"

43 (2Sa 5:1; Gal 5:20) And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah

and said, "We have ten shares in the king. Therefore we also have more claim

on David than you. Why then did you treat us with contempt?

Were we not the first to advise bringing back our king?"

But the words of the men of Judah were harsher than the words

of the men of Israel.

Day 137, 17 May 2026



today at Calvary Community Church

, Pastor Barry Regier joined by His wife Lori-Anne spoke on Living

Counter-Cultural ... Goldy Marriages ... Wives



We stand in respect becuase we blieve when Scripute is opeoend, God speakes.



check Nehemiah 8.



A) Accept you husband's authority



1 Peter 3:1a



Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, (MEB)



Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; (KJV)



1 Peter 2:13



13 (Titus 3:1) Submit yourselves to every human authority for the Lord's sake,

whether it be to the king, as supreme,



[13] Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:

whether it be to the king, as supreme;



Ephesians 5:22



22 (Ge 3:16; 1Co 14:34) Wives, be submissive to your own husbands

as unto the Lord.



[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.



Colossians 3:18



18 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands,

as it is fitting in the Lord.



[18] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the

Lord.



1 Peter 3:1b-2



so that if any do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the

conduct of their wives,

2 as they see the purity and reverence of your lives.



that, if any

obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation

of the wives;

[2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.



1 Peter 2:21-25



21 (Ac 14:22; Mt 16:24) For to this you were called, because Christ suffered

for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

22 (Isa 53:9; 2Co 5:21) "He committed no sin,

nor was deceit found in His mouth."(Isa 53:9.)

23 (Isa 53:7; Lk 23:46) When He was reviled, He did not revile back; when He

suffered, He did not threaten, but He entrusted Himself to Him who judges

righteously.

24 (Ro 6:2; 6:11) He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree,

that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.

"By His wounds you were healed."(Isa 53:5).

25 (Isa 53:6; Ps 119:176)

For you were as sheep going astray, but now have been returned

to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.



[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

[23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he

threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

[24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we,

being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were

healed.

[25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the

Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.



B) Pursue Inner beauty



1 Peter 3:3-5



3 (Isa 3:18-24) Do not let your adorning be the outward adorning

of braiding the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine clothing.

4 (Ro 7:22; Ps 149:4) But let it be the hidden nature of the heart, that which

is not corruptible, even the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is

very precious in the sight of God.

5 (1Ti 5:5) For in this manner, in the old times, the holy women, who trusted

in God, adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,



[3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair,

and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

[4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not

corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the

sight of God of great price.

[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted

in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:



1 Peter 3:4



4 (Ro 7:22; Ps 149:4) But let it be the hidden nature of the heart, that which

is not corruptible, even the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is

very precious in the sight of God.



[4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not

corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the

sight of God of great price.



Proverbs 11:22



22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout,

so is a fair woman who is without discretion.



22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout,

So is a fair woman which is without discretion.



praus - Strength under control



Phillipians 4:8



8 (Ac 6:3; 10:22) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever

things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.



[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are

honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever

things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any

virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.



1 Peter 3:5



5 (1Ti 5:5) For in this manner, in the old times, the holy women, who trusted

in God, adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,



[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted

in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:



C) Trust God above all



1 Peter 3:6



6 (Ge 18:12) even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You are her

children as long as you do right and are not afraid with any terror.



[6] Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are,

as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.



Not perfection. But Christlikeness.



Ephesians 5:21-33



Walk as Children of Light



21 (Php 2:3; Eph 5:22) being submissive to one another in the fear of God.



[21] Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.



Wives and Husbands



22 (Ge 3:16; 1Co 14:34) Wives, be submissive to your own husbands

as unto the Lord.

23 (Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18) For the husband is the head of the wife,

just as Christ is the head and Savior of the church, which is His body.

24 (Col 3:20; 3:22) But as the church submits to Christ,

so also let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

25 (Eph 5:28; Col 3:19) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ

also loved the church and gave Himself for it,

26 (Ac 22:16; 1Co 6:11) that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing

of water by the word,

27 (2Co 11:2; Col 1:22; Eph 1:4) and that He might present to Himself

a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing,

but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 (Eph 5:25; 5:33) In this way men ought to love their wives as their

own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it,

just as the Lord cares for the church.

30 (1Co 6:15; Ge 2:23) For we are members of His body, of His flesh

and of His bones.

31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother

and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh."(Ge 2:24. )

32 This is a great mystery, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

33 (Eph 5:25) However, let each one of you love his wife as himself,

and let the wife see that she respects her husband.



[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of

the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to

their own husbands in every thing.

[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and

gave himself for it;

[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the

word,

[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot,

or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without

blemish.

[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth

his wife loveth himself.

[29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth

it, even as the Lord the church:

[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

[31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be

joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

[33] Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even

as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 7 - The Great Exchange



2 Cor 5:21 - God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,

that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.



21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.



People were talking ; the gossip lines were busy day and night.

Andrea, a Bible study leader and pillar of the church, had been

accused of indiscretion with a married man, another member

of the congregation. The rumours were proven untrue,

but that hardly mattered anymore. The damage was done.

"It's just not far," Andrea said. " It was all so unnecessary.

And now, even though I've done nothing wrong, my relationship

with that church will never be the same again."

We all know what pain is caused by undeserved accusation,

rejection, and misunderstanding. Sometimes, when the smoke clears,

irreparable damage has been done, even when no sin has occurred.

We can understand the torment that comes when we've sinned,

but when we've done nothing wrong, the injustice seem unbearable.

Jesus knew what it was to suffer unjustly. He had never sinned at all,

yet he 'became sin' for us. He gave himself in an outrageous exchange:

he took our sin and gave us his righteousness.

Living in this exchange does not mean, of course, that we will be exempt

from pain, that we will never again suffer unjustly or be subject

to rejection. But in Christ, we are declared righteous before God,

just as Jesus himself is righteous. And as we submit

to the Holy Spirit's work in us, we become righteous ,

obeying him and growing in grace. Christ endured rejection

for us so that we might live in him.



Application



a) Have I ever suffered unjustly or been rejected by someone without cause?



b) How can this verse, coupled with my own experience give me a greater

depth of appreciation of what Christ suffered for me?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Philip 4:19



19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according

to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.



19 But my God shall supply all your need according

to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.



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



God's Reconciling Peace



Ps 85:8-13



8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I will hear what God the Lord will speak,

for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints,

but let them not turn again to folly.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Surely His salvation is near to them who fear Him,

that glory may dwell in our land.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Mercy and truth have met together;

righteousness and peace have kissed.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Truth springs from the ground,

and righteousness looks down from the sky.

12 Yes, the Lord gives that which is good,

and our land shall yield its increase.

13 Righteousness shall go before Him

and prepare a way for His footsteps.



8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak:

For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints:

But let them not turn again to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him;

That glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth are met together;

Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11 Truth shall spring out of the earth;

And righteousness shall look down from heaven.

12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good;

And our land shall yield her increase.

13 Righteousness shall go before him;

And shall set us in the way of his steps.



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?)



Ontario



Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario



Ontario 2015 population 13 687 7000



est Muslim Population 1 001 542



CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,

Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor



Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that

the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most

Muslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching

from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly

resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontario. Mosques

are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools

are starting.

And they're not complacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their

advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,

the local mosque distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour

brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of

"reverts", or white Canadians who have converted to Islam as a result of

receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Another town

reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.

Agree in prayer for:



- net network leaders - the need is great

- the development of network leadership teams

- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals

whom God is calling into this ministry.

- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising

believers

- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas

- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love

towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.



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!



And



Thank you for praying through the

5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.



"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,

I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to

cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.



Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians

and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the

love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.

One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by

light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.



As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and

confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution

to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.



Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.

Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father

to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.



I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.

God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through

the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom

and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."



13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy

and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,

through the power of the Holy Spirit.



[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that

ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.



ROMANS 15:13



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



16th Day of the Month



a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false

idea that all moral choices are equal and

without consequences

( John 16:7-8



7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.

For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.

But if I go, I will send Him to you.

8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin

and of righteousness and of judgment"



7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness, and of judgment:



)



b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly

of denying God's supremacy



(



John 14:6



6 Jesus said to him,

"I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through Me."



6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.



Rom 3:19-20



19 Now we know that whatever the law says,

it says to those who are under the law,

so that every mouth may be silenced,

and all the world may become accountable to God.

20 Therefore by the works of the law

no flesh will be justified in His sight,

for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.



19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are

under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become

guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified

in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.



2 Cor 5:10



10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,

that each one may receive his recompense in the body,

according to what he has done,

whether it was good or bad.



10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one

may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,

whether it be good or bad.



2 Cor 10:5



5 casting down imaginations and every high thing

that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,

bringing every thought into

captivity to the obedience of Christ,



5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against

the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought

to the obedience of Christ;

)



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray for righteousness and integrity in your life.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me discern the voice of

the thief and instead tune my ears to Your voice."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know Lord Jesus Christ who became sin for us.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord the supplier of needs.



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord of Mecry and Righteousness .



Agree in prayer for Ontario:



- get network leaders - the need is great

- the development of network leadership teams

- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals

whom God is calling into this ministry.

- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising

believers

- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas

- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love

towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray continually for Sikhs to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.



Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false

idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences



Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly

of denying God's supremacy.



Although the government of Oman

restricts the sale of Bibles, pray for increased access to God's Word.



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

Psalms 61

For the Music Director. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

1 Hear my cry, O God,

attend to my prayer.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) From the end of the earth I will cry to You;

when my heart faints,

lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For You have been a refuge for me,

and a strong tower from the enemy.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) I will abide in Your tent forever;

I will seek refuge in the covering of Your wings. Selah

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For You, O God, have heard my vows;

You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) May You prolong the king's life,

and may his years be as many generations.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) May he sit enthroned before God forever;

oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Thus will I sing praise to Your name forever,

that I may fulfill my vows day by day.



Psalm 61

[1] Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

[2] From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is

overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

[3] For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

[4] I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of

thy wings. Selah.

[5] For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of

those that fear thy name.

[6] Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations.

[7] He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may

preserve him.

[8] So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform

my vows.



Psalms 62

For the Music Director. According to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

1 My soul waits in silence on God alone;

from Him comes my salvation.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) He only is my rock and my salvation;

He is my refuge; I will not be greatly shaken.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) How long will you attack a man,

to batter him, all of you,

as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) They only conspire to cast him down

from his high position;

they delight in lies,

they bless with their mouth,

but they curse inwardly. Selah

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) My soul, wait silently for God,

for my hope is from Him.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) He only is my rock and my salvation;

He is my refuge; I will not be moved.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) In God is my salvation and my glory;

the rock of my strength, and my shelter, is in God.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Trust in Him at all times;

you people, pour out your heart before Him;

God is a shelter for us. Selah

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Surely people of low degree are a breath,

and men of high degree are a lie;

if they are placed in the balance,

they are altogether lighter than vapor.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Do not trust in oppression,

and do not become vain in robbery;

if riches increase,

do not set your heart on them.

11(Ps 42:5; 43:5) God has spoken once,

twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God.

12 Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;

for You render to each one

according to his work.



Psalm 62

[1] Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

[2] He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be

greatly moved.

[3] How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all

of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

[4] They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in

lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

[5] My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

[6] He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be

moved.

[7] In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my

refuge, is in God.

[8] Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him:

God is a refuge for us. Selah.

[9] Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie:

to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

[10] Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches

increase, set not your heart upon them.

[11] God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth

unto God.

[12] Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every

man according to his work.



Psalms 64

For the Music Director. A Psalm of David.

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint;

guard my life from dread of the enemy.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked,

from the throng of the workers of iniquity;

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) they sharpen their tongue like a sword,

and bend their bows to shoot their arrows - bitter words,

4Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8 that they may shoot in secret at the blameless;

suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.

5Ps 42:11; 43:5 They harden themselves in an evil matter;

they talk privately of laying snares;

they say, "Who will see them?"

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) They devise injustice,

saying "We have perfected a secret plot."

Both the inward thought of man and the heart are deep.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) But God will suddenly shoot them with an arrow;

they will be wounded.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) They will bring ruin on themselves

by their own tongues;

all who see them will flee away.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) All people will fear,

and declare the work of God;

they will wisely consider His deeds.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) The righteous will be glad in the Lord,

and seek refuge in Him,

and all the upright in heart will glory.



Psalms 64

[1] Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the

enemy.

[2] Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of

the workers of iniquity:

[3] Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their

arrows, even bitter words:

[4] That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at

him, and fear not.

[5] They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying

snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

[6] They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the

inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.

[7] But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be

wounded.

[8] So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that

see them shall flee away.

[9] And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they

shall wisely consider of his doing.

[10] The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and

all the upright in heart shall glory.



2) Our Daily Bread for 16 May 2026 Titled Listening

to the Good Shepherd by Elisa Morgan



John 10:1-10



The Parable of the Shepherd



1 "Truly, truly I say to you, he who does not enter by the door

into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, is a thief and a robber.

2 (Jn 10:14) But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 (Jn 10:4; 10:16) To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice.

He calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out.

4 (Jn 10:16) When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them.

And the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

5 Yet they will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him.

For they do not know the voice of strangers."

6 Jesus told them this parable, but they did not understand

what He was telling them.



[1] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into

the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a

robber.

[2] But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

[3] To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth

his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

[4] And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the

sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

[5] And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they

know not the voice of strangers.

[6] This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things

they were which he spake unto them.



Jesus the Good Shepherd



7 (Jn 10:9; 10:1) Then Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly I say to you,

I am the door of the sheep.

8 (Eze 34:2; Jn 10:1) All who came before Me are thieves and robbers,

but the sheep did not listen to them.

9 (Jn 10:1; 14:6) I am the door. If anyone enters through Me,

he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

10 (Jn 6:33; Heb 7:25) The thief does not come, except to steal and kill

and destroy. I came that they may have life, and that they may have it

more abundantly.



[7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am

the door of the sheep.

[8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did

not hear them.

[9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall

go in and out, and find pasture.

[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I

am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more

abundantly.



I opened my online banking app and discovered two withdrawals over $500 each,

which I hadn't made. Panicked, I called the bank and discovered my identity

had been stolen. With the bank's help, I was able to reinstate my good

standing, but the experience taught me to be alert to prevent such thefts

in the future.



In John 10:10, Jesus warns that “"he thief comes only to steal and kill and

destroy." Rebuking religious leaders who opposed Him for healing on the

Sabbath (9:13-15), Jesus revealed their motive: to steal, kill, and destroy.

Our spiritual enemy, Satan, plots to steal our understanding of God's

grace - and the freedom Jesus' death provides for us. Hope and help come

earlier in the passage where Jesus described Himself as the good shepherd

who calls His sheep by name (10:2-4). The good shepherd's sheep

"will run away from [a thief] because they do not recognise a stranger's

voice" (v. 5).



We sometimes find ourselves victimised by the evil in our world. But our

loving God invites us into a practice of discernment where we learn to

recognise and avoid the voice of our enemy who wants to steal, kill, and

destroy. As we tune our ears to the voice of our Good Shepherd, we can

trust Him to lead us to life "to the full" (v. 10).



Reflect & Pray



Where in your life is "the thief" seeking to harm you?

How will you listen for the voice of the Shepherd who

longs to lead you to Himself and provide abundant life?



Dear God, please help me discern the voice of

the thief and instead tune my ears to Your voice.





Learn how to find peace in a troubled world.

Day 136, 16 May 2026



1) Psalms 26,40,58,61,62,64



Psalms 26



A Psalm of David.

1 Judge me, O Lord,

for I have walked in my integrity.

I have trusted in the Lord;

I will not slip.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Examine me, O Lord, and test me;

try my affections and my heart.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5 ) For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,

and I have walked in Your truth.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) I have not sat with the worthless,

nor will I go with hypocrites.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I have hated the congregation of evildoers,

and will not sit with the wicked.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) I will wash my hands in innocence;

thus I will go around Your altar, O Lord,

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,

and tell of all Your wondrous works.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Lord, I have loved the refuge of Your house,

and the place where Your honor dwells.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2 ) Do not gather my soul with sinners,

nor my life with murderers,

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) in whose hands is wickedness,

and their right hand is full of bribes.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) But as for me, I will walk in my integrity;

redeem me and be gracious to me.

12 My foot stands in an even place;

with the congregations I will bless the Lord.



Psalm 26

[1] Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted

also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.

[2] Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

[3] For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes:

and I have walked in thy truth.

[4] I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

[5] I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the

wicked.

[6] I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O

LORD:

[7] That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy

wondrous works.

[8] LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where

thine honour dwelleth.

[9] Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

[10] In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.

[11] But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be

merciful unto me.

[12] My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless

the LORD.



Psalms 40

Ps 70:1-5



For the Music Director. A Psalm of David.



1 I waited patiently for the Lord,

and He turned to me, and heard my cry.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,

out of the miry clay,

and set my feet on a rock,

and established my steps.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He has put a new song in my mouth,

even praise to our God;

many will see it, and fear,

and will trust in the Lord.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Blessed is the man

who places trust in the Lord,

but does not turn toward the proud,

nor those falling away to falsehood.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) O Lord my God,

You have done many wonderful works,

and Your thoughts toward us

cannot be compared;

if I would declare and speak of them,

they are more than can be numbered.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9 ) Sacrifice and offering You did not desire;

You have opened up my ears to listen.

Burnt offering and sin offering

You have not required.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Then I said, "Behold, I have come;

in the scroll of the book it is written of me,

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I delight to do Your will, O my God;

Your law is within my inward parts."

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I have proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation;

I have not held back my lips,

O Lord, You know.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;

I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation;

I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth

from the great congregation.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not withhold Your compassion from me, O Lord;

may Your lovingkindness and Your truth always guard me.

12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me;

my iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up;

they are more than the hairs of my head

so that my heart fails me.

13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me;

O Lord, make haste to help me.

14 May those seeking to snatch away my life

be ashamed and confounded together;

may those who desire my harm

be driven backward and dishonored.

15 May those who say to me "Aha, aha!"

be appalled on account of their shame.

16 May all those who seek You

rejoice and be glad in You;

may those who love Your salvation say continually,

"The Lord is magnified."

17 But I am poor and needy;

yet the Lord thinks about me.

You are my help and my deliverer;

do not delay, O my God.



Psalm 40

[1] I waited patiently for the LORD;

and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

[2] He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and

set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

[3] And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many

shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

[4] Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not

the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

[5] Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and

thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto

thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be

numbered.

[6] Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou

opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

[7] Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

[8] I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

[9] I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not

refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

[10] I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy

faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and

thy truth from the great congregation.

[11] Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy

lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

[12] For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have

taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the

hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

[13] Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

[14] Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to

destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

[15] Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha,

aha.

[16] Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as

love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

[17] But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my

help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.



Psalms 58

For the Music Director. To the melody of "Do Not Destroy."A Miktam of David.



1 Do you truly speak righteousness, O heavenly gods?

Do you judge uprightly, O earthly men?

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Indeed, in the heart you work wickedness;

you weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) The wicked are estranged from the womb onward;

those who speak lies go astray from birth.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Their poison is like the poison of a serpent;

they are like the deaf adder that plugs its ear,

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) and will not listen to the voice of charmers,

even the best and wisest enchanter.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Break their teeth in their mouth, O God;

break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Lord.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) May they melt away as waters which run continually;

when he bends his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be trodden under.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) May they become as a snail that melts as it goes,

like the untimely birth of a woman, may they not see the sun.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Before your pots can feel the thorns- heat, green or burning,

may He sweep them away.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance;

he will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) and people will say,

"Surely there is a reward for the righteous;

surely there is a God who judges on the earth."



Psalm 58

[1] Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly,

O ye sons of men?

[2] Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in

the earth.

[3] The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they

be born, speaking lies.

[4] Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf

adder that stoppeth her ear;

[5] Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.

[6] Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of

the young lions, O LORD.

[7] Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his

bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.

[8] As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the

untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.

[9] Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a

whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.

[10] The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash

his feet in the blood of the wicked.

[11] So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous:

verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

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



http://www.ehc.ca



15th Day of the Month



a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous

standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11)



8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin

and of righteousness and of judgment:

9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;

10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,

and you will see Me no more;

11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."



8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

)



b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia



I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, that God's Spirit would influence

them to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.

( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4

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

intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

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

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

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

Savior,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)

who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet

and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.



)



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to be an honourable leader in your family.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for the ways

Your beauty fills the world. Please help me see and celebrate Your beauty

and the work of Your Spirit all around us."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know Eternal Life start now.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a good steward in the Eyes of the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray that the peace of God rule in your hearts .



Agree in prayer for Ontario:



- get network leaders - the need is great

- the development of network leadership teams

- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals

whom God is calling into this ministry.

- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising

believers

- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas

- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love

towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray continually for Sikhs to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.



Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous

standards of living



Pray for Christians displaced by Islamists' attacks - both Nigeriens

and those seeking refuge in

Niger.



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

3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association



Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools



Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 6 - Eternal Life, Beginning now



John 10:28 - I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,

nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand.



28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.



In C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, one of the Spirits in heaven, identifying

himself as George MacDonald, makes some startling statements on the nature of

eternal life. Depending upon the individual's choice for or against Christ,

MacDonald says, everything in life takes on the character of haven or hell.

"At the end of ALL THINGS, when the sun rises here (in heaven) and the twilight

turns to blackness down there, the Blessed will say, 'We have never lived

anywhere except in Heaven,' and the Lost, 'We were always in Hell.'

And both will speak truly" - From the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.

Lewis was not trying to make a theological case, but to demonstrate

a principle: eternal life begins now.

The choices that we make for or against obedience to God, the life we live,

the patterns we establish, all move us in one direction of the other.

And when we have decided to choose obedience to God (the forsakeness of sin),

when we give ourselves fully into his hands, he is able to take the worst of

circumstances and redeem them for our good, use them to mature us in his image.

Again Jesus says in John 10:28

"I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,

nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand. "

In Christ is a very secure place to be. No experience is lost, no pain is

wasted. Everything in our lives is redeemed by God for our benefit.



Application



a) How have I experienced the truth that "eternal life begins now"?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Luke 16:10-12



10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful

also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also

in much.

11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,

who will commit to your trust the true riches?

12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,

who will give you that which is your own?"



10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:

and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,

who will commit to your trust the true riches?

12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,

who shall give you that which is your own?



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



God's Reconciling Peace



Col 3:12-17



12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,

a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.

13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another

and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,

even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.

14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,

which is the bond of perfection.

15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,

to which also you are called in one body,

rule in your hearts. And be thankful.

16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell

in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing

one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through Him.



12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,

kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have

a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye

are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God and the Father by him.



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?)



Ontario



Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario



Ontario 2015 population 13 687 7000



est Muslim Population 1 001 542



CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,

Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor



Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that

the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most

Muslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching

from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly

resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontario. Mosques

are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools

are starting.

And they're not complacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their

advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,

the local mosque distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour

brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of

"reverts", or white Canadians who have converted to Islam as a result of

receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Another town

reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.

Agree in prayer for:



- net network leaders - the need is great

- the development of network leadership teams

- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals

whom God is calling into this ministry.

- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising

believers

- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas

- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love

towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.



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!



And



Thank you for praying through the

5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.



"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,

I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to

cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.



Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians

and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the

love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.

One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by

light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.



As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and

confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution

to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.



Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.

Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father

to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.



I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.

God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through

the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom

and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."



13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy

and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,

through the power of the Holy Spirit.



[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that

ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.



ROMANS 15:13



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, ...) .

2 Samuel 18





David Mourns



19 (2Sa 15:36; 18:31) Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said,

"Allow me to run and bring the news to the king that the Lord

has delivered him from the hand of his enemies."

20 But Joab said to him, "You will not be a man who bears news today;

you may bear news another day. Today you will not bear news

because the king's son is dead."

21 Then Joab said to the Cushite, "Go, report to the king what you have seen."

The Cushite bowed to Joab, then ran off.

22 Ahimaaz again said to Joab, "Whatever may happen,

let me run also, after the Cushite."

Then Joab said, "Why is it that you want to run, my son?

There is no messenger's reward for you to obtain."

23 "Whatever happens, I want to run."

So he said to him, "Run." So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain

and passed the Cushite.

24 (2Sa 19:8) Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman

went up to the roof of the gate, to the city wall. He lifted his eyes and

saw a man running by himself.

25 The watchman called and told the king.

The king said, "If he is alone, there is news in his mouth."

And he came ever closer.

26 Then the watchman saw another man running.

The watchman called to the gatekeeper and said,

"Look there is another man running alone."

The king said, "He also is bringing news."

27 (2Ki 9:20; 1Ki 1:42) The watchman said,

"I think that the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz."

The king said, "He is a good man and comes with good news."

28 (Ge 14:20; 2Sa 14:4) Then Ahimaaz called to the king and said,

"All is well." He bowed down to the ground before the king and said,

"Blessed be the Lord your God who has handed over the men who raised

their hand against my lord the king."

29 (2Sa 18:22) The king said, "Is it well for the young man Absalom?"

Ahimaaz said, "I saw a great commotion when Joab sent the servant of the king,

your servant, but I do not know what it was."

30 The king said, "Step aside and stand here." So he stepped aside

and stood in position.

31 (2Sa 18:19) Then the Cushite came and said, "Good news for my lord

the king, for today the Lord has delivered you from those who rose up

against you."

32 (Jdg 5:31; 1Sa 25:26) The king said to the Cushite,

"Is it well for the young man Absalom?"

The Cushite said, "May the enemies of my lord the king and all

who would rise up against you to do harm become as the young man is."

33 (2Sa 19:4) The king was deeply moved and went up to the upper chamber

of the gate and wept. As he went he said, "O my son Absalom, my son,

my son Absalom! If only I could have given my death in your stead,

Absalom, my son, my son!"



[19] Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king

tidings, how that the LORD hath avenged him of his enemies.

[20] And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou

shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings,

because the king's son is dead.

[21] Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And

Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

[22] Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever,

let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt

thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?

[23] But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then

Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.

[24] And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the

roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and

behold a man running alone.

[25] And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be

alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.

[26] And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto

the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said,

He also bringeth tidings.

[27] And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like

the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good

man, and cometh with good tidings.

[28] And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell

down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the

LORD thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand

against my lord the king.

[29] And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered,

When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult,

but I knew not what it was.

[30] And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned

aside, and stood still.

[31] And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for

the LORD hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.

[32] And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi

answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to

do thee hurt, be as that young man is.

[33] And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate,

and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son

Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!



2) Our Daily Bread for 15 May 2026 titled

Seeing God's Grandeur by Monica La Rose



Psalm 104:1-7,10-16



1 Bless the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord my God, You are very great!

You are clothed with honor and majesty,

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) covering Yourself with light as a garment,

who stretches out the heavens like a tent curtain,

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who lays the upper beams

of His chambers on the waters above,

who makes the clouds His chariot,

who rides upon the wings of the wind,

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who makes His angels as winds,

His ministers a flaming fire.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You laid the earth on its foundations,

so that it should never be moved.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) You covered it with the deep as a garment;

the waters stood above the mountains.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) At Your rebuke they fled;

at the sound of Your thunder they departed away.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) You send the springs to gush forth in the valleys,

which flow between the hills.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) They give drink to every animal of the field;

the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

12 By them the birds of the heavens have their habitation;

they sing among the branches.

13 You water the mountains from Your lofty chamber;

the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works.

14 You cause the grass to grow for the cattle

and plants for the cultivation of man,

that he may bring forth food from the earth

15 and wine that makes glad the heart of man,

and oil that makes shine his face,

and bread that strengthens his heart.

16 The trees of the Lord are well watered,

the cedars of Lebanon that He has planted,



[1] Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art

clothed with honour and majesty.

[2] Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out

the heavens like a curtain:

[3] Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the

clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

[4] Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

[5] Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for

ever.

[6] Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood

above the mountains.

[7] At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

[10] He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.

[11] They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench

their thirst.

[12] By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing

among the branches.

[13] He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with

the fruit of thy works.

[14] He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service

of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

[15] And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to

shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

[16] The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he

hath planted;



In nineteenth-century poet Gerard Manley Hopkins' sonnet "God's Grandeur,"

this literary artist celebrates the countless ways creation is "charged" -

intensely filled - with "the grandeur of God." Hopkins describes God's

breathtaking glory flaming and glistening "like shining from shook foil."

But if God's beauty is so vibrant, why do so many people miss it? Hopkins

suggested one reason is that humanity has covered everything with "man's

smudge" and "man's smell" - leaving many unable to see anything beyond

themselves.



Psalm 104 is also a celebration of God's beauty in creation. Using vivid

imagery, the poet describes God "clothed with splendor and majesty" (v. 1),

revealing His beauty, power, and care in wind and fire (v. 4),

thunder and waves (v. 7), water, grass, and trees (vv. 10-16).



Countless gifts sustaining both body and soul (v. 15) point to "the glory

of the Lord" (v. 31) whether we always realize it or not. In his poem,

Hopkins concluded that, even when humanity is blind to God's glory,

because of His goodness, there always "lives the dearest freshness deep down

things." If only we'll stop to see and wonder, there are countless reasons to

see, believe in, and celebrate God's beauty and goodness "as long

as [we] live" (v. 33).



Reflect & Pray



What dulls your awareness of God's glory?

What helps you see and experience His beauty?



Dear God, thank You for the ways

Your beauty fills the world. Please help me see and celebrate Your beauty

and the work of Your Spirit all around us.



A href="https://discovertheword.org/series/the-glory-effect/">

Discover more about The Glory Effect.

2 Samuel 17



Hushai Warns David to Escape



15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and Abiathar the priests,

"Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do one thing,

but I advised them to do another thing.

16 (2Sa 15:28) Now quickly send someone to report to David,

'Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness,

but instead cross over. Otherwise, the king and all of the people

who are with him will be swallowed up.' "

17 (Jos 15:7; 18:16) Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were waiting at En Rogel.

A servant girl would go report to them, and they would go report

to King David, because they could not be seen entering the city.

18 (2Sa 3:16; 16:5) But a young man saw them and reported this to Absalom.

So the two of them went quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim.

He had a well in his courtyard, and they went down into it.

19 The wife took a covering and spread it over the opening of the well.

Then she scattered grain over it so that nothing could be discerned.

20 (Ex 1:19) The servants of Absalom came to the woman at the house

and said, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?"

She said, "They crossed over the brook of water." When they searched,

they could not find them. So they returned to Jerusalem.

21 (2Sa 17:15-16) After they left, they came up from the well, went,

and reported to King David. They said to David, "Arise and quickly cross over

the water because thus has Ahithophel advised against you"

22 So David and all of the people who were with him arose and crossed

over the Jordan. By daybreak, there was not one left who had not crossed

over the Jordan.

23 (2Sa 15:12; 2Ki 20:1) When Ahithophel realized that his advice

was not followed, he saddled his donkey and returned to his house

in his own city. He gave instruction to his household, then he hanged

himself and died; he was interred in the tomb of his father.



[15] Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus

did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus

have I counselled.

[16] Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this

night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king

be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.

[17] Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En-rogel; for they might not be seen

to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and

told king David.

[18] Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of

them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in

his court; whither they went down.

[19] And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and

spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.

[20] And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said,

Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone

over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them,

they returned to Jerusalem.

[21] And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of

the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass

quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

[22] Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they

passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that

was not gone over Jordan.

[23] And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled

his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his

household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the

sepulchre of his father.



Absalom's Death



24 (Ge 32:2; 2Sa 2:8) David came to Mahanaim as Absalom crossed the Jordan,

he and every Israelite with him.

25 (2Sa 19:13; 20:9-12) Now Absalom had placed Amasa over the army

in the place of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man named Jether

the Ishmaelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash

and sister of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab.

26 Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.

27 (2Sa 9:4; 10:1-2) When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash

from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Makir the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar,

and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim

28 brought bedding, metal bowls, ceramic vessels, wheat, barley, flour,

roasted grain, beans, lentils,

29 (2Sa 16:2; 16:14) honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the livestock

for David and the people who were with him to eat and use.

For they said, "The people are hungry, exhausted,

and thirsting in the wilderness."



[24] Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all

the men of Israel with him.

[25] And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa

was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail

the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

[26] So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.

[27] And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the

son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of

Ammiel of Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

[28] Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley,

and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,

[29] And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and

for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is

hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.



2 Samuel 18

1 David mustered the people who were with him, and he set over them

commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.

2 (Jdg 7:16; 2Sa 15:19-22) Then David dispatched the people, one-third

under the command of Joab, one-third under the command of Abishai

the son of Zeruiah and brother of Joab, and one-third under the command

of Ittai the Gittite. Then David said to the people, "I myself will go out

with you."

3 (2Sa 21:17) But the people said, "You should not go, for if we retreat,

they will not be concerned about us. Even if half of us die,

they will not be concerned about us. But now you are worth ten thousand of us.

Therefore, it would be better to assist us from the city."

4 (2Sa 18:24) The king said to them, "I will do what seems best to you."

So the king stood beside the gate while all of the people went out

by hundreds and thousands.

5 The king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, "Deal gently

with the young man Absalom." All of the people heard the king instruct

the commanders concerning Absalom.

6 (Jos 17:18; 17:15) So the people went out toward Israel in the field,

but the fighting occurred in the forest of Ephraim.

7 The people of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David.

That day the defeat was extensive, twenty thousand men.

8 The fighting spread across the land, and the people consumed

by the forest were more numerous than those consumed by the sword that day.

9 (2Sa 14:26) Absalom was encountered by some of the servants of David.

Now Absalom was riding on his mule. When the mule went under the branches

of a very large tree, his head was caught in the tree. He was left in midair

while the mule that was under him kept going.

10 One man saw him and reported it to Joab, saying,

"I saw Absalom hanging in a tree."

11 Joab said to the man who was reporting to him, "What? You saw him?

Why did you not strike him on the spot, sending him to the ground?

I would have given you ten shekels [About 4 ounces, or 115 grams.]

of silver and a belt."

12 The man said to Joab, "Not even if I had felt the weight

of a thousand shekels [About 25 pounds, or 12 kilograms.] of silver in

my hand would I have laid a hand on the king's son. In our hearing

the king commanded you, Abishai, and Ittai saying:

Beware lest anyone touch the young man Absalom!

13 (2Sa 14:19-20) Otherwise, I would have worked falsehood

against my own life. For nothing is hidden from the king,

and you yourself would have set yourself against me."

14 Then Joab said, "I will not waste any more time with you."

He took three spears in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom

while he was still alive in the midst of the tree.

15 Then ten young men, armor bearers for Joab, gathered around

and struck down Absalom, killing him.

16 (2Sa 2:28; 20:22) When Joab blew the horn, the people returned

from pursuing Israel, for Joab held back the people.

17 (Jos 7:26; 8:29) Then they took Absalom, disposed of him in a large pit

in the forest, and piled over him a very large heap of stones.

Then all Israel fled, everyone to his home.

18 (1Sa 15:12; Ge 14:17; 2Sa 14:27) Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken

and set up for himself a memorial stone in the Valley of the King,

for he said, "I have no son by whom my name may be remembered."

So he named the memorial stone after himself; and to this day,

it is called the monument of Absalom.



[1] And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of

thousands and captains of hundreds over them.

[2] And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab,

and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's

brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king

said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

[3] But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away,

they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us:

but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that

thou succour us out of the city.

[4] And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the

king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by

thousands.

[5] And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently

for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard

when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

[6] So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was

in the wood of Ephraim;

[7] Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and

there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.

[8] For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and

the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

[9] And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and

the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught

hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and

the mule that was under him went away.

[10] And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw

Absalom hanged in an oak.

[11] And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him,

and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given

thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.

[12] And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels

of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the

king's son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai,

saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.

[13] Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for

there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set

thyself against me.

[14] Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts

in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet

alive in the midst of the oak.

[15] And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote

Absalom, and slew him.

[16] And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after

Israel: for Joab held back the people.

[17] And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and

laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to

his tent.

[18] Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a

pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my

name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is

called unto this day, Absalom's place.

Day 136, 15 May 2026



1) 2 Samuel 16 , 2 Samual 17, 2 Samuel 18



2 Samuel 16

David and Ziba

1 (1Sa 25:18; 2Sa 15:32) When David had passed a little beyond the summit,

Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of saddled donkeys

carrying two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters of raisins,

one hundred summer fruits, and one skin of wine.

2 (2Sa 17:29; Jdg 10:4) The king said to Ziba, "Why do you have these things?"

Ziba replied, "The donkeys are for the household of the king to ride.

The bread and the summer fruit are for the servants to eat.

The wine is for those who become weary in the wilderness to drink."

3 (2Sa 9:9-10) The king said, "And where is your master's son?"

Ziba said to the king, "He is staying in Jerusalem, for he said,

'Today they will return to me the house of Israel and my father's kingdom.'"

4 Then David said to Ziba, "Everything that belonged to Mephibosheth

is now yours."

Ziba replied, "I bow before you. May I find favor in your sight,

my lord the king."



[1] And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the

servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon

them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an

hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

[2] And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said,

The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer

fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the

wilderness may drink.

[3] And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the

king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house

of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

[4] Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto

Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in

thy sight, my lord, O king.



Shimei Curses David



5 (2Sa 3:16; Ex 22:28) When King David came to Bahurim, a man of the family

of the house of Saul came out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, a

nd he came out continuously cursing.

6 He threw stones at David and all of the servants of King David, as well as

all of the people and all of the warriors who were at his right and left.

7 (2Sa 12:9) Shimei said when he cursed: "Come out! Come out!

You bloodthirsty man, you scoundrel!

8 (2Sa 1:16; Jdg 9:24) The Lord has returned upon you all the blood

of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. And the Lord

has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom.

You are taken in your own evil, because you are a man of blood."

9 (Ex 22:28; 2Sa 9:8) Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king,

"How can this dead dog curse my lord the king!

Let me go over and remove his head."

10 (2Sa 19:22; Ro 9:20) The king responded, "What do you have against me,

sons of Zeruiah? Suppose that he curses because the Lord has said to him,

'Curse David.' Who shall then say, 'Why do you do so?' "

11 David then said to Abishai and to all of his servants, "My son who came

from my own body seeks my life, and now also this Benjamite. Leave him alone

and let him curse if the Lord has so instructed him.

12 (Dt 23:5; Ro 8:28) Perhaps today the Lord will look upon my guilt

and return kindness instead of his cursing."

13 So David and his men continued on the road, and Shimei went along

on the hillside beside them, cursing, throwing stones, and flinging dust

at them as he went.

14 The king and all of the people who were with him arrived at their

destination exhausted, but he refreshed himself there.



[5] And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of

the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he

came forth, and cursed still as he came.

[6] And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and

all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his

left.

[7] And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody

man, and thou man of Belial:

[8] The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in

whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into

the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief,

because thou art a bloody man.

[9] Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead

dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his

head.

[10] And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so

let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall

then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?

[11] And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son,

which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this

Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden

him.

[12] It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD

will requite me good for his cursing this day.

[13] And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the

hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at

him, and cast dust.

[14] And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and

refreshed themselves there.



The Advice of Ahithophel and Hushai



15(2Sa 15:37) Now Absalom and all of the Israelite people entered Jerusalem,

and Ahithophel was with him.

16 (Sa 10:24; 2Ki 11:12) When Hushai the Arkite, the friend of David,

came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, "Long live the king!

Long live the king!"

17 (2Sa 19:25) Then Absalom said to Hushai, "Is this the extent of your

commitment to your friend? Why have you not gone with your friend?"

18 Hushai said to Absalom, "No! For whom the Lord, this people, and all men

of Israel have chosen, his I will be and with him I will remain.

19 (2Sa 15:34) Furthermore, whom shall I serve? Should it not be his son?

As I served your father, so shall I be with you."

20 Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give your advice. What shall we do?"

21 (2Sa 15:16; 20:3) Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Lie with your father's

concubines, whom he left to watch over the palace. When all Israel hears

that you have made yourself abhorred by your father, then the hands

of all who are with you will be strong."

22 (2Sa 12:11-12; 15:16) So they set up a tent for Absalom on the roof,

and Absalom went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all of Israel.

23 (2Sa 15:12; 17:14) In those days, the advice that Ahithophel gave was as

when one inquired a word from God. Such was all of the advice of Ahithophel,

whether that which he gave to David or to Absalom.



[15] And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem,

and Ahithophel with him.

[16] And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come

unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the

king.

[17] And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why

wentest thou not with thy friend?

[18] And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people,

and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

[19] And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of

his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy

presence.

[20] Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall

do.

[21] And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines,

which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou

art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee

be strong.

[22] So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom

went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

[23] And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was

as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of

Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.



2 Samuel 17

1 Ahithophel also said to Absalom, "Let me choose twelve thousand men

so that I may arise and pursue David tonight.

2 (2Sa 16:14; 1Ki 22:31) I will overtake him while he is weary

and weak and strike him with terror; all of the people who are with him

will flee. Then I will strike only the king, 3and I will return all

of the people to you. When all return except the man whom you are seeking,

all of the people will be at peace."

4 The advice pleased Absalom and all of the elders of Israel.

5 So Absalom said, "Summon Hushai the Arkite so that we may hear

what he has to say as well."

6 When Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom said to him, "This is what Ahithophel

had advised. Should we do this thing? If not, you should tell us."

7 Hushai said to Absalom, "At this time, the advice

that Ahithophel has given is not good."

8 (Hos 13:8; 1Sa 16:18) Moreover, Hushai said, "You know that your father

and his men are warriors, and they have been provoked like a bear robbed

of her cubs. Your father is a veteran of warfare. He will not spend the night

with the people.

9 Even now, he has hidden himself in a ravine or some other place,

and when one of them falls in the first attack, whoever hears will say,

'It was a defeat for the people who follow Absalom.-

10 (Jos 2:9-11) Then even the valiant one, whose heart is like that of a lion,

will completely despair, for all of Israel knows

that your father is a warrior, and those who are with him are brave.

11 (Ge 22:17; Jos 11:4) "Therefore my advice is for all of Israel,

from Dan to Beersheba, to be completely gathered to you like

the multitude of the sand along the shoreline and for you to go to battle

in person.

12 We will come upon him in one of the places where he may be found,

and we will fall upon him like the dew upon the ground. Neither he nor

any of the men who are with him will remain, not a single one.

13 If he withdraws into a city, then all of Israel will bring ropes

to that city. We will raze it until it is a valley, until there cannot

be found there even a pebble."

14 (2Sa 15:34; 15:31) Then Absalom and all of the men of Israel said,

"The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than the advice of Ahithophel."

For the Lord had decided to undermine the prudent advice of Ahithophel,

so that the Lord might bring calamity to Absalom.



[1] Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve

thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

[2] And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will

make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will

smite the king only:

[3] And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou

seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.

[4] And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.

[5] Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear

likewise what he saith.

[6] And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying,

Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if

not; speak thou.

[7] And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is

not good at this time.

[8] For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be

mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her

whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with

the people.

[9] Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will

come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever

heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow

Absalom.

[10] And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion,

shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man,

and they which be with him are valiant men.

[11] Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee,

from Dan even to Beer-sheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude;

and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

[12] So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we

will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all

the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

[13] Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring

ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not

one small stone found there.

[14] And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the

Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed

to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might

bring evil upon Absalom.

3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association



Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools



Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 5 - God Loved, So He Gave



John 3:16-17



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.

17 (1Jn 4:14; Lk 19:10) For God did not send His Son into

the world to condemn the world, but that the world

through Him might be saved."



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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.



Often called "the gospel in a nutshell", John 3:16 is so familiar,

even the unchurched, that it has all but lost its impact for us.

WE cite it by rote, as if it had no more meaning than a SSN (SIN),

and think that we understand the truth because we know the words.

Why did God send Jesus, his only Son, into the world to die?

Because he loved the people he created. God had no reason,

humanly speaking, to love mankind. Throughout history, from

the Garden of Eden forward, people had deliberately turned

against God and tried his patience. Even the nation God chose

for himself, Israel rebelled against the Lord and turned to other gods.

And we, as individuals, have rebelled against him too. WE have tried

to control our own lives; we have denied his reality; or

acknowledged his existence and then systematically ignored him.

We have become our own gods.

Yet Christ, in love, took upon himself the rejection, the humiliation,

the pain we were responsible for. We deserved to be condemned to die,

but he died for us instead. "God did not send his Son into the world

to condemn the world," John 3:17 says, "but that the world

through Him might be saved."

Often, even after we have committed our lives to Christ, we mistakenly

suppose that God's primary purpose is to condemn us - to catch us in sin

and punish us. But God says that his purpose is to love us and to save us

from sin and ourselves. He loved, and so he gave; he still loves us,

and he still continues to give.



Application



a) What sin in my life put Jesus on the cross?



b) How do I know that my sins has been forgiven?



c) How can these verses help me when I face condemnation and guilt?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Matthew 6:19-21



Treasures in Heaven



Lk 12:33-34



19 (Heb 13:5; Lk 12:21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth

where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

20 (Lk 12:33; Mt 19:21) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust destroy

and where thieves do not break in nor steal,

21 (Lk 12:34) for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."



19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth

corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust

doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.



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



God's Eternal Faithfulness



2 Tim 2:8-13



8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,

descended from David, according to my gospel,

9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,

even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.

10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things

for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain

the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:

If we die with Him, we shall also live with Him.

12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17 ) If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.

If we deny Him, He also will deny us.

13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3 )If we are faithless,

He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.



8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead

according to my gospel:

9 wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of

God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also

obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him,

we shall also live with him:

12 if we suffer, we shall also reign with him:

if we deny him, he also will deny us:

13 if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.



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?)



Ontario



Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario



Ontario 2015 population 13 687 7000



est Muslim Population 1 001 542



CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,

Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor



Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that

the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most

Muslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching

from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly

resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontario. Mosques

are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools

are starting.

And they're not complacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their

advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,

the local mosque distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour

brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of

"reverts", or white Canadians who have converted to Islam as a result of

receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Another town

reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.

Agree in prayer for:



- net network leaders - the need is great

- the development of network leadership teams

- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals

whom God is calling into this ministry.

- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising

believers

- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas

- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love

towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.



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!



And



Thank you for praying through the

5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.



"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,

I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to

cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.



Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians

and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the

love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.

One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by

light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.



As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and

confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution

to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.



Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.

Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father

to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.



I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.

God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through

the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom

and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."



13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy

and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,

through the power of the Holy Spirit.



[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that

ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.



ROMANS 15:13



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



14th Day of the Month



a) Pray for God's kingdom to come

in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,

and in our nation ( Matt 6:10



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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.



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



)



b) Pray for those who serve with

denominations and Christian organisations

in Canada - that God will bless their ministry

and anoint them for effective service.





Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and thank Him that his protector and Salvation.



Pray to the Lord: "Master Gardener, please help me produce good fruit

from good soil."



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Loving Christ who came for the Salvation

of This World.



Pray to the Lord and pray to lay tresure in Heaven.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know you are alive in Christ.



Agree in prayer for Ontario:



- get network leaders - the need is great

- the development of network leadership teams

- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals

whom God is calling into this ministry.

- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising

believers

- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas

- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love

towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray continually for Sikhs to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.



Pray for God's kingdom to come

in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,

and in our nation



Pray for those who serve with

denominations and Christian organisations

- that God will bless their ministry

and anoint them for effective service.



Pray for Tabish, Kalu, Sonia, Samia and many other believers in

Pakistan

who are facing blasphemy charges.



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

PSALMS 55



For the Music Director. With stringed instruments.

A Contemplative Maskil of David.



1 Give ear to my prayer, O God,

and do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Attend to me, and answer me;

I am restless in my complaint, and I murmur,

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) because of the voice of the enemy,

because of the pressure of the wicked,

for they cause trouble to drop on me,

and in wrath they have animosity against me.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) My heart is in pain within me,

and the terrors of death have fallen on me.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Fear and trembling come into me,

and horror has overwhelmed me.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove!

For then I would fly away and be at rest.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Indeed, then I would wander far off,

and remain in the wilderness. Selah

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I would hasten my escape

from the windy storm and tempest."

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues,

for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17 ) Day and night they go around it on its walls;

trouble and sorrow are in its midst.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Destruction is in its midst;

oppression and treachery do not depart from its streets.

12 For it is not an enemy who reproachesme;

then I could bear it.

Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;

then I could hide from him.

13 But it was you, my peer,

my guide, and my acquaintance.

14 We took pleasant counsel together,

and walked to the house of God in company.

15 May death surprise them,

and may their lives go down to Sheol,

for wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.

16 As for me, I will call on God,

and the Lord will save me.

17 Evening and morning and at noon,

I will make my complaint and murmur,

and He will hear my voice.

18 He has ransomed my life in peace

from the battle against me,

for there were many against me.

19 God will hear and afflict them,

even He who sits enthroned from of old. Selah

Because they do not change,

therefore they do not fear God.

20 My friend has set his hands against those at peace with him;

he has violated his covenant.

21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter,

but battle was in his heart;

his words were softer than oil,

yet they were drawn swords.

22 Cast your burden on the Lord,

and He will sustain you;

He will never allow

the righteous to be moved.

23 But You, O God, will cast the wicked down

into the pit of destruction;

men of blood and deceitful men

will not live out half their days.

But I will trust in You.



Psalms 55

[1] Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

[2] Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

[3] Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the

wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

[4] My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen

upon me.

[5] Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed

me.

[6] And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away,

and be at rest.

[7] Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.

[8] I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.

[9] Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and

strife in the city.

[10] Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also

and sorrow are in the midst of it.

[11] Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from

her streets.

[12] For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it:

neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I

would have hid myself from him:

[13] But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

[14] We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in

company.

[15] Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for

wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

[16] As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.

[17] Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he

shall hear my voice.

[18] He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me:

for there were many with me.

[19] God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah.

Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

[20] He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he

hath broken his covenant.

[21] The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his

heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

[22] Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall

never suffer the righteous to be moved.

[23] But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction:

bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will

trust in thee.



2) Our Daily Bread for 14 May 2026 Titled

Good Soil in God by Katara Patton



Luke 8:4-8,11-15



Luke 8:4-8



The Parable of the Sower

Mt 13:1-9; Mk 4:1-9



4 When a large crowd had gathered together and people were coming to Him

from every city, He told this parable:

5 "A sower went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the path

and was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it.

6 Some fell on a rock. And as soon as it sprang up, it withered away,

because it lacked moisture.

7 (Jer 4:3) Yet some fell among thorns. And the thorns sprang up with it

and choked it.

8 (Mt 11:15; Ge 26:12) And other seed fell on good ground and sprang up

and yielded a hundred times the amount sown."

When He had said these things, He cried out,

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."



[4] And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of

every city, he spake by a parable:

[5] A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way

side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

[6] And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered

away, because it lacked moisture.

[7] And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked

it.

[8] And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an

hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears

to hear, let him hear.



The Parable of the Sower Explained

Mt 13:18-23; Mk 4:13-20



11 (Mt 13:19; Mk 4:14-20) "Now the parable means this:

The seed is the word of God.

12 Those along the path are those who hear. Then comes the devil,

who takes away the word from their hearts, lest they should believe

and be saved.

13 (Isa 58:2; Eze 33:32) Those on the rock are the ones who,

when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root,

for they believe for a while, then in the time of temptation fall away.

14 (1Ti 6:9-10; 6:17) That which fell among thorns are those who,

when they have heard, go out and are choked with the cares

and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.

15 (Php 1:11; Col 1:6) But the seed on the good ground are those who,

having heard the word, keep it in an honest and good heart

and bear fruit with patience.



[11] Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

[12] Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and

taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be

saved.

[13] They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with

joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of

temptation fall away.

[14] And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard,

go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life,

and bring no fruit to perfection.

[15] But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good

heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.



In late spring each year, I plant cucumber seeds in our garden. The seeds

produce leaves quickly, but it takes time to see the fruit. In fact, one

summer after I watered the seeds and waited, I questioned whether I'd get any

cucumbers at all. I thought, Did I put too many seeds too close together, or

was the ground not warm enough when I'd planted them? But one day, I spotted a

green bulb. The next week, I spotted another. Then another. Within a few

weeks, we moved from only vines to almost enough fruit to make salad for

a week.



Spiritual growth looks like that sometimes. We don't always see the things

we've been praying for: patience, self-control, being gentle and loving

(see Galatians 5:22-23). But if we ask God to help us create the conditions

needed for growth - prayer, studying the Scriptures, worship, serving

others - the Holy Spirit will produce the growth.



This is the crux of the parable Jesus shares in Luke 8: "A farmer went

out to sow his seed" (v. 5). "The birds ate" some of the seeds that fell

on the path (v. 5). Others landed on rocky ground, where they received

no moisture and withered (v. 6). Some more fell among thorns and were

choked before they could grow (v. 7). But the seed that was planted on good

soil yielded a crop that was "a hundred times more than was sown" (v. .



As God helps us, let's cultivate "good soil" and grow in Him.



Reflect & Pray



How is God helping you cultivate "good soil"?

Where have you observed growth in your life?



Master Gardener, please help me produce good fruit from good soil.



For further study, read The Forever Race: A Model of Spiritual Growth.