Day 270, 26 September 2024



1) Malachi 1,2,3,4

Malachi 1



1 (Isa 13:1; Hab 1:1) The oracle of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.

[1] The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.



Israel Preferred to Edom



2 (Jer 31:3; Isa 41:8-9) I have loved you, says the Lord.

But you say, "How have You loved us?"

Was not Esau Jacob's brother? says the Lord. Yet I have loved Jacob;

3 (Jer 49:16-18; Eze 35:3-4) but Esau I have hated, and I have made

his mountains a desolation and left his inheritance for the jackals

of the desert.

4 (Isa 9:9-10; Eze 25:14) Whereas Edom says, "We are impoverished,

but we will rebuild the ruins," thus says the Lord of Hosts: They may build,

but I will tear down. They will be called the Wicked Territory,

and the people against whom the Lord has indignation forever.

5 Your eyes will see this, and you will say, "

Great is the Lord, beyond the border of Israel!"



[2] I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou

loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,

[3] And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for

the dragons of the wilderness.

[4] Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and

build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall

build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of

wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

[5] And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be

magnified from the border of Israel.



Profane Offerings



6 (Lk 6:46; Ex 20:12) A son honors his father, and a servant his master.

If then I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master,

where is My fear? says the Lord of Hosts to you, O priests,

who despise My name.

But you say, "How have we despised Your name?"

7 (Mal 1:12) You offer defiled food on My altar, but say,

"How have we defiled You?"

By saying, "The table of the Lord is contemptible."

8 (Dt 15:21) When you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil?

When you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?

Offer it now to your governor! Would he be pleased with you,

or accept you? says the Lord of Hosts.

9 (Jer 27:18) But now entreat God's favour, that He may be gracious to us.

With such offerings from your hands, will He accept you favorably?

says the Lord of Hosts.

10 (Jer 6:20) Who is there among you who would shut the doors, that you might

not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord

of Hosts, nor will I accept an offering from your hand.

11 (Isa 66:19-20; 45:6) For from the rising of the sun to its setting,

My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be

offered to My name, and a pure offering. For My name will be great among

the nations, says the Lord of Hosts.

12 But you profane it, in that you say, "The table of the Lord is defiled,

and its fruit, that is, its food is contemptible."

13 (Mic 6:3) You also say, "What a weariness it is," and you snort at it,

says the Lord of Hosts.

You bring in what is stolen, the lame, or the sick;

thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?

says the Lord.

14 (Zec 14:9; Ps 47:2) But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock

a male, and vows, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished.

For I am a great king, says the Lord of Hosts,

and My name is to be feared among the nations.



[6] A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a

father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear?

saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And

ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

[7] Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we

polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible.

[8] And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye

offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor;

will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.

[9] And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us:

this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of

hosts.

[10] Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought?

neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in

you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your

hand.

[11] For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my

name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be

offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among

the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

[12] But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is

polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.

[13] Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at

it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the

lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of

your hand? saith the LORD.

[14] But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth,

and sacrificeth unto the LORD a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith

the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.



Malachi 2



Divine Warnings to the Priests



1 (Mal 1:6) And now, O priests, this commandment is for you.

2 (Mal 3:9; Ps 69:22) If you will not listen, and if you will not take it

to heart to give honour to My name, says the Lord of Hosts,

I will send a curse on you and I will curse your blessings.

Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart.

3 (Na 3:6; Ex 29:14) I rebuke your descendants, and spread refuse

on your faces, the refuse of your solemn feasts, and you will be taken

away with it.

4 And you will know that I have sent this command to you,

that My covenant with Levi may remain, says the Lord of Hosts.

5 (Nu 25:12-13) My covenant with him was for life and peace,

and I gave them to him. With awe he feared Me,

and he was reverent before My name.

6 (Jer 23:22; Da 12:3) True instruction was in his mouth,

and injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace

and with uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.

7 (Lev 10:11; Jer 18:18) For a priest's lips should preserve knowledge,

and people should seek the law from his mouth; for he is the messenger

of the Lord of Hosts.

8 (Jer 18:15; 1Sa 2:17) But you have departed from the way. You have caused

many to stumble at the law. You have violated the covenant of Levi,

says the Lord of Hosts.

9 (Dt 1:17; 1Sa 2:30) So I have made you contemptible

and base before all the people, because you have not kept My ways,

but have shown partiality in the law.



[1] And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.

[2] If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory

unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you,

and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye

do not lay it to heart.

[3] Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even

the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.

[4] And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my

covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

[5] My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for

the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.

[6] The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his

lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from

iniquity.

[7] For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the

law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

[8] But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at

the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

[9] Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the

people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the

law.



The Covenant Profaned



10 (1Co 8:6; Isa 63:16) Have we not all one Father?

Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another,

by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

11 (Ezr 9:1-2) Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination

has been committed in Israel and Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned

the sanctuary of the Lord, which He loves, and has married the daughter

of a foreign god.

12 May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob any descendant

of the man who does this, teacher and student, yet who brings an offering

to the Lord of Hosts.

13 This is the second thing you do: You cover the altar of the Lord

with tears, with weeping and crying out, because He no longer regards

the offering, nor receives it with good will from your hand.

14 (Isa 54:6; Mal 3:5) Yet you say, "Why?" It is because the Lord

has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth,

against whom you have dealt treacherously. Yet she is your companion

and your wife by covenant.

15 (Mt 19:4-6; 1Co 7:14) Did He not make them one, having a remnant

of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring.

So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.

16 (Mt 5:31-32; Lk 16:18) For the Lord, the God of Israel,

says that He hates divorce; for it covers one's garment with violence,

says the Lord of Hosts.

Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.



[10] Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal

treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of

our fathers?

[11] Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in

Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD

which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.

[12] The LORD will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the

scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering

unto the LORD of hosts.

[13] And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears,

with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the

offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

[14] Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee

and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet

is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

[15] And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And

wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your

spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

[16] For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for

one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore

take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.



Injustice Committed



17 (Isa 43:24; Zep 1:12) You have wearied the Lord with your words.

Yet you say, "How have we wearied Him?"

When you say, "Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord,

and He delights in them," or, "Where is the God of justice?"



[17] Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we

wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of

the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?



Malachi 3



The Coming Messenger



1 (Mal 4:5; Isa 63:9) I will send My messenger, and he will prepare

the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come

to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant,

in whom you delight. He is coming, says the Lord of Hosts.

2 (Zec 13:9; Rev 6:17) But who can endure the day of his coming,

and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire

and like fullers' soap.

3 (Isa 1:25; Da 12:10) He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver;

he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver,

and they will present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.

4 (2Ch 7:1-3) Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant

to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

5 (Lev 19:13; Dt 24:17) Then I will draw near to you for judgment.

I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers,

against the perjurers, against those who oppress the hired worker

in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who turn aside

the stranger, and do not fear Me, says the Lord of Hosts.



[1] Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before

me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to this temple, even the

messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith

the LORD of hosts.

[2] But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he

appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

[3] And he shall sit as a refiner and purifer of silver: and he shall purify

the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer

unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

[4] Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the

LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

[5] And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness

against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false

swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the

widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right,

and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.



Withholding Tithes



6 (Nu 23:19; Jas 1:17; Heb 13:8) For I am the Lord, I do not change;

therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

7 (Zec 1:3) From the days of your fathers you have gone away from

My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return

to you, says the Lord of Hosts.

But you say, "How shall we return?"

8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me.

But you say, "How have we robbed You?"

In tithes and offerings.

9 (Mal 2:2) You are cursed with a curse, your whole nation,

for you are robbing Me.

10 (Ge 7:11; 2Ki 7:2) Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,

that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,

says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows

of heaven and pour out for you a blessing, that there will not be room

enough to receive it.

11 I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that it will not

estroy the fruit of your ground, and the vines in your field will not

fail to bear fruit, says the Lord of Hosts.

12 (Isa 61:9; 62:4) Then all the nations will call you blessed,

for you will be a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.

13 (Mal 2:17) Your words have been hard against Me, says the Lord.

Yet you say, "What have we spoken against You?"

14 (Isa 58:3; Zep 1:12) You said, "It is vain to serve God.

What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance,

and that we have walked as mourners before the Lord of Hosts?

15 (Mal 4:1; Ps 95:9) And now we call the proud blessed,

for those who do wickedness are built up; they even test God and escape."



[6] For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not

consumed.

[7] Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine

ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto

you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

[8] Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we

robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

[9] Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole

nation.

[10] Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in

mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will

not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there

shall not be room enough to receive it.

[11] And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy

the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the

time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

[12] And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome

land, saith the LORD of hosts.

[13] Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What

have we spoken so much against thee?

[14] Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we

have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD

of hosts?

[15] And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set

up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.



The Reward of the Faithful



16 (Ps 56:8) Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another.

The Lord listened and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written

before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.

17 (Ex 19:5; Dt 7:6) They shall be Mine, says the Lord of Hosts,

on the day when I make up My jewels. And I will spare them as a man

spares his son who serves him.

18 (Ge 18:25) Then you will again discern between the righteous

and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.



[16] Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD

hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him

for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

[17] And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I

make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that

serveth him.

[18] Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked,

between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.



Malachi 4



The Great Day of the Lord



1 (Isa 5:24; 47:14) Surely the day is coming, burning like an oven;

all the proud, yes, all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming

will burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, so that it will leave them

neither root nor branch.

2 (Isa 30:26; Lk 1:78) But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness

will rise with healing in its wings. You will go out and grow up

like calves from the stall.

3 (Job 40:12; Isa 26:6) And you will tread down the wicked, for they will be

ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I do this,

says the Lord of Hosts.

4 (Dt 4:10) Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, the statutes

and judgments which I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.

5 (Lk 1:17; Joel 2:31) See, I will send you Elijah the prophet

before the coming of the great and dreaded day of the Lord.

6 (Isa 11:4; Zec 5:3) He will turn the hearts of the fathers

to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers,

lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.



[1] For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the

proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that

cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them

neither root nor branch.

[2] But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with

healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the

stall.

[3] And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the

soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.

[4] Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in

Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

[5] Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the

great and dreadful day of the LORD:

[6] And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the

heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with

a curse.



2) Our Daily Bread for 26 September 2024 Titled

What a Friend



John 15:13-17



13 (Jn 10:11; 10:15) Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down

his life for his friends.

14 (Mt 12:50; Lk 12:4) You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

15 (Jn 8:26; 15:20) I no longer call you servants, for a servant does

not know what his master does. But I have called you friends,

for everything that I have heard from My Father have I made known to you.

16 (Jn 13:18; 6:70You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you,

that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain,

that the Father may give you whatever you ask Him in My name.

17 (Jn 15:12) This I command you: that you love one another.



[13] Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for

his friends.

[14] Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

[15] Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what

his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have

heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

[16] Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye

should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that

whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

[17] These things I command you, that ye love one another.



As favorite backyard neighbours, my mother and Mrs. Sanchez grew also into

friendly rivals. The two competed every Monday to be the first to hang their

freshly washed laundry on their outdoor clotheslines. "She beat me again!" my

mother would say. But the next week, Mama might be first-both enjoying their

friendly weekly contest. Over ten years of sharing a backyard alley, the two

also shared each other's wisdom, stories, and hope.



The Bible speaks with great warmth about the virtue of such a friendship. "A

friend loves at all times," King Solomon observed (Proverbs 17:17). He also

noted, "The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice"

(27:9).



Our great Friend is surely Jesus. Urging loving friendship from His disciples,

He taught them, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for

one's friends" (John 15:13). The very next day, He would do just that on the

cross. He also told them, "I have called you friends, for everything that I

learned from my Father I have made known to you" (v. 15). Then He said, "This

is my command: Love each other" (v. 17).



With such words, Jesus "is elevating His listeners," as philosopher Nicholas

Wolterstorff said, from lowly humans to companions and confidants. In Christ,

we learn to befriend others. What a Friend to teach us such love!



By: Patricia Raybon



Reflect & Pray



How do you experience love in your friendship with Jesus?

How can you be a friend like Him?



You call me friend, dear Jesus.

Please help me be a loving friend to others.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



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



Mark 11:25



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

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



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

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



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

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

back."

The pastor thought for a moment, then gently suggested,

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

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

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

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

unforgiving relationships with five of the closest people to him.

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

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

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

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

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

communication between God and his people.

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

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

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

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

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

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

in our lives.



Application



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



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

whether or not I can work toward?



4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland



Joshua 1:8



8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.

Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all

that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,

and you will be wise.



8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt

meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according

to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,

and then thou shalt have good success.



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



When you are discouraged or Depressed



Matthew 11:25-30



25 (Ps 8:2; Jn 11:41) At that time Jesus said, "I thank You, O Father,

Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things

from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants.

26 Even so, Father, for it seemed good in Your sight.

27 (Jn 10:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18) "All things are delivered to Me

by My Father, and no one knows the Son, except the Father.

And no one knows the Father, except the Son and he to whom

the Son will reveal Him.

28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavily

burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.

For I am meek and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.(Jer 6:16).

30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."

because He has dealt bountifully with me.



The Hidden Revelation

25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father,

Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things

from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man

knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father,

save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek

and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



Nova Scotia



Total population 942700

Muslim population (est.) 14629



With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is

a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,

a harvest field in itself.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia

with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas

(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques

in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.



Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of

newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration

has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic

is the second most spoken language in Halifax.



while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000

in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population

somewhere between 25000 to 30000.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)



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



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 26 of the Month



a) Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary

work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ (Matt 5:16



16 Let your light so shine before men that they may

see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.



16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your

good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.



)



b) Pray for the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut



I) Pray for the leaders of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut,

that God's Spirit would influence then to act justly,

serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4



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

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

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

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

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good

and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

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

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



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

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

2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;

that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

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

4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge

of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use

the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



)





Pray to the Lord and pray to know His Will about offerings.



Pray to the Lord: "You call me friend, dear Jesus.

Please help me be a loving friend to others."



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



Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the Word in full.



Pray to the Lord and pray to give all your burdens to Him.



Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary

work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ



Pray that member of the Muslim Brotherhood and the self-proclaimed Islamic

State (ISIS) in Egypt will come to know Christ.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.



Remember eternity starts now -

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

Day 268, 24 September 2024



1) Nehemiah 8,9,10



Nehemiah 8



Understand God's heart for, and the power of, community



Community = Common Unity



1 (Ezr 7:6; Ne 3:26) All the people gathered together as one man in the area

in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring

the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.

[1] And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the

street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe

to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to

Israel.



Desire of the Word of God



2 (Lev 23:24; Nu 29:1) On the first day of the seventh month,

Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation of men, women,

and all who could listen with understanding.

3 In the area in front of the Water Gate, he read aloud from sunrise until

midday to the men, women, and those who could understand.

All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

4 Ezra the scribe stood on a raised wood platform, which they had made

for the purpose. Beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah,

and Maaseiah on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, Mishael,

Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

5 (Jdg 3:20; 1Ki 8:14) Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people

(because he was above all the people), and, as he opened it, all the people

stood up.

6 (Ex 4:31; Ne 5:13)When Ezra blessed the Lord as the great God, all

the people responded "Amen, Amen!" By lifting up their hands as they bowed

their heads, they worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

7 (Ne 9:4; Ezr 10:22-23; Ne 3:23Then Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub,

Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah,

and the Levites, explained the Law to the people while the people stood in

their place.

8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, with interpretation, and

they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.



[2] And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men

and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first

day of the seventh month.

[3] And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate

from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that

could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the

book of the law.

[4] And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for

the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and

Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand,

Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah,

and Meshullam.

[5] And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was

above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

[6] And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered,

Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and

worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

[7] Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah,

Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused

the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.

[8] So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the

sense, and caused them to understand the reading.



Live the Word of God



9 (Ne 7:65; 7:70) Then Nehemiah the magistrate, Ezra the priest and scribe,

and the Levites who were teaching the people said to all the people, "This

day is holy to the Lord your God. Stop mourning and weeping." (This was

because all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.)

10 (Dt 26:11-13; Est 9:19) Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat,

drink the sweet drink, and send portions to those for whom nothing is

prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy

of the Lord is your strength."

11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying,

"Hush! Because today is holy you should stop being so sorrowful."

12 (Ne 8:7-8) Then all the people went to eat, to drink, to send portions,

and to enjoy a great celebration because they had understood the words

declared to them.



[9] And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe,

and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day

is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people

wept, when they heard the words of the law.

[10] Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet,

and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is

holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your

strength.

[11] So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the

day is holy; neither be ye grieved.

[12] And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send

portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words

that were declared unto them.



The Feast of Tabernacles



Historical Accuracy



13 On the second day, the chiefs of the fathers' households

of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered to Ezra

the scribe in order to understand the words of the Law.

[13] And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers

of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even

to understand the words of the law.



14 (Lev 23:34) They found written in the Law where the Lord had commanded

by Moses that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast

of the seventh month,

15 (Lev 23:4; 23:40) and that they should publish and proclaim

in all their cities and in Jerusalem, "Go out to the hills

and bring olive branches, along with wild olive branches, myrtle branches,

palm branches, and other leafy branches to make booths, as it was written."

16 (2Ki 14:13; Ne 12:39) So the people went out and brought back branches

and made themselves booths. Each household did so on its roof, in their yard,

on the grounds of the house of God, in the area in front of the Water Gate,

or in the area at the Gate of Ephraim.

17 (2Ch 8:13; 7:8-10) All the congregation who had returned from captivity

made booths and lived in them. Not since the days of Joshua the son of Nun

to that day had the children of Israel done so, and there was a tremendously

great feast.

18 (Lev 23:36; Nu 29:35) And day by day, from the first day to the last day,

he read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast seven

days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly as required.





[14] And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by

Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of

the seventh month:

[15] And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in

Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and

pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick

trees, to make booths, as it is written.

[16] So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths,

every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts

of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street

of the gate of Ephraim.

[17] And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the

captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of

Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so.

And there was very great gladness.

[18] Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the

book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the

eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.



Nehemiah 9



The Israelites Confess Their Sins



Confession ... and repentance



1 (Jos 7:6; 1Sa 4:12) Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children

of Israel were assembled with fasting and sackcloth,

and there was dirt on them.

2 (Ezr 10:11; Ne 13:3) The offspring of Israel separated themselves

from all the foreigners and then stood and confessed their sins

and the iniquities of their fathers.

3 (Ne 8:7-8) They stood in their place and read from the Book of the Law

of the Lord their God for a fourth of the day. And for another fourth,

they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God.



[1] Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel

were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.

[2] And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and

stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.

[3] And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the

LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they

confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.



Worship ... recounting God's goodness and faithfulness



4 (Ne 8:7) Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani,

and Kenani stood up on the stairs of the Levites

and cried with a loud voice to the Lord their God.

5 (1Ch 29:13) Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah,

Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said:

"Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever! Let them

bless Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

6 (Ge 1:1; 2:1; 2Ki 19:15) You alone are the Lord. You have made heaven,

the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it,

the seas and all that is in them; and You preserve them all.

And the host of heaven worships You.



[4] Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani,

Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a

loud voice unto the LORD their God.

[5] Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah,

Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your

God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted

above all blessing and praise.

[6] Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of

heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein,

the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the

host of heaven worshippeth thee.



7 (Ge 11:31; 17:5) "You are the Lord God who chose Abram and brought him out

of Ur of the Chaldeans. You gave him the name Abraham

8 (Ge 15:6; 15:18-21)and found his heart faithful before You. And You made

a covenant with him to give him the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites,

the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites-to give it

to his seed. Indeed, You have fulfilled Your words because You are righteous.

9 "When You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry

by the Red Sea,

10 (Jer 32:20; Da 9:15) You enacted signs and wonders against Pharaoh,

against all his servants, and against all the people of his land because

You knew how arrogantly they had acted against them. Thus, You made a name

for Yourself, as it is this day.

11 (Ps 78:13; Ex 14:21-22) You divided the sea before them, so they might

pass through the midst of the sea on dry ground, and cast their pursuers

into the deep like a stone into stormy waters.

12 (Ex 13:21-22; Ne 9:19) By day You led them with a pillar of cloud,

and by night with a pillar of fire to light the way for them to go.

13 (Ex 20:1; 19:11) "You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them

from heaven and gave them just requirements, true laws, good statutes

and commandments.

14 (Ge 2:3; Ex 20:8-11) You also revealed to them Your Holy Sabbath and,

by the hand of Moses Your servant, set in place for them the precepts,

statutes, and laws.

15 (Ex 17:6; Dt 1:8) You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger

and brought water out of the rock for them for their thirst. You told

them to enter in order to possess the land which You had sworn to give them.



[7] Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him

forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;

[8] And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with

him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the

Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to

his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:

[9] And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their

cry by the Red sea;

[10] And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharoah, and on all his servants,

and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly

against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.

[11] And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through

the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest

into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.

[12] Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the

night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should

go.

[13] Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from

heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and

commandments:

[14] And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them

precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:

[15] And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest

forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them

that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give

them.



Confession ... and repentance



16 (Dt 31:27; Ne 9:10) "But they and our fathers acted proudly and hardened

their necks and did not obey Your commandments.

[16] But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and

hearkened not to thy commandments,



The Attributes of God



17 (Ps 78:11; 86:5) They refused to obey and were not mindful of Your wonders

that You performed among them. But they hardened their necks and in their

rebellion appointed a leader to return to their bondage. But You are a God

ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding

in kindness, and did not forsake them.



[17] And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou

didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed

a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon,

gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest

them not.



18 (Ex 32:4-8) "Even when they had made themselves a molded calf and said,

'This is your god that brought you out of Egypt,'

and committed terrible provocations,



[18] Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God

that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;



The Attributes of God



19 (Ne 9:12; 9:27) yet You in Your great mercy did not forsake them

in the wilderness: The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day,

to lead them in the way, nor the pillar of fire by night, to light for them

the way they should go.

[19] Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness:

the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the

way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way

wherein they should go.



20 (Nu 11:17; Ex 16:15) You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them,

did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, and gave them water

for their thirst.

21 (Dt 2:7; 8:4) Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness,

so that they lacked nothing-their clothing did not wear out

nor did their feet swell.

22 (Nu 21:21-35) "You gave them kingdoms and nations,

and You divided them as boundaries. They possessed the land of Sihon,

which was the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og,

the king of Bashan.

23 (Ge 15:5; 22:17) Their descendants You increased like the stars

of heaven, and You brought them into the land, which You had promised

to their fathers that they would enter and possess it.

24 (Jos 11:23; 18:1) So the descendants went in and possessed the land,

and You subdued for them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites,

and gave them into their hands-with their kings and the peoples of the land

-to do with them as they would.



[20] Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not

thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

[21] Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that

they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.

[22] Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them

into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king

of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

[23] Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and

broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their

fathers, that they should go in to possess it.

[24] So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst

before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them

into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they

might do with them as they would.



The Attributes of God



25 (Dt 32:15; 3:5) They captured unassailable cities and a fertile land.

They possessed houses full of all goods, wells dug, vineyards, olive groves,

and fruit trees in abundance, so they ate, were filled, and became fat,

and they indulged themselves in Your great goodness.

[25] And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full

of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in

abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted

themselves in thy great goodness.



Confession ... and repentance



26 (1Ki 14:9; Jdg 2:11-12) "Nevertheless they became disobedient,

and rebelled against You, and cast Your law behind their backs,

and killed Your prophets who had warned them to turn back to You.

But they committed terrible provocations.



[26] Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast

thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against

them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.



The Attributes of God



27 Therefore You delivered them into the hand of their enemies,

who afflicted them. When they cried to You in the time of their affliction,

You heard from heaven, and, according to Your abundant mercy, You gave them

deliverers who delivered them out of the hand of their enemies.

[27] Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who

vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee,

thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou

gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.



28 (Jdg 3:11-12; 3:30) "But after they had rest, they again did evil before

You. Therefore You abandoned them to the hand of their enemies, so that

they had dominion over them. Yet when they turned and cried to You,

You heard from heaven, and many times You delivered them according

to Your mercies.

29 (Ne 9:16; Lev 18:5) "You warned them in order to restore them again

to Your law, but they acted arrogantly and did not listen

to Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances

(which would enable a man to live, if he would do them),

stubbornly turning away and becoming belligerent so that

they would not hear.



[28] But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore

leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the

dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou

heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according

to thy mercies;

[29] And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto

thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments,

but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in

them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not

hear.



Confession ... and repentance



30 (Ne 9:20; Isa 42:24) For many years You endured them

and warned them by Your Spirit in Your prophets, yet they would not listen.

Therefore, You gave them into the hand of the people of the lands.

[30] Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by

thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest

thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.



The Attributes of God



31 (Jer 4:27; Ne 9:17) Nevertheless, for the sake of Your abundant mercy,

You did not completely destroy them or forsake them.

Indeed, You are a gracious and merciful God.

[31] Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume

them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.



32 (2Ki 17:3; Ne 1:5) "Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty,

and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and mercy, let not all the hardship,

since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day, that has come on us,

our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers,

and on all Your people seem insignificant to You.

[32] Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God,

who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before

thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our

priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people,

since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.



Confession ... and repentance



33 (Ge 18:25; Ps 106:6) You are righteous for everything that has come

upon us! You have acted faithfully while we have done wickedly.

[33] Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast

done right, but we have done wickedly:



34 For our kings, princes, priests, and fathers have failed to keep Your law

and did not obey Your commandments and Your warnings even when

You confronted them.

35 (Dt 28:47) For whether in their kingdom or in Your abundant goodness

(that You gave them) or in the spacious and fertile land

(that You set before them), they have neither served You nor turned away

from their wicked deeds.

36 (Dt 28:48; Ezr 9:9) "Here we are, slaves today. The land that You gave

to our fathers was for eating its fruit and its goodness.

Behold, we have become slaves on account of it,

37 (Dt 28:33; 28:51) because its abundant produce belongs to the kings

whom You have set over us due to our sins. They have control over our bodies

and over our livestock, as they please. We are in great distress."



Signatories to the Agreement



38 (Ne 10:1; 10:29) So on the basis of all this, we are executing

a written agreement that is being sealed by our princes, Levites,

and priests.



[34] Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept

thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith

thou didst testify against them.

[35] For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great

goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou

gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

[36] Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest

unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we

are servants in it:

[37] And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us

because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our

cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

[38] And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our

princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.



Nehemiah 10



Signatories of the Covenant



1 (Ne 9:38; 1:1) Now the names of those on the sealed agreement were:

Nehemiah, the magistrate, the son of Hakaliah,

and Zedekiah.

2 Next were Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,

3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah,

4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluk,

5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,

6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,

7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,

8 Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah.

These were the priests.

9 The Levites were:

Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, and Kadmiel,

10 along with their relatives Shebaniah,

Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,

11 Mika, Rehob, Hashabiah,

12 Zakkur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,

13 Hodiah, Bani, and Beninu.

14 (Ne 7:8; 7:11-13) The leaders of the people were:

Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,

15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,

17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,

18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,

19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,

20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,

22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,

23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,

24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,

25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,

26 Ahiah, Hanan, Anan,

27 Malluk, Harim, and Baanah.



Summary of the Covenant



28 (Ne 9:2) The remainder of the people, the priests, the Levites,

the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all those who

on the basis of the Law of God separated themselves from the people

of the lands-their wives, their sons, and their daughters, that is,

every one capable of knowledge and understanding-

29 (Ps 119:106;



2Ki 23:3) have decisively joined in with their countrymen

and their nobles, and obligated themselves-by both a curse and an oath-to

walk in the Law of God, which was given by Moses the servant of God,

and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord who is our Lord,

along with His judgments and His statutes

30 (Ex 34:16; Dt 7:3) so that we will not give our daughters

to the people of the land nor take their daughters for our sons.

31 (Ex 23:10-11; Ne 13:15-22) If the people of the land bring merchandise

or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them

on the Sabbath or a holy day. We will also renounce the seventh year harvest

and the full payment of every debt.

32 (Ex 30:11-16) We also establish for ourselves the ordinance to collect

from ourselves annually one-third of a shekel for the service of the house

of our God:

33 (2Ch 2:4; Lev 24:5-6) for the showbread, the continual grain offering,

the continual burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the New Moons, the appointed

feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make an atonement for

Israel, as well as for all the work of the house of our God.

34 (Ne 13:31; Isa 40:16) Also, we cast lots to determine the duty

of the supply of wood that the priests, the Levites,

and the people-according to the houses of our fathers,

being set by annually appointed times-might bring to the house of our God,

in order to burn it on the altar of the Lord our God,

as it is written in the Law;

35 (Ex 23:19; Dt 26:2) and, likewise, for the annual bringing

of the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all fruit

of all trees to the house of the Lord;

36 (Ex 13:2; Lev 27:26-27) and for bringing to the priests

who are ministering at the house of God, the firstborn of our sons

and livestock, as it is written in the Law, plus the firstborn

of our herds and flocks.

37 (Lev 23:17; Nu 18:21) Moreover, the first of our fresh dough,

our contributions, the fruit of every tree, and the new wine and oil we will

bring to the priests at the chambers of the house of our God, but the tithe

of our crops we will bring to the Levites, since they themselves receive

the tithes in all our agricultural cities.

38 (Ne 13:12-13) There must be a priest, a descendant of Aaron,

with the Levites when they are collecting tithes, and the Levites

will offer a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God,

for the chambers of the storehouse.

39 (2Ch 31:12) Both the children of Israel and the Levites

should bring the contribution of the grain, new wine,

and the fresh oil to the chambers because the vessels of the sanctuary

and the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers are there.

We resolve not to forsake the house of our God.



[1] Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of

Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,

[2] Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,

[3] Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah,

[4] Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,

[5] Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,

[6] Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,

[7] Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,

[8] Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.

[9] And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons

of Henadad, Kadmiel;

[10] And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,

[11] Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,

[12] Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,

[13] Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.

[14] The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,

[15] Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

[16] Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,

[17] Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,

[18] Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,

[19] Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,

[20] Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

[21] Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,

[22] Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,

[23] Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub,

[24] Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,

[25] Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,

[26] And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,

[27] Malluch, Harim, Baanah.

[28] And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the

singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the

people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their

daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

[29] They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse,

and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant

of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and

his judgments and his statutes;

[30] And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land,

nor take their daughters for our sons:

[31] And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath

day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy

day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every

debt.

[32] Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the

third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

[33] For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the

continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set

feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an

atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.

[34] And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people,

for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the

houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the

altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:

[35] And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all

fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:

[36] Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in

the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the

house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:

[37] And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our

offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto

the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our

ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all

the cities of our tillage.

[38] And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the

Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes

unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

[39] For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the

offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where

are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the

porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.



2) Our Daily Bread for 24 September 2024 titled

Together in Jesus



Romans 12:1-5



The New Life in Christ



1 (1Pe 2:5; Ro 6:13; 6:16) I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies

of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy,

and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship.

2 (Ro 12:1; 1Pe 1:14) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed

by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good

and acceptable and perfect will of God.

3 (Ro 1:5; 11:20) For I say, through the grace given to me,

to everyone among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought

to think, but to think with sound judgment, according to the measure

of faith God has distributed to every man.

4 (1Co 12:12-14) For just as we have many parts in one body,

and not all parts have the same function,

5 (1Co 10:17; 12:20) so we, being many, are one body in Christ,

and all are parts of one another.



[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye

present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is

your reasonable service.

[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the

renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,

and perfect, will of God.

[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among

you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to

think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of

faith.

[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the

same office:

[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of

another.



Most of the three hundred residents of Whittier, Alaska, live in one big

apartment complex, and that's why Whittier is called a "town under one roof."

Amie, a former resident, says, "I didn't have to step outside the building-the

grocery store, notary public, school, and post office were on our ground

floor, just an elevator ride away!"



"Because life there was so comfortable, I often wanted to keep to myself,

thinking I didn't need anyone," Amie shares. "But the residents are so warm.

They look out for each other. I learned that they need me, and I need them."



Like Amie, we may at times want to keep to ourselves and avoid community. The

latter seems less stressful! But Scripture says that a believer in Jesus

should have a healthy balance of solitude and fellowship with other

believers. The apostle Paul likens the body of believers to the human body.

Just as each body part has a distinct function, every believer has a distinct

role (Romans 12:4). Just as a body part can't exist alone, a believer can't

live the life of faith in isolation (v. 5). It's in the midst of community

that we use our gifts (vv. 6-8; 1 Peter 4:10) and grow to be like Jesus

(Romans 12:9-21).



We need one another; our togetherness is in Christ (v. 5). With His help,

as we "look out for each other," we can cultivate a deeper relationship

with Him and show others His love.



By: Karen Huang



Reflect & Pray



How has community in Jesus helped you in your walk with God?

How have other believers encouraged you?



Dear God, thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



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



Ephesians 4:32



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

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



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

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



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

compromise his Christian principles. Certain friends in the company had

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

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

of those who cared.

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

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

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

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

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

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

forgiving.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus demonstrated the king compassion necessary in forgiveness when he

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

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

are doing."

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

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

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

in the simplicity and purity of God's love.



Application



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



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



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



4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland



Deut 28:11



11 (Dt 28:4; 30:9) The Lord will make you overflow in prosperity,

in the offspring of your body, in the offspring of your livestock,

and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore

to your fathers to give you.



11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body,

and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land

which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.



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



When you are lonely



1 John 4:16b-18



God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us,

so that we may have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is,

so are we in this world.

18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love,

but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

Whoever fears is not perfect in love.



God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness

in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:

because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13





9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



Nova Scotia



Total population 942700

Muslim population (est.) 14629



With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is

a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,

a harvest field in itself.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia

with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas

(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques

in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.



Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of

newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration

has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic

is the second most spoken language in Halifax.



while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000

in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population

somewhere between 25000 to 30000.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)



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



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 24 of the Month



a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel

at every level of Canadian Society. (



Col 4:3



3 while praying also for us, that God would open to

us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,

for which I am also in chains,



3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto

us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,

for which I am also in bonds:



)



b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan



I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,

that God's Spirit would influence

then to act justly,

serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4



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

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

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

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

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good

and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

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

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use

the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



)



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



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ."



Pray to the Lord and pray to have the kind heart of forgiveness.



Pray to the Lord and pray to reap the rewards of obedience in God's love.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know God as love.



Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel

at every level of Canadian Society.



Pray for the more than 200 churches in Burkina Faso that have been closed

in the north and the east due to threats of attack.



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.

Day 266, 22 September 2024



Today at Calvary Community

Church , Pastor dOUG zEIBER SPOKE ON God's Rescue plan

Faith in the Journey.



Galatians 1:3-5



3 (1Co 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ,

4 (Php 4:20; Mt 20:28) who gave Himself for our sins,

that He might deliver us from this present evil age,

according to the will of our God and Father,

5 (Ro 11:36)to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.



[3] Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus

Christ,

[4] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this

present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

[5] To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.



A) Embrace Heavenly Wisdon



Galatians 1:11-12



11 But I reveal to you, brothers, that the gospel which was preached

by me is not according to man.

12 For I neither received it from man, neither was I taught it,

except by a revelation of Jesus Christ.



[11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me

is not after man.

[12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the

revelation of Jesus Christ.



1 Corinthians 1:18-20



18 (Ro 1:16; 1Co 1:21) For to those who are perishing,

the preaching of the cross is foolishness,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

19 (Isa 29:14; Job 5:12-13) For it is written:

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." (Isa 29:14.)

20 (Ro 1:22; Job 12:17) Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?

Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made the wisdom

of this world foolish?



[18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but

unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

[19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will

bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

[20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this

world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?



Colossians 2:2-3



2 (Col 4:8; Ro 16:25) that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together

in love, and receive all the riches and assurance of full understanding,

and knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,

3 (Ro 11:33; 1Co 1:24) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom

and knowledge.



[2] That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and

unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the

acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

[3] In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.



2 Timothy 3:14-17



14 (Ac 3:19; Col 2:20) He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was

against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to

the cross.

15 (Eph 4:8; Lk 10:18) And having disarmed authorities and powers,

He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.

16 (Heb 9:10; 1Ch 23:31) Therefore let no one judge you regarding food,

or drink, or in respect of a holy day or new moon or sabbath days.

17 (Heb 8:5; 10:1) These are shadows of things to come, but the substance

belongs to Christ.



[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which

was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

[15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them

openly, triumphing over them in it.

[16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of

an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.



2 Peter 1:3



3 (1Th 2:12; 2Th 2:14) His divine power has given to us all things that

pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge

of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence,



[3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain

unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to

glory and virtue:



B) Avoid the Pit of Perfection



Galatians 1:13-14



13 (Ac 8:3; 9:21) For you have heard of my former life in Judaism,

how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it,

14 (Ac 22:3; Col 2:8) and progressed in Judaism above many of my equals

in my own heritage, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions

of my fathers.



[13] For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion,

how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

[14] And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own

nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.



Philippians 3:6



6 (Ac 8:3; 22:3-4) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; and concerning

the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.



[6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness

which is in the law, blameless.



C) Understand God's calling



Galatians 1:15-16a



15 (Isa 49:1; 49:5) But when it pleased God, who set me apart

since I was in my mother's womb and called me by His grace,

16 (Mt 16:17; Ac 9:15) to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him

among the nations,



[15] But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and

called me by his grace,

[16] To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen;



Jeremiah 1:5



5 (Isa 49:1; Ps 71:5-6) "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;

and before you were born I sanctified you,

and I ordained you a prophet to the nations."



[5] Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest

forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto

the nations.



Psalm 139:13



13 You brought my inner parts into being;

You wove me in my mother's womb.



[13] For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's

womb.



D) Thrive in the desert



Galatians 1:16b-24



16 I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,

17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me.

But I went into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

18 After three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter

and stayed with him for fifteen days.

19 (Mt 13:55; 12:46) I saw none of the other apostles except James,

the Lord's brother.

20 (Ro 9:1; 2Co 11:31) In what I am writing to you, before God,

I do not lie!

21 (Ac 6:9; 9:30) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia

22 (1Th 2:14; Ro 16:7) and was unknown by face to the churches of Judea

which were in Christ.

23 They had heard only, "He who persecuted us in times past now preaches

the faith which he once destroyed."

24 And they glorified God because of me.



[16]

immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

[17] Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me;

but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

[18] Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode

with him fifteen days.

[19] But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

[20] Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

[21] Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;

[22] And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:

[23] But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now

preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

[24] And they glorified God in me.



1) Nehemiah 1,2,3,4,5



Nehemiah 1



The Prayer of Nehemiah



God had been preparing Nehemiah for a New meaningful contribution

to the Kingdom of God.



1 (Ne 10:1; Zec 7:1) The words of Nehemiah the son of Hakaliah.

In the month Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the palace,

[1] The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in

the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,





A) Nurture a passion for God.



2 (Ne 7:2) Hanani, one of my relatives, and some men of Judah arrived. So I

asked them concerning the returning Jews who had been in captivity,

and concerning Jerusalem.

[2] That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah;

and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left

of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.



B) Look for a need



3 (Ne 2:17; 2Ki 25:10; Ne 2:3) They said to me, "The remnant that returned

from captivity is there in the province enduring great affliction

and reproach. Also, the wall of Jerusalem remains broken down,

and its gates have been burned with fire."

[3] And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity

there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of

Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.



4 (Ne 2:4; Ezr 10:1) When I heard these words, I sat down and wept

and mourned for days. Then I fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

[4] And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and

wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of

heaven,



Destiny is that problem we are uniquely equipped to solve.



c) Be part of the solution



i) Through prayer

ii) Through confession and repentance



5 (Ex 20:6; Dt 7:21) and said:

"I beseech You, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God,

who keeps covenant and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments.

[5] And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and

terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and

observe his commandments:



6 (Da 9:20; 2Ch 6:40) Let Your ear now be attentive, and Your eyes open,

that You may hear the prayer of Your servant, which I now pray before You,

day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins

of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against You.

Both my father's house and I have sinned.

[6] Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou

mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day

and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins

of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and

my father's house have sinned.



Confession is to agree with God that what we've done is wrong.

REpresentation confession is shown in Nehemiah 1:6



7 (Ps 106:6) We have acted very corruptly against You

and have not obeyed the commandments, nor the statutes,

nor the judgments, which You commanded Your servant Moses.

[7] We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the

commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou

commandedst thy servant Moses.



8 (Dt 4:25-27; 28:64) "Please remember the word that You commanded

Your servant Moses, saying, 'If you behave unfaithfully, then I will scatter

you among the nations,

[8] Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant

Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:



9 (Dt 12:5; Lev 26:39-42) but if you return to Me and keep My commandments

and do them, though your outcasts are under the farthest part of the heavens,

I will gather them from there and bring them back to the place where I have

chosen to establish My name.'

[9] But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though

there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I

gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have

chosen to set my name there.



[Promise of the sins of the fathers and mothers will carry on to the 3rd

and 4th generation but he shows love to 1000 generations of those who

love him and keep his commands.]



10 (Dt 9:29; Ex 32:11) "Now these are Your servants and Your people,

whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand.

[10] Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by

thy great power, and by thy strong hand.



iii) Through personal engagement



11 (Ne 1:6; 2:1O) Lord, I implore You, let Your ear be attentive

to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants

who delight to revere Your name. And let Your servant prosper this day,

and grant him mercy in the sight of this man."

For I was the king's cupbearer.

[11] O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of

thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name:

(Praying in community)

and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the

sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.



Nehemiah 2



Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem



A) Wait, pray and plan



1 (Ezr 7:1; Ne 1:1) In the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year

of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took the wine

and gave it to the king. Never had I been upset in his presence.

2 (Pr 15:13) So the king said to me, "Why is your face troubled though

you do not seem sick? This is nothing but a troubled heart."

Then I became very much afraid



[1] And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of

Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and

gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

[2] Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou

art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore

afraid,



B) Muster cougar through fear



3 (Ne 1:3; Da 2:4) and said to the king, "May the king live forever!

Why should not my face be troubled when the city, the place

of my fathers' tombs, lies waste, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?"

4 (Ne 1:4) So the king said to me,

"What are you requesting about this matter?"

Immediately, I prayed to the God of heaven



[3] And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my

countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres,

lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

[4] Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed

to the God of heaven.



c) Trust God and make the ask BIG.



5 and then said to the king, "If this pleases the king

and if this might be good for your servant who is before you,

then would you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs

so that I may rebuild it?"

6 (Ne 13:6; 5:14) The king, with the queen sitting beside him, said to me,

"How long would your journey be? And when will you return?"

Because it pleased the king to send me, I established a timetable for him.

7 (Ezr 7:21; 8:36) I further said to the king, "If this pleases the king,

may letters be given to me for the governors of the province

Beyond the River so that they would allow me to pass through

until I come to Judah,

8 (Ezr 7:6; Ne 7:2) as well as a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's

forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates

of the temple mount, for the city wall, and for the house into

which I will enter." The king granted me these things, because the good hand

of my God was upon me.

9 (Ezr 8:22) When I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River,

I gave them the king's letters. He also sent with me commanders of foot

and horse soldiers.



[5] And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant

have

found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto

the

city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

[6] And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long

shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to

send me; and I set him a time.

[7] Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be

given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over

till I come into Judah;

[8] And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may

give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained

to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall

enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God

upon me.

[9] Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's

letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.



D) Expect opposition



10 (Ne 2:19; 4:7) When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite

subordinate heard this, it deeply grieved them that there was a man

coming to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

[10] When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite,

heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek

the welfare of the children of Israel.



Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem's Walls



A ) Roll up your sleeves

B ) Don't forget patience



11 (Ezr 8:32) When I arrived in Jerusalem, I was there three days.

[11] So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.



C) Beware of dream thieves



12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men who were with me;

I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem.

There was no animal with me, except the one on which I rode.

[12] And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I

any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was

there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.



E) Count the cost



13 (Ne 1:3; 2Ch 26:9) So I went out by night by the Valley Gate toward

the Dragon's Well and then to the Dung Gate, because I was inspecting

the ­broken-down walls of Jerusalem and its burned gates.

14 (Ne 3:15; 2Ki 20:20) Next I passed by the Fountain Gate

and then to the King's Pool, but there was no place for my mount to pass.

15 (2Sa 15:23; Jn 18:1) By going up along the riverbed at night,

I inspected the wall. Then I turned back so that I could enter

by the Valley Gate, and then came back again.

[13] And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the

dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which

were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

[14] Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but

there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.

[15] Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and

turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.



F) Inspire Faith and Confidence

16 The officials did not know where I went or what I did, since I had not

yet told it to the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials,

or to any of the others who would do the work.

17 (Ne 1:3; Eze 5:14; Ps 44:13) Finally, I said to them, "You see the distress

that we are in, how Jerusalem is devastated and its gates are burned

with fire. Come, and let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will

no more be a reproach."

18 (2Sa 2:7) Then I told them that the hand of my God had been good to me

and also about the king's words that he had spoken to me.

And they said, "Let us rise up and build!"

So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

[16] And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as

yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the

rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

[17] Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how

Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and

let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

[18] Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also

the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up

and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.



G) Resist the enemy's attempt to control

19 (Ne 6:6; 6:1-2; Ps 44:13-14) But when Sanballat the Horonite,

Tobiah the Ammonite subordinate, and Geshem the Arabian heard it,

they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said,

"What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?"

20 (Ezr 4:3; Ne 2:4) Then answered I them and said to them,

"The God of heaven, He will enable us to prosper. Therefore we His servants

will arise and build, but you will have no portion, or right,

or memorial in Jerusalem."

[19] But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite,

and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us,

and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

[20] Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will

prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no

portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.



Nehemiah 3



Rebuilding the Wall



1 (Ne 12:39; Jer 31:38; Ne 13:28) Then Eliashib the high priest rose up

with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate.

They sanctified it and erected its doors. From the Tower of the Hundred

to the Tower of Hananel, they sanctified the wall.

[1] Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and

they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it;

even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.



2 (Ne 7:36; Ezr 2:34) Next to him the men of Jericho built,

and next to them Zakkur the son of Imri built.

3 (Ne 12:39; 2Ch 33:14) The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate,

constructing its beams, erecting its doors, and installing locks

and bars for it.

4 (Ezr 8:33; Ne 3:21) Next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah,

the son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to him, Meshullam the son of Berekiah,

the son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to him Zadok the son of Baana

made repairs.



[2] And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them

builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

[3] But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the

beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the

bars thereof.

[4] And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz.

And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of

Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.



c) Walk in humility



5 (2Sa 14:2; Ne 3:27) Next to them the Tekoites made repairs,

but their noblemen would not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.

[5] And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not

their necks to the work of their Lord.



6 (Ne 12:39) Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah

repaired the Old Gate. They constructed its beams, erected its doors,

and installed locks and bars for it.

7 Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite

and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah,

places under the authority of the governor of the province Beyond the River.



[6] Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam

the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors

thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

[7] And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the

Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the

governor on this side the river.



d) Work Outside our comfort zone

8 (Ne 12:38; 3:31-32) Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah,

one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him Hananiah,

the son of one of the apothecaries, made repairs, and they repaired Jerusalem

as far as the Broad Wall.

[8] Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths.

Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries,

and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.



{an example of pride}

9 (Ne 3:12; 3:17) Next to him Rephaiah the son of Hur, commander of half

of the Jerusalem district, made repairs.

[9] And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the

half part of Jerusalem.



10 Next to him Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house.

Next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs.

[10] And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over

against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of

Hashabniah.



f) Demonstrate His work in our life

11 (Ne 12:38) Malkijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-Moab

repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Furnaces.

[11] Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab, repaired

the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.



b) Work Together

{an example of pride}

12 (Ne 3:9) Next to them Shallum the son of Hallohesh,

commander of the other half of the Jerusalem district, made repairs

along with his daughters.

[12] And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler

of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.



13 (Ne 2:13; Jos 15:34) Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired

the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it, erected its doors, and installed locks

and bars for it, plus repaired one thousand cubits

[About 1,500 feet, or about 450 meters.] along on the wall to the Dung Gate.

14 (Jer 6:1; Ne 2:13) But the Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah the son

of Rekab, commander of the Beth Hakkerem district. He rebuilt it,

and erected its doors, and installed the locks and bars for it.

15 (Ne 12:37; Jn 9:7) Moreover, Shallun the son of Kol-Hozeh,

commander of the Mizpah district, made repairs to the Fountain Gate.

He rebuilt it, covered it, erected its doors, and installed the locks

and bars for it. He also repaired the wall of the pool of Shelah by the king's

garden as far as the steps going down from the City of David.

16 (2Ki 20:20; Ac 2:29) After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, commander of half

of the Beth Zur district, made repairs as far as the area across from the Tomb

of David plus to the constructed pool and to the house of the mighty.

17 (Jos 15:44) After him the Levites, under Rehum the son of Bani,

made repairs. Next to them Hash­abiah, commander of half of the Keilah

district, made repairs in his area.

18 After him their brothers, under Binnui the son of Henadad,

commander of the other half of the Keilah district, made repairs.

19 (2Ch 26:9) Next to them Ezer the son of Jeshua, commander of Mizpah,

made repairs to another section across from the ascent to the armory

at the corner.

[13] The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they

built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars

thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.

[14] But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of

part of Beth-haccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks

thereof, and the bars thereof.

[15] But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Col-hozeh,

the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the

doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the

pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from

the city of David.

[16] After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half

part of Beth-zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David,

and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.

[17] After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him

repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.

[18] After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler

of the half part of Keilah.

[19] And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah,

another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of

the wall.



e) Go the extra mile

20 (Ne 3:1) After him Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired

another section, from the corner to the door of the house of Eliashib

the high priest.

[20] After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece,

from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the

high priest.



21 After him Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz repaired

another section from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of it.

22 (Ne 12:28) After him the priests,

the men of the surrounding plain, made repairs.

23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs across from their house.

After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah made repairs

beside his house.

24 (Ne 3:19) After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section

from the house of Azariah as far as the corner plus the corner tower.

25 (Jer 32:2; 37:21) Palal the son of Uzai made repairs across from the corner

and to the tower protruding out of the king's upper house next

to the courtyard of the guards.

After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs.

26 (Ne 8:1; 11:21) The temple servants living in Ophel made repairs

from opposite the Water Gate eastward to the protruding tower.

[21] After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another

piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house

of Eliashib.

[22] And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.

[23] After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After

him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.

[24] After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the

house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.

[25] Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the

tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of

the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.

[26] Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the

water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.



e) Go the extra mile

27 (Ne 3:5) After them the Tekoites repaired another section across

from the great protruding tower as far as the wall of Ophel.

[27] After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great

tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.



28 (2Ch 23:15; 2Ki 11:16) Up to the Horse Gate the priests made repairs

-each one across from his house.

29 After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired across from his house.

After him Shemaiah the son of Shekaniah, who was keeper of the East Gate,

made repairs.

30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph

repaired another section. After them Meshullam the son of Berekiah made

repairs across from his chamber.



[28] From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against

his house.

[29] After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house.

After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the

east gate.

[30] After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth

son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of

Berechiah over against his chamber.



d) Work Outside our comfort zone

31 (Ne 3:8; 3:32) After him Malkijah the goldsmith's son made repairs

as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants.

This was across from the Mustering Gate extending as far as the upper room

of the corner tower.

32 (Ne 3:1; 12:39) Between the upper room of the corner tower

and the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.

[31] After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the

Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the

going up of the corner.

[32] And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the

goldsmiths and the merchants.



Nehemiah 4



Opposition to the Rebuilding



1 (Ne 2:10; 2:19) When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall,

he became angry and was greatly irritated, and he mocked the Jews.

2 (Ezr 4:9-10; Ne 4:10) He spoke before his relatives and the army of Samaria

and said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they fortifying themselves?

Will they make sacrifices? Can they complete this in a day?

Can they revive the burned-up stones out of the rubbish heaps?"

3 (Ne 2:10) Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said,

"Even what they are rebuilding, if even a fox climbed it,

that would break down their stone wall."

[1] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall,

he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.

[2] And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What

do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice?

will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps

of the rubbish which are burned?

[3] Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they

build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.



A)When mocked or ridiculed, turn to God.



4 (Ps 79:12; 123:3-4) Hear, O our God, that we are despised. Turn

their reproach back upon their own head, and give them as spoil in a land

of captivity:

5 (Jer 18:23; Ps 109:14) No longer cover their iniquity nor blot out

their sin, which is before You since they have made insults

against the builders.



[4] Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their

own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:

[5] And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from

before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.



6 So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was solidified

up to half its height. The people had a passion for the work.



[6] So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half

thereof: for the people had a mind to work.



B) When tempted to Allow Discord





7 (Ne 2:10; 4:1) When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites,

and the Ashdodites heard how the restoration of Jerusalem's walls

was progressing and how the breaches had begun to be sealed,

it made them extremely furious.

8 (Ps 83:3-11) So they all conspired together to fight against Jerusalem

in order to cause it chaos.



[7] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians,

and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem

were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very

wroth,

[8] And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against

Jerusalem, and to hinder it.



... Pray and seek unity.



9 (Ne 4:11) Nevertheless we prayed to our God, and, because of them,

we set up a watch for them day and night.

[9] Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against

them day and night, because of them.



D) When discouraged or overwhelmed ...



10 Judah had said, "The strength of the burden bearers is failing though

there is much rubble. And we ourselves are unable to rebuild the wall."

11 Our adversaries said, "They will neither know nor see until we have

entered in among them and slain them. Indeed, we will stop the work!"

12 When the Jews living near them came, they told us ten times,

"From every place where you turn, they will be against us."

[10] And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and

there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

[11] And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we

come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.

[12] And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they

said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they

will be upon you.



... understand this is normal.



C) When threatened, Pray and Protect

13 (Ne 4:17-18) Therefore I set guards at the lowest positions

along the wall and just inside the wall at the unrepaired areas.

I also stationed the people by families providing them individually

their own swords, spears, and bows.

14 (Nu 14:9; 2Sa 10:12) After I looked around, I stood up

and said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people,

"Stop being terrified because of them! Remember instead that the Lord

is great and awesome. So fight for each other-and for your sons,

your daughters, your wives, and your houses."

15 (2Sa 17:14) Now when our enemies heard that this had become known to us

and that God had brought their counsel to nothing, then we all returned

to the wall, everyone to his work.

16 After that day, half of my servants did the work while the other half

handled the spears, shields, bows, and body armor. Commanders were appointed

to support every house of Judah.

17 Those rebuilding the wall and those hauling the loads were working

with one hand doing the task, but with the other hand holding the weapon.

18 For the builders, everyone had his sword bound to his side,

even while rebuilding. The trumpet blower worked beside me.

19 I said to the nobles, the rulers, and to the rest of the people,

"The work is vast and over a large area. Since we are spread along the wall

far from each other,

20 (Ex 14:14; Dt 1:30) assemble to us there at the place where you hear

the trumpet sounded. Our God shall fight for us."

21 So we labored in the work with half of them holding spears

from sunrise to the rising of the stars.

22 Likewise at the same time I said to the people,

"Every man and his ­servant must lodge within Jerusalem.

By night, they may be a guard to us; by day, a laborer for the work."



[13] Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher

places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their

spears, and their bows.

[14] And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers,

and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord,

which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and

your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

[15] And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us,

and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to

the wall, every one unto his work.

[16] And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants

wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the

shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all

the house of Judah.

[17] They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those

that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with

the other hand held a weapon.

[18] For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so

builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

[19] And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the

people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one

far from another.

[20] In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye

thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.

[21] So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the

rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

[22] Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with

his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to

us, and labour on the day.



E) When faced with sacrifice, Lead the way!



23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard

who followed me took off our clothes.

Each carried his weapon, even when washing.

[23] So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the

guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every

one put them off for washing.



Nehemiah 5



Nehemiah Stops Oppression

Lack of Compassion exposed

1 (Isa 5:7) Now there was a great outcry of the people

and their wives against their fellow Jews.

2 Some were saying, "We and our sons and our daughters are many.

Therefore, let us acquire grain so that we may eat and live."

3 Others were saying, "We have mortgaged our fields, vineyards,

and houses so that we might acquire grain because of hunger."

4 (Ezr 4:13; 4:20) Still others were saying, "We have borrowed money

for the king's tribute against the value of our fields and vineyards.



[1] And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their

brethren the Jews.

[2] For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many:

therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.

[3] Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards,

and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.

[4] There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's

tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.



Example of Millwoods Food Bank , Clothing bank and care closet



Lack of Compassion Challenged



6 (Ex 11:8) I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words.

7 (Ex 22:25; Lev 25:36) So I contemplated about this for myself and,

as a result, I rebuked the nobles and officials and said to them,

"Based on the claim of each against his brother, you are exacting usury."

Then I convened a great assembly against them,

8 (Lev 25:47-49) and I said to them, "By whatever means we had,

we purchased our Jewish countrymen who were being sold to the nations.

So, will you once more sell your countrymen so that they might again be

sold to us?" Then they kept silent, because they found nothing to answer.

9 (Lev 25:36; 2Sa 12:14) Also I said, "What you are doing is not good!

Should not you walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach

of the nations, our enemies?

10 Moreover, I, my relatives, and my servants are loaning them money

and grain. So, I urge you, cease from this practice of usury.

11 (Isa 58:6) Please restore to them, even this day, their fields,

their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses,

along with a hundredth part of the money, the grain, the wine,

and the oil that you had exacted from them."



[6] And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.

[7] Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers,

and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a

great assembly against them.

[8] And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren

the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your

brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and

found nothing to answer.

[9] Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear

of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?

[10] I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money

and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.

[11] Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their

vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the the hundredth part

of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.



Lack of Compassion Addressed



12 (Ezr 10:5) Then they said, "We will restore it and will require

nothing of them. We will do what you have said."

Then I called the priests and made them swear an oath to keep this promise.

13 (Ac 18:6; 1Ch 16:36) Also I shook out the front of my garment and said,

"Like this, may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor

who does not carry out this promise. Exactly like this, may he be shaken out

and emptied."

And all the congregation said, "Amen," and praised the Lord.

And the people did according to this promise.



[12] Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them;

so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of

them, that they should do according to this promise.

[13] Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his

house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be

he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised

the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.



No Lack of Compassion



Nehemiah's Generosity



14 (Ne 13:6; 2:1) Moreover from the time that I was appointed

to be their governor in the land of Judah

(from the twentieth year even until the 32nd year of King Artaxerxes)

twelve years had passed. And my companions and I had not eaten

the governor's food allotment.

15 (Ne 5:9; Job 31:23) The former governors preceding me had extracted

a heavy burden on the people, because they took from them food and wine,

besides forty shekels

[About 1 pound, or 460 grams.] of silver. Moreover, even their servants

domineered over the people. But I myself never did so, because of the fear

of God.

16 Furthermore, I stayed determined in the work on this wall.

We bought no field, and all my servants were gathered there for the sake

of the work.

17 (1Ki 18:19; 2Sa 9:7) Moreover there were regularly at my table 150 Jews

and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations around us.

18 (1Ki 4:22-23) Daily there were one ox and six choice sheep prepared for me.

Fowls were also prepared for me. Once in ten days all sorts of wine were

supplied in abundance. Yet for all this, I never required the governor's

food allotment because it was a heavy burden on this people.

19 (Ne 13:14; 13:22) Remember me, O my God, for good, according to all

that I have done for this people.



[14] Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the

land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year

of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not

eaten the bread of the governor.

[15] But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto

the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of

silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not

I, because of the fear of God.

[16] Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any

land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

[17] Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and

rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about

us.

[18] Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice

sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all

sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor,

because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

[19] Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for

this people.



2) Our Daily Bread for 22 September 2024



Entitled "Royal Return"



Isaiah 45:20-25



The Only Saviour



20 (Isa 43:9; 46:1) Assemble yourselves and come;

draw near together, you fugitives of the nations.

They have no knowledge who set up the wood of their carved image,

and pray to a god that cannot save.

21 (Isa 43:9; 43:11) Declare and set forth your case;

let them take counsel together.

Who has declared this from ancient times?

Who has told it from that time?

Have not I, the Lord?

And there is no God besides Me,

a righteous God and Savior;

there is no other besides Me.

22 (Nu 21:8-9; 2Ch 20:12) Turn to Me and be saved,

all the ends of the earth.

For I am God, and there is no other.

23 (Php 2:10; Ps 63:11) I have sworn by Myself,

the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness

and shall not return,

that to Me every knee shall bow,

every tongue shall take an oath.

24 (Isa 41:11) Surely, one shall say, "Only in the Lord

are righteousness and strength."

Men shall come to him,

and all who are incensed at Him shall be ashamed.

25 (Isa 41:16) In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel

be justified and shall glory.



[20] Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped

of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven

image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.

[21] Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who

hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have

not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a

Saviour; there is none beside me.

[22] Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God,

and there is none else.

[23] I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in

righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow,

every tongue shall swear.

[24] Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength:

even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be

ashamed.

[25] In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.



With a worldwide audience estimated in the billions, the funeral of Queen

Elizabeth II was possibly the most watched broadcast in history. One million

people lined London's streets on that day, and 250 000 queued for hours that

week to see the Queen's coffin. A historic five hundred kings, queens,

presidents, and other heads of state came to pay tribute to a woman known for

her strength and character.



As the world turned its gaze to Great Britain and its departing queen, my

thoughts turned to another event-a royal return. A day is coming, we're told,

when the nations will gather to recognise a far greater Monarch

(Isaiah 45:20-22). A leader of strength and character (v. 24), before Him

"every knee will bow" and by Him "every tongue will swear" (v. 23), including

the world's leaders, who'll pay Him tribute and lead their nations to walk in

His light (Revelation 21:24, 26). Not all will welcome this Monarch's arrival,

but those who do will enjoy His reign forever (Isaiah 45:24-25).



Just as the world gathered to watch a queen leave, one day it will see its

ultimate King return. What a day that will be-when one and all, in heaven

and on earth, bow to Jesus Christ and recognise Him as Lord

(Philippians 2:10-11).



By: Sheridan Voysey



Reflect & Pray



Why do you think Queen Elizabeth II was honoured so much?

What should it look like to follow Jesus as King today?



Dear Jesus, I bow to You today, honouring You as the ultimate

King of the world and rightful Ruler of my life.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 1 - Forgiving as God Forgave



Col 3:13



13 Bear with one another and forgive one another. If anyone

has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.



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

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



"No!" Brett slammed his hand against the desk to punctuate his point.

"My wife's infidelity is completely unforgivable. She just wants to make things

look good, to have me condone her new relationship.

I won't do it. I won't forgive her."

Brett was a man in pain, and his perspective on forgiving

his wife is understandable. But unfortunately, many of us are

the victims of "unforgivable" offenses; many of us, as well,

are the perpetrators of such offenses, and we desperately need

to be forgiven.

Brett ultimately came to understand that forgiving and "unforgivable"

hurt is not based on the worthiness of the recipient of forgiveness,

but on the worthiness of Christ himself. The Bible teaches that we are bound

to forgiveness for one simple reason:

because God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ.

"Forgive as the Lord forgave", Paul commands in Col 3:13 . How did Christ

forgive? Freely, completely, without basing his forgiveness on our merit. He

forgave us unilaterally, offering forgiveness before we asked,

before we were aware of our sin and the pain it caused him,

before we came to him in repentance.

Forgiveness does more that release the perpetrator for the bondage of

his wrongdoing. It releases the victim as well. Forgiveness frees

the forgiver from the bondage of anger and bitterness that keeps him distant

from the love of God. We can forgive the most "unforgivable" of offenses

against us when we focus our attention not on the offender, but on Christ,

who forgave us.



Application



a) Have I ever harboured unforgiveness toward another person?

What was the result in my spiritual/emotional life?



b) Is there someone in my life who has hurt me, who I need to forgive?

How can this verse help me extend the forgiveness to that person?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Exodus 3:7-8



7 (Ps 106:44; Ex 2:23-25)The Lord said,

"I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt

and have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters,

for I know their sorrows.

8 (Ge 50:24; 15:18-21; Ex 13:5) Therefore, I have come down

to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians,

and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land,

to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of

the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites,

the Hivites, and the Jebusites."



7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people

which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters;

for I know their sorrows;

8 and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand

of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and

a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the

Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites,

and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.



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



When you are lonely



PSALMS 23



A Psalm of David.



1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He restores my soul;

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for His name's sake.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff,

they comfort me.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup runs over.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.



Psalm 23



A Psalm of David.



1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul:

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



Nova Scotia



Total population 942700

Muslim population (est.) 14629



With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is

a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,

a harvest field in itself.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia

with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas

(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques

in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.



Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of

newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration

has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic

is the second most spoken language in Halifax.



while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000

in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population

somewhere between 25000 to 30000.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)





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



http://www.ehc.ca



22 Day of the Month



a) Pray for the Province of Quebec



I) Pray for the leaders of Quebec,

that God's Spirit would influence

then to act justly,

serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4



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

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

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

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

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good

and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

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

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use

the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



b) Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve

every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge

of God.



(



2 Cor 10: 3 - 5



3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strongholds,

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,



3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

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 to understand your calling.



Pray to the Lord and pray to humble yourself in the face of opposition.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, I bow to You today, honouring You as the

ultimate King of the world and rightful Ruler of my life."



Pray to the Lord and pray to be an honest forgiver.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord will hear the oppress.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know that

He is the one who leads you through dangerous times.



Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve

every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge

of God.



Pray for congregants in Bangladesh whose church was destroyed, as well as

those who were beaten by militant Buddhists .



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.

Day 265, 24 September 2024



1) Ezra 7-10



Ezra 7



The Arrival of Ezra



1 (Ne 2:1; 1Ch 6:4-14) Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes

king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah,

the son of Hilkiah,

2 the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,

3 the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,

4 the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,

5 the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar,

the son of Aaron the high priest -

6 (Ezr 7:9; 7:11-12) this Ezra went up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled

in the Law of Moses, given by the Lord God of Israel. Because the hand

of the Lord his God was upon him, the king granted him all his requests.

7 (Ezr 8:1-20) Some of the children of Israel, along with some of the priests,

and the Levites, the singers, the porters, and the temple servants,

went up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.

8 Ezra arrived at Jerusalem in the fifth month, during the king's seventh year.

9 (Ezr 7:6; Ne 2:8) From the first day of the first month when the journey

from Babylon began, until the first day of the fifth month when he arrived

at Jerusalem, the good hand of his God was upon him.

10 (Dt 33:10; Ezr 7:25) Because Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law

of the Lord, he was doing so and teaching the statutes and judgments in Israel.



[1] Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra

the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

[2] The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,

[3] The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,

[4] The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,

[5] The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of

Aaron the chief priest:

[6] This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of

Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all

his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

[7] And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests,

and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto

Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.

[8] And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh

year of the king.

[9] For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from

Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem,

according to the good hand of his God upon him.

[10] For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do

it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.



The Letter of Artaxerxes to Ezra



11 Now this is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra

the priest, who was likewise the scribe, the one responsible for the words

of the commandments of the Lord and His statutes to Israel:

12 (Eze 26:7; Da 2:37) "Artaxerxes, king of kings,

"To Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven:

"Perfect peace, and so forth.

13 (Ezr 6:1) "I have issued a decree that all the people of Israel,

and their priests, and the Le­vites in my realm, who are inclined to go up

to Jerusalem, may go with you.

14 (Est 1:14) For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors

to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem in accordance with the Law

of your God which is in your hand,

15 (2Ch 6:2; Ps 135:21) and to carry the silver and gold, which the king

and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation

is in Jerusalem,

16 (1Ch 29:6; 29:9) along with all the silver and gold that you can find

in all the province of Babylon, plus the freewill offering of the people

and priests, who are voluntarily giving for the house of their God

in Jerusalem.

17 (Dt 12:5-11; Nu 15:4-13) Diligently use this money to buy bulls, rams,

lambs, with their grain offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them

on the altar of the house of your God in Jerusalem.

18 "Whatever seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest

of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God.

19 The vessels also that are given to you for the service of the house

of your God, deliver before the God of Jerusalem.

20 (Ezr 6:4) And whatever else is needed for the house of your God

and is your responsibility to provide, use the king's treasury to pay for it.

21 (Ezr 7:6) "I, even I Artaxerxes the king, issue a decree

to all the treasurers of the province Beyond the River, that whatever

Ezra the priest, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, should request

from you, you should do it with all diligence-

22 as much as a hundred talents

[About 3 3/4 tons, or 3.4 metric tons.] of silver, a hundred measures

[Likely about 18 tons, or 16 metric tons.] of wheat, a hundred baths

[About 600 gallons, or 2200 litres.] of wine, a hundred baths

[About 600 gallons, or 2200 liters.] of oil, and salt (without prescribing

how much).

23 Whatever is decreed by the God of ­heaven, let it be zealously done

for the house of the God of heaven so as to avoid there being wrath against

the realm of the king and his sons.

24 (Ezr 4:13; 7:7) Also we are informing you that with regard to all

the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants,

or other servants of this house of God, it is not permitted to impose toll,

tribute, or custom on them.

25 (Dt 16:18; Ezr 7:10) "You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God

who empowers you, appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people

of the province Beyond the River, all those who know the laws of your God

and those who do not, whom you must teach.

26 (Ezr 6:11) Whoever will not observe the law of your God or the law

of the king, let judgment be executed speedily on him, whether that be death,

banishment, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment."

27 (Ezr 6:22) Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, who has put such

a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the Lord

in Jerusalem,

28 (Ezr 9:9; 5:5) and has extended mercy to me before the king,

his counselors, and all the king's mighty princes. Thus I had been

strengthened, because the hand of the Lord my God was upon me.

As a result, I gathered together some of the chief men of Israel

to go up with me.



[11] Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto

Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments

of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.

[12] Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of

the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.

[13] I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his

priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to

go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.

[14] Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellers,

to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God

which is in thine hand;

[15] And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellers

have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,

[16] And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of

Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests,

offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:

[17] That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs,

with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the

altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.

[18] And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with

the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.

[19] The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of

thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.

[20] And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which

thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure

house.

[21] And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the

treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the

scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done

speedily,

[22] Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat,

and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt

without prescribing how much.

[23] Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done

for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against

the realm of the king and his sons?

[24] Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites,

singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not

be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

[25] And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set

magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the

river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know

them not.

[26] And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king,

let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to

banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

[27] Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as

this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in

Jerusalem:

[28] And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellers,

and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand

of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief

men to go up with me.



Ezra 8



Family Leaders Returning With Ezra



1 (Ezr 7:7) Now these are the chiefs of the households of the fathers

and the genealogical register of those who went up with me from Babylon,

in the reign of King Artaxerxes:

2 (1Ch 3:22) of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom;

of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel;

of the sons of David, Hattush,

3 (Ezr 2:3) a descendant of Shekaniah

and a descendant of Parosh, Zechariah, plus another 150 registered

in the genealogical register;

4 (Ezr 2:6) of the sons of Pahath-Moab; Eliehoenai a descendant of Zerahiah,

plus two hundred other males;

5 of the sons of Zattu, Shekaniah a descendant of Jahaziel,

plus three hundred other males;

6 (Ezr 2:15; Ne 7:20) of the sons of Adin, Ebed a descendant of Jonathan,

plus fifty other males;

7 of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah a descendant of Athaliah,

plus seventy other males;

8 of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah a descendant of Michael,

plus eighty other males;

9 of the sons of Joab, Obadiah a descendant of Jehiel,

plus two hundred and eighteen other males;

10 of the sons of Bani, Shelomith a descendant of Josiphiah,

plus one hundred and sixty other males;

11 (Ezr 10:28) of the sons of Bebai, his son Zechariah, plus 28 other males;

12 of the sons of Azgad, Johanan a descendant of Hakkatan,

plus one hundred and ten other males;

13 (Ezr 2:13) of the last sons of Adonikam, the ones named Eliphelet,

Jeuel, and Shemaiah, plus sixty other males;

14 also of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zakkur, plus seventy other males.



[1] These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy

of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes

the king.

[2] Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of

the sons of David; Hattush.

[3] Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and

with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.

[4] Of the sons of Pahath-moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with

him two hundred males.

[5] Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three

hundred males.

[6] Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him

fifty males.

[7] And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him

seventy males.

[8] And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with

him fourscore males.

[9] Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two

hundred and eighteen males.

[10] And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an

hundred and threescore males.

[11] And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him

twenty and eight males.

[12] And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him

an hundred and ten males.

[13] And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet,

Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.

[14] Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy

males.



Temple Servants



15 (Ezr 7:7; 8:21) I gathered them together at the river that runs to Ahava,

and we camped in tents three days. As I examined the people and the priests,

I discovered that none of the sons of Levi were there.

16 So I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan,

Zechariah, and Meshullam, chief men; and also for Joiarib and Elnathan,

discerning men.

17 (Ezr 2:43) I gave them orders for Iddo, chief at the place Kasiph­ia,

and crafted exactly what they would say to Iddo, his brothers,

and the temple servants at the place Kasiphia so that they would bring us

ministering servants for the house of our God.

18 (1Ch 6:19; Ezr 7:28) Because the good hand of our God was upon us,

indeed they brought us a man of understanding descended from the sons

of Mahli, who is a descendant of Levi, the son of Israel-Sherebiah along

with his sons and his brothers, eighteen men;

19 (1Ch 6:1; 6:16) and Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons

of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty men;

20 (Ezr 2:43; 7:7) and of the temple servants whom David

and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites,

two hundred and twenty temple servants, all of them designated by name.

21 (2Ch 20:3; Ps 5:8) Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river

of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God,

to seek from Him a good route for us, our little ones,

and all our substance.

22 (2Ch 15:2; Ezr 7:6) For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort

of foot and horse soldiers to help us against the enemy on the way,

because we had spoken to the king, saying, "The hand of our God is upon

all who seek Him for good, but His power and His wrath are against all

who forsake Him."

23 (Jer 29:12-13; 1Ch 5:20) So we fasted and sought our God for this,

and He was moved by our prayers.



[15] And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and

there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the

priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.

[16] Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and

for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for

Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of

understanding.

[17] And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place

Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his

brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto

us ministers for the house of our God.

[18] And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of

understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and

Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;

[19] And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his

brethren and their sons, twenty;

[20] Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the

service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were

expressed by name.

[21] Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might

afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and

for our little ones, and for all our substance.

[22] For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and

horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto

the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek

him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

[23] So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.



Temple Gifts



24 (Ezr 8:18-19) Then I separated twelve of the presiding priests-

Sherebiah and Hashabiah, along with ten of their brothers-

25 (Ezr 8:33) and weighed out to them the silver, the gold, the vessels,

as well as the contribution collected for the house of our God by the king,

his counselors, his lords, in conjunction with what all Israel had offered.

26 I weighed out into their hand six hundred and fifty talents

[About 24 tons, or about 22 metric tons.] of silver, silver articles worth

one hundred talents, [About 3 3/4 tons, or about 3.4 metric tons.]

one hundred talents [About 3 3/4 tons, or about 3.4 metric tons.] of gold,

27 twenty gold bowls worth a thousand darics, [About 1/4 ounce or 8.5 grams.]

and two vessels of fine shining bronze, precious as gold.

28 (Lev 22:2-3; 21:6-8) I said to them, "You are holy to the Lord.

The vessels are holy also. The silver and the gold are a freewill offering

to the Lord God of your fathers.

29 (Ezr 8:33-34) Watch and guard them until you weigh them

before the presiding priests and Levites, and the presiding elders of Israel

at Jerusalem, for the chambers of the house of the Lord."

30 So the priests and the Levites accepted the weighed-out silver and gold,

along with the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of our God.



[24] Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah,

Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

[25] And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even

the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellers,

and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:

[26] I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver,

and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents;

[27] Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of

fine copper, precious as gold.

[28] And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy

also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God

of your fathers.

[29] Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the

priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem,

in the chambers of the house of the LORD.

[30] So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the

gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.



The Return to Jerusalem



31 (Ezr 7:9; 8:15) Then we began the journey from the Ahava River

on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God

was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the attacker

and the ambusher along the way.

32 (Ne 2:11) When we arrived at Jerusalem, we stayed there three days.

33 (Ne 3:4; Ezr 8:30) Then on the fourth day the silver and the gold

and the vessels were weighed out in the house of our God by the hand

of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest. With him was Eleazar

the son of Phinehas as well as Jozabad the son of Jeshua,

and Noadiah the son of Binnui-both Levites.

34 All of it was counted by number and by weight,

and all the information was recorded at that time.

35 (Ezr 6:17) Then, the children of the exile who had come out of captivity

offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel. On behalf of all Israel,

they offered twelve bulls, 96 rams, 77 lambs, and 12 male goats

as a sin offering. All of it was offered as a burnt offering to the Lord.

36 (Ezr 7:21-24) Finally, they delivered the king's decrees to the satraps

of the king as well as to the governors of the province Beyond the River.

Accordingly, they supported the people and the house of God.



[31] Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the

first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and

he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by

the way.

[32] And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.

[33] Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels

weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the

priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was

Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;

[34] By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was

written at that time.

[35] Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come

out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve

bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs,

twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto

the LORD.

[36] And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants,

and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people,

and the house of God.



Ezra 9



Ezra Prays About Intermarriage



1 (Ne 9:2; Lev 18:24-30) Now when these things were done, the leaders

contacted me, saying, "The people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites

have not separated themselves from the people of the lands. They practice

the abominations of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites,

the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

2 (Ex 22:31; 34:16) Specifically, they have taken some of their daughters

as wives for themselves, as well as for their sons, so that the holy seed

has been mingled with the people of the lands. In fact, the involvement

of the leaders and rulers has been foremost in this vile behavior."

3 (Ne 1:4; Jos 7:6) When I heard this, I tore my clothes and my robe,

plucked out the hair of my head and from my beard, and sat down astonished.

4 (Ezr 10:3; Ex 29:39) Because of the vile behavior of those who had been

in exile, every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered

to me, but I sat astonished until the evening sacrifice.

5 (Ex 9:29; 1Ki 8:22) At the evening sacrifice I rose up from my heaviness

and, despite having my clothes and my robe torn, I knelt on my knees

and stretched out my hands in prayer to the Lord my God

6 (2Ch 28:9; Rev 18:5) and said:

"O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God,

because our iniquities have expanded over our heads and our wrongdoing

has grown up to the heavens.

7 (2Ch 29:6; Da 9:5-8) Since the days of our fathers until this day,

we have been in a great guilt. It is because of our iniquities that we,

our kings, and our priests have been delivered-by the sword, by captivity,

by spoil, and by being shamed-into the hand of the kings of the lands.

This day is like that, too.

8 (Ps 13:3; Ecc 12:11) "Yet now for a little while, there has been a favorable

response from the Lord our God-leaving us a remnant to escape, giving us

a tent peg from His holy place, having our eyes enlightened by our God,

and giving us a little reviving in our bondage.

9 For though we were slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage

but has extended mercy to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, granting us

a reviving for the rebuilding of the house of our God, for the repairing

of its ruins, and for giving us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.

10 "Now, O our God, what shall we say after this?

For we have forsaken Your commandments,

11 (Ezr 6:21) which You commanded by Your servants the prophets, saying,

'The land you are going to possess, it is an unclean land with the filthiness

of the people of the lands. By their abominations, it is has been filled

from one end to another with their uncleanness.

12 (Dt 7:3; 23:6) Now, therefore, cease giving your daughters as wives

to their sons, do not take their daughters to your sons,

and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you might grow strong

and eat the good of the land and leave it as an eternal inheritance

to your children.'

13 (Ps 103:10) "After all that has come upon us because of our evil deeds

and our great guilt, seeing that You our God have punished us less than

our iniquities deserve and have given us such deliverance as this,

14 (Dt 9:8; 9:14) should we again break Your commandments

and intermarry with the people of these abominations?

Would You not become so completely angry with us that there would be

no remnant nor any who escape?

15 (Ps 130:3; Da 9:14) O Lord God of Israel, You are righteous,

for we who escaped exile yet remain to this very day. Here we stand before

You in our guiltiness even though we should not stand before

You because of this."



[1] Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The

people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated

themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their

abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the

Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

[2] For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their

sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those

lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this

trespass.

[3] And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and

plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

[4] Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the

God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried

away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

[5] And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having

rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands

unto the LORD my God.

[6] And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee,

my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass

is grown up unto the heavens.

[7] Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this

day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been

delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to

captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

[8] And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God,

to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place,

that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our

bondage.

[9] For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage,

but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give

us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations

thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.

[10] And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken

thy commandments,

[11] Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The

land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness

of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it

from one end to another with their uncleanness.

[12] Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take

their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for

ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for

an inheritance to your children for ever.

[13] And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our

great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our

iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;

[14] Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the

people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou

hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?

[15] O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as

it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot

stand before thee because of this.



Ezra 10



The People's Confession of Sin



1 (2Ch 20:9; Da 9:20) Now while Ezra prayed and confessed, weeping

and prostrating himself before the house of God, a very large congregation

of men, women, and children gathered around him from Israel, for the people

too wept bitterly.

2 (Ne 13:27; Ezr 9:2) Shekaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam,

answered and said to Ezra, "We have acted with vile unfaithfulness against

our God and have wedded foreign women from the people of the land,

yet there is now hope in Israel concerning this.

3 (Dt 7:2-3; Ezr 9:4) Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God

to sever relations with all the women and their children according

to the counsel of my lord and those who tremble at the commandment

of our God. May this be done in accordance with the law.

4 (1Ch 28:10) Arise, for this matter is your responsibility.

But we are standing with you. Be courageous and act!"

5 (Ne 5:12; 13:25) Then Ezra stood and made the presiding Levitical priests

and all Israel to swear an oath to act according to this word.

And they swore an oath.

6 (Dt 9:18; Ne 3:1) Then Ezra stood in front of the house of God

and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib.

When he arrived there, he ate no bread and drank no water because

he was mourning over the vile unfaithfulness of the exiles.

7 They made a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem for all the children

of the exile to assemble in Jerusalem.

8 Whoever would not come within three days would forfeit all his possessions,

according to the counsel of the leaders and the elders, and would himself be

excluded from the congregation of the exiles.

9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together

to Jerusalem within the three days. It was the ninth month,

on the twentieth day of the month. All the people sat on the grounds

of the house of God, trembling about this matter and also because

of the great rain.

10 Ezra the priest stood up and said to them,

"You have acted unfaithfully by bringing home foreign women,

adding to the guilt of Israel.

11 (Jos 7:19; Ezr 10:3) Now therefore make confession to the Lord God

of your fathers and do what pleases Him: Sever your relationships

with the people of the land, especially from the foreign women."

12 Then all the congregation answered loudly, "As you have said to us,

that we will do.

13 But there are many people, and because it is the rainy season

we will not be able to set up outside. Moreover, this is not a task

for a day or two since we have so grievously transgressed in this matter.

14 (2Ch 29:10; 30:8) Let now our rulers preside over all the congregation

so that, in each of our cities, all who have married foreign women,

along with the elders and judges of that city, will come at appointed times,

until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter is turned from us."

15 (Ne 11:16) Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah

opposed this, with Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supporting them.

16T hen the descendants of the captivity did so. Ezra the priest selected men,

heads of the fathers' households, according to their families,

each of them by name. They sat down in the first day of the tenth month

to examine the matter,

17 and finished dealing with every man who had married foreign women

by the first day of the first month.



[1] Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting

himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel

a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept

very sore.

[2] And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and

said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange

wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning

this thing.

[3] Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the

wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord,

and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done

according to the law.

[4] Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee:

be of good courage, and do it.

[5] Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all

Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.

[6] Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the

chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat

no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of

them that had been carried away.

[7] And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the

children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto

Jerusalem;

[8] And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the

counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be

forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had

been carried away.

[9] Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto

Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of

the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God,

trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.

[10] And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed,

and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.

[11] Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do

his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from

the strange wives.

[12] Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou

hast said, so must we do.

[13] But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not

able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are

many that have transgressed in this thing.

[14] Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them

which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and

with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce

wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.

[15] Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were

employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped

them.

[16] And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with

certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of

them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the

tenth month to examine the matter.

[17] And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives

by the first day of the first month.



Those Guilty of Intermarriage



18 (Ezr 2:2; 3:2) Some of the sons of the priests were discovered to have

wedded foreign women,

namely the sons of Joshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers:

Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah.

19 (Lev 6:6; 2Ki 10:15) They committed to sever their relations with their

women, and, being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their guilt.

20 (1Ch 24:14; Ezr 2:37) Likewise, of the sons of Immer,

there were Hanani and Zebadiah.

21 (1Ch 24:8) Of the sons of Harim,

there were Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah.

22 (1Ch 9:12) Of the sons of Pashhur,

there were Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah.

23 Also, from the Levites,

there were Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita), Pethahiah,

Judah, and Eliezer.

24 Among the singers,

there was Eliashib,

and from the porters,

there were Shallum, Telem, and Uri.

25 (Ezr 2:3; Ne 7:8) Further from Israel,

of the sons of Parosh,

there were Ramiah, Izziah, Malkijah, Mij­amin, Eleazar, Malkijah, and Benaiah.

26 (Ezr 10:2) Of the sons of Elam,

there were Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah.

27 (Ezr 2:8; Ne 7:13) Of the sons of Zattu,

there were Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza.

28 Of the sons of Bebai,

there were Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai.

29 Of the sons of Bani,

there were Meshullam, Malluk, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth.

30 Of the sons of Pahath-Moab,

there were Adna, Kelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui,

and Manasseh.

31 (Ne 3:11) Of the sons of Harim,

there were Eliezer, Ishijah, Malkijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32Benjamin,

Malluk, and Shemariah.

33 Of the sons of Hashum,

there were Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh,

and Shimei.

34 Of the sons of Bani,

there were Maadai, Amram, Uel,

35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Keluhi,

36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,

37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasu.

38 Of the sons of Binnui,

there were Shimei,

39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,

40 Maknadebai, Shashai, Sharai,

41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah,

42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.

43 (Ezr 2:29) Of the sons of Nebo,

there were Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah.

44 All these married foreign women,

and some of them had wives that had children.



[18] And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken

strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his

brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.

[19] And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and

being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.

[20] And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.

[21] And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and

Jehiel, and Uzziah.

[22] And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel,

Jozabad, and Elasah.

[23] Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is

Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.

[24] Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem,

and Uri.

[25] Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, and Jeziah, and

Malchiah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah.

[26] And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi,

and Jeremoth, and Eliah.

[27] And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth,

and Zabad, and Aziza.

[28] Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai.

[29] And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and

Sheal, and Ramoth.

[30] And of the sons of Pahath-moab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah,

Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.

[31] And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,

[32] Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.

[33] Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai,

Manasseh, and Shimei.

[34] Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel,

[35] Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh,

[36] Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,

[37] Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,

[38] And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,

[39] And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,

[40] Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,

[41] Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,

[42] Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.

[43] Of the sons of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel,

Benaiah.

[44] All these had taken strange wives: and some of them had wives by whom

they had children.



2) Our Daily Bread for 21 September 2024 titled



The Ups and Downs of Life



John 16:31-33



31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?

32 (Mt 26:31; Jn 8:29) Listen, the hour is coming. Yes, it has now come that

you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave Me alone.

Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with Me.

33 (Jn 14:27; 1Jn 4:4; Jn 14:1) "I have told you these things so that in Me

you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good

cheer. I have overcome the world."



[31] Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

[32] Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered,

every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone,

because the Father is with me.

[33] These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In

the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome

the world.



A Facebook memory popped up, showing me a picture of my triumphant

five-year-old when she'd won a fun and competitive game of Chutes and Ladders.

I'd tagged my brother and sister in the post because we'd often played this

board game when we were kids. Chutes and Ladders is based on a game that's

been played for centuries, helping people learn to count and providing

the thrill of being able to climb a ladder and win the game by getting

to 100 the fastest. But watch out! If you land on spot 98, you slide

far down the chute, delaying-or even prohibiting-victory.



Isn't that just like life? Jesus lovingly prepared us for the ups and downs of

our days. He said we'd experience "trouble" (John 16:33), but He also shared a

message of peace. We don't have to be shaken by the trials we face. Why?

Christ has overcome the world! Nothing is greater than His power, so we too

can face whatever comes our way with "the mighty strength" He's made available

to us (Ephesians 1:19).



Just like in Chutes and Ladders, sometimes life presents a ladder allowing us

to happily ascend, and other times we tumble down a slippery slide. But we

don't have to play the game of life without hope.

We have the power of Jesus to help us overcome it all.



By: Katara Patton



Reflect & Pray



What challenges do you need help to overcome today?

How can focusing on Jesus' power in overcoming life's

trials and troubles encourage you?



Dear Jesus, thank You for the reminder that You've

overcome the world! Please help me to rely on Your

power to handle the ups and downs of life.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 7 Break up Your Fallow Ground



Hosea 10:12



12 Sow to yourselves righteousness, reap mercy,

break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord,

until He comes and rains righteousness upon you.



12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy;

break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD,

till he come and rain righteousness upon you.



When a farmer prepares to plant his crop, a great deal of preparation

is necessary before the seen can be sown. He has to plow up the ground,

turning under the stubble from the previous harvest, harrow the field to

break up the clods, and fertilise- readying the soil for optimum growth.

A fallow field, one that was not planted the previous season, must be

broken and worked so that the seed can find root in the ground.

The Bible likens spiritual growth to raising crops. God is the one

who brings rain and gives growth, but the success or failure

of the seed - both in initial salvation and in ongoing maturity -

is often linked to how well the soil has been prepared.

That preparation isn't always a pleasant or rewarding process.

We may resist the plowing or harrowing that comes through

the Holy Spirit's conviction of sin. We may need to dig up boulders

of bitterness and thistles of anger; we may have to plow under the

stubble of the last crop of lessons, working that mulch deep into our lives.

But the final outcome is worth the effort - even the pain - that

preparation brings. Broken up, harrowed, readied for the seed of God's Word,

we are rich and fertile ground, and the seed of righteousness produces

an abundant crop in us.



Application



a) In what ways have I been "broken up" and "harrowed" by the Holy

Spirit to prepare me for God's work in me?



b) How can I apply these verses to myself? How can I

"sow in righteousness," "reap in mercy," "break up my fallow ground"?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Proverbs 10:22



22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich ,and He adds no sorrow with it.



22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, And he addeth no sorrow with it.



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



When you are Saddened by Loss



1 Cor 15:35-38,51-57



35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up?

With what body do they come?"

36 You fool! What you sow is not made alive unless it dies.

37 When you sow, you do not sow the body that shall be, but a bare kernel,

perhaps of wheat or of some other grain.

38 Then God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.



51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall

all be changed.

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet,

for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible,

and we shall be changed.

53 For tis corruptible will put on incorruption,

and this mortal will put on immortality.

54 When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,

and this mortal will have put on immortality,

then the saying that is written shall come to pass:

"Death is swallowed up in victory."

55 "O death, where is your sting?

O grave, where is your victory?"

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through

our Lord Jesus Christ!



35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up?

and with what body do they come?

36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

37 and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,

but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

38 but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him,

and to every seed his own body.



51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall

all be changed,

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:

for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,

and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption,

and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,

and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought

to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through

our Lord Jesus Christ.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



Nova Scotia



Total population 942700

Muslim population (est.) 14629



With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is

a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,

a harvest field in itself.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia

with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas

(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques

in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.



Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of

newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration

has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic

is the second most spoken language in Halifax.



while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000

in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population

somewhere between 25000 to 30000.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)





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



http://www.ehc.ca



21st Day of the Month



a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would

have wisdom and make God honouring decisions



(



1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make

supplications, prayers, intercessions,

and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 for kings and for all who are in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life

in all godliness and honesty,



)



b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources

they need and the vigilance their work requires.



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray a prayer of national confession

for your nation to confess their sin.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, thank You for the reminder that You've

overcome the world! Please help me to rely on Your

power to handle the ups and downs of life."



Pray to the Lord and pray for Him to break up fallow ground in you.



Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for His joyful blessings.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the power of the Rapture.



Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach

to Muslims in their areas.



- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend

to share Jesus with and disciple them



- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would

have wisdom and make God honouring decisions



Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources

they need and the vigilance their work requires.



Pray for wisdom, peace and strength on behalf of those ministering to

displaced and traumatised Christians in Mozambique.



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.