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Day 275 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 2 October 2025 reflections

Day 275, 2 October 2025



1) Luke 5:1-11, Mark 1:40-45, Matthew 8:1-4, Luke 5:12-16, Mark 2:1-12,

Matthew 9:1-8, Luke 5:17-26, Mark 2:13-17, Matthew 9:9-13, Luke 5:27-32,

Mark 2:18-22, Matthew 9:14-17, Luke 5:33-39



Luke 5:1-11



The Calling of the First Disciples



Mt 4:18-22; Mk 1:16-20



1 (Nu 34:11; Jos 12:3) As the people pressed upon Him to hear

the word of God, He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret

2 (Mk 1:19; Mt 4:21) and saw two boats beside the lake.

But the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.

3 He entered one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him

to thrust it out a little from the land.

Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 (Jn 21:6) When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon,

"Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."

5 (Jn 21:3) Simon answered Him, "Master, we have worked all night

and have caught nothing. But at Your word I will let down the net."

6 When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish,

and their net was tearing.

7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come

and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that

they began to sink.

8 (Isa 6:5) When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees,

saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch

of fish which they had taken,

10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee,

who were partners with Simon.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not fear. From now on you will catch men."

11 (Mt 4:20; 19:27) So when they had brought their boats to land,

they left everything and followed Him.



[1] And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the

word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

[2] And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out

of them, and were washing their nets.

[3] And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him

that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught

the people out of the ship.

[4] Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the

deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

[5] And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night,

and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

[6] And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes:

and their net brake.

[7] And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship,

that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the

ships, so that they began to sink.

[8] When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart

from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

[9] For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the

fishes which they had taken:

[10] And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were

partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth

thou shalt catch men.

[11] And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and

followed him.



Mark 1:40-45



The Cleansing of a Leper



Mt 8:1-4; Lk 5:12-16



40 (Mk 10:17; Mt 8:2-4) A leper came to Him, pleading with Him

and kneeling before Him, saying, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."

41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, extended His hand and touched him,

and said to him, "I will. Be clean."

42 As soon as He had spoken, the leprosy immediately departed from him,

and he was cleansed.

43 (Mt 9:30) He sternly warned him, and sent him away at once,

44 (Mt 8:4; Lk 17:14)saying, "See that you say nothing to anyone.

But go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing

what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

45 (Mk 2:13; Mt 9:31) Instead he went out and began to proclaim it widely

and to spread the news around, so that Jesus could no more openly

enter the city, but was out in remote places.

And they came to Him from every quarter.



[40] And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to

him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

[41] And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him,

and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

[42] And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from

him, and he was cleansed.

[43] And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

[44] And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way,

shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which

Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

[45] But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the

matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but

was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.



Matthew 8:1-4



The Cleansing of a Leper



Mk 1:40-45; Lk 5:12-16



1 When He came down from the mountains, large crowds followed Him.

2 (Mt 18:26; 15:25) And then a leper came and worshipped Him, saying,

"Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean."

3 Jesus reached out His hand and touched him, saying, "I will. Be clean."

And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

4 (Lev 14:2-32; Mt 9:30) Then Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one.

But go your way, show yourself to the priest,

and offer the gift that Moses commanded as a testimony to them."



[1] When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

[2] And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if

thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

[3] And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be

thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

[4] And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew

thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a

testimony unto them.



Luke 5:12-16



The Cleansing of a Leper



Mt 8:1-4; Mk 1:40-45



12 (Mt 8:2-4; 9:28) When He was in a certain city, a man full of leprosy,

upon seeing Jesus, fell on his face and begged Him,

"Lord, if You will, You can make me clean."

13 He reached out His hand and touched him, saying, "I will. Be clean."

And immediately the leprosy left him.

14 (Lev 14:2-32; Mt 8:4) Then He commanded him to tell no one,

"But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering

for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

15 (Mt 9:26) Yet even more so His fame went everywhere.

And great crowds came together to hear and to be healed by Him

of their infirmities.

16 (Mt 14:23; Lk 6:12) But He withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.



[12] And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full

of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying,

Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

[13] And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou

clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

[14] And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the

priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a

testimony unto them.

[15] But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great

multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their

infirmities.

[16] And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.



Mark 2:1-12



The Healing of a Paralytic



Mt 9:1-8; Lk 5:17-26



1 (Mt 9:1) Again, He entered Capernaum after some days.

And it was reported that He was in the house.

2 (Mk 1:45; 2:13) Immediately many were gathered together,

so that there was no room to receive them, not even at the door.

And He preached the word to them.

3 (Lk 5:18-26) They came to Him bringing one sick with paralysis,

who was carried by four men.

4 (Lk 5:19) When they could not come near Him due to the crowding,

they uncovered the roof where He was. When they had broken it open,

they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.

5 (Mt 9:2; 9:22) When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic,

"Son, your sins are forgiven you."

6 But some of the scribes were sitting there, reasoning in their hearts,

7 (Isa 43:25; Mk 14:64; Jn 10:36) "Why does this Man speak such blasphemies?

Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

8 Immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned

within themselves, He said to them, "Why do you contemplate these things

in your hearts?

9 Which is easier to say to the paralytic: 'Your sins are forgiven you,'

or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'?

10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth

to forgive sins," He said to the paralytic,

11 "I say to you, rise, and take up your bed, and go your way to your house."

12 (Mt 9:8; 9:33) Immediately he rose, picked up the bed, and went out

in front of them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God,

saying, "We never saw anything like this!"



[1] And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised

that he was in the house.

[2] And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no

room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the

word unto them.

[3] And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne

of four.

[4] And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered

the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed

wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

[5] When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy

sins be forgiven thee.

[6] But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in

their hearts,

[7] Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God

only?

[8] And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned

within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your

hearts?

[9] Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be

forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

[10] But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive

sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

[11] I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine

house.

[12] And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them

all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never

saw it on this fashion.



Matthew 9:1-8



The Healing of a Paralytic



Mk 2:1-12; Lk 5:17-26



1 (Mt 4:13; Mk 5:21) He entered a boat, crossed over,

and came into His own city.

2 (Mt 9:22; 4:24; 8:10) They brought to Him a man sick with paralysis,

lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,

"Son, be of good cheer. Your sins are forgiven you."

3 (Mt 26:65) Then certain scribes said within themselves,

"This Man blasphemes."

4 (Mt 12:25; Lk 6:8) Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you

think evil in your hearts?

5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are

forgiven you' or to say, 'Arise and walk'?

6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth

to forgive sins" then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, pick up your bed,

and go into your house."

7 And he rose and departed to his house.

8 (Mt 15:31; Lk 7:16; 17:15) But when the crowds saw it,

they were amazed and glorified God who had given such authority to men.



[1] And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

[2] And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a

bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be

of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

[3] And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man

blasphemeth.

[4] And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your

hearts?

[5] For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say,

Arise, and walk?

[6] But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive

sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and

go unto thine house.

[7] And he arose, and departed to his house.

[8] But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which

had given such power unto men.



Luke 5:17-26



The Healing of a Paralytic



Mt 9:1-8; Mk 2:1-12



17 (Mt 15:1; Lk 6:19) On a certain day, as He was teaching,

Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting nearby,

who had come from every town of Galilee and Judea

and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present

to heal the sick.

18 (Mt 9:2-8; Mk 2:3-12) Now some men brought in a bed

a man who was paralyzed. They searched for ways to bring him

in and lay him before Him.

19 (Mk 2:4; Dt 22:8) When they could not find a way to bring

him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof

and let him down through the tiles with his bed into their midst

before Jesus.

20 (Lk 7:48; Mt 9:2) When He saw their faith, He said to him,

"Man, your sins are forgiven you."

21 (Isa 43:25; Ps 32:5) The scribes and the Pharisees began

to question, "Who is He who speaks blasphemies?

Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

22 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered them,

"Why question in your hearts?

23 Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say,

'Rise up and walk'?

24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority

on earth to forgive sins," He said to the paralyzed man,

"I say to you, rise, take up your bed, and go to your house."

25 Immediately he rose before them, and took up that on which he lay,

and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

26(Mt 9:8; Lk 7:16) They were all amazed, and they glorified God

and were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen wonderful things today."



[17] And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there

were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of

every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord

was present to heal them.

[18] And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy:

and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

[19] And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in

because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down

through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

[20] And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are

forgiven thee.

[21] And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this

which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

[22] But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them,

What reason ye in your hearts?

[23] Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise

up and walk?

[24] But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to

forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise,

and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

[25] And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he

lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

[26] And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with

fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.



Mark 2:13-17



The Calling of Levi



Mt 9:9-13; Lk 5:27-32



13 (Mk 1:45) He went out again by the seaside, and the whole crowd came

to Him, and He taught them.

14 (Mk 3:18) As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting

at the tax collector's station, and He said to him, "Follow Me."

And he rose and followed Him.

15 As Jesus was at supper in his house, many tax collectors

and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples.

For there were many, and they followed Him.

16 (Ac 23:9) When the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with tax collectors

and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How is it that He eats

and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?"

17 (Mt 9:12-13; Lk 5:31-32) When Jesus heard it, He said to them,

"Those who are well have no need of a physician,

but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous,

but sinners to repentance."



[13] And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted

unto him, and he taught them.

[14] And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the

receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed

him.

[15] And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many

publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for

there were many, and they followed him.

[16] And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and

sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh

with publicans and sinners?

[17] When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no

need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the

righteous, but sinners to repentance.



Matthew 9:9-13



The Calling of Matthew

Mk 2:13-17; Lk 5:27-32



9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting

at the tax collector's station. And He said to him, "Follow Me."

And he rose and followed Him.

10 While Jesus sat at supper in the house, many tax collectors

and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.

11 (Mt 11:19; Lk 5:30) When the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples,

"Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

12 (Mk 2:17; Lk 5:31) But when Jesus heard that, He said to them,

"Those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick.

13 (Hos 6:6; Mt 12:7) But go and learn what this means,

'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.'Hos 6:6.

For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."



[9] And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew,

sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he

arose, and followed him.

[10] And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many

publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

[11] And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth

your Master with publicans and sinners?

[12] But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need

not a physician, but they that are sick.

[13] But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not

sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to

repentance.



Luke 5:27-32



The Calling of Levi



Mt 9:9-13; Mk 2:13-17



27 After these things He went out and saw a tax collector, named Levi,

sitting at the tax collector's station. He said to him, "Follow Me."

28 (Lk 5:11) And he left everything, rose up, and followed Him.

29 (Lk 15:1) Then Levi made Him a great feast in his house.

And there was a group of many tax collectors and others who sat down

with them.

30 (Ac 23:9) But their scribes and Pharisees murmured

against His disciples, saying,

"Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"

31 (Mt 9:12-13; Mk 2:17) Jesus answered them,

"Those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick.

32 (Lk 15:7; 15:10) I have not come to call the righteous,

but sinners to repentance."



[27] And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi,

sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

[28] And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

[29] And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great

company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

[30] But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying,

Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

[31] And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a

physician; but they that are sick.

[32] I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.



Mark 2:18-22



The Question About Fasting



Mt 9:14-17; Lk 5:33-39

18 (Mt 6:16; 6:18) Now the disciples of John and of the Pharisees

were fasting. And people came and said to Him,

"Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast,

but Your disciples do not fast?"

19 Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom

is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

20 (Lk 17:22) But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken

away from them, and then they will fast in those days.

21 "No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment, or else the new piece

that covered it tears away from the old, and the tear is made worse.

22 (Jos 9:4) And no one pours new wine into old wineskins,

or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, and the wine is spilled,

and the wineskins will be marred.

But new wine must be poured into new wineskins."



[18] And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they

come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees

fast, but thy disciples fast not?

[19] And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast,

while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with

them, they cannot fast.

[20] But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from

them, and then shall they fast in those days.

[21] No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new

piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made

worse.

[22] And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth

burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred:

but new wine must be put into new bottles.



Matthew 9:14-17



The Question About Fasting

Mk 2:18-22; Lk 5:33-39



14 (Mt 11:2; Jn 3:25) Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking,

"Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?"

15 (Jn 3:29; Ac 14:23) Jesus answered, "Can the guests of the bridegroom

mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come

when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and then they will fast.

16 "No one sews a piece of new cloth into an old garment, for that

which is sewn in to fill it up pulls on the garment,

and the tear is made worse.

17 (Jos 9:4) Neither do men put new wine into old wineskins.

Or else the wineskins burst, the wine runs out, and the wineskins perish.

But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."



[14] Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the

Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

[15] And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn,

as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the

bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

[16] No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which

is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

[17] Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break,

and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into

new bottles, and both are preserved.



Luke 5:33-39



The Question About Fasting



Mt 9:14-17; Mk 2:18-22



33 (Lk 11:1; 18:12) They said to Him, "Why do the disciples of John

fast often and offer prayers, and likewise the disciples

of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?"

34 (Jn 3:29) He said to them, "Can you make the attendants

of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?

35 (Lk 17:22) But the days will come when the bridegroom

will be taken away from them. Then in those days they will fast."

36 He told them a parable also: "No one sews a piece of a new material

on an old one. Otherwise the new would tear, for the new piece does not

match the old.

37 (Jos 9:4) And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise

the new wine will burst the wineskins, and it will be spilled,

and the wineskins will be destroyed.

38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.

39 And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new.

For he says, 'The old is better.' "



[33] And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and

make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and

drink?

[34] And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber

fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

[35] But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from

them, and then shall they fast in those days.

[36] And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new

garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the

piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

[37] And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will

burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

[38] But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

[39] No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he

saith, The old is better.



2) Our Daily Bread for 2 October 2025 Titled

Remaining Teachable in God by Karen Pimpo



Proverbs 9:1-6, 13-18



he Way of Wisdom



1 (Eph 2:20-22; Mt 16:18) Wisdom has built her house,

she has hewn out her seven pillars;

2 (Pr 23:30) she has killed her beasts, she has mixed her wine,

she has also furnished her table.

3 (Pr 9:14; 8:1-3) She has sent out her maidens,

she cries out from the highest places of the city,

4 (Pr 6:32; 9:16) "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here."

As for him who wants understanding, she says to him,

5 (SS 5:1; Jn 6:27) "Come, eat of my bread,

and drink of the wine which I have mixed.

6 Forsake foolishness and live,

and go in the way of understanding."



The Way of Foolishness



13 (Pr 7:11; 5:6 ) A foolish woman is clamorous;

she is simple, and knows nothing.

14 (Pr 9:3) For she sits at the door of her house,

on a seat in the high places of the city,

15 to call those who pass by

who go right on their way:

16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here."

And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

17 (Pr 20:17; 30:20) "Stolen waters are sweet,

and bread eaten in secret is pleasant."

18 (Pr 7:27) But he does not know that the dead are there,

and that her guests are in the depths of the grave.



1 Wisdom hath builded her house,

She hath hewn out her seven pillars:

2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine;

She hath also furnished her table.

3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth

Upon the highest places of the city,

4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither:

As for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

5 Come, eat of my bread,

And drink of the wine which I have mingled.

6 Forsake the foolish, and live;

And go in the way of understanding.



13 A foolish woman is clamorous:

She is simple, and knoweth nothing.

14 For she sitteth at the door of her house,

On a seat in the high places of the city,

15 To call passengers

Who go right on their ways:

16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither:

And as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

17 Stolen waters are sweet,

And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there;

And that her guests are in the depths of hell.



After Kat learned she was pregnant, she dropped out of high school to care for

her daughter. Fifteen years later, Kat was a working mother of three who

dreamed of becoming a licensed beautician. With humility and tenacity, she

became a student again in a free GED support program. It was humbling to go

back to school after so long. "This programme changed my life!" Kat said.

My teacher was amazing and offered so much encouragement."



Remaining teachable may be one of the most difficult things we can do.

The Bible speaks of having a teachable heart that's open to God's wisdom.

The poetry of Proverbs paints a picture of two women calling out

to passersby - Wisdom and Folly (Proverbs 9:1-6; 13-18). Those who

listen to Wisdom receive correction with grace. They "add to their learning"

and become even wiser (v. 9). They habitually "walk in the way of insight"

(v. 6) and seat themselves at Wisdom's table for instruction. Their

obedience leads to a full life (v. 11). In contrast, those who listen

to Folly hate being corrected or criticised. They insult anyone who tries to

instruct them (vv. 7-8). Humility comes from fearing God - acknowledging that

He's "the Holy One" and we are not (v. 10). It's not easy to stay teachable,

but it also brings freedom to admit we don't know it all and we still

need help. Wisdom calls to us. How will we respond?



Reflect & Pray



What's your default reaction to criticism?

How could a humble response lead to growth and victory?



Receiving instruction doesn't always come

naturally to me, wise Father, but I trust Your ways.





For further study, read An Invitation to Wisdom.




3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association



Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools



Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 5 - God Loved, So He Gave



John 3:16-17



16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18) "For God so loved the world

that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in

Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

17 (1Jn 4:14; Lk 19:10) For God did not send His Son into

the world to condemn the world, but that the world

through Him might be saved."



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

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

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;

but that the world through him might be saved.



Often called "the gospel in a nutshell", John 3:16 is so familiar,

even the unchurched, that it has all but lost its impact for us.

WE cite it by rote, as if it had no more meaning than a SSN (SIN),

and think that we understand the truth because we know the words.

Why did God send Jesus, his only Son, into the world to die?

Because he loved the people he created. God had no reason,

humanly speaking, to love mankind. Throughout history, from

the Garden of Eden forward, people had deliberately turned

against God and tried his patience. Even the nation God chose

for himself, Israel rebelled against the Lord and turned to other gods.

And we, as individuals, have rebelled against him too. WE have tried

to control our own lives; we have denied his reality; or

acknowledged his existence and then systematically ignored him.

We have become our own gods.

Yet Christ, in love, took upon himself the rejection, the humiliation,

the pain we were responsible for. We deserved to be condemned to die,

but he died for us instead. "God did not send his Son into the world

to condemn the world," John 3:17 says, "but that the world

through Him might be saved."

Often, even after we have committed our lives to Christ, we mistakenly

suppose that God's primary purpose is to condemn us - to catch us in sin

and punish us. But God says that his purpose is to love us and to save us

from sin and ourselves. He loved, and so he gave; he still loves us,

and he still continues to give.



Application



a) What sin in my life put Jesus on the cross?



b) How do I know that my sins has been forgiven?



c) How can these verses help me when I face condemnation and guilt?





4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Malachi 3:10-12



10 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 destroy the fruit of your ground,

and the vines in your field will not fail to bear fruit,

says the Lord of Hosts.

12 Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be

a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.



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.



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



When you are Worried Over Money



Matt 6:19-21



Treasures in Heaven



Lk 12:33-34



19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth

and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

20 But store up

for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy

and where thieves do not break in nor steal,

21 for where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.



19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth

and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth

nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.



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 2021 edition?)



Prince Edward Island



Total population 146300

Muslim population (est.) 1127



Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.

Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims

cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.



More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic

month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at

the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established

in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.

As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.



The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important

for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were

established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to

monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as

shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth."

Let us intercede together for:



- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading

outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.

- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community

in contextual ways to share the Gospel

- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching

out to Muslims locally.

- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's

Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness

and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father

through the Son.



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



2nd Day of the Month



a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians (

Rom 10:14-15 -

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not

believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?

And how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 I And how shall they preach

unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of

those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good

things!"



[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how

shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they

hear without a preacher?

[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How

beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring

glad tidings of good things!



)



b) Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom

and direction. (

Jer 33:3

- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you

great and mighty things which you do not know.



3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee

great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.



)



Pray to the Lord and pray to hear your calling in His Kingdom.



Pray to the Lord: "Receiving instruction doesn't always come

naturally to me, wise Father, but I trust Your ways."



Pray to the Lord and pray to be born again in Jesus Christ

for He lvoes you.



Pray to the Lord and pray to not to lay up treasure on Earth.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a generous giver.



Pray for Prince Edward Island and her Muslim populations



- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading

outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.

- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community

in contextual ways to share the Gospel

- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching

out to Muslims locally.

- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's

Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness

and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father

through the Son.



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 Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians



Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom

and direction.



Pray for the spiritual growth of Maldivians who

have come to faith in Christ through the Internet.



Pray that refugees in Jordan will be introduced to

Jesus through the witness of Jordanian Christians.



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 274 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 1 October 2025 reflections

Day 274, 1 October 2025



1) Mark 1:14-15, Matthew 4:12-17, Luke 3:23-38, John 4:46-54, Luke 4:16-30,

Mark 1:16-20, Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37, Mark 1:29-34,

Matthew 8:14-17, Luke 4:38-41, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:42-44, Matthew 4:23-25



Mark 1:14-15



The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry



Mt 4:12-17; Lk 4:14-15



14 (Mt 4:12; 4:23) After John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee

preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

15 (Gal 4:4; Ac 20:21; Eph 1:10) saying, "The time is fulfilled,

and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel."



[14] Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee,

preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

[15] And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand:

repent ye, and believe the gospel.



Matthew 4:12-17



The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry



Mk 1:14-15; Lk 4:14-15

12 (Mk 1:14; Lk 3:20; 4:14) Now when Jesus heard that John

was put in prison, He left for Galilee.

13 (Mk 1:21; Jn 4:46) And leaving Nazareth, He came and lived

in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali,

14 (Mt 1:22) that what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled,

saying:

15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,

Galilee of the Gentiles:

16 (Lk 2:32; Job 3:5) The people who sat in darkness

saw great light.

And on those who sat in the land of the shadow of death,

light has dawned."

17 (Mt 3:2; Mk 1:14-15) From that time Jesus began to preach, saying,

"Repent! For the kingdom of heaven is at hand."



[12] Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed

into Galilee;

[13] And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the

sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

[14] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,

saying,

[15] The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea,

beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;

[16] The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat

in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

[17] From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the

kingdom of heaven is at hand.



Luke 3:23-38



The Genealogy of Jesus



Mt 1:1-17



23 (Mt 13:55; Nu 4:3) Now Jesus Himself began His ministry

at about thirty years of age, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph,

who was the son of Heli,

24 who was the son of Matthat,

who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Melchi,

who was the son of Jannai, who was the son of Joseph,

25 who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Amos,

who was the son of Nahum, who was the son of Esli,

who was the son of Naggai,

26 who was the son of Maath,

who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Semein,

who was the son of Josech, who was the son of Joda,

27 (Mt 1:12) who was the son of Joanan, who was the son of Rhesa,

who was the son of Zerubbabel, who was the son of Shealtiel,

who was the son of Neri,

28 who was the son of Melchi,

who was the son of Addi, who was the son of Cosam,

who was the son of Elmadam, who was the son of Er,

29 who was the son of Joshua, who was the son of Eliezer,

who was the son of Jorim, who was the son of Matthat,

who was the son of Levi,

30 who was the son of Simeon,

who was the son of Judah, who was the son of Joseph,

who was the son of Jonan, who was the son of Eliakim,

31 (2Sa 5:14; 1Ch 3:5) who was the son of Melea, who was the son of Menna,

who was the son of Mattatha, who was the son of Nathan,

who was the son of David,

32 (Ru 4:18-22; 1Ch 2:10-15) who was the son of Jesse,

who was the son of Obed, who was the son of Boaz,

who was the son of Salmon, who was the son of Nahshon,

33 (Ru 4:19-20) who was the son of Amminadab, who was the son of Ram,

who was the son of Hezron, who was the son of Perez,

who was the son of Judah,

34 (Ge 21:3; 25:26) who was the son of Jacob,

who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham,

who was the son of Terah, who was the son of Nahor,

35 who was the son of Serug, who was the son of Reu,

who was the son of Peleg, who was the son of Eber,

who was the son of Shelah,

36 who was the son of Cainan,

who was the son of Arphaxad, who was the son of Shem,

who was the son of Noah, who was the son of Lamech,

37 who was the son of Methuselah, who was the son of Enoch,

who was the son of Jared, who was the son of Mahalalel,

who was the son of Cainan,

38 who was the son of Enosh,

who was the son of Seth, who was the son of Adam,

who was the son of God.



[23] And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was

supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,

[24] Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the

son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,

[25] Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was

the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,

[26] Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was

the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,

[27] Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the

son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,

[28] Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the

son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,

[29] Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the

son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,

[30] Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the

son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,

[31] Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the

son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,

[32] Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the

son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,

[33] Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the

son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,

[34] Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the

son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,

[35] Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the

son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,

[36] Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was

the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,

[37] Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was

the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,

[38] Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son

of Adam, which was the son of God.



John 4:46-54



The Healing of the Nobleman's Son



Mt 8:5-13; Lk 7:1-10



46 (Jn 2:1-11) So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made

the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son

was sick in Capernaum.

47 (Jn 4:3; 4:54) When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea

into Galilee, he went to Him, pleading that He would come down

and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

48 (Ac 2:22; 1Co 1:22) Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs

and wonders, you will not believe."

49 The nobleman said to Him, "Sir, come down before my child dies."

50 (Mt 8:13) Jesus said to him, "Go your way. Your son lives."

And the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.

51 While he was going down, his servants met him

and told him, "Your son lives!"

52 When he inquired of them the hour when he began to heal, they answered,

"Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him."

53 (Ac 11:14; 16:34) Then the father knew that it was at the same hour

in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives."

So he and his whole household believed.

54 This was the second sign that Jesus did

when He had come from Judea to Galilee.



[46] So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine.

And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

[47] When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went

unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he

was at the point of death.

[48] Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not

believe.

[49] The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.

[50] Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed

the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

[51] And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him,

saying, Thy son liveth.

[52] Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said

unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

[53] So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus

said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

[54] This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out

of Judaea into Galilee.



Luke 4:16-30



The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth



Mt 13:53-58; Mk 6:1-6



16 (Lk 2:51; 2:39) He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up.

And as His custom was, He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day.

And He stood up to read.

17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. When He had unrolled

the scroll, He found the place where it was written:

18 (Mt 11:5; Ps 146:7-8; Isa 42:7) "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

because He has anointed Me

to preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted,

to preach deliverance to the captives

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are oppressed;

19 Isa 61:2 to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

20 (Lk 4:17; Mt 26:55) Then He rolled up the scroll, and He gave it back

to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all those who were

in the synagogue were fixed on Him.

21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled

in your hearing."

22 (Jn 6:42; Ps 45:2) All bore witness to Him, and wondered

at the gracious words which came from His mouth.

Then they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?"

23 (Mt 4:13; Mk 6:1) He said to them, "You will surely say to Me this proverb,

'Physician, heal Yourself. Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum,

do also here in Your country.' "

24 (Mt 13:57; Jn 4:44) He also said, "Truly, I say to you,

no prophet is accepted in his own country.

25 (1Ki 17:1; Jas 5:17) But I tell you truthfully, many widows were

in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were closed

for three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land.

26 Yet to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, a city of Sidon,

to a woman who was a widow.

27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet.

But none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian."

28 All those in the synagogue, when they heard these things,

were filled with wrath.

29 (Nu 15:35) They rose up and thrust Him out of the city

and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built,

that they might throw Him down headlong.

30 (Jn 10:39; 8:59 ) But passing through the midst of them, He went His way.



[16] And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his

custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for

to read.

[17] And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And

when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

[18] The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to

preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the

brokenhearted, to

preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the

blind, to

set at liberty them that are bruised,

[19] To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

[20] And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat

down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on

him.

[21] And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in

your ears.

[22] And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which

proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

[23] And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb,

Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do

also here in thy country.

[24] And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own

country.

[25] But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of

Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great

famine was throughout all the land;

[26] But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of

Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

[27] And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and

none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

[28] And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were

filled with wrath,

[29] And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow

of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down

headlong.

[30] But he passing through the midst of them went his way,



Mark 1:16-20



The Calling of the First Disciples



Mt 4:18-22; Lk 5:1-11

16 (Mt 4:18-22; Jn 1:40-42) As He walked by the Sea of Galilee,

He saw Simon and Andrew, his brother, throwing a net into the sea,

for they were fishermen.

17 Jesus said to them, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James

the son of Zebedee and John, his brother, who also were in the boat mending

their nets.

20 Immediately He called them. And they left their father Zebedee

in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him.



[16] Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his

brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

[17] And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to

become fishers of men.

[18] And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

[19] And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of

Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

[20] And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in

the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.



Matthew 4:18-22



The Calling of the First Disciples



Mk 1:16-20; Lk 5:1-11



18 (Jn 1:40-42; Mt 15:29) As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee,

He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother,

throwing a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

19 And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

21 (Mt 10:2) And going on from there, He saw two other brothers,

James the son of Zebedee and John his brother,

in a boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them.

22 They immediately left the boat and their father and followed Him.



[18] And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon

called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they

were fishers.

[19] And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

[20] And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

[21] And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of

Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending

their nets; and he called them.

[22] And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.



Mark 1:21-28



The Man With an Unclean Spirit



Lk 4:31-37



21 (Mt 4:23; Mk 1:39) They went to Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath

He entered the synagogue and taught.

22 (Mt 7:28-29) They were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them

as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

23 In their synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit.

24 (Ac 3:14; Mt 8:29; Lk 4:34) And he cried out, "Leave us alone! What do You

have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us?

I know who You are, the Holy One of God."

25 (Mk 1:34) Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent and come out of him!"

26 (Mk 9:20; 9:26) When the unclean spirit had convulsed him

and cried out with a loud voice, it came out of him.

27 They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves,

"What is this? What new teaching is this?

With authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."

28 Immediately His fame spread everywhere throughout

the region surrounding Galilee.



[21] And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he

entered into the synagogue, and taught.

[22] And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one

that had authority, and not as the scribes.

[23] And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he

cried out,

[24] Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of

Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy

One of God.

[25] And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

[26] And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice,

he came out of him.

[27] And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among

themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with

authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

[28] And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round

about Galilee.



Luke 4:31-37



The Man With an Unclean Spirit



Mk 1:21-28



31 (Mt 4:13) Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee,

and was teaching them on the Sabbaths.

32 (Lk 4:36; Mt 7:28-29) They were astonished at His teaching,

for His word was with authority.

33 In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit

of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice,

34 (Mk 1:24; Mt 8:29; Jas 2:19) "Leave us alone! What have You to do with us,

Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us?

I know who You are-the Holy One of God!"

35 (Lk 4:41; Mt 8:26) Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent,

and come out of him!" When the demon had thrown him down

in their midst, he came out of him and did not hurt him.

36 (Lk 4:32) They were all amazed and said among themselves,

"What a word this is! For with authority

and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out."

37 (Lk 4:14; Mt 9:26) And His fame went out to every place

in the surrounding countryside.



[31] And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the

sabbath days.

[32] And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

[33] And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean

devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

[34] Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of

Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy

One of God.

[35] And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And

when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him

not.

[36] And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a

word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean

spirits, and they come out.

[37] And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round

about.



Mark 1:29-34



The Healing of Many People



Mt 8:14-17; Lk 4:38-41



29 (Mt 8:14-15; Lk 4:38-39) When He came out of the synagogue

with James and John, they went directly to the house of Simon and Andrew.

30 (1Co 9:5) The mother of Simon's wife lay sick with a fever,

and immediately they told Him of her.

31 (Ac 9:41) So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up,

and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.

32 (Mt 8:16; Lk 4:40) In the evening, when the sun had set, they brought

to Him all who were sick and those who were possessed with demons.

33 The whole city was gathered at the door,

34 (Mk 3:12; Mt 4:23) and He healed many who were sick with various diseases

and cast out many demons. And He did not let the demons speak,

because they knew Him.



[29] And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered

into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

[30] But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him

of her.

[31] And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and

immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

[32] And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were

diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

[33] And all the city was gathered together at the door.

[34] And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many

devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.



Matthew 8:14-17



The Healing of Many People



Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41



14 (1Co 9:5) When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,

lying sick with a fever.

15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them.

16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many who were possessed

with demons. And He cast out the spirits with His word,

and healed all who were sick,

17 (Isa 53:4; Mt 1:22) to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,

"He Himself took our infirmities

and bore our sicknesses."[Isa 53:4].



[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother

laid, and sick of a fever.

[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and

ministered unto them.

[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed

with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that

were sick:

[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,

saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.



Luke 4:38-41



The Healing of Many People



Mt 8:14-17; Mk 1:29-34



38 (Mt 8:14-15; Mk 1:29-31) He went out of the synagogue

and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was taken

ill with a high fever, and they asked Him about her.

39 (Lk 4:35; 8:24) So He stood over her and rebuked the fever,

and it left her. And immediately she rose and served them.

40 (Mt 8:16-17; Mk 1:32-34) Now when the sun was setting,

all those who had anyone sick with various diseases brought

them to Him. And He laid His hands on every one of them

and healed them.

41 (Mk 1:34; 3:11) And demons came out of many, crying out,

"You are the Christ, the Son of God!" But He rebuked them

and did not permit them to speak, because they knew that

He was the Christ.



Mark 1:35-39



A Preaching Tour



Lk 4:42-44

35 (Lk 6:12; Eph 6:18)In the morning, rising up a great while before sunrise,

He went out and departed to a solitary place. And there He prayed.

36 Simon and those who were with Him followed Him,

37 (Jn 12:19) and when they found Him, they said to Him,

"Everyone is searching for You."

38 He said to them, "Let us go into the nearby towns,

that I may preach there also. For that is why I have come."

39 (Mt 4:23; Mk 1:21) So He preached in their synagogues throughout Galilee

and cast out demons.



[35] And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out,

and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

[36] And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.

[37] And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

[38] And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach

there also: for therefore came I forth.

[39] And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast

out devils.



Luke 4:42-44



Preaching in the Synagogues



Mk 1:35-39



42 When it was day He departed and went into a remote place.

And searching for Him, the people came to Him and tried

to prevent Him from leaving them.

43 But He said to them, "I must preach the kingdom of God

to other cities also, for this is why I was sent."

44 (Mt 4:23; Mk 1:39) And He was preaching in the synagogues

of Galilee.



[42] And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the

people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not

depart from them.

[43] And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities

also: for therefore am I sent.

[44] And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.



Matthew 4:23-25



Ministering to Great Crowds



Lk 6:17-19



23 (Mt 9:35; 13:54; Mk 1:21) Jesus went throughout all Galilee teaching

in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom,

and healing all kinds of sickness and all sorts of diseases among the people.

24 (Mt 8:6; 17:15) His fame went throughout all Syria. And they brought

to Him all sick people who were taken with various diseases

and tormented with pain, those who were possessed with demons,

those who had seizures, and those who had paralysis, and He healed them.

25 (Lk 6:17; Mk 5:20) Great crowds followed Him from Galilee, the Decapolis,

Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.



[23] And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and

preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and

all manner of disease among the people.

[24] And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all

sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those

which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those

that had the palsy; and he healed them.

[25] And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and

from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.



2) Our Daily Bread for 1 October 2025 Titled



Out from the Dark
by Winn Collier



Isaiah 9:2-7



The Coming King



2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,

upon them the light has shined.

3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation

and increased the joy;

they rejoice before You

according to the joy of harvest

and as men rejoice

when they divide the spoil.

4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden

and the bar of his shoulder,

the rod of his oppressor

as in the day of Midian's defeat.

5For all the sandals of the tramping warriors

and all the garments rolled in blood

shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given,

and the government shall be upon his shoulder.

And his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David

and over his kingdom,

to order it and to establish it

with justice and with righteousness,

from now until forever.

The zeal of the Lord of Hosts

will perform this.



[2] The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that

dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

[3] Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy

before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they

divide the spoil.

[4] For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his

shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

[5] For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments

rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

[6] For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government

shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,

Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

[7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon

the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it

with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of

the LORD of hosts will perform this.



The tugboat sank twenty miles off the coast of Nigeria, turning upside down as

it fell to the sea floor. Eleven crew members drowned, but the ship's cook,

Harrison Odjegba Okene, found an air pocket and waited. He only had one bottle

of Coke for provisions, and both of his flashlights died within the first

twenty-four hours. For three terrifying days, Okene was trapped alone in

darkness at the bottom of the ocean. He'd begun to give up hope when divers on

a mission to recover dead bodies found him hunkered

and shivering deep in the hull.



The image of Okene alone in the dark for sixty hours is unnerving. He told

reporters he still suffers nightmares from the horrifying ordeal. But can you

imagine what he felt when he saw the diver's powerful lamp piercing the

darkness? What joy and elation, what hope. The prophet Isaiah foretold how,

when the Messiah came, all "the people walking in darkness" would

see "a great light" (9:2). Left to our own devices, we live "in the land

of deep darkness," but in Jesus, "a light has dawned" (v. 2).



Christ is "the light of the world," and in Him we need never again fear

the darkness for we "have the light of life" (John 8:12). We may feel trapped

or hopeless, alone or in despair, but God illuminates good news. Jesus

carries us out of the dark and into His marvelous light.



Reflect & Pray



What darkness are you facing?

How do you need Jesus to be your light and bring you out of it?



Dear God, I need Your light in my life. Please bring me out of my dark place.



For further study, read Deceived by Disappointment.


3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association



Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools



Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 4 - Daddy!



Romans 8:15



'For you have not received the spirit of slavery again to fear. But you have

received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father." '



15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have

received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.



"I've always been a Daddy's girl," Sandi said proudly, and her relationship

with her father proved it. She was never spoiled, but even as a grown woman,

Sandi maintained a closeness with her father, sharing intimately with him the

important issues of her life. And just her use of the name "Daddy" indicated

that he was, indeed a warm, approachable, affectionate man.

Many people are not so fortunate. Some fathers are stern and harsh;

others absent or uncaring, some even abusive. Few have the king of father

who presents a picture of the loving fatherhood of God.

But whatever our concept of fatherhood, God makes clear that he is everything

we always wanted our fathers to be - loving, forgiving, approachable,

totally accepting of us as we are, encouraging us to become all he has

created us to be.

In Romans 8, Paul calls God our "Abba Father". The Aramaic word for Father,

Abba, is an intimate term that might well be translated, Daddy.

God is our "Daddy," our "Abba" - not a distant, stern patriarch ready

to strike us down at the first sign of transgression, but a gentle,

loving Father who longs for us to climb into his lap and let him comfort us.

When we commit ourselves to Christ, Paul indicates, we do not receive a

"spirit of bondage to fear" but a "spirit of adoption." We are not called

to respond to God out of fear, but out of love and reverence.

We can relax and enjoy his presence, for we are his children,

and he is our loving Daddy.



Application



a) What concept of fatherhood do I have from my own experience with my father?

How does that correspond to Paul's description of God as "Daddy"?



b) How can this verse help change my perception of what it means to have

God as my Father?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Luke 16:10-12



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

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

in much.

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

who will commit to your trust the true riches?

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

who will give you that which is your own?"



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

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

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

who will commit to your trust the true riches?

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

who shall give you that which is your own?



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



God's Reconciling Peace



Col 3:12-17



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

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

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

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

even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.

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

which is the bond of perfection.

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

to which also you are called in one body,

rule in your hearts. And be thankful.

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

in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing

one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

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

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through Him.



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

kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

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

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

14 And above all these things put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

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

are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

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

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

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

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

giving thanks to God and the Father by him.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13





9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)



Prince Edward Island



Total population 146300

Muslim population (est.) 1127



Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.

Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims

cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.



More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic

month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at

the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established

in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.

As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.



The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important

for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were

established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to

monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as

shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth."

Let us intercede together for:



- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading

outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.

- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community

in contextual ways to share the Gospel

- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching

out to Muslims locally.

- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's

Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness

and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father

through the Son.



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



1st Day of the month



1) Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada



(

Joel 2:28 And it will be that, afterwards,

I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream

dreams, and your young men will see visions.



28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon

all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men

shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:



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

that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall

prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream

dreams.



17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,

I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:

And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

And your young men shall see visions,

And your old men shall dream dreams:



)



2) Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister

would be directed to do that which pleases God



(Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,

as the rivers of water; He turns it to any place He will.



1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD,

As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.



)



Pray to the Lord and pray to know He is Healer, physically and spiritually.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, I need Your light

in my life. Please bring me out of my dark place."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as loving father.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be faithful in all you do.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know Jesus Christ as Peace.



Pray for Prince Edward Island and her Muslim populations



- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading

outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.

- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community

in contextual ways to share the Gospel

- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching

out to Muslims locally.

- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's

Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness

and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father

through the Son.



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 an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada



Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister

would be directed to do that which pleases God



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 273 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 30 September 2025 reflections

Day 273, 30 September 2025



1) John 3, John 4:1-45



John 3



Jesus and Nicodemus



1 (Jn 19:39) There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus,

a ruler of the Jews.

2 (Ac 2:22; 10:38) He came to Jesus by night and said to Him,

"Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God.

For no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."

3 (Jn 1:13; 3:5-6) Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly I say to you,

unless a man is born again,

[Gk. a litra, or half a liter. he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old?

Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?”

5 (Ac 2:38; Eze 36:25-27; Mk 16:16) Jesus answered, "Truly, truly

I say to you, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit,

he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

6 (Ge 6:12; Job 14:4) That which is born of the flesh is flesh,

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 (Jn 3:3; 5:28) Do not marvel that I said to you,

'You must be born again.'

8 (Eze 37:9; 1Co 2:11) The wind blows where it wishes,

and you hear its sound, but you do not know where

it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone

who is born of the Spirit."

9 (Jn 6:52; 6:60) Nicodemus said to Him, "How can this be?"

10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel,

but you do not know these things?

11 (Jn 1:18; 7:16) Truly, truly I say to you, We speak of what

We know and bear witness of what We have seen, but you do not

receive Our testimony.

12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe,

how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

13 (Pr 30:4; Jn 1:18; 6:38) No one has ascended to heaven except

He who descended from heaven, even the Son of Man who is in heaven.

14 (Jn 8:28) Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

15 (Jn 3:16; 3:36) that whoever believes in Him should not perish,

but may have eternal life.

16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1-18) "For God so loved the world

that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him

should not perish, but have eternal life.

17 (1Jn 4:14; Lk 19:10) For God did not send His Son into the world

to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 (Jn 5:24; Mk 16:16) He who believes in Him is not condemned.

But he who does not believe is condemned already,

because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 (Jn 1:4; 8:12) This is the verdict, that light has come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not

come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

21 (1Jn 1:6; Ps 139:23-24) But he who does the truth comes to the light,

that it may be revealed that his deeds have been done in God."



[1] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

[2] The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that

thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that

thou doest, except God be with him.

[3] Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

[4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he

enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

[5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of

water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

[6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the

Spirit is spirit.

[7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

[8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof,

but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one

that is born of the Spirit.

[9] Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

[10] Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and

knowest not these things?

[11] Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify

that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

[12] If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye

believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

[13] And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from

heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

[14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the

Son of man be lifted up:

[15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

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

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

[17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that

the world through him might be saved.

[18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is

condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only

begotten Son of God.

[19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and

men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

[20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the

light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

[21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be

made manifest, that they are wrought in God.



Jesus and John the Baptist



22 (Jn 3:26) After these things Jesus and His disciples came

into the land of Judea. He remained with them there and baptized.

23 John also was baptizing in Aenon toward Salim, because much water

was there. And people came and were baptized.

24 (Mt 4:12; 14:3) For John had not yet been put in prison.

25 (Jn 2:6) Then a dispute arose between some of John's disciples

and the Jews about ceremonial cleansing.

26 (Jn 1:7; 12:19) They came to John and said to him,

"Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you bore witness,

look, He is baptising, and everyone is going to Him."

27 (1Co 4:7; Jas 1:17) John answered, "A man can receive nothing

unless it has been given to him from heaven.

28 (Jn 1:20; 1:23) You yourselves bear witness of me, that I said,

'I am not the Christ,' but 'I have been sent before Him.'

29 (Mt 9:15; SS 5:1) He who has the bride is the bridegroom.

But the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him,

rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine

is fulfilled.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease."



[22] After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of

Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

[23] And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was

much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

[24] For John was not yet cast into prison.

[25] Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the

Jews about purifying.

[26] And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with

thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same

baptizeth, and all men come to him.

[27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given

him from heaven.

[28] Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but

that I am sent before him.

[29] He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the

bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of

the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

[30] He must increase, but I must decrease.



He Who Comes From Heaven



31 (Jn 8:23; Mt 28:18; Jn 6:33) He who comes from above is above all.

He who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth.

He who comes from heaven is above all.

32 (Jn 3:11; 1:11; 8:26) He bears witness of what He has seen and heard,

yet no one receives His testimony.

33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.

34 (Jn 3:17; Lk 4:18) For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God,

for God gives the Spirit without measure to Him.

35 (Mt 28:18; Jn 5:20) The Father loves the Son, and has placed all things

into His hand.

36 (Jn 5:24; 3:15-16) He who believes in the Son has eternal life.

He who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God

remains on him.



[31] He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is

earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

[32] And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man

receiveth his testimony.

[33] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is

true.

[34] For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not

the Spirit by measure unto him.

[35] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

[36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that

believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on

him.



John 4



Jesus and the Samaritan Woman



1 (Jn 3:22; 3:26) Now when the Lord learned that the Pharisees

had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John

2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples),

3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee.

4 Now it was necessary that He go through Samaria.

5 (Ge 33:19; 48:22) So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar,

near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

6 (Mt 4:2; 8:24) Jacob's well was there. Jesus, therefore, being exhausted

from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman of Samaria came there to draw water.

Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink."

8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

9 (Jn 8:48; Mt 10:5) Then the woman of Samaria said to Him,

"How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?"

For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

10 (Jer 2:13; Jn 4:14) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God,

and who it is who is saying to you, 'Give Me a drink,'

you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."

11 The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with,

and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water?

12 (Jn 8:53) Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well

and drank from it himself, along with his sons and his livestock?"

13 Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again,

14 (Jn 6:35; Isa 49:10) but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give

him will never thirst. Indeed, the water that I shall give him will become

in him a well of water springing up into eternal life."

15 (Jn 6:34) The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so that

I will not thirst, nor come here to draw."

16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."

17 The woman answered, "I have no husband."

Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband,'

18 for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have

is not your husband. So you have spoken truthfully."

19 (Lk 7:16; 7:39) The woman said to Him, "Sir, I perceive

that You are a prophet.

20 (Ge 12:6-7; Dt 11:29) Our fathers worshipped on this mountain,

but you all say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship."

21 (Mal 1:11; 1Ti 2:8) Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe Me,

the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor

in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.

22 (Isa 2:3; Ro 9:4-5) You worship what you do not know; we know

what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.

23 (Php 3:3; Jn 5:25) Yet the hour is coming, and is now here,

when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.

For the Father seeks such to worship Him.

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him

in spirit and truth."

25 (Jn 4:29) The woman said to Him, “"I know that Messiah is coming"

(who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things."

26 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He."

27 (Lk 7:39; Jn 4:8-9) Then His disciples came. They marveled that He talked

with a woman. Yet no one said, "What do You seek?"

or, "Why are You talking with her?"

28 The woman then left her water pot, went her way into the city,

and said to the men,

29 (Jn 4:17-18; 4:25) "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did.

Could this be the Christ?"

30 They went out of the city and came to Him.

31 Meanwhile His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."

32 (Job 23:12)But He said to them,

"I have food to eat of which you do not know."

33 Therefore the disciples said one to another,

"Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?"

34 (Jn 6:38; 17:4) Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him

who sent Me, and to finish His work.

35 (Mt 9:37-38; Jn 4:30) Do you not say, 'There are yet four months,

and then comes the harvest'? Listen! I say to you, lift up your eyes

and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.

36 (Ro 1:13) He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit that leads

to eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

37 (Mic 6:15; Job 31:8) For in this is the saying true, 'One sows,

and another reaps.'

38 (Ac 8:14-17) I sent you to reap a crop for which you did not labor.

And you have benefited from their labor."

39 (Jn 4:29; 4:5) Many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him

because of the word of the woman who testified,

"He told me all that I ever did."

40 So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to remain with them.

And He stayed there two days.

41 And many more believed because of His word.

42 (1Jn 4:14; Jn 1:29; 2Co 5:19) They said to the woman, "Now we believe,

not because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves

and know that this Man is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."



[1] When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made

and baptized more disciples than John,

[2] (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

[3] He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

[4] And he must needs go through Samaria.

[5] Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the

parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

[6] Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his

journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

[7] There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her,

Give me to drink.

[8] (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

[9] Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a

Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no

dealings with the Samaritans.

[10] Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and

who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of

him, and he would have given thee living water.

[11] The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the

well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

[12] Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and

drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

[13] Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water

shall thirst again:

[14] But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never

thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water

springing up into everlasting life.

[15] The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not,

neither come hither to draw.

[16] Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

[17] The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her,

Thou hast well said, I have no husband:

[18] For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy

husband: in that saidst thou truly.

[19] The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

[20] Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem

is the place where men ought to worship.

[21] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall

neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

[22] Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is

of the Jews.

[23] But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall

worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to

worship him.

[24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit

and in truth.

[25] The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called

Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

[26] Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

[27] And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the

woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

[28] The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and

saith to the men,

[29] Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this

the Christ?

[30] Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

[31] In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.

[32] But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

[33] Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him

ought to eat?

[34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me,

and to finish his work.

[35] Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold,

I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are

white already to harvest.

[36] And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life

eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

[37] And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.

[38] I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men

laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

[39] And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying

of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

[40] So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he

would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

[41] And many more believed because of his own word;

[42] And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for

we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the

Saviour of the world.



The Healing of the Nobleman's Son



Mt 8:5-13; Lk 7:1-10



43 (Jn 4:40) After the two days He departed from there and went to Galilee.

44 (Mt 13:57; Lk 4:24) For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor

in his own country.

45 (Jn 2:23; 3:2) Then, when He came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed Him,

having seen all the things He did at Jerusalem at the feast.

For they had also gone to the feast.



[43] Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.

[44] For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own

country.

[45] Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having

seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also

went unto the feast.



2) Our Daily Bread for 30 September 2025 titled



A Leap of Faith
by Marvin Williams



Ephesians 2:1-10



From Death to Life



1 (Col 2:13; Lk 15:24) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,

2 (Jn 12:31; Eph 6:12; 2:3) in which you formerly walked according

to the age of this world and according to the prince of the power of the air,

the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

3 (Gal 2:15-16; Ps 51:5) among them we all also once lived in the lusts

of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind,

and we were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

4 (Ro 2:4; Eph 1:7) But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love

with which He loved us,

5 (Eph 2:1; Ac 15:11; Eph 2:8) even when we were dead in sins, made us alive

together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

6 (Eph 1:3) and He raised us up and seated us together in the heavenly places

in Christ Jesus,

7 (Titus 3:4; Eph 2:4) so that in the coming ages He might show

the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 (Eph 2:5; Mk 16:16) For by grace you have been saved through faith,

and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God,

9 (2Ti 1:9; Ro 3:20) not of works, so that no one should boast.

10 (Eph 4:24; 2Co 5:17; Eph 1:4) For we are His workmanship, created

in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,

so that we should walk in them.



[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts

of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were

by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved; )

[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly

places in Christ Jesus:

[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace

in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it

is the gift of God:

[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,

which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.



A French sailor, along with his cat, was sailing from Dutch Harbor - located

on an island south of Alaska - to San Diego, California, when his yacht was

capsized by a huge wave. The vessel righted itself, but the mariner lost his

rudder and rigging to the violent swells. He reported his dire situation to

the Coast Guard, saying he was stranded, had no control, and his boat was

"pretty much dead in the water." Eventually the Coast Guard contacted an oil

drilling ship nearby, and they came to the sailor;s rescue. However, he still

had to make a literal leap of faith - with his cat tucked under

his jacket - from his boat to the rescue vessel.



In Ephesians 2, Paul described the sinful and hopeless condition

of humanity - dead in the water spiritually and separated from God (v. 1).

Moreover, we were disobedient to all that He desires (v. 2) and

depraved - unable to do anything to merit salvation (v. 3). But "by grace,"

Jesus made it possible for us to be "saved, through faith,"

and this salvation is a "gift of God" (v. 8-).



We were all stranded in the raging seas of sin and death,

but praise God that we have a Saviour who made it possible for us to leap into

His saving arms by faith. Christ alone can rescue us and carry us to safety.



Reflect & Pray



What is the means of the rescue Jesus has made possible?

How are faith in Him and the salvation He's made possible linked?



Dear Jesus, Your mercy and grace led me

to - by faith - leap into Your saving arms.





For further study, read What's Wrong with the Sinner's Prayer by

Tim Gustafson .




3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association



Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools



Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 3 - Inseparable From God's Love



Romans 8:38-39



38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present

nor things to come,

39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,

shall be able to separate us from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.



[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor

principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to

separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.



Separation is a fact of human life. Relationships disintegrate,

children grow up, loved ones die, husbands and wives divorce,

friends changes and drift apart. We may resist change and separation,

but we must deal with them nevertheless.

Separation sometimes is a natural result of growth and development;

sometimes it is a violent, cataclysmic shaking of an individual's life.

2 lifelong friends go separate ways to college or into future careers;

a church splits over doctrinal differences; a wife finds out a hidden

secret in her husband's past.

But with God, there is no separation, no death, no breaking of vows,

no growing beyond the relationship. Nothing, says Paul, can separate

us from the love of God. A skeleton in my closet, once revealed, may

cost me the trust of those I thought were my friends. But God knows

all my past, all my sin; he forgives, and it cannot separate me from him.

My present personal struggles may cause trouble in my job and result in

the loss of that income, but God understands what I'm going through,

and even when I'm angry at him, he can take it without drawing away

or striking back. My present problems cannot separate me from the Lord.

And God knows, too, the plan he has established for my future. I cannot

walk away from him, grow beyond my need for him, or outrun him into

tomorrow.

She may separate me from my awareness of God's presence in my life,

but it cannot set me beyond his reach. There is no power that is greater

than God's love, and no place I can go that will separate me

from that love.



Application



a) Have I ever felt separated from the love of God? Under what circumstances?



b) How can today's verse free me from anxiety about the past,

the present or the future?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



2 Cor 9:6



6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,

and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.



6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;

and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.



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



When you are Worried Over Money



1 Tim 6:6-10



6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain

that we can carry nothing out.

8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things.

9 But those who desire

to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish

and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.

While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.



6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain

we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will

be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish

and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.



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 2021 edition?)



Prince Edward Island



Total population 146300

Muslim population (est.) 1127



Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.

Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims

cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.



More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic

month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at

the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established

in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.

As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.



The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important

for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were

established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to

monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as

shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth."

Let us intercede together for:



- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading

outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.

- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community

in contextual ways to share the Gospel

- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching

out to Muslims locally.

- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's

Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness

and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father

through the Son.



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 30 of the Month



a) Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout

Canadian society, as it is in Heaven



( Matt 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.



)



b) Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city

or community, and across our nation. (



Rom 2:4



4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness,

tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God

leads you to repentance?



4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance

and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth

thee to repentance?



)



Pray to the Lord and pray to be born again and have an encounter with Jesus.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, Your mercy and grace led me

to - by faith - leap into Your saving arms."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know that you are not seperated from Yahwah.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a bountiful sower and reaper.



Pray to the Lord and pray to not be worried about money.



Pray for Prince Edward Island and her Muslim populations



- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading

outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.

- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community

in contextual ways to share the Gospel

- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching

out to Muslims locally.

- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's

Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness

and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father

through the Son.



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 God's will to be done where you live and throughout

Canadian society, as it is in Heaven



Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city

or community, and across our nation.



Pray that God will send more workers into the challenging harvest field

of Comoros - Matthew 9:38

[38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth

labourers into his harvest.





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 272 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 29 September 2025 reflections

Day 272, 29 September 2025



1) John 1:35-51, Mark 1:12-13, Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-15, John 2



John 1:35-51



The First Disciples

35 Again, the next day John was standing with two of his disciples.

36 Looking upon ­Jesus as He walked, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"

37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

38 Then Jesus turned, saw them following, and said to them,

"What do you seek?"

And they said to Him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are You staying?"

39 Jesus said to them, "Come and see."

So they came and saw where He stayed and remained with Him that day,

for it was about the tenth hour.

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew,

Simon Peter's brother.

41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him,

"We have found the Messiah" (which means the Christ).

42 Then he brought him to Jesus.

When Jesus saw him, He said, "You are Simon the son of John.

You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).



[35] Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

[36] And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

[37] And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

[38] Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What

seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted,

Master,) where dwellest thou?

[39] He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and

abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

[40] One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew,

Simon Peter's brother.

[41] He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have

found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

[42] And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou

art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by

interpretation, A stone.



The Calling of Philip and Nathanael



43 The next day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip,

and said to him, "Follow Me."

44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom

Moses in the law, as well as the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth,

the son of Joseph."

46 Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?"

Philip said to him, "Come and see."

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him and said concerning him,

"Here is an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.

48 Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?"

Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were

under the fig tree, I saw you."

49 Nathanael answered Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God!

You are the King of Israel!"

50 Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under

the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these."

51 And He said to him, "Truly, truly I say to you, hereafter you shall see

heaven opened and the angels of God ascending

and descending upon the Son of Man."



[43] The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth

Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

[44] Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

[45] Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of

whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the

son of Joseph.

[46] And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of

Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

[47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an

Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

[48] Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and

said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig

tree, I saw thee.

[49] Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God;

thou art the King of Israel.

[50] Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee

under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than

these.

[51] And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye

shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon

the Son of man.



Mark 1:12-13



The Temptation of Jesus

Mt 4:1-11; Lk 4:1-13



12 (Mt 4:1-11) The Spirit immediately drove Him into the wilderness.

13 (Mt 26:53; Heb 4:15) And He was there in the wilderness for forty days,

tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts.

And the angels ministered to Him.



[12] And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.

[13] And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan;

and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.



Matthew 4:1-11



The Temptation of Jesus



Mk 1:12-13; Lk 4:1-13



1 (Lk 4:1-13; Heb 2:18) Then Jesus was led up into the wilderness

by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil.

2 (1Ki 19:8; Ex 34:28) And He had fasted for forty days and forty nights,

and then He was hungry.

3 (1Th 3:5; Mt 3:17) And the tempter came to Him and said,

"If You are the Son of God, command that these stones be turned into bread."

4 (Dt 8:3; Lk 4:4; Mt 4:7) But He answered, "It is written,

'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds

out of the mouth of God.'Ex 20:12; Dt 5:16."

5 (Mt 27:53; Ne 11:1) Then the devil took Him up into the holy city,

and set Him on the highest point of the temple,

6 (Ps 91:11-12) and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God,

throw Yourself down. For it is written,

'He shall give His angels charge concerning you,' Ps 91:11-12.

and

'In their hands they shall lift you up,

lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.' Ps 91:12."

7 (Dt 6:16; Mt 4:4) Jesus said to him, "It is also written,

'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' Dt 6:16."

8 (Mt 16:26; 1Jn 2:15-16) Again, the devil took Him up on a very high

mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their grandeur,

9 and said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down

and worship me. "

10 (1Ch 21:1; Dt 10:20) Then Jesus said to him, "Get away from here, Satan!

For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God,

and Him only shall you serve.'Dt 6:13. "

11 (Mt 26:53; Lk 22:43; Heb 1:14) Then the devil left Him,

and immediately angels came and ministered to Him.



Matthew 4

[1] Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of

the devil.

[2] And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an

hungred.

[3] And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God,

command that these stones be made bread.

[4] But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread

alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

[5] Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a

pinnacle of the temple,

[6] And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it

is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their

hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a

stone.

[7] Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord

thy God.

[8] Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and

sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

[9] And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall

down and worship me.

[10] Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

[11] Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered

unto him.



Luke 4:1-15



The Temptation of Jesus



Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13



1 (Mt 4:1-11; Mk 1:12-13) Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit,

returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

2 (1Ki 19:8; Ex 34:28) being tempted by the devil for forty days.

During those days He ate nothing. And when they were ended, He was hungry.

3 The devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God,

command this stone to become bread."

4 (Dt 8:3; Lk 4:8) Jesus answered him, "It is written,

'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'Dt 8:3."

5 The devil, taking Him up onto a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms

of the world in a moment of time.

6 (Jn 12:31; 14:30) And the devil said to Him, "I will give You all this power

and their glory, for it has been delivered to me. And I give it to whomever

I will.

7 If You, then, will worship me, all will be Yours."

8 (Dt 6:13; Mt 4:10) And Jesus answered him,

"Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written,

'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.'Dt 6:13."

9 (Mt 4:5-6; Lk 4:3) He brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle

of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself

down from here.

10 (Ps 91:11-12) For it is written:

'He shall give His angels charge concerning you,

to preserve you,'

11 and

'In their hands they shall hold you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.'Ps 91:11–12."

12 (Dt 6:16) Jesus answered him,

"It is said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'Dt 6:16."

13 (Jn 14:30; Heb 4:15) When the devil had ended all the temptations,

he departed from Him until another time.



The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry



Luke 4

[1] And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was

led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

[2] Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat

nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

[3] And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this

stone that it be made bread.

[4] And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not

live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

[5] And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him

all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

[6] And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and

the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I

will I give it.

[7] If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

[8] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for

it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt

thou serve.

[9] And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the

temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down

from hence:

[10] For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to

keep thee:

[11] And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou

dash thy foot against a stone.

[12] And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt

the Lord thy God.

[13] And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him

for a season.



Mt 4:12-17; Mk 1:14-15

14 (Mt 4:12) Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee.

And His fame went throughout the surrounding region.

15 (Mt 4:23) He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by everyone.



[14] And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there

went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

[15] And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.



John 2



The Wedding at Cana



1 (Jn 4:46; 21:2) On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee.

The mother of Jesus was there.

2 Both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.

3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."

4 (Jn 7:6; 7:30) Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with Me?

My hour has not yet come."

5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."

6 (Jn 3:25) Six water pots made of stone were sitting there, used

for ceremonial cleansing by the Jews, containing twenty to thirty gallons

[Gk. 2 to 3 metretes, or 75 to 115 liters.] each.

7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water."

And they filled them up to the brim.

8 Then He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the master

of the feast." And they took it.

9 (Jn 4:46) When the master of the feast tasted the water that had been

turned into wine, and did not know where it came from

(though the servants who drew the water knew), the master of the feast

called the bridegroom,

10 and he said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first, and after men

have drunk freely, then the poor wine is served.

But you have kept the good wine until now."

11 (Jn 1:14; 3:2) This, the first of His signs, Jesus did in Cana of Galilee,

and He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

12 (Mt 12:46; 4:13) After this He, and His mother, and His brothers,

and His disciples went down to Capernaum. They remained there a few days.



John 2

[1] And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the

mother of Jesus was there:

[2] And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

[3] And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have

no wine.

[4] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is

not yet come.

[5] His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

[6] And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the

purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

[7] Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled

them up to the brim.

[8] And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the

feast. And they bare it.

[9] When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and

knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the

governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

[10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good

wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast

kept the good wine until now.

[11] This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested

forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

[12] After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his

brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.



The Cleansing of the Temple



Mt 21:12-17; Mk 11:15-17; Lk 19:45-48



13 (Lk 2:41; Jn 11:55) The Passover of the Jews was at hand,

and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

14 (Mk 11:15; Lk 19:45-46) In the temple He found those who were selling oxen

and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers sitting there.

15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple,

with the sheep and oxen. He poured out the changers' money

and overturned the tables.

16 (Lk 2:49) He said to those who sold doves,

"Take these things away!

Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!"

17 (Ps 69:9) His disciples remembered that it was written,

"Zeal for Your house will consume Me."Ps 69:9.

18 (Jn 6:30) Then the Jews said to Him, "What sign do You show us,

seeing that You do these things?"

19 (Mt 27:40; Mk 14:58) Jesus answered them,

"Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

20 Then the Jews said, "It has taken 46 years to build this temple,

and will You raise it up in three days?"

21 (1Co 6:19; Jn 1:14) But He was speaking concerning the temple of His body.

22 (Jn 12:16; 14:26) Therefore, when He was raised from the dead,

His disciples remembered that He had said this to them.

And they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.



[13] And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

[14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and

the changers of money sitting:

[15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of

the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money,

and overthrew the tables;

[16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not

my Father's house an house of merchandise.

[17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine

house hath eaten me up.

[18] Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto

us, seeing that thou doest these things?

[19] Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three

days I will raise it up.

[20] Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building,

and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

[21] But he spake of the temple of his body.

[22] When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered

that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the

word which Jesus had said.



Jesus Knows All Men



23 (Jn 3:2) Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast,

many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.

24 (Mt 9:4; Jn 5:42) But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them,

because He knew all men,

25 and did not need anyone to bear

witness of man, for He knew what was in man.



[23] Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many

believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

[24] But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

[25] And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in

man.



2) Our Daily Bread for 29 September 2025 titled

Christ’s Resurrection Power

by Nancy Gavilanes



John 11:38-44



Lazarus Brought to Life



38 (Mt 27:60; Jn 11:33) Then Jesus, again groaning within Himself,

came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it.

39 (Jn 11:17) Jesus said, "Take away the stone."

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him,

"Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."

40 (Jn 11:4; 11:23-26) Jesus said to her,

"Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"

41 (Jn 17:1; Mt 11:25) So they took away the stone from the place where

the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up His eyes and said,

"Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.

42 (Jn 3:17; 17:21) I know that You always hear Me. But because of the people

standing around, I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."

43 When He had said this, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"

44 (Jn 20:7; 19:40) He who was dead came out, his hands and feet wrapped

with grave clothes, and his face wrapped with a cloth.

Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."



[38] Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a

cave, and a stone lay upon it.

[39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was

dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead

four days.

[40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest

believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

[41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.

And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast

heard me.

[42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which

stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

[43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come

forth.

[44] And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes:

and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose

him, and let him go.



Football fans were stunned when Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills collapsed on

the field on live television after executing a seemingly routine tackle in

January 2023. The twenty-four-year-old was in sudden cardiac arrest. His heart

stopped beating but was restored by medical professionals while on the field.

Amazingly, three months after dying and being resuscitated on the field,

Hamlin was cleared to play football again.



Hamlin has stated that he's grateful to God and the medical staff for saving

his life. He plans to continue being an inspiration to others. In John

chapter 11, Lazarus also had a remarkable recovery.



By the time Jesus had arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days.

His distraught sisters, Mary and Martha, witnessed Jesus' power over death

and that He is "the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). "Jesus called in

a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet

wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face" (vv. 43-44).



We're also examples of Christ's resurrection power. We were once dead in our

sins, but we're now alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-11). As believers, the same

Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives inside of us (8:10-11). Be

encouraged. While we'll all die a physical death, that's not the end of our

story. We're promised eternal life with Jesus.



Reflect & Pray



How does the gift of eternal life give you hope?

How does Jesus' resurrection power encourage you?



Dear God, thank You for Your resurrection power.





For a deeper understanding of raising Lazarus

from the dead, watch The Death That Gives Life.




3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association



Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools



Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 2 - The Right of Family



John 1:11-12



11 (Jn 3:32) He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.

12 (Gal 3:26; 1Jn 3:23) Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power

to become sons of God, to those who believed in His name,



11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power

to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:



"Dad, can I ask you something?" Jimmy leaned across the back of his

father's chair. His father lowered the newspaper and reached around,

settling Jimmy on his lap.

"Sure. Son," he answered. "You can ask me anything you want. The answer

might not be Yes, but you always have the right to ask."

For many who have grown up in homes where the father was absent, or when

present, abusive or silent, the scenario of Jimmy and his father may

seem unrealistic. Often we aren't given the right by our parents to ask

what we want, to communicate openly, to express our needs and desires.

But god clearly indicates that no matter what our human families have been

like, in his family there are no barriers to belonging,

to open communications. When we commit our lives to Christ and submit to his

lordship, we have the right to become the sons and daughters of God.

In Christ, we have the right to approach him, to pray, to seek wisdom,

to ask advice, to make requests, to verbalise our needs and desires. We don't

have to be afraid of sounding stupid or being rejected, because in Christ

we belong to him, and he loves us.

The KJV uses the word "power" in verse 12 - "to them gave he power to become

the sons of God." Power implies ability, that we are equipped by the Spirit

to be children of the King. We have the right and we have the power to become

who God has called us to be - his children.



Application



a) Under what circumstances in my life have I felt that I didn't

have the right to express my wishes or feelings?



b) How do today's verses give me confidence in approaching God?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Luke 6:38



38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,

shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.

For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."



38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,

and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For

with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.



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



When you are Burdened by Doubt



Proverbs 30:5



5 Every word of God is pure;

He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.



5 Every word of God is pure:

He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)



Prince Edward Island



Total population 146300

Muslim population (est.) 1127



Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.

Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims

cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.



More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic

month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at

the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established

in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.

As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.



The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important

for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were

established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to

monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as

shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth."

Let us intercede together for:



- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading

outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.

- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community

in contextual waysto sahre the Gosepl

- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,

giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching

out to Muslims locally.

- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's

Spirit in His churches and poeple , and an awakening an openness

and spiritual hunger in Muslims for realtionship with the Father

through the Son.



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 29 of the Month



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

to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true

integrity and compassion (



Ps 139:13-16



13 You brought my inner parts into being;

You wove me in my mother's womb.

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

marvelous are Your works,

and You know me completely.

15 My frame was not hidden from You

when I was made in secret,

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

16 Your eyes saw me unformed,

yet in Your book

all my days were written,

before any of them came into being.



13 For thou hast possessed my reins:

Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

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

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

15 My substance was not hid from thee,

When I was made in secret, and curiously wrought

in the lowest parts of the earth.

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

And in thy book all my members were written,

Which in continuance were fashioned,

When as yet there was none of them.



)



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

and compassionately respond to their plight (



Gal 2:10



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

which I also was eager to do.



10 Only they would that we should remember the poor;

the same which I also was forward to do.



)



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



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for Your resurrection power."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know you have power in the Name of Jesus.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a generous giver.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the purity of God's Word.



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 God will enlighten those in medicine and health care

to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true

integrity and compassion



Pray that the Church in Canada will remember the poor

and compassionately respond to their plight



Pray for the protection and perserverance on behalf of those

translating the Bible into local languages in Tajikistan.



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 271 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 28 September 2025 reflections

Day 271, 28 September 2025



Today at Calvary Community Church

Pastor Gary Taitinger , guest Speaker, spoke on

Empowered - You Can't Stay Here!



Hebrews 11:13-16



13 (Ge 23:4; Ps 39:12) These all died in faith not having received

the promises, but having seen them from afar were assured of them,

embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims

on the earth.

14 Those who say such things declare plainly that they are looking

for a homeland.

15 (Ge 24:6-8) And certainly, if they had been thinking of the country

out of which they came, they might have had the opportunity to return.

16 (Ex 3:6; 3:15) But they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared

a city for them.





[13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having

seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and

confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

[14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

[15] And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they

came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

[16] But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore

God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a

city.



A) You can't stay here.



B) A Local Church



C) New Testament Growth



1) Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-40, Matthew 2, Luke 2:39-52, Mark 1:2-8 ,

Matthew 3:1-12, Luke 3:1-18, Mark 1:9-11, Matthew 3:13-17, Luke 3:19-20,

Luke 3:21-22, John 1:19-34



Matthew 1:18-25



The Birth of Jesus Christ



Lk 2:1-7



18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:

After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,

she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.

19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man

and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce

her privately.

20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel

of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,

for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,

for He will save His people from their sins."

22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord

had spoken through the prophet, saying,

23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6-7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,

and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"

[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."

24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord

had commanded him, and remained with his wife,

25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth

to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.



[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary

was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child

of the Holy Ghost.

[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her

a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

[20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord

appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to

take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the

Holy Ghost.

[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

[22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of

the Lord by the prophet, saying,

[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and

they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

[24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had

bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he

called his name JESUS.



Luke 2:1-38



The Birth of Jesus



Mt 1:18-25



1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.

2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.

4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth

in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,

because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.

7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,

and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.



[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from

Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into

Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was

of the house and lineage of David:)

[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished

that she should be delivered.

[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling

clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the

inn.



The Shepherds and the Angels



8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.

10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.

For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.

11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day

in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:

You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company

of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, and good will toward men."

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said

to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened,

which the Lord has made known to us."

16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,

and the Baby lying in a manger.

17 When they had seen Him, they made widely known the word

which was told them concerning this Child.

18 And all those who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them.

19 (Lk 2:51; Ge 37:11) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them

in her heart.

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things

they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.



[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord

shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good

tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is

Christ the Lord.

[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in

swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God, and saying,

[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

[15] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into

heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto

Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath

made known unto us.

[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe

lying in a manger.

[17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was

told them concerning this child.

[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told

them by the shepherds.

[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

[20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the

things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.



The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple



21 (Lk 1:31; 1:59) When eight days had passed and the Child was circumcised,

He was named ­JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived

in the womb.

22 When the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses

were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord

23 (Ex 13:2; Nu 3:13)(as it is written in the law of the Lord,

"Every firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord"

Ex 13:2, 12; Nu 3:13; 8:17.)

24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord,

"a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Lev 5:11; 12:8.

25 (Lk 1:6; 2:38) Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon,

and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel,

and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

26 (Jn 8:51; Heb 11:5) It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit

that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 (Lk 2:41; 2:48) Led by the Spirit, he came into the temple. And when

the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according

to the custom of the law,

28 (Lk 1:64) he received Him in his arms and blessed God and said:

29 (Ge 15:15; Lk 2:26) "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace,

according to Your word;

30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation

31 which You have prepared in the sight of all people,

32 (Isa 49:6; 9:2; 60:19) a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of Your people Israel."

33 Joseph and His mother were amazed at those things which were spoken

about Him.

34 (1Co 1:23; Mt 21:44; Ac 28:22) Then Simeon blessed them

and said to Mary His mother, "Listen, this Child is destined to cause the fall

and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign which will be spoken against,

35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

And a sword will pierce through your own soul also."

36 (Ac 21:9; Ex 15:20) And there was Anna a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel,

of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived

with her husband seven years from her virginity.

37 (1Ti 5:5; Ac 14:23) And she was a widow of about 84 years of age

who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting

and prayer night and day.

38 (Lk 2:25; 1:68) Coming at that moment she gave thanks to the Lord

and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.



[21] And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the

child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he

was conceived in the womb.

[22] And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses

were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the

Lord;

[23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the

womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

[24] And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of

the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and

the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and

the Holy Ghost was upon him.

[26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see

death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought

in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

[28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

[29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy

word:

[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

[31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

[32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

[33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken

of him.

[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this

child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign

which shall be spoken against;

[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the

thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the

tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven

years from her virginity;

[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed

not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and

spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.



Matthew 2



The Visit of the Wise Men



1 (Lk 2:4-7; Mic 5:2) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea

in the days of Herod the king, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem,

2 (Nu 24:17; Jer 23:5; Zec 9:9) saying, "Where is He who was born King

of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come

to worship Him."

3 When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled,

and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people

together, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.

5 (Ge 35:19) They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is

what the prophet wrote:

6 (Mic 5:2; Jn 7:42) 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are no longer least among the princes of Judah;

for out of you shall come a Governor,

who will shepherd My people Israel.'[Ps 91:11-12.]"

7 Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men,

carefully inquired of them what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said,

"Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him,

bring me word again, so that I may come and worship Him also."

9 When they heard the king, they departed. And the star which they saw

in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young

Child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great excitement.

11 (Ps 72:10; Mt 14:33) And when they came into the house,

they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down

and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures,

they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 (Mt 2:22; 27:19) But being warned in a dream that they should

not return to Herod, they returned to their own country

by another route.



[1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the

king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his

star in the east, and are come to worship him.

[3] When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all

Jerusalem with him.

[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people

together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

[5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written

by the prophet,

[6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the

princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my

people Israel.

[7] Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them

diligently what time the star appeared.

[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for

the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may

come and worship him also.

[9] When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which

they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where

the young child was.

[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with

Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened

their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and

myrrh.

[12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to

Herod, they departed into their own country another way.



The Escape to Egypt



13 (Ac 5:19; Mt 1:20) Now when they departed, the angel of the Lord

appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying,

"Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and escape to Egypt,

and stay there until I bring you word.

For Herod will seek the young Child to kill Him."

14 When he rose, he took the young Child and His mother by night,

and departed into Egypt,

15 (Hos 11:1; Ex 4:22) and remained there until the death of Herod,

to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet,

"Out of Egypt I have called My Son."

A talent was worth several hundred pounds.



[13] And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to

Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother,

and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod

will seek the young child to destroy him.

[14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and

departed into Egypt:

[15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I

called my son.



The Killing of the Infants



16 (Isa 59:7) Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked

by the wise men, was utterly furious and sent forth and killed

all the male children who were in Bethlehem and the surrounding region,

from two years old and under, based on the time which he had diligently

inquired of the wise men.

17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet:

18 (Jer 31:15; Ge 42:36) "In Ramah a voice was heard,

grieving and weeping and great mourning,

Rachel weeping for her children,

and she would not be comforted,

because they are no more."[-21 Isa 42:1–4].



[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was

exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in

Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,

according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

[17] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great

mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted,

because they are not.



The Return From Egypt



19 (Mt 1:20) But when Herod was dead, an angel of the Lord appeared

in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

20 (Ex 4:19) saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother,

and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought

the young Child's life are dead."

21 And he rose, took the young Child and His mother,

and came into the land of Israel.

22 (Lk 2:39) But when he heard that Archelaus reigned in Judea

instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Nevertheless,

being warned by God in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee.

23 (Jn 1:45-46; Jdg 13:5) And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth,

that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled,

"He shall be called a Nazarene."



[19] But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a

dream to Joseph in Egypt,

[20] Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the

land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

[21] And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into

the land of Israel.

[22] But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his

father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of

God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

[23] And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be

fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.



Luke 2:39-52



The Return to Nazareth



39 (Lk 2:4) When they had performed everything according to the law

of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.

40 (Lk 2:52; 1:80) And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,

filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him.



[39] And when they had performed all things according to the law of the

Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

[40] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and

the grace of God was upon him.



The Boy Jesus in the Temple



41 (Dt 16:1-8; 1Sa 1:3) Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year

at the Feast of the Passover.

42 When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according

to the custom of the feast.

43 When the days of the feast were complete, as they returned,

the Child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem.

And Joseph and His mother did not know of it.

44 But supposing Him to be in their company, they went a day's journey.

Then they searched for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.

45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him.

46 (Lk 5:17) After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting

in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

47 (Mt 7:28; Mk 1:22) All who heard Him were astonished

at His understanding and His answers.

48 When they saw Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him,

"Son, why have You dealt with us like this?

Look, Your father and I have anxiously searched for You."

49 (Jn 4:34) He said to them, "How is it that you searched for Me? Did you

not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

50 (Lk 18:34; Mk 9:32) But they did not understand the word which

He spoke to them.

51 (Lk 2:19; Mk 6:3) Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth

and was obedient to them. But His mother kept all these words in her heart.

52 (1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:40) And Jesus increased in wisdom

and in stature and in favor with God and men.



[41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the

passover.

[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the

custom of the feast.

[43] And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus

tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

[44] But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's

journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

[45] And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem,

seeking him.

[46] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the

temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking

them questions.

[47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and

answers.

[48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him,

Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought

thee sorrowing.

[49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I

must be about my Father's business?

[50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

[51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto

them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

[52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and

man.



Mark 1:2-8



2 (Mal 3:1; Mt 11:10; Lk 1:76) As it is written in the Prophets:

"Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face,

who will prepare Your way before You." [Mal 3:1].

3 (Mt 3:3) "The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord,

make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].

4 (Lk 1:77) John came baptizing in the wilderness

and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

5 (Ac 19:18) The whole region of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem

went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River,

confessing their sins.

6 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) John was clothed with camel's hair

and with a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey.

7 (Ac 13:25; Jn 1:27) He preached saying, "After me is coming One mightier

than I, the straps of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

8 (Ac 1:5; Isa 44:3) I indeed have baptized you with water,

but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."



[2] As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before

thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

[3] The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the

Lord, make his paths straight.

[4] John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of

repentance for the remission of sins.

[5] And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of

Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan,

confessing their sins.

[6] And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin

about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

[7] And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the

latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

[8] I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with

the Holy Ghost.



Matthew 3:1-12



The Preaching of John the Baptist



Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-9, 15-17; Jn 1:19-28



1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching

in the wilderness of Judea,

2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven

is at hand."

3 (Isa 40:3; Lk 1:76) For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah,

saying:

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord;

make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].

4 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) This same John had clothing made of camel's hair,

a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 (Mk 1:5) Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region

around the Jordan went out to him,

6 (Ac 19:18; Mt 3:11) and were baptized by him in the Jordan,

confessing their sins.

7 (Mt 12:34; 23:33) But when he saw many of the Pharisees

and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them,

"O generation of vipers, who has warned you to escape from the wrath to come?

8 (Ac 26:20; Jer 36:3) Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance,

9 (Lk 3:8; 16:24) and do not think to say within yourselves,

'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you that God is able

from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

10 (Mt 7:19; Jn 15:2) Even now the axe is put to the tree roots.

Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down

and thrown into the fire.

11 (Ac 1:5; Lk 3:16; Isa 4:4) "I indeed baptize you with water to repentance,

but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy

to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

12 (Mal 4:1; Mt 13:30) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly

clean His floor and gather His wheat into the granary,

but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."



[1] In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of

Judaea,

[2] And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

[3] For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The

voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make

his paths straight.

[4] And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle

about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

[5] Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round

about Jordan,

[6] And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

[7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism,

he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from

the wrath to come?

[8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

[9] And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father:

for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children

unto Abraham.

[10] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore

every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into

the fire.

[11] I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh

after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall

baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

[12] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and

gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with

unquenchable fire.



Luke 3:1-18



The Preaching of John the Baptist



Mt 3:1-12; Mk 1:1-8; Jn 1:19-28



1 (Mt 14:1; 27:2) In the fifteenth year of the reign of Caesar Tiberius,

Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee,

his brother Philip was tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Traconitis,

and Lysanias was the tetrarch of Abilene.

2 (Ac 4:6; Jn 18:24) Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests,

the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

3 (Lk 1:77) He came into the region surrounding the Jordan,

preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

4 (Isa 40:3-5; Jn 1:23) As it is written in the book of the words

of Isaiah the prophet, saying:

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord;

make His paths straight.

5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled

and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;

and the crooked shall be made straight

and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

[Gk. 2 assaria. An assarion was worth 1/16 of a denarius,

which was a day's wage.]

7 (Mt 23:33; 12:34) Then he said to the crowds that came out to be baptized

by him, "You children of vipers! Who warned you

to flee from the wrath to come?

8 (Jn 8:33; Ac 26:20) Therefore bear fruit worthy of repentance,

and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.'

For I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children

for Abraham.

9 (Mt 7:19; Lk 13:7) Even now the axe is put to the root of the trees.

Every tree therefore which does not bear good fruit is cut down

and thrown into the fire."

10 (Ac 2:37; 16:30) The people asked him, "What then must we do?"

11 (Da 4:27; Lk 18:22) John answered, "He who has two tunics, let him give

to him who has none. And he who has food, let him do likewise."

12 (Lk 7:29) Then tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him,

"Teacher, what must we do?"

13 (Lk 19:8) He said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed you."

14 (Ex 23:1; 20:16) Then the soldiers likewise demanded of him,

"And what must we do?"

He said to them, "Do no violence to anyone nor accuse any falsely,

and be content with your wages."

15 As the people were in expectation, and everyone reflected in their hearts

upon John, whether he might be the Christ or not,

16 (Ac 1:5; Mt 3:11) John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you

with water. But One mightier than I is coming, the strings of whose shoes

I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit

and with fire.

17 (Mt 13:30; Isa 30:24) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly

cleanse His threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into His granary.

But He will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire."

18 Then he preached many other things in his exhortation to the people.



[1] Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius

Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and

his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and

Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

[2] Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto

John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

[3] And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of

repentance for the remission of sins;

[4] As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying,

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight.

[5] Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be

brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways

shall be made smooth;

[6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

[7] Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O

generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

[8] Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say

within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That

God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

[9] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree

therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into

the fire.

[10] And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

[11] He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him

impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

[12] Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master,

what shall we do?

[13] And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

[14] And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we

do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any

falsely; and be content with your wages.

[15] And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their

hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

[16] John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water;

but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy

to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

[17] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and

will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire

unquenchable.

[18] And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.



Mark 1:9-11



The Baptism of Jesus



Mt 3:13-17; Lk 3:21-22



9 (Mt 2:23) In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee

and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10 (Isa 64:1; Mt 3:16) Coming up out of the water,

He immediately saw the heavens opened and the Spirit

descending on Him like a dove.

11 (Ps 2:7; Isa 42:1) And a voice came from heaven, saying,

"You are My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."



[9] And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of

Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

[10] And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens

opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

[11] And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved

Son, in whom I am well pleased.



Matthew 3:13-17



The Baptism of Jesus



Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22



13 (Mt 2:22) Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan

to be baptised by him.

14 But John prohibited Him, saying,

"I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?"

15 (Ps 40:7-8; Jn 4:34) But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now,

for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted Him.

16 (Isa 11:2; 42:1) And when Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately

out of the water. And suddenly the heavens were opened to Him,

and He saw the Spirit of God descending on Him like a dove.

17 (Ps 2:7; Mt 17:5; Isa 42:1) And a voice came from heaven, saying,

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."



[13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of

him.

[14] But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and

comest thou to me?

[15] And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it

becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

[16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:

and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God

descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

[17] And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I

am well pleased.



Luke 3:19-20



19 (Mk 6:17-18; Lk 3:1) But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him

because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils

which Herod had done,

20 added also this above them all: He locked John up in prison.



[19] But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother

Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

[20] Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.





Luke 3:21-22



The Baptism of Jesus



Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11



21 (Jn 1:32-34; Mt 3:13-17) Now when all the people were baptized,

and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,

the heavens were opened,

22 (Ps 2:7; Isa 42:1) and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form

like a dove on Him, and a voice came from heaven which said,

"You are My beloved Son. In You I am well pleased."



[21] Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also

being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

[22] And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him,

and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I

am well pleased.



John 1:19-34



The Testimony of John the Baptist



Mt 3:1-12; Mk 1:2-8; Lk 3:15-17



19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests

and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

21 They asked him, "Who then? Are you Elijah?"

He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."

22 They said to him then, "Who are you? Tell us so that we may give

an answer to those who sent us. What do you say concerning yourself?"

23 John said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,

'Make straight the way of the Lord,' just as the prophet Isaiah said."

24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.

25 They asked him, "Why do you baptise then, if you are not the Christ,

nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but One stands among you,

whom you do not know.

27 This is He who comes after me, who is preferred before me,

the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."

28 These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan,

where John was baptizing.



[19] And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites

from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

[20] And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

[21] And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not.

Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

[22] Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to

them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

[23] He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight

the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

[24] And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

[25] And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou

be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

[26] John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth

one among you, whom ye know not;

[27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's

latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

[28] These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was

baptizing.



The Lamb of God



29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb

of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

30 This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who is preferred

before me, for He was before me.'

31 I did not know Him, but for this reason I came baptizing with water:

so that He might be revealed to Israel."

32 Then John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending

from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him.

33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me,

'The One on whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining,

this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

34 I have seen and have borne witness that He is the Son of God."



[29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the

Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

[30] This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred

before me: for he was before me.

[31] And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel,

therefore am I come baptizing with water.

[32] And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven

like a dove, and it abode upon him.

[33] And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same

said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining

on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

[34] And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.



2) Our Daily Bread for 28 September 2024 titled

God's Way Home by Katara Patton



Luke 15:11-13, 17-24



The Parable of the Prodigal Son



11 Then He said, "A man had two sons.

12 (Mk 12:44; Lk 15:30) The younger of them said to his father,

'Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.'

So he divided his estate between them.

13 (Lk 15:30; 16:1) "Not many days later, the younger son gathered

everything together, and journeyed to a distant country, and there

squandered his possessions in prodigal living.

17 "When he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired

servants have an abundance of bread, and here I am perishing with hunger!

18 (Lk 15:21; 18:13) I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him,

"Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.

19 (Lk 7:6-7) I am no longer worthy to be called your son.

Make me like one of your hired servants." '

20 (Ac 20:37; Ge 45:14) So he arose and came to his father.

"But while he was yet far away, his father saw him

and was moved with compassion, and ran and embraced his neck and kissed him.

21 (Ps 51:4; Lk 15:18-19) "The son said to him,

'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

22 (Ge 41:42; Rev 6:11) "But the father said to his servants,

'Bring out the best robe and put it on him.

And put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet.

23 Bring here the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and be merry.

24 (Lk 15:32; Eph 2:1) For this son of mine was dead, and is alive again;

he was lost, and is found.' So they began to be merry.



[11] And he said, A certain man had two sons:

[12] And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion

of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

[13] And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took

his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous

living.

[17] And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my

father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

[18] I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have

sinned against heaven, and before thee,

[19] And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired

servants.

[20] And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way

off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck,

and kissed him.

[21] And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in

thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

[22] But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put

it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

[23] And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be

merry:

[24] For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is

found. And they began to be merry.



As I drove down the steep ramp into the parking lot, anxiety swept over me.

I'd been in this exact place before - and I'd gotten lost that time. But now,

as I began to walk to the door near the elevator, a calm feeling filled my

heart. I knew the way! I walked through the door and found the set

of elevators I was seeking and soon was where I was supposed to be.



My experience in finding my way through the maze of that parking structure

reminds me that getting lost can sometimes help us find our way. Because I

had gotten lost during my first visit, I recalled what had gone wrong

and remembered the door that led to my destination.



There’s great joy in finding our way - something the "lost son" in today's

parable found to be true (Luke 15:24). "When he finally came to his senses"

(v. 17 nlt), the wayward young man knew his way back home after having been

lost in the world. He recognized all he had left behind and returned home

where he received his father's "love and compassion" (v. 20 nlt).

The story says the father was overjoyed to receive his lost son

and welcome him back, saying, "This son of mine was dead and has now returned

to life. He was lost, but now he is found" (v. 24 nlt).



If we're lost spiritually, let’s look for the familiar way home God has provided.

He points us toward His loving light and to where we're supposed to be.



Reflect & Pray



How has God shown you where you're supposed to be?

How can you run after His light?



Compassionate God, please help me turn

from the darkness of being lost and return to Your light and love.



3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association



Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools



Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 1 - Bought Back



Eph 1:7



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

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



[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;



In the opening scenes of The Glenn Miller Story, Glenn Miller, then a

struggling musician trying to find an audience for his music, enters

a pawn shop. He has hocked his trombone for rent money, and has come

to redeem it. Paying the pawn broker the money, he buys back his own

instrument and leaves the shop, indicating that he will probably

be back again.

In Eph 1:7. Paul says that in Christ "we have redemption through

His blood and the forgiveness of sin according to the riches of His grace."

We belonged to God from the beginning; he made us and stamped

his image upon us. But through sin we were lost, pawned to the

world's system and the Enemy of our souls.

But God redeemed us; he "bought us back" with the most valuable

currency in the universe - the blood of his own Son, Jesus Christ.

He did not resent the bargain, or question whether we were worth

such a price. He freely gave Jesus in trade to ransom the souls

of the people he created and loved.

Sometimes in Christian circles we get so caught up in religious

jargon that we forget what redemption really means. Gog did not have

to "get us out of hock." He was not compelled to buy us back when we

had sold ourselves to sin. But because of his love, and with no

deserving on our part, he chose to pay an enormous price to set us free.

We are redeemed, bought back, by the One who owned us in the first place.



Application



a) In what ways have I been "in hock" to sin in my life?



b) What does it mean, in practical terms, that God "redeemed" me

from that sin?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Mark 4:19



19 But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,

and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,

and it proves unfruitful.



19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,

and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,

and it becometh unfruitful.



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



When you are Burdened by Doubt



James 1:2 to 8



Faith and Wisdom



2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations,

3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.

4 But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete,

lacking nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men

liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.

6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers

is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.

7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.

8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.



2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect

and entire, wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men

liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.



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 28 of the Month



a) Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear

and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.



(



John 5:24



24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever

hears My word and believes in Him who sent

Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation,

but has passed from death into life."



24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word,

and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,

and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.



)



b) Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you

know today . (



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.



)



Pray that you growth the Church as Jesus wants you to.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be thankful for coming into this world

and his humble example.



Pray to the Lord: "Compassionate God, please help me turn

from the darkness of being lost and return to Your light and love."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord who rescued you from sin.



Pray to the Lord and pray not to be choked by the riches of this world.



Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Lord's Jesus Christ's wisdom.



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 new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear

and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you know today .



Pray that the truth of Jesus would be revealed to Buddhist monks

in Laos who persecute Christians.



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 270 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 27 September 2025 reflections

Day 270, 27 September 2025



1) Mark 1:1,Luke 1:1-4,John 1:1-18,Matthew 1:1-17,Luke 1:5-80



Mark 1:1



1 (Mt 14:33) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.



[1] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;



Luke 1:1-4



The Prologue



1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things

which are most surely believed among us,

2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning

were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,

3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things

from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,

most excellent Theophilus,

4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.



[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration

of those things which are most surely believed among us,

[2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were

eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all

things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent

Theophilus,

[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast

been instructed.



John 1:1-18



The Word Became Flesh



1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing

was created that was created.

4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.

5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John.

7 This man came as a witness in order to testify concerning the Light,

that all men through Him might believe.

8 He was not this Light, but was sent in order to testify

concerning the Light.

9 The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was created through Him,

yet the world did not know Him.

11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.

12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,

to those who believed in His name,

13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,

the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, "This was He of whom I said,

'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' "

16 We have all received from His fullness grace upon grace.

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came

through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has seen God at any time. The only Son, who is at the Father's side,

has made Him known.





[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the

Word was God.

[2] The same was in the beginning with God.

[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made

that was made.

[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all

men through him might believe.

[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into

the world.

[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world

knew him not.

[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the

sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of

the will of man, but of God.

[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his

glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace

and truth.

[15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I

spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

[16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

[17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus

Christ.

[18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in

the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.



Matthew 1:1-17



The Genealogy of Jesus Christ



Lk 3:23-38



1 (Ge 22:18; Isa 11:1; Ro 1:3) The book of the genealogy

of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham:

2 (Ge 25:26; Ac 7:8) Abraham was the father of Isaac,

Isaac the father of Jacob,

and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.

3 (Ge 46:12; 38:29-30) Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar,

Perez the father of Hezron,

and Hezron the father of Ram.

4 Ram was the father of Amminadab,

Amminadab the father of Nahshon,

and Nahshon the father of Salmon.

5 (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25) Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab,

Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth,

and Obed the father of Jesse.

6 (1Sa 16:1; 17:12) Jesse was the father of David the king.

David the king was the father of Solomon,

by her who had been the wife of Uriah.

7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam,

Rehoboam the father of Abijah,

and Abijah the father of Asa.

8 (1Ch 3:11) Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat,

Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,

and Joram the father of Uzziah.

9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham,

Jotham the father of Ahaz,

and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.

10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh,

Manasseh the father of Amon,

and Amon the father of Josiah.

11 (Jer 27:20; Da 1:2) Josiah was the father of Jeconiah

and his brothers about the time they were exiled to Babylon.

12 (1Ch 3:17; Ezr 3:2) And after they were brought to Babylon,

Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,

and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.

13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud,

Abiud the father of Eliakim,

and Eliakim the father of Azor.

14 Azor was the father of Zadok,

Zadok the father of Akim,

and Akim the father of Eliud.

15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar,

Eleazar the father of Matthan,

and Matthan the father of Jacob.

16 (Mt 27:17; Lk 3:23) And Jacob was the father of Joseph,

the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations,

from David until the exile to Babylon are fourteen generations,

and from the exile in Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations.



[1] The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the

son of Abraham.

[2] Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas

and his brethren;

[3] And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom;

and Esrom begat Aram;

[4] And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson

begat Salmon;

[5] And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and

Obed begat Jesse;

[6] And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of

her that had been the wife of Urias;

[7] And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

[8] And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

[9] And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat

Ezekias;

[10] And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat

Josias;

[11] And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they

were carried away to Babylon:

[12] And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel;

and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

[13] And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim

begat Azor;

[14] And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

[15] And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat

Jacob;

[16] And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who

is called Christ.

[17] So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations;

and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen

generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are

fourteen generations.



Luke 1:5-38



The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold



5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest

named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And his wife was

of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6 They were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments

and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.

7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren,

and they both were now well advanced in years.

8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,

9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn

incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side

of the altar of incense.

12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer

has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,

and you shall call his name John.

14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink

neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,

even from his mother's womb.

16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,

to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children

and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready

a people prepared for the Lord."

18 Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this?

For I am an old man and my wife well advanced in years."

19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.

And I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

20 And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day

that these things happen, because you did not believe my words,

which will be fulfilled in their season."

21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited

so long in the temple.

22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived

that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them

and remained speechless.

23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,

he departed to his own home.

24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months

she hid herself, saying,

25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,

to take away my reproach among men."





[5] There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest

named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of

Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

[6] And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments

and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

[7] And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both

were now well stricken in years.

[8] And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before

God in the order of his course,

[9] According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn

incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

[10] And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time

of incense.

[11] And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right

side of the altar of incense.

[12] And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

[13] But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is

heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his

name John.

[14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his

birth.

[15] For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither

wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from

his mother's womb.

[16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

[17] And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn

the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom

of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

[18] And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am

an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

[19] And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the

presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad

tidings.

[20] And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day

that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words,

which shall be fulfilled in their season.

[21] And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so

long in the temple.

[22] And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived

that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and

remained speechless.

[23] And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were

accomplished, he departed to his own house.

[24] And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five

months, saying,

[25] Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me,

to take away my reproach among men.



The Birth of Jesus Foretold



26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,

of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.

28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.

The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."

29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered

in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.

30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found

favour with God.

31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son

and shall call His name JESUS.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.

And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,

33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.

And of His kingdom there will be no end."

34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"

35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.

Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.

36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.

And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.

37 For with God nothing will be impossible."

38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according

to your word." Then the angel departed from her.



[26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city

of Galilee, named Nazareth,

[27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of

David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

[28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly

favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

[29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her

mind what manner of salutation this should be.

[30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour

with God.

[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,

and shalt call his name JESUS.

[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the

Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom

there shall be no end.

[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a

man?

[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come

upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore

also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of

God.

[36] And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her

old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

[37] For with God nothing shall be impossible.

[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according

to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:39-80



Mary Visits Elizabeth



39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,

to a city of Judah,

40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped

in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,

the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion

to those things which were told her by the Lord."



[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with

haste, into a city of Juda;

[40] And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,

the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

[42] And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among

women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

[43] And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

[44] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears,

the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of

those things which were told her from the Lord.



The Song of Mary



46 And Mary said:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded

the low estate of His servant;

surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is His name.

50 His mercy is on those who fear Him

from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of low degree.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

in remembrance of His mercy,

55 as He spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

56 Mary remained with her about three months

and returned to her own house.



[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

[48] For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold,

from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

[49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his

name.

[50] And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

[51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in

the imagination of their hearts.

[52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low

degree.

[53] He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent

empty away.

[54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

[55] As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

[56] And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own

house.



The Birth of John the Baptist



57 Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.

58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,

and they rejoiced with her.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.

And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.

60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.”

61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives

who is called by this name."

62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.

63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."

And they all were amazed.

64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,

and he spoke and praised God.

65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts

were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.

66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,

"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.



[57] Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she

brought forth a son.

[58] And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great

mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

[59] And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the

child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

[60] And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

[61] And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by

this name.

[62] And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

[63] And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John.

And they marvelled all.

[64] And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he

spake, and praised God.

[65] And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings

were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

[66] And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What

manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.



The Prophecy of Zechariah



67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit

and prophesied, saying,

68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for He has visited and redeemed His people,

69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of His servant David,

70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,

71 that we should be saved from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us,

72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember His holy covenant,

73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,

74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,

might serve Him without fear,

75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.

76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;

for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people

by the remission of their sins,

78 through the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace."

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit,

and he remained in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.



[67] And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and

prophesied, saying,

[68] Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his

people,

[69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his

servant David;

[70] As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since

the world began:

[71] That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that

hate us;

[72] To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy

covenant;

[73] The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

[74] That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of

our enemies might serve him without fear,

[75] In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

[76] And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou

shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

[77] To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of

their sins,

[78] Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high

hath visited us,

[79] To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.

[80] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts

till the day of his shewing unto Israel.



2) Our Daily Bread for 27 September 2025 titled

God Never Leaves Us

by Amy Boucher Pye



Joshua 1:1-3, 5-9



The Lord Commissions Joshua



1 (Ex 24:13; Dt 1:38) Now after the death of Moses

the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun,

the assistant of Moses:

2 "Moses My servant is dead, so now get up and cross over the Jordan

-you and all this people-to the land that I am giving

to the children of Israel.

3 (Dt 11:24; Jos 14:9) I have given you every place

that the sole of your foot shall tread, as I said to Moses.

5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6-8) No man will be able to stand against you

all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, I will be with you.

I will not abandon you. I will not leave you.

6 (Jos 1:7; 1:9) "Be strong and courageous, for you shall provide

the land that I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance

for this people.

7 (Dt 5:32; 28:14) Be strong and very courageous, in order to act

carefully in accordance with all the law that My servant Moses

commanded you. Do not turn aside from it to the right or the left,

so that you may succeed wherever you go.

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.

9 (Ge 28:15; Dt 31:7-8) Have not I commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord

your God is with you wherever you go."



[1] Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass,

that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

[2] Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan,

thou, and all this people, unto the land which

I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

[3] Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I

given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

[5] There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days

of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not

fail thee, nor forsake thee.

[6] Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou

divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers

to give them.

[7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do

according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from

it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper

whithersoever thou goest.

[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.

[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not

afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee

whithersoever thou goest.



In the Holy Land, we loved walking where Jesus walked. Now I can more easily

imagine the sights and sounds from His earthly life. But climbing up and down

the uneven stones of the churches and countryside left its mark, and I

arrived home with sore knees. Yet my ailments were minor compared with those

journeying centuries ago, who not only experienced aching joints

but suffered greatly - and even died. But God was with them.



God called His people to follow Him and invited them to live in a flourishing

"land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). He knew that as they entered

the promised land, they would face danger from opposing armies and obstacles

such as walled cities. God had been with them for forty years in their desert

wanderings and wouldn't abandon them now. He promised Joshua, the new leader,

His presence with them: "I will be with you; I will never leave you nor

forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). Joshua would face challenges and hardships,

needing to be strong and courageous, but God would help him to do so.



We who believe in Jesus, whether we’re called to stay or to go, will face

dangers, challenges, and suffering in this life. But we can hold on to the

promises of our God who will never leave us. Because of Him, we too can be

strong and courageous.



Reflect & Pray



When you've faced hardships, how have you experienced God's presence?

How can you turn to Him today for help, love, and support?



Saving God, when You lead me through a barren land

and I fear the terrors of the night, please reassure me that You’re with me.



For further study, read Up for the Task: Joshua,

the Conquest, and the All-Powerful Yahweh




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 7 - Oh, Freedom!



Rom 8:1-2



Life in the Spirit



1 (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:17) There is therefore now no condemnation

for those who are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

2 (1Co 15:45; Ro 6:18; Jn 8:32) For the law of the Spirit of life

in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.



The Spirit of God Within You

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free

from the law of sin and death.



In the classic movie, I want to live! actress Susan Hayward

plays a woman convicted of murder and sentenced to be executed.

The suspense builds; the execution is delayed as the officials

wait for a word of pardon. Finally, the woman in executed;

the call comes, and the pardon has been granted, but it is too late.

When no pardon is granted, condemnation leads to death. Our sin

marks us as "guilty" before God, and we deserve the wages of sin,

which is death. But in Jesus Christ, the pardon does come - and

it comes in time. Our sin deserves condemnation by God, and yet

he forgives us because Christ paid the penalty for us,

But we face other kinds of condemnation as well - self-condemnation,

that internal accusation that we still, somehow, must pay the price

of our own sin. Others often condemn us as well, offering much less

forgiveness and mercy than God does. And the Enemy of our souls condemns

us, trying to convince us that we don't, after all, have real freedom

from sin.

Yet Paul tells us in Romans 8, "There is therefore now no condemnation

for those who are in Christ Jesus". God has forgiven us freely; he has

granted his pardon. And in light of his forgiveness, how can we live

under the condemnation of others - or even of ourselves?

We are free, Paul says - free from the "law of sin and death,"

free to live in the liberty of the Spirit. The stay of execution

has come: the pardon has been granted. Never again can we tried

for the same crimes: never again must we live under the burden

of condemnation.



Application



a) Have I ever lived under the burden of condemnation from myself

or others? Why?



b) How can Romans 8:1-2 help me live in freedom of such condemnation?





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



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Hebr 11:6



6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,

for he who comes to God must believe that He exists

and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.



6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh

to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them

that diligently seek him.



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



When you are Burdened by Doubt



Matt 7:7-11



Ask, Seek, Knock



Lk 11:9-13



7(Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;

knock and it will be opened to you.

8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,

and to him who knocks, it will be opened.

9 "What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread,

will give him a stone?

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?

11 (Ge 6:5; 8:21) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts

to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give

good things to those who ask Him!



7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,

and it shall be opened unto you:

8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth;

and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread,

will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children,

how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things

to them that ask him?



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



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 27 of the Month



a) Pray that God's Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to

hold to wrong opinions of Christ and His Salvation.



(



2 Cor 10:4-5



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,



4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5casting 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;



)



b) Pray that the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who

are lost to seek Him and to seek The Truth.





Pray to the Lord and pray never to doubt the Lord's Word.



Pray to the Lord: "Saving God, when You lead me through a barren land

and I fear the terrors of the night, please reassure me that You’re with me."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know that trough

Jesus Christ, you are free of condemnation of sin.



Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him diligently in Faith.



Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him determinedly.



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 God's Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to

hold to wrong opinions of Christ and His Salvation.



Pray that the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who

are lost to seek Him and to seek The Truth.



Pray that Chriustians in Kyrgyzstan who have been physically abused for their

faith will receive adequate care.



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 269 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 26 September 2025 reflections

Day 269, 26 September 2025



1) Joel 1,2,3 Malachi 1,2,3,4



Joel 1



1 (Jer 1:2; Ac 2:16) The word of the Lord, which came to Joel, son of Pethuel.



[1] The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.



A Land Laid Waste



2 (Hos 5:1; Joel 2:2) Hear this, elders,

and give ear, all inhabitants of the land!

Has anything like this happened in your days,

or in the days of your fathers?

3 Tell it to your children,

and let your children tell their children,

and let their children tell another generation.

4 (Joel 2:25; Am 4:9; Ex 10:4) What the fledging locust left,

the adult locust has eaten;

what the adult locust left,

the larval locust has eaten;

what the larval locust left,

the hopper locust has eaten.

5 Awaken, drunkards, and weep!

Wail, all wine-drinkers,

because the sweet wine

has been cut off from your lips.

6 (Joel 2:25) For a nation powerful and innumerable

has invaded my land;

its teeth are like the teeth of a lion,

like the fangs of a lioness.

7 (Isa 5:6; Joel 1:12) It has despoiled my vine,

and splintered my fig tree;

it has stripped off its bark

and cast it away,

leaving its branches white.

8 (Isa 22:12) Lament like a virgin wearing sackcloth

for the husband of her youth.

9 (Joel 2:14; 2:17) The grain offering and the drink offering

are cut off from the house of the Lord;

the priests mourn, who are

ministers to the Lord.

10 (Jer 12:11; Hos 4:3) The field is ravaged,

the ground mourns;

for the grain is ruined,

the new wine is dried up,

and the oil dwindles.

11 (Isa 17:11; Jer 9:12) Despair, fieldworkers;

wail, vinedressers,

for the wheat and the barley,

because the harvest of the field has perished.

12 (Isa 24:11; SS 2:3) The vine is dried up,

and the fig tree is withered;

pomegranate, palm, and apple-

all the trees of the field are dry;

surely joy has withered away

from the sons of men.



[2] Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land.

Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?

[3] Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children,

and their children another generation.

[4] That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that

which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the

cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.

[5] Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, all ye drinkers of wine,

because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.

[6] For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose

teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.

[7] He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it

clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.

[8] Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.

[9] The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of

the LORD; the priests, the LORD's ministers, mourn.

[10] The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new

wine is dried up, the oil languisheth.

[11] Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat

and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.

[12] The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate

tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the

field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.



A Call to Repentance



13 (Jer 4:8; Joel 1:8-9) Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests;

wail, ministers of the altar.

Come, spend the night in sackcloth,

ministers of my God,

because the grain offering and the drink offering

are withheld from the house of your God.

14 (Joel 2:15–16; Jnh 3:8) Consecrate a fast,

call a sacred assembly,

assemble the elders

and all the inhabitants of the land

to the house of the Lord your God,

and cry out to the Lord.

15 (Jer 30:7; Eze 7:2-12) Alas, for the day!

For the day of the Lord is near,

and like devastation from the Almighty it comes.

16 (Dt 12:6-7; Ps 43:4) Has not the food been cut off

before our eyes,

joy and gladness

from the house of our God?

17 The seeds have shriveled

under their shovels,

the storehouses have been deserted;

the granaries have been torn down,

because the grain has dried up.

18 (Jer 12:4; Hos 4:3) How the beasts groan!

The herds of cattle are confused,

because they have no pasture;

even the flocks of sheep suffer.

19 (Ps 50:15; Jer 9:10) To You, O Lord, I call,

because fire has devoured the wild pastures,

and flame has burned all the trees of the field.

20 (Ps 104:21; 1Ki 17:7) Even the beasts of the field long for You,

because the streams of water have dried up,

and fire has devoured the wild pastures.



[13] Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the

altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the

meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your

God.

[14] Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all

the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry

unto the LORD,

[15] Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a

destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

[16] Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the

house of our God?

[17] The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate,

the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered.

[18] How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because

they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

[19] O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of

the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field.

[20] The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters

are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.



Joel 2



The Day of the Lord



1 (Joel 1:15; 2:15) Blow the ram's horn in Zion,

sound the alarm on My holy mountain!

All the inhabitants of the earth will tremble,

because the day of the Lord has come,

because it is near-

2 (Joel 1:6; 2:25) a day of darkness and gloom,

a day of clouds and thick darkness.

Like blackness spreading over the mountain,

a great and mighty army comes,

such as was never before,

and will never be again,

even through the years of all generations.

3 (Ge 2:8; Isa 51:3) Before them fire devours,

and behind them a flame blazes;

the land is like the garden of Eden before them,

but behind them a desolate wasteland,

and nothing escapes them.

4 (Rev 9:7) They have the appearance of horses,

and like cavalry they run.

5 (Isa 5:24; Rev 9:9) As with the sound of chariots,

they leap on the mountaintops,

as with the sound of a flame of fire consuming stubble,

as a mighty army arrayed for war.

6 (Na 2:10; Isa 13:8) Before them, peoples are tormented;

every face turns pale.

7 (Pr 30:27) Like mighty men they run,

like men of war they scale a wall;

each marches on his way,

they do not swerve from their paths.

8 They do not jostle one another;

each marches in his track.

Through the weapons they plunge;

they do not break rank.

9 (Jer 9:21; Jn 10:1) They rush on the city,

they run on the wall;

they climb up into the houses,

they enter through the windows like thieves.

10 (Ps 18:7; Isa 13:10) Before them the earth quakes,

the heavens shake;

the sun and moon darken,

and the stars withdraw their radiance.

11 (Rev 18:8; Joel 3:16) The Lord has sounded His voice

before His army,

for His camp is exceedingly great;

mighty is the one who accomplishes His word.

For great is the day of the Lord,

and very awe-inspiring.

Who can endure it?



[1] Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let

all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for

it is nigh at hand;

[2] A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick

darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a

strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after

it, even to the years of many generations.

[3] A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land

is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness;

yea, and nothing shall escape them.

[4] The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen,

so shall they run.

[5] Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap,

like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong

people set in battle array.

[6] Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall

gather blackness.

[7] They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of

war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break

their ranks:

[8] Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path:

and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.

[9] They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall,

they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like

a thief.

[10] The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun

and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

[11] And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is

very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the

LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?



Return to the Lord



12 (Jer 4:1; Hos 12:6) Yet even now, declares the Lord,

return to Me with all your heart,

and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning.

13 (Ps 34:18; Jnh 4:2) Rend your heart,

and not your garments;

return to the Lord your God,

for He is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;

and He relents from punishing.

14 (Joel 1:13; Hag 2:19) Who knows? He might turn aside and relent,

and He might leave behind a blessing—

a grain offering and a food offering

for the Lord your God.

15 (Joel 1:14; Nu 10:3) Blow the ram's horn in Zion,

consecrate a fast,

call a sacred assembly.

16 (Ex 19:10; 19:22) Gather the people,

consecrate the congregation,

assemble the elders,

gather the children

and those nursing at the breast;

let the bridegroom leave his room

and the bride her chamber.

17( Eze 8:16; Ps 79:10) Between the temple porch and the altar,

let the priests, ministers of the Lord, weep and say,

"Have pity upon Your people,

and do not make Your heritage a disgrace,

a mockery among the nations.

Why should they say among the peoples,

'Where is their God?' "



[12] Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your

heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

[13] And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your

God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness,

and repenteth him of the evil.

[14] Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind

him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?

[15] Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

[16] Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders,

gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go

forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

[17] Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and

the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine

heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore

should they say among the people, Where is their God?



Rescue and Restitution



18 (Zec 1:14; 8:2) Then the Lord became jealous for His land

and took pity upon His people.

19 (Eze 34:29; Joel 1:10) So the Lord answered and said to His people,

Here! I am sending you grain, new wine, and oil,

and you will be satisfied,

and I will never again make you

a disgrace among the nations.

20 (Zec 14:8; Dt 11:24; Isa 34:3) I will remove the northerner far from you,

and I will banish him to a dry and desolate land,

those in front to the eastern sea,

and those in back to the western sea,

and his stink will rise,

and his stench will rise,

for he has done great things.

21 (Isa 54:4; Zep 3:16-17) Do not be afraid, land;

exult and rejoice,

for the Lord has done great things!

22 (Ps 65:12; Joel 1:18-20) Do not be afraid, beasts of the field,

because the wild pastures flourish,

because the tree bears its fruit;

the fig tree and the vine yield their abundance.

23 (Zec 10:7; Lev 26:4) And children of Zion, exult

and rejoice in the Lord your God,

because He has given to you

the early rain for vindication.

He showers down rains for you,

the early rain and the latter rain, as before.

24 (Lev 26:10; Am 9:13) Then the threshing floors will be filled with grain,

and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

25 (Joel 1:4-7; 2:2-11) And I will compensate you for the years the locusts

have eaten-the larval locust, the hopper locust,

and the fledging locust-

My great army which I sent against you.

26 (Lev 26:5; Isa 25:1) You will eat abundantly and be satisfied,

and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,

who has worked wonders for you;

and My people will never again be shamed.

27 (Joel 3:17; Lev 26:11-12) Then you will know that I am in the midst

of Israel, that I am the Lord your God,

and that there is no other.

And My people will never again be shamed.



[18] Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

[19] Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send

you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will

no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

[20] But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive

him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and

his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his

ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.

[21] Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great

things.

[22] Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the

wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the

vine do yield their strength.

[23] Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God:

for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come

down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first

month.

[24] And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with

wine and oil.

[25] And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the

cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I

sent among you.

[26] And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of

the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall

never be ashamed.

[27] And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the

LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.



The Outpouring of the Spirit



28 (Eze 39:29; Isa 32:15) And it will be that, afterwards,

I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

then your sons and your daughters will prophesy,

your old men will dream dreams,

and your young men will see visions.

29 (1Co 12:13; Gal 3:28) Even on the menservants and maidservants

in those days I will pour out My Spirit.

30 (Lk 21:11; Mt 24:29) Then I will work wonders in the heavens

and the earth-

blood and fire and columns of smoke.

31 (Mal 4:5; Isa 13:9-10) The sun will be turned to darkness,

and the moon to blood,

before the great and awe-inspiring day of the Lord comes.

32 (Isa 46:13; Ob 1:17) And it will be that everyone

who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem

there will be deliverance,

as the Lord has said,

and among the survivors

whom the Lord calls.



[28] And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit

upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old

men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

[29] And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I

pour out my spirit.

[30] And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and

fire, and pillars of smoke.

[31] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before

the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

[32] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the

LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be

deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall

call.



Joel 3



Judging the Nations



1 (Jer 16:15; 30:3) In those days and at that time,

when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,

2 (Isa 66:16; Eze 35:10) I will gather all the nations,

and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.

I will enter into judgment with them there

regarding My people and My heritage Israel,

whom they have scattered among the nations;

they have also divided up My land.

3 (Am 2:6; Ob 1:11) They have cast lots for My people,

and have traded a boy for a prostitute;

they have sold a girl for wine,

that they might drink.

4 (Isa 34:8; 59:18) Also, what are you to Me, Tyre and Sidon

and all the regions of Philistia? Are you repaying Me

for something? If you are repaying Me, I will return your payment

swiftly and speedily on your head.

5 (2Ki 12:18; 2Ch 21:16-17) For you have taken My silver and My gold,

and you have carried off My finest treasures to your temples.

6 (Eze 27:13; Joel 3:3) You have sold the people of Judah

and Jerusalem to the Greeks in order to remove them far from their border.

7 (Isa 43:5-6; Jer 23:8) I am about to rouse them from the place

to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your head.

8 (Isa 60:14; Job 1:15) I will sell your sons and your daughters

into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them

to the Sabeans-to a distant nation, for the Lord has spoken.

9 (Isa 8:9-10; Jer 46:3-4) Proclaim this among the nations:

Consecrate a war!

Stir up the mighty men!

Let all the men of war draw near and rise.

10 (Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3) Beat your plowshares into swords

and your pruning hooks into spears;

let the weakling say,

"I am a warrior!"

11 (Isa 13:3; Zep 3:8) Hurry and come, all you surrounding nations,

and gather there.

Bring down Your warriors, O Lord.

12 (Isa 2:4; Ps 96:13) Let the nations be roused,

and go up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;

for there I will sit

to judge all the surrounding nations.

13 (Hos 6:11; Isa 63:3) Swing the sickle,

for the harvest is ripe.

Come and tread,

for the winepress is full.

The wine vats overflow,

because their evil is great.

14 (Isa 34:2-8; Joel 1:15) Multitudes, multitudes,

in the valley of decision!

For the day of the Lord is near

in the valley of the decision.

15 (Joel 2:10; 2:31) The sun and moon darken,

and the stars withdraw their radiance.

16 (Am 1:2; Eze 38:19) The Lord roars from Zion,

and sounds His voice from Jerusalem,

and heaven and earth quake.

But the Lord is a refuge for His people,

and a stronghold for the children of Israel.



Joel 3

[1] For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again

the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,

[2] I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley

of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my

heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my

land.

[3] And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an

harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.

[4] Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the

coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompence

me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;

[5] Because ye have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried into your

temples my goodly pleasant things:

[6] The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold

unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from their border.

[7] Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them,

and will return your recompence upon your own head:

[8] And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the

children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far

off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

[9] Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty

men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

[10] Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears:

let the weak say, I am strong.

[11] Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves

together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.

[12] Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat:

for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.

[13] Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for

the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.

[14] Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the

LORD is near in the valley of decision.

[15] The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw

their shining.

[16] The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from

Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be

the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.



The Lord Dwells in Zion



17 (Joel 2:27; Isa 4:3) Then you will know that I am the Lord your God,

who dwells in Zion, My holy mountain.

And Jerusalem will be holy,

and invaders will never again pass through her.

18 (Isa 30:25; 35:6) And it will be that in that day the mountains will drip

sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk,

and all the streambeds of Judah will flow with water;

a spring will proceed from the house of the Lord

and will water the Valley of Shittim.

19 (Isa 19:1-15) Egypt will become a desolation,

and Edom a desolate wasteland,

because of the violence done to the people of Judah-

they shed innocent blood in their land.

20 (Eze 37:25; Am 9:15) But Judah will be inhabited forever,

and Jerusalem for generations and generations.

21 (Isa 4:4; Eze 36:25) I will avenge their blood,

which I have not yet avenged.

The Lord dwells in Zion!



[17] So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy

mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass

through her any more.

[18] And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop

down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of

Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house

of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

[19] Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness,

for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed

innocent blood in their land.

[20] But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to

generation.

[21] For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD

dwelleth in Zion.



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 2025 Titled

Beauty Out of Tragedy by Bill Crowder



Genesis 2:8-9; 3:1-6



8 The Lord God planted a garden in the east, in Eden, and there He placed the

man whom He had formed. 9 Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every

tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also

in the midst of the garden, along with the tree of knowledge of good and evil.



[8] And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the

man whom he had formed.

[9] And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is

pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst

of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.



Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field

which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman,

"Has God said, "You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?"

2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit from the trees

of the garden; 3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the

garden, God has said, 'You will not eat of it, nor will you touch it, or else

you will die.'?"

4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die!

5 For God knows that on the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened

and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasing to

the eyes and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit

and ate; and she gave to her husband with her, and he ate.



[1] Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the

LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall

not eat of every tree of the garden?

[2] And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the

trees of the garden:

[3] But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God

hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

[4] And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

[5] For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall

be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

[6] And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was

pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of

the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and

he did eat.



Coniston Water in England's beautiful Lake District is a favorite vacation

spot for families in the UK. The waters are perfect for boating, swimming,

and other water sports. That beautiful setting, however, was also the site of

great tragedy. In 1967, Donald Campbell was piloting his hydroplane Bluebird

K7, seeking to break the world water speed record. He reached a top speed

of 328 mph (528 km/h) but didn't live to celebrate the achievement

as Bluebird crashed, killing Campbell.



Tragic moments can happen in beautiful places. In Genesis 2, the Creator

"took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care

of it" (v. 15). The garden was a masterpiece, yet when placed in this

paradise, the man and woman disobeyed God, bringing sin and death into

His creation (3:6-7). Today, we continue to see the destructive effects

of their tragic choice.



But Jesus came to offer life to us - people who were dead in our sins.

The apostle Paul, referring to that, wrote, "Just as through the disobedience

of the one man [Adam] the many were made sinners, so also through

the obedience of the one man [Jesus Christ] the many will be made

righteous” (Romans 5:19). Because of Jesus, the most beautiful home

of all awaits us.



Out of beauty came tragedy. And by God's

grace, out of tragedy came eternal beauty.



Reflect & Pray



When have you seen God bring beauty out of tragedy?

How did you respond to that event?



Heavenly Father, thank You for the eternal beauty You alone provide.



For further study, read A Season of Suffering: Meeting Jesus in Our Pain.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 6 - It is Finished



John 5:24



24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears

My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life

and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. "



[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth

on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into

condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.



"PLEASE BE PATIENT - GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET,"

the sweatshirt read. In this case, the message was an ironic one,

for the occupant of the shirt was a snaggle-toothed, freckle-faced six year

old!

In one sense, God is not finished with the work he has to do in each of us.

Life in Christ is an ongoing process of change and growth as we become

more like him. Certainly, the more we see of ourselves, the more we hope

he isn't finished with us!

Yet whatever plans God has for making us into the men and women he created

us to be, certain aspects of our life in Christ are finished, finalised.

Jesus declares with absolute assurance, "whoever hears

My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life

and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. "

Because we do not have to earn or deserve God's grace, because we are not

called to prove ourselves worthy of Salvation, we can have immediate

and total assurance of the security of life in Jesus Christ. The one who

put his trust in the Lord has eternal life; he will not be condemned;

he has crossed over from death to life.

This "crossing over" into life happens in the split second when we acknowledge

our dependence upon Christ alone. And the rest of our lives is given over to

the development of his image in us.

God is not finished with us yet.

But his work of salvation is finished - complete,

fully dependable an accomplished fact.



Application



a) Have I ever doubted the "accomplished fact" of my own salvation? Why?



b) How can today's verse help me realise that, although I may have a lot of

growing yet to do, my salvation in Jesus Christ is secure?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Ps 1:3



He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

that brings forth its fruit in its season;

its leaf will not wither,

and whatever he does will prosper.



3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

That bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

His leaf also shall not wither;

And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.



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



When you are Angry of Vengeful



James 1:19-25



Hearing and Doing the Word



19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear,

slow to speak, and slow to anger,

20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and remaining

wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able

to save your souls.

22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man

viewing his natural face in a mirror.

24 He views himself, and goes his way,

and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

25 But whoever looks into

the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it,

and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,

this man will be blessed in his deeds.



19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,

slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,

he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway

forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.



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 and return.



Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, thank You for the eternal

beauty You alone provide."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know Jesus' accomplished fact of salvation.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be rooted in righteousness.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be slow to anger.



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 for Abdul in Bangladesh, a former imam who was beaten by his nephews

becuse of His faith in Christ .



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

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



Remember eternity starts now -

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

Day 268 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 25 September 2025 reflections

Day 268, 25 September 2025



1) Nehemiah 11,12,13, Psalms 126



Nehemiah 11

The Residents of Jerusalem



1 Ch 9:1-17



1 (Ne 11:18; Isa 48:2) Now the rulers of the people lived at Jerusalem,

so the rest of the people cast lots in order to bring one out of ten

to stay in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the other nine remained

in other cities.

2 (Jdg 5:9) The people blessed all the men who volunteered to dwell

in Jerusalem.

3 (Ezr 2:43; 2:1) Now these are the leaders of the provinces

who lived in Jerusalem (though in the cities of Judah

every one lived on his own property within their cities):

Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants,

and the descendants of Solomon's servants.

4 (Ge 38:29) Some of the sons of Judah and Benjamin lived in Jerusalem.

Those from Judah were:

Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah,

the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel-the descendants of Perez,

5 and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Kol-Hozeh, the son of Hazaiah,

the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah,

the son of Shelah.

6 All the descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem were 486 valiant men.

7 These are the sons of Benjamin:

Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah,

the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel,

the son of Jeshaiah,

8 and after him Gabbai and Sallai, totaling 928.

9 Joel, the son of Zikri, was their overseer, and Judah the son of Hassenuah

was second to him over the city.

10 Of the priests there were: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib and Jakin;

11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok,

the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was a ruler of the house of God.

12 Their relatives performing the work of the house were 822 .

There was also Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah,

the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur,

the son of Malkijah,

13 plus his relatives who were chiefs of the fathers' houses were 242;

and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth,

the son of Immer,

14 and their brothers, mighty men of valor, were 128. Their overseer

was Zabdiel, the son of Haggedolim.

15 From the Levites there were:

Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah,

the son of Bunni;

16 plus Shabbethai and Jozabad, who as leaders of the Levites

had oversight of the outside work of the house of God.

17 (1Ch 9:15) Mattaniah the son of Mika, the son of Zabdi,

the son of Asaph, was the first to begin the thanksgiving at prayer,

Bakbukiah was the second out of his relatives, and then

Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

18 (Ne 11:1; Rev 21:2) All the Levites in the holy city were 284.

19 Moreover, the gatekeepers,

Akkub, Talmon, and their relatives who kept watch at the gates, were 172.

20 The rest of Israel, the priests, and the Le­vites were in

all the cities of Judah, every one tending to his own inheritance.

21 (Ne 3:26) But the temple servants lived in Ophel,

and Ziha and Gishpa were over them.

22 (Ne 12:42; 11:9) The overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi

the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah,

the son of Mika. Some of the sons of Asaph were the singers

attending to the work of the house of God,

23(Ezr 6:8-9) for the king's regulation about them made their unity

a daily issue.

24 (Ge 38:30; 1Ch 18:17) Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the sons of Zerah

the son of Judah, was the king's assistant

[Lit. at the king's hand.] in all matters concerning the people.



Nehemiah 11

[1] And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people

also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and

nine parts to dwell in other cities.

[2] And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to

dwell at Jerusalem.

[3] Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in

the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to

wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the

children of Solomon's servants.

[4] And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the

children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah,

the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of

Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;

[5] And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of

Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the

son of Shiloni.

[6] All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred

threescore and eight valiant men.

[7] And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son

of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the

son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.

[8] And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.

[9] And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of

Senuah was second over the city.

[10] Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.

[11] Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the

son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God.

[12] And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred

twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son

of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,

[13] And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and

Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the

son of Immer,

[14] And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight:

and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.

[15] Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam,

the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;

[16] And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the

oversight of the outward business of the house of God.

[17] And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was

the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second

among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son

of Jeduthun.

[18] All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.

[19] Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the

gates, were an hundred seventy and two.

[20] And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all

the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.

[21] But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the

Nethinims.

[22] The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani,

the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of

Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.

[23] For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain

portion should be for the singers, due for every day.

[24] And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son

of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.



The Residents Outside Jerusalem



25 (Jos 14:15) For the villages located by their fields,

some of the people of Judah lived at Kiriath Arba and its villages,

others at Dibon and its villages, or at Jekabzeel and its villages,

26 as well as at Jeshua, at Moladah, and at Beth Pelet,

27 and at Hazar Shual, and at Beersheba and its villages,

28 (1Sa 27:6) and at Ziklag, at Mekonah and its villages,

29 and at En Rimmon, at Zorah, at Jarmuth,

30 (Jos 10:3; 15:8) Zanoah, Adullam and their villages, at Lachish

and its fields, and at Azekah and its villages. So they lived

from Beersheba as far as the Valley of Hinnom.

31 Some of the Benjamites settled from Geba onward,

at Mikmash, Aija, and Bethel and their villages,

32 (Jos 21:18; 1Sa 21:1) at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

33 (2Sa 4:3) Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,

34 (1Sa 13:18) Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,

35 (1Ch 8:12) Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

36 From the Levites, some divisions in Judah belonged to Benjamin.



[25] And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah

dwelt at Kirjath-arba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the

villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,

[26] And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Beth-phelet,

[27] And at Hazar-shual, and at Beer-sheba, and in the villages thereof,

[28] And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,

[29] And at En-rimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,

[30] Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields

thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from

Beer-sheba unto the valley of Hinnom.

[31] The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija,

and Bethel, and in their villages,

[32] And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

[33] Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,

[34] Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,

[35] Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

[36] And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin.



Nehemiah 12



The Priests and Levites



1 (Ezr 2:1-2; Ne 10:2-8) Now these are the priests and the Le­vites

who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua:

Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

2 Amariah, Malluk, Hattush,

3 Shekaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,

4 (Lk 1:5) Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah,

5 Mijamin, Moadiah, Bilgah,

6 Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,

7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah.

These were the leaders of the priests

and of their relatives in the days of Joshua.

8 (Ne 11:17; 12:24) Moreover the Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel,

Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who was over the thanksgiving songs,

in conjunction with his relatives.

9 There were also their relatives Bakbukiah and Unni,

positioned across from each other in the watches.

10 Joshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib,

Eliashib was the father of Joiada,

11 Joiada was the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan was the father of Jaddua.

12 Now in the days of Joiakim, the priests, these were the heads

of the fathers' houses:

of Seraiah, Meraiah;

of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

13 of Ezra, Meshullam;

of Amariah, Jehohanan;

14 of Malluk, Jonathan;

of Shebaniah, Joseph;

15 of Harim, Adna;

of Meraioth, Helkai;

16 of Iddo, Zechariah;

of Ginnethon, Meshullam;

17 of Abijah, Zikri;

of Miniamin and of Moadiah, Piltai;

18 of Bilgah, Shammua;

of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

19 of Joiarib, Mattenai;

of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

20 of Sallu, Kallai;

of Amok, Eber;

21 of Hilkiah, Hashabiah;

and of Jedaiah, Nethanel.

22 The Levites, as well as the priests, were recorded as the chiefs

of the fathers' houses in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan,

and Jaddua during the reign of Darius the Persian.

23 The descendants of Levi who served as the chiefs of the fathers' house

were recorded in the book of the chronicles until the days of Johanan

the son of Eliashib.

24 (1Ch 25:1-26) The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah,

and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers across from them,

to praise and to give thanks, section opposite section,

according to the commandment of David the man of God.

25 Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon,

and Akkub were gatekeepers maintaining the guard duty at the storehouse

of the gates.

26 (Ne 8:9) These leaders served during the days of Joiakim the son of Joshua,

the son of Jozadak, during the days of Nehemiah the governor,

and during the days of Ezra the priest, the scribe.



Nehemiah 12

[1] Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel

the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

[2] Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

[3] Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,

[4] Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,

[5] Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,

[6] Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jediah,

[7] Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chief of the priests and

of their brethren in the days of Jeshua.

[8] Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and

Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.

[9] Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in the

watches.

[10] And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib

begat Joiada,

[11] And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.

[12] And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of

Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

[13] Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;

[14] Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph;

[15] Of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;

[16] Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;

[17] Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;

[18] Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

[19] And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

[20] Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;

[21] Of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethaneel.

[22] The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua,

were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius

the Persian.

[23] The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of

the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

[24] And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son

of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give

thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over

against ward.

[25] Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were

porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.

[26] These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of

Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest,

the scribe.



Nehemiah Dedicates the City Wall



27 (1Ch 15:16; 15:28) At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem

they sought to bring the Levites from all their places to Jerusalem

to celebrate the dedication appropriately with thanksgiving songs

and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

28 (1Ch 9:16; 2:54) The members of choirs had assembled

from the regions all around Jerusalem, from the villages of the Netophathites,

29 from Beth Gilgal, and from fields of Geba and Azmaveth,

because they had built villages for themselves all around Jerusalem.

30 (Ex 19:10; Job 1:5) Then the priests and the Levites purified themselves.

They also purified the people, the gates, and the wall.

31 (Ne 2:13; 12:38) Then I led the commanders of Judah up to the top

of the wall and appointed two great thanksgiving choirs.

The first choir proceeded to the right on the wall toward the Dung Gate.

32 Behind them followed Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,

33 with Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,

34 Judah, Benjamin, She­maiah, Jeremiah,

35 and some of the priests with trumpets-Zechariah, the son of Jonathan,

the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah,

the son of Zakkur, the son of Asaph,

36 (Ne 12:24; 1Ch 23:5) in conjunction with his relatives-Shemaiah,

Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani,

being accompanied with the musical instruments of David the man of God.

Ezra the scribe went before them.

37 (Ne 2:14; 3:26) At the Fountain Gate, directly across from them,

they ascended the steps of the City of David, following that sloped

section of the wall up to the house of David, then eastward

to the Water Gate.

38 (Ne 3:8; 3:11) The second thanksgiving choir proceeded to the left

where I followed them with the other half of the people on top of the wall,

from the Tower of the Furnaces to the Broad Wall,

39 (Ne 3:1; 3:3; 3:6) then from above the Ephraim Gate past the Old Gate,

the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred,

as far as the Sheep Gate, but they stood still at the Gate of the Guard.

40 So the two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God, as did I

and the half of the officials with me,

41 and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah,

Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets,

42 and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam,

and Ezer. The singers sang loudly. Jezrahiah was their director.

43 (Ps 92:4) On that day they offered great sacrifices

and rejoiced because God had given them great cause for rejoicing.

The wives and the children rejoiced, too.

From far away the joyful celebration of Jerusalem was heard.



[26] These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of

Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest,

the scribe.

[27] And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites

out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication

with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals,

psalteries, and with harps.

[28] And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of

the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of

Netophathi;

[29] Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and

Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.

[30] And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the

people, and the gates, and the wall.

[31] Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two

great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand

upon the wall toward the dung gate:

[32] And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,

[33] And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,

[34] Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,

[35] And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the

son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of

Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph:

[36] And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai,

Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man

of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

[37] And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by

the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the

house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

[38] And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them,

and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the

tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;

[39] And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above

the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto

the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

[40] So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of

God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:

[41] And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai,

Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;

[42] And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and

Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah

their overseer.

[43] Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had

made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced:

so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.



Temple Responsibilities



44 (Ne 13:12-13) At that time men were appointed to govern

over the chambers for the treasures, for the contributions,

for the first fruits, and for the tithes, so that they might

gather into them out of the fields of the cities the legal portions

belonging to the priests and Levites. This was because the celebration

of Judah survived on the basis of the priests and the Levites

45 (1Ch 25:1-26) who, accompanied by the singers

and the gatekeepers, attentively preserved the practices

of their God and the practices of purification, according

to the commandment of David and of his son Solomon.

46 (2Ch 29:30) For in the former days of David and Asaph

there were leaders for the singers, the songs of praise,

and thanksgivings to God.

47 All Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah

gave the singers and the gatekeepers their portions,

as specified daily. Likewise, they consecrated what was

due to the Levites, who then consecrated what was due

to the descendants of Aaron.



[44] And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the

treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to

gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for

the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the

Levites that waited.

[45] And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and

the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of

Solomon his son.

[46] For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the

singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

[47] And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah,

gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and

they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified

them unto the children of Aaron.



What is worship?



A) Includes celebration, thanksgiving and dedication



Nehemiah 12:27



B) Requires Holiness



Nehemiah 12:30



C) Covers the past and the present



Nememiah 12:36,45-46



D) Witneses to others



Nehemiah 12:31,38-39,43



E) Involves our finances



Nehemiah 12:44,47



Nehemiah 13



The Reforms of Nehemiah



1 (Dt 23:3-5; Ne 9:3) On that day they read aloud

from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people.

In it there was found written that no Ammonite

or Moabite should ever enter the congregation of God,

2 (Dt 23:5) because they did not meet the children of Israel

with bread and water, but hired Balaam to curse them.

However, our God turned the curse into a blessing.

3 (Ne 9:2; Ex 12:38) When they heard the Law, they separated

from Israel all the racially mixed.

4 (Ne 12:44; 2:10) Before this, Eliashib the priest,

who had been appointed to govern the chambers of the house

of our God, was related to Tobiah.

5 So, he had prepared a great chamber hall for him, where previously

they had stored the contributions, the frankincense, the vessels,

and the tithes of grain, new wine, and fresh oil, as required,

for the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the contribution

for the priests.

6 (Ne 5:14) But during this time I was not in Jerusalem,

since in the 32nd year of King Artaxerxes of Babylon

I had gone to the king. At the conclusion of those days

I requested a leave of the king.

7 (Ne 13:5) When I came to Jerusalem and understood the evil

that Eliashib did for Tobiah by preparing him a chamber in the courts

of the house of God,

8 I was very grieved. So, from the chamber I threw all of the household

belongings of Tobiah outside.

9 (2Ch 29:5) Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers

so that I could return there the vessels of the house of God,

the contributions for the offerings, and the frankincense.

10 (Ne 10:37; Mal 3:8) When I perceived that the supplies

for the Levites had not been given and that the Le­vites

and the singers doing the work had fled, everyone to his own field,

11 (Ne 10:39; 13:17) I confronted the officials and asked, "Why is

the house of God forsaken?" So I gathered them and stationed

them at their posts.

12 (Ne 10:37-39; 12:44) Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain,

the new wine, and the fresh oil to the storehouses.

13 (Ne 7:2; 12:44) Overseeing the replenishing of the storehouse,

I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe,

and Pedaiah from the Levites, and to assist them Hanan the son of Zakkur,

the son of Mattaniah, for they were considered reliable,

and their task was to distribute to their relatives.

14 (Ne 5:19; 13:22) Remember me, O my God, concerning this. Do not blot out

my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and its workings.

15 (Ne 10:31; Ex 34:21) In those days I saw in Judah some treading

winepresses on the Sabbath or hauling loads of grain or loading donkeys

with wine, grapes, figs, and all manner of burdens in order to bring

them to Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So, during the day

while they were selling the food goods, I warned them.

16 Men of Tyre also stayed there, having hauled in fish

and all kinds of merchandise, and sold them on the Sabbath

to the people of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

17 (Ne 13:11; 13:25) Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and asked them,

"What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?

18 (Jer 17:21-23) Did not your fathers do likewise?

Did not our God bring all this evil against us and against this city?

Will you yet bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath?"

19 (Lev 23:32) As the gates of Jerusalem began to cast the evening shadow

before the Sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut,

and charged that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath.

Some of my servants I stationed at the gates so that there would be

no loads brought in on the Sabbath day.

20 Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kind of merchandise

lodged outside Jerusalem.

21 So I warned them and said to them, "Why do you spend the night next

to the wall? If you do so again, I will send you away by force."

From that time on they stopped coming on the Sabbath.

22 (Ne 12:30; 13:14) Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves

so that they could come and, as guardians of the gates,

sanctify the Sabbath day.

Remember me, O my God, concerning this also,

and spare me according to Your abundant mercy.

23 (Ne 10:30; Ezr 9:1-2) Moreover, in those days I also saw Jews

who had married the women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.

24 Half of their children spoke in the language of Ashdod,

yet none of them could recognize the language of the Jews.

This was true language by language.

25 (Ezr 10:5; Ne 10:29-30) So I confronted them and cursed them.

Some of the men I beat. Others, I plucked out their hair.

Also, I made them swear an oath by God and said to them,

"You shall neither give your daughters to their sons,

nor marry their daughters to your sons or to yourselves.

26 (1Ki 3:13; 2Ch 1:12) Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things?

Yet among many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God,

who made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women caused

even him to sin.

27 (Ezr 10:2) Should we then listen to you, the ones doing

all this great evil, who are behaving unfaithfully against our God

by bedding foreign women?"

28 (Ne 2:19; 2:10) Also, one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib

the high priest, was a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite, so I drove

him away from me.

29 (Ne 6:14) Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood

and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.

30 (Ne 10:30) Thus I purified them from everything foreign

and appointed work crews for the priests and the Levites, each to his task,

31 (Ne 10:34; 13:14) and I provided the wood offering, at the appointed times,

and the first fruits.

Remember me, O my God, for good.



Nehemiah 13

[1] On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the

people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite

should not come into the congregation of God for ever;

[2] Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water,

but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God

turned the curse into a blessing.

[3] Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated

from Israel all the mixed multitude.

[4] And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the

chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:

[5] And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid

the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the

corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the

Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

[6] But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and

thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after

certain days obtained I leave of the king:

[7] And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did

for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.

[8] And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff

of Tobiah out of the chamber.

[9] Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I

again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the

frankincense.

[10] And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given

them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every

one to his field.

[11] Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God

forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

[12] Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the

oil unto the treasuries.

[13] And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and

Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan

the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and

their office was to distribute unto their brethren.

[14] Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds

that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

[15] In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath,

and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs,

and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath

day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

[16] There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all

manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in

Jerusalem.

[17] Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What

evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?

[18] Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon

us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the

sabbath.

[19] And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark

before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged

that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my

servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on

the sabbath day.

[20] So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without

Jerusalem once or twice.

[21] Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about

the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth

came they no more on the sabbath.

[22] And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and

that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day.

Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the

greatness of thy mercy.

[23] In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of

Ammon, and of Moab:

[24] And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not

speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

[25] And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them,

and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not

give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your

sons, or for yourselves.

[26] Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many

nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made

him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause

to sin.

[27] Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress

against our God in marrying strange wives?

[28] And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was

son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

[29] Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and

the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

[30] Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the

priests and the Levites, every one in his business;

[31] And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits.

Remember me, O my God, for good.



The role of Obedience Nehemiah 13:1-3



A) Obedience is all about a soft heart



B) Obedience leans on separation



C) Best not to be like Balaam



D) Obedience avoids consequences



The Role of Owning our faith Nememiah 13:6-7



Spiritual slide happens when we ...



A) Cultivate wrong relationships Nehemiah 13:4,23-28



Lord, in Jesus name, I repent for allowing __________ in my life,

for they have influenced me away from You.



Repent ... cultivate godly relationships.



B) Sear our conscience to the seriousness of sin. Nehemiah 13:4-9



Lord, in Jesus' name, I repent of _________________ and by so doing, searing

my conscience to the seriousness of sin.



Repent ... live obedient to God's Word no matter what.



C) Stop giving generously in community Lord, in Jesus' name,

I repent of _________________ and by so doing, searing

my conscience to the seriousness of sin.



Repent ... live obedient to God's Word no matter what.



C) Stop giving generously in community Nehemiah 13:10-14



Repent ... give generously, consistently and with a cheerful heart.



Nehemiah 13:30-31



D) Disregard a Sabbath rest Nehemiah 13:15-22 Repent .. take a day of rest



Psalms 126

A Song of Ascents.

1When the Lord restored the captives of Zion,

we were like those who dream.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Then our mouth was filled with laughter,

and our tongue with singing.

Then they said among the nations,

"The Lord has done great things for them."

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) The Lord has done great things for us;

we are glad.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Restore our captives, O Lord,

as the streams in the Negev.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Those who sow in tears

shall reap in joy.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) He who goes forth and weeps,

bearing precious seed to sow,

shall come home again with rejoicing,

bringing his grain sheaves with him.



Psalm 126

A Song of degrees.

[1] When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,

We were like them that dream.

[2] Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

And our tongue with singing:

Then said they among the heathen,

The LORD hath done great things for them.

[3] The LORD hath done great things for us;

Whereof we are glad.

[4] Turn again our captivity, O LORD,

As the streams in the south.

[5] They that sow in tears

Shall reap in joy.

[6] He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.



2) Our Daily Bread for 25 September 2025 titled



God, Our Trustworthy Refuge
by Kirsten Holmberg



Psalm 118:5-14



5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I called upon the Lord from my distress;

the Lord answered me and set me in an open place.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.

What can people do to me?

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) The Lord is on my side to help me;

I shall look in triumph upon those who hate me.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) It is better to trust in the Lord

than to put confidence in man.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) It is better to trust in the Lord

than to put confidence in princes.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) All nations encircled me,

but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) They circled me; indeed, they surrounded me,

but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

12 They circled me like bees; they went forth as a fire over thorns,

but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

13 You have pushed against me, that I was falling,

but the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord is my strength and song;

He has become my salvation.



Psalm 118



[5] I called upon the LORD in distress:

The LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.

[6] The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?

[7] The LORD taketh my part with them that help me:

Therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

[8] It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.

[9] It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.

[10] All nations compassed me about:

But in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.

[11] They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about:

But in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

[12] They compassed me about like bees;

they are quenched as the fire of thorns:

For in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

[13] Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: But the LORD helped me.

[14] The LORD is my strength and song, And is become my salvation.



One of my daughter's most vivid childhood memories is the day her dad taught

her to ride a bike without training wheels. At one point in their outing, my

husband balanced his feet on the hubs of her rear wheel (while she kept hers

on the pedals and they shared the handlebars) so they could coast down

a small, gently sloping section together. She remembers her dad laughing with

joy - a sharp contrast to her own fearful experience of the moment. The ride

was so short that the entire episode happened too quickly for him to stop

and empathise with her. As they reminisce about the incident today,

my husband's gentle response to her recollection is to reassure her

that he knew everything would be okay.



Their story is an apt metaphor for the moments when we too experience

fear in life. The "hills" might look big and scary from our vantage point,

and the risk of being hurt can seem very real. Yet Scripture assures us that

because "the Lord is with [us]," we don't need to "be afraid" (Psalm 118:6).

Though human help may fail us, He's a trustworthy refuge when we feel

overwhelmed by our struggles (vv. 8-9).



God is our "helper" (v. 7), which means we can trust Him to care for us during

life's most trying and fearful moments. Despite any falls, scars, and pain we

might endure, His saving presence is our "strength" and "defense" (v. 14).



Reflect & Pray



When have you been aware of God's presence in the midst of difficulty?

How has He helped you?



Thank You, Father, for being present in my life.

Please help me to recognise Your nearness.





Find out more about God’s Comforting Presence.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 5 - Starting Over



2 Cor 5:17



17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,

he is a new creature. Old things have passed away.

Look, all things have become new.



17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:

old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.



"The trouble with turning over a new leaf," Gordon sighed,

"is that once you've done it twice, you're right back where

you started." Gordon, in his mid-fifties, had his job

"canceled" by a company wanting to cut back on retirement payments.

Out of work, with few prospects, he said wistfully,

"I wish I had the chance to start over again."

Many of us would echo Gordon's sentiments. Whether we have lost a job,

gone through a divorce, moved to another part of the country, or

experienced some lesser crisis, we often long for the chance to

begin again, fresh, without the shadow of past mistakes following us.

God's word offers just such an opportunity. Anyone who is in Christ,

Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17, is a "new creation". For the Christian, the past

is truly past - "all things are become new". In the forgiveness

and restoration of God's grace we can leave the past behind,

with all its mistakes, and enter into new life.

And the promise is not just for the newly saved. Those of us who

have been Christians for years need to hear the truth of 2 Cor 5:17 again,

for we accumulated some "new mistakes" since we came to Christ. Anyone who

is in Christ is a new creation; the freedom of forgiveness, of

"starting over" is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord.

We cannot every really "start over" simply by establishing New Year's

resolutions or turning over a new leaf. Only God gives us that opportunity;

his grace allows us to clear away the rubble of the past and begin again.

Everything becomes new in God's loving forgiveness.



Application



a) What "resolutions" have I made in an attempt to "start over"

in some area of struggle or failure in my life? Did my resolutions work?



b) What does 2 Cor 5:17 mean for me at this point in my Christian Life?



4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland



Deut 8:18



18 But you must remember the Lord your God,

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

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

as it is today.



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

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

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



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



When you are lonely



PSALMS 25:15-21



15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,

for He will lead my feet from the net.

16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,

for I am isolated and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;

bring me out of my distresses.

18 Look on my pain and misery,

and forgive all my sins.

19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,

and they hate me with violent hatred.

20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!

Let me not suffer shame,

for I seek refuge in You.

21 Truth and integrity will preserve me

while I wait for You.



Ain

15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;

For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Pe

16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;

For I am desolate and afflicted.

Zade

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:

O bring thou me out of my distresses.

(Qoph)

18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;

And forgive all my sins.

Resh

19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;

And they hate me with cruel hatred.

Shin

20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:

Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

Taw

21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;

For I wait on thee.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



Nova Scotia



Total population 942700

Muslim population (est.) 14629



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

a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,

a harvest field in itself.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



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

to Muslims in their areas.



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

to share Jesus with and disciple them



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

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



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

with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas

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

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



Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of

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

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

is the second most spoken language in Halifax.



while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000

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

somewhere between 25000 to 30000.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 25 of the Month



a) Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or

community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.



(Acts 2: 41,47b



41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized,

and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.



41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:

and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

)



b) Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true

justice for all.



( Prov 11:1



1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,

but a just weight is His delight.



1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:

But a just weight is his delight.



)





Pray to the Lord and pray that worship is worthy and pray not to backslide.



Pray to the Lord: "Thank You, Father, for being present in my life.

Please help me to recognisee Your nearness."



Pray to the Lord and pray to yourself as a new creation in Christ.



Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His Covenant.



Pray to the Lord and pray for integrity and uprightness preserve you.



Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations



- in and around Halifax and other cities



- on university campuses



- for new workers among Muslims



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

to Muslims in their areas.



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

to share Jesus with and disciple them



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

new faith in Jesus with other Muslims



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or

community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.



Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true

justice for all.



Pray for Christian satellite TV, radio and internet ministries that are

proclaiming the Gospel message for Iraq.



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 267 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 24 September 2025 reflections

Day 267, 24 September 2025



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 3:23) Then 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 2025 titled

Coincidences and God's Care



2 Kings 8:1-6



The Shunammite's Land Restored



1 (Ps 105:16; Hag 1:11) Then Elisha spoke to the woman whose son

he had restored to life, "Get up and go, you and your household,

and sojourn wherever you can, for the Lord has called for a famine,

and it will come on the land for seven years."

2 So the woman got up and did according to the word of the man of God.

She went with her household and sojourned in the land of the Philistines

for seven years.

3 At the end of seven years, the woman returned from the land

of the Philistines, and she went forth to appeal to the king for her house

and her field.

4 (2Ki 5:20-27) Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man

of God, saying, "Tell me all the great things that Elisha has done."

5 (2Ki 4:35) As he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body

to life, the woman whose son he had restored to life started appealing

to the king for her house and her land.

Gehazi said, "My lord king, this is the woman, and this is her son whom

Elisha restored to life."

6 When the king questioned the woman, she told him.

So the king appointed to her an official, saying,

"Restore all that was hers and all the proceeds of the field from

the day that she abandoned the land until now.



[1] Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life,

saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou

canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also

come upon the land seven years.

[2] And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she

went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven

years.

[3] And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out

of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for

her house and for her land.

[4] And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying,

Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.

[5] And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a

dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to

life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My

lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored

to life.

[6] And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed

unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the

fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

[7] And Elisha came to Damascus; and Ben-hadad the king of Syria was sick;

and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither.

[8] And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go,

meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover

of this disease?



Dante's neighborhood in Manila was prone to flooding. On rainy days,

the little boy reached school by crossing a makeshift wooden bridge put up by

a neighbour. "Mr. Tomas helped the community get around," Dante said.

"He'd guide me on the bridge, shielding me from the rain."



Years later, Dante joined a church north of Manila. Leo, his Bible study

leader, mentored him. In a conversation about their childhoods, Dante

discovered Leo was Mr. Tomas' son! "There's no such thing as coincidence,"

Dante said. "God used the son of a man who'd blessed me to help me

in my faith."



A woman from the town of Shunem also experienced God's providence. In faith,

she'd followed the prophet Elisha's advice, leaving home to avoid

a famine (2 Kings 8:1-2). In doing so, she'd forfeited her claim to her house

and land. Now, at the exact moment she was seeking help from the king about

this matter, the king just happened to be talking

with Gehazi, Elisha's servant, about her.



Years earlier, Gehazi had seen the woman's dead son raised to life. Now,

Gehazi said, "This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son

whom Elisha restored to life" (v. 5). The king then "assigned an official

to her case" (v. 6) and returned her property.



We can trust in God and His care even when things may not go as we planned.

Our sovereign God will help us.



Reflect & Pray



How does the Shunammite woman's story encourage you? W

hat does it say about God's care?



Loving Father, thank You for caring for me.





Discover more about Keeping Faith When Life Doesn’t Go Our Way.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 4 - Entire Forgiveness

Acts 13:38



38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 2:38) "Therefore, brothers, let it be known

to you that through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,"



38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren,

that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:



At age 17 Mary, a cross-country runner, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

She went on to college, faced with the prospect of gradual physical decline

and, ultimately, life in a wheelchair. "The worst part," Mary admitted "is

not the pain or the inability to do what I once did. The worst part is

the hopelessness, the emotional struggle. There is no cure, no real

treatment - only insurance."

In our fallen world, there are many incurable circumstances we have to endure.

But the guilt of our sin is not one of them. Yet despite the declaration

of the Scripture that Jesus' sacrificial death paid the price for our sins,

many of us carry a load of guilt - as if we ourselves had tp pay the price.

Paul, a man who know the grace of God and the depth of his own sin,

emphasises the source and the completeness of our forgiveness.

Through Jesus - not through my good behaviour, not through my determination to

change, not through my reputation, my family's faith, or my religious duties.

Forgiveness of sins come through Christ alone, a gift we do not deserve,

a gift which places all of us on equal ground at the foot of the cross.

To acknowledge our sin without knowing the source of forgiveness only

results in hopelessness and despair - we see ourselves, yet we are powerless

to change the sin we see. But when we realise that Christ has provided

complete forgiveness of sin, we can face our sin honestly, knowing

the freedom of confession and the restoration of forgiveness.



Application



a) In what ways have I changed myself, to "turn over a new leaf",

to "make myself worthy" of God's love?



b) How can Acts 13:38 help me remember the source of forgiveness?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Luke 12:21



21 "So is he who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."



21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.



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



When you are Impatient



James 5:7-11



Patience and Prayer



7 Therefore be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.

Notice how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth

and is patient with it until he receives the early and late rain.

8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts,

for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.

9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, lest you be condemned.

Look, the Judge is standing at the door.

10 My brothers, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord,

as an example of suffering and patience.

11 Indeed we count them happy who endure.

You have heard of the patience of Job

and have seen the purpose of the Lord,

that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.



7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold,

the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long

patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord

draweth nigh.

9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned:

behold, the judge standeth before the door.

10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord,

for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience

of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful,

and of tender mercy.



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: "Loving Father, thank You for caring for me."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know Lord Jesus Christ as forgiveness.



Pray to the Lord and pray not to hoard treasure for yourself.



Pray to the Lord and pray for patience in your life.



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 Christian workers in the United Arab Emirates who are reahing out to

Emiratis with the "Good News" of the Gospel .



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 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 23 September 2025 reflections

Day 266, 23 September 2025



1) Nehemiah 6,7



Nehemiah 6



Nehemiah's Enemies



1 (Ne 2:10; 2:19) When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arabian,

and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall

and that there was not a gap in it (though at that time I had

not erected the doors on the gates),

2 (1Ch 8:12; Ps 37:12) Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying,

"Come, that we might meet together in one of the villages

in the plain of Ono." But they planned to do evil to me.

3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work,

so I am not able to come down.

Why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?”

4 Four more times they sent for me like this, but I answered them

the same way.

5 Sanballat sent the same request a fifth time by his servant,

but the letter was open in his hand.

6 (Ne 2:19) In it was written,

"It is reported among the nations, and Geshem confirms it,

that you and the Jews are planning to rebel;

consequently you are rebuilding the wall.

According to these words, you are their king.

7 You have also appointed prophets to preach on your behalf

in Jerusalem, saying, 'There is a king in Judah!' According to these words,

it will now be reported to the king. So come now and let us consult together."

8 (Job 13:4; Ps 52:2) I sent him this response, saying, "Nothing like these

reports that you are saying has occurred. From your own mind,

you are inventing them."

9 (Ps 138:3) Because they all wanted to frighten us, they thought,

"They will pull their hands back from the work." But that would

never be done. So now, O God, strengthen my hands.

10 (Jer 36:5) When I came to the house of Shemaiah the crippled

son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, he said, "Let us meet together

at the house of God, inside the temple, and then we can shut

the temple doors. They are coming to kill you! Even tonight,

they could come to kill you!"

11 (Pr 28:1) But I said, "Should a man like me flee? Who is there like me

who would go into the temple to save his life? I would never go!"

12 (Eze 13:22) Then I perceived and saw that God had not sent him,

but that he pronounced the prophecy against me, because Tobiah

and Sanballat had hired him.

13 (Ne 6:6; Jer 20:10) He was hired for this reason: that I might

become fearful, act accordingly, and sin. Then they would have

an evil report by which they could reproach me.

14 (Ne 13:29) Remember, O my God, concerning Tobiah and Sanballat these

deeds of theirs, as well as the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the

prophets who were trying to frighten me.



[1] Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian,

and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that

there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the

doors upon the gates;)

[2] That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet

together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought

to do me mischief.

[3] And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so

that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and

come down to you?

[4] Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them

after the same manner.

[5] Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time

with an open letter in his hand;

[6] Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith

it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the

wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

[7] And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem,

saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king

according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel

together.

[8] Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou

sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.

[9] For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from

the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

[10] Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son

of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the

house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple:

for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay

thee.

[11] And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being

as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.

[12] And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced

this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

[13] Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin,

and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach

me.

[14] My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their

works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that

would have put me in fear.



The Wall Completed



15 (Ne 4:1-2) The wall was finished on the 25th day of the month Elul,

in 52 days.

16 (Ne 2:10; 4:1) When all our enemies heard it and all the surrounding

nations saw it, they were tremendously humbled. They perceived that,

because of our God, this work had been accomplished.

17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah produced numerous letters

in transit to Tobiah. Likewise, the letters of Tobiah came to them,

18 (Ezr 2:5) because so many in Judah were bound by oath to him since

he was the son-in-law of Shekaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan

had married the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berekiah.

19 Also they reported his good deeds in front of me and reported my words

to him. Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.



[15] So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul,

in fifty and two days.

[16] And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all

the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in

their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

[17] Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto

Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.

[18] For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in

law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the

daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.

[19] Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to

him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.



a) Guard the ground we've taken

b) Recognise the importance of Key Leaders

c) Develop faithfulness

d) Always be watchful



Nehemiah 7



1 (Ne 6:1; 6:15) Once the wall was rebuilt and I had erected the doors,

the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites were appointed.

2 (Ne 1:2; 2:8) Over Jerusalem, I put in charge both my brother Hanani

and Hananiah, the palace commander, because each was a faithful man

and feared God more than many.

3 I said to them, "The gates of Jerusalem should not be opened

until the sun is hot. Until guards are posted, the doors should be closed

and bolted. Likewise, appoint guards from Jerusalemss inhabitants-

each at his post, across from his own house."



[1] Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the

doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,

[2] That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace,

charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.

[3] And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the

sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them:

and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch,

and every one to be over against his house.



4 Now the city was large and spacious, yet the people in it were few

since there had been no houses built.



The List of Returned Exiles



Ezr 2:1-70



5 So my God put an idea in my mind, and I gathered the nobles, the officials,

and the people together to conduct a genealogy registration. When I found

the book of the genealogical register, it contained the list of those

who first came back. I found written in it:

6 (Ezr 2:1-70) These are the people of the province who returned

from the captivity of the exiles whom King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon

had carried away, but came back to Jerusalem and to Judah,

everyone to his city.



[4] Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and

the houses were not builded.

[5] And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the

rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I

found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and

found written therein,

[6] These are the children of the province, that went up out of the

captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king

of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every

one unto his city;



7 (Ezr 2:2) Those who came with Zerubbabel were Joshua, Nehemiah,

Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai,

Nehum, and Baanah.

The number of the men of the people of Israel was this:

8 The sons of Parosh, 2172;

9 the sons of Shephatiah, 372;

10 (Ezr 2:5) the sons of Arah, six hundred and fifty-two;

11 (Ezr 2:6) the sons of Pahath-Moab, of the sons of Jeshua and Joab,

two thousand eight hundred and eighteen;

12 the sons of Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;

13 (Ezr 2:8) the sons of Zattu, eight hundred and forty-five;

14 the sons of Zakkai, seven hundred and sixty;

15 (Ezr 2:10) the sons of Binnui, six hundred and forty-eight;

16 the sons of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-eight;

17 (Ezr 2:12) the sons of Azgad, two thousand three hundred and twenty-two;

18 the sons of Adonikam, six hundred and sixty-seven;

19 the sons of Bigvai, two thousand and sixty-seven;

20 (Ezr 2:15) the sons of Adin, six hundred and fifty-five;

21 the sons of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety-­eight;

22 (Ezr 2:19) the sons of Hashum, three hundred and twenty-eight;

23 (Ezr 2:17) the sons of Bezai, three hundred and twenty-four;

24 the sons of Hariph, one hundred and twelve;

25 (Ezr 2:20) the sons of Gibeon, ninety-five.

26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred and eighty-eight;

27 the men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight;

28 (Ezr 2:24) the men of Beth Azmaveth, ­forty-two;

29 (Jos 18:25; Ezr 2:25) the men of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth,

seven hundred and forty-three;



[7] Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani,

Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of

the men of the people of Israel was this;

[8] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

[9] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

[10] The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.

[11] The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two

thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.

[12] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

[13] The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.

[14] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.

[15] The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.

[16] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.

[17] The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.

[18] The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.

[19] The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.

[20] The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.

[21] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

[22] The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.

[23] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.

[24] The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve.

[25] The children of Gibeon, ninety and five.

[26] The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.

[27] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.

[28] The men of Beth-azmaveth, forty and two.

[29] The men of Kirjath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty

and three.



e) We all play a role



f) Live generously



30 the men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred and twenty-one;

31 the men of Mikmash, one hundred and twenty-two;

32 (Ezr 2:28) the men of Bethel and Ai, one hundred and twenty-three;

33 the men of the other Nebo, fifty-two;

34 (Ne 7:12) the sons of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred

and fifty-four;

35 the sons of Harim, three hundred and twenty;

36 the sons of Jericho, three hundred and forty-five;

37 (1Ch 8:12) the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred and twenty-one;

38 the sons of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.



[30] The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.

[31] The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.

[32] The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.

[33] The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.

[34] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

[35] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.

[36] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

[37] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.

[38] The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.



Priestly Leaders



39 The priests:

the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jesh­ua, nine hundred and seventy-three;

40 (1Ch 24:14)the sons of Immer, one thousand and fifty-two;

41 (1Ch 9:12) the sons of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred and forty-seven;

42 (1Ch 24:8) the sons of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.

43 (Ezr 2:40) The Levites:

the sons of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the sons of Hodaviah, seventy-four.

44 The singers:

the sons of Asaph, one hundred and forty-eight.

45 The gatekeepers:

the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub,

the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, one hundred and thirty-­eight.

46 The temple servants:

the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,

47 (Ezr 2:44)the sons of Keros, the sons of Sia, the sons of Padon,

48 the sons of Lebana, the sons of Hagaba, the sons of Shalmai,

49 the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar,

50 the sons of Reaiah, the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda,

51 the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah,

52 (Ezr 2:50) the sons of Besai, the sons of Meu­nim, the sons of Nephusim,

53 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,

54 (Ezr 2:52) the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,

55 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,

56 the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.

57 (Ezr 2:55) The sons of Solomon's servants:

the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida,

58the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

59 (Ezr 2:57)the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil,

the sons of Pokereth-Hazzebaim, the sons of Amon.

60 All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon's servants

were three hundred and ninety-two.

61 (Ezr 2:59) These were they who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha,

Kerub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not show their fathers' houses

nor their lineage-whether they were of Israel:

62 The sons of

Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, six hundred and forty-two.

63 Of the priests:

the sons of

Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai, who married

one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called by their name.

64 These sought for their fathers' registration in the genealogical registry,

but it was not found. Therefore, they were considered as unclean

and removed from the priesthood.

65 (Ne 8:9; Ex 28:30) The magistrate said to them that they should not eat

of the most holy things until there was an appointed priest

with Urim and Thummim.

66 (Ezr 2:64) The whole congregation together was 42360,

67 besides their male and female servants, which numbered 7337;

and they had two hundred and forty-five male and female singers.

68 Their horses were seven hundred and thirty-six; their mules,

two hundred and forty-five;

69 their camels, four hundred and thirty-five; the donkeys,

six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

70 (Ne 8:9) Some of the chiefs of the fathers' households gave to the work.

The magistrate gave to the treasury one thousand gold drachmas,

[About 19 pounds, or 8.4 kilograms.]

fifty basins, and five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

71 Others of the chiefs of the fathers' households gave to the treasury

for the work twenty thousand gold drachmas

[About 375 pounds, or 170 kilograms; and in v. 72.]

and two thousand two hundred silver minas.

[About 1 1/3 tons, or 1.2 metric tons. ]

72 What the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand gold drachmas,

two thousand silver minas,

[About 1 1/4 tons, or 1.1 metric tons.]

and sixty-seven priests' garments.

73 So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers,

some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel lived in their cities.



[39] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine

hundred seventy and three.

[40] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.

[41] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.

[42] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

[43] The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the

children of Hodevah, seventy and four.

[44] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.

[45] The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the

children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the

children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.

[46] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the

children of Tabbaoth,

[47] The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,

[48] The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of

Shalmai,

[49] The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,

[50] The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,

[51] The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,

[52] The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of

Nephishesim,

[53] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of

Harhur,

[54] The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of

Harsha,

[55] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,

[56] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

[57] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children

of Sophereth, the children of Perida,

[58] The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

[59] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of

Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.

[60] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three

hundred ninety and two.

[61] And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha,

Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor

their seed, whether they were of Israel.

[62] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of

Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

[63] And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the

children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the

Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.

[64] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by

genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from

the priesthood.

[65] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most

holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.

[66] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three

hundred and threescore,

[67] Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were

seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred

forty and five singing men and singing women.

[68] Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred

forty and five:

[69] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred

and twenty asses.

[70] And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha

gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred

and thirty priests' garments.

[71] And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work

twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of

silver.

[72] And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of

gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests'

garments.

[73] So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and

some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their

cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in

their cities.



2) Our Daily Bread for 23 September 2025 Titled



Saving Lives
by Mike Wittmer



Acts 20:17-24



Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders



17 (Ac 11:30; 14:23) From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders

of the church.

18 (Ac 18:19; 19:1) When they came to him, he said to them,

"You know how I always lived among you from the first day that

I came to Asia,

19 (Ac 20:3; 20:31) serving the Lord with all humility

and with many tears and trials which befell me through

the plots of the Jews.

20 (Ac 20:27; 20:31) I did not keep from declaring what was beneficial

to you, and teaching you publicly and from house to house,

21 (Ac 2:38; 11:18; 20:24) testifying to both Jews and Greeks

of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 "Now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing

what shall befall me there,

23 (Ac 9:16; 21:4) except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every

city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

24 (Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:1) But none of these things deter me. Nor do I count

my life of value to myself, so that I may joyfully finish my course

and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify

to the gospel of the grace of God.



[17] And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

[18] And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the

first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at

all seasons,

[19] Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and

temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

[20] And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have

shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

[21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward

God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

[22] And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing

the things that shall befall me there:

[23] Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds

and afflictions abide me.

[24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto

myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I

have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.



Adolfo Kaminsky knew how to remove indelible ink from paper. As a member of

the anti-Nazi resistance in France, he altered identification cards to save

hundreds from concentration camps. Once he was given three days to forge 900

birth and baptismal certificates and ration cards for three hundred Jewish

children. He laboured two straight days without sleep, telling himself,

"In one hour I can make thirty blank documents. If I sleep for an hour thirty

people will die."



The apostle Paul felt a similar urgency. He reminded the church in Ephesus how

he'd "served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of

severe testing" (Acts 20:19). Paul said, "I have not hesitated to preach

anything that would be helpful to you" (v. 20). This urgency compelled him to

share with everyone the necessity of repentance and faith in Jesus (v. 21).

Now he was sailing back to Jerusalem, eager to "finish the race and complete

the task the Lord Jesus [had] given [him] - the task of testifying

to the good news of God's grace" (v. 24).



Paul couldn't save people. Only God does that. But he could tell them God's

good news about Jesus, the only "name under heaven given to mankind by which

we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).



Who is the Holy Spirit bringing to your mind today?

You can share God's good news with them.



Reflect & Pray



Who do you know who needs to hear "the good news of God's grace"?

How might you share it with them?



Dear Jesus, please open my heart

to those who need You and give me opportunities to tell them of Your love.





For further study, read The Power of Prayer in Sharing the Gospel.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 3 - The Remedy



Acts 4:12



12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) "There is no salvation in any other,

for there is no other name under heaven given among men

by which we must be saved."



12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name

under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.



"You have cancer", the doctor told his patient. "We need to operate

- as soon as possible. It's the only remedy." The patient, not wanting

to undergo surgery unless it was absolutely necessary, sought out a second

opinion, then a third. When the third round of testing came up with the same

results, she returned to the doctor and submitted herself to the treatment.

Often the remedy for the problems in our lives seems worst than the problems

themselves. We don't want to endure the pain of self-examination, of honest

confrontation with our sin and selfishness. We'd rather live in "blissful

ignorance" than face up to ourselves.

But the Bible tells us there is only one remedy for sin: casting ourselves

upon the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Submitting ourselves to God's

"treatment" for sin is not an easy matter or a simple decision. We have to

give up on ourselves, on our own striving for self-salvation. We have to come

to the agonising realisation of our sin, the depths to which we have fallen.

Acknowledging sin is not a duty simply for "bad" people who have lived in

rebellion against God. "Good" people - Sunday-school kids, moral parents,

and sweet little grandmothers - may have more difficulty coming to Christ

than swindlers and prostitutes, precisely because their sin is not as

visible - sometimes it is even applauded by church and society.

"Good" or "bad", we all have the same problem: sin. And, because

of the Lord's grace, we all have the same remedy: salvation through Christ.

As we look to him, not to others, and see ourselves in light of his holiness,

we can glimpse the seriousness of our own resistance to him and call upon

his name.



Application



a) What other "remedies" have I tried to use in treating my sin?



b) Why is Jesus Christ the only source of salvation?



c) How can this verse help me to see the "salvation"

of Christ in the daily struggles of life?



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 23 of the Month



a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those

who have committed crimes.



b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ

across Canada.



(



John 13:34-35



34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,

even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,

if you have love for one another."



34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;

as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love one to another.



Rom 12:10



10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour



10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;

in honour preferring one another;



Heb 10:24



24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.



24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:



1 Peter 3:8



8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,

and be kind.



8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,

love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:



1 John 3:23



23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name

of His Son ­Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.



23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name

of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.



)



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray and watch for all around you.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, please open my heart

to those who need You and give me opportunities to tell them of Your love."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know Jesus as the only source of Salvation.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know His Blessings.



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 for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those

who have committed crimes.



Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ

across Canada.



Praise God for the steadfast fauth of those who are following Jesus in Bahrain

despite the loss of jobs and social status.



Pray for the courage and safety of pastors in Ethiopia faithfully serving in

areas wher Islamic militants are active.



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 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 22 September 2025 reflections

Day 265, 22 September 2025



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 2022



Recognizing Jesus
by Sheridan Voysey



John 14:8-14



8 Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father,

and that is sufficient for us."

9 (Heb 1:3; Jn 12:45; Col 1:15) Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you

such a long time, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen

Me has seen the Father. So how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

10 (Jn 5:19; 10:38) Do you not believe that I am in the Father

and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak

on My own authority. But the Father who lives in Me does the works.

11 (Jn 5:36; 10:38) Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father

is in Me. Or else believe Me on account of the works themselves.

12 (Mt 21:21; Jn 14:28) Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in Me

will do the works that I do also. And he will do greater works than these,

because I am going to My Father.

13 (Mt 7:7; Jn 13:31) I will do whatever you ask in My name, that the Father

may be glorified in the Son.

14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.



[8] Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

[9] Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet

hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the

Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

[10] Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?

the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father

that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

[11] Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else

believe me for the very works' sake.

[12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works

that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do;

because I

go unto my Father.

[13] And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father

may be glorified in the Son.

[14] If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.



Richard Griffin was Queen Elizabeth II's personal police officer for fourteen

years. Accompanying her on a picnic in the hills near Balmoral Castle one day,

they met two American hikers. "Have you ever met the Queen?" they asked, not

recognising the monarch in plain dress. "I haven't," the Queen quipped, "but

Richard here meets her regularly!" Thrilled to meet someone close to royalty,

the hikers then handed the Queen their camera, posed with Richard,

and asked her to take a photo!



It isn't the first time someone has been in the presence of an important

person unawares. "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of

it," Jacob said after encountering God in a dream at Bethel (Genesis 28:16).

And when Philip asked Jesus to show the disciples the Father, Jesus replied,

"Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?

Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). Like the hikers,

the disciples had been ready to hand Jesus the camera, not recognising

He was the one to zoom in on (vv. 10-11).



Like the Queen that day, Jesus hasn't always been recognised for

who He really is. Beyond a "wise teacher" or "great moral leader," He's God

in the flesh and King of the world (1:14; 18:36).

What a revelation it is when we discover it!



Reflect & Pray



What would you say to Jesus if you met Him on a picnic trip?

Who do you understand Him to be?



Dear Jesus, I praise You today

for being the King of Kings, Lord of Lords,

and far more than I can ever grasp.





Learn more about the divinity and humanity of Jesus.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 2 - Earning Death



Romans 6:23



23 (Ro 5:12; Ge 2:17; Ro 2:7) For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.



23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal

life through Jesus Christ our Lord.



"I only want my rights," declares the belligerent Big Ghost, one of the

characters in C. S. Lewis's classic, The Great Divorce. "I'm not asking

for anybody's bleeding charity."

"Then do. At once," his angelic friend Len urges. "Ask for the Bleeding

Charity. Everything is here for the asking and nothing can be bought."

Often we are much like the Ghost in Lewis's tale of heaven and hell.

We want "What we deserve," and being blind to our own sin, we think

we deserve praise, or al least mercy. But Paul is very clear on what

we have coming: "The wages of sin is death".

We work for our wages - we've earned our paycheque, and we deserve it.

We don't have to thank anyone for paying us - it's our due, not a gift.

Similarly, the paycheque issued to us in renumeration for our sin is

what we deserve: death.

Yet, if we are willing to lay aside our pride and accept God's gift,

we can live. "The gift of God is eternal life." Nothing we can do or say

can make us worthy of the gift of life. We are sinners by nature and we

rebel against God in our choices. Yet God, in Christ, offers grace to us,

freedom from sin, liberty from the burden of trying to earn his favour.

Ironically, freedom and peace in the Christian life come not through

justifying ourselves and making ourselves look good, but through

acknowledging the depth of our sin ad our ability to do anything about it.

When we realise that we are trapped in out sinful selves and only

Christ can free us, then we are ready to journey toward grace and freedom.



Application



a) In what way's have I tried to "earn" the gift of eternal life?



b) What can I do to focus on God's grace and realise

that I cannot accomplish my own salvation?



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



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 humble yourself in the face of opposition.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, I praise You today

for being the King of Kings, Lord of Lords,

and far more than I can ever grasp."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Wages of Sin and Jesus' remedy.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord blessings.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the upcoming rapture of the church.



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 264 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 264, 24 September 2025



Today at Calvary Community

Church
, Pastor Nathan Zieber spoke on Empowered – Chains of Hope



Paul Preaches in Rome



17 (Ac 25:8; 6:14) After three days Paul called the leaders of the Jews

together. When they had assembled, he said to them, "Brothers, having done

nothing contrary to our people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered

as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 (Ac 26:31-32) When they had examined me, they were determined to release

me, because there was no charge against me deserving death.

19 (Ac 26:32; 25:21) But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal

to Caesar, not that I had any charge to bring against my nation.

20 (Ac 21:33; 23:6) For this reason I have asked to see you and speak with

you, because I am bound with this chain for the hope of Israel."

21 (Ac 22:5) They said to him, "We have not received any letters from Judea

concerning you, and none of the brothers that have come have reported

or spoken any evil of you.

22 (Ac 24:14; 1Pe 2:12) But we think it is proper to hear from you what you

think. For concerning this sect,

we know that it is spoken against everywhere."

23 (Ac 19:8; 8:35) When they had arranged a day to be with him, many came

to him at his residence. From morning until evening he explained and solemnly

testified of the kingdom of God to them, persuading them concerning Jesus

from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

24 (Ac 14:4; 17:4-5) Some believed what was said, but some did not believe.

25 (Mt 15:7) Being in disagreement with one another, they were dismissed after

Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit accurately spoke to our fathers

through Isaiah the prophet,

26 (Eze 12:2; Isa 6:9-10) 'Go to this people and say:

You shall certainly hear, but never understand;

and you shall certainly see, but never perceive;

27 for the heart of this people has grown dull.

Their ears are hard of hearing,

and they have closed their eyes,

lest they should see with their eyes

and hear with their ears

and understand with their heart

and turn, and I would heal them.'

28 (Lk 3:6; Ro 11:11) "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation

of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They will hear it!"

29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed and disputed greatly among

themselves.

30 Paul remained two whole years in his own rented house. He welcomed all who

came to him,

31 (Ac 28:23; Mt 4:23) boldly and freely preaching the kingdom of God

and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ.



[17] And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the

Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and

brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of

our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of

the Romans.

[18] Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was

no cause of death in me.

[19] But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto

Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

[20] For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to

speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this

chain.

[21] And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea

concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any

harm of thee.

[22] But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning

this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

[23] And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his

lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading

them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the

prophets, from morning till evening.

[24] And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

[25] And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that

Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet

unto our fathers,

[26] Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall

not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

[27] For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of

hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their

eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should

be converted, and I should heal them.

[28] Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto

the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

[29] And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great

reasoning among themselves.

[30] And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all

that came in unto him,

[31] Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern

the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.



1) Ezra 8,9,10



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 2025 titled

Peace with God



Romans 5:1-11



Results of Justification



1 (Jn 14:27; Ro 4:5) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 (1Co 15:1; Eph 2:18) through whom we also have access by faith

into this grace in which we stand, and so we rejoice in hope of the glory

of God.

3 (Jas 1:2-3; 1:12) Not only so, but we also boast in tribulation,

knowing that tribulation produces patience,

4 (Jas 1:12) patience produces character, and character produces hope.

5 (Gal 4:6; Php 1:20) And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 (Ro 4:25; 5:8_ While we were yet weak, in due time Christ died

for the ungodly.

7 Rarely for a righteous man will one die. Yet perhaps for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 (Jn 15:13; 1Pe 3:18) But God demonstrates His own love toward us,

in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 (Ro 1:18; 1Th 1:10) How much more then, being now justified by His blood,

shall we be saved from wrath through Him.

10 (2Co 5:18-19; Col 1:20-21) For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled

to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be

saved by His life.

11 (Ro 5:10; 2Co 5:18-19) Furthermore, we also rejoice in God through

our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.



[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our

Lord Jesus Christ:

[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that

tribulation worketh patience;

[4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in

our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

[6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the

ungodly.

[7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a

good man some would even dare to die.

[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet

sinners, Christ died for us.

[9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from

wrath through him.

[10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of

his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

[11] And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received the atonement.



When I accompanied my friend to the salon on her birthday, we were delighted

by the pampering we received. Soothing music and a personal attendant

welcomed us to the tranquil, dimly lit spa. The whole experience was calm,

quiet, and restful. I had to suppress a giggle, however, at a sign displayed

on a table proclaiming, "This organic hair-care line gives you more than

beautiful hair - it gives you peace of mind."



We know hair products don’t bring lasting peace, yet we often settle for

temporary relief when our world is stressful. In reality, true peace comes

not from something but someone.



While encouraging the believers in Jesus in Rome, Paul reminded them,

"Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Sin separates us from God,

but Christ's atoning sacrifice makes a way for us to have a relationship

with Him (5:9-10). Jesus offers peace for today and peace for e

ternity (v. 1) - providing "access by faith into this grace,"

"the hope of the glory of God" (v. 2), and hope despite earthly

suffering (vv. 3-4). Peace with God is more than simply a feeling;

it's a gift we receive through faith in Jesus. Whether we feel close

to God or not, His peace is available to us - at a salon or a hospital,

in times of serenity and times of chaos.



Reflect & Pray



When are you tempted to seek a peaceful circumstance more than peace with

God? How does the reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice allow you to rest in Him today?



Dear Jesus, thank You for providing peace through Your own sacrifice.





Learn more about Jesus's Victory over Adam's Curse.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 1 - Sin Universal



Romans 3:23-24



23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,

24 (Ro 4:16; Col 1:14) being justified freely by His grace

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,



23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:



A distinguished middle-aged man stood trembling before his church

to give his testimony. Years before, in the grip of a mental illness

that nearly destroyed his life, he had taken the life of his own daughter

and tried to kill himself. But he did not die; tried and convicted, he

spent years in prison, and even longer in the prison of his own guilt.

After the service, a young woman walked up to him and simply said,

"Thank you for sharing. I've sinned, too."

We've all sinned, too - lest we forget or rationalise, the Bible reminds

us in no uncertain terms. And the writer of these verses was no stranger

to sin: he was the Pharisee, the holier-than-thou religious leader

who officiated at the stoning death of Stephen. He was the Jew who had

scattered and killed the followers of this heretic called Christ. He

thought he was righteous while he murdered God's people.

Christians tends to establish a "hierarchy" of sin - sexual sin is "worse"

than pride: murder is "more horrible" than slander. Yet the Bible gives

no indication that god acknowledges our hierarchy. Sin is sin; all have

sinned, and if we are guilty at one point, we are guilty of all.

Rather than rationalise our individual sins as being "less bad"

than someone else's, we need to openly confess our dilemma as sinners

and turn to God for his remedy. We cannot and do not need to earn or

deserve that grace - it is a gift from God.



Application



a) Have I ever compared my sin with someone else's in order

to make myself fell like a better person? Why is such

comparison not a valid remedy for sin?



b) Why do I need to acknowledge my sin honestly before I can

receive justification?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Ps 37:25-26



25 I have been young, and now am old;

yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor their offspring begging bread.

26 The righteous are gracious and lend,

and their offspring are a source of blessing.



25 I have been young, and now am old;

Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;

And his seed is blessed.



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



When you are ill or injured



Matthew 8:14-17



The Healing of Many People



Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41



14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,

lying sick with a fever.

15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them.

16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many

who were possessed with demons.

And He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all who were sick,

17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,

"He Himself took our infirmities

and bore our sicknesses."



[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother

laid, and sick of a fever.

[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and

ministered unto them.

[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed

with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that

were sick:

[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,

saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.



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 to help advance His Kingdom for God’s Kingdom

cannot be stopped



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 providing

peace through Your own sacrifice."



Pray to the Lord and pray to Know that We

have All sinned and need the Grace of God.



Pray to the Lord and pray to rooted in God's goodness.



Pray to the Lord and pray for the lord's power of Healing.



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 that Christian converts from Islam in Tunisia will share the love

and truth of Christ with their coworkers.



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 263 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 20 September 2025 reflections

Day 264, 24 September 2025



1) Ezra 8,9,10



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 2025 titled

Peace with God



Romans 5:1-11



Results of Justification



1 (Jn 14:27; Ro 4:5) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 (1Co 15:1; Eph 2:18) through whom we also have access by faith

into this grace in which we stand, and so we rejoice in hope of the glory

of God.

3 (Jas 1:2-3; 1:12) Not only so, but we also boast in tribulation,

knowing that tribulation produces patience,

4 (Jas 1:12) patience produces character, and character produces hope.

5 (Gal 4:6; Php 1:20) And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 (Ro 4:25; 5:8_ While we were yet weak, in due time Christ died

for the ungodly.

7 Rarely for a righteous man will one die. Yet perhaps for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 (Jn 15:13; 1Pe 3:18) But God demonstrates His own love toward us,

in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 (Ro 1:18; 1Th 1:10) How much more then, being now justified by His blood,

shall we be saved from wrath through Him.

10 (2Co 5:18-19; Col 1:20-21) For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled

to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be

saved by His life.

11 (Ro 5:10; 2Co 5:18-19) Furthermore, we also rejoice in God through

our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.



[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our

Lord Jesus Christ:

[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that

tribulation worketh patience;

[4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in

our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

[6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the

ungodly.

[7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a

good man some would even dare to die.

[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet

sinners, Christ died for us.

[9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from

wrath through him.

[10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of

his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

[11] And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received the atonement.



When I accompanied my friend to the salon on her birthday, we were delighted

by the pampering we received. Soothing music and a personal attendant

welcomed us to the tranquil, dimly lit spa. The whole experience was calm,

quiet, and restful. I had to suppress a giggle, however, at a sign displayed

on a table proclaiming, "This organic hair-care line gives you more than

beautiful hair - it gives you peace of mind."



We know hair products don’t bring lasting peace, yet we often settle for

temporary relief when our world is stressful. In reality, true peace comes

not from something but someone.



While encouraging the believers in Jesus in Rome, Paul reminded them,

"Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Sin separates us from God,

but Christ's atoning sacrifice makes a way for us to have a relationship

with Him (5:9-10). Jesus offers peace for today and peace for e

ternity (v. 1) - providing "access by faith into this grace,"

"the hope of the glory of God" (v. 2), and hope despite earthly

suffering (vv. 3-4). Peace with God is more than simply a feeling;

it's a gift we receive through faith in Jesus. Whether we feel close

to God or not, His peace is available to us - at a salon or a hospital,

in times of serenity and times of chaos.



Reflect & Pray



When are you tempted to seek a peaceful circumstance more than peace with

God? How does the reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice allow you to rest in Him today?



Dear Jesus, thank You for providing peace through Your own sacrifice.





Learn more about Jesus's Victory over Adam's Curse.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 1 - Sin Universal



Romans 3:23-24



23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,

24 (Ro 4:16; Col 1:14) being justified freely by His grace

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,



23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:



A distinguished middle-aged man stood trembling before his church

to give his testimony. Years before, in the grip of a mental illness

that nearly destroyed his life, he had taken the life of his own daughter

and tried to kill himself. But he did not die; tried and convicted, he

spent years in prison, and even longer in the prison of his own guilt.

After the service, a young woman walked up to him and simply said,

"Thank you for sharing. I've sinned, too."

We've all sinned, too - lest we forget or rationalise, the Bible reminds

us in no uncertain terms. And the writer of these verses was no stranger

to sin: he was the Pharisee, the holier-than-thou religious leader

who officiated at the stoning death of Stephen. He was the Jew who had

scattered and killed the followers of this heretic called Christ. He

thought he was righteous while he murdered God's people.

Christians tends to establish a "hierarchy" of sin - sexual sin is "worse"

than pride: murder is "more horrible" than slander. Yet the Bible gives

no indication that god acknowledges our hierarchy. Sin is sin; all have

sinned, and if we are guilty at one point, we are guilty of all.

Rather than rationalise our individual sins as being "less bad"

than someone else's, we need to openly confess our dilemma as sinners

and turn to God for his remedy. We cannot and do not need to earn or

deserve that grace - it is a gift from God.



Application



a) Have I ever compared my sin with someone else's in order

to make myself fell like a better person? Why is such

comparison not a valid remedy for sin?



b) Why do I need to acknowledge my sin honestly before I can

receive justification?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Ps 37:25-26



25 I have been young, and now am old;

yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor their offspring begging bread.

26 The righteous are gracious and lend,

and their offspring are a source of blessing.



25 I have been young, and now am old;

Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;

And his seed is blessed.



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



When you are ill or injured



Matthew 8:14-17



The Healing of Many People



Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41



14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,

lying sick with a fever.

15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them.

16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many

who were possessed with demons.

And He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all who were sick,

17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,

"He Himself took our infirmities

and bore our sicknesses."



[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother

laid, and sick of a fever.

[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and

ministered unto them.

[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed

with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that

were sick:

[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,

saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.



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 providing

peace through Your own sacrifice."



Pray to the Lord and pray to Know that We

have All sinned and need the Grace of God.



Pray to the Lord and pray to rooted in God's goodness.



Pray to the Lord and pray for the lord's power of Healing.



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 that Christian converts from Islam in Tunisia will share the love

and truth of Christ with their coworkers.



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 262 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 19 September 2025 reflections

Day 262, 19 September 2025



1) Ezra 6:14-22, 4:6 Esther 1,2,3,4,5



Ezra 6:14-22



14 (Ezr 7:1; 4:24-5:2) The rebuilding by the elders of the Jews prospered

through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo.

And they built, and finished it, according to the decree of the God of Israel

and according to the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

15 (Est 3:7) This temple was finished on the third day of the month Adar

during the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

16 (1Ki 8:63; 2Ch 7:5) The children of Israel, the priests and the Levites,

and the rest of the descendants of the captivity kept the dedication

of this house of God with joy.

17 (Ezr 8:35) At the dedication of this house of God, they offered

a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs;

and as a sin offering for all Israel, they offered twelve goats

(according to the number of the tribes of Israel).

18 (Nu 3:6; 1Ch 24:1) They appointed the priests in their divisions

and the Levites in their orders for the service of God in Jerusalem,

as it had been written in the Book of Moses.



[14] And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the

prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And

they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of

Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes

king of Persia.

[15] And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar,which

was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

[16] And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest

of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God

with joy,

[17] And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks,

two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel,

twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

[18] And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their

courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in

the book of Moses.



The Passover



19 The children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day

of the first month.

20 (2Ch 35:11; 29:34) Because the priests and the Levites had purified

themselves together, all of them were pure. So, they slaughtered

the Passover lambs for all the descendants of the captivity,

both for their brothers the priests and for themselves.

21 (Ezr 9:11; Ne 9:2) Then they ate together, both the children of Israel

who had come out of captivity and all those who had separated themselves

from the uncleanness of the nations of the land, in order to seek the Lord God

of Israel.

22 (Ezr 1:1; 7:27) With joy they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread

for seven days because the Lord had made them joyful. He had turned the heart

of the king of Assyria toward them and strengthened their hands in the work

on the house of God, who is the God of Israel.



[19] And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth

day of the first month.

[20] For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them

were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity,

and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.

[21] And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and

all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the

heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,

[22] And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the

LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto

them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of

Israel.



Ezra 4:6



6 (Est 1:1; Da 9:1) In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign,

they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.



[6] And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they

unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.



Esther 1



Queen Vashti Deposed



1(Est 8:9; Ezr 4:6; Da 6:1) Now in the days of Ahasuerus, also called Xerxes,

who reigned from India to Ethiopia, over 127 provinces,

2 (Ne 1:1; 1Ki 1:46) in those days, the palace where King Ahasuerus sat

on the royal throne of his kingdom was in Susa.

3 (Est 2:18; 1Ki 3:15) In the third year of his reign, he prepared

a feast for all his officials and his servants. So the army commanders

of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials of the provinces

were before him.

4 He unveiled the riches of his glorious kingdom and the costly luxury

of his greatness for many days, 180 days.

5 (Est 7:7-8) When these days were completed, the king prepared

a seven-day feast for all the people present, from the greatest to the least,

in the citadel of Susa. This feast was in the courtyard garden

of the king's palace

6 (Eze 23:41; Am 6:4) where white and blue linen hangings were fastened

with cords of white and purple linen to silver rings and columns of marble.

The gold- and silver-plated couches were on a mosaic pavement of porphyry,

marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.

7 They provided drinks in golden vessels (the vessels being diverse one

from another) and royal wine in abundance, by the expense of the king.

8 In accordance with the law, the drinking was not mandatory,

because the king had directed all the stewards of his house

to serve according to every man's pleasure.

9 Additionally, Vashti the queen prepared a feast for the women

in the royal house of King Ahasuerus.

10 (Jdg 16:25; Est 7:9) On the seventh day, when the heart of the king

was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha,

Zethar, and Karkas, the seven eunuchs attending

to the needs of King Ahasuerus,

11 to bring Queen Vashti before the king with the royal crown,

to unveil her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful.

12 (Pr 19:12) But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command

delivered by his eunuchs. Therefore, the king grew very angry, and his wrath

burned within him.

13 (1Ch 12:32; Jer 10:7) Then the king spoke to the wise men, who understood

the times (for in this way the king would speak before all who understood

law and judgment).

14 (2Ki 25:19; Ezr 7:14) Those nearest him were Karshena, Shethar, Admatha,

Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memukan. They were the seven princes of Persia

and Media and the king's closest confidants who met with the king

and held the highest rank in the kingdom.

15 "According to law, what should be done about Queen Vashti

because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus

when it was delivered by the eunuchs?"

16 And Memukan answered before the king and the princes, "Queen Vashti

has wronged not only the king but also all the princes and all the people

who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus.

17 For should this matter of the queen spread to all wives, then they would

look with contempt on their husbands when it is reported that,

'King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him,

but she never came.'

18 This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media, who hear

of the queen's act, will say the same thing to all the king's princes.

Then there will be more contempt and wrath.

19 (Est 8:8) "If it pleases the king, let a royal decree be sent by him,

and let it be written in the laws of the Persians and the Medes,

that it may not be altered, that Vashti can never enter

into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and that the king will give

her royal position to another woman who is better than she.

20 (Col 3:18; Eph 5:33) When the king's decree that he shall make

is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is vast), then all

the wives shall give honor to their husbands, both the prominent and lowly."

21 The suggestion pleased the king and the princes, so the king did according

to the word of Memukan.

22 (Est 3:12; 8:9; Eph 5:22-24) He sent letters to all the king's provinces,

in the script of every province and in the language of every people group,

bearing the message in the languages of his people that each man should rule

over his own house.



Esther 1

[1] Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus

which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven

and twenty provinces:)

[2] That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his

kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,

[3] In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes

and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes

of the provinces, being before him:

[4] When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his

excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.

[5] And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the

people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small,

seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;

[6] Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine

linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of

gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black,

marble.

[7] And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse

one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of

the king.

[8] And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the

king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do

according to every man's pleasure.

[9] Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house

which belonged to king Ahasuerus.

[10] On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he

commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas,

the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

[11] To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew

the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.

[12] But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his

chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

[13] Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was

the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

[14] And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres,

Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the

king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)

[15] What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she

hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

[16] And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen

hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to

all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.

[17] For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that

they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported,

The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him,

but she came not.

[18] Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the

king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there

arise too much contempt and wrath.

[19] If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and

let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be

not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the

king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

[20] And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published

throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to

their husbands honour, both to great and small.

[21] And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did

according to the word of Memucan:

[22] For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province

according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language,

that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be

published according to the language of every people.



Esther 2



Esther Becomes Queen



1 (Est 7:10) After these things, as the rage of King Ahasuerus abated,

he became mindful of Vashti, what she had done

and what was decreed against her.

2 (1Ki 1:2) So the king's servants who attended him said,

"Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king!

3 (Est 1:1-2) Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces

of his kingdom so that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins

to the citadel of Susa, to the harem under the custody of Hegai the king's

eunuch, who is in charge of the harem, and let ointments and cosmetics

be given to them.

4 May the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti."

And the idea pleased the king, so he acted accordingly.

5 (1Sa 9:1) Now in the citadel of Susa, there was

a certain Jew named Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei,

the son of Kish, a Benjamite.

6 (2Ki 24:14-15; 2Ch 36:20) He had been taken away from Jerusalem

among the exiles and carried into captivity along with King Jeconiah

of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

7 (Est 2:15) He was the guardian of Hadassah, that is Esther

(who was his uncle's daughter) because she had neither father nor mother.

The young woman was lovely to look at and beautiful in form.

When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.

8 (Est 2:3) When the king's notice and his decree were heard,

many young women were then gathered to the citadel of Susa and placed under

the custody of Hegai. Esther was likewise brought to the king's house

and placed under the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the harem.

9 (Est 2:3; 2:12) Because the young lady appeared pleasing to him

and had gained favor in his sight, he quickly gave her the ointments

and cosmetics, her allotted food, and seven young chosen women from

the king's palace. He also transferred her and her young women

to the best place of the harem.

10 (Est 2:20) Esther had not disclosed her people or her lineage

because Mordecai had charged her not to disclose it.

11 Every day Mordecai walked around the courtyard of the harem

to find out how Esther fared and what might be done with her.

12 The turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus,

after being twelve months under the regulations for the women,

since this was the regular period of their beautifying,

six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices

and ointments for women. 13When the young woman went in to the king

in this way, she was given whatever she desired to take with her

from the harem to take to the king's palace.

14 (Est 4:11) In the evening she went in, and in the morning

she returned to the second harem in custody of Shaashgaz,

the king's eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines.

She did not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her

and called for her by name.

15 (Est 9:29) When the turn came for Esther, the daughter of Abihail

the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to

the king, she asked for nothing except what theking's eunuch Hegai,

who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther obtained favor in the sight

of all who saw her.

16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus at his royal house in the month

of Tebeth, which is the tenth month, in the seventh year of his reign.

17 (Est 1:11) The king loved Esther more than any other woman

because she had gained grace and favor in his sight more

than all the virgins. So he set the royal crown on her head

and made her queen instead of Vashti.

18 The king held a great feast for all his officials and servants.

It was a feast for Esther. He remitted his provinces from tax payments

and gave gifts according to his royal generosity.



Esther 2

[1] After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he

remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.

[2] Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be

fair young virgins sought for the king:

[3] And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom,

that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the

palace, to the house of the women unto the custody of Hege the king's

chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be

given them:

[4] And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti.

And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

[5] Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was

Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;

[6] Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had

been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king

of Babylon had carried away.

[7] And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for

she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom

Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

[8] So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was

heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace,

to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house,

to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.

[9] And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he

speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged

to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the

king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the

house of the women.

[10] Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had

charged her that she should not shew it.

[11] And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to

know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

[12] Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after

that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for

so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months

with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things

for the purifying of the women;)

[13] Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was

given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.

[14] In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second

house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain,

which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the

king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.

[15] Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of

Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the

king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper

of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all

them that looked upon her.

[16] So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the

tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

[17] And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace

and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal

crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

[18] Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants,

even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts,

according to the state of the king.



Mordecai Uncovers a Plot



19 (Est 2:21; 2:3-4) At the second gathering of the virgins, Mordecai

was sitting at the king's gate.

20 (Est 2:10) Esther had not yet disclosed her lineage or her people,

since Mordecai had so commanded her. Esther followed the command

of Mordecai just as she had when under his protection.

21 (Est 6:2) During those days when Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate,

two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who served as keepers

of the door, became angry and sought to attack King Ahasuerus.

22 (Est 6:1-2) But the matter became known to Mordecai, and he reported it

to Queen Esther, and Esther reported it to the king in the name of Mordecai.

23 (Ge 40:19; Est 10:2) When the matter was investigated and confirmed,

both men were hanged on the gallows, and it was written in the book

of the chronicles in the presence of the king.



[19] And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then

Mordecai sat in the king's gate.

[20] Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had

charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she

was brought up with him.

[21] In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's

chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth,

and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

[22] And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen;

and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.

[23] And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out;

therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the

book of the chronicles before the king.



Esther 3



Haman Plots to Destroy the Jews



1 (Est 5:11; Nu 24:7) After these things King Ahasuerus praised Haman

the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and promoted him, and set his seat

above all the officials who were with him.

2 (Est 2:19) All the king's servants, when they were at the king's gate,

bowed or paid homage to Haman since the king had commanded it.

Mordecai, however, never bowed or paid homage.

3 (Est 3:2) So the king's servants tending the king's gate said to Mordecai,

"Why are you transgressing the king's commandment?'

4 (Ge 39:10) Though they spoke to him daily, he never listened to them,

so they reported it to Haman to see if the words of Mordecai would stand,

for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew.

5 (Est 5:9; 3:2) When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed

nor paid him homage, he was filled with rage.

6 (Ps 83:4) But he disdained to lay hands on only Mordecai,

since they had told him of the people of Mordecai.

So Haman sought to destroy all the Jews throughout the whole kingdom

of Ahasuerus.

7 (Ezr 6:15; Est 9:24-26) In the first month, which is the month Nisan,

in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, cast lots)

before Haman daily, and each month, until the twelfth month,

which is the month Adar, to determine the time.

8 (Ac 16:20-21; Ezr 4:12-15) Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus,

"There exists a scattered people dispersed among the other peoples

in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different

from all others, and they are not complying with the king's laws,

so there may not be a suitable reason for the king to allow them to exist.

9 If it pleases the king, may it be written that they are to be destroyed,

and may there be ten thousand talents [About 75 feet, or 23 meters.]

of silver deposited into the king's treasuries so that I may distribute

it to the hands of those doing the work."

10 (Ge 41:42; Est 7:6) The king took his signet ring from his hand

and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite,

the enemy of the Jews.

11 The king said to Haman, "The silver has been granted to you,

as have the people, so do with each as it pleases you."

12 (1Ki 21:8; Est 1:22) Then the king's scribes were summoned

on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written

just as Haman had commanded to the king's satraps

and to the governors over each province and to the officials

of all peoples and to every province according to its own script,

and to every people in their language. It was written

in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the king's signet ring.

13 (2Ch 30:6; Est 9:10) The letters were sent by mounted couriers

into all the king's provinces to cause the destruction, slaughter,

and annihilation of all Jews, both young and old, little children and women,

in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar,

and even to plunder their possessions.

14 (Est 8:13-14) A copy of the document, issued as law in every province,

was proclaimed, calling for all people to be ready for the day.

15 (Est 8:15) The couriers went out, being hastened by the king's command.

At the citadel of Susa, when the decree was issued, the king and Haman

sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in uproar.



Esther 3

[1] After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of

Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the

princes that were with him.

[2] And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and

reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai

bowed not, nor did him reverence.

[3] Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto

Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?

[4] Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened

not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would

stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.

[5] And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then

was Haman full of wrath.

[6] And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed

him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews

that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of

Mordecai.

[7] In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of

king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to

day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month

Adar.

[8] And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered

abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom;

and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's

laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.

[9] If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and

I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have

the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.

[10] And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the

son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.

[11] And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people

also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.

[12] Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first

month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto

the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province,

and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing

thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king

Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.

[13] And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to

destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old,

little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the

twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a

prey.

[14] The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province

was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

[15] The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and

the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat

down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.



Esther 4

Esther Helps the Jews

1 (2Sa 1:11; 13:19) When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore

his clothes and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst

of the city, and cried with a loud and bitter cry.

2 He went as far as the king's gate because no one was allowed to enter

into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.

3 (Isa 58:5; Da 9:3) In each and every province where the king's command

and his decree came there was great mourning among the Jews,

and fasting, and weeping, and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

4 So the young women of Esther and her eunuchs came and told her of it.

The queen was then seized by anguish. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai

so that he could remove his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.

5 So Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king's eunuchs appointed

to attend her, and commanded him concerning Mordecai to

learn what this was about and why.

6 So Hathak went out to where Mordecai was in the area of the city

in front of the king's gate.

7 Mordecai told him about all that had happened to him

and about the sum of silver that Haman had promised to pay to the king's

treasuries for the destruction of the Jews.

8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa

concerning their destruction so he could show Esther, tell her about it,

and then charge her to go to the king in order to gain him favor with the king

and to make requests in the presence of the king for her people.

9 Hathak returned and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

10 Again Esther spoke to Hathak and ordered him to reply to Mordecai:

11 (Est 5:1-2; 8:4) "All the king's servants and the people of the king's

provinces know that whoever, whether man or woman, wishes to come to the king

at the inner court but has not been summoned, there is one law-to put him

to death-unless for some reason the king should hold out the golden scepter

so that he might live. I, however, have not been summoned to come to the king

for these thirty days."

12 So all the words of Esther were told to Mordecai.

13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think that

in the king's palace you will be more likely to escape

than all the other Jews.

14 For if you remain silent at this time, protection and deliverance

for the Jews will be ordained from some other place, but you

and your father's house shall be destroyed. And who knows if you may have

attained royal position for such a time as this?"

15 Then Esther replied, sending back to Mordecai:

16 (Ge 43:14; Est 5:1) "Go, gather all the Jews who can be found in Susa,

then fast for me. Stop eating and drinking for three days, night or day.

I and my young women will fast likewise. Only then would I dare go

to the king since it is not allowed by law, and if I perish, I perish."

17 So Mordecai went away and did exactly as Esther had commanded him.



Esther 4

[1] When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes,

and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city,

and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

[2] And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the

king's gate clothed with sackcloth.

[3] And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his

decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and

weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

[4] So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was

the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and

to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.

[5] Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he

had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to

know what it was, and why it was.

[6] So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was

before the king's gate.

[7] And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum

of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the

Jews, to destroy them.

[8] Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at

Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her,

and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication

unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

[9] And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

[10] Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

[11] All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do

know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into

the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to

death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that

he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these

thirty days.

[12] And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.

[13] Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that

thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

[14] For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there

enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou

and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art

come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

[15] Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,

[16] Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast

ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my

maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not

according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

[17] So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had

commanded him.



Esther 5



Queen Esther's Banquet



1 (Est 4:16; 6:4) On the third day, Esther put on her royal apparel

and positioned herself in the king's palace courtyard so that she would

be directly in line with the part of the king's throne room where the king

sat facing the entrance of the room on his royal throne in the royal hall.

2 (Est 4:11; 8:4) When the king saw Queen Esther standing quietly

out in the courtyard, she gained favor in his sight, so the king held out

the golden scepter in his hand to Esther.

Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.

3 (Est 7:2; Mk 6:23) And the king said to her, "Queen Esther,

what do you want? What is your request? Even if it is up to half

of the kingdom, it will be given to you."

4 (Est 5:8) Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king

and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for him."

5 (Est 6:14) Then the king said, "Quickly bring Haman so that

we may accept the invitation of Esther."

So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

6 (Est 7:2; 5:3; 9:12) While drinking wine the king said to Esther,

"For whatever you ask, it shall be granted you. So, what is your request?

Even if it is for as much as half of the kingdom, it shall be done."

7 Then Esther replied and said, "This is my petition and request.

8 (Est 7:3; 8:5) If I have won the king's favor, and if it pleases

the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request,

then let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I will prepare

for them, and tomorrow I will do what the king says."



[1] Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal

apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the

king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house,

over against the gate of the house.

[2] And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court,

that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the

golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the

top of the sceptre.

[3] Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is

thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

[4] And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and

Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

[5] Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther

hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

[6] And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy

petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the

half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

[7] Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;

[8] If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the

king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman

come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as

the king hath said.



Haman's Plan to Destroy Mordecai



9 (Est 3:5) Haman left that day joyfully and with a glad heart, but when Haman

saw Mordecai at the king's gate, that he neither stood up nor trembled because

of him, then Haman was full of indignation against Mordecai.

10 (Est 6:13) Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself, and when he came to his

home, he sent for his friends and for his wife Zeresh.

11 (Est 9:7-10; 3:1) Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches,

his many children, and everything about him the king had praised,

and how he had promoted him over the princes and servants of the king.

12 Then Haman continued, "Indeed, Queen Esther brought to the banquet

she had prepared no one but the king and me, and tomorrow I am again invited

by her with the king.

13 Yet for all this, I am not satisfied whenever I see Mordecai

the Jew sitting at the king's gate."

14 (Est 6:4; 1Ki 21:7) Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends

suggested to him, "Let a gallows fifty cubits

[About 75 feet, or 23 meters.] tall be constructed,

and in the morning ask the king if Mordecai can be hanged on it.

Then go merrily with the king to the banquet."

And the suggestion pleased Haman, so he had the gallows constructed.



[9] Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when

Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for

him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

[10] Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent

and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.

[11] And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of

his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how

he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

[12] Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with

the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am

I invited unto her also with the king.

[13] Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew

sitting at the king's gate.

[14] Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows

be made of fifty cubits high, and tomorrow speak thou unto the king that

Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto

the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be

made.



2) Our Daily Bread for 19 September 2025 titled

The Change Christ Brings

by Jennifer Benson Schuldt



Proverbs 28:13-14



13 (Job 31:33; Ps 32:3-5) He who covers his sins will not prosper,

but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

14 (Pr 23:17; Isa 66:2) Happy is the man who always fears,

but he who hardens his heart will fall into mischief.



[13] He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and

forsaketh them shall have mercy.

[14] Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart

shall fall into mischief.



When a patch of irritated skin formed near my left eye, I used makeup to cover

it. Temporarily this kept my problem a secret. After a while, though, the

swollen red spot didn't clear up, and I knew it needed medical attention. On

the morning of the doctor's appointment, I was tempted to apply makeup as

usual, but I didn't. I wanted the doctor to see

the problem clearly and treat it so it could heal.



Have you ever tried to hide a sin problem? Maybe you're aware that some action

or thought is controlling you, but you've avoided praying about it

or mentioning it to friends and family. Maybe you think it's no big deal

because many other people are dealing with similar issues. But it's

impossible to thrive spiritually when sin is secretly fouling up our lives.

As Proverbs 28:13 says, "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper."

Thankfully the verse continues, "but the one who confesses and renounces

[sin] finds mercy" (v. 13).



It can be hard to adopt God's view of our actions and admit that certain

practices are wrong. However, His kindness eases the process of humbling

ourselves. When we welcome the power of Christ's Spirit into our struggle,

we can reject the wrong that tempts us (Galatians 5:16-17, 22-24).

As God guides us, change is possible, and our spiritual health

is worth the effort!



Reflect & Pray



As you consider confessing sin, why is God's everlasting love encouraging?

How might the enemy deceive you in your struggle with sin?



Dear God, please help me yield the areas of sin in my life to You.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 6 - Shielded by the Word



Proverbs 30:5



5 (Ps 12:6; 18:30) Every word of God is pure;

He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.



5 Every word of God is pure:

He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.



A wife of ten years, betrayed by her husband's infidelity, declares that

she will never trust a man again. A teenage son says of his father, "I

can't depend on him anymore! Dad always talk big and makes promises,

but he never does what he says." A career woman, her reputation

undermined by gossip, leaves the church broken, and never returns.

Human beings are weak, volatile, unfaithful creatures; often we

break our word and hurt others in the process. But the Scripture

clearly assures us that God's Word is not like the word of man.

God always remains faithful to his Word, always fulfills his promises,

always does what he says he will do.

God's word is pure (or flawless), Proverbs 30:5 says. His Word

is not distorted with mixed motives or flawed by untruth. God's Word

is dependable, able to support and lift us up, able to speak

encouragement to us. His Word is a "shield" a protection for us

against the onslaughts of the Enemy, a place of refuge from the struggle

and confusion of daily life.

We live in a world that recognises no absolute truth. Morality,

values, relationships, ethics - every decision of life, it seems,

"depends on the situation." But in the midst of the confusion,

God interjects his Word - timeless, pure, trustworthy, reliable.

We can depend upon God's Word. We can turn to him to verify who we are

and the purposes for which we were created. We can find refuge in his truth,

and rest in the knowledge that whatever he says, he will do.



Application



a) In my own experience, how have I found God's Word

to be different from the word of men and women?



b) In what areas of my life do I need the assurance of the validity

and dependability of God's Word?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Deut 29:9



9 (Dt 4:6; Jos 1:7)Therefore, keep the words of this covenant

and do them, so that you may prosper in all you do.



9 Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them,

that ye may prosper in all that ye do.



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



When you are ill or injured



Psalm 103:1-5



1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,

who heals all your diseases,

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.



1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;

Who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;

Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;

So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.



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



19th Day of the Month



a) Pray the the Holy Spirit will influence our governmental leaders

as they make vital decisions that shape Canadian Society



(



1 Tim 2:1-2



)



b) Pray for the province of Prince Edward Island



I) Pray for the leaders of Prince Edward Island,

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



)



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to expose injustice.



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

yield the areas of sin in my life to You."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the purity of God's Word.



Pray to the Lord and pray to keep the words of His covenant.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know His mercies.



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 the the Holy Spirit will influence our governmental leaders

as they make vital decisions that shape Canadian Society



Pray that Venezuelans will recognise the emptiness of Marxist ideology

and turn to faith in Jesus 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 261 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 18 September 2025 reflections

Day 261, 18 September 2025



1) Zechariah 11, Zechariah 12, Zechariah 13, Zechariah 14



Zechariah 11



1 (Jer 22:6-7) Open your doors, O Lebanon,

so the fire can consume your cedar.

2 Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen;

the majestic trees are destroyed.

Wail, O oaks of Bashan,

because the unassailable forest has been brought down.

3 (Jer 50:44; 25:34-36) There is the sound of wailing shepherds,

because their glory is ruined.

There is the sound of roaring lions,

because the pride of Jordan is ruined.



[1] Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.

[2] Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled:

howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.

[3] There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is

spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is

spoiled.



Two Kinds of Shepherds



4 (Zec 11:7) Thus says the Lord my God: Shepherd the flock of slaughter.

5 (Jer 50:7; Hos 12:8) The ones who buy them then slaughter them

and have no guilt, and those who sell them say,

"Blessed is the Lord because I am rich." Their own shepherds do not take pity

on them.

6 (Jer 13:14; Isa 9:19-21) For I will no longer have pity on those who dwell

in the land, says the Lord. But I will cause each of them to fall

into the hands of his neighbor, even into the hands of his king.

They will crush the land, and I will not deliver any from their hands.

7 (Zec 11:4; 11:14) So I shepherded the flock that was for slaughter,

even the afflicted of the flock. And I took for myself two staffs.

One I called Favor and the other I gave the name Union.

So I pastured the flock.

8 (Isa 49:7; Hos 5:7) I destroyed the three shepherds in the span

of one month.

For my soul was impatient with them, and their souls detested me.

9 (Jer 43:11) Then I said, "I will not shepherd you. What is to die,

let it die. What is to be destroyed, let it be destroyed. Let those

who are left devour each other's flesh."

10 (Zec 11:7; Ps 89:39) I took the staff named Favor and cut it into pieces,

to break the covenant that I made with all the peoples.

11 (Zep 3:12) So it was broken that day, and the afflicted of the flock

were watching me and knew that this was the word of the Lord.

12 (Mt 26:15; Ex 21:32; Ge 37:28) Then I said to them,

"If this is good in your eyes, then give my wages to me, but if not,

then keep it." They weighed my wages at thirty pieces of silver.

13 (Ac 1:18-19; Mt 27:3-10) Then the Lord said to me, "Throw it to the potter,

the splendid price by which I was valued by them."

So I took the thirty silver pieces and threw them

to the house of the Lord to the potter.

14 (Isa 9:21) Then I cut up the second staff, Union, to break the brotherhood

between Judah and Israel.

15 (Isa 6:10-12)Then the Lord said to me: Take for yourself again the vessels

carried by a foolish shepherd.

16 (Jer 23:2; Eze 34:2-6) I am raising up a shepherd in the land who will

not care for those who are perishing, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken,

nor feed those who are standing still. But he will eat the flesh of the fat

and tear their hoofs in pieces.

17 (Jer 23:1; 50:35-37) Woe to this worthless shepherd

who abandons his flock.

May the sword take his arm and right eye;

may his arm surely wither up,

and his right eye become blind.



[4] Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;

[5] Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they

that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own

shepherds pity them not.

[6] For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD:

but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour's hand, and

into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their

hand I will not deliver them.

[7] And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock.

And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I

called Bands; and I fed the flock.

[8] Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them,

and their soul also abhorred me.

[9] Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that

that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the

flesh of another.

[10] And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might

break my covenant which I had made with all the people.

[11] And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited

upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD.

[12] And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not,

forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.

[13] And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that

I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast

them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

[14] Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the

brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

[15] And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a

foolish shepherd.

[16] For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit

those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that

is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of

the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.

[17] Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be

upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and

his right eye shall be utterly darkened.



Zechariah 12



The Deliverance of Judah



1 (Isa 42:5; 57:16) The oracle of the word of the Lord against Israel.

Thus says the Lord, the One who stretches out the heavens and establishes

the earth and forms the spirit of man within him:

2 (Zec 14:14; Ps 75:8) I am going to make Jerusalem a cup of reeling

before all the surrounding nations. And when there is a siege against Judah,

it is also against Jerusalem.

3 (Mt 21:44; Da 2:34-35) And it will be on that day that I will set Jerusalem

as a weighty stone to all the peoples. All who carry it will surely gash

themselves, and all the nations of the land will be gathered against it.

4 (Dt 28:28; Zec 12:3) On that day I will strike every horse with confusion

and its rider with madness, but for the house of Judah I will keep My eyes

open although I will strike with blindness every horse of the peoples.

5 Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, "There is strength for us

with those residing in Jerusalem by the Lord of Hosts, their God."

6 (Ob 1:18; Zec 2:4) On that day I will set Judah like a fiery pot among wood

and as a flaming torch among cut grain. And they will devour to the right

and left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem will still reside

in her place, the place of Jerusalem.

7 The Lord will deliver the tents of Judah as before, so that the glory

of the house of David and the glory of those dwelling in Jerusalem will

not eclipse Judah.

8 (Mic 7:8) On that day the Lord will defend those residing in Jerusalem;

and even the one who stumbles among them will be as David on that day.

And the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord going

out before them.

9 On that day I will seek to destroy all the nations

who come out against Jerusalem.



[1] The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which

stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and

formeth the spirit of man within him.

[2] Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people

round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against

Jerusalem.

[3] And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people:

all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the

people of the earth be gathered together against it.

[4] In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment,

and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of

Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

[5] And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of

Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

[6] In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire

among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour

all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem

shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

[7] The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the

house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify

themselves against Judah.

[8] In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he

that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of

David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.

[9] And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all

the nations that come against Jerusalem.



Mourning for Him Whom They Have Pierced



10 (Rev 1:7; Jer 6:26) And I will pour out on the house of David

and over those dwelling in Jerusalem a spirit of favor and supplication

so that they look to Me, whom they have pierced through. And they will mourn

over him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly over him

as a firstborn.

11 (2Ki 23:29; 2Ch 35:24) On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be

as great as that of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.

12 (2Sa 5:14; Zec 7:3) The land will mourn with each family by itself:

the family of the house of David by themselves, and their wives by themselves;

the family of the house of Nathan by themselves,

and their wives by themselves;

13 the family of the house of Levi by themselves,

and their wives by themselves; the family of Shimei by themselves,

and their wives also by themselves;

14 and all the families that remain, each by itself and their wives

by themselves.



[10] And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of

Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look

upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one

mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that

is in bitterness for his firstborn.

[11] In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the

mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

[12] And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house

of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan

apart, and their wives apart;

[13] The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the

family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart;

[14] All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives

apart.



Zechariah 13



The Cleansing of God's People



1 (Ps 51:2; Eze 36:25) On that day there will be a spring opened up

for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin

and impurity.

2 (1Ki 22:22; Jer 23:14-15) And on that day, says the Lord of Hosts, I will

cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they will not be remembered

any more. And I will also remove from the land the prophets

and the unclean spirit.

3 (Dt 13:6-11; 18:20) And it will be if a man again prophesies,

then his father and mother who gave birth to him will say,

"You will not live because you speak deception in the name of the Lord."

Then when he prophesies, his father and mother will pierce him through.

4 (2Ki 1:8; Isa 20:2) On that day each prophet will be ashamed of his vision

when he prophesies. He will not put on a robe of coarse hair in order

to deceive.

5 (Am 7:14) But he will say, "I am not a prophet. I am a man who works

the ground, for a man purchased me when I was young."

6 If someone asks, "What are these wounds on your arms?" he will say,

"I was struck in the house of my close friends."



[1] In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and

to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

[2] And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I

will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more

be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to

pass out of the land.

[3] And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his

father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not

live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his

mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

[4] And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be

ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they

wear a rough garment to deceive:

[5] But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me

to keep cattle from my youth.

[6] And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then

he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.



Striking the Shepherd, Scattering the Sheep



7 (Isa 40:11; Zec 11:7) "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd

and the man of My association,"

says the Lord of Hosts.

Strike the shepherd,

and the sheep will scatter.

I will turn My hand against the small ones.

8 (Eze 5:2-4; 5:12) And it will happen in all the land, says the Lord,

that two-thirds will be cut off and die,

and one-third will be left in the land.

9 (Ps 50:15; Isa 48:10) And I will bring this one-third left into the fire,

and will refine them as the refinement of silver,

and will test them as the testing of gold.

They will call on My name,

and I will answer them.

I will say, "They are My people";

and they will say, "The Lord is my God."



[7] Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my

fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be

scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

[8] And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two

parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.

[9] And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them

as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on

my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall

say, The LORD is my God.



Zechariah 14



The Day of the Lord



1 (Isa 13:9; 13:6) A day of the Lord is coming when your spoil

will be divided in your midst.

2 (Isa 13:16; Joel 3:2) For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem

for battle. The city will be captured and the houses plundered and the women

ravished. Half of the city will go to exile, but the remainder of the people

will not be cut off from the city.

3 (Zec 12:9) Then the Lord will go out and fight those nations

as He fights in the day of war.

4 (Eze 11:23; Isa 64:1-2) On that day His feet will stand on the Mount

of Olives, which is to the east of Jerusalem. And from east to west

the Mount of Olives will be split in two halves by a very great valley

so that one half moves to the north and the other to the south.

5 (Am 1:1; Isa 29:6) And you will flee to my mountain valley,

for the mountain valley will reach to Azal. You will flee just like you

fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah.

Then the Lord my God will come and all His holy ones with you.

6 And on that day there will be no light. The lights will diminish.

7 (Isa 30:26; Rev 22:5) And there will be one day known to the Lord,

neither during the day nor the night, but at the evening time there

will be light.

8 (Eze 47:1-12; Joel 2:20) On that day living water will flow out

from Jerusalem, half to the Dead Sea and the other half to the

Mediterranean Sea. This will happen for the summer as well as the winter.

9 (Eph 4:5-6; Isa 2:2-4) And the Lord will be king over all the earth.

In that day it will be "The Lord is one," and His name is one.

10 (Zec 12:6; Jos 15:32) All the land will be turned into a plain from Geba

to Rimmon to the south of Jerusalem. But Jerusalem will rise and dwell

in her place from the Benjamin Gate to the place of the Old Gate,

to the Corner Gate, and then from the Tower of Hananel

to the winepress of the king.

11 (Rev 22:3; Jer 23:5-6) And people will live there,

and she will never again be devoted for destruction.

Jerusalem will reside in security.

12 And this will be the pestilence with which the Lord will strike

all the peoples who go to battle against Jerusalem: Their flesh will

rot as they stand on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets,

and their tongues will rot in their mouths.

13 Then on that day a great tumult from the Lord will come on them

as each person will seize the hand of his neighbor,

and the hand of one will be raised against the hand of another.

14 (Isa 23:18; Zec 12:2) And even Judah will fight with Jerusalem,

and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered,

a great abundance of gold, silver, and garments.

15 (Zec 14:12) So this plague will come to horses, mules, camels, donkeys,

and any other animals that are in the camp. So will this plague be.

16 (Isa 60:6-9; 66:18-21) Then it will be that all the nations

who have come against Jerusalem and survived will go up each year

to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts,

and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

17 (Jer 14:4; 1Ki 17:1) And it will happen that if any of the families

of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts,

then there will not be rain for them.

18 If the family of Egypt does not go up and enter in,

they shall have no rain. This will be the plague with which the Lord strikes

the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

19 This will be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations

who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

20 (Isa 23:18; Zec 9:15) On that day "HOLY TO THE Lord" will be engraved

on the bells of the horses. And the pots in the house of the Lord will be

as the basins before the altar.

21 (Ne 8:10; Eze 44:9) And every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy

to the Lord of Hosts so that all who come to sacrifice will take from

those pots and boil the meat in them. And on that day there will no longer be

a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of Hosts.



[1] Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in

the midst of thee.

[2] For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city

shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of

the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall

not be cut off from the city.

[3] Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when

he fought in the day of battle.

[4] And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is

before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the

midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very

great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and

half of it toward the south.

[5] And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the

mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from

before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my

God shall come, and all the saints with thee.

[6] And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be

clear, nor dark:

[7] But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor

night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be

light.

[8] And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from

Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the

hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

[9] And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there

be one LORD, and his name one.

[10] All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of

Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from

Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and

from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.

[11] And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter

destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

[12] And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the

people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away

while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their

holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.

[13] And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the

LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of

his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his

neighbour.

[14] And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the

heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and

apparel, in great abundance.

[15] And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and

of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this

plague.

[16] And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the

nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to

worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

[17] And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the

earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them

shall be no rain.

[18] And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain;

there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that

come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

[19] This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all

nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

[20] In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO

THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD's house shall be like the bowl's before

the altar.

[21] Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the

LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and

seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the

house of the LORD of hosts.



2) Our Daily Bread for 18 September 2025 Titled



Of Megalodons and Leviathan
by Adam R. Holz



Job 41:1-5, 10-14





Job 41

1 "Can you draw out Leviathan

(sea monster like the legendary Loch Ness Monster)

with a hook

or snare his tongue with a line which you let down?

2 Can you put a cord into his nose,

or pierce his jaw with a hook?

3 Will he make many supplications to you?

Will he speak soft words to you?

4 Will he make a covenant with you?

Will you take him for a servant forever?

5 Will you play with him as with a bird?

Or will you put him on a leash for your maidens?

10 No one is so fierce that he dares to stir him up.

Who then is able to stand before Me?

11 Who has preceded Me that I should repay him?

Everything under heaven is Mine.

12 "I will not conceal his limbs,

nor his power, nor his graceful proportions.

13 Who can remove his outer garment?

Or who can approach him with a double bridle?

14 Who can open the jaws of his face?

His teeth are terrible all around.



Job 41

1 Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook?

Or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?

2 Canst thou put an hook into his nose?

Or bore his jaw through with a thorn?

3 Will he make many supplications unto thee?

Will he speak soft words unto thee?

4 Will he make a covenant with thee?

Wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?

5 Wilt thou play with him as with a bird?

Or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens?

10 None is so fierce that dare stir him up:

Who then is able to stand before me?

11 Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him?

Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.

12 I will not conceal his parts,

Nor his power, nor his comely proportion.

13 Who can discover the face of his garment?

Or who can come to him with his double bridle?

14 Who can open the doors of his face?

His teeth are terrible round about.



Years ago, a lumpy package arrived in my mailbox. I noticed my best friend's

return address on it and smiled. Joe sometimes sends me unexpected things.

This package qualified: Inside was a dark brown shark's tooth - five inches

long.



Joe's letter explained it was a fossilised tooth from a prehistoric shark,

a megalodon, many times bigger than a great white shark. I tried to fathom how

big a fish's jaw would have to be to contain rows of such teeth. Scientists

offer a speculative answer: nine by eleven feet. What a sight these creatures

must have been!



Scripture doesn't mention megalodons. But in the book of Job, God describes a

sea beast called Leviathan. Job 41 details its impressive frame. "I will not

fail to speak of Leviathan's limbs, its strength and its graceful form," God

tells Job (v. 12). "Who dares open the doors of its mouth,

ringed about with fearsome teeth?" (v. 14).



The answer? Only Leviathan's creator. And here, God reminds Job that as great

as this beast might be, it's nothing compared to its Creator:

"Everything under heaven belongs to me" (v. 11).



That meg tooth sits on my desk, a visual token of our Creator's majesty

and creativity. And that unlikely reminder of God's character comforts me when

it feels like the world might eat me up and spit me out.



Reflect & Pray



How do certain aspects of creation remind you of God's powerful,

creative nature? How does His work in creation encourage you?



Dear Father, Your creation speaks of Your

splendour and power. Please help me trust You when life feels overwhelming.



Learn more about what we can learn from nature

by reading What Leviathan Teaches Us About God.






3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 5 - Learning by Heart



Ps 119:9,11



9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) How shall a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping it according to Your word.

11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Your word I have hidden in my heart,

that I might not sin against You.



9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed thereto according to thy word.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,

That I might not sin against thee.



"His heart is not just in it," a gifted musician commented about the

pianist onstage. "He's here at the Orchestra Hall, playing for

thousands of people, an his technique is flawless, but something

is missing - his heart is just not in it."

The psalmist , in Psalm 119, draws a similar parallel. We "Keep our

way pure" through obedience of his Word, by ordering our lives according

to the commands of the Scriptures. But outward behaviour is not the only

essential factor in purity of life. The changes in our behaviour need to

come from the heart, from the inside out. Our "technique" for living

the Christian life may be flawless, but our obedience is founded

in heart motivation, something is certainly missing.

"I seek you with all my heart," the psalmist declares in verse 10.

Thus he can say in verse 11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart,

that I might not sin against You."

Often we refer to memorisation as "learning by heart" - and indeed

"by heart" is the biblical mandate for assimilating God's truth

into our daily lives. "By rote" or "By Mind" leaves us

intellectually overstuffed, yet spiritually starving.

When we try to apply the Word outwardly to our behaviour,

we end up in a tangle of legalism, a log "do list" by which

we hope to please God. But when we set our hearts toward God first,

then changes in our behaviour grow out of love for God and a deep

desire to serve him. Then we are truly loving and obeying God with

our whole hearts.



Application



a) In what ways have I tried to apply God's word to my behaviour

without having the truth firmly in my heart? What was the result?



b) How can I set my heart toward God and give myself more fully

to his Word?



c) What areas of my life need "purifying"? How can these verses

help me to "make my way pure"?





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



18th Day of the Month



a) Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical

refreshing for the presence of the Lord



( Jer 31:25



25 For I satiate the weary souls and I replenish every languishing soul.



25 For I have satiated the weary soul,

and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

)



b) Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from

danger and adversity



( Ps 34:7



7 The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him,

and delivers them.



7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him,

And delivereth them.



)



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His Wisdom and Justice.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, Your creation speaks of Your

splendour and power. Please help me trust You when life feels overwhelming."



Pray to the Lord and pray to keep your ways pure God's Word.



Pray to the Lord and pray His Word will not depart from your mouth.



Pray to the Lord and pray to rest in the Lord.



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 pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical

refreshing for the presence of the Lord



Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from

danger and adversity



Pray for Christian converts in the Palestinian Territories who are facing

violent opposition from their families and local authorities.



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.