Day 90 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 30 March 2024 - Good Friday reflections
Day 90, 30 March 2024
1) Judges 3 -5
JUDGES 3
1 (Jdg 2:21-22) Now these are the nations that the Lord left to test
those in Israel who had not experienced war in Canaan
2 (so that later generations of the children of Israel who did not
know war before might know it, to teach them how to fight):
3 (Jos 13:3; 13:5) the five Philistine lords, all the Canaanites,
the Sidonians, and the Hivites living on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal
Hermon to Lebo Hamath.
4 (Jdg 2:22; 3:1) They were to test Israel, in order to know if they would
obey the commandments of the Lord, which He commanded their fathers
by the hand of Moses.
5 (Ex 3:8) The children of Israel lived among the Canaanites, Hittites,
Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
6 (Ex 34:16; Dt 7:3-4) They took their daughters for themselves as wives,
and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
Judges 3
[1] Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them,
even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
[2] Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach
them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
[3] Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the
Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount
Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath.
[4] And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would
hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers
by the hand of Moses.
[5] And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and
Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:
[6] And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their
daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
Othniel
7 (Ex 34:13; Jdg 2:11-13) The children of Israel did what was evil
in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served
the Baals and the Asherahs.
8 (Jdg 2:14; Hab 3:7) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel,
and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia.
The children of Israel served Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years.
9 (Jdg 1:13; 3:15) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
and the Lord raised up a deliverer in order to save the children of Israel
-Othniel son of Kenaz, the younger brother of Caleb.
10 (Jdg 6:34; 11:29) The Spirit of the Lord came on him,
and he judged Israel. He went out to battle,
and the Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hands,
so that Othniel overpowered Cushan-Rishathaim.
11 (Jos 11:23; Jdg 3:30) The land rested forty years, then Othniel
son of Kenaz died.
[7] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat
the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.
[8] Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them
into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of
Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years.
[9] And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up
a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the
son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
[10] And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and
went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of
Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against
Chushan-rishathaim.
[11] And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
Ehud
12 (1Sa 12:9; Jdg 2:19) Then the children of Israel once more did
what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord strengthened
King Eglon of Moab against Israel because they had done
what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
13 (Jdg 1:16; Dt 34:3) Eglon joined forces with the Ammonites and Amalekites;
then he went and attacked Israel and took possession of the City of Palms.
14 The children of Israel served King Eglon of Moab for eighteen years.
15 (Jdg 3:9; Ps 78:34) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
and the Lord raised up a deliverer-Ehud son of Gera the Benjamite,
a left-handed man. The children of Israel sent a tribute payment by him
to King Eglon of Moab.
16 Ehud made a cubit-long (About 18 inches, or 45 centimeters.)
two-edged sword for himself and strapped it onto his right thigh
under his cloak.
17 He brought the tribute payment to King Eglon of Moab.
Now Eglon was a very fat man.
18 When Ehud finished offering the tribute payment,
he sent away the people who carried it.
19 (Jos 4:20) But he himself turned back from the stone idols that
were at Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king."
And he said, "Keep silence!" And all who attended him departed from him.
20 (Am 3:15) Ehud approached him as he was sitting alone in his cool
upper chamber. Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you."
And Eglon rose from his seat.
21 Then Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh,
and plunged it into the belly of Eglon.
22 The hilt went in after the blade and the fat closed over the blade
and his entrails came out, for he did not pull the sword
out of the belly of Eglon.
23 Then Ehud went out to the entrance hall and closed the doors of
the upper chamber on him and locked them.
24 (1Sa 24:3) When he went out, the servants of Eglon came.
They looked and noticed the doors of the upper chamber were locked.
They thought, "Surely he is attending to his needs in the cool chamber."
25 They waited until they were embarrassed, but he still did not open
the doors of the upper chamber. So they took a key and opened it.
There, fallen dead on the floor, was their lord.
26 Yet Ehud escaped while they were waiting. He passed the sacred stones
and escaped to Seirah.
27 (Jdg 6:34; 1Sa 13:3) Upon his arrival, he blew a ram's horn trumpet
in the hill country of Ephraim. Then the children of Israel went down
with him from the hill country, and he led them.
28 (Jdg 12:5; Jos 2:7) He said to them, "Follow me, for the Lord has given
your enemies the Moabites into your hands." They followed him,
and they captured the Jordan fords leading to Moab.
They did not let anyone cross.
29 They struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all strong and valorous men,
and not a single man escaped.
30 (Jdg 3:11) So Moab was humbled under the hand of Israel that day,
and the land had peace for eighty years.
[12] And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and
the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they
had done evil in the sight of the LORD.
[13] And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and
smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
[14] So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
[15] But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised
them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded:
and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of
Moab.
[16] But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and
he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.
[17] And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a
very fat man.
[18] And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the
people that bare the present.
[19] But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and
said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And
all that stood by him went out from him.
[20] And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which
he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto
thee. And he arose out of his seat.
[21] And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right
thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
[22] And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the
blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt
came out.
[23] Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the
parlour upon him, and locked them.
[24] When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that,
behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth
his feet in his summer chamber.
[25] And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the
doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and,
behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.
[26] And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries,
and escaped unto Seirath.
[27] And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the
mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the
mount, and he before them.
[28] And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered
your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and
took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.
[29] And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty,
and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.
[30] So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had
rest fourscore years.
Shamgar
31 (Jdg 5:6; 2:16) After Ehud was Shamgar son of Anath.
He struck down six hundred Philistine men with an ox goad.
He also saved Israel.
[31] And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the
Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.
JUDGES 4
Deborah
1 When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel once more
did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
2 (Jos 11:1; Jdg 4:13) The Lord sold them into the hands
of King Jabin of Canaan, who ruled in Hazor.
The commander of his army was Sisera. He lived in Harosheth Haggoyim.
3 (Jdg 1:19; 3:9) The children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
for Sisera had 900 iron chariots and had forcefully oppressed
the children of Israel for twenty years.
4 Now Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophetess.
She judged Israel at that time.
5 (Ge 35:8) She would sit under the palm tree of Deborah
between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim.
The children of Israel would go up to her for her to render judgment.
6 (Heb 11:32; Jos 19:37) She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh
in Naphtali and said to him, "The Lord God of Israel commands you,
'Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor, and take 10000 from the tribes
of Naphtali and Zebulun with you.
7 (Jdg 5:21; 1Ki 18:40) I will draw Sisera, the commander of the army
of Jabin, with his chariots and large army to you at the River Kishon
and give him into your hands.' "
8 Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go,
but if you will not go with me, then I will not go."
9 (Jdg 2:14) She said, "I will indeed go with you. However, the way
you are going will gain you no glory, for the Lord will deliver Sisera
into the hand of a woman." Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh.
10 (Jdg 5:18; 5:15) Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh.
10000 men went up on foot with him, and Deborah went up with him also.
11 (Nu 10:29; Jos 19:33) Now Heber the Kenite had moved away from the Kenites,
who were descendants of Hobab, Moses' father-in-law.
He pitched his tent at the oak in Zaanannim, near Kedesh.
12 Then they told Sisera that Barak son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor.
13 (Jdg 4:2-3) So Sisera summoned all his 900 iron chariots
and all the people with him, from Harosheth Haggoyim to the River Kishon.
14 (Dt 9:3; 2Sa 5:24) Then Deborah said to Barak,"Get up, for this is the day
that the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone
out before you?" So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10000 men
behind him.
15 (Jos 10:10; Ps 83:9-10) The Lord routed Sisera and all of his chariots
and all of his army with the edge of the sword in front of Barak.
Sisera dismounted his chariot and fled on foot.
16 Barak chased after the chariots and the army as far as Harosheth Haggoyim.
The whole army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword. Not a single man survived.
17 Sisera fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite,
for there was peace between King Jabin of Hazor
and the family of Heber the Kenite.
18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him,
"Turn aside, my lord. Turn aside to me. Do not be afraid."
So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.
19 (Jdg 5:25-26) He said to her, "Please give me a little water to drink,
for I am thirsty." So she opened a leather milk container, gave it to him to drink,
and covered him.
20 He said to her, "Stand in the entrance to the tent,
and if anyone comes and asks you, 'Is there a man here?' then you say, 'No.' "
21 Then Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg and a hammer in her hand
and went quietly to him, for he was fast asleep and tired.
She drove the tent peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground,
so he died.
22 Now as Barak had been chasing Sisera, Jael came out to meet him and said,
"Come, and I will show you the man whom you seek."
When he came in, there was Sisera fallen dead with a tent peg in his temple.
23 (Ne 9:24; Ps 18:47) So God humbled King Jabin of Canaan
before the children of Israel that day.
24 The children of Israel grew more and more powerful
over King Jabin of Canaan until he was no more.
Judges 4
[1] And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when
Ehud was dead.
[2] And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that
reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in
Harosheth of the Gentiles.
[3] And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred
chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of
Israel.
[4] And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at
that time.
[5] And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in
mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
[6] And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali,
and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and
draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children
of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
[7] And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of
Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him
into thine hand.
[8] And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if
thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.
[9] And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey
that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell
Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to
Kedesh.
[10] And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with
ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.
[11] Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in
law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent
unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.
[12] And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to
mount Tabor.
[13] And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred
chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of
the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.
[14] And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD
hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee?
So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.
[15] And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his
host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down
off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.
[16] But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto
Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of
the sword; and there was not a man left.
[17] Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of
Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and
the house of Heber the Kenite.
[18] And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord,
turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent,
she covered him with a mantle.
[19] And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink;
for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and
covered him.
[20] Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be,
when any man doth come and inquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here?
that thou shalt say, No.
[21] Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in
her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and
fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.
[22] And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and
said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And
when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his
temples.
[23] So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children
of Israel.
[24] And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against
Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.
JUDGES 5
The Song of Deborah
1 (Ex 15:1)On that day, Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang:
2 (Jdg 5:9; 2Ch 17:16) "When the leaders in Israel lead,
when the people freely volunteer,
bless the Lord!
3 "Hear, O kings! Listen, O rulers!
I will sing to the Lord;
I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.
4 (Dt 33:2; Ps 68:7-8) "Lord, when You went out from Seir,
when You marched from the land of Edom,
the ground shook and the skies poured,
indeed, the dense clouds poured water.
5 (Ex 19:18; Ps 97:5) The mountains quaked before the Lord,
this very Sinai, before the Lord God of Israel.
6 (Jdg 3:31; Isa 33:8) "In the days of Shamgar son of Anath,
in the days of Jael, main roads were abandoned
and travelers used roundabout paths.
7 Village life ceased. It ceased
until I, Deborah, arose;
I arose like a mother in Israel.
8 (Dt 32:16-17; Jdg 2:12) They were choosing new gods,
and warfare was at the city gates,
but not a shield or spear was to be seen
among forty thousand in Israel.
9 (Jdg 5:2) My heart is with the rulers of Israel
who offered themselves willingly among the people.
Bless the Lord!
10 (Jdg 10:4; 12:14) "You who ride on white donkeys,
you who sit in judges' attire,
you who walk on the road,
11 (1Sa 12:7; Mic 6:5) consider the voice of those who distribute water
among the watering places.
There they tell of the righteous deeds of the Lord,
the righteous deeds of villagers in Israel.
"Then the people of the Lord
go down to the gates.
12 (Ps 57:8; 68:18) Awake, awake, Deborah!
Awake, awake, sing a song!
Stand up, Barak,
and capture your prisoners, son of Abinoam!
13 "The survivors
came down to the nobles;
the people of the Lord
came down for me against the mighty.
14 (Nu 32:39-40; Jdg 3:13) Some came from Ephraim, whose roots were in Amalek,
following you, Benjamin, with your people.
From Makir rulers came down,
and from Zebulun those who carry the staff of a scribe.
15 (Jdg 4:14) The princes of Issachar were with Deborah,
and Issachar was with Barak;
they were sent into the valley on foot.
Among the clans of Reuben
there was great resolve of heart.
16 (Nu 32:24) Why do you sit among the sheepfolds
to hear playing of pipes for the flocks?
In the clans of Reuben
there was much searching of heart.
17 (Jos 13:25) Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan.
As for Dan, why did he stay with the ships?
Asher stayed by the seacoast
and settled by its bays.
18 (Jdg 4:10; 4:6) Zebulun is a people who risked their lives
to the point of death,
Naphtali also, on the heights of the battlefield.
19 (Jdg 1:27; 5:30) "Kings came to wage war.
The kings of Canaan waged war
in Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo;
they took no money as profit.
20 (Jos 10:11) From the heavens the stars fought,
from their courses they fought against Sisera.
21 (Jdg 4:7; Ps 44:5) The torrent of Kishon swept them away,
that ancient torrent, the torrent of Kishon.
My soul, march on in strength!
22 Then horses' hooves pounded,
the galloping, galloping of his steeds.
23 (Jdg 21:9-10) Curse Meroz, said the angel of the Lord,
curse its inhabitants,
for they did not come to the aid of the Lord,
to the aid of the Lord against the mighty warriors.
24 (Jdg 4:17) "Most blessed of women is Jael,
the wife of Heber the Kenite,
most blessed of tent-dwelling women.
25 He asked for water, she gave him milk.
In a magnificent bowl she brought cream.
26 Her hand on a tent peg,
her right hand on a workman’s hammer;
she struck Sisera, she crushed his skull,
she shattered and pierced his temple.
27 Between her feet he sank, he fell, he lay;
between her feet he sank, he fell;
where he sank, there he fell, overpowered.
28 "The mother of Sisera looked through the window,
and cried out through the lattice,
'Why is his chariot so late?
Why is the sound of his war chariots so delayed?'
29 Her wise attendants answered her,
indeed, she replied to herself,
30 (Ex 15:9) 'Are they not finding and dividing the spoils:
a girl or two for each man;
dyed garments as plunder for Sisera,
dyed and embroidered garments,
two pieces of dyed embroidery for the neck of the looter?"
31 (Jdg 3:11; 2Sa 23:4) "May all Your enemies perish like this, OLord!
But may those who love Him rise like the sun
when it rises in full strength."
Then the land was at peace for fourty years.
Judges 5
[1] Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
[2] Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly
offered themselves.
[3] Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the
LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
[4] LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the
field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also
dropped water.
[5] The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before
the LORD God of Israel.
[6] In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the
highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.
[7] The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until
that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.
[8] They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or
spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
[9] My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves
willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.
[10] Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk
by the way.
[11] They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of
drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD,
even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel:
then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.
[12] Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and
lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.
[13] Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the
people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.
[14] Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee,
Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of
Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.
[15] And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also
Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben
there were great thoughts of heart.
[16] Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the
flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.
[17] Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher
continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.
[18] Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the
death in the high places of the field.
[19] The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach
by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
[20] They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against
Sisera.
[21] The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river
Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
[22] Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the
pransings of their mighty ones.
[23] Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the
inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the
help of the LORD against the mighty.
[24] Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed
shall she be above women in the tent.
[25] He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a
lordly dish.
[26] She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's
hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when
she had pierced and stricken through his temples.
[27] At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he
fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
[28] The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the
lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his
chariots?
[29] Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,
[30] Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a
damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours
of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the
necks of them that take the spoil?
[31] So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be
as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty
years.
2) Our Daily Bread for 30 March 2024 titled
The Passion of Christ
Isaiah 53:4-7,10-12
4 (Mt 8:17; Jn 19:7) Surely he has borne our grief
and carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 (Ro 4:25; 1Co 15:3) But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities;
the chastisement of our peace was upon him,
and by his stripes we are healed.
6 (Ps 69:4; 1Pe 2:25) All of us like sheep have gone astray;
each of us has turned to his own way,
but the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 (Mk 14:61; Mt 26:63) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
10 (Ps 22:30; 69:26) Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him;
He has put him to grief.
If he made himself as an offering for sin,
he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days,
and the good pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 (Ro 5:18-19; Isa 42:1) He shall see of the anguish of his soul
and be satisfied.
By his knowledge My righteous servant shall justify the many,
for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 (Mk 15:27; Lk 22:37) Therefore, I will divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death,
and he was numbered with the transgressors,
thus he bore the sin of many
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53
[4] Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did
esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
[5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our
iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes
we are healed.
[6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own
way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
[7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he
is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her
shearers is
dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
[10] Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when
thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he
shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his
hand.
[11] He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by
his
knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their
iniquities.
[12] Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall
divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto
death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of
many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Before Jim Caviezel played Jesus in the film The Passion of the Christ,
director Mel Gibson warned that the role would be extremely difficult
and could negatively impact his career in Hollywood. Caviezel took
on the role anyway, saying, "I think we have to make it,
even if it is difficult."
During the filming, Caviezel was struck by lightning, lost forty-five pounds,
and was accidentally whipped during the flogging scene. Afterwards, he stated,
"I didn't want people to see me. I just wanted them to see Jesus.
Conversions will happen through that." The film deeply affected Caviezel
and others on the set, and only God knows how many of the millions
who watched it experienced changed lives.
The passion of Christ refers to the time of Jesus' greatest suffering,
from His triumphal entry on Palm Sunday and including His betrayal,
mocking, flogging, and crucifixion. Accounts are found in all four gospels.
In Isaiah 53, His suffering and its outcome are foretold: "He was pierced
for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment
that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed" (v. 5).
All of us, "like sheep, have gone astray" (v. 6). But because of Jesus'
crucifixion and resurrection, we can have peace with God. His suffering
opened the way for us to be with Him.
By: Alyson Kieda
Reflect & Pray
What aspect of Christ's life most impacts you?
How does His suffering affect you?
Precious Savior, it's hard to express how grateful
I am that You suffered, died, and rose again for me. Thank You.
For further study, read I Am the Way: The Amazing Claims of Jesus.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6
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.
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.
When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.
Application
a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?
b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?
c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work
God still want to do in me?
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 2021 edition?)
Saskatchewan
Quick facts on Muslims in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan 2015 population 1125400
est Muslim Population 17279
CNMM Networks: Saskatoon
Saskatoon has seen quick growth in its Muslim population over the past
5 years, which maybe as high as 5000 today. Islamic leaders have
focused specifically on this city , having twice already sent cohorts
of about 70 families to start mosques. There are now 7 Islamic centres
of worship and an Islamic madrassah (school) located right next to a
Christian school.
Of particular concern recently is the number of young adults who grew up
in evangelical churches and converted to Islam. Most of these are young
women who were wooed by Muslim man and became emotionally bonded.
Both prior to and after marrying, these women are known to convert to Islam.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
Adding further
Pray for Migrants at Sea
Psalm 139:9-10
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell at the end of the sea,
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) even there Your hand shall guide me,
and Your right hand shall take hold of me.
9 If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me,
And thy right hand shall hold me.
Over 500 men, women and children drowned in June 2023
while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in an overcrowded boat
destined for Greece. The boat was filled with migrants from Egypt, Syria,
Pakistan, and Palestine who were seeking asylum in Europe. They had made
arrangements with smugglers in Libya to take them to Greece, but the boat
was unsafe and vastly overcrowded. Survivors have reported that the boat
ran out of food and water on the second day at sea and people began to die
on board before it sank on the fifth day, drowning hundreds.
Exactly how many people attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea each year is
not known. The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates
that over 80000 people crossed last year – more than ever before. The IOM
counts about 2000 who have died in the attempt but it is not known how many
die without ever being found.
The majority of migrants making this crossing are Muslim – fleeing war,
political violence, poverty and hopelessness. They believe that Europe will
give them the chance to work and raise a family in peace. But many have no
idea of the risks they take in stepping aboard a smuggler's boat.
Many organizations are doing their best to help migrants who arrive on the
shores of Greece or Italy, but there are few resources and increasing numbers
of desperate migrants. Governments in Europe negotiate how many refugees they
can accept, but many are also lost to human traffickers or end up in refugee
camps for years on the other side of the Mediterranean.
How to Pray
Pray for Muslim refugees who cross the Mediterranean clinging to the hope
of a better life, that they will find it, and that God will meet them in
Europe.
Pray for the protection of refugees on their dangerous journeys.
Pray for organizations helping Muslim refugees in Europe to have
the resources they need to minister in practical and spiritual ways.
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
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?
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray a prayer of Thank you for the abilities
He gives us.
Pray to the Lord: "Precious Savior, it's hard to express how grateful
I am that You suffered, died, and rose again for me. Thank You."
Pray to the Lord and pray tfor Him to the work He needs to make you better.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be rooted in righteousness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to practice His Word with His Help.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
Pray for Muslim refugees who cross the Mediterranean clinging to the hope
of a better life, that they will find it, and that God will meet them in
Europe.
Pray for the protection of refugees on their dangerous journeys.
Pray for organizations helping Muslim refugees in Europe to have
the resources they need to minister in practical and spiritual ways.
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 for Christians in Laos like Phan and Yun who have been rejected
or evicted for their faith.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God
1) Judges 3 -5
JUDGES 3
1 (Jdg 2:21-22) Now these are the nations that the Lord left to test
those in Israel who had not experienced war in Canaan
2 (so that later generations of the children of Israel who did not
know war before might know it, to teach them how to fight):
3 (Jos 13:3; 13:5) the five Philistine lords, all the Canaanites,
the Sidonians, and the Hivites living on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal
Hermon to Lebo Hamath.
4 (Jdg 2:22; 3:1) They were to test Israel, in order to know if they would
obey the commandments of the Lord, which He commanded their fathers
by the hand of Moses.
5 (Ex 3:8) The children of Israel lived among the Canaanites, Hittites,
Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
6 (Ex 34:16; Dt 7:3-4) They took their daughters for themselves as wives,
and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
Judges 3
[1] Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them,
even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
[2] Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach
them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
[3] Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the
Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount
Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath.
[4] And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would
hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers
by the hand of Moses.
[5] And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and
Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:
[6] And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their
daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
Othniel
7 (Ex 34:13; Jdg 2:11-13) The children of Israel did what was evil
in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served
the Baals and the Asherahs.
8 (Jdg 2:14; Hab 3:7) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel,
and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia.
The children of Israel served Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years.
9 (Jdg 1:13; 3:15) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
and the Lord raised up a deliverer in order to save the children of Israel
-Othniel son of Kenaz, the younger brother of Caleb.
10 (Jdg 6:34; 11:29) The Spirit of the Lord came on him,
and he judged Israel. He went out to battle,
and the Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hands,
so that Othniel overpowered Cushan-Rishathaim.
11 (Jos 11:23; Jdg 3:30) The land rested forty years, then Othniel
son of Kenaz died.
[7] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat
the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.
[8] Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them
into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of
Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years.
[9] And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up
a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the
son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
[10] And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and
went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of
Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against
Chushan-rishathaim.
[11] And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
Ehud
12 (1Sa 12:9; Jdg 2:19) Then the children of Israel once more did
what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord strengthened
King Eglon of Moab against Israel because they had done
what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
13 (Jdg 1:16; Dt 34:3) Eglon joined forces with the Ammonites and Amalekites;
then he went and attacked Israel and took possession of the City of Palms.
14 The children of Israel served King Eglon of Moab for eighteen years.
15 (Jdg 3:9; Ps 78:34) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
and the Lord raised up a deliverer-Ehud son of Gera the Benjamite,
a left-handed man. The children of Israel sent a tribute payment by him
to King Eglon of Moab.
16 Ehud made a cubit-long (About 18 inches, or 45 centimeters.)
two-edged sword for himself and strapped it onto his right thigh
under his cloak.
17 He brought the tribute payment to King Eglon of Moab.
Now Eglon was a very fat man.
18 When Ehud finished offering the tribute payment,
he sent away the people who carried it.
19 (Jos 4:20) But he himself turned back from the stone idols that
were at Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king."
And he said, "Keep silence!" And all who attended him departed from him.
20 (Am 3:15) Ehud approached him as he was sitting alone in his cool
upper chamber. Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you."
And Eglon rose from his seat.
21 Then Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh,
and plunged it into the belly of Eglon.
22 The hilt went in after the blade and the fat closed over the blade
and his entrails came out, for he did not pull the sword
out of the belly of Eglon.
23 Then Ehud went out to the entrance hall and closed the doors of
the upper chamber on him and locked them.
24 (1Sa 24:3) When he went out, the servants of Eglon came.
They looked and noticed the doors of the upper chamber were locked.
They thought, "Surely he is attending to his needs in the cool chamber."
25 They waited until they were embarrassed, but he still did not open
the doors of the upper chamber. So they took a key and opened it.
There, fallen dead on the floor, was their lord.
26 Yet Ehud escaped while they were waiting. He passed the sacred stones
and escaped to Seirah.
27 (Jdg 6:34; 1Sa 13:3) Upon his arrival, he blew a ram's horn trumpet
in the hill country of Ephraim. Then the children of Israel went down
with him from the hill country, and he led them.
28 (Jdg 12:5; Jos 2:7) He said to them, "Follow me, for the Lord has given
your enemies the Moabites into your hands." They followed him,
and they captured the Jordan fords leading to Moab.
They did not let anyone cross.
29 They struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all strong and valorous men,
and not a single man escaped.
30 (Jdg 3:11) So Moab was humbled under the hand of Israel that day,
and the land had peace for eighty years.
[12] And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and
the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they
had done evil in the sight of the LORD.
[13] And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and
smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
[14] So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
[15] But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised
them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded:
and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of
Moab.
[16] But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and
he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.
[17] And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a
very fat man.
[18] And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the
people that bare the present.
[19] But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and
said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And
all that stood by him went out from him.
[20] And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which
he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto
thee. And he arose out of his seat.
[21] And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right
thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
[22] And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the
blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt
came out.
[23] Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the
parlour upon him, and locked them.
[24] When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that,
behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth
his feet in his summer chamber.
[25] And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the
doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and,
behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.
[26] And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries,
and escaped unto Seirath.
[27] And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the
mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the
mount, and he before them.
[28] And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered
your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and
took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.
[29] And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty,
and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.
[30] So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had
rest fourscore years.
Shamgar
31 (Jdg 5:6; 2:16) After Ehud was Shamgar son of Anath.
He struck down six hundred Philistine men with an ox goad.
He also saved Israel.
[31] And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the
Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.
JUDGES 4
Deborah
1 When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel once more
did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
2 (Jos 11:1; Jdg 4:13) The Lord sold them into the hands
of King Jabin of Canaan, who ruled in Hazor.
The commander of his army was Sisera. He lived in Harosheth Haggoyim.
3 (Jdg 1:19; 3:9) The children of Israel cried out to the Lord,
for Sisera had 900 iron chariots and had forcefully oppressed
the children of Israel for twenty years.
4 Now Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophetess.
She judged Israel at that time.
5 (Ge 35:8) She would sit under the palm tree of Deborah
between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim.
The children of Israel would go up to her for her to render judgment.
6 (Heb 11:32; Jos 19:37) She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh
in Naphtali and said to him, "The Lord God of Israel commands you,
'Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor, and take 10000 from the tribes
of Naphtali and Zebulun with you.
7 (Jdg 5:21; 1Ki 18:40) I will draw Sisera, the commander of the army
of Jabin, with his chariots and large army to you at the River Kishon
and give him into your hands.' "
8 Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go,
but if you will not go with me, then I will not go."
9 (Jdg 2:14) She said, "I will indeed go with you. However, the way
you are going will gain you no glory, for the Lord will deliver Sisera
into the hand of a woman." Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh.
10 (Jdg 5:18; 5:15) Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh.
10000 men went up on foot with him, and Deborah went up with him also.
11 (Nu 10:29; Jos 19:33) Now Heber the Kenite had moved away from the Kenites,
who were descendants of Hobab, Moses' father-in-law.
He pitched his tent at the oak in Zaanannim, near Kedesh.
12 Then they told Sisera that Barak son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor.
13 (Jdg 4:2-3) So Sisera summoned all his 900 iron chariots
and all the people with him, from Harosheth Haggoyim to the River Kishon.
14 (Dt 9:3; 2Sa 5:24) Then Deborah said to Barak,"Get up, for this is the day
that the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone
out before you?" So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10000 men
behind him.
15 (Jos 10:10; Ps 83:9-10) The Lord routed Sisera and all of his chariots
and all of his army with the edge of the sword in front of Barak.
Sisera dismounted his chariot and fled on foot.
16 Barak chased after the chariots and the army as far as Harosheth Haggoyim.
The whole army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword. Not a single man survived.
17 Sisera fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite,
for there was peace between King Jabin of Hazor
and the family of Heber the Kenite.
18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him,
"Turn aside, my lord. Turn aside to me. Do not be afraid."
So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.
19 (Jdg 5:25-26) He said to her, "Please give me a little water to drink,
for I am thirsty." So she opened a leather milk container, gave it to him to drink,
and covered him.
20 He said to her, "Stand in the entrance to the tent,
and if anyone comes and asks you, 'Is there a man here?' then you say, 'No.' "
21 Then Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg and a hammer in her hand
and went quietly to him, for he was fast asleep and tired.
She drove the tent peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground,
so he died.
22 Now as Barak had been chasing Sisera, Jael came out to meet him and said,
"Come, and I will show you the man whom you seek."
When he came in, there was Sisera fallen dead with a tent peg in his temple.
23 (Ne 9:24; Ps 18:47) So God humbled King Jabin of Canaan
before the children of Israel that day.
24 The children of Israel grew more and more powerful
over King Jabin of Canaan until he was no more.
Judges 4
[1] And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when
Ehud was dead.
[2] And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that
reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in
Harosheth of the Gentiles.
[3] And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred
chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of
Israel.
[4] And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at
that time.
[5] And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in
mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
[6] And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali,
and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and
draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children
of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?
[7] And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of
Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him
into thine hand.
[8] And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if
thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.
[9] And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey
that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell
Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to
Kedesh.
[10] And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with
ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.
[11] Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in
law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent
unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.
[12] And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to
mount Tabor.
[13] And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred
chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of
the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon.
[14] And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD
hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee?
So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.
[15] And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his
host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down
off his chariot, and fled away on his feet.
[16] But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto
Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of
the sword; and there was not a man left.
[17] Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of
Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and
the house of Heber the Kenite.
[18] And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord,
turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent,
she covered him with a mantle.
[19] And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink;
for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and
covered him.
[20] Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be,
when any man doth come and inquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here?
that thou shalt say, No.
[21] Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in
her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and
fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.
[22] And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and
said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And
when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his
temples.
[23] So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children
of Israel.
[24] And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against
Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.
JUDGES 5
The Song of Deborah
1 (Ex 15:1)On that day, Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang:
2 (Jdg 5:9; 2Ch 17:16) "When the leaders in Israel lead,
when the people freely volunteer,
bless the Lord!
3 "Hear, O kings! Listen, O rulers!
I will sing to the Lord;
I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.
4 (Dt 33:2; Ps 68:7-8) "Lord, when You went out from Seir,
when You marched from the land of Edom,
the ground shook and the skies poured,
indeed, the dense clouds poured water.
5 (Ex 19:18; Ps 97:5) The mountains quaked before the Lord,
this very Sinai, before the Lord God of Israel.
6 (Jdg 3:31; Isa 33:8) "In the days of Shamgar son of Anath,
in the days of Jael, main roads were abandoned
and travelers used roundabout paths.
7 Village life ceased. It ceased
until I, Deborah, arose;
I arose like a mother in Israel.
8 (Dt 32:16-17; Jdg 2:12) They were choosing new gods,
and warfare was at the city gates,
but not a shield or spear was to be seen
among forty thousand in Israel.
9 (Jdg 5:2) My heart is with the rulers of Israel
who offered themselves willingly among the people.
Bless the Lord!
10 (Jdg 10:4; 12:14) "You who ride on white donkeys,
you who sit in judges' attire,
you who walk on the road,
11 (1Sa 12:7; Mic 6:5) consider the voice of those who distribute water
among the watering places.
There they tell of the righteous deeds of the Lord,
the righteous deeds of villagers in Israel.
"Then the people of the Lord
go down to the gates.
12 (Ps 57:8; 68:18) Awake, awake, Deborah!
Awake, awake, sing a song!
Stand up, Barak,
and capture your prisoners, son of Abinoam!
13 "The survivors
came down to the nobles;
the people of the Lord
came down for me against the mighty.
14 (Nu 32:39-40; Jdg 3:13) Some came from Ephraim, whose roots were in Amalek,
following you, Benjamin, with your people.
From Makir rulers came down,
and from Zebulun those who carry the staff of a scribe.
15 (Jdg 4:14) The princes of Issachar were with Deborah,
and Issachar was with Barak;
they were sent into the valley on foot.
Among the clans of Reuben
there was great resolve of heart.
16 (Nu 32:24) Why do you sit among the sheepfolds
to hear playing of pipes for the flocks?
In the clans of Reuben
there was much searching of heart.
17 (Jos 13:25) Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan.
As for Dan, why did he stay with the ships?
Asher stayed by the seacoast
and settled by its bays.
18 (Jdg 4:10; 4:6) Zebulun is a people who risked their lives
to the point of death,
Naphtali also, on the heights of the battlefield.
19 (Jdg 1:27; 5:30) "Kings came to wage war.
The kings of Canaan waged war
in Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo;
they took no money as profit.
20 (Jos 10:11) From the heavens the stars fought,
from their courses they fought against Sisera.
21 (Jdg 4:7; Ps 44:5) The torrent of Kishon swept them away,
that ancient torrent, the torrent of Kishon.
My soul, march on in strength!
22 Then horses' hooves pounded,
the galloping, galloping of his steeds.
23 (Jdg 21:9-10) Curse Meroz, said the angel of the Lord,
curse its inhabitants,
for they did not come to the aid of the Lord,
to the aid of the Lord against the mighty warriors.
24 (Jdg 4:17) "Most blessed of women is Jael,
the wife of Heber the Kenite,
most blessed of tent-dwelling women.
25 He asked for water, she gave him milk.
In a magnificent bowl she brought cream.
26 Her hand on a tent peg,
her right hand on a workman’s hammer;
she struck Sisera, she crushed his skull,
she shattered and pierced his temple.
27 Between her feet he sank, he fell, he lay;
between her feet he sank, he fell;
where he sank, there he fell, overpowered.
28 "The mother of Sisera looked through the window,
and cried out through the lattice,
'Why is his chariot so late?
Why is the sound of his war chariots so delayed?'
29 Her wise attendants answered her,
indeed, she replied to herself,
30 (Ex 15:9) 'Are they not finding and dividing the spoils:
a girl or two for each man;
dyed garments as plunder for Sisera,
dyed and embroidered garments,
two pieces of dyed embroidery for the neck of the looter?"
31 (Jdg 3:11; 2Sa 23:4) "May all Your enemies perish like this, OLord!
But may those who love Him rise like the sun
when it rises in full strength."
Then the land was at peace for fourty years.
Judges 5
[1] Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,
[2] Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly
offered themselves.
[3] Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the
LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
[4] LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the
field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also
dropped water.
[5] The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before
the LORD God of Israel.
[6] In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the
highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.
[7] The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until
that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.
[8] They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or
spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
[9] My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves
willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.
[10] Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk
by the way.
[11] They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of
drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD,
even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel:
then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.
[12] Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and
lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.
[13] Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the
people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty.
[14] Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee,
Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of
Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer.
[15] And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also
Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben
there were great thoughts of heart.
[16] Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the
flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.
[17] Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher
continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.
[18] Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the
death in the high places of the field.
[19] The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach
by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
[20] They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against
Sisera.
[21] The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river
Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
[22] Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the
pransings of their mighty ones.
[23] Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the
inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the
help of the LORD against the mighty.
[24] Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed
shall she be above women in the tent.
[25] He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a
lordly dish.
[26] She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's
hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when
she had pierced and stricken through his temples.
[27] At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he
fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead.
[28] The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the
lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his
chariots?
[29] Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,
[30] Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a
damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours
of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the
necks of them that take the spoil?
[31] So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be
as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty
years.
2) Our Daily Bread for 30 March 2024 titled
The Passion of Christ
Isaiah 53:4-7,10-12
4 (Mt 8:17; Jn 19:7) Surely he has borne our grief
and carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 (Ro 4:25; 1Co 15:3) But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities;
the chastisement of our peace was upon him,
and by his stripes we are healed.
6 (Ps 69:4; 1Pe 2:25) All of us like sheep have gone astray;
each of us has turned to his own way,
but the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 (Mk 14:61; Mt 26:63) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
10 (Ps 22:30; 69:26) Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him;
He has put him to grief.
If he made himself as an offering for sin,
he shall see his offspring, he shall prolong his days,
and the good pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 (Ro 5:18-19; Isa 42:1) He shall see of the anguish of his soul
and be satisfied.
By his knowledge My righteous servant shall justify the many,
for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 (Mk 15:27; Lk 22:37) Therefore, I will divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death,
and he was numbered with the transgressors,
thus he bore the sin of many
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53
[4] Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did
esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
[5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our
iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes
we are healed.
[6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own
way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
[7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he
is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her
shearers is
dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
[10] Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when
thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he
shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his
hand.
[11] He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by
his
knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their
iniquities.
[12] Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall
divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto
death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of
many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Before Jim Caviezel played Jesus in the film The Passion of the Christ,
director Mel Gibson warned that the role would be extremely difficult
and could negatively impact his career in Hollywood. Caviezel took
on the role anyway, saying, "I think we have to make it,
even if it is difficult."
During the filming, Caviezel was struck by lightning, lost forty-five pounds,
and was accidentally whipped during the flogging scene. Afterwards, he stated,
"I didn't want people to see me. I just wanted them to see Jesus.
Conversions will happen through that." The film deeply affected Caviezel
and others on the set, and only God knows how many of the millions
who watched it experienced changed lives.
The passion of Christ refers to the time of Jesus' greatest suffering,
from His triumphal entry on Palm Sunday and including His betrayal,
mocking, flogging, and crucifixion. Accounts are found in all four gospels.
In Isaiah 53, His suffering and its outcome are foretold: "He was pierced
for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment
that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed" (v. 5).
All of us, "like sheep, have gone astray" (v. 6). But because of Jesus'
crucifixion and resurrection, we can have peace with God. His suffering
opened the way for us to be with Him.
By: Alyson Kieda
Reflect & Pray
What aspect of Christ's life most impacts you?
How does His suffering affect you?
Precious Savior, it's hard to express how grateful
I am that You suffered, died, and rose again for me. Thank You.
For further study, read I Am the Way: The Amazing Claims of Jesus.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6
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.
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.
When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.
Application
a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?
b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?
c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work
God still want to do in me?
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 2021 edition?)
Saskatchewan
Quick facts on Muslims in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan 2015 population 1125400
est Muslim Population 17279
CNMM Networks: Saskatoon
Saskatoon has seen quick growth in its Muslim population over the past
5 years, which maybe as high as 5000 today. Islamic leaders have
focused specifically on this city , having twice already sent cohorts
of about 70 families to start mosques. There are now 7 Islamic centres
of worship and an Islamic madrassah (school) located right next to a
Christian school.
Of particular concern recently is the number of young adults who grew up
in evangelical churches and converted to Islam. Most of these are young
women who were wooed by Muslim man and became emotionally bonded.
Both prior to and after marrying, these women are known to convert to Islam.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
Adding further
Pray for Migrants at Sea
Psalm 139:9-10
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell at the end of the sea,
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) even there Your hand shall guide me,
and Your right hand shall take hold of me.
9 If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me,
And thy right hand shall hold me.
Over 500 men, women and children drowned in June 2023
while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in an overcrowded boat
destined for Greece. The boat was filled with migrants from Egypt, Syria,
Pakistan, and Palestine who were seeking asylum in Europe. They had made
arrangements with smugglers in Libya to take them to Greece, but the boat
was unsafe and vastly overcrowded. Survivors have reported that the boat
ran out of food and water on the second day at sea and people began to die
on board before it sank on the fifth day, drowning hundreds.
Exactly how many people attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea each year is
not known. The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates
that over 80000 people crossed last year – more than ever before. The IOM
counts about 2000 who have died in the attempt but it is not known how many
die without ever being found.
The majority of migrants making this crossing are Muslim – fleeing war,
political violence, poverty and hopelessness. They believe that Europe will
give them the chance to work and raise a family in peace. But many have no
idea of the risks they take in stepping aboard a smuggler's boat.
Many organizations are doing their best to help migrants who arrive on the
shores of Greece or Italy, but there are few resources and increasing numbers
of desperate migrants. Governments in Europe negotiate how many refugees they
can accept, but many are also lost to human traffickers or end up in refugee
camps for years on the other side of the Mediterranean.
How to Pray
Pray for Muslim refugees who cross the Mediterranean clinging to the hope
of a better life, that they will find it, and that God will meet them in
Europe.
Pray for the protection of refugees on their dangerous journeys.
Pray for organizations helping Muslim refugees in Europe to have
the resources they need to minister in practical and spiritual ways.
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
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?
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray a prayer of Thank you for the abilities
He gives us.
Pray to the Lord: "Precious Savior, it's hard to express how grateful
I am that You suffered, died, and rose again for me. Thank You."
Pray to the Lord and pray tfor Him to the work He needs to make you better.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be rooted in righteousness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to practice His Word with His Help.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
Pray for Muslim refugees who cross the Mediterranean clinging to the hope
of a better life, that they will find it, and that God will meet them in
Europe.
Pray for the protection of refugees on their dangerous journeys.
Pray for organizations helping Muslim refugees in Europe to have
the resources they need to minister in practical and spiritual ways.
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 for Christians in Laos like Phan and Yun who have been rejected
or evicted for their faith.
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
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