Day 90 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 31 March 2025 reflections
Day 90, 31 March 2025
1) Judges 6, Judges 7
Judges 6
Gideon
1 The children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord,
so the Lord gave them into the hands of Midian for seven years.
2 The hands of Midian dominated Israel, and because of Midian
the children of Israel made hiding places for themselves in the mountains,
caves, and strongholds. 3 Whenever Israel would plant crops, the Midianites,
Amalekites, and the people from the east would come up against them.
4 Then they would make camp by them and ruin crops of the land all the way
to Gaza. They did not leave any provisions behind in Israel-neither sheep,
nor cattle, nor donkeys.
5 For they came with their livestock and tents like a swarm of locusts.
They and their camels were too numerous to count, and they came into
the land to destroy it.
6 Israel was made weak before Midian and cried out to the Lord.
7 When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord because of Midian,
8 the Lord sent them a prophet who said, "Thus says the Lord God of Israel:
I brought you up from Egypt and out of that place of slavery.
9 I delivered you from the hands of Egypt and all your oppressors.
I drove them out from before you and gave you their land.
10 I said to you, 'I am the Lord your God. Do not worship the gods of
the Amorites in whose land you are living.' But you have disobeyed Me."
11 Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak tree in Ophrah
belonging to Joash the Abiezrite. Gideon his son was threshing wheat
in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites.
12 The angel of the Lord appeared and said to him,
"The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor."
13 Then Gideon said to him, "O my lord, if the Lord is with us,
then why has all this happened to us? Where are all His miracles
that our fathers told us about? They said, 'Did not the Lord bring
us out of Egypt?' Yet now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered
us into the hands of the Midianites."
14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, "Go in this strength of yours.
Save Israel from the control of Midian. Have I not sent you?"
15 And he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel?
Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest
in my father's house."
16 Then the Lord said to him, "But I will be with you, and you will strike
the Midianites as one man."
17 And he said to Him, "If I have found favor in Your sight,
give me a sign that it is You who are speaking with me.
18 Please do not depart from here until I come to You
and bring out my gift and set it before You."
And He said, "I will stay until you return."
19 So Gideon went and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread
from an ephah of flour. He put the meat in a basket, and he put
the broth in a pot, and brought them out and offered them to Him
under the oak.
20 And the angel of God said to him,"Take the meat and the unleavened bread,
lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And so he did.
21 The angel of the Lord reached out the tip of the staff that was
in His hand and touched the meat and unleavened flatbread.
Fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and unleavened bread.
Then the angel of the Lord departed from his sight.
22 Then Gideon perceived that it was indeed the angel of the Lord.
So Gideon said, "Alas, O Lord God! I have seen
the angel of the Lord face to face."
23 Then the Lord said to him, "Peace be with you. Do not be afraid.
You will not die."
24 Then Gideon built an altar for the Lord there and called it
The Lord Is Peace.
Even to this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
25 That night the Lord said to him, "Take a bull from your father's herd
and a second bull seven years old. Tear down your father's Baal altar
and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.
26 Then build an altar to the Lord your God on top of this stronghold
in an orderly way. Take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering
with the wood of the Asherah pole that you will cut down."
27 So Gideon took ten men from among his slaves
and did as the Lord had told him, but because he was too afraid of the rest
of his father's household and the men of the city to do it by day,
he did it at night.
28 When the men of the city got up early in the morning,
the altar of Baal was torn down, the Asherah pole beside it was cut down,
and the second bull had been offered on the new altar that had been built.
29 They said to each other, "Who has done this?"
When they had inquired and asked, they responded,
"Gideon son of Joash has done this."
30 Then the men of the city said to Joash,
"Bring out your son so that he may die, for he tore down the altar of Baal
and cut down the Asherah pole beside it."
31 Joash then said to all who stood against him, "Would you plead for Baal?
Would you save him? Whoever fights for him will be killed by morning.
If Baal is a god, let him fight for himself,
for someone has torn down his altar."
32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerub-Baal, saying,
"Let Baal fight him, for he tore down the altar of Baal."
33 All the Midianites, Amalekites, and the people from the east gathered
together, and they crossed over, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel.
34 The Spirit of the Lord enveloped Gideon. He blew a ram's horn trumpet,
and the Abiezrites assembled behind him.
35 He sent messengers throughout all of Manasseh and they assembled
behind him as well. He also sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali,
so these tribes came up to meet them.
36 Gideon said to God, "If You will use my hands to save Israel,
as You have said-
37 I am placing a fleece of wool on the threshing floor.
If there is dew on the fleece only and all of the ground remains dry,
then I will know that You will save Israel with my hands, as You have said."
38 So it happened. He got up early the next morning and squeezed the fleece.
Enough dew poured out of the fleece to fill a bowlful of water.
39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not let Your anger burn against me
as I speak only one more time. Please let me perform a test with the fleece
one more time. Please, let the fleece be the only thing dry,
and let there be dew on all of the ground."
40 So God did this during that night. Only the fleece was dry,
and the dew was on all the ground.
Judges 6
[1] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the
LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
[2] And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the
Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the
mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
[3] And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and
the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against
them;
[4] And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth,
till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep,
nor ox, nor ass.
[5] For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as
grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without
number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
[6] And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the
children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
[7] And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD
because of the Midianites,
[8] That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said
unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt,
and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;
[9] And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the
hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave
you their land;
[10] And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the
Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
[11] And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in
Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abi-ezrite: and his son Gideon
threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
[12] And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The
LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
[13] And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then
is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers
told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the
LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
[14] And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou
shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
[15] And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel?
behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's
house.
[16] And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt
smite the Midianites as one man.
[17] And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew
me a sign that thou talkest with me.
[18] Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth
my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou
come again.
[19] And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an
ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot,
and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
[20] And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened
cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
[21] Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in
his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up
fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then
the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
[22] And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon
said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to
face.
[23] And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt
not die.
[24] Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it
Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites.
[25] And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take
thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and
throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove
that is by it:
[26] And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in
the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice
with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
[27] Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said
unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the
men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
[28] And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the
altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and
the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.
[29] And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they
inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.
[30] Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he
may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath
cut down the grove that was by it.
[31] And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal?
will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst
it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one
hath cast down his altar.
[32] Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead
against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.
[33] Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east
were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.
[34] But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and
Abi-ezer was gathered after him.
[35] And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered
after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto
Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
[36] And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as
thou hast said,
[37] Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on
the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know
that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
[38] And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the
fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of
water.
[39] And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I
will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the
fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let
there be dew.
[40] And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and
there was dew on all the ground.
Judges 7
Gideon Defeats the Midianites
1 Then Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with
him got up early and set up camp at Harod Spring.
There was a camp of Midianites to the north of them in the valley
near the hill of Moreh.
2 The Lord said to Gideon, "You have too many people with you for Me
to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves
over Me, saying, 'Our own power saved us.'
3 So now, call out so the people can hear, 'Whoever is afraid or anxious
may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' "
So 20000 from among the people turned back, and 10000 were left.
4 But the Lord said to Gideon, "There are still too many people.
Bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there.
When I say to you, "This one will go with you,' he will go with you.
Everyone about whom I will say,' 'This one will not go with you,'
will not go."
5 So he brought the people down to the water, and the Lord said to Gideon,
"You shall set apart by himself everyone who laps the water with his tongue
like dogs; likewise, everyone who kneels down to drink."
6 The number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths,
was three hundred. The rest of the people had knelt to drink water.
7 The Lord said to Gideon, "With three hundred men who lapped to drink,
I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands.
All the rest of the people should go home."
8 So the three hundred men took provisions and ram's horn trumpets
in their hands. Gideon sent all the other Israelite men to their tents,
but he kept the three hundred men.
Now the Midianite camp was below him in the valley.
9 That night the Lord said to him, "Get up and go down into the camp,
for I have given it into your hands.
10 Yet if you are afraid to go down, then go down to the camp with Purah
your servant.
11 Listen to what they say, and afterward you will be emboldened to go down
to the camp.." So he and Purah his servant went down near the edge
of the camp.
12 Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and the Kedemites covered the valley
like locusts; and their camels could not be counted, for they were
as numerous as grains of sand on the seashore.
13 Gideon came and overheard one man who was telling his dream to another.
The man said, "Listen to a dream I had. I saw a dry cake of barley bread
rolling into the Midianite camp. It rolled up to a tent and struck it.
It fell, turned upside down, and collapsed."
14 The other man responded, "This is none other than the sword of Gideon
son of Joash the Israelite. God has given Midian and the whole camp into
his hands."
15 When Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation,
he worshipped, returned to the camp of Israel, and said, "Get up, for the Lord
has given the Midianite camp into your hands."
16 He divided the three hundred men into three combat units.
He gave all of them ram's horn trumpets, empty jars,
and torches within the jars.
17 He said to them, "Look at me and do likewise. Watch, and when I come
to the perimeter of the camp, do as I do.
18 When I and all who are with me blow the horn, then you will blow the horns
all around the camp and shout, 'For the Lord and for Gideon!' "
19 So Gideon and a hundred men with him went to the edge of the camp
at the start of the middle night watch, just as they were setting the watch.
Then they blew the horns and smashed the jars in their hands.
20 The three combat units blew the horns and broke the jars.
They held the torches in their left hands and the horns for
blowing in their right hands. They called out,
"A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!"
21 Every man stood in his place all around the camp,
but the men in the camp ran, shouted, and fled.
22 When they blew the three hundred horns, the Lord turned every man's
sword against his fellow man throughout the camp. The Midianite camp
fled to Beth Shittah in the direction of Zererah, up to the border
of Abel Meholah, near Tabbath.
23 The men of Israel from Naphtali, Asher, and all of Manasseh
were summoned, and they chased after the Midianites.
24 Now Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying,
"Come down to engage Midian in battle.
Take control of the water ways as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan."
All the men of Ephraim were summoned, and they took control of the water
ways as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan.
25 They captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two Midianite commanders.
They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and killed Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb.
They chased after the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb
and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan.
Judges 7
[1] Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him,
rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the
Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the
valley.
[2] And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too
many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt
themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
[3] Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying,
Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount
Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there
remained ten thousand.
[4] And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them
down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be,
that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go
with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee,
the same shall not go.
[5] So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto
Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog
lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down
upon his knees to drink.
[6] And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth,
were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their
knees to drink water.
[7] And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will
I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the
other people go every man unto his place.
[8] So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he
sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those
three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley.
[9] And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Arise,
get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand.
[10] But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to
the host:
[11] And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be
strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his
servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host.
[12] And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east
lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels
were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.
[13] And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream
unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of
barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and
smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along.
[14] And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword
of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God
delivered Midian, and all the host.
[15] And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the
interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of
Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host
of Midian.
[16] And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a
trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the
pitchers.
[17] And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I
come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.
[18] When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye
the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the
LORD, and of Gideon.
[19] So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the
outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but
newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that
were in their hands.
[20] And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and
held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to
blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
[21] And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the
host ran, and cried, and fled.
[22] And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's
sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to
Beth-shittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abel-meholah, unto Tabbath.
[23] And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and
out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites.
[24] And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come
down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Beth-barah
and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and
took the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan.
[25] And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they
slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb,
and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the
other side Jordan.
2) Our Daily Bread for 31 March 2025 Titled
Just Right for Jesus
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Thankfulness for Mercy
12 (Php 4:13; Ac 9:15) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me,
because He counted me faithful and appointed me to the ministry.
13 (Ac 8:3; 3:17) I was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an
insolent man. But I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 (2Ti 1:13) The grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Ti 3:1; 2Ti 2:11) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
16 (1Ti 1:13; Eph 2:7) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me,
first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were
to believe in Him for eternal life.
17 (Col 1:15; Mt 6:13) Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only
wise God, be honor and glory forever. Amen.
[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he
counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I
obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love
which is in Christ Jesus.
[15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
[16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ
might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should
hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
[17] Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be
honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Eric's childhood challenges included a severe skin rash, difficulties in
school, and getting high on alcohol or drugs daily from a very early age.
Yet the one who dubbed himself as the "king of bad" found that he excelled
on the baseball field - until he abandoned baseball after becoming
discouraged by discrimination. This allowed him even more time for using
and dealing drugs.
Things changed for Eric, however, when he had a life-altering encounter with
Jesus while attending a church service. At his job the next day, a dedicated
believer in Jesus invited Eric to attend yet another church service, where he
heard these words that encouraged him in his newfound faith:
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17 kjv). Eric's life has
never been the same.
Like Eric, Saul of Tarsus (also known as Paul) would've been classified as a
"tough case." He said, "I am the worst" of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He was
"once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man" (v. 13). Like Saul,
Eric was just right for Jesus. And so are we, even if we don't view ourselves
in the same league as Saul or Eric, for "all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We're all just right for Jesus.
Reflect & Pray
How do Eric and Saul's stories help you to see God as a forgiving God?
What does it mean for you to be just right for Jesus?
Dear God in heaven, please help me to see that
the blood of Jesus cleanses from "big" and "little" sins.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 2 - Growing Up
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable
for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction
in righteousness,
17 (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21) that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness:
17 that the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.
"I can't wait till I get big!" Marc, age 5, declared. "Then I do
what I want!" Most of us, as children, shared Marc's statement.
We looked forward to that "magic age" - 16, 18, 21 - when we
would be adults: mature, able to make our own decisions.
We find, of course, that adulthood has its own share of
difficulties and conflicts. But even in our spiritual lives
we often long for a "magic moment" of maturity. As one woman
confessed, "Ever since I became a Christian, I've hoped I'd wake up
one morning to find myself mature."
But growth in the spiritual life comes gradually, like growth in
the physical world. In 2 Tim 2:16-17, Paul gives the young pastor
Timothy an important key to spiritual growing up - the Word of God.
The Word is "profitable" or "useful," Paul says, for "teaching" - that is,
for developing a right concept of God. Scripture offers "rebuke" when
we go wrong, "correction" to set us on the right path, and "training
in righteousness" so that we can grow in the image of Christ.
The purpose of Scripture's work in our lives, Paul emphasises,
is that we may be "perfect" - mature, equipped for the good things
God has for us to do. Such maturity does not come easily
or instantaneously, but it does come - sometimes imperceptibly -
as we submit our lives to the transforming power of God's Word.
Application
a) In what areas of my life do I need to grow? How can I benefit
from the Bible's
i) teaching?
ii) rebuke?
iii) correction?
iv) training in righteousness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Is 55:11
11 (Isa 45:23; 46:10) so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
11 so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:
it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are ill or injured
James 5:13-16
13 (Ps 50:15; Eph 5:19) Is anyone among you suffering?
Let him pray. Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.
14 (Mk 6:13; 16:18; Ac 14:23) Is anyone sick among you?
Let him call for the elders of the church,
and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil
in the name of the Lord.
15 (Isa 33:24; Jas 1:6) And the prayer of faith will save
the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
And if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.
Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church;
and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise
him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,
that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much.
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
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for godly people to rise in all nations.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God in heaven, please help me to see that
the blood of Jesus cleanses from 'big' and 'little' sins."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Word of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Know His Will will be accomplished.
Pray to the Lord and pray for Healing and confession.
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 Divine, an orphaned Christian girl in the Democratic Republic
of Congo who was badly burned when rebels set her church on fire.
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 6, Judges 7
Judges 6
Gideon
1 The children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord,
so the Lord gave them into the hands of Midian for seven years.
2 The hands of Midian dominated Israel, and because of Midian
the children of Israel made hiding places for themselves in the mountains,
caves, and strongholds. 3 Whenever Israel would plant crops, the Midianites,
Amalekites, and the people from the east would come up against them.
4 Then they would make camp by them and ruin crops of the land all the way
to Gaza. They did not leave any provisions behind in Israel-neither sheep,
nor cattle, nor donkeys.
5 For they came with their livestock and tents like a swarm of locusts.
They and their camels were too numerous to count, and they came into
the land to destroy it.
6 Israel was made weak before Midian and cried out to the Lord.
7 When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord because of Midian,
8 the Lord sent them a prophet who said, "Thus says the Lord God of Israel:
I brought you up from Egypt and out of that place of slavery.
9 I delivered you from the hands of Egypt and all your oppressors.
I drove them out from before you and gave you their land.
10 I said to you, 'I am the Lord your God. Do not worship the gods of
the Amorites in whose land you are living.' But you have disobeyed Me."
11 Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak tree in Ophrah
belonging to Joash the Abiezrite. Gideon his son was threshing wheat
in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites.
12 The angel of the Lord appeared and said to him,
"The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor."
13 Then Gideon said to him, "O my lord, if the Lord is with us,
then why has all this happened to us? Where are all His miracles
that our fathers told us about? They said, 'Did not the Lord bring
us out of Egypt?' Yet now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered
us into the hands of the Midianites."
14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, "Go in this strength of yours.
Save Israel from the control of Midian. Have I not sent you?"
15 And he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel?
Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest
in my father's house."
16 Then the Lord said to him, "But I will be with you, and you will strike
the Midianites as one man."
17 And he said to Him, "If I have found favor in Your sight,
give me a sign that it is You who are speaking with me.
18 Please do not depart from here until I come to You
and bring out my gift and set it before You."
And He said, "I will stay until you return."
19 So Gideon went and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread
from an ephah of flour. He put the meat in a basket, and he put
the broth in a pot, and brought them out and offered them to Him
under the oak.
20 And the angel of God said to him,"Take the meat and the unleavened bread,
lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And so he did.
21 The angel of the Lord reached out the tip of the staff that was
in His hand and touched the meat and unleavened flatbread.
Fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and unleavened bread.
Then the angel of the Lord departed from his sight.
22 Then Gideon perceived that it was indeed the angel of the Lord.
So Gideon said, "Alas, O Lord God! I have seen
the angel of the Lord face to face."
23 Then the Lord said to him, "Peace be with you. Do not be afraid.
You will not die."
24 Then Gideon built an altar for the Lord there and called it
The Lord Is Peace.
Even to this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
25 That night the Lord said to him, "Take a bull from your father's herd
and a second bull seven years old. Tear down your father's Baal altar
and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.
26 Then build an altar to the Lord your God on top of this stronghold
in an orderly way. Take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering
with the wood of the Asherah pole that you will cut down."
27 So Gideon took ten men from among his slaves
and did as the Lord had told him, but because he was too afraid of the rest
of his father's household and the men of the city to do it by day,
he did it at night.
28 When the men of the city got up early in the morning,
the altar of Baal was torn down, the Asherah pole beside it was cut down,
and the second bull had been offered on the new altar that had been built.
29 They said to each other, "Who has done this?"
When they had inquired and asked, they responded,
"Gideon son of Joash has done this."
30 Then the men of the city said to Joash,
"Bring out your son so that he may die, for he tore down the altar of Baal
and cut down the Asherah pole beside it."
31 Joash then said to all who stood against him, "Would you plead for Baal?
Would you save him? Whoever fights for him will be killed by morning.
If Baal is a god, let him fight for himself,
for someone has torn down his altar."
32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerub-Baal, saying,
"Let Baal fight him, for he tore down the altar of Baal."
33 All the Midianites, Amalekites, and the people from the east gathered
together, and they crossed over, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel.
34 The Spirit of the Lord enveloped Gideon. He blew a ram's horn trumpet,
and the Abiezrites assembled behind him.
35 He sent messengers throughout all of Manasseh and they assembled
behind him as well. He also sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali,
so these tribes came up to meet them.
36 Gideon said to God, "If You will use my hands to save Israel,
as You have said-
37 I am placing a fleece of wool on the threshing floor.
If there is dew on the fleece only and all of the ground remains dry,
then I will know that You will save Israel with my hands, as You have said."
38 So it happened. He got up early the next morning and squeezed the fleece.
Enough dew poured out of the fleece to fill a bowlful of water.
39 Then Gideon said to God, "Do not let Your anger burn against me
as I speak only one more time. Please let me perform a test with the fleece
one more time. Please, let the fleece be the only thing dry,
and let there be dew on all of the ground."
40 So God did this during that night. Only the fleece was dry,
and the dew was on all the ground.
Judges 6
[1] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the
LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
[2] And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the
Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the
mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
[3] And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and
the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against
them;
[4] And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth,
till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep,
nor ox, nor ass.
[5] For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as
grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without
number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
[6] And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the
children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
[7] And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD
because of the Midianites,
[8] That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said
unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt,
and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;
[9] And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the
hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave
you their land;
[10] And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the
Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
[11] And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in
Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abi-ezrite: and his son Gideon
threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
[12] And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The
LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
[13] And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then
is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers
told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the
LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
[14] And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou
shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
[15] And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel?
behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's
house.
[16] And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt
smite the Midianites as one man.
[17] And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew
me a sign that thou talkest with me.
[18] Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth
my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou
come again.
[19] And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an
ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot,
and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
[20] And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened
cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
[21] Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in
his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up
fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then
the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
[22] And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon
said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to
face.
[23] And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt
not die.
[24] Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it
Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites.
[25] And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take
thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and
throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove
that is by it:
[26] And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in
the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice
with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
[27] Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said
unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the
men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
[28] And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the
altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and
the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.
[29] And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they
inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.
[30] Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he
may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath
cut down the grove that was by it.
[31] And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal?
will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst
it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one
hath cast down his altar.
[32] Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead
against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.
[33] Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east
were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.
[34] But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and
Abi-ezer was gathered after him.
[35] And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered
after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto
Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
[36] And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as
thou hast said,
[37] Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on
the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know
that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
[38] And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the
fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of
water.
[39] And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I
will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the
fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let
there be dew.
[40] And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and
there was dew on all the ground.
Judges 7
Gideon Defeats the Midianites
1 Then Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with
him got up early and set up camp at Harod Spring.
There was a camp of Midianites to the north of them in the valley
near the hill of Moreh.
2 The Lord said to Gideon, "You have too many people with you for Me
to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves
over Me, saying, 'Our own power saved us.'
3 So now, call out so the people can hear, 'Whoever is afraid or anxious
may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' "
So 20000 from among the people turned back, and 10000 were left.
4 But the Lord said to Gideon, "There are still too many people.
Bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there.
When I say to you, "This one will go with you,' he will go with you.
Everyone about whom I will say,' 'This one will not go with you,'
will not go."
5 So he brought the people down to the water, and the Lord said to Gideon,
"You shall set apart by himself everyone who laps the water with his tongue
like dogs; likewise, everyone who kneels down to drink."
6 The number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths,
was three hundred. The rest of the people had knelt to drink water.
7 The Lord said to Gideon, "With three hundred men who lapped to drink,
I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands.
All the rest of the people should go home."
8 So the three hundred men took provisions and ram's horn trumpets
in their hands. Gideon sent all the other Israelite men to their tents,
but he kept the three hundred men.
Now the Midianite camp was below him in the valley.
9 That night the Lord said to him, "Get up and go down into the camp,
for I have given it into your hands.
10 Yet if you are afraid to go down, then go down to the camp with Purah
your servant.
11 Listen to what they say, and afterward you will be emboldened to go down
to the camp.." So he and Purah his servant went down near the edge
of the camp.
12 Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and the Kedemites covered the valley
like locusts; and their camels could not be counted, for they were
as numerous as grains of sand on the seashore.
13 Gideon came and overheard one man who was telling his dream to another.
The man said, "Listen to a dream I had. I saw a dry cake of barley bread
rolling into the Midianite camp. It rolled up to a tent and struck it.
It fell, turned upside down, and collapsed."
14 The other man responded, "This is none other than the sword of Gideon
son of Joash the Israelite. God has given Midian and the whole camp into
his hands."
15 When Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation,
he worshipped, returned to the camp of Israel, and said, "Get up, for the Lord
has given the Midianite camp into your hands."
16 He divided the three hundred men into three combat units.
He gave all of them ram's horn trumpets, empty jars,
and torches within the jars.
17 He said to them, "Look at me and do likewise. Watch, and when I come
to the perimeter of the camp, do as I do.
18 When I and all who are with me blow the horn, then you will blow the horns
all around the camp and shout, 'For the Lord and for Gideon!' "
19 So Gideon and a hundred men with him went to the edge of the camp
at the start of the middle night watch, just as they were setting the watch.
Then they blew the horns and smashed the jars in their hands.
20 The three combat units blew the horns and broke the jars.
They held the torches in their left hands and the horns for
blowing in their right hands. They called out,
"A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!"
21 Every man stood in his place all around the camp,
but the men in the camp ran, shouted, and fled.
22 When they blew the three hundred horns, the Lord turned every man's
sword against his fellow man throughout the camp. The Midianite camp
fled to Beth Shittah in the direction of Zererah, up to the border
of Abel Meholah, near Tabbath.
23 The men of Israel from Naphtali, Asher, and all of Manasseh
were summoned, and they chased after the Midianites.
24 Now Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying,
"Come down to engage Midian in battle.
Take control of the water ways as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan."
All the men of Ephraim were summoned, and they took control of the water
ways as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan.
25 They captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two Midianite commanders.
They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and killed Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb.
They chased after the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb
and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan.
Judges 7
[1] Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him,
rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the
Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the
valley.
[2] And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too
many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt
themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
[3] Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying,
Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount
Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there
remained ten thousand.
[4] And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them
down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be,
that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go
with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee,
the same shall not go.
[5] So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto
Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog
lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down
upon his knees to drink.
[6] And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth,
were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their
knees to drink water.
[7] And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will
I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the
other people go every man unto his place.
[8] So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he
sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those
three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley.
[9] And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Arise,
get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand.
[10] But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to
the host:
[11] And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be
strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his
servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host.
[12] And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east
lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels
were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.
[13] And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream
unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of
barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and
smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along.
[14] And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword
of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God
delivered Midian, and all the host.
[15] And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the
interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of
Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host
of Midian.
[16] And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a
trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the
pitchers.
[17] And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I
come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.
[18] When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye
the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the
LORD, and of Gideon.
[19] So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the
outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but
newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that
were in their hands.
[20] And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and
held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to
blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
[21] And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the
host ran, and cried, and fled.
[22] And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's
sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to
Beth-shittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abel-meholah, unto Tabbath.
[23] And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and
out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites.
[24] And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come
down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Beth-barah
and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and
took the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan.
[25] And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they
slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb,
and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the
other side Jordan.
2) Our Daily Bread for 31 March 2025 Titled
Just Right for Jesus
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Thankfulness for Mercy
12 (Php 4:13; Ac 9:15) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me,
because He counted me faithful and appointed me to the ministry.
13 (Ac 8:3; 3:17) I was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an
insolent man. But I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 (2Ti 1:13) The grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Ti 3:1; 2Ti 2:11) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
16 (1Ti 1:13; Eph 2:7) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me,
first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were
to believe in Him for eternal life.
17 (Col 1:15; Mt 6:13) Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only
wise God, be honor and glory forever. Amen.
[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he
counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I
obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love
which is in Christ Jesus.
[15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
[16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ
might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should
hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
[17] Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be
honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Eric's childhood challenges included a severe skin rash, difficulties in
school, and getting high on alcohol or drugs daily from a very early age.
Yet the one who dubbed himself as the "king of bad" found that he excelled
on the baseball field - until he abandoned baseball after becoming
discouraged by discrimination. This allowed him even more time for using
and dealing drugs.
Things changed for Eric, however, when he had a life-altering encounter with
Jesus while attending a church service. At his job the next day, a dedicated
believer in Jesus invited Eric to attend yet another church service, where he
heard these words that encouraged him in his newfound faith:
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17 kjv). Eric's life has
never been the same.
Like Eric, Saul of Tarsus (also known as Paul) would've been classified as a
"tough case." He said, "I am the worst" of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He was
"once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man" (v. 13). Like Saul,
Eric was just right for Jesus. And so are we, even if we don't view ourselves
in the same league as Saul or Eric, for "all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We're all just right for Jesus.
Reflect & Pray
How do Eric and Saul's stories help you to see God as a forgiving God?
What does it mean for you to be just right for Jesus?
Dear God in heaven, please help me to see that
the blood of Jesus cleanses from "big" and "little" sins.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 2 - Growing Up
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable
for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction
in righteousness,
17 (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21) that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness:
17 that the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.
"I can't wait till I get big!" Marc, age 5, declared. "Then I do
what I want!" Most of us, as children, shared Marc's statement.
We looked forward to that "magic age" - 16, 18, 21 - when we
would be adults: mature, able to make our own decisions.
We find, of course, that adulthood has its own share of
difficulties and conflicts. But even in our spiritual lives
we often long for a "magic moment" of maturity. As one woman
confessed, "Ever since I became a Christian, I've hoped I'd wake up
one morning to find myself mature."
But growth in the spiritual life comes gradually, like growth in
the physical world. In 2 Tim 2:16-17, Paul gives the young pastor
Timothy an important key to spiritual growing up - the Word of God.
The Word is "profitable" or "useful," Paul says, for "teaching" - that is,
for developing a right concept of God. Scripture offers "rebuke" when
we go wrong, "correction" to set us on the right path, and "training
in righteousness" so that we can grow in the image of Christ.
The purpose of Scripture's work in our lives, Paul emphasises,
is that we may be "perfect" - mature, equipped for the good things
God has for us to do. Such maturity does not come easily
or instantaneously, but it does come - sometimes imperceptibly -
as we submit our lives to the transforming power of God's Word.
Application
a) In what areas of my life do I need to grow? How can I benefit
from the Bible's
i) teaching?
ii) rebuke?
iii) correction?
iv) training in righteousness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Is 55:11
11 (Isa 45:23; 46:10) so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
11 so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:
it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are ill or injured
James 5:13-16
13 (Ps 50:15; Eph 5:19) Is anyone among you suffering?
Let him pray. Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.
14 (Mk 6:13; 16:18; Ac 14:23) Is anyone sick among you?
Let him call for the elders of the church,
and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil
in the name of the Lord.
15 (Isa 33:24; Jas 1:6) And the prayer of faith will save
the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
And if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.
Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church;
and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise
him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,
that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much.
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
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for godly people to rise in all nations.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God in heaven, please help me to see that
the blood of Jesus cleanses from 'big' and 'little' sins."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Word of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Know His Will will be accomplished.
Pray to the Lord and pray for Healing and confession.
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 Divine, an orphaned Christian girl in the Democratic Republic
of Congo who was badly burned when rebels set her church on fire.
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
. But these crushing experiences also caused them to lean more fully