Day 176 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 24 June 2024 reflections
Day 176, 24 June 2024
1) 1 King 15:1-24 ,2 Chronicles 13 - 16
1 Kings 15:1-5
2 Chronicles 13
1 Kings 15:6-8
2 Chronicles 14:1-8
1 Kings 15:9-15
1 Kings 15:16-22
1 Kings 15:23-24
2 Chronicles 14:9-15
2 Chronicles 15
2 Chronicles 16:1-10
2 Chronicles 16:11-14
1 Kings 15
Abijah, King of Judah
2 Ch 13:1-2; 13:22-14:1
1 Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam the son of Nebat,
Abijah became king over Judah.
2 (2Ch 13:2) He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name
was Maakah, the daughter of Abishalom.
3 (1Ki 11:4; Ps 119:80) He walked in all the sins of his father that he had
done before him, and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God
as the heart of his father David had been.
4 (1Ki 11:36; 2Ch 21:7) Nevertheless, for David's sake, the Lord his God gave
him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him
and to establish Jerusalem,
5 (1Ki 14:8; 2Sa 11:15-17) because David did that which was right in the eyes
of the Lord and did not turn aside from anything that He commanded him
all the days of his life, except in the matter involving Uriah the Hittite.
Abijah
1 Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned
Abijam over Judah.
2 Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah,
the daughter of Abishalom.
3 And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him:
and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his
father.
4 Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp
in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:
5 because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned
not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save
only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
2 Chronicles 13
Abijah, King of Judah
1Ki 15:1-8
1 (2Ch 12:16) In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam,
Abijah became king of Judah.
2 (2Ch 11:20; 1Ki 15:6-7) He reigned for three years in Judah,
and his mother's name was Micaiah, [2Ki 8:26 reads twenty-two years.]
the granddaughter of Uriel of Gibeah.
And there was a war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
3 Abijah set the battle in order with an army of valiant men of war,
400 000 choice men. Jeroboam also drew up battle lines against him
with an army of eight hundred thousand men, mighty men of valor.
4 (Jos 18:22) Then Abijah went up to Mount Zemaraim that is
in the hills of Ephraim, and he said, "Listen to me, Jeroboam and all Israel!
5 (Lev 2:13; Nu 18:19) Do you all not know that the Lord God of Israel
has perpetually given the kingdom of Israel to David,
even to him and to his sons with a covenant of salt?
6 (1Ki 11:26; 12:20) And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon
son of David, stood up and rebelled against his lord Rehoboam.
7 (Jdg 9:4; 2Ch 12:13) Then vain, worthless men gathered together around him
and defied Rehoboam son of Solomon. And Rehoboam was young
and timid in heart and was not strong before them.
8 (1Ki 12:28; 2Ch 11:15) "And now you think that you can withstand
before the kingdom of the Lord by the hand of the sons of David.
And you all are a great multitude, and with you are the golden calves
that Jeroboam has made for you to be gods.
9 (2Ch 11:14-15; Jer 2:11) Have you all not driven out the priests
of the Lord, even the Levites and sons of Aaron,
and made for yourselves priests from the peoples of other lands?
Whoever comes to be dedicated and has in his hand a young bull
or seven rams becomes a priest to what is not a god.
10 "But for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not abandoned
Him. And our priests serve the Lord and are sons of Aaron,
Levites with their service.
11 (2Ch 2:4; Ex 25:30-39) They sacrifice burnt offerings to the Lord
every morning and evening and put out an incense of spices.
They also set the showbread in place on the ritual table
and set the golden lampstand with its lamps to burn every evening.
For we keep the duty of the Lord our God, but you all have abandoned Him.
12 (Nu 10:8-9; Ac 5:39) God is with us as a leader, and His priests
with their battle trumpets to call for battle against you all.
O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord the God of your fathers
because you will not find success."
13 (Jos 8:4; 8:9) So Jeroboam went around them with an ambush
to come from behind them. Those from Israel were in front of Judah,
while the ambush was behind them.
14 (2Ch 14:11) Then Judah turned and saw that the battle was both in front of
and behind them. Then they cried out to the Lord, and the priests sounded
their trumpets.
15 (2Ch 14:12) Then the men from Judah shouted out; and it happened
when Judah shouted out, God struck down Jeroboam
and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
16 (2Ch 16:8) The men of Israel fled before Judah,
and God gave them into their hand.
17 Abijah and his people struck them down with a great slaughter,
and the slain from Israel who fell that day were 500000 choice men.
18 (1Ch 5:20; 2Ch 14:11) So the sons of Israel were subdued at that time,
and the people of Judah were strong for they depended
on the Lord God of their fathers.
19 (Jos 15:9; 2Ch 15:8) And Abijah chased after Jeroboam
and captured cities from him: Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron
with their surrounding villages.
20 (1Sa 25:38; 1Ki 14:20) And Jeroboam did not again recover
his strength in the days of Abijah, and the Lord struck down Jeroboam,
and he died.
21 So Abijah grew strong and took 14 wives and had 22 sons and 16 daughters.
22 (2Ch 9:29; 12:15) And the remainder of the acts of Abijah, both his ways
and words, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo.
1 Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah.
2 He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Michaiah the
daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
3 And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war,
even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array
against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour.
4 And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in mount Ephraim,
and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel;
5 ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over
Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?
6 Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David,
is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord.
7 And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial,
and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon,
when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.
8 And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the
sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden
calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods.
9 Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the
Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other
lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock
and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods.
10 But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and
the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and
the Levites wait upon their business:
11 and they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt
sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also set they in order upon
the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof,
to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God;
but ye have forsaken him.
12 And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with
sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye
not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.
13 But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were
before Judah, and the ambushment was behind them.
14 And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and
they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.
15 Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it
came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
16 And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into
their hand.
17 And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter:
so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.
18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and
the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God
of their fathers.
19 And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Beth-el
with the towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain
with the towns thereof.
20 Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah:
and the LORD struck him, and he died.
21 But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives,
and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters.
22 And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings,
are written in the story of the prophet Iddo.
1 Kings 15
6 (1Ki 14:30) The war begun between Rehoboam and Jeroboam
continued all the days of his life.
7 (2Ch 13:2-22) Now the rest of the acts of Abijah and all that he did,
are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
8 (2Ch 14:1) Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him
in the City of David, and Asa his son reigned in his place.
6 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.
7 Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not
written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.
8 And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city
of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.
2 Chronicles 14
1 And Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David.
Asa his son then reigned in his place.
In his days the land was quiet for ten years.
Asa, King of Judah
1Ki 15:11-12
2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.
3 (Dt 7:5; Ex 34:13; 1Ki 15:12-14) He took down the foreign altars
and high places, and he shattered the pillars
and cut down the images of Asherah.
4 Then he urged Judah to seek the Lord the God of their fathers
and to keep the law and commandments.
5 (2Ch 34:4; 34:7) And he also removed all the high places
and incense altars in the cities in Judah.
And the kingdom was at rest under Asa.
6 (2Ch 15:15; 1Ch 22:9) He built fortified cities in Judah
because the land was quiet; and there was no war in these years,
for the Lord gave peace to him.
7 (2Ch 14:6) And he said to Judah, "Let us build up these cities
and let us surround them with walls, towers, gates, and bars
for the land before us is still ours because we have sought
after the Lord our God. We have sought Him,
and He has given us peace all around." So they built and had success.
8 (2Ch 13:3) And it happened that Asa had an army from Judah
carrying large shields and spears numbering 300000.
And from Benjamin he had an army carrying shields and bows numbering
280000. All of these were mighty men of valor.
1 So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David:
and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten
years.
2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:
3 for he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places,
and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:
4 and commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the
law and the commandment.
5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places
and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.
6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no
war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
7 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about
them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us;
because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath
given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.
8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah
three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows,
two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.
1 Kings 15
Asa, King of Judah
2 Ch 14:2-3; 15:16-17:1
9 In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel,
Asa became king over Judah.
10 (1Ki 15:2) He reigned 41 years in Jerusalem, and his grandmother's name
was Maakah, the daughter of Abishalom.
11 (2Ch 14:2) Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord,
just as his father David had done.
12 (1Ki 22:46; 11:7-8) He expelled the male cult prostitutes
from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
13 (Ex 32:20) In addition he even deposed his grandmother Maakah as queen,
because she had made an idol in a grove. Asa destroyed her idol and burned it
by the Kidron brook.
14 (1Ki 15:3; 22:43) But the high places were not all removed, even though
Asa's heart was wholly devoted to the Lord all his days.
15 (1Ki 7:51) He brought into the house of the Lord the things
that both his father and he himself had dedicated,
the silver and gold and cups.
Asa
9 And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah.
10 And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was
Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.
11 And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David
his father.
12 And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols
that his fathers had made.
13 And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because
she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by
the brook Kidron.
14 But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart
was perfect with the LORD all his days.
15 And he brought in the things which his father had dedicated, and the
things which himself had dedicated, into the house of the LORD, silver,
and gold, and vessels.
1 Kings 15:16-22
16 (1Ki 15:32) There was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel
all their days.
17 (1Ki 12:27; Jos 18:25) Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah
and fortified Ramah so he could prevent anyone from going out
or coming in to Asa king of Judah.
18 (1Ki 14:26; 2Ki 12:18) Then Asa took all the silver and the gold
that were left in the treasures of the house of the Lord, as well
as the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand
of his servants, and he sent them to Ben-Hadad, the son of Tabrimmon,
the son of Hezion, king of Aram, who lived at Damascus, saying,
19"There is a treaty between me and you and between my father
and your father. I have sent to you a present of silver and gold.
Come and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel,
so he will depart from me."
20 (2Ki 15:29; Jdg 18:29; Jos 11:2) So Ben-Hadad listened to King Asa
and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel
and conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maakah, and all Kinnereth,
along with all the land of Naphtali.
21 (1Ki 14:17; 16:15-18) When Baasha heard about it, he halted
the fortification of Ramah and moved to Tirzah.
22 (Jos 21:17; 18:24) Then King Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah
-none was exempted-and they took away the stones of Ramah
and the timber with which Baasha had built, and King Asa used them to build
Geba of Benjamin as well as Mizpah.
16 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.
17 And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he
might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
18 Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures
of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house,
and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them
to Ben-hadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria,
that dwelt at Damascus, saying,
19 There is a league between me and thee, and between my father
and thy father: behold, I have sent unto thee a present of silver and gold;
come and break thy league with Baasha king of Israel,
that he may depart from me.
20 So Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts
which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan,
and Abel-beth-maachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.
21 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building
of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah.
22 Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted:
and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith
Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.
1 Kings 15:23-24
23 The rest of all the acts of Asa and all his might and all that he did
and the cities that he built, are they not written in the book
of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? When he was old,
he got a disease in his feet.
(24Mt 1:8; 1Ki 22:41-43) Asa then slept with his fathers and was buried
with them in the city of his father David,
and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place.
23 The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did,
and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the
chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age
he was diseased in his feet.
24 And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the
city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.
2 Chronicles 14:9-15
9 (2Ch 16:8; Jos 15:44) But Zerah the Ethiopian Cushite came out against them
with an army of 1000000 men and 300000 chariots. And he came up to Mareshah.
10 Then Asa went out to engage him, and they arranged for battle
in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.
11 (2Ch 13:14; 13:18) And Asa cried out the Lord his God, and said,
"Lord, it is nothing with You to help, whether with many or with those
who have no power. Help us, O Lord our God; for we trust in You,
and in Your name we come against this multitude.
O Lord, You are our God. Let no man prevail against You."
12 (2Ch 13:15) So the Lord struck down the Ethiopian Cushites
before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled.
13 (Ge 10:19; 20:1) Then Asa and those with him pursued them until Gerar.
And the Cushites fell till there was not one left alive
because they were struck down before the Lord and His army.
And those in Judah carried off a very great plunder.
14 (2Ch 17:10; Ge 35:5) And they struck down all the cities surrounding Gerar
because the terror of the Lord was on them. And they plundered all the cities
because there was a great amount of possessions in them.
15 And they also struck the tents holding livestock, and they carried off
sheep and a great amount of camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.
9 And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of
a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.
10 Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the
valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.
11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with
thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us,
O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this
multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.
12 So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the
Ethiopians fled.
13 And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the
Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they
were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away
very much spoil.
14 And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD
came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much
spoil in them.
15 They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels
in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 15
The Reforms of Asa
1Ki 15:13-16
1 (2Ch 20:14; 24:20) Then the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded,
2 (1Ch 28:9; 2Ch 15:4) and he went out to meet Asa and said to him,
"Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The Lord is with you
while you are with Him. If you all seek Him, He will be found with you.
But if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.
3 (Lev 10:11; 1Ki 12:28-33) For a long time Israel has been without the true
God, and without a teaching priest and without law,
4 (Dt 4:29-30) but when in their trouble they turned to the Lord God
of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them.
5 (Jdg 5:6) And at that time there was no peace to the one traveling in
or out because there was a great panic on all those who dwelt in the land.
6 They were broken to pieces, nation against nation and city against city,
because God confused them with every type of distress.
7 (Jos 1:7; 1:9) But you all must be strong and not lose heart,
for there is a reward for your deeds."
8 (2Ch 8:12; 13:19) And when Asa heard these words of the prophecy of Azariah
son of Oded the prophet, he was encouraged and removed the detestable idols
from the entire land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities
that he captured in the hills of Ephraim. And he repaired the altar
of the Lord that was before the vestibule of the Lord.
9 (2Ch 11:16) And he gathered together all of Judah and Benjamin
and those who had settled among them from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon,
for these had come down to him from Israel in a great number
when they saw that the Lord his God was with him.
10 These were gathered in Jerusalem in the third month in the fifteenth year
in the reign of Asa.
11 (2Ch 14:13-15) They sacrificed to the Lord that day from the plunder
that they brought in, 700 oxen and 7000 sheep.
12 (2Ch 23:16; 2Ki 23:3) And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God
of their fathers with all their heart and soul.
13 (Ex 22:20) But whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel
would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman.
14 They swore an oath to the Lord in a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets,
and horns.
15 (2Ch 14:7) And all Judah rejoiced over this oath because they swore
with their whole heart and they sought Him with all their desire;
and He was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.
16 (1Ki 15:13-24; Ex 34:13) King Asa even removed his mother Maakah
from being queen mother because she had made a detestable image
for Asherah. Asa cut down her image, crushed it, and burned it
in the Kidron Valley.
17 But they did not remove the high places from Israel.
Nevertheless the heart of Asa was wholly committed all his days.
18 He brought into the house of God the sacred gifts of his father
and his own sacred gifts-silver, gold, and utensils.
19 And there was no war until the 35th year of the reign of Asa.
2 Chronicles 15
The Prophecy of Oded
1 And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:
2 and he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all
Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him;
and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him,
he will forsake you.
3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God,
and without a teaching priest, and without law.
4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel,
and sought him, he was found of them.
5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that
came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.
6 And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city:
for God did vex them with all adversity.
7 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak:
for your work shall be rewarded.
8 And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet,
he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land
of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from
mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD,
that was before the porch of the LORD.
9 And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them
out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out
of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.
10 So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month,
in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.
11 And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they
had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.
12 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers
with all their heart and with all their soul;
13 that whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to
death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.
14 And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting,
and with trumpets, and with cornets.
15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their
heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them:
and the LORD gave them rest round about.
16 And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her
from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down
her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.
17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel:
nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.
18 And he brought into the house of God the things that his father
had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold,
and vessels.
19 And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth
year of the reign of Asa.
2 Chronicles 16:1-10
Asa's Last Years
(1Ki 15:17-24)
1 (2Ch 15:9) But in the 36th year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel
went up against Judah and built Ramah and did not allow anyone to come
in or go out to Asa king of Judah.
2 Then Asa removed silver and gold from the storehouses
of the house of the Lord and palace of the king,
and he sent it to Ben-Hadad king of Aram in Syria, who lived in Damascus,
saying,
3 "There is a covenant between me and you as between my father
and your father. I am sending you silver and gold.
Go and break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel so that he might
leave me."
4 And Ben-Hadad listened to King Asa, and he sent the commanders of
his armies against the cities of Israel. They struck down Ijon, Dan,
Abel Maim, and all the depot cities of Naphtali.
5 And it happened when Baasha heard this, that he stopped building Ramah
and he ceased his work.
6 Then King Asa took all of Judah, and they took the stones of Ramah
and its timber that Baasha had used to build, and he built with them Geba
and Mizpah.
7 (1Ki 16:1; 2Ch 19:2) And at that time Hanani the seer came
to King Asa of Judah saying, "Because you depended on the king of Aram
and did not depend on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king
of Aram escaped from your hand.
8 (2Ch 12:3; 13:16) Were not the Cushites and Libyans a very large army
with chariots and horses, but when you depended on the Lord,
He gave them to your hand.
9 (Pr 15:3; Zec 4:10) For the eyes of the Lord move about on all the earth
to strengthen the heart that is completely toward Him.
You have acted foolishly in this, and from this point forward
you will have wars."
10 (2Ch 18:26) Then Asa was angry with the seer and placed him in prison
stocks, for he was enraged by these words. Asa even oppressed
some of the people during this time.
1 In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came
up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out
or come in to Asa king of Judah.
2 Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of
the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Ben-hadad king of Syria, that
dwelt at Damascus, saying,
3 There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and
thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league
with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.
4 And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies
against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-maim,
and all the store cities of Naphtali.
5 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building
of Ramah, and let his work cease.
6 Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah,
and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith
Geba and Mizpah.
7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto
him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD
thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots
and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into
thine hand.
9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew
himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt
have wars.
10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house;
for he was in a rage with him because of this thing.
And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.
2 Chronicles 16:11-14
The Death of Asa
11 The events of Asa from beginning to end are written
in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
12 (Jer 17:5) In the 39th year of the reign of Asa, he had a sickness
in his feet until his sickness became grave.
Even in his disease he did not seek after the Lord, but the physicians.
13 So Asa slept with his fathers; he died in the 41st year of his reign.
14 (Ge 50:2; 2Ch 21:19) And they buried him in the tomb
that he cut for himself in the City of David.
And they placed him on a place filled with all types of spices mixed
with ointments, and then they burned him up with a very great conflagration.
11 And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written
in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet,
until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to
the LORD, but to the physicians.
13 And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year
of his reign.
14 And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself
in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet
odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art:
and they made a very great burning for him.
2) Our Daily Bread for 24 June 2024 titled
In Awe of God
Exodus 20:18-21
18 (Ex 19:16-18) All the people witnessed the thunder
and the lightning and the sound of the trumpet
and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it,
they trembled and stood at a distance.
19 (Dt 18:16; Gal 3:19) They said to Moses, "You speak to us,
and we will listen, but do not let God speak to us, lest we die."
20 (Dt 13:3; Isa 8:13) Moses said to the people, "Do not fear,
for God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be
before you so that you do not sin."
21 (1Ki 8:12; Ps 18:9) The people stood a distance away as Moses
drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
[18] And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the
noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it,
they removed, and stood afar off.
[19] And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let
not God speak with us, lest we die.
[20] And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you,
and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
[21] And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick
darkness where God was.
(The Power of the Creator is on display)
A phobia is defined as the "irrational fear" of certain things or situations.
Arachnophobia is a fear of spiders (though some might argue that's a
perfectly rational thing to be afraid of!). Then there's globophobia
and xocolatophobia. These and some four hundred other phobias are real
and documented. It seems we can become afraid of most anything.
The Bible tells of the Israelites' fear after receiving the Ten Commandments:
"When the people saw the thunder and lightning . . . they trembled with fear"
(Exodus 20:18). Moses comforted them, offering this most interesting
statement: "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear
of God will be with you" (v. 20). Moses seems to contradict himself:
"Don't be afraid but be afraid." In fact, the Hebrew word for "fear"
contains at least two meanings-a trembling terror of something
or a reverent awe of God.
We may laugh to learn that globophobia is the fear of balloons
and xocolatophobia is a fear of chocolate. The more serious bottom
line about phobias is that we can be afraid of all kinds of things.
Fears creep into our lives like spiders, and the world can be a scary place.
As we struggle with phobias and fears, we do well to be reminded that
our God is an awesome God, offering us His present comfort in the midst
of darkness.
By: Kenneth Petersen
Reflect & Pray
What in your life are you afraid of?
How does God's love help you overcome those fears?
Dear God, I find myself afraid of so many things.
Please comfort my heart, and help me to rest in Your love.
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) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Joshua 1:8
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.
Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all
that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,
and you will be wise.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are discouraged or Depressed
Matthew 11:25-30
25 (Ps 8:2; Jn 11:41) At that time Jesus said, "I thank You, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things
from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants.
26 Even so, Father, for it seemed good in Your sight.
27 (Jn 10:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18) "All things are delivered to Me
by My Father, and no one knows the Son, except the Father.
And no one knows the Father, except the Son and he to whom
the Son will reveal Him.
28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavily
burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.
For I am meek and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.(Jer 6:16).
30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
because He has dealt bountifully with me.
The Hidden Revelation
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things
from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man
knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father,
save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Quebec
Quick facts on Muslims in Quebec
Quebec 2015 population 8214 000
est Muslim Population 418946
CNMM Networks: Montreal
There is a growing Muslim population in Quebec City and a smattering
of Muslims scattered around the rest of the province, yet the vast majority
of Muslims live in the greater Montreal area. n fact, 23% of Canada's Muslim
population live in Quebec. Why is that? It is largely because Francophone
African Muslims are attracted to La Belle Provence.
And here's an interesting, perhaps even shocking fact: There are more
Muslims in Montreal than there are evangelical Christians.
This is one demographic factor creates a challenging environment for churches
and believers here: The size of the available 'workforce' is small
by comparison to begin with. Believers are already is a host culture that
is often either indifferent to religion or resistant to it. And now
this 'new' religious community of Muslims - many of whom do not visibly
or socially conform to Quebec society - are a growing population. It might br
easy for Christians to feel overwhelm by this cultural double-whammy,
yet God has always worked miracles through the small, the few.
Agree in prayer for :
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
And
Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.
"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.
Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.
As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.
Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.
I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 15:13
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 24 of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society. (
Col 4:3
3 while praying also for us, that God would open to
us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in chains,
3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto
us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in bonds:
)
b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan
I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour the Lord all your life.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, I find myself afraid of so many things.
Please comfort my heart, and help me to rest in Your love."
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Lord to know His Word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to keep His Word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him all your burdens.
Agree in prayer for Quebec:
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Society.
Pray for the emotional, spiritual and physical health of Tamara in Tajikistan,
a widow whose husband was killed for his Christian witness.
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) 1 King 15:1-24 ,2 Chronicles 13 - 16
1 Kings 15:1-5
2 Chronicles 13
1 Kings 15:6-8
2 Chronicles 14:1-8
1 Kings 15:9-15
1 Kings 15:16-22
1 Kings 15:23-24
2 Chronicles 14:9-15
2 Chronicles 15
2 Chronicles 16:1-10
2 Chronicles 16:11-14
1 Kings 15
Abijah, King of Judah
2 Ch 13:1-2; 13:22-14:1
1 Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam the son of Nebat,
Abijah became king over Judah.
2 (2Ch 13:2) He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name
was Maakah, the daughter of Abishalom.
3 (1Ki 11:4; Ps 119:80) He walked in all the sins of his father that he had
done before him, and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God
as the heart of his father David had been.
4 (1Ki 11:36; 2Ch 21:7) Nevertheless, for David's sake, the Lord his God gave
him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him
and to establish Jerusalem,
5 (1Ki 14:8; 2Sa 11:15-17) because David did that which was right in the eyes
of the Lord and did not turn aside from anything that He commanded him
all the days of his life, except in the matter involving Uriah the Hittite.
Abijah
1 Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned
Abijam over Judah.
2 Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah,
the daughter of Abishalom.
3 And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him:
and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his
father.
4 Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp
in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:
5 because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned
not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save
only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
2 Chronicles 13
Abijah, King of Judah
1Ki 15:1-8
1 (2Ch 12:16) In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam,
Abijah became king of Judah.
2 (2Ch 11:20; 1Ki 15:6-7) He reigned for three years in Judah,
and his mother's name was Micaiah, [2Ki 8:26 reads twenty-two years.]
the granddaughter of Uriel of Gibeah.
And there was a war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
3 Abijah set the battle in order with an army of valiant men of war,
400 000 choice men. Jeroboam also drew up battle lines against him
with an army of eight hundred thousand men, mighty men of valor.
4 (Jos 18:22) Then Abijah went up to Mount Zemaraim that is
in the hills of Ephraim, and he said, "Listen to me, Jeroboam and all Israel!
5 (Lev 2:13; Nu 18:19) Do you all not know that the Lord God of Israel
has perpetually given the kingdom of Israel to David,
even to him and to his sons with a covenant of salt?
6 (1Ki 11:26; 12:20) And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon
son of David, stood up and rebelled against his lord Rehoboam.
7 (Jdg 9:4; 2Ch 12:13) Then vain, worthless men gathered together around him
and defied Rehoboam son of Solomon. And Rehoboam was young
and timid in heart and was not strong before them.
8 (1Ki 12:28; 2Ch 11:15) "And now you think that you can withstand
before the kingdom of the Lord by the hand of the sons of David.
And you all are a great multitude, and with you are the golden calves
that Jeroboam has made for you to be gods.
9 (2Ch 11:14-15; Jer 2:11) Have you all not driven out the priests
of the Lord, even the Levites and sons of Aaron,
and made for yourselves priests from the peoples of other lands?
Whoever comes to be dedicated and has in his hand a young bull
or seven rams becomes a priest to what is not a god.
10 "But for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not abandoned
Him. And our priests serve the Lord and are sons of Aaron,
Levites with their service.
11 (2Ch 2:4; Ex 25:30-39) They sacrifice burnt offerings to the Lord
every morning and evening and put out an incense of spices.
They also set the showbread in place on the ritual table
and set the golden lampstand with its lamps to burn every evening.
For we keep the duty of the Lord our God, but you all have abandoned Him.
12 (Nu 10:8-9; Ac 5:39) God is with us as a leader, and His priests
with their battle trumpets to call for battle against you all.
O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord the God of your fathers
because you will not find success."
13 (Jos 8:4; 8:9) So Jeroboam went around them with an ambush
to come from behind them. Those from Israel were in front of Judah,
while the ambush was behind them.
14 (2Ch 14:11) Then Judah turned and saw that the battle was both in front of
and behind them. Then they cried out to the Lord, and the priests sounded
their trumpets.
15 (2Ch 14:12) Then the men from Judah shouted out; and it happened
when Judah shouted out, God struck down Jeroboam
and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
16 (2Ch 16:8) The men of Israel fled before Judah,
and God gave them into their hand.
17 Abijah and his people struck them down with a great slaughter,
and the slain from Israel who fell that day were 500000 choice men.
18 (1Ch 5:20; 2Ch 14:11) So the sons of Israel were subdued at that time,
and the people of Judah were strong for they depended
on the Lord God of their fathers.
19 (Jos 15:9; 2Ch 15:8) And Abijah chased after Jeroboam
and captured cities from him: Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron
with their surrounding villages.
20 (1Sa 25:38; 1Ki 14:20) And Jeroboam did not again recover
his strength in the days of Abijah, and the Lord struck down Jeroboam,
and he died.
21 So Abijah grew strong and took 14 wives and had 22 sons and 16 daughters.
22 (2Ch 9:29; 12:15) And the remainder of the acts of Abijah, both his ways
and words, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo.
1 Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah.
2 He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Michaiah the
daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
3 And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war,
even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array
against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour.
4 And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in mount Ephraim,
and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel;
5 ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over
Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?
6 Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David,
is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord.
7 And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial,
and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon,
when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.
8 And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the
sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden
calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods.
9 Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the
Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other
lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock
and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods.
10 But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and
the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and
the Levites wait upon their business:
11 and they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt
sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also set they in order upon
the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof,
to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God;
but ye have forsaken him.
12 And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with
sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye
not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.
13 But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were
before Judah, and the ambushment was behind them.
14 And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and
they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.
15 Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it
came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
16 And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into
their hand.
17 And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter:
so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.
18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and
the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God
of their fathers.
19 And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Beth-el
with the towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain
with the towns thereof.
20 Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah:
and the LORD struck him, and he died.
21 But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives,
and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters.
22 And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings,
are written in the story of the prophet Iddo.
1 Kings 15
6 (1Ki 14:30) The war begun between Rehoboam and Jeroboam
continued all the days of his life.
7 (2Ch 13:2-22) Now the rest of the acts of Abijah and all that he did,
are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
8 (2Ch 14:1) Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him
in the City of David, and Asa his son reigned in his place.
6 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.
7 Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not
written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.
8 And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city
of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.
2 Chronicles 14
1 And Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David.
Asa his son then reigned in his place.
In his days the land was quiet for ten years.
Asa, King of Judah
1Ki 15:11-12
2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.
3 (Dt 7:5; Ex 34:13; 1Ki 15:12-14) He took down the foreign altars
and high places, and he shattered the pillars
and cut down the images of Asherah.
4 Then he urged Judah to seek the Lord the God of their fathers
and to keep the law and commandments.
5 (2Ch 34:4; 34:7) And he also removed all the high places
and incense altars in the cities in Judah.
And the kingdom was at rest under Asa.
6 (2Ch 15:15; 1Ch 22:9) He built fortified cities in Judah
because the land was quiet; and there was no war in these years,
for the Lord gave peace to him.
7 (2Ch 14:6) And he said to Judah, "Let us build up these cities
and let us surround them with walls, towers, gates, and bars
for the land before us is still ours because we have sought
after the Lord our God. We have sought Him,
and He has given us peace all around." So they built and had success.
8 (2Ch 13:3) And it happened that Asa had an army from Judah
carrying large shields and spears numbering 300000.
And from Benjamin he had an army carrying shields and bows numbering
280000. All of these were mighty men of valor.
1 So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David:
and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten
years.
2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:
3 for he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places,
and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:
4 and commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the
law and the commandment.
5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places
and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.
6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no
war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
7 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about
them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us;
because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath
given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.
8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah
three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows,
two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.
1 Kings 15
Asa, King of Judah
2 Ch 14:2-3; 15:16-17:1
9 In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel,
Asa became king over Judah.
10 (1Ki 15:2) He reigned 41 years in Jerusalem, and his grandmother's name
was Maakah, the daughter of Abishalom.
11 (2Ch 14:2) Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord,
just as his father David had done.
12 (1Ki 22:46; 11:7-8) He expelled the male cult prostitutes
from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
13 (Ex 32:20) In addition he even deposed his grandmother Maakah as queen,
because she had made an idol in a grove. Asa destroyed her idol and burned it
by the Kidron brook.
14 (1Ki 15:3; 22:43) But the high places were not all removed, even though
Asa's heart was wholly devoted to the Lord all his days.
15 (1Ki 7:51) He brought into the house of the Lord the things
that both his father and he himself had dedicated,
the silver and gold and cups.
Asa
9 And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah.
10 And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was
Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.
11 And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David
his father.
12 And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols
that his fathers had made.
13 And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because
she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by
the brook Kidron.
14 But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart
was perfect with the LORD all his days.
15 And he brought in the things which his father had dedicated, and the
things which himself had dedicated, into the house of the LORD, silver,
and gold, and vessels.
1 Kings 15:16-22
16 (1Ki 15:32) There was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel
all their days.
17 (1Ki 12:27; Jos 18:25) Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah
and fortified Ramah so he could prevent anyone from going out
or coming in to Asa king of Judah.
18 (1Ki 14:26; 2Ki 12:18) Then Asa took all the silver and the gold
that were left in the treasures of the house of the Lord, as well
as the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand
of his servants, and he sent them to Ben-Hadad, the son of Tabrimmon,
the son of Hezion, king of Aram, who lived at Damascus, saying,
19"There is a treaty between me and you and between my father
and your father. I have sent to you a present of silver and gold.
Come and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel,
so he will depart from me."
20 (2Ki 15:29; Jdg 18:29; Jos 11:2) So Ben-Hadad listened to King Asa
and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel
and conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maakah, and all Kinnereth,
along with all the land of Naphtali.
21 (1Ki 14:17; 16:15-18) When Baasha heard about it, he halted
the fortification of Ramah and moved to Tirzah.
22 (Jos 21:17; 18:24) Then King Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah
-none was exempted-and they took away the stones of Ramah
and the timber with which Baasha had built, and King Asa used them to build
Geba of Benjamin as well as Mizpah.
16 And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.
17 And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he
might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
18 Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures
of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house,
and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them
to Ben-hadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria,
that dwelt at Damascus, saying,
19 There is a league between me and thee, and between my father
and thy father: behold, I have sent unto thee a present of silver and gold;
come and break thy league with Baasha king of Israel,
that he may depart from me.
20 So Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts
which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan,
and Abel-beth-maachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.
21 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building
of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah.
22 Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted:
and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith
Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.
1 Kings 15:23-24
23 The rest of all the acts of Asa and all his might and all that he did
and the cities that he built, are they not written in the book
of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? When he was old,
he got a disease in his feet.
(24Mt 1:8; 1Ki 22:41-43) Asa then slept with his fathers and was buried
with them in the city of his father David,
and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place.
23 The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did,
and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the
chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age
he was diseased in his feet.
24 And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the
city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.
2 Chronicles 14:9-15
9 (2Ch 16:8; Jos 15:44) But Zerah the Ethiopian Cushite came out against them
with an army of 1000000 men and 300000 chariots. And he came up to Mareshah.
10 Then Asa went out to engage him, and they arranged for battle
in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.
11 (2Ch 13:14; 13:18) And Asa cried out the Lord his God, and said,
"Lord, it is nothing with You to help, whether with many or with those
who have no power. Help us, O Lord our God; for we trust in You,
and in Your name we come against this multitude.
O Lord, You are our God. Let no man prevail against You."
12 (2Ch 13:15) So the Lord struck down the Ethiopian Cushites
before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled.
13 (Ge 10:19; 20:1) Then Asa and those with him pursued them until Gerar.
And the Cushites fell till there was not one left alive
because they were struck down before the Lord and His army.
And those in Judah carried off a very great plunder.
14 (2Ch 17:10; Ge 35:5) And they struck down all the cities surrounding Gerar
because the terror of the Lord was on them. And they plundered all the cities
because there was a great amount of possessions in them.
15 And they also struck the tents holding livestock, and they carried off
sheep and a great amount of camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.
9 And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of
a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.
10 Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the
valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.
11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with
thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us,
O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this
multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.
12 So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the
Ethiopians fled.
13 And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the
Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they
were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away
very much spoil.
14 And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD
came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much
spoil in them.
15 They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels
in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 15
The Reforms of Asa
1Ki 15:13-16
1 (2Ch 20:14; 24:20) Then the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded,
2 (1Ch 28:9; 2Ch 15:4) and he went out to meet Asa and said to him,
"Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The Lord is with you
while you are with Him. If you all seek Him, He will be found with you.
But if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.
3 (Lev 10:11; 1Ki 12:28-33) For a long time Israel has been without the true
God, and without a teaching priest and without law,
4 (Dt 4:29-30) but when in their trouble they turned to the Lord God
of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them.
5 (Jdg 5:6) And at that time there was no peace to the one traveling in
or out because there was a great panic on all those who dwelt in the land.
6 They were broken to pieces, nation against nation and city against city,
because God confused them with every type of distress.
7 (Jos 1:7; 1:9) But you all must be strong and not lose heart,
for there is a reward for your deeds."
8 (2Ch 8:12; 13:19) And when Asa heard these words of the prophecy of Azariah
son of Oded the prophet, he was encouraged and removed the detestable idols
from the entire land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities
that he captured in the hills of Ephraim. And he repaired the altar
of the Lord that was before the vestibule of the Lord.
9 (2Ch 11:16) And he gathered together all of Judah and Benjamin
and those who had settled among them from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon,
for these had come down to him from Israel in a great number
when they saw that the Lord his God was with him.
10 These were gathered in Jerusalem in the third month in the fifteenth year
in the reign of Asa.
11 (2Ch 14:13-15) They sacrificed to the Lord that day from the plunder
that they brought in, 700 oxen and 7000 sheep.
12 (2Ch 23:16; 2Ki 23:3) And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God
of their fathers with all their heart and soul.
13 (Ex 22:20) But whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel
would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman.
14 They swore an oath to the Lord in a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets,
and horns.
15 (2Ch 14:7) And all Judah rejoiced over this oath because they swore
with their whole heart and they sought Him with all their desire;
and He was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.
16 (1Ki 15:13-24; Ex 34:13) King Asa even removed his mother Maakah
from being queen mother because she had made a detestable image
for Asherah. Asa cut down her image, crushed it, and burned it
in the Kidron Valley.
17 But they did not remove the high places from Israel.
Nevertheless the heart of Asa was wholly committed all his days.
18 He brought into the house of God the sacred gifts of his father
and his own sacred gifts-silver, gold, and utensils.
19 And there was no war until the 35th year of the reign of Asa.
2 Chronicles 15
The Prophecy of Oded
1 And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:
2 and he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all
Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him;
and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him,
he will forsake you.
3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God,
and without a teaching priest, and without law.
4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel,
and sought him, he was found of them.
5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that
came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.
6 And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city:
for God did vex them with all adversity.
7 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak:
for your work shall be rewarded.
8 And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet,
he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land
of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from
mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD,
that was before the porch of the LORD.
9 And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them
out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out
of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.
10 So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month,
in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.
11 And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they
had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.
12 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers
with all their heart and with all their soul;
13 that whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to
death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.
14 And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting,
and with trumpets, and with cornets.
15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their
heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them:
and the LORD gave them rest round about.
16 And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her
from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down
her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.
17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel:
nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.
18 And he brought into the house of God the things that his father
had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold,
and vessels.
19 And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth
year of the reign of Asa.
2 Chronicles 16:1-10
Asa's Last Years
(1Ki 15:17-24)
1 (2Ch 15:9) But in the 36th year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel
went up against Judah and built Ramah and did not allow anyone to come
in or go out to Asa king of Judah.
2 Then Asa removed silver and gold from the storehouses
of the house of the Lord and palace of the king,
and he sent it to Ben-Hadad king of Aram in Syria, who lived in Damascus,
saying,
3 "There is a covenant between me and you as between my father
and your father. I am sending you silver and gold.
Go and break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel so that he might
leave me."
4 And Ben-Hadad listened to King Asa, and he sent the commanders of
his armies against the cities of Israel. They struck down Ijon, Dan,
Abel Maim, and all the depot cities of Naphtali.
5 And it happened when Baasha heard this, that he stopped building Ramah
and he ceased his work.
6 Then King Asa took all of Judah, and they took the stones of Ramah
and its timber that Baasha had used to build, and he built with them Geba
and Mizpah.
7 (1Ki 16:1; 2Ch 19:2) And at that time Hanani the seer came
to King Asa of Judah saying, "Because you depended on the king of Aram
and did not depend on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king
of Aram escaped from your hand.
8 (2Ch 12:3; 13:16) Were not the Cushites and Libyans a very large army
with chariots and horses, but when you depended on the Lord,
He gave them to your hand.
9 (Pr 15:3; Zec 4:10) For the eyes of the Lord move about on all the earth
to strengthen the heart that is completely toward Him.
You have acted foolishly in this, and from this point forward
you will have wars."
10 (2Ch 18:26) Then Asa was angry with the seer and placed him in prison
stocks, for he was enraged by these words. Asa even oppressed
some of the people during this time.
1 In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came
up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out
or come in to Asa king of Judah.
2 Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of
the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Ben-hadad king of Syria, that
dwelt at Damascus, saying,
3 There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and
thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league
with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.
4 And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies
against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-maim,
and all the store cities of Naphtali.
5 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building
of Ramah, and let his work cease.
6 Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah,
and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith
Geba and Mizpah.
7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto
him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD
thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots
and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into
thine hand.
9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew
himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt
have wars.
10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house;
for he was in a rage with him because of this thing.
And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.
2 Chronicles 16:11-14
The Death of Asa
11 The events of Asa from beginning to end are written
in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
12 (Jer 17:5) In the 39th year of the reign of Asa, he had a sickness
in his feet until his sickness became grave.
Even in his disease he did not seek after the Lord, but the physicians.
13 So Asa slept with his fathers; he died in the 41st year of his reign.
14 (Ge 50:2; 2Ch 21:19) And they buried him in the tomb
that he cut for himself in the City of David.
And they placed him on a place filled with all types of spices mixed
with ointments, and then they burned him up with a very great conflagration.
11 And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written
in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet,
until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to
the LORD, but to the physicians.
13 And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year
of his reign.
14 And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself
in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet
odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art:
and they made a very great burning for him.
2) Our Daily Bread for 24 June 2024 titled
In Awe of God
Exodus 20:18-21
18 (Ex 19:16-18) All the people witnessed the thunder
and the lightning and the sound of the trumpet
and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it,
they trembled and stood at a distance.
19 (Dt 18:16; Gal 3:19) They said to Moses, "You speak to us,
and we will listen, but do not let God speak to us, lest we die."
20 (Dt 13:3; Isa 8:13) Moses said to the people, "Do not fear,
for God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be
before you so that you do not sin."
21 (1Ki 8:12; Ps 18:9) The people stood a distance away as Moses
drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
[18] And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the
noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it,
they removed, and stood afar off.
[19] And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let
not God speak with us, lest we die.
[20] And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you,
and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
[21] And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick
darkness where God was.
(The Power of the Creator is on display)
A phobia is defined as the "irrational fear" of certain things or situations.
Arachnophobia is a fear of spiders (though some might argue that's a
perfectly rational thing to be afraid of!). Then there's globophobia
and xocolatophobia. These and some four hundred other phobias are real
and documented. It seems we can become afraid of most anything.
The Bible tells of the Israelites' fear after receiving the Ten Commandments:
"When the people saw the thunder and lightning . . . they trembled with fear"
(Exodus 20:18). Moses comforted them, offering this most interesting
statement: "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear
of God will be with you" (v. 20). Moses seems to contradict himself:
"Don't be afraid but be afraid." In fact, the Hebrew word for "fear"
contains at least two meanings-a trembling terror of something
or a reverent awe of God.
We may laugh to learn that globophobia is the fear of balloons
and xocolatophobia is a fear of chocolate. The more serious bottom
line about phobias is that we can be afraid of all kinds of things.
Fears creep into our lives like spiders, and the world can be a scary place.
As we struggle with phobias and fears, we do well to be reminded that
our God is an awesome God, offering us His present comfort in the midst
of darkness.
By: Kenneth Petersen
Reflect & Pray
What in your life are you afraid of?
How does God's love help you overcome those fears?
Dear God, I find myself afraid of so many things.
Please comfort my heart, and help me to rest in Your love.
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) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Joshua 1:8
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.
Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all
that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,
and you will be wise.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are discouraged or Depressed
Matthew 11:25-30
25 (Ps 8:2; Jn 11:41) At that time Jesus said, "I thank You, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things
from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants.
26 Even so, Father, for it seemed good in Your sight.
27 (Jn 10:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18) "All things are delivered to Me
by My Father, and no one knows the Son, except the Father.
And no one knows the Father, except the Son and he to whom
the Son will reveal Him.
28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavily
burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.
For I am meek and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.(Jer 6:16).
30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
because He has dealt bountifully with me.
The Hidden Revelation
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things
from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man
knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father,
save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)
Quebec
Quick facts on Muslims in Quebec
Quebec 2015 population 8214 000
est Muslim Population 418946
CNMM Networks: Montreal
There is a growing Muslim population in Quebec City and a smattering
of Muslims scattered around the rest of the province, yet the vast majority
of Muslims live in the greater Montreal area. n fact, 23% of Canada's Muslim
population live in Quebec. Why is that? It is largely because Francophone
African Muslims are attracted to La Belle Provence.
And here's an interesting, perhaps even shocking fact: There are more
Muslims in Montreal than there are evangelical Christians.
This is one demographic factor creates a challenging environment for churches
and believers here: The size of the available 'workforce' is small
by comparison to begin with. Believers are already is a host culture that
is often either indifferent to religion or resistant to it. And now
this 'new' religious community of Muslims - many of whom do not visibly
or socially conform to Quebec society - are a growing population. It might br
easy for Christians to feel overwhelm by this cultural double-whammy,
yet God has always worked miracles through the small, the few.
Agree in prayer for :
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
And
Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.
"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager,
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.
Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before.
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.
As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.
Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction.
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.
I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
ROMANS 15:13
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 24 of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society. (
Col 4:3
3 while praying also for us, that God would open to
us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in chains,
3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto
us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in bonds:
)
b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan
I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour the Lord all your life.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, I find myself afraid of so many things.
Please comfort my heart, and help me to rest in Your love."
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Lord to know His Word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to keep His Word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him all your burdens.
Agree in prayer for Quebec:
- The people of Quebec, Muslim or otherwise, to be open to the Gospel
- for Muslims who are encountering believers and responding
-for a new group of Muslim background believers who are meeting
together for worship!
- For pastors and believers to be full of passion, faith and vision for
reaching Muslims in Quebec.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Society.
Pray for the emotional, spiritual and physical health of Tamara in Tajikistan,
a widow whose husband was killed for his Christian witness.
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.