Day 238 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 26 August 2024 reflections
Day 239, 29 August 2024
1)Ezekiel 13,14,15
Ezekiel 13
False Prophets Condemned
1 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
2 (Jer 37:19; Eze 13:17) Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel
who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own hearts,
"Hear the word of the Lord!"
3 (Jer 23:28-32; La 2:14) Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the foolish prophets
who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!
4 O Israel, your prophets are like the foxes in the ruins.
5 (Isa 58:12; Eze 22:30) You have not gone up into the gaps, nor did you
build up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle on the day
of the Lord.
6 (Eze 22:28; Jer 28:15) They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying,
"The Lord says," when the Lord has not sent them. And they have made others
to hope for the confirmation of their word.
7 Have you not seen a vain vision, and have you not spoken a lying divination
when you say, "The Lord says," yet it is not I who have spoken?
8 (Eze 5:8; 21:3) Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have spoken
vanity and seen lies, therefore I am against you, says the Lord God.
9 (Ps 69:28; 87:6) Thus My hand shall be against the prophets who see vanity
and who divine lies. They shall not have a place in the council of My people,
nor shall they be written in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall
they enter into the land of Israel so that you may know that I am
the Lord God.
10 (Jer 6:14; Eze 13:16) It is surely because they have seduced My people,
saying, "Peace," when there was no peace. And when anyone builds up a wall,
they daub it with whitewash.
11 (Eze 38:22; Isa 28:2) Say to those who daub it with whitewash
that it shall fall. There shall be an overflowing shower, and you,
O great hailstones, shall fall. And a stormy wind shall break it.
12 When the wall has fallen, will you not be asked,
"Where is the whitewash with which you have daubed it?"
13 (Isa 30:30; Ps 148:8; Rev 11:19) Therefore thus says the Lord God:
I will make a violent wind break out in My fury.
And there shall be an overflowing shower in My anger, and hailstones
in My fury to consume it.
14 (Jer 6:15; Mic 1:6) So I will break down the wall that you have daubed
with whitewash, and bring it down to the ground so that its foundation
is laid bare. And when it falls, you shall be consumed in its midst.
And you shall know that I am the Lord.
15 Thus I will accomplish My wrath upon the wall and upon those who have
daubed it with whitewash, and I will say to you, The wall is no more,
nor those who daubed it,
16 (Jer 6:14; Eze 13:10) along with the prophets of Israel who prophesy
concerning Jerusalem and who see visions of peace for her
when there is no peace, says the Lord God.
17 (Eze 13:2; Jdg 4:4) Now you, son of man, set your face against
the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own heart
and prophesy against them,
18 (Eze 13:20; 2Pe 2:14) and say, Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the women
who sew magic bands on all wrists and make veils on the heads of persons
of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people
but save the souls alive of others for yourselves?
19 (Pr 28:21; Mic 3:5) And you pollute Me among My people for handfuls
of barley and pieces of bread to slay the souls of those who should not die
and to save the souls alive of those who should not live by your lying
to My people who hear your lies.
20 Therefore thus says the Lord God: I am against your magic bands
with which you hunt the souls there as birds, and I will tear them
from your arms, and will let the souls go,
even the souls that you hunt as birds.
21 Your veils also I will tear off and deliver My people out of your hands,
and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted. And you shall know
that I am the Lord.
22 (Jer 23:14) Because with lies you have made the heart of the righteous
sad, whom I have not made sad, and strengthened the hands of the wicked
that he should not turn from his wicked way and save his life,
23 (Eze 13:21; 12:24; Mic 3:6) therefore you women shall no more see vanity
or practice divinations, and I will deliver My people out of your hand.
Thus you shall know that I am the Lord.
[1] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[2] Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and
say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word
of the LORD;
[3] Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow
their own spirit, and have seen nothing!
[4] O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.
[5] Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the
house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.
[6] They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and
the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they
would confirm the word.
[7] Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying
divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?
[8] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and
seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.
[9] And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that
divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall
they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they
enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
[10] Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and
there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with
untempered morter:
[11] Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall:
there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall
fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.
[12] Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is
the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?
[13] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy
wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger,
and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.
[14] So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered
morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof
shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the
midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
[15] Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have
daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, The wall is no
more, neither they that daubed it;
[16] To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and
which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.
[17] Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy
people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,
[18] And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to
all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt
souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive
that come unto you?
[19] And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for
pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the
souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your
lies?
[20] Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows,
wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them
from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to
make them fly.
[21] Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your
hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know
that I am the LORD.
[22] Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I
have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should
not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:
[23] Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I
will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the
LORD.
Ezekiel 14
Idolatrous Elders Condemned
1 (Eze 8:1; 20:1) Then some of the elders of Israel came to me
and sat before me.
2 The word of the Lord came to me, saying:
3 (Eze 7:19; Isa 1:15) Son of man, these men have set up their idols
in their heart and put the stumbling block of their iniquity
before their face. Should I be inquired of by them at all?
4 (2Ki 1:16; Isa 66:4) Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says
the Lord God: Every man of the house of Israel who sets up his idols
in his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face,
and comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him who comes according
to the multitude of his idols,
5 (Isa 1:4; Zec 11:8) in order to seize the heart of the house of Israel
who are estranged from Me through all their idols.
6 (Isa 2:20; 30:22) Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says
the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols and turn away your
faces from all your abominations.
7 (Ex 12:48; 20:10) For every one of the house of Israel or of the stranger
who sojourns in Israel who separates himself from Me, and sets up his idols
in his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face,
and comes to the prophet to inquire of Me for himself,
I the Lord will answer him by Myself.
8 (Eze 5:15; 15:7) And I will set My face against that man and will make him
a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people.
And you shall know that I am the Lord.
9 (Jer 4:10) And if the prophet is deceived when he has spoken a word,
I the Lord have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out My hand
against him and will destroy him from the midst of My people Israel.
10 They shall bear the punishment of their iniquity. The punishment
of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him who seeks him
11 (Eze 37:23; 48:11) in order that the house of Israel may no more
go astray from Me or be polluted anymore with all their transgressions.
Thus they shall be My people, and I shall be their God, says the Lord God.
Ezekiel 14
[1] Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.
[2] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[3] Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put
the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be
inquired of at all by them?
[4] Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;
Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and
putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to
the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the
multitude of his idols;
[5] That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are
all estranged from me through their idols.
[6] Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent,
and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your
abominations.
[7] For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth
in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his
heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and
cometh to a prophet to inquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer
him by myself:
[8] And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a
proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall
know that I am the LORD.
[9] And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD
have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and
will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.
[10] And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of
the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him;
[11] That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be
polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my
people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord GOD.
Jerusalem's Imminent Judgment
12 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying:
13 (Lev 26:26; Eze 4:16) Son of man, when the land sins against Me
by trespassing grievously, then I will stretch out My hand against it,
and break the staff of the bread, and send famine against it,
and cut off man and beast from it.
14 (Jer 15:1; Eze 14:20) Even though these three men, Noah, Daniel,
and Job, were in it, they could deliver but their own souls
by their righteousness, says the Lord God.
15 (Eze 5:17; Lev 26:22) If I cause wild beasts to pass through the land,
and they destroy it so that it becomes desolate, that no man may pass
through because of the beasts,
16 (Ge 19:29) though these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord God,
they could deliver neither their sons nor their daughters.
They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate.
17 (Lev 26:25; Eze 21:3-4) Or if I bring a sword on that land, and say,
"Let the sword go through the land and cut off man and beast from it,"
18 though these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord God,
they would deliver neither their sons nor their daughters,
but they alone would deliver themselves.
19 (Eze 38:22; 2Sa 24:15) Or if I send a pestilence into that land
and pour out My fury on it in blood to cut off from it man and beast,
20 (Eze 14:14) though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live,
says the Lord God, they would deliver neither their sons nor their
daughters. They would deliver only their own souls by their righteousness.
21 (Eze 5:17; 33:27) For thus says the Lord God: How much more when I send
My four sore judgments on Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine,
and the wild beasts, and the pestilence, to cut off man and beast from it.
22 (Eze 20:43; 12:16) Yet a remnant shall be left in it who shall
be brought out, both sons and daughters. They shall come out to you,
and you shall see their way and their deeds. Then you shall be comforted
concerning the disaster that I have brought against Jerusalem,
even concerning all that I have brought upon it.
23 (Jer 22:8-9) Then they shall comfort you when you see their ways
and their deeds. And you shall know that I have not done without cause all
that I have done in it, says the Lord God.
[12] The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,
[13] Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously,
then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the
bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast
from it:
[14] Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should
deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.
[15] If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it,
so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts:
[16] Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they
shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but
the land shall be desolate.
[17] Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the
land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:
[18] Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they
shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered
themselves.
[19] Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my fury upon it
in blood, to cut off from it man and beast:
[20] Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord
GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver
their own souls by their righteousness.
[21] For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore
judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast,
and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?
[22] Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought
forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and
ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted
concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all
that I have brought upon it.
[23] And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings:
and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have
done in it, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 15
Jerusalem as a Useless Vine
1 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
2 (Isa 5:1-7; Hos 10:1) Son of man, how is the wood of the vine tree
better than any wood of a branch which is among the trees of the forest?
3 Can wood be taken from it to do any work, or can men take a peg of it
to hang any vessel on it?
4 (Jn 15:6; Isa 27:11) If it has been cast into the fire for fuel
and the fire has devoured both ends of it and the middle of it is burned,
is it useful for any work?
5 When it was whole, it was not made into anything. How much less is it
useful for any work when the fire has devoured it and it is burned!
6 Therefore thus says the Lord God: As the wood of the vine tree among
the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel,
so I will give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
7 (Eze 14:8; Ps 34:16) I will set My face against them. Though they go
out from one fire, yet the fire shall devour them. Then you shall know
that I am the Lord when I set My face against them.
8 (Eze 6:14) I will make the land desolate, because they have committed
a trespass, says the Lord God.
Ezekiel 15
[1] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[2] Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch
which is among the trees of the forest?
[3] Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it
to hang any vessel thereon?
[4] Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the
ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work?
[5] Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall
it be meet yet for any work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?
[6] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As the vine tree among the trees of
the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the
inhabitants of Jerusalem.
[7] And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from one fire,
and another fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I am the LORD,
when I set my face against them.
[8] And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a
trespass, saith the Lord GOD.
2) Our Daily Bread for 26 August 2024 titled Desert Places
Deuteronomy 2:1-7
The Wilderness Years
1 (Nu 21:4; 14:25) Then we turned, and set out toward the wilderness
by the way of the Red Sea, as the Lord spoke to me, and we circled
Mount Seir for many days.
2 Then the Lord spoke to me, saying,
3 (Dt 1:6) "You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.
4 (Nu 20:14-21; Ex 15:15) Command the people, saying: You are to pass
through the territory of your brothers the children of Esau, who dwell
in Seir, and they shall be afraid of you. So carefully watch yourselves.
5 (Ge 36:8; Jos 24:4) Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any
of their land, no, not so much as a footprint, because I have given
Mount Seir to Esau for a possession.
6 You may buy food from them with money so that you may eat,
and you may also buy water from them with money so that you may drink.
7 (Dt 8:2-4; Job 23:10) "For the Lord your God has blessed you in all
the works of your hands. He knows your wanderings through this
great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you.
You have lacked nothing."
[1] Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of
the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many
days.
[2] And the LORD spake unto me, saying,
[3] Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.
[4] And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of
your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be
afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:
[5] Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so
much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a
possession.
[6] Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also
buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.
[7] For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he
knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the
LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.
When I was a young believer, I thought "mountaintop" experiences were where I
would meet Jesus. But those highs rarely lasted or led to growth. Author Lina
AbuJamra says it's in the desert places where we meet God and grow. In her
Bible study Through the Desert, she writes, "God's aim is to use the desert
places in our lives to make us stronger." She continues, "God's goodness is
meant to be received in the midst of your pain, not proven by the absence of
pain."
It's in the hard places of sorrow, loss, and pain that God helps us to grow in
our faith and become closer to Him. As Lina learned, "The desert is not an
oversight in God's plan but an integral part of [our] growth process."
God led many Old Testament patriarchs to the desert. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
all had wilderness experiences. It was in the desert that God prepared Moses'
heart and called him to lead His people out of slavery (Exodus 3:1-2, 9-10).
And it was in the desert that God "watched over [the Israelites'] journey"
for forty years with His help and guidance (Deuteronomy 2:7).
God was with Moses and the Israelites each step of their way through the
desert, and He's with you and me in ours. In the desert, we learn to rely on
God. There He meets us-and there we grow.
By: Alyson Kieda
Reflect & Pray
When has God met you in a desert place? What happened as a result?
Dear God, thank You for being with me
in the difficult desert experiences of my life.
You're faithful and compassionate.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 2 - Earning Death
Romans 6:23
23 (Ro 5:12; Ge 2:17; Ro 2:7) For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"I only want my rights," declares the belligerent Big Ghost, one of the
characters in C. S. Lewis's classic, The Great Divorce. "I'm not asking
for anybody's bleeding charity."
"Then do. At once," his angelic friend Len urges. "Ask for the Bleeding
Charity. Everything is here for the asking and nothing can be bought."
Often we are much like the Ghost in Lewis's tale of heaven and hell.
We want "What we deserve," and being blind to our own sin, we think
we deserve praise, or al least mercy. But Paul is very clear on what
we have coming: "The wages of sin is death".
We work for our wages - we've earned our paycheque, and we deserve it.
We don't have to thank anyone for paying us - it's our due, not a gift.
Similarly, the paycheque issued to us in renumeration for our sin is
what we deserve: death.
Yet, if we are willing to lay aside our pride and accept God's gift,
we can live. "The gift of God is eternal life." Nothing we can do or say
can make us worthy of the gift of life. We are sinners by nature and we
rebel against God in our choices. Yet God, in Christ, offers grace to us,
freedom from sin, liberty from the burden of trying to earn his favour.
Ironically, freedom and peace in the Christian life come not through
justifying ourselves and making ourselves look good, but through
acknowledging the depth of our sin ad our ability to do anything about it.
When we realise that we are trapped in out sinful selves and only
Christ can free us, then we are ready to journey toward grace and freedom.
Application
a) In what way's have I tried to "earn" the gift of eternal life?
b) What can I do to focus on God's grace and realise
that I cannot accomplish my own salvation?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:8,11
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you,
so that you, always having enough of everything,
may abound to every good work.
11 So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness,
which makes us give thanks to God.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
11 being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through
us thanksgiving to God.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Ps 9:9-12
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
Waw
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:
For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Zain
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:
Declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
New Brunswick
Total population 753900
Muslim population (est.) 4543
Moncton, followed by Fredericton and Saint John, each have a growing Muslim
population in New Brunswick, In 2007, the building that was formerly a Baptist
church was converted into Moncton's 1st mosque. The University of Moncton
also has a Muslim student association hosting prayer services, fellowship
getherings, and outreaches on campus.
Fredericton also has one mosque and a Muslim student association serving the
campuses of the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University.
Fredericton's Muslim population consists in 2014 of about 50 families,
and between 300 to 400 university students.
Saint John is home to the 1st Muslim Association for the province,
which also helped foster the Islamic associations of Fredericton and Moncton.
a 'musalla', or prayer location that is not officially structured as a mosque,
has been established in the Uptown area with the intention of seeing it grow
into a 2nd official place of Muslim worship. Demand for this new location has
been primarily for university students moving into the area.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
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, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 26 of the Month
a) Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ (Matt 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut
I) Pray for the leaders of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut,
that God's Spirit would influence then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray that your nation is not spiritually adulterous.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for being with me
in the difficult desert experiences of my life.
You're faithful and compassionate."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know to the Wages of Sin is Death
and the Salvation is a free gift from the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He will provide your needs.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as a refuge for the oppressed.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ.
Pray that those in Bhutan who've lost their livelihoods for following the Lord
will experience His miraculous provisions .
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)Ezekiel 13,14,15
Ezekiel 13
False Prophets Condemned
1 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
2 (Jer 37:19; Eze 13:17) Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel
who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own hearts,
"Hear the word of the Lord!"
3 (Jer 23:28-32; La 2:14) Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the foolish prophets
who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!
4 O Israel, your prophets are like the foxes in the ruins.
5 (Isa 58:12; Eze 22:30) You have not gone up into the gaps, nor did you
build up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle on the day
of the Lord.
6 (Eze 22:28; Jer 28:15) They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying,
"The Lord says," when the Lord has not sent them. And they have made others
to hope for the confirmation of their word.
7 Have you not seen a vain vision, and have you not spoken a lying divination
when you say, "The Lord says," yet it is not I who have spoken?
8 (Eze 5:8; 21:3) Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have spoken
vanity and seen lies, therefore I am against you, says the Lord God.
9 (Ps 69:28; 87:6) Thus My hand shall be against the prophets who see vanity
and who divine lies. They shall not have a place in the council of My people,
nor shall they be written in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall
they enter into the land of Israel so that you may know that I am
the Lord God.
10 (Jer 6:14; Eze 13:16) It is surely because they have seduced My people,
saying, "Peace," when there was no peace. And when anyone builds up a wall,
they daub it with whitewash.
11 (Eze 38:22; Isa 28:2) Say to those who daub it with whitewash
that it shall fall. There shall be an overflowing shower, and you,
O great hailstones, shall fall. And a stormy wind shall break it.
12 When the wall has fallen, will you not be asked,
"Where is the whitewash with which you have daubed it?"
13 (Isa 30:30; Ps 148:8; Rev 11:19) Therefore thus says the Lord God:
I will make a violent wind break out in My fury.
And there shall be an overflowing shower in My anger, and hailstones
in My fury to consume it.
14 (Jer 6:15; Mic 1:6) So I will break down the wall that you have daubed
with whitewash, and bring it down to the ground so that its foundation
is laid bare. And when it falls, you shall be consumed in its midst.
And you shall know that I am the Lord.
15 Thus I will accomplish My wrath upon the wall and upon those who have
daubed it with whitewash, and I will say to you, The wall is no more,
nor those who daubed it,
16 (Jer 6:14; Eze 13:10) along with the prophets of Israel who prophesy
concerning Jerusalem and who see visions of peace for her
when there is no peace, says the Lord God.
17 (Eze 13:2; Jdg 4:4) Now you, son of man, set your face against
the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own heart
and prophesy against them,
18 (Eze 13:20; 2Pe 2:14) and say, Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the women
who sew magic bands on all wrists and make veils on the heads of persons
of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people
but save the souls alive of others for yourselves?
19 (Pr 28:21; Mic 3:5) And you pollute Me among My people for handfuls
of barley and pieces of bread to slay the souls of those who should not die
and to save the souls alive of those who should not live by your lying
to My people who hear your lies.
20 Therefore thus says the Lord God: I am against your magic bands
with which you hunt the souls there as birds, and I will tear them
from your arms, and will let the souls go,
even the souls that you hunt as birds.
21 Your veils also I will tear off and deliver My people out of your hands,
and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted. And you shall know
that I am the Lord.
22 (Jer 23:14) Because with lies you have made the heart of the righteous
sad, whom I have not made sad, and strengthened the hands of the wicked
that he should not turn from his wicked way and save his life,
23 (Eze 13:21; 12:24; Mic 3:6) therefore you women shall no more see vanity
or practice divinations, and I will deliver My people out of your hand.
Thus you shall know that I am the Lord.
[1] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[2] Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and
say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word
of the LORD;
[3] Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow
their own spirit, and have seen nothing!
[4] O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.
[5] Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the
house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.
[6] They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and
the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they
would confirm the word.
[7] Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying
divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?
[8] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and
seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.
[9] And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that
divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall
they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they
enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
[10] Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and
there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with
untempered morter:
[11] Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall:
there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall
fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.
[12] Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is
the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?
[13] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy
wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger,
and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.
[14] So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered
morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof
shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the
midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
[15] Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have
daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, The wall is no
more, neither they that daubed it;
[16] To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and
which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.
[17] Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy
people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,
[18] And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to
all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt
souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive
that come unto you?
[19] And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for
pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the
souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your
lies?
[20] Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows,
wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them
from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to
make them fly.
[21] Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your
hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know
that I am the LORD.
[22] Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I
have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should
not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:
[23] Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I
will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the
LORD.
Ezekiel 14
Idolatrous Elders Condemned
1 (Eze 8:1; 20:1) Then some of the elders of Israel came to me
and sat before me.
2 The word of the Lord came to me, saying:
3 (Eze 7:19; Isa 1:15) Son of man, these men have set up their idols
in their heart and put the stumbling block of their iniquity
before their face. Should I be inquired of by them at all?
4 (2Ki 1:16; Isa 66:4) Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says
the Lord God: Every man of the house of Israel who sets up his idols
in his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face,
and comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him who comes according
to the multitude of his idols,
5 (Isa 1:4; Zec 11:8) in order to seize the heart of the house of Israel
who are estranged from Me through all their idols.
6 (Isa 2:20; 30:22) Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says
the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols and turn away your
faces from all your abominations.
7 (Ex 12:48; 20:10) For every one of the house of Israel or of the stranger
who sojourns in Israel who separates himself from Me, and sets up his idols
in his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face,
and comes to the prophet to inquire of Me for himself,
I the Lord will answer him by Myself.
8 (Eze 5:15; 15:7) And I will set My face against that man and will make him
a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people.
And you shall know that I am the Lord.
9 (Jer 4:10) And if the prophet is deceived when he has spoken a word,
I the Lord have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out My hand
against him and will destroy him from the midst of My people Israel.
10 They shall bear the punishment of their iniquity. The punishment
of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him who seeks him
11 (Eze 37:23; 48:11) in order that the house of Israel may no more
go astray from Me or be polluted anymore with all their transgressions.
Thus they shall be My people, and I shall be their God, says the Lord God.
Ezekiel 14
[1] Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.
[2] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[3] Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put
the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be
inquired of at all by them?
[4] Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;
Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and
putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to
the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the
multitude of his idols;
[5] That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are
all estranged from me through their idols.
[6] Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent,
and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your
abominations.
[7] For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth
in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his
heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and
cometh to a prophet to inquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer
him by myself:
[8] And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a
proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall
know that I am the LORD.
[9] And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD
have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and
will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.
[10] And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of
the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him;
[11] That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be
polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my
people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord GOD.
Jerusalem's Imminent Judgment
12 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying:
13 (Lev 26:26; Eze 4:16) Son of man, when the land sins against Me
by trespassing grievously, then I will stretch out My hand against it,
and break the staff of the bread, and send famine against it,
and cut off man and beast from it.
14 (Jer 15:1; Eze 14:20) Even though these three men, Noah, Daniel,
and Job, were in it, they could deliver but their own souls
by their righteousness, says the Lord God.
15 (Eze 5:17; Lev 26:22) If I cause wild beasts to pass through the land,
and they destroy it so that it becomes desolate, that no man may pass
through because of the beasts,
16 (Ge 19:29) though these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord God,
they could deliver neither their sons nor their daughters.
They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate.
17 (Lev 26:25; Eze 21:3-4) Or if I bring a sword on that land, and say,
"Let the sword go through the land and cut off man and beast from it,"
18 though these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord God,
they would deliver neither their sons nor their daughters,
but they alone would deliver themselves.
19 (Eze 38:22; 2Sa 24:15) Or if I send a pestilence into that land
and pour out My fury on it in blood to cut off from it man and beast,
20 (Eze 14:14) though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live,
says the Lord God, they would deliver neither their sons nor their
daughters. They would deliver only their own souls by their righteousness.
21 (Eze 5:17; 33:27) For thus says the Lord God: How much more when I send
My four sore judgments on Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine,
and the wild beasts, and the pestilence, to cut off man and beast from it.
22 (Eze 20:43; 12:16) Yet a remnant shall be left in it who shall
be brought out, both sons and daughters. They shall come out to you,
and you shall see their way and their deeds. Then you shall be comforted
concerning the disaster that I have brought against Jerusalem,
even concerning all that I have brought upon it.
23 (Jer 22:8-9) Then they shall comfort you when you see their ways
and their deeds. And you shall know that I have not done without cause all
that I have done in it, says the Lord God.
[12] The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,
[13] Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously,
then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the
bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast
from it:
[14] Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should
deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.
[15] If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it,
so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts:
[16] Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they
shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but
the land shall be desolate.
[17] Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the
land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:
[18] Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they
shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered
themselves.
[19] Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my fury upon it
in blood, to cut off from it man and beast:
[20] Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord
GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver
their own souls by their righteousness.
[21] For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore
judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast,
and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?
[22] Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought
forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and
ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted
concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all
that I have brought upon it.
[23] And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings:
and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have
done in it, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 15
Jerusalem as a Useless Vine
1 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
2 (Isa 5:1-7; Hos 10:1) Son of man, how is the wood of the vine tree
better than any wood of a branch which is among the trees of the forest?
3 Can wood be taken from it to do any work, or can men take a peg of it
to hang any vessel on it?
4 (Jn 15:6; Isa 27:11) If it has been cast into the fire for fuel
and the fire has devoured both ends of it and the middle of it is burned,
is it useful for any work?
5 When it was whole, it was not made into anything. How much less is it
useful for any work when the fire has devoured it and it is burned!
6 Therefore thus says the Lord God: As the wood of the vine tree among
the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel,
so I will give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
7 (Eze 14:8; Ps 34:16) I will set My face against them. Though they go
out from one fire, yet the fire shall devour them. Then you shall know
that I am the Lord when I set My face against them.
8 (Eze 6:14) I will make the land desolate, because they have committed
a trespass, says the Lord God.
Ezekiel 15
[1] And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
[2] Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch
which is among the trees of the forest?
[3] Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it
to hang any vessel thereon?
[4] Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the
ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work?
[5] Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall
it be meet yet for any work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?
[6] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As the vine tree among the trees of
the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the
inhabitants of Jerusalem.
[7] And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from one fire,
and another fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I am the LORD,
when I set my face against them.
[8] And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a
trespass, saith the Lord GOD.
2) Our Daily Bread for 26 August 2024 titled Desert Places
Deuteronomy 2:1-7
The Wilderness Years
1 (Nu 21:4; 14:25) Then we turned, and set out toward the wilderness
by the way of the Red Sea, as the Lord spoke to me, and we circled
Mount Seir for many days.
2 Then the Lord spoke to me, saying,
3 (Dt 1:6) "You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north.
4 (Nu 20:14-21; Ex 15:15) Command the people, saying: You are to pass
through the territory of your brothers the children of Esau, who dwell
in Seir, and they shall be afraid of you. So carefully watch yourselves.
5 (Ge 36:8; Jos 24:4) Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any
of their land, no, not so much as a footprint, because I have given
Mount Seir to Esau for a possession.
6 You may buy food from them with money so that you may eat,
and you may also buy water from them with money so that you may drink.
7 (Dt 8:2-4; Job 23:10) "For the Lord your God has blessed you in all
the works of your hands. He knows your wanderings through this
great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you.
You have lacked nothing."
[1] Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of
the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many
days.
[2] And the LORD spake unto me, saying,
[3] Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.
[4] And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of
your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be
afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:
[5] Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so
much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a
possession.
[6] Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also
buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.
[7] For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he
knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the
LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.
When I was a young believer, I thought "mountaintop" experiences were where I
would meet Jesus. But those highs rarely lasted or led to growth. Author Lina
AbuJamra says it's in the desert places where we meet God and grow. In her
Bible study Through the Desert, she writes, "God's aim is to use the desert
places in our lives to make us stronger." She continues, "God's goodness is
meant to be received in the midst of your pain, not proven by the absence of
pain."
It's in the hard places of sorrow, loss, and pain that God helps us to grow in
our faith and become closer to Him. As Lina learned, "The desert is not an
oversight in God's plan but an integral part of [our] growth process."
God led many Old Testament patriarchs to the desert. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
all had wilderness experiences. It was in the desert that God prepared Moses'
heart and called him to lead His people out of slavery (Exodus 3:1-2, 9-10).
And it was in the desert that God "watched over [the Israelites'] journey"
for forty years with His help and guidance (Deuteronomy 2:7).
God was with Moses and the Israelites each step of their way through the
desert, and He's with you and me in ours. In the desert, we learn to rely on
God. There He meets us-and there we grow.
By: Alyson Kieda
Reflect & Pray
When has God met you in a desert place? What happened as a result?
Dear God, thank You for being with me
in the difficult desert experiences of my life.
You're faithful and compassionate.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 2 - Earning Death
Romans 6:23
23 (Ro 5:12; Ge 2:17; Ro 2:7) For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"I only want my rights," declares the belligerent Big Ghost, one of the
characters in C. S. Lewis's classic, The Great Divorce. "I'm not asking
for anybody's bleeding charity."
"Then do. At once," his angelic friend Len urges. "Ask for the Bleeding
Charity. Everything is here for the asking and nothing can be bought."
Often we are much like the Ghost in Lewis's tale of heaven and hell.
We want "What we deserve," and being blind to our own sin, we think
we deserve praise, or al least mercy. But Paul is very clear on what
we have coming: "The wages of sin is death".
We work for our wages - we've earned our paycheque, and we deserve it.
We don't have to thank anyone for paying us - it's our due, not a gift.
Similarly, the paycheque issued to us in renumeration for our sin is
what we deserve: death.
Yet, if we are willing to lay aside our pride and accept God's gift,
we can live. "The gift of God is eternal life." Nothing we can do or say
can make us worthy of the gift of life. We are sinners by nature and we
rebel against God in our choices. Yet God, in Christ, offers grace to us,
freedom from sin, liberty from the burden of trying to earn his favour.
Ironically, freedom and peace in the Christian life come not through
justifying ourselves and making ourselves look good, but through
acknowledging the depth of our sin ad our ability to do anything about it.
When we realise that we are trapped in out sinful selves and only
Christ can free us, then we are ready to journey toward grace and freedom.
Application
a) In what way's have I tried to "earn" the gift of eternal life?
b) What can I do to focus on God's grace and realise
that I cannot accomplish my own salvation?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:8,11
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you,
so that you, always having enough of everything,
may abound to every good work.
11 So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness,
which makes us give thanks to God.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
11 being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through
us thanksgiving to God.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Ps 9:9-12
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
Waw
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:
For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Zain
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:
Declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
New Brunswick
Total population 753900
Muslim population (est.) 4543
Moncton, followed by Fredericton and Saint John, each have a growing Muslim
population in New Brunswick, In 2007, the building that was formerly a Baptist
church was converted into Moncton's 1st mosque. The University of Moncton
also has a Muslim student association hosting prayer services, fellowship
getherings, and outreaches on campus.
Fredericton also has one mosque and a Muslim student association serving the
campuses of the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University.
Fredericton's Muslim population consists in 2014 of about 50 families,
and between 300 to 400 university students.
Saint John is home to the 1st Muslim Association for the province,
which also helped foster the Islamic associations of Fredericton and Moncton.
a 'musalla', or prayer location that is not officially structured as a mosque,
has been established in the Uptown area with the intention of seeing it grow
into a 2nd official place of Muslim worship. Demand for this new location has
been primarily for university students moving into the area.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
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, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 26 of the Month
a) Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ (Matt 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut
I) Pray for the leaders of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut,
that God's Spirit would influence then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray that your nation is not spiritually adulterous.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for being with me
in the difficult desert experiences of my life.
You're faithful and compassionate."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know to the Wages of Sin is Death
and the Salvation is a free gift from the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He will provide your needs.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as a refuge for the oppressed.
Pray for Muslims and New Brunswick
- that the eyes of pastors, believers and entire congregations will be opened
to see this growing body of Muslims, and their hearts will be opened
to sharing God's love in Jesus Christ with them
- that intentional ministries to Muslims will grow and flourish in these
areas of concentration
- that cooperative CNNMM Networks will form to really, encourage,
and equip believers to lovingly reach Muslims in this province.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ.
Pray that those in Bhutan who've lost their livelihoods for following the Lord
will experience His miraculous provisions .
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.