Day 18 of My 5th Bible Study Journey
[email protected] (The Doctor) Sun, 18 Jan 2026 19:33:19 -0000 (UTC)
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Day 18, 18 January 2026 today at <a href="https://www.calvarycommunity.ca">Calvary Community Church </a> Pastor Nathan Zeiber spoke on The Hunger that leads to Life. 1 Peter 2:1 1 (Eph 4:31; Jas 4:11; 1:21) Therefore put away all wickedness, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking. [1] Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, A) Theses are not 5 random sins. B) These sins kill our appetite. 1 Peter 2:2-3 2 (Mt 18:3; Eph 4:15)As newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow, 3 if it is true that you have experienced that the Lord is good. [2] As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: [3] If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. C) Repentance is not the Finish line. 1) Genesis 19, Genesis 20, Genesis 21, 1 Chron 1:28 Gen 19 - 21 GENESIS 19 Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed 1 Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting at the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them he rose up to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. 2 Then he said, "Here, my lords, please turn in to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet; and then you may rise early and go on your way." They said, "No, we will stay in the open square all night." 3 But he strongly insisted, so they turned aside with him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 4 Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5 They then called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, so that we may have relations with them." 6 So Lot went out through the door to them and shut the door behind him. 7 Then he said, "Please, my brothers, do not act so wickedly. 8 Look, I have two daughters who have not been with a man. Please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof." 9 But they replied, "Stand back!" Also, they said, "This man came here as an alien, and he keeps acting like a judge. We will deal worse with you than with them." So they pressed hard against Lot, and came close to breaking down the door. 10 But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them and shut the door. 11 Then they struck the men that were at the door of the house, both small and great, with blindness so that they wore themselves out groping for the door. 12 Then the men said to Lot, "Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, take them out of this place! 13 For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has grown great before the presence of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it." 14 So L1 Peter 2:1ot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, "Get up, get out of this place, for the Lord will destroy this city!" But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking. 15 When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Otherwise you will be consumed in the punishment of the city." 16 And while he lingered, the men took hold of his and his wife's hands, along with the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and brought him out and set him outside the city. 17 When they had brought them out, one of them said to them, "Escape for your lives! Do not look behind you or stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountain, lest you be destroyed." 18Then Lot said to them, "Please, no, my lords! 19 Your servant has found grace in your eyes, and you have shown your mercy, which you have shown to me by saving my life. However, I cannot escape to the mountain. Otherwise some evil will overtake me, and I will die. 20 Look, this city is close enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Please, let me escape there (is it not a little one?), and my life will be saved." 21 He said to him, "I have granted your request in this matter also. I will not overthrow this city of which you have spoken. 22 Hurry, escape there, for I cannot do anything until you arrive there." Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. 23 The sun had risen over the land when Lot entered Zoar. 24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah. It was from the Lord out of heaven. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the valley, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But his wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 Now Abraham got up early in the morning and went to the place where he stood before the Lord. 28 Then he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the valley, and he saw the smoke of the land going up like the smoke of a furnace. 29 So it was that when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the middle of the destruction, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot lived. Genesis 19 [1] And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; [2] And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. [3] And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. [4] But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: [5] And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. [6] And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, [7] And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. [8] Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. [9] And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. [10] But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door. [11] And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door. [12] And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: [13] For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it. [14] And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. [15] And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. [16] And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. [17] And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. [18] And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord: [19] Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: [20] Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live. [21] And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. [22] Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. [23] The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. [24] Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; [25] And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. [26] But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. [27] And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: [28] And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace. [29] And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt. Lot and His Daughters 30 Then Lot left Zoar, and lived in the mountains, along with his two daughters who were with him, for he was afraid to dwell in Zoar. He and his two daughters lived in a cave. 31 And the firstborn said to the younger, "Our father is old, and there is no man on the earth to have relations with us after the manner of all the earth. 32 Let us make our father drink wine and let us lie with him, so that we may preserve the lineage of our father." 33 So they made their father drink wine that night, and the firstborn went in and had relations with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 34 On the next day the firstborn said to the younger, "Indeed, last night I had relations with my father. Let us make him drink wine tonight also, so that you may go in and have relations with him, so that we may preserve the lineage of our father." 35 So they made their father drink wine that night also. Then the younger arose and lay down with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 36 Therefore both the daughters of Lot were pregnant by their father. 37 The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day. 38 The younger also gave birth to a son and called his name Ben-Ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites to this day. [30] And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters. [31] And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: [32] Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. [33] And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. [34] And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our Father. [35] And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. [36] Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. [37] And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. [38] And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day. (Lot thought he was a self made success story. It ends with disgrace and scandal) GENESIS 20 Abraham and Abimelek (Ge 12:10-20; 26:1-11) 1 Abraham journeyed from there toward the Negev, settled between Kadesh and Shur, and then he sojourned in Gerar. 2 Then Abraham said about Sarah his wife, "She is my sister." So Abimelek, king of Gerar, sent for her and took Sarah. 3But God came to Abimelek in a dream by night and said to him, "You are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man's wife." 4 Abimelek had not gone near her, and he said, "Lord, will You slay a righteous nation? 5 Did he not say to me, 'She is my sister,' and did not even she herself say, 'He is my brother'? In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this." 6 And God said to him in a dream, "Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also kept you from sinning against Me. Therefore, I did not let you touch her. 7 Therefore return the man's wife, for he is a prophet and he will pray for you. Moreover, you will live. However, if you do not return her, know that you will surely die, you and all who are yours." 8 So Abimelek rose early in the morning, and called all his servants and told them all these things, and the men were very afraid. 9 Then Abimelek called Abraham and said to him, "What have you done to us? How have I offended you that you would bring on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done things to me that should not have been done." 10,Then Abimelek said to Abraham, "What were you thinking of, that you did this thing?" 11 Abraham said, "Because I thought, surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will slay me because of my wife. 12 Still, indeed, she is my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother. She became my wife. 13 When God caused me to travel from my father's house, I said to her, 'This is your kindness which you must show me: Every place where we go, say concerning me, He is my brother.'" 14 Then Abimelek took sheep, oxen, and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned his wife Sarah to him. 15 Abimelek said, "My land is before you; settle wherever it pleases you." 16 To Sarah he said, "I have given your brother a thousand shekels of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated." 17So Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelek, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children. 18 For the Lord had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelek because of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Genesis 20 [1] And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. [2] And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. [3] But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife. [4] But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? [5] Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. [6] And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. [7] Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine. [8] Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid. [9] Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. [10] And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing? [11] And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake. [12] And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. [13] And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt shew unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother. [14] And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. [15] And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee. [16] And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved. [17] So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children. [18] For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife. (At least Abraham did not get kicked out, by why be dishonest?) GENESIS 21 The Birth of Isaac 1 The Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. 2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time that God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. 4 Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 And Sarah said, "God has made me laugh. All who hear will laugh with me." 7 Also she said, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age." [1] And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. [2] For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. [3] And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. [4] And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. [5] And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. [6] And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. [7] And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age. Hagar and Ishmael Depart 8 So the child grew and was weaned. Then Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned. 9 Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking. 10 Therefore she said to Abraham, "Throw out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son, Isaac." 11 This matter was very displeasing in Abraham's sight because of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, "Do not be upset concerning the boy and your slave wife. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to what she says, for in Isaac your descendants will be called. 13 Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the slave woman, because he is your offspring." 14 So Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and sent her away with the child. So she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. 15 When the water in the skin was gone, she placed the child under one of the shrubs. 16 Then she went and sat down across from him at a distance of about a bowshot, for she said to herself, "Let me not see the death of the child." She sat across from him, and lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the boy's voice. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said to her, "What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Arise, pick up the boy and hold him in your hands, for I will make him a great nation." 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 God was with the boy; and he grew and lived in the wilderness and became an archer. 21 He lived in the Wilderness of Paran, and his mother found a wife for him out of the land of Egypt. [8] And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned. [9] And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. [10] Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. [11] And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. [12] And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. [13] And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed. [14] And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba. [15] And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. [16] And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept. [17] And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. [18] Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation. [19] And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. [20] And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. [21] And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt. The Treaty With Abimelek 22 Now it came to pass at that time that Abimelek and Phicol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, "God is with you in all that you do. 23 Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal deceitfully with me, or with my children, or with my descendants. Instead, according to the kindness that I have shown to you, you will show to me and to the land where you have lived." 24Abraham said, "I will swear." 25 Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek's servants had violently seized. 26 And Abimelek said, "I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today." 27 So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelek, and the two of them made a covenant. 28 Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29 And Abimelek said to Abraham, "What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set by themselves?" 30 And he said, "You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that they may be a witness that I have dug this well." 31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there. 32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelek rose with Phicol, the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. 34 Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines many days. [22] And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: [23] Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. [24] And Abraham said, I will swear. [25] And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. [26] And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day. [27] And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant. [28] And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. [29] And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? [30] And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well. [31] Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them. [32] Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines. [33] And Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God. [34] And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days. 1 Chron 1 The Generations of Abraham 28 The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael. 28 The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael. 2) Our Daily Bread for 18 January 2026 titled <a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category /faith-and-false-accusation">MFaith and False Accusation</a> by Tom Felten Nehemiah 6:1-9 21 (Ro 1:17; 1Co 1:30) God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. [21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 6 Nehemiah's Enemies 1 (Ne 2:10; 2:19) When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that there was not a gap in it (though at that time I had not erected the doors on the gates), 2 (1Ch 8:12; Ps 37:12) Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, "Come, that we might meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono." But they planned to do evil to me. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work, so I am not able to come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?” 4 Four more times they sent for me like this, but I answered them the same way. 5 Sanballat sent the same request a fifth time by his servant, but the letter was open in his hand. 6 (Ne 2:19) In it was written, "It is reported among the nations, and Geshem confirms it, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel; consequently you are rebuilding the wall. According to these words, you are their king. 7 You have also appointed prophets to preach on your behalf in Jerusalem, saying, 'There is a king in Judah!' According to these words, it will now be reported to the king. So come now and let us consult together." 8 (Job 13:4; Ps 52:2) I sent him this response, saying, "Nothing like these reports that you are saying has occurred. From your own mind, you are inventing them." 9 (Ps 138:3) Because they all wanted to frighten us, they thought, "They will pull their hands back from the work." But that would never be done. So now, O God, strengthen my hands. [1] Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) [2] That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. [3] And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? [4] Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner. [5] Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; [6] Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. [7] And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. [8] Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. [9] For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. Driven by powerful winds, the fire raged for days. The historian Tacitus describes a chaotic scene filled with screams and citizens running for their lives. In the end, nearly two-thirds of Rome had been destroyed. The Roman emperor Nero falsely accused believers in Jesus of starting the fire. He hated Christians and selected them to be the scapegoat for the disaster - one that was rumoured to have been ordered by Nero himself! Nehemiah also faced the blistering heat of false accusation. He'd been a servant to the king of Persia but had been allowed to return to Jerusalem with other Israelites to repair its walls (Nehemiah 2:1-10). When the wall was repaired, however, enemies accused the Jews of "planning to rebel" and making Nehemiah "their king" (6:6 nlt). How did they respond to false accusations? By declaring and living out their innocence (v. 8), courageously standing in God's power (v. 11), and praying fervently to Him (v. 14). Their enemies were ultimately "frightened and humiliated" as they "realised [the wall reconstruction] had been done with the help of . . . God" (v. 16 nlt). At times, we'll be falsely accused by others. But as God provides the strength we need, we can forgive our accusers and "live such good lives" that, though "they accuse [us] of doing wrong, they may see [our] good deeds and glorify God" (1 Peter 2:12). Reflect & Pray Why are believers in Jesus sometimes falsely accused? How can you live out a courageous faith? Loving God, thank You for helping me when I'm falsely accused. <a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-beliefs/the-bible-biblical-study /standing-firm-amidst-the-rubble"> Check out this article to learn more about standing firm with the Lord.</a> 3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 1 - Bought Back Eph 1:7 7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace [7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; In the opening scenes of The Glenn Miller Story, Glenn Miller, then a struggling musician trying to find an audience for his music, enters a pawn shop. He has hocked his trombone for rent money, and has come to redeem it. Paying the pawn broker the money, he buys back his own instrument and leaves the shop, indicating that he will probably be back again. In Eph 1:7. Paul says that in Christ "we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sin according to the riches of His grace." We belonged to God from the beginning; he made us and stamped his image upon us. But through sin we were lost, pawned to the world's system and the Enemy of our souls. But God redeemed us; he "bought us back" with the most valuable currency in the universe - the blood of his own Son, Jesus Christ. He did not resent the bargain, or question whether we were worth such a price. He freely gave Jesus in trade to ransom the souls of the people he created and loved. Sometimes in Christian circles we get so caught up in religious jargon that we forget what redemption really means. Gog did not have to "get us out of hock." He was not compelled to buy us back when we had sold ourselves to sin. But because of his love, and with no deserving on our part, he chose to pay an enormous price to set us free. We are redeemed, bought back, by the One who owned us in the first place. Application a) In what ways have I been "in hock" to sin in my life? b) What does it mean, in practical terms, that God "redeemed" me from that sin? 4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland Mark 4:20-25 20 (Mk 4:8; Jn 15:4-5) "Still others are seed sown on good ground, those who hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit: thirty, sixty, or a hundred times as much." A Light Under a Basket Lk 8:16-18 21 (Mt 5:15; Lk 8:16) He said to them, "Is a candle brought to be put under a basket or under a bed and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 (Lk 8:17) For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed; neither is anything kept secret except to be proclaimed. 23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15)If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." 24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. The measure you give will be measured for you, and to you who hear will more be given. 25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given. And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has." 20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. 21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. 23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. 5) From a Book called God's Promises for you: God's Help in Times of Temptation Hebrews 4:14-16 Jesus the Great High Priest 14 (Heb 6:20; 1:2-3) Since then we have a great High Priest Who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to our confession. 15 (2Co 5:21; Jn 8:46) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but One who was in every sense tempted like we are, yet without sin. 16 (Eph 3:12; Php 4:6-7) Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 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?) 2015 Population - 4631302 Muslims about 136493 British Columbia - British Columbia's Muslim Population is growing constantly. Every week there are immigrants ad refugees coming to the Greater Vancouver and surrounding areas. There are also significant Muslim student populations in our colleges and universities. Some have even suggested that there are between 4000 and 5000 Saudi Arabian students alone, without counting all other nationalities. Greater Vancouver has an estimated 180000 Muslims, and there are significant and growing communities in the Fraser Valley such as in Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, etc. Including these communities the total population for this region is about 200000. Of these, there are an estimated 100000 Iranians, 35000 Arabs, 15000 Ismailis, more than 20000 Afghanis, 10000 South Asian Muslims, 3000 Turks, and small numbers from other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Albania, etc. We are seeing some Muslims coming to Christ and we rejoice in that. A few people also have some ongoing ministry to Muslims in the area, for which we also rejoice. Let us agree in that - the church will catch a vision to pray, and a burden to train outreach to Muslims - the church will press in to participate in effective discipleship of these new Muslim background believers. Adding further 30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020 Under the Keep Praying page When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and, of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be decorated and festivals will be held. For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak", which means Blessed Eid!" Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you know, and Muslims around the world: - Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue. Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God, "that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18 Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below: blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes. 21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a] Footnotes Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32. - Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective discipleship movements among Muslim people. - Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus. Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house." Ideas for prayer - Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you - Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving Christ among Muslim people - Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality." - When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days! My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity (Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) . 7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada http://www.ehc.ca 17th Day of the Month a) Pray for the safety of those who live in your community - safety from conflict an crimes ( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls and security within your towers! 7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada http://www.ehc.ca 18th Day of the Month a) Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical refreshing for the presence of the Lord ( Jer 31:25 25 For I satiate the weary souls and I replenish every languishing soul. 25 For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. ) b) Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from danger and adversity ( Ps 34:7 7 The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him, and delivers them. 7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them. ) Conclusion: Pray to the Lord to be Hunger for His Word. Pray to the Lord and to be humble and honest in the eyes of the Lord. Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, thank You for helping me when I'm falsely accused." Pray to the Lord and pray to know that He got you out of the prison of Sin. Pray to the Lord and pray to be visible for the Lord. Pray to the Lord and pray to come boldly in the Lord's presence. Pray the church in BC will catch a vision to pray, and a burden to train outreach to Muslims Pray the church in BC will press in to participate in effective discipleship of these new Muslim background believers. Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical refreshing for the presence of the Lord Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from danger and adversity Pray for the strengthening of the Bruneian church, so it may grow in spiritual depth and unity (Ephesians 3:16-19). 16 (Ro 7:22; Col 1:11) that He would give you, according to the riches of His glory, power to be strengthened by His Spirit in the inner man, 17 (Col 1:23; Jn 14:23) and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 (Eph 1:15) may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, 19 (Eph 1:23) and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. [16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; [19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit. and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness Remember eternity starts now - Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God. -- Member - Liberal International This is [email protected] Ici [email protected] Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising! Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; Birthdate 29 Jan 1969 Redhill surrey England