Day 89 of My 6th Bible Study Journey
[email protected] (The Doctor) Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:16:37 -0000 (UTC)
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Day 89, 30 March 2026 1) Judges 3, Judges 4, Judges 5 JUDGES 3 1 (Jdg 2:21-22) Now these are the nations that the Lord left to test those in Israel who had not experienced war in Canaan 2 (so that later generations of the children of Israel who did not know war before might know it, to teach them how to fight): 3 (Jos 13:3; 13:5) the five Philistine lords, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. 4 (Jdg 2:22; 3:1) They were to test Israel, in order to know if they would obey the commandments of the Lord, which He commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. 5 (Ex 3:8) The children of Israel lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 6 (Ex 34:16; Dt 7:3-4) They took their daughters for themselves as wives, and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods. Judges 3 [1] Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; [2] Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof; [3] Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath. [4] And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. [5] And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: [6] And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. Othniel 7 (Ex 34:13; Jdg 2:11-13) The children of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 8 (Jdg 2:14; Hab 3:7) The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia. The children of Israel served Cushan-Rishathaim for eight years. 9 (Jdg 1:13; 3:15) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up a deliverer in order to save the children of Israel -Othniel son of Kenaz, the younger brother of Caleb. 10 (Jdg 6:34; 11:29) The Spirit of the Lord came on him, and he judged Israel. He went out to battle, and the Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hands, so that Othniel overpowered Cushan-Rishathaim. 11 (Jos 11:23; Jdg 3:30) The land rested forty years, then Othniel son of Kenaz died. [7] And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves. [8] Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years. [9] And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. [10] And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim. [11] And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died. Ehud 12 (1Sa 12:9; Jdg 2:19) Then the children of Israel once more did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord strengthened King Eglon of Moab against Israel because they had done what was evil in the sight of the Lord. 13 (Jdg 1:16; Dt 34:3) Eglon joined forces with the Ammonites and Amalekites; then he went and attacked Israel and took possession of the City of Palms. 14 The children of Israel served King Eglon of Moab for eighteen years. 15 (Jdg 3:9; Ps 78:34) Then the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up a deliverer-Ehud son of Gera the Benjamite, a left-handed man. The children of Israel sent a tribute payment by him to King Eglon of Moab. 16 Ehud made a cubit-long (About 18 inches, or 45 centimeters.) two-edged sword for himself and strapped it onto his right thigh under his cloak. 17 He brought the tribute payment to King Eglon of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man. 18 When Ehud finished offering the tribute payment, he sent away the people who carried it. 19 (Jos 4:20) But he himself turned back from the stone idols that were at Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king." And he said, "Keep silence!" And all who attended him departed from him. 20 (Am 3:15) Ehud approached him as he was sitting alone in his cool upper chamber. Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you." And Eglon rose from his seat. 21 Then Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into the belly of Eglon. 22 The hilt went in after the blade and the fat closed over the blade and his entrails came out, for he did not pull the sword out of the belly of Eglon. 23 Then Ehud went out to the entrance hall and closed the doors of the upper chamber on him and locked them. 24 (1Sa 24:3) When he went out, the servants of Eglon came. They looked and noticed the doors of the upper chamber were locked. They thought, "Surely he is attending to his needs in the cool chamber." 25 They waited until they were embarrassed, but he still did not open the doors of the upper chamber. So they took a key and opened it. There, fallen dead on the floor, was their lord. 26 Yet Ehud escaped while they were waiting. He passed the sacred stones and escaped to Seirah. 27 (Jdg 6:34; 1Sa 13:3) Upon his arrival, he blew a ram's horn trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim. Then the children of Israel went down with him from the hill country, and he led them. 28 (Jdg 12:5; Jos 2:7) He said to them, "Follow me, for the Lord has given your enemies the Moabites into your hands." They followed him, and they captured the Jordan fords leading to Moab. They did not let anyone cross. 29 They struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all strong and valorous men, and not a single man escaped. 30 (Jdg 3:11) So Moab was humbled under the hand of Israel that day, and the land had peace for eighty years. [12] And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. [13] And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees. [14] So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. [15] But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. [16] But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh. [17] And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man. [18] And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present. [19] But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. [20] And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat. [21] And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly: [22] And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out. [23] Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them. [24] When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber. [25] And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and, behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth. [26] And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath. [27] And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them. [28] And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over. [29] And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man. [30] So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years. Shamgar 31 (Jdg 5:6; 2:16) After Ehud was Shamgar son of Anath. He struck down six hundred Philistine men with an ox goad. He also saved Israel. [31] And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel. JUDGES 4 Deborah 1 When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel once more did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. 2 (Jos 11:1; Jdg 4:13) The Lord sold them into the hands of King Jabin of Canaan, who ruled in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera. He lived in Harosheth Haggoyim. 3 (Jdg 1:19; 3:9) The children of Israel cried out to the Lord, for Sisera had 900 iron chariots and had forcefully oppressed the children of Israel for twenty years. 4 Now Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophetess. She judged Israel at that time. 5 (Ge 35:8) She would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim. The children of Israel would go up to her for her to render judgment. 6 (Heb 11:32; Jos 19:37) She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, "The Lord God of Israel commands you, 'Go and deploy troops at Mount Tabor, and take 10000 from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun with you. 7 (Jdg 5:21; 1Ki 18:40) I will draw Sisera, the commander of the army of Jabin, with his chariots and large army to you at the River Kishon and give him into your hands.' " 8 Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go, but if you will not go with me, then I will not go." 9 (Jdg 2:14) She said, "I will indeed go with you. However, the way you are going will gain you no glory, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hand of a woman." Then Deborah got up and went with Barak to Kedesh. 10 (Jdg 5:18; 5:15) Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh. 10000 men went up on foot with him, and Deborah went up with him also. 11 (Nu 10:29; Jos 19:33) Now Heber the Kenite had moved away from the Kenites, who were descendants of Hobab, Moses' father-in-law. He pitched his tent at the oak in Zaanannim, near Kedesh. 12 Then they told Sisera that Barak son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor. 13 (Jdg 4:2-3) So Sisera summoned all his 900 iron chariots and all the people with him, from Harosheth Haggoyim to the River Kishon. 14 (Dt 9:3; 2Sa 5:24) Then Deborah said to Barak,"Get up, for this is the day that the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone out before you?" So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10000 men behind him. 15 (Jos 10:10; Ps 83:9-10) The Lord routed Sisera and all of his chariots and all of his army with the edge of the sword in front of Barak. Sisera dismounted his chariot and fled on foot. 16 Barak chased after the chariots and the army as far as Harosheth Haggoyim. The whole army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword. Not a single man survived. 17 Sisera fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, for there was peace between King Jabin of Hazor and the family of Heber the Kenite. 18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, "Turn aside, my lord. Turn aside to me. Do not be afraid." So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug. 19 (Jdg 5:25-26) He said to her, "Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty." So she opened a leather milk container, gave it to him to drink, and covered him. 20 He said to her, "Stand in the entrance to the tent, and if anyone comes and asks you, 'Is there a man here?' then you say, 'No.' " 21 Then Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg and a hammer in her hand and went quietly to him, for he was fast asleep and tired. She drove the tent peg into his temple, and it went down into the ground, so he died. 22 Now as Barak had been chasing Sisera, Jael came out to meet him and said, "Come, and I will show you the man whom you seek." When he came in, there was Sisera fallen dead with a tent peg in his temple. 23 (Ne 9:24; Ps 18:47) So God humbled King Jabin of Canaan before the children of Israel that day. 24 The children of Israel grew more and more powerful over King Jabin of Canaan until he was no more. Judges 4 [1] And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead. [2] And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. [3] And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. [4] And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. [5] And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. [6] And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? [7] And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand. [8] And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. [9] And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh. [10] And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him. [11] Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh. [12] And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor. [13] And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon. [14] And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. [15] And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet. [16] But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left. [17] Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. [18] And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said unto him, Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into the tent, she covered him with a mantle. [19] And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him. [20] Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and inquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No. [21] Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. [22] And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples. [23] So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. [24] And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan. JUDGES 5 The Song of Deborah 1 (Ex 15:1)On that day, Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang: 2 (Jdg 5:9; 2Ch 17:16) "When the leaders in Israel lead, when the people freely volunteer, bless the Lord! 3 "Hear, O kings! Listen, O rulers! I will sing to the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel. 4 (Dt 33:2; Ps 68:7-8) "Lord, when You went out from Seir, when You marched from the land of Edom, the ground shook and the skies poured, indeed, the dense clouds poured water. 5 (Ex 19:18; Ps 97:5) The mountains quaked before the Lord, this very Sinai, before the Lord God of Israel. 6 (Jdg 3:31; Isa 33:8) "In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, main roads were abandoned and travelers used roundabout paths. 7 Village life ceased. It ceased until I, Deborah, arose; I arose like a mother in Israel. 8 (Dt 32:16-17; Jdg 2:12) They were choosing new gods, and warfare was at the city gates, but not a shield or spear was to be seen among forty thousand in Israel. 9 (Jdg 5:2) My heart is with the rulers of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the Lord! 10 (Jdg 10:4; 12:14) "You who ride on white donkeys, you who sit in judges' attire, you who walk on the road, 11 (1Sa 12:7; Mic 6:5) consider the voice of those who distribute water among the watering places. There they tell of the righteous deeds of the Lord, the righteous deeds of villagers in Israel. "Then the people of the Lord go down to the gates. 12 (Ps 57:8; 68:18) Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, sing a song! Stand up, Barak, and capture your prisoners, son of Abinoam! 13 "The survivors came down to the nobles; the people of the Lord came down for me against the mighty. 14 (Nu 32:39-40; Jdg 3:13) Some came from Ephraim, whose roots were in Amalek, following you, Benjamin, with your people. From Makir rulers came down, and from Zebulun those who carry the staff of a scribe. 15 (Jdg 4:14) The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak; they were sent into the valley on foot. Among the clans of Reuben there was great resolve of heart. 16 (Nu 32:24) Why do you sit among the sheepfolds to hear playing of pipes for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was much searching of heart. 17 (Jos 13:25) Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan. As for Dan, why did he stay with the ships? Asher stayed by the seacoast and settled by its bays. 18 (Jdg 4:10; 4:6) Zebulun is a people who risked their lives to the point of death, Naphtali also, on the heights of the battlefield. 19 (Jdg 1:27; 5:30) "Kings came to wage war. The kings of Canaan waged war in Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; they took no money as profit. 20 (Jos 10:11) From the heavens the stars fought, from their courses they fought against Sisera. 21 (Jdg 4:7; Ps 44:5) The torrent of Kishon swept them away, that ancient torrent, the torrent of Kishon. My soul, march on in strength! 22 Then horses' hooves pounded, the galloping, galloping of his steeds. 23 (Jdg 21:9-10) Curse Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse its inhabitants, for they did not come to the aid of the Lord, to the aid of the Lord against the mighty warriors. 24 (Jdg 4:17) "Most blessed of women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women. 25 He asked for water, she gave him milk. In a magnificent bowl she brought cream. 26 Her hand on a tent peg, her right hand on a workman’s hammer; she struck Sisera, she crushed his skull, she shattered and pierced his temple. 27 Between her feet he sank, he fell, he lay; between her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he fell, overpowered. 28 "The mother of Sisera looked through the window, and cried out through the lattice, 'Why is his chariot so late? Why is the sound of his war chariots so delayed?' 29 Her wise attendants answered her, indeed, she replied to herself, 30 (Ex 15:9) 'Are they not finding and dividing the spoils: a girl or two for each man; dyed garments as plunder for Sisera, dyed and embroidered garments, two pieces of dyed embroidery for the neck of the looter?" 31 (Jdg 3:11; 2Sa 23:4) "May all Your enemies perish like this, OLord! But may those who love Him rise like the sun when it rises in full strength." Then the land was at peace for fourty years. Judges 5 [1] Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, [2] Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. [3] Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel. [4] LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water. [5] The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel. [6] In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways. [7] The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. [8] They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? [9] My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD. [10] Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way. [11] They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates. [12] Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam. [13] Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people: the LORD made me have dominion over the mighty. [14] Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, and out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer. [15] And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. [16] Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. [17] Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches. [18] Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field. [19] The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money. [20] They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera. [21] The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength. [22] Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones. [23] Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty. [24] Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent. [25] He asked water, and she gave him milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. [26] She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples. [27] At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down: at her feet he bowed, he fell: where he bowed, there he fell down dead. [28] The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots? [29] Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself, [30] Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil? [31] So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years. 2) Our Daily Bread for 30 March 2026 titled <a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category /keep-going-by-faith">Keep Going by Faith </a> by Patricia Rayborn Hebrews 12:1-3 The Discipline of the Lord 1 Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 2 (Heb 1:3; Lk 24:26) Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 (Gal 6:9; Heb 12:5) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up. [1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. To become a lawyer in California, Maxcy Filer had to pass the state's grueling, three-day bar exam. So he took it not once, not twice, but forty-eight times before passing the tough test. His goal? To advocate for the underprivileged in Compton, his beloved city. Between his first and last attempts at passing the exam - across 25 years - Filer and his wife raised seven children, all who went to college. When Filer was sworn in, the judge said, "Three words about Maxcy Filer: perseverance, perseverance, perseverance." His story prompts me to think of people in the Bible who persevered. The writer of Hebrews recognized some: Noah, who "by his faith . . . became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith" (11:7). Or Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (vv. 8-21), Moses (vv. 23-28), and others. Such examples inspire us. The writer then exhorts believers in Christ: "Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles" (12:1). We then read, "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (v. 1). How will we do this? By "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (v. 2). As we consider Christ's sacrifice for us, we "will not grow weary and lose heart" (v. 3). Challenges to our faith give us opportunity to endure in His name. In His power, we persevere. Reflect & Pray What faith challenge is testing you? How can you persevere in Jesus? As I persevere for You, please inspire me, dear Jesus, to keep going. 3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 2 The Wardrobe of Joy Isaiah 61:10 10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. On her wedding day, the bride dresses carefully for the ceremony that is about to take place. Never before has she spent so much time in preparation for one relatively brief event. When she looks in the mirror and rejoices in her happiness, she responds not out of vanity, but for sheer joy as she anticipates the coming ceremony. God wants his people, lie that bride to be joyful, to rejoice in the Lord, the Bridegroom. And he gives, through his grace, the garments of joy to his beloved ones. He clothes us, Isaiah says, with salvation, and covers us with the robe of righteousness. The wardrobe that God provides is not merely a utility garment, a coverall that hides our sin from his eyes. It is his own righteousness in Christ, given to us as a free gift, so that we might be united with him. And God himself, Isaiah says, is filled with joy, adorning himself like a bridegroom. When we truly see God's immeasurable gift in accepting us as him own, we also will "greatly rejoice" in the Lord. He, the eternal god, Creator of the universe, desires to be united with us, as a husband desires his wife! God does not simply accept us grudgingly, reminding us of our unworthiness to be with him. Rather, he celebrates with unrestrained joy his oneness in Spirit with those he calls his own. And we, having been fully forgiven and set free from sin, can rejoice unashamedly as well. Application a) Have I ever felt ashamed to draw close to God? Why? b) What does this verse tell me about God's attitude towards me? 4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland Romans 13:7-8 7 (Mt 17:25; 22:21) Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due, and honor to whom honour is due. 8 (Ro 13:10; Mt 7:12) Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 5) From a Book called God's Promises for you: God's Eternal Faithfulness Ps 117 1 Praise the Lord, all you nations! Exalt Him, all you peoples! 2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. 1 O praise the LORD, All ye nations: Praise him, all ye people. 2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. Remember God's promises when You pray The Lord's prayer Matthew 6:9-13 9 "Therefore pray in this manner: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread. 12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?) Saskatchewan Quick facts on Muslims in Saskatchewan Saskatchewan 2015 population 1125400 est Muslim Population 17279 CNMM Networks: Saskatoon Saskatoon has seen quick growth in its Muslim population over the past 5 years, which maybe as high as 5000 today. Islamic leaders have focused specifically on this city , having twice already sent cohorts of about 70 families to start mosques. There are now 7 Islamic centres of worship and an Islamic madrassah (school) located right next to a Christian school. Of particular concern recently is the number of young adults who grew up in evangelical churches and converted to Islam. Most of these are young women who were wooed by Muslim man and became emotionally bonded. Both prior to and after marrying, these women are known to convert to Islam. Agree in prayer with us for: - entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan. - for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation. - for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more to be raised up into effective witness. - for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon to spread and grow to other cities. Adding further 30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020 Under the Keep Praying page When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and, of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be decorated and festivals will be held. For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak", which means Blessed Eid!" Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you know, and Muslims around the world: - Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue. Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God, "that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18 Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below: blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes. 21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a] Footnotes Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32. - Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective discipleship movements among Muslim people. - Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus. Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house." Ideas for prayer - Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you - Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving Christ among Muslim people - Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality." - When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days! My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity (Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) . 7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada http://www.ehc.ca Day 30 of the Month a) Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout Canadian society, as it is in Heaven ( Matt 6:9-13 9 "Therefore pray in this manner: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread. 12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ) b) Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city or community, and across our nation. ( Rom 2:4 4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? ) Conclusion: Pray to the Lord and pray a prayer of Thank you for the abilities He gives us. Pray to the Lord: "As I persevere for You, please inspire me, dear Jesus, to keep going." Pray to the Lord and pray to know Lord Jesus covers your sins with a robe of righteouness. Pray to the Lord and pray to owe no person. Pray to the Lord and pray to praise to the Merciful One. Agree in prayer with us for: - entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan. - for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation. - for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more to be raised up into effective witness. - for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon to spread and grow to other cities. - Pray for 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 for God's will to be done where you live and throughout Canadian society, as it is in Heaven Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city or community, and across our nation. Pray for believers in <a href="https://www.vomcanada.com/Table/Resources-News-Articles/Guinea"> Guinea</a> who have been harmed or rejected by their families because of their faith in Christ. 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 ; All I want to hear from Jesus is WEll Done Good and Faithful Servant.