Day 186 of My 6th Bible Study Journey

Day 186, 5 July 2026

Today at <a href="https://www.calvarycommunity.ca">Calvary Community Church
</a> Pastor Sebestien Merta spoke on Living fo Christ - Against The Enemy's 
scheme

C.s. Lewis, in the Screwtap Letters, writes that 2 of the Devil's greatest 
victories are convincing people either that he is responsible for everything,
or that he does NOT exist at all.



1 Peter 5
8 (Job 2:2; Eph 6:11) Be sober and watchful, because your adversary
the devil walks around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

A) First Reminder from Peter is the Know your enemy

Be sober, be vigilant - Stay alert

Matthew 26:36-41

The Prayer in Gethsemane
Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:39-46

36 (Mt 26:39; 26:42) Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane
and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray close by."
37 (Mt 4:21; 17:1) He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee
and began to be sorrowful and troubled.
38 (Jn 12:27) Then He said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful,
even to death. Wait here, and keep watch with Me."
39 (Mt 20:22; 26:42) He went a little farther, and falling on His face,
He prayed, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me.
Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter,
"So, could you not keep watch with Me one hour?
41 (Mt 6:13; Mk 14:38) Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation.
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

[36] Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith
unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
[37] And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be
sorrowful and very heavy.
[38] Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto
death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
[39] And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying,
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not
as I will, but as thou wilt.
[40] And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith
unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
[41] Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is
willing, but the flesh is weak. 

i) Peter Continues with watch out for your great enemy The Devil (1 Peter 5:8b)

because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

ii) the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

1 Peter 5
9 (Ac 14:22; Jas 4:7) Resist him firmly in the faith, knowing that
the same afflictions are experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are
accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 

B) The 2nd reminder from Peter is to REsist the eenmy

1 Peter 5:9a

We resist the enemy by standing firm in what God has already said about us.

Matthew 4:3-7

3 (1Th 3:5; Mt 3:17) And the tempter came to Him and said,
"If You are the Son of God, command that these stones be turned into bread."
4 (Dt 8:3; Lk 4:4; Mt 4:7) But He answered, "It is written,
'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds
out of the mouth of God.'Ex 20:12; Dt 5:16."
5 (Mt 27:53; Ne 11:1) Then the devil took Him up into the holy city,
and set Him on the highest point of the temple,
6 (Ps 91:11-12) and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God,
throw Yourself down. For it is written,
'He shall give His angels charge concerning you,' Ps 91:11-12.
and
'In their hands they shall lift you up,
lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.' Ps 91:12."
7 (Dt 6:16; Mt 4:4) Jesus said to him, "It is also written,
'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' Dt 6:16."
 
[3] And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God,
command that these stones be made bread.
[4] But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
[5] Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a
pinnacle of the temple,
[6] And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it
is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their
hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a
stone.
[7] Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord
thy God. 

C) Third reminder from PEter is to stand with God's People

Remember that you family of belivers all over the world is going through 
the same kind of suffering you are.

Recall Peter did deny Christ.

Mark 16:7a

7 (Mk 14:28; Mt 26:32) But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter
that He is going before you to Galilee. "
 
[7] But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you
into Galilee. 

Jesus restores Peter

James 4:7

7 (Eph 4:27; 1Pe 5:8-9) Therefore submit yourselves to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

[7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you. 

1) 2 Kings 14:1-14
2 Chronicles 25:1-24
2 Kings 14:15-16
2 Kings 14:23-27
2 Chronicles 25:25-28
2 Kings 14:17-22 


2 Kings 14:1-14

2 Kings 14
Amaziah, King of Judah
2Ch 25:1-26:2
1 In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel,
Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, became king.
2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king
and reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name
was Jehoad-an from Jerusalem.
3 He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, only not like David
his father. He did everything that Joash his father did.
4 But he did not remove the high places. Still the people sacrificed
and made offerings on the high places.
5 As soon as he seized the kingdom, he killed his servants who had killed
his father, the king.
6 But he did not kill the children of the murderers, according
to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses,
in which the Lord commanded, "Fathers must not be put to death
for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers.
Rather, a man should be put to death for his own sin."
7 He struck ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt
and captured Sela in battle. He called it Joktheel, as it is to this day.
8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash son of Jehoahaz,
son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, "Come, let us look one another
in the face."
9 Then Jehoash the king of Israel sent word to Amaziah king of Judah,
saying, "The thorn bush in Lebanon sent to the cedar in Lebanon, saying,
'Give your daughter to my son for a wife.' But a wild animal passed
through in Lebanon and trampled the thorn bush.
10 You have indeed struck Edom, and your heart has lifted you up.
Enjoy respect and sit at home. Why stir up trouble and fall,
ou and Judah with you?"
11 But Amaziah would not listen. So Jehoash king of Israel went up,
and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face
at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah.
12 Judah was beaten before Israel, and every man fled to his tent.
13 Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash,
the son of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh. Then he came to Jerusalem
and breached the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim
to the Corner Gate, four hundred cubits.
14 He took all the gold and silver, all the vessels found in the house
of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king's house, and hostages,
and then returned to Samaria.

[1] In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned
Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.
[2] He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned
twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of
Jerusalem.
[3] And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like
David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.
[4] Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did
sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.
[5] And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand,
that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
[6] But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which
is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded,
saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the
children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to
death for his own sin.
[7] He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by
war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.
[8] Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of
Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.
[9] And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying,
The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon,
saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild
beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.
[10] Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up:
glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt,
that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
[11] But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up;
and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at
Beth-shemesh, which belongeth to Judah.
[12] And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man
to their tents.
[13] And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of
Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and
brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner
gate, four hundred cubits.
[14] And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were
found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house,
and hostages, and returned to Samaria.

2 Chronicles 25:1-24

2 Chronicles 25

Amaziah, King of Judah

2Ki 14:1-20

1 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he was king,
and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem.
The name of his mother was Jehoaddan from Jerusalem.
2 He did what was correct in the eyes of the Lord,
only not with a complete heart.
3 And it happened that when the kingdom was firmly his
that he killed his servants, those who struck down his father King Joash.
4 But he did not put to death their children because, as it is written
in the Law in the Book of Moses, as the Lord commanded, "You will not
put to death the fathers for their children's actions
nor the children will you put to death for their fathers' actions,
for every man will be put to death for his own sin."

[1] Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he
reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was
Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.
[2] And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a
perfect heart.
[3] Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he
slew his servants that had killed the king his father.
[4] But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in
the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not
die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but
every man shall die for his own sin.

Slaughter of the Edomites

5 Then Amaziah assembled Judah and set over them according to the house
of the fathers commanders of thousands and hundreds in all Judah
and Benjamin, and he appointed men who were twenty years old and above.
And they found three hundred thousand choice men fit for war
and able to use a long spear and large shield.
6 And he hired out from Israel one hundred thousand mighty
men of war for one hundred talents of silver.
7 Then a man of God came to him saying, "O king, do not let the army
of Israel come with you because the Lord is not with Israel
or with any of the sons of Ephraim.
8 But if you go, do it. Be strong for the battle. Yet God shall make
you fall before the enemy, for God has power to help and to bring down."
9 Then Amaziah said to the man of God, "So what should I do about
the 100 talents of silver that I gave to the military party from Israel?"
And the man of God responded, "The Lord has more to give to you than this."
10 So Amaziah dismissed the military party that came to him from Ephraim
to return to their place. And they were very angry with Judah
and returned to their place in a great rage.
11 But Amaziah strengthened himself and led his people, and he journeyed
to the Valley of Salt and struck down ten thousand of the people of Seir.
12 And the people of Judah took captive another ten thousand alive
and brought them to the top of a cliff and threw them from the top of the rock
so that they were all dashed to pieces.
13 But the men of the military party that Amaziah turned back from going
with him in battle raided the cities of Judah from Samaria to Beth Horon.
They struck down three thousand Judeans and took a great amount of plunder.
14 And it happened after Amaziah came back from striking down the Edomites,
he brought back the gods of the people from Seir and set them up as gods
for himself. He worshipped them and gave them sacrifices.
15 So the Lord was greatly angry with Amaziah, and He sent a prophet
to the king. And he said, "Why do you seek from the gods of the people
who were not even able to deliver the people from your hand?"
16 But while the prophet was speaking, the king said,
"Have we made you a counselor to the king?
Stop! Why should you be struck down?"
The prophet refrained, but he said, "I know that God has determined to
destroy you because you have done this and not heeded my advice."

[5] Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over
thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their
fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty
years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able
to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.
[6] He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel
for an hundred talents of silver.
[7] But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of
Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the
children of Ephraim.
[8] But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make
thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
[9] And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred
talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God
answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.
[10] Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out
of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled
against Judah, and they returned home in great anger.
[11] And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and
went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.
[12] And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away
captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from
the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces.
[13] But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they should
not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from Samaria even
unto Beth-horon, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil.
[14] Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of
the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them
up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense
unto them.
[15] Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he
sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the
gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine
hand?
[16] And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto
him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be
smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined
to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my
counsel.

Israel Defeats Judah

17 Then Amaziah king of Judah received advice and sent for Jehoash
the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu king of Israel,
saying, "Come, let us meet together."
18 So Jehoash king of Israel sent a message for Amaziah king of Judah saying,
"A thistle in Lebanon sent for a cedar in Lebanon stating,
'Give your daughter to my son as a wife.'
Then an animal of the field in Lebanon passed by and trampled the thistle.
19 You say that you have struck down Edom, and your heart lifts you up
in arrogance. Now remain in your palace. Why do you provoke disaster
so that you fall, you and Judah with you?"
20 But Amaziah would not listen because this was from God so that He might
give them into the hand of Jehoash
because Amaziah had sought after the gods of Edom.
21 So Jehoash king of Israel went up, and they faced each other,
he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Beth Shemesh, which is in Judah.
22 And Judah was struck down by Israel, and each man fled to his home.
23 So at Beth Shemesh, Jehoash king of Israel seized Amaziah king of Judah
the son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah. And they brought him to Jerusalem
and broke through the walls of the city from the Ephraim Gate
to the Corner Gate, a section of four hundred cubits.
24 And Jehoash took all the gold and silver
and all the vessels that were found
in the house of God with Obed-Edom, even the treasures of the palace
of the king and hostages. Then he returned to Samaria.

[17] Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of
Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one
another in the face.
[18] And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The
thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying,
Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that
was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.
[19] Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the Edomites; and thine heart
lifteth thee up to boast: abide now at home; why shouldest thou meddle to
thine hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
[20] But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver
them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of
Edom.
[21] So Joash the king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the
face, both he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Beth-shemesh, which belongeth to
Judah.
[22] And Judah was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man
to his tent.
[23] And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of
Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem,
and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner
gate, four hundred cubits.
[24] And he took all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were
found in the house of God with Obed-edom, and the treasures of the king's
house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.

2 Kings 14:15-16

15 Now the rest of the deeds Jehoash did, his power and how he fought
with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book
of the annals of the kings of Israel?
16 So Jehoash slept with his fathers and was buried in Samaria
with the kings of Israel. Jeroboam his son reigned in his place.

[15] Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and
how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book
of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
[16] And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the
kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 14:23-27

Jeroboam II, King of Israel

23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah,
Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, became king in Samaria
for forty-one years.
24 He did evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not turn aside
from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin.
25 He restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Lebo Hamath
to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel,
which He spoke by His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet,
who was from Gath Hepher.
26 For the Lord saw the very bitter affliction of Israel. There was
no one left, imprisoned or free, and no helper for Israel.
27 The Lord had not said that He would wipe out the name of Israel
from under heaven, so He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam
son of Joash.

[23] In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah
Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and
reigned forty and one years.
[24] And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed
not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
[25] He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the
sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he
spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet,
which was of Gath-hepher.
[26] For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for
there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.
[27] And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under
heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.

2 Chronicles 25:25-28

The Death of Amaziah

25 And Amaziah, the son of Joash king of Judah, lived fifteen years
more after the death of Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz king of Israel.
26 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, from first to last,
are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?
27 From the time when Amaziah turned aside from the Lord,
they plotted a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem,
and he fled to Lachish.
Then they sent for him and put him to death in Lachish.
28 They brought him on horses and buried him with his fathers
in the City of David in Judah.

[25] And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of
Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.
[26] Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, are they
not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?
[27] Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD
they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish:
but
they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.
[28] And they brought him upon horses, and buried him with his fathers in
the city of Judah.

2 Kings 14:17-22

17 Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived fifteen years
after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel.
18 And the rest of the deeds of Amaziah, are they not written
in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?
19 They made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish.
But they sent after him to Lachish, and killed him there.
20 They carried him on horses, and he was buried in Jerusalem
with his fathers in the City of David.
21 All the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old,
and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.
22 He built Elath and restored it to Judah after the king slept

[17] And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of
Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years.
[18] And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book
of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
[19] Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to
Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.
[20] And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with
his fathers in the city of David.
[21] And all the people of Judah took Azariah, which was sixteen years old,
and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.
[22] He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept
with his fathers.

2) Our Daily Bread for 5 July 2026 titled 
<a href="https://odb.org/2026/07/05/lavish-love"> Lavish Love </a>
By  Alyson Kieda

1 John 3:1-3,16-18

1 (Jn 1:12; 3:16) Consider how much love the Father has given to us,
that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know
us, because it did not know Him.
2 (Ro 8:18; 8:29) Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been
revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be
like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
3 (2Co 7:1; 2Pe 3:14) Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself,
just as He is pure.

[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not,
because it knew him not.
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for
we shall see him as he is.
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he
is pure. 

16 (Php 2:17; Jn 3:16) By this we know the love of God: that He laid down
His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
17 (1Jn 4:20; Heb 13:16) Whoever has the world's goods and sees
his brother in need, but closes his heart of compassion from him,
how can the love of God remain in him?
18 (1Jn 2:1; Ro 12:9) My little children, let us love not in word
and speech, but in action and truth.

[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for
us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God
in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in
deed and in truth. 

It was my grandson's eleventh birthday, and a group of family members gathered
at a Mediterranean restaurant to celebrate. Before ordering, my son asked the 
birthday boy what he wanted. He reluctantly told his dad he'd like the salmon 
but knew it was too expensive. My son told him, "It's your birthday. If that's
what you'd like, you can have it." My grandson was thrilled, 
and his broad smile showed it.

My son's love for his son reminds me in small part of God's lavish love. First 
John 3 describes the "great love" God showers on us: He calls all who believe 
in Him His children (v. 1), the benefactors of His lavish love. This love is 
exemplified in Christ's sacrifice, the greatest gift of all. Jesus "laid down 
his life for us" on the cross (v. 16). "We're saved 'by grace through faith' 
in Christ" (Ephesians 2:8). This is God's gracious gift 
to everyone who believes.

In response to God's lavish love, let's "lay down our lives for our brothers 
and sisters" (1 John 3:16). We're called to put our faith into action: to love
and obey Him and to spread that love to others. Through the Holy Spirit,
 God enables us to extend lavish love to our family and beyond.

Reflect & Pray

When have you been the recipient of lavish love? 
How can you extend God's lavish love to another?

Dear loving Saviour, none of my gifts 
or sacrifices could ever compare to Your lavish love for me. 
Please help me find ways to live out that love to others.

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

Joshua 1:5

5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6-8) No man will be able to stand against you all the days 
of your life. As I was with Moses, I will be with you. I will not 
abandon you. I will not leave you.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy 
life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, 
nor forsake thee.

5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:

God's Help in Times of Temptation

1 Cor 10:1-13

1 Corinthians 10

Warning Against Idolatry

1 (Ex 14:29; Ps 66:6) I would not want you to be unaware that
all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,
2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 (Ex 16:35; Dt 8:3) all ate the same spiritual food;
4 (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11) and all drank the same spiritual drink,
for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them,
and that Rock was Christ.
5 (Heb 3:17; Jude 1:5) But with many of them God was not well pleased,
and they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 (Nu 11:4; 1Co 10:11) Now these things were our examples to the intent
that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted.
7 (Ex 32:19; 32:4) Neither be idolaters as were some of them.
As it is written,
"The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to revel." (Ex 32:6. )
8 (Nu 25:1-9; 1Co 6:18) Neither let us commit sexual immorality as some
of them committed, when 23000 fell in one day.
9 (Nu 21:5-6; Ex 17:2) Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them
also tempted and were destroyed by serpents.
10 (Ex 12:23; Nu 16:41) Neither murmur, as some of them also murmured
and were destroyed by the destroyer.
11 (Ro 13:11) Now all these things happened to them for examples.
They are written as an admonition to us,
upon whom the end of the ages has come.
12 (Ro 11:20) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed,
lest he fall.
13 (1Co 1:9; 2Pe 2:9) No temptation has taken you except what is common
to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above
what you can endure, but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all
our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 and were all baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 and did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that
spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased:
for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust
after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written,
The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed,
and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted,
and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured,
and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples:
and they are written for our admonition,
upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also
make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Remember God's promises when You pray

The Lord's prayer

Matthew 6:9-13

9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: 
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
11 Give us this day our daily bread. 
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)

 Where do Muslims live?

Canada is a land of immigrants. And Muslims are coming in increasing numbers
to our shores. Where do they live? How can we prayfor these areas? Use this as 
your more effectively for Muslims in Canada.

Data for those population figures is extrapoled for the 2011 National
Household Survay and population growth projections by Pew Forum. These have
also been adjusted by +40% as reliable sources state that on 60% of Muslims
self-identify on government surveys and forms. These estimates are still on
the conservative end of the spectrum. Percentages represent that of the total
Canadian population, not provincial

BC - 136493 - 7.5%
AB - 195240 - 11%
SK - 17279 - 1%
MB - 21349 - 1.2%
ON - 1001542 - 55%
QC - 418946 - 23%
NB - 4543 - 0.003%
NS - 14629 - 0.1%
PEI - 1127 - 0.0006%
NFLD - 2065 - 0.001%
Yukon - 69 - 0.00004%
NWT - 473 - 0.0003%
NU - 86 - 0.00005%

Adding further

30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020 

Under the Keep Praying page

When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid  celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that 
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you 
know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 :  17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; 
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, 
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants 
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. 
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below: 
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke.  20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]

Footnotes
	Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15  : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under 
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the 
house."

Ideas for prayer

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people - 
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims 
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days! 

And 

Thank you for praying through the
5 Days of Prayer for Sikhs.

"My name is Kam. I'm 29 years of age, and I grew up Sikh. As a teenager, 
I struggled with depression, brokenness, and addiction to
cannabis. I didn't know how to stop or how to get help.

Then a friend invited me to church. As I spent time with Christians 
and heard the message of the Gospel, I experienced the
love of Jesus Christ, and it was like nothing I'd known before. 
One night I had a dream where I saw Him - a figure surrounded by
light who I knew was Jesus, the light of the world.

As I began to understand the gospel message, I encountered a reassuring and
confident solution to the problem of sin. I knew that I needed a solution 
to my sin problem, and I gave my life to Christ.

Slowly, God began to heal my broken heart and my addiction. 
Nine years have passed, and I am a devoted husband and a father
to two beautiful boys. I grow deeper in love with Jesus each day.

I ask you to continue praying with me, and others around the world, for Sikhs.
God is the only one who can draw people to Himself. He works in and through 
the prayers of His people. I want Sikhs to know the freedom 
and healing that is only available through Jesus Christ."

13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy 
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope, 
through the power of the Holy Spirit.

[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 

ROMANS 15:13

My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .

7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada

http://www.ehc.ca

5th Day of the Month

a)  Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
(PS 145:13-18 
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
 and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
 and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
 and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
 and loving in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,
 to all who call upon Him in truth.
)

Mem
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
ס Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
ע Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Zade
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
And holy in all his works.
Qoph
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
To all that call upon him in truth.

b)  Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,
 and lead me in the ancient way. "

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us 
our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

)

Conclusion:

Pray to  Submit yourselves therefore to God. 
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Pray to the Lord and and pray for Godly Leadership.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear loving Saviour, none of my gifts 
or sacrifices could ever compare to Your lavish love for me. 
Please help me find ways to live out that love to others."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord's sacrifice to get you out of sin.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know The Lord is with You.

Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him all your temptations.

Pray for Muslims in Canada to know Jesus as Saviour.

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 for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself

Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness

Pray for <a href="https://www.vomcanada.com/kazakhstan.htm">Kazakh</a>
Christians who have been disowned by their families since turning to 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 ; 31 years in the ISP business!