Day 258 of MY 4th Bible Study Journey

Day 258, 14 September 2024 

1) Ezra 1,2,3

Ezra 1

The Proclamation of Cyrus

2Ch 36:22-23

1 (Jer 29:10; 2Ch 36:22-23) Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia,
that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled,
the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia,
so that he issued a proclamation throughout all his kingdom,
and also put it in writing, saying,
2 (Isa 45:12-13) "Thus says Cyrus king of Persia:
"The Lord God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth,
and He has charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
3 (Da 6:26) Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be
with him, and may he go to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house
of the Lord God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem.
4 Whoever remains in any place where he sojourns, let the men of his place
help him with silver, gold, goods, and animals, along with voluntary gifts
for the house of God in Jerusalem."
5 (Ezr 1:1; Php 2:13) Then the heads of the households of Judah and Benjamin,
and the Levitical priests, with all those whose spirits God had stirred,
rose up to go up to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.
6 So everyone all around them strengthened their hands
with vessels of silver, gold, goods, animals, and precious things,
besides all that was given voluntarily.
7 (2Ki 24:13; 2Ch 36:7) Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels
of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought from Jerusalem
and had put in the house of his gods.
8 (Ezr 5:14) Cyrus king of Persia even brought forth more for them,
by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer and had them numbered
for Sheshbazzar, who was the prince of Judah.
9 This is the number of them: 30 containers of gold, 1000 containers
of silver, and 29 knives.
10 There were also 30 smaller bowls of gold, 410 smaller bowls of silver
(of lesser value), and 1000 other various containers.
11 All the articles of gold and silver were 5400 . All these did Sheshbazzar
bring up, when the exiles were brought from Babylon to Jerusalem.

Ezra 1
[1] Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD
by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit
of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his
kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
[2] Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me
all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house
at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
[3] Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let
him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD
God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.
[4] And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of
his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with
beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in
Jerusalem.
[5] Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the
priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go
up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.
[6] And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels
of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things,
beside all that was willingly offered.
[7] Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD,
which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in
the house of his gods;
[8] Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of
Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of
Judah.
[9] And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand
chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,
[10] Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and
ten, and other vessels a thousand.
[11] All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four
hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that
were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem. 

Ezra 2

The List of Returning Exiles

Ne 7:6-73

1 (2Ki 24:14-16; 25:11) Now these are the people of the province who went up
from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon
had carried away to Babylon, and came again to Jerusalem and Judah.
Each returned to his own city.
2 (Ne 7:7; Hag 1:12) Those who came with Zerubbabel were Joshua, Nehemiah,
Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah.
The number of men of the people of Israel were:
3 (Ezr 8:3; 10:25) The sons of Parosh— 2172;
4 the sons of Shephatiah-three hundred and seventy-two;
5 (Ne 7:10) the sons of Arah-seven hundred and seventy-five;
6 (Ne 7:11) the sons of Pahath-Moab of the sons of Jeshua and Joab-
two thousand eight hundred and twelve;
7 the sons of Elam - one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
8 (Ne 7:13) the sons of Zattu-nine hundred and forty-five;
9 the sons of Zakkai-seven hundred and sixty;
10 the sons of Bani-six hundred and forty-two;
11 the sons of Bebai-six hundred and twenty-three;
12 (Ne 7:17) the sons of Azgad-one thousand two hundred and twenty-two;
13 (Ezr 8:13) the sons of Adonikam-six hundred and sixty-six;
14 the sons of Bigvai-two thousand and fifty-six;
15 (Ne 7:20) the sons of Adin-four hundred and fifty-four;
16 the sons of Ater of Hezekiah - ninety-eight;
17 the sons of Bezai-three hundred and twenty-three;
18 the sons of Jorah-one hundred and twelve;
19 (Ne 7:22) the sons of Hashum-two hundred and twenty-three;
20 the sons of Gibbar - ninety-five.
21 The sons of Bethlehem - one hundred and twenty-three;
22 the men of Netophah-fifty-six;
23 the men of Anathoth-one hundred and twenty-eight;
24 the sons of Azmaveth-forty-two;
25 the sons of Kiriath Arim, Kephirah, and Beeroth- 743 ;
26 the sons of Ramah and Geba-six hundred and twenty-one;
27 the men of Mikmash-one hundred and twenty-two;
28 (Ge 12:8) the men of Bethel and Ai-two hundred and twenty-three;
29 the sons of Nebo-fifty-two;
30 the sons of Magbish-one hundred and fifty-six;
31 (Ezr 2:7) the sons of the other Elam- 1254 ;
32 the sons of Harim-three hundred and twenty;
33 the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono - 725;
34 (1Ki 16:34) the sons of Jericho-three hundred and forty-five;
35 the sons of Senaah-three thousand six hundred and thirty.
36 Those who came with the priests were:
the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua-973;
37 (1Ch 24:14) the sons of Immer-1052;
38 (1Ch 9:12) the sons of Pashhur-1247 ;
39 (1Ch 24:8) the sons of Harim-1700.
40 (Ezr 3:9) Those who came with the Levites were:
the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah-74.
41 (1Ch 6:39) Those who came with the singers were:
the sons of Asaph-128.
42 The sons of the gatekeepers were:
the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon,
the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai
-in all 139.
43 (1Ch 9:2) Those devoted to the temple as servants were:
the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
44 the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon,
45 the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub,
46 the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shalmai, the sons of Hanan,
47 the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah,
48 the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons of Gazzam,
49 the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,
50 the sons of Asnah, the sons of Me­unim, the sons of Nephusim,
51 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
52 the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
53 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,
54 the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.
55 (1Ki 9:21) The sons of Solomon's servants were:
the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda,
56 the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
57 (Ne 7:59) the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil,
the sons of Pokereth-Hazzebaim, the sons of Ami.
58 (1Ki 9:21; 1Ch 9:2) All those devoted to the temple as servants
and the children of Solomon's servants were 392.
59 These were the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub,
Addon, and Immer; but they could not prove their father's house
or their descent, whether they were of Israel:
60 the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, and the sons of Nekoda-652;
61 (2Sa 17:27; 1Ki 2:7) and of the sons of the priests:
the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, and the sons of Barzillai
(whose ancestor married one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite
and was thereafter called by their name).
62 (Nu 3:10) These sought their records in the genealogy register,
but they were not found. Therefore, they were disqualified
(as polluted) from the priesthood.
63 (Ex 28:30; Lev 2:3) The governor advised them not to eat of the most
holy things until a priest consulted with the Urim and Thummim.
64 The whole congregation together was 42 360,\
65 (2Sa 19:35) besides their male and female servants
(these numbered 7337); they also had two hundred singing men and women.
66 Their horses numbered seven hundred and thirty-six; their mules,
two hundred and forty-five;
67 their camels, four hundred and thirty-five; and their donkeys,
six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
68 As some of the heads of households came to the house of the Lord
in Jerusalem, they volunteered to erect the foundations for the house of God.
69 (Ezr 8:25-34) They gave after their ability to the treasure of the work
6100 drachmas [About 1,100 pounds, or 500 kilograms.] of gold,
five thousand pounds [About 3 tons, or 2.8 metric tons.] of silver,
and one hundred priestly garments.
70 (Ne 7:73) So the priests and the Levites, along with some of the people,
the singers, the porters, and those donated as temple servants,
lived in their cities, with the result that all Israel resettled
in their cities.

Ezra 2
[1] Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the
captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the
king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem
and Judah, every one unto his city;
[2] Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,
Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of
the people of Israel:
[3] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
[4] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
[5] The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.
[6] The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two
thousand eight hundred and twelve.
[7] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[8] The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.
[9] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
[10] The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.
[11] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.
[12] The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.
[13] The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.
[14] The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.
[15] The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.
[16] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
[17] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.
[18] The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.
[19] The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.
[20] The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.
[21] The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.
[22] The men of Netophah, fifty and six.
[23] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
[24] The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.
[25] The children of Kirjath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred
and forty and three.
[26] The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.
[27] The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.
[28] The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
[29] The children of Nebo, fifty and two.
[30] The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.
[31] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
[32] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
[33] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.
[34] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
[35] The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.
[36] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine
hundred seventy and three.
[37] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
[38] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
[39] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
[40] The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of
Hodaviah, seventy and four.
[41] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
[42] The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of
Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of
Hatita,the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.
[43] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the
children of Tabbaoth,
[44] The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
[45] The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of
Akkub,
[46] The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,
[47] The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
[48] The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
[49] The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
[50] The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,
[51] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,
[52] The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,
[53] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,
[54] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
[55] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the
children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
[56] The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of
Giddel,
[57] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of
Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.
[58] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three
hundred ninety and two.
[59] And these were they which went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub,
Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their
seed, whether they were of Israel:
[60] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of
Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.
[61] And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the
children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the
daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:
[62] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put
from the priesthood.
[63] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most
holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
[64] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three
hundred and threescore,
[65] Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven
thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two
hundred singing men and singing women.
[66] Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two
hundred forty and five;
[67] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand
seven hundred and twenty.
[68] And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of
the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set
it up in his place:
[69] They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore
and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one
hundred priests' garments.
[70] So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the
singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all
Israel in their cities.

Ezra 3

Rebuilding the Altar

1 (Lev 23:24) When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel
had resettled in their cities, and the people gathered themselves together,
as one man, to Jerusalem.
2 (1Ch 3:17; Ezr 2:2) Then Joshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers
the priests stood up, along with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel
and his brothers, and they built the altar of the God of Israel in order
to offer burnt offerings on it, as it had been written in the Law of Moses,
the man of God.
3 (Nu 28:2-8; Ezr 4:4) They set the altar upon its foundations and,
because they were living in fear of some of the peoples of the region,
they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord-morning and evening.
4 (Ex 23:16; Nu 29:12-38) They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles,
as it had been written, and offered the daily burnt offerings
in accordance with the daily schedule, according to each day's custom.
5 (Nu 29:39) Thereafter, observance of the burnt offering became a perpetual
sacrifice with regard to the New Moon sacrifices and all of the appointed
feasts of the Lord that had been consecrated, and all of the voluntary
freewill offerings to the Lord. 6From the first day of the seventh month
they had begun to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord,
but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.

[1] And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in
the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
[2] Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests,
and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar
of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in
the law of Moses the man of God.
[3] And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of
the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto
the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.
[4] They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered
the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of
every day required;
[5] And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new
moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of
every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.
[6] From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt
offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was
not yet laid.

Rebuilding the Temple

7 (1Ki 5:6; Ac 9:36) They gave money to the masons and carpenters,
and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and to the people of Tyre
so that they would bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, at Joppa,
according to the grant they had from Cyrus king of Persia.
8 Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the house
of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, Joshua the son
of Jozadak, along with the remnant of their brothers the Levitical priests
and all who had come out of captivity back to Jerusalem, began work
and appointed the Levites twenty years old and older to supervise
the work on the house of the Lord.
9 (Ezr 2:40) Then Joshua with his sons and brothers, and Kadmiel
with his sons, who are the sons of Judah, along with the sons of Henadad
with their sons and their brothers-all Levites-stood together to supervise
the workers on the house of God.
10 (Zec 4:10) When the builders laid the foundation of the temple
of the Lord, the priests in their apparel stood with trumpets and,
from the Levites, the sons of Asaph stood with cymbals to praise the Lord,
following the example of David king of Israel.
11 (1Ch 16:34; 16:41) They sang responsively, praising
and giving thanks unto the Lord,
"For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel."
And all the people responded with a great shout
when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord
was laid.
12 (Hag 2:3) Now many of the older Levitical priests and chiefs
of the fathers' households who had seen the first temple wept
with a loud voice as the foundation of this temple was laid
before their eyes, though many others shouted exuberantly for joy.
13 As a result, the people could not distinguish the noise
of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people
since the people had raised such a loud noise that could be heard
from afar off.

[7] They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat,
and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar
trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had
of Cyrus king of Persia.
[8] Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at
Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and
Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and
the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto
Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to
set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
[9] Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons,
the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God:
the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.
[10] And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD,
they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the
sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David
king of Israel.
[11] And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the
LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And
all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD,
because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
[12] But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were
ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this
house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted
aloud for joy:
[13] So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from
the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud
shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

2) Our Daily Bread for 14 September 2024 titled <a href="
https://odb.org/2024/09/14/good-congee">Good Congee</a>

2 Kings 5:1-3,9-14

The New Life in Christ

2 Kings 5

Naaman Healed of Leprosy

1 (Lk 4:27) Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Aram,
was a great man before his master and held favor because by him the Lord had
given deliverance to Aram. He was also a mighty warrior, but he had leprosy.
2 (2Ki 6:23; 13:20) The Arameans had gone out raiding and had taken captive
a little girl from the land of Israel, and she waited on the wife of Naaman.
3 She said to her mistress, "If only my lord were before the prophet who is
in Samaria! Then he would take away his leprosy from him."
9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariot and stood at the entrance
to the house of Elisha.
10 (Jn 9:7; Lev 14:7) Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying,
"Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be returned
and cleansed."
11 But Naaman became angry and went away and said to himself,
"Surely he could have come out, and stood and called on the name
of the Lord his God, and waved his hand over the infected area,
and taken away the leprosy.
12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters
of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" So he turned and went away
in a rage.
13 (2Ki 6:21; 2:12) But his servants approached and spoke to him,
"My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not
have done it? How much more when he said to you, 'Wash and be clean'?"
14 (Job 33:25; Lk 4:27) So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan
seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh returned
like the flesh of a little boy, and he was clean.


[1] Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man
with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given
deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a
leper.
[2] And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive
out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
[3] And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet
that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
[9] So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the
door of the house of Elisha.
[10] And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan
seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
[11] But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He
will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his
God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
[12] Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the
waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and
went away in a rage.
[13] And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if
the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done
it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
[14] Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according
to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the
flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Jocelyn's bestselling dish at her food stall was her congee. She'd stir the 
rice porridge very carefully until it had a smooth consistency. So, she was 
startled when a regular customer said, "Your congee tastes different. 
The texture isn't as fine."

Jocelyn's new assistant had prepared it this time and explained why it was 
different: "I didn't stir it as long as the recipe said since that's how I do 
it at home. I also added more sesame oil. In my opinion, it tastes better that
way." She had decided to ignore the recipe and do it her way instead.

This is how I sometimes respond to God's instructions. Instead of fully 
obeying His commands as given in Scripture, I subject them to my opinions and
proceed my way.

Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, was on the verge of making a similar
mistake. On receiving God's instruction through the prophet Elisha to wash 
himself in the Jordan so his leprosy would be healed, the proud soldier got 
angry. He had his own expectations for how his need ought to be addressed, 
believing his opinion was superior to God's command (2 Kings 5:11-12). His 
servants, however, convinced him to listen to Elisha's words (v. 13). As a 
result, Naaman was healed.

When we do things God's way, we experience a peace that's indescribable. 
Let's work with Him in fulfilling His purposes.

By:  Karen Huang

Reflect & Pray

How do you allow your opinions to compromise your obedience to God? 
How does this affect His work in your life?

Dear God, please help me to obey You in full, 
for Your command far surpasses my opinion.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6

5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

5 Every valley shall be filled,
And every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
And the crooked shall be made straight,
And the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.

Application

a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?

b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?

c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work
God still want to do in me?

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 2022 edition?)

Nova Scotia

Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629

With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations

- in and around Halifax and other cities

- on university campuses

- for new workers among Muslims

- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.

- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them

- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims

Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.

Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.

while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.

Adding further

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

Under the Keep Praying page

When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

Peter's Speech at Pentecost

14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."

Ideas for prayer

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) 

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

http://www.ehc.ca

14th Day of the Month

a) Pray for God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation ( Matt 6:10

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

)

b) Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service. 

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray that the Lord will move your leaders to rebuild
and reform in His Name. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to obey You in full, 
for Your command far surpasses my opinion."

Pray to the Lord and pray to let the Lord do His Work in you.

Pray to the Lord and pray to be a light for the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to how the Lord understand you.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations

- in and around Halifax and other cities

- on university campuses

- for new workers among Muslims

- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.

- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them

- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims

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 God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation  

Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
 
Pray for strength and encouragement on behalf of imprisoned Christians
and their families in Morocco.

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 ;