Day 282 of MY 4th Bible Study Journey

Day 282, 8 October 2024 

1) Matthew 13:10-23
Luke 8:9-18
Mark 4:21-29
Matthew 13:24-30
Mark 4:30-34
Matthew 13:31-52
Mark 4:35-41
Matthew 8:23-27
Luke 8:22-25

Matthew 13:10-23

The Purpose of the Parables
Mk 4:10-12; Lk 8:9-10

10 The disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?"
11 (1Jn 2:27; Mt 16:17) He answered them, "It is given to you to know
the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 (Mt 25:29; Lk 8:18) For to him who has, will more be given,
and he will have abundance. But from him who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
13 (Jer 5:21; Eze 12:2) Therefore I speak to them in parables:
'Because they look, but do not see.
And they listen, but they do not hear, neither do they understand.'[Isa 56:7.]
14 (Isa 6:9-10; Mk 4:12) In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah
which says:
'By hearing, you will hear and shall not understand,
and seeing, you will see and shall not perceive;[Isa 6:9.]
15 (Heb 5:11; Ps 119:70) for this people's heart has grown dull.
Their ears have become hard of hearing,
and they have closed their eyes,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their hearts,
and turn, and I should heal them.'[A talent was worth several hundred pounds.]
16 (Mt 16:17; Lk 10:23-24) But blessed are your eyes, for they see,
and your ears, for they hear.
17 (Jn 8:56; Heb 11:13) For truly I say to you that many prophets
and righteous men have desired to see those things which you see,
and have not seen them, and to hear those things which you hear,
and have not heard them.

[10] And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them
in parables?
[11] He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know
the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
[12] For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more
abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he
hath.
[13] Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and
hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
[14] And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By
hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see,
and shall not perceive:
[15] For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of
hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see
with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their
heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
[16] But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
[17] For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have
desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to
hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

The Parable of the Sower Explained
Mk 4:13-20; Lk 8:11-15

18 "Therefore listen to the parable of the sower.
19 (Mt 4:23; 13:38) When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not
understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown
in his heart. This is the one who received seed beside the path.
20 (Isa 58:2; Eze 33:31-32) But he who received the seed on rocky ground
is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy,
21 (Mt 11:6; Hos 6:4) yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while.
For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word,
eventually he falls away.
22 (1Ti 6:9-10; 6:17) He also who received seed among the thorns is
he who hears the word, but the cares of this world and the deceitfulness
of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
23 (Mt 13:8; Jn 15:16; Php 1:11) But he who received seed on the good ground
is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit.
Some produce a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown." 

[18] Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
[19] When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not,
then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his
heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
[20] But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that
heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
[21] Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when
tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is
offended.
[22] He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the
word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the
word, and he becometh unfruitful.
[23] But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the
word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth,
some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 

Luke 8:9-18

The Purpose of the Parables
Mt 13:10-17; Mk 4:10-12

9 (Mt 13:10; 13:18) His disciples asked Him, "What might this parable mean?"
10 (Isa 6:9; Mt 11:25) He said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets
of the kingdom of God, but to others they are in parables, so that
'seeing they may not see,
and hearing they may not understand.' [Isa 6:9.]

[8] And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an
hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears
to hear, let him hear.
[9] And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
[10] And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom
of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and
hearing they might not understand.

The Parable of the Sower Explained
Mt 13:18-23; Mk 4:13-20

11 (Mt 13:19; Mk 4:14-20) "Now the parable means this:
The seed is the word of God.
12 Those along the path are those who hear. Then comes the devil,
who takes away the word from their hearts, lest they should believe
and be saved.
13 (Isa 58:2; Eze 33:32) Those on the rock are the ones who,
when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root,
for they believe for a while, then in the time of temptation fall away.
14 (1Ti 6:9-10; 6:17) That which fell among thorns are those who,
when they have heard, go out and are choked with the cares
and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
15 (Php 1:11; Col 1:6) But the seed on the good ground are those who,
having heard the word, keep it in an honest and good heart
and bear fruit with patience.

[11] Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
[12] Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and
taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be
saved.
[13] They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with
joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of
temptation fall away.
[14] And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard,
go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life,
and bring no fruit to perfection.
[15] But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good
heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

A Light Under a Vessel
Mk 4:21-25

16 (Lk 11:33; Mk 4:21-22) "No one, when he lights a candle, covers it
with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a candlestick,
that those who enter may see the light.
17 (Mt 10:26) For nothing is secret that will not be revealed,
nor anything hidden that will not be known and revealed.
18 (Mt 13:12; 25:29) Take heed therefore how you hear. For whoever has,
to him will be given. And whoever has not, from him will be taken even
what he thinks he has." 

[16] No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or
putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which
enter in may see the light.
[17] For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any
thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
[18] Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be
given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he
seemeth to have. 

Mark 4:21-29

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."

[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.

The Parable of the Growing Seed

26 (Mt 13:24) He said, "The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed
on the ground.
27 (Ecc 11:5) He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts
and grows; he does not know how.
28 For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the head,
then the full seed in the head.
29 (Joel 3:13) But when the grain is ripe, immediately he applies
the sickle because the harvest has come." 

[26] And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed
into the ground;
[27] And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring
and grow up, he knoweth not how.
[28] For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then
the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
[29] But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the
sickle, because the harvest is come. 

Matthew 13:24-30

The Parable of the Weeds

24 (Mt 13:33; 13:47) He told them another parable, saying,
"The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat
and went away.
26 But when the shoots had sprung up and produced fruit,
the weeds also appeared.
27 "So the servants of the landowner came and said to him,
'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? 
Then where did the weeds come from?'
28 "He said to them, 'An enemy did this.'
"The servants said to him, 'Will you then have us go and gather them up?'
29 "But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the weeds,
you pull up also the wheat with them.
30 (Mt 3:12) Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the time
of harvest I will say to the reapers: Gather up the weeds first
and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.'" 

[24] Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven
is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
[25] But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat,
and went his way.
[26] But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then
appeared the tares also.
[27] So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst
not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
[28] He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him,
Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
[29] But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also
the wheat with them.
[30] Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I
will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them
in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. 

Mark 4:30-34

The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Mt 13:31-32; Lk 13:18-19

30 He said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God, or with what parable
shall we compare it?
31 It is like a grain of mustard seed which, when it is sown in the ground,
is the smallest seed on earth.
32 Yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all shrubs,
and shoots out great branches, so that the birds of the air
may nest in its shade."

[30] And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what
comparison shall we compare it?
[31] It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the
earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
[32] But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all
herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may
lodge under the shadow of it.

The Use of Parables
Mt 13:34-35

33 (Jn 16:12) With many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were
able to hear it.
34 (Mk 4:10; Lk 24:27) Without a parable He did not speak to them.
But when they were alone, He expounded on all things to His disciples. 

[33] And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were
able to hear it.
[34] But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone,
he expounded all things to his disciples. 

Matthew 13:31-52

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
Mk 4:30-32; Lk 13:18-21

31 (Mt 13:24; Mk 4:30-32) He told them another parable, saying,
"The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed
which a man took and sowed in his field.
32 (Eze 31:6; Da 4:12) This indeed is the least of all seeds, but when
it has grown, it is the greatest among herbs and is a tree, so that the birds
of the air come and lodge in its branches."
33 (Lk 13:21; Gal 5:9) He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven
is like yeast which a woman took and mixed in sixty pounds
[Gk. 3 sata, about 22 liters each.] of meal until it had leavened
the whole batch."

[31] Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven
is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his
field:
[32] Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the
greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come
and lodge in the branches thereof.
[33] Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto
leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the
whole was leavened.

The Use of Parables
Mk 4:33-34

34 (Mk 4:33-34; Jn 16:25) Jesus said all these things to the crowds
in parables. And without a parable He did not speak to them,
35 (Ps 78:2; Ro 16:25-26) to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet,
saying:
"I will open My mouth in parables;
I will say things which have been kept secret since the foundation
of the world." [Ps 78:2.]

[34] All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and
without a parable spake he not unto them:
[35] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I
will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept
secret from the foundation of the world.

The Parable of the Weeds Explained

36 (Mt 13:1) Then Jesus sent the crowds away and went into the house.
And His disciples came to Him, saying,
"Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field."
37 He answered, "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man,
38 (Jn 8:44; Ac 13:10) the field is the world, and the good seed a
re the sons ofthe kingdom. But the weeds are the sons of the evil one.
39 (Mt 24:3; Joel 3:13) The enemy who sowed them is the devil,
the harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels.
40 "Therefore as the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall
it be in the end of this world.
41 (Mt 24:31; 18:7) The Son of Man shall send out His angels, and they shall
gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who do evil,
42 (Mt 8:12; 13:50; 22:13) and will throw them into a fiery furnace.
There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 (Da 12:3; Mt 11:15) Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun
[Da 12:3.] in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears to hear,
let him hear.

[36] Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his
disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of
the field.
[37] He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son
of man;
[38] The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom;
but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
[39] The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the
world; and the reapers are the angels.
[40] As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it
be in the end of this world.
[41] The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out
of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
[42] And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and
gnashing of teeth.
[43] Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their
Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

44 (Isa 55:1; Pr 23:23) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure
hidden in a field, which a man found and hid. And with joy over it he goes
and sells all that he has and buys that field.

[44] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the
which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and
selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,
46 who, on finding one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had
and bought it.

[45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking
goodly pearls:
[46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that
he had, and bought it.

The Parable of the Net

47 (Mt 4:19) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast
into the sea and gathered all kinds of fish.
48 When it was full, they drew it to shore, sat down, and gathered the good
into baskets, but threw the bad away.
49 (Mt 13:39) So shall it be at the end of the world.
The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous
50 (Mt 8:12; 13:42) and throw them into the fiery furnace.
There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

[47] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the
sea, and gathered of every kind:
[48] Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered
the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
[49] So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth,
and sever the wicked from among the just,
[50] And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing
and gnashing of teeth.

Treasures New and Old

51 (Mt 13:11) Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all of these things?"
They said to Him, "Yes, Lord."
52 (Mt 12:35; 23:34) Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe who is
discipled for the kingdom of heaven is like a man
who is master of the household who brings out of his treasure new 
and old things."

[51] Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say
unto him, Yea, Lord.
[52] Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto
the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which
bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. 

The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
Mk 6:1-6; Lk 4:16-30

53 When Jesus finished these parables, He departed from there.
54 (Mt 2:23; 4:23) When He came to His own country, He taught them
in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said,
"Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?
55 (Mk 6:3; Lk 3:23) Is He not the carpenter's son? Is His mother not
called Mary? And are not His brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?
56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man
get all these things?"
57 (Lk 4:24; Jn 4:44) And they took offense at Him.
But Jesus said to them,
"A prophet is not without honour except in his own country
and in his own house."
58 And He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

[53] And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he
departed thence.
[54] And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their
synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this
man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
[55] Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his
brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
[56] And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man
all these things?
[57] And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is
not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
[58] And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. 

Mark 4:35-41

The Calming of a Storm
Mt 8:23-27; Lk 8:22-25

35 (Mt 8:18; Lk 8:22) That same day, when the evening came, He said to them,
"Let us go cross to the other side."
36 (Mk 3:9; 4:1) When they had sent the crowd away, they took Him in the boat
just as He was. There were also other little boats with Him.
37 A great wind storm arose, and the waves splashed into the boat,
so that it was now filling the boat.
38 He was in the stern asleep on a pillow. They woke Him and said,
"Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"
39 (Job 38:11; Ps 89:9) He rose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea,
"Peace, be still!" Then the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40 (Mt 14:31; Lk 8:25) He said to them, "Why are you so fearful?
How is that you have no faith?"
41 They feared greatly and said to one another,
"What kind of Man is He, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" 

[35] And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us
pass over unto the other side.
[36] And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was
in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
[37] And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the
ship, so that it was now full.
[38] And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they
awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
[39] And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be
still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
[40] And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no
faith?
[41] And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of
man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? 

Matthew 8:23-27

The Calming of a Storm

Mk 4:35-41; Lk 8:22-25

23 Then He entered the boat, and His disciples followed Him.
24 Suddenly a great storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered
with the waves. But He was asleep.
25 His disciples went to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us!
We are perishing!"
26 (Mt 6:30; Ps 65:7) He replied, "Why are you fearful,
O you of little faith?" Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea.
And there was a great calm.
27 (Mk 1:27) The men were amazed, saying, "What kind of Man is this that
even the winds and the sea obey Him!"

[23] And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
[24] And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the
ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
[25] And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we
perish.
[26] And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then
he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
[27] But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even
the winds and the sea obey him! 

Luke 8:22-25

The Calming of a Storm
Mt 8:23-27; Mk 4:35-41

22 (Mt 8:23-27) One day He went into a boat with His disciples,
and He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake."
So they launched out.
23 As they sailed, He fell asleep. Then a wind storm came down on the lake,
and they were filling with water, and were in danger.
24 (Ps 65:7; Lk 4:39) They came to Him and awoke Him, saying,
"Master, Master, we are perishing!"
Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water.
And they ceased, and there was a calm.
25 He said to them, "Where is your faith?"
Being afraid, they marveled, saying to each other,
"Who then is this Man? He commands even the winds and water,
and they obey Him." 

[22] Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his
disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the
lake. And they launched forth.
[23] But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind
on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
[24] And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish.
Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they
ceased, and there was a calm.
[25] And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid
wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he
commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 8 October 2024 titled
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/10/08/running-for-jesus"> 
Running for Jesus </a>

Titus 2:1-5

The Teaching of Sound Doctrine

1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you,
teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:
2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,
sound in faith, in love, in patience.
3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,
and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers
of good things,
4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children,
5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured. 

[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
[2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in
charity, in patience.
[3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,
to love their children,
[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 

Psalm 92:12-14

12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree
and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those that are planted in the house of the Lord
shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age;
they shall be filled with vitality and foliage, 

[12] The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a
cedar in Lebanon.
[13] Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the
courts of our God.
[14] They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and
flourishing; 

When people think about the 100-meter dash, current world-record holder Usain
Bolt might come to mind. But we can't forget about Julia "Hurricane" Hawkins. 
In 2021, Julia crossed the finish line before all other runners to win the 
100-meter dash in the Louisiana Senior Games. Her time was a bit slower than
Bolt's 9.58 seconds-just over 60 seconds. But she was also 105 years old!

There's a lot to like about a woman who's still running sprints at her age. 
And there's a lot to like about believers in Jesus who never stop running the
race with Him as their goal (Hebrews 12:1-2). The psalmist says this about the
faithful in the later stages of life: "The righteous will flourish like a palm
tree, . . . they will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and 
green" (92:12-14).

Older believers who follow this kind of standard can find further instruction 
in the apostle Paul's letter to Titus. Seasoned men are to be "sound in faith,
in love and in endurance" (Titus 2:2), and senior women are "to teach what 
is good" (v. 3).

There's no call for older believers to stop running the race. Maybe not the 
way Julia does on the track, but in ways that honour God as He provides the
strength they need. Let's all run the race to serve Him and others well.

By:  Dave Branon

Reflect & Pray

What are some things you can do to reach others for Christ and help them 
grow in faith? How can you encourage other believers to serve as they can?

Dear Jesus, thank You for every day you give me. 
No matter my age, help me to strive to run the race for Your honour.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 3 - The Promise of Completion

Philippians 1:6

6 (1Co 1:8; Jn 6:29) I am confident of this very thing,
that He who began a good work in you will perfect it
until the day of Jesus Christ.

6 being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun
a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

"Elizabeth is a good student", the note on the side of the report card read,
"but she doesn't finish what she starts. She has a lot of good ideas, but
rarely brings then to completion."
Many of us are like Elizabeth. We start into a new venture with high hopes
and great motivation. But somewhere along the way, we become discouraged.
Someone tells us that our ideas are stupid, or that we are not capable of
doing what we dream. We get a particularly difficult hurdle and give up.
Sometimes we fell the Christian like is like that, too. We start well, and
believe that in Christ we can accomplish anything. But then our prayers
become rote, our Bible reading ritual. We can't seem to regain that sense
of God's presence; we have, we conclude, "Lost our first love." (Rev 2)
But God has a different perspective. He began the work of salvation in us;
he leads and guides us in his will, and he will complete what he has begun.
Often we fail to see God's grace in the ongoing process of walking with him
because his agenda is different from ours. We know what we want to see
happen in our lives; God knows what needs to happen.
"When I first came into a relationship with Christ," one woman explained,
"I knew I had a lot of changing to do. But, strangely enough, the things God
changed weren't on my list at all!"
When God begins his work in our lives, he has a plan for our maturity.
He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. And what God
has begun, he will finish.

Application

a) Have I ever tried to "decide" for God what problems in my life
needed dealing with?

b) Has God ever pointed out issues that were a surprise to me?

c) How can today's verse help me relax in God's will and
have confidence in the direction of my life?  

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

2 Cor 9:6

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;
and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

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

When you are Worried Over Money

1 Tim 6:6-10

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
that we can carry nothing out.
8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things.
9 But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will
be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

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?)

Prince Edward Island

Total population 146300
Muslim population (est.) 1127

Charlottetown does not currently (fall 2014) have a local CNMM network.
Pray with us for God's people to come together in reaching Muslims
cooperatively across denominational and organisational lines.

More than 200 attended the Eid festival at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic
month of fasting during daylight hours and the reading of the Qur'an, at
the Dar as-Salam mosque in 2014. This second mosque established
in Charlottetown, the other being the Muslims Association of PEI.
As of mid-2014,there are between 250 to 300 families, mostly in Charlottetown.

The Muslims of Charlottetown see their community as symbolically important
for this nation since this is known as the "birthplace of Canada". Yet we were
established as the "Dominion of Canada" with an appeal not only to
monarchial authority, but even more to God's higher Biblical authority as
shown in Psalm 72:8, "May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth."
Let us intercede together for:

- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading
outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.
- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community
in contextual ways to share the Gospel
- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,
giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching
out to Muslims locally.
- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's
Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness
and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father
through the Son. 

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

8th Day of the Month

a) Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God

(
Is 62:6

6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,
who shall never hold their peace day nor night.
You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;

6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold
their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,

Ps 5:3

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;
in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Ps 55:17

17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,
and He will hear my voice.

17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
And he shall hear my voice.

)

b) Pray for the province of Manitoba

I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them
to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings
and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.

III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus .

 
Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to seed and reap bountifully and to calm the storms. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, thank You for every day you give me. 
No matter my age, help me to strive to run the race for Your honour."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know He will complete the work he needs
to do for you.

Pray to the Lord and pray to reap bountifully.

Pray to the Lord and pray not to love money.

Pray for Prince Edward Island and her Muslim populations

- the growing Muslim population of Charlottetown and spreading
outward through PEI to encounter the Prince of Peace.
- believers to have faith and vision to reach out to the Muslim Community
in contextual ways to share the Gospel
- churches and ministries to rise up in wisdom, knowledge and understanding,
giving and training, coaching and encouragement to believers reaching
out to Muslims locally.
- a prayer movement to be established, feeding a growing move of Yahweh's
Spirit in His churches and people , and an awakening an openness
and spiritual hunger in Muslims for relationship with the Father
through the Son. 

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

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

Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God.

Pray that the persecutors of Christians in Oman will be drawn to Christ 
through the forgiveness and love of His followers.

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 ;