Day 103 of My 5th Bible Study Journey Part 2

Day 105, 13 April 2025 Happy Palm Sunday

Today at <a href="https://www.calvarycommunity.ca">Calvary Community Church
</a>, Pastor Nathan Zieber spoke on Strange Gospel

Acts 17:16-34

Paul in Athens

16 While Paul waited for them in Athens, his spirit was provoked within him
as he saw that the city was full of idols.
17 Therefore he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout
persons, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to there.
18 (Ac 4:2) Then some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him.
And some said, "What will this babbler say?" Others said,
"He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,"
because he preached Jesus and the resurrection to them.
19 (Mk 1:27; Ac 17:22) They took hold of him and led him to the Areopagus,
saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?
20 (Hos 8:12; 1Pe 4:4) For you are bringing strange things to our ears.
Therefore we want to know what these things mean."
21 For all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time
in nothing else, but either telling or hearing something new.
22 (Ac 25:19) Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said:
"Men of Athens, I ­perceive that in all things you are very religious.
23 (Jn 4:22; Ac 17:30) For as I passed by and looked up at your objects
of worship, I found an altar with this inscription:
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
Whom you therefore unknowingly worship, Him I proclaim to you.
24 (Mt 11:25; Ac 7:48) "God who made the world and all things in it,
being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands.
25 (Job 22:2; Ge 2:7) Nor is He served by men's hands,
as though He needed anything, since He gives all men life and breath
and all things.
26 (Mal 2:10; Ge 3:20) He has made from one blood every nation of men
to live on the entire face of the earth, having appointed fixed times
and the boundaries of their habitation,
27 (Ac 14:17; Jer 23:23-24) that they should seek the Lord so perhaps
they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each
one of us.
28 (Job 12:10; Da 5:23) 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.'
As some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.'
29 "Therefore since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose
that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art
or an image of the reflection of man.
30 (Lk 24:47; Ac 14:16) God overlooked the times of ignorance,
but now He commands all men everywhere to repent.
31 (Ps 9:8; 96:13) For He has appointed a day on which He will judge
the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed,
having given assurance of this to all men by raising Him from the dead."
32 (Ac 17:18; 2:13) When they heard of the resurrection of the dead,
some scoffed. But others said, "We will hear you again concerning this matter."
33 So Paul departed from them.
34 (Ac 17:19; 17:22) However, some men joined him and believed.
Among them were Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris,
and others with them.

[16] Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in
him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
[17] Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the
devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
[18] Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks,
encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He
seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them
Jesus, and the resurrection.
[19] And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know
what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
[20] For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know
therefore what these things mean.
[21] (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time
in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens,
I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
[23] For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with
this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship,
him declare I unto you.
[24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord
of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
[25] Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing,
seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
[26] And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the
face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the
bounds of their habitation;
[27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and
find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
[28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of
your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
[29] Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think
that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and
man's device.
[30] And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all
men every where to repent:
[31] Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world
in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given
assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
[32] And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and
others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
[33] So Paul departed from among them.
[34] Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was
Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

1) 1 Samuel 21, Psalm 34, 1 Samuel 22:1-2, Psalm 57, Psalm 142, 
1 Chronicles 12:8-18, 1 Samuel 22:3-23, Psalm 52, 1 Samuel 23:1-12
1 Samuel 23:13-29, Psalm 54, 1 Samuel 24

1 SAMUEL 21

David at Nob
1 (1Sa 16:4; Ne 11:32) Then David came to Nob to Ahimelek the priest.
And Ahimelek trembled coming to meet David and said to him, 
"Why are you alone and no man is with you?"
2 And David said to Ahimelek the priest, "The king commanded me a matter 
and said to me, 'Let no man know anything of the business which I am sending 
you and what I have commanded you.' But to the young men I made known
a certain place to meet. 
3 Now therefore what is in your hand? Give me five loaves of bread in my hand,
or whatever can be found."
4 (Ex 19:15; 25:30) The priest answered David and said, 
"There is no common bread at hand. But there is holy bread, 
if the young men have indeed been kept from women."
5 David answered the priest and said to him, "Indeed women have been kept 
from us. As previously, when I went out the vessels of the young men were 
holy even if it was an ordinary journey. How much more then today 
will their vessels be holy?"
6 (Mt 12:3-4; Lk 6:3-4) So the priest gave him holy bread. For there was 
no bread there but the showbread that was removed from before the Lord,
in order to place hot bread there on the day when it was taken away.
7 (1Sa 22:9; 1Ch 27:29) Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there 
that day, detained before the Lord. And his name was Doeg, the Edomite, 
chief of the shepherds of Saul.
8 David said to Ahimelek, "Is there not a spear or a sword here at hand? 
For neither my sword nor my weapons did I bring with me, 
because the king's business was urgent."
9 (1Sa 17:2) The priest said, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, 
whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, is here, wrapped 
in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it. 
For there is none other but that here."
And David said, "There is none like it. Give it me."

[1] Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid
at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man
with thee?
[2] And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a
business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business
whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed
my servants to such and such a place.
[3] Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in
mine hand, or what there is present.
[4] And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under
mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept
themselves at least from women.
[5] And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have
been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels
of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though
it were sanctified this day in the vessel.
[6] So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but
the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the
day when it was taken away.
[7] Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained
before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the
herdmen that belonged to Saul.
[8] And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand
spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me,
because the king's business required haste.
[9] And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou
slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind
the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that
here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.

David Flees to Gath

10 David arose and fled that day from Saul. 
And he went to Achish the king of Gath. 
11 (1Sa 29:5) The servants of Achish said to him, 
"Is this not David the king of the land? 
Did they not sing with dances for him, saying,
'Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his ten thousands'? "
12 (Lk 2:19) And David took these words to heart and greatly feared 
Achish the king of Gath. 
13 Therefore he changed his behavior before them and pretended 
to be insane in their hands. And he scratched on the doors of the gate
and let his spittle run down his beard.
14 Then said Achish to his servants, "You see the man is acting like a madman. 
Why then have you brought him to me? 
15 Am I one who lacks lunatics, that you brought this one to behave 
as a madman in my presence? Will this man come into my house?"

[10] And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish
the king of Gath.
[11] And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of
the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul
hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?
[12] And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of
Achish the king of Gath.
[13] And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in
their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle
fall down upon his beard.
[14] Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad:
wherefore then have ye brought him to me?
[15] Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the
mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?

PSALMS 34

A Psalm of David, when he feigned madness before Abimelek, 
who drove him away, and he departed.

1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise will continually be in my mouth.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) My soul will make its boast in the Lord;
the humble will hear of it and be glad.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt His name together.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) I sought the Lord, and He answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) They looked to Him and became radiant,
and their faces are not ashamed.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) This poor man cried, and the Lord heard,
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him,
and delivers them.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2 ) Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints;
for the ones who fear Him will not be in need.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) The young lions are in want and suffer hunger,
but the ones who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who is the man who desires life,
and loves a long life in order to see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn away from evil, and do good;
seek peace, and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and His ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against the ones doing evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the contrite of spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 A righteous one keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
21 Evil will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the life of His servants,
and all who take refuge in Him will not be punished.

Psalm 34
[1] I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in
my mouth.
[2] My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof,
and be glad.
[3] O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
[4] I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
[5] They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not
ashamed.
[6] This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all
his troubles.
[7] The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and
delivereth them.
[8] O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth
in him.
[9] O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear
him.
[10] The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD
shall not want any good thing.
[11] Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the
LORD.
[12] What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may
see good?
[13] Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
[14] Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
[15] The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto
their cry.
[16] The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the
remembrance of them from the earth.
[17] The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all
their troubles.
[18] The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such
as be of a contrite spirit.
[19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him
out of them all.
[20] He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
[21] Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be
desolate.
[22] The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that
trust in him shall be desolate.

1 SAMUEL 22

David Protects His Parents
1 (Jos 12:15; 15:35) David departed from there and escaped 
to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house 
heard it, they went down to him there. 
2 (Jdg 11:3; 1Sa 23:13) There gathered to him every one that was in distress, 
and every one in debt, and every one that was discontented. 
So he became captain over them. 
Now there were with him about four hundred men.

[1] David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and
when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down
thither to him.
[2] And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and
every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became
a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. 

Psalms 57
Ps 108:1-5
For the Music Director. To the melody of "Do Not Destroy." 
A Miktam of David when he fled from Saul in the cave.
1 Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious tome!
For my soul seeks refuge in You;
in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
until the ruinous storm passes by.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I will cry to God Most High,
to God who vindicates me.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5 ) He will send from heaven and save me
from the taunt of the one who crushes me. Selah
God will send forth His mercy and His truth.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) My soul is among lions,
and I lie among the sons of men who blaze like fire,
whose teeth are spears and arrows,
and their tongue a sharp sword.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
may Your glory be above all the earth.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) They have prepared a net for my steps;
my soul is bowed down;
they have dug a pit before me,
but they have fallen into it. Selah
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) My heart is fixed, O God,
my heart is fixed;
I will sing and give praise.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Awake, my glory!
Awake, psaltery and harp!
I will awake the dawn.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I will thank You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) For Your mercy is great up to the heavens,
and Your truth extends to the clouds.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5 ) Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
may Your glory be above all the earth.

Psalm 57
[1] Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in
thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these
calamities be overpast.
[2] I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for
me.
[3] He shall send from heaven, and save from the reproach of him that would
swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
[4] My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire,
even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a
sharp sword.
[5] Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all
the earth.
[6] They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have
digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves.
Selah.
[7] My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give
praise.
[8] Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
[9] I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee
among the nations.
[10] For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
[11] Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all
the earth. 

PSALMS 142

A Contemplative Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.

1 I cried unto the Lord with my voice;
with my voice I made my supplication unto the Lord.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I poured out my complaint before Him;
I declared to Him my trouble.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
then You knew my path.
In the way where I walk,
they have laid a snare for me.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) I looked on my right and noticed,
but there was no one who would care for me;
there is no refuge for me;
no one cares for my soul.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I cried unto You, O Lord;
I said, "You are my refuge
and my portion in the land of the living."
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:89) Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low;
deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are stronger than me.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Bring my soul out of prison,
that I may praise Your name;
the righteous shall surround me,
for You shall deal bountifully with me.

Psalm 142
[1] I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I
make my supplication.
[2] I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
[3] When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In
the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
[4] I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would
know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
[5] I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in
the land of the living.
[6] Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my
persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
[7] Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous
shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. 

1 Chronicles 12:8-18

8 (2Sa 2:18; 17:10) From the Gadites mighty men of valor, men of the war 
battalion, who could handle shield and sword, whose faces were like the 
faces of lions, and who were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains, 
separated themselves for David in the stronghold in the wilderness:
9 Ezer the captain,
Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,
10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth,
11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,
12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,
13 Jeremiah the tenth, Makbannai the eleventh.
14 (Lev 26:8; Dt 32:30) These were from Gad, captains of the battalions. 
One of the least of them was as a hundred and the greatest as a thousand. 
15 (Jos 3:15; 4:18) These were the ones who crossed over the Jordan
during the first month when it had overflowed its banks and caused the valley 
dwellers to flee to the east and to the west.
16 Some of the sons of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold of David. 
17 So David went out before them and said to them, "If you have come in peace 
to help me, then I will have a heart united with yours, but if to betray me 
to my adversaries, when there is no violence in my hand, may the God of our
fathers see, and may He decide between us."
18 (Jdg 6:34; 2Sa 17:25)Then the Spirit came upon Amasai the captain 
of the officers, and he said,
"We are for you, David,
and with you, son of Jesse.
Peace, peace to you,
and peace to the one helping you,
for your God helps you."

8 And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold 
to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, 
that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the 
faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains; 
9 Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third, 
10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, 
11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, 
12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, 
13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh. 
14 These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: 
one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand. 
15 These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had
overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, 
both toward the east, and toward the west.
16 And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold 
unto David.  
17 And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them,
If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit 
unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there 
is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it.
18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, 
and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: 
peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God 
helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

1 SAMUEL 22

3 Then David went from there to Mizpah of Moab. 
And he said to the king of Moab, "Please let my father and my mother 
come forth and be with you until I know what God will do for me."
4 He brought them before the king of Moab, and they lived with him 
all the while that David was in the stronghold.
5 (2Sa 24:11; 1Ch 21:9) The prophet Gad said to David, 
"Do not remain in the stronghold. Go to the land of Judah." 
So David went and came to the forest of Hereth.

[3] And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of
Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you,
till I know what God will do for me.
[4] And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all
the while that David was in the hold.
[5] And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and
get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the
forest of Hareth.

Saul Kills the Priests of Nob

6 When Saul heard that David and the men who were with him
were discovered, Saul was sitting in Gibeah under the tamarisk tree 
on the hill with his spear in his hand. And all his servants 
were standing about him. 
7 Saul said to his servants that stood about him, "Hear now, Benjamites! 
Will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards? 
Will he appoint you all as captains of thousands and captains of hundreds? 
8 (1Sa 18:3; 23:21) You have all conspired against me, and no one revealed 
to me that my son made a covenant with the son of Jesse. And not one of you
is grieved for me and revealed it to me that my son raised up my servant 
against me to ambush me as at this day."
9 (Ps 52:1–9) Then Doeg the Edomite, who was chief over the servants of Saul,
answered and said, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelek the 
son of Ahitub. 
10 (Nu 27:21; 1Sa 23:2) And he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him 
provisions. And he gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."
11 So the king sent to summon Ahimelek the priest, the son of Ahitub, 
and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob. 
And they all came to the king. 
12 Saul said, "Hear now, son of Ahitub!" 
And he answered, "Here I am, my lord."
13 (1Sa 22:8) Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, 
you and the son of Jesse, in that you gave him bread and a sword, 
and have inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me 
to ambush me, as at this day?"
14 (1Sa 19:4-5; 20:32) Then Ahimelek answered the king and said, 
"And who is as faithful among all your servants as David, 
who is the king's son-in-law, chief of your bodyguard, 
and is honored in your house? 
15 (1Sa 25:36) Did I just today begin to inquire of God for him? 
Far be it from me! Let not the king assign any blame to his servant, 
or to all the house of my father. For your servant has known nothing 
of all this matter, whether small or great."
16The king said, "You will surely die, Ahimelek, you 
and all your father's house."
17 (Ex 1:17) The king said to the guards standing near him, 
"Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand is with David.
And because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me."
But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to attack 
the priests of the Lord.
18 The king said to Doeg, "You turn and fall upon the priests." 
And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck the priests 
and killed on that day 85 men who wore a linen ephod. 
19 (1Sa 15:3) And Nob, the city of the priests, he struck with the edge 
of the sword. Both men and women, children and babies, oxen, donkeys,
and sheep, he struck with the edge of the sword.

[6] When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with
him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in
his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;)
[7] Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye
Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and
vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;
[8] That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that
sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there
is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath
stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?
[9] Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul,
and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of
Ahitub.
[10] And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave
him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.
[11] Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and
all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob: and they came all of
them to the king.
[12] And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I
am, my lord.
[13] And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the
son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast
inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as
at this day?
[14] Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful
among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth
at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?
[15] Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not
the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my
father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.
[16] And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy
father's house.
[17] And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay
the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because
they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the
king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
[18] And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And
Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day
fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
[19] And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword,
both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep,
with the edge of the sword.

David, Protector of the Priestly Line

20 (1Sa 23:6; 30:7; 1Ki 2:26-27) But one of the sons of Ahimelek 
the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. 
21 Abiathar reported to David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. 
22 David said to Abiathar, "I knew it that day when Doeg the Edomite
was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have caused the death 
of all the persons of your father's house. 
23 (1Ki 2:26) -Remain with me. Do not fear. For the one who seeks my life 
seeks your life, but you are safe with me."

1 SAMUEL 22

[20] And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar,
escaped, and fled after David.
[21] And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD's priests.
[22] And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite
was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of
all the persons of thy father's house.
[23] Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy
life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.

PSALMS 52

For the Music Director. A Contemplative Maskil. A Psalm of David, 
when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, 
"David has come to the house of Ahimelek."
1 Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man?
The goodness of God endures continually.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) Your tongue devises calamities,
like a sharp razor, you worker of treachery.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) You love evil more than good,
and lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) You love all devouring words,
O you deceitful tongue.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) God will likewise break you down forever;
He will snatch you away and pluck you from your home,
and uproot you from the land of the living. Selah
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9 ) The righteous also will see and fear,
and will laugh in contempt,
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) "See, this is the man
who did not make God his refuge,
but trusted in the abundance of riches,
and grew strong in his own wickedness."
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) But I am like a green olive tree
in the house of God;
I trust in the mercy of God
forever and ever.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I will give thanks to You forever, because You have acted;
and I will wait on Your name,
for it is good before Your saints.

Psalm 52
[1] Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God
endureth continually.
[2] Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully.
[3] Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak
righteousness. Selah.
[4] Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.
[5] God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and
pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the
living. Selah.
[6] The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:
[7] Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the
abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.
[8] But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the
mercy of God for ever and ever.
[9] I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait
on thy name; for it is good before thy saints. 

1 SAMUEL 23

David Saves Keilah

1 (Jos 15:44; Ne 3:17-18) Then they told David, "Listen, the Philistines 
are fighting against Keilah, and they are looting the threshing floors."
2 (1Sa 23:4; 2Sa 5:19) Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, 
"Shall I go and attack these Philistines?"
And the Lord said to David, 
"Go and attack the Philistines, and rescue Keilah."
3 The men of David said to him, "We are afraid here in Judah. How much 
more then, if we go down to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?"
4 (Jdg 7:7; Jos 8:7) Then David again inquired of the Lord. And the Lord 
answered him and said, "Arise, go down to Keilah because I am giving 
the Philistines into your hand."
5 Then David and his men went to Keilah. He fought with the Philistines 
and carried off their livestock, and he struck them with a great slaughter.
 So David rescued the inhabitants of Keilah. 
6 (1Sa 22:20) When Abiathar the son of Ahimelek fled to David at Keilah,
 he came down with the ephod in his hand.

[1] Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against
Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.
[2] Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these
Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines,
and save Keilah.
[3] And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how
much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?
[4] Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and
said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into
thine hand.
[5] So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines,
and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So
David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.
[6] And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to
Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.

Saul Pursues David

7 It was reported to Saul that David had come to Keilah. 
And Saul said, "God has delivered him into my hand. 
For he is shut in, by entering into a town that has gates and bars."
8 Then Saul summoned all the people together for war,
to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.
9 (1Sa 30:7; 23:6) David found out that Saul was planning evil against him. 
So he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod near." 
10 And David said, "O Lord, God of Israel, Your servant has certainly 
heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on account of me.
11 Will the leaders of Keilah deliver me into his hand? Will Saul come down, 
as Your servant has heard? O Lord, God of Israel, please tell Your servant."
And the Lord said, "He will come down."
12 (1Sa 23:20) Then said David, "Will the men of Keilah deliver me 
and my men into the hand of Saul?"
And the Lord said, "They will deliver you."

[7] And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God
hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a
town that hath gates and bars.
[8] And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to
besiege David and his men.
[9] And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he
said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
[10] Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard
that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.
[11] Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come
down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell
thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.
[12] Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the
hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up.

1 SAMUEL 23

13 (1Sa 22:2; 25:13) So David and his men, which were about six hundred,
arose and left Keilah. And they went wherever they could go. 
Now it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah. 
So he halted the expedition.
14 (Ps 54:3-4; Jos 15:24) And David remained in the wilderness 
in strongholds, and dwelled in mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. 
Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.
15 Now David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. 
And David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in Horesh. 
16 (Ne 2:18) Jonathan, the son of Saul, arose and went to David at Horesh.
And he strengthened his hand in God. 
17 (1Sa 20:31; 24:20) He said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul 
my father will not find you. You will be king over Israel, 
and I will be next to you. Saul my father knows this." 
18 (1Sa 18:3; 20:42) The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. 
And David stayed in Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house.
19 (1Sa 26:1; 26:3; Ps 54:1–7) Then the Ziphites went up to Saul to Gibeah 
saying, "Is David not hiding himself with us in strongholds in Horesh, 
on the hill of Hakilah, which is south of Jeshimon? 
20 (1Sa 23:12) Now, O king, come down according to all the desire of
your soul to come down. And our part will be
to deliver him into the king's hand."
21 (1Sa 22:8) Saul said, "Blessed are you of the Lord. 
For you have had compassion on me. 
22 Please go, make sure again. Investigate and see the place where his foot
rests, and who has seen him there. For it has been said to me 
that he is very cunning. 
23 So look and learn about all the hiding places where he hides himself. 
And come to me with certainty, and I will go with you. 
And it will be that if he is in the land, 
then I will track him throughout all the clans of Judah."
24 (Jos 15:55; 1Sa 25:2) So they arose and went to Ziph before Saul. 
But David and his men were in the Wilderness of Maon, 
in the desert south of Jeshimon. 
25 Saul and his men went to seek him, but they told David. 
Therefore he came down to the Rock, and lived in the Wilderness of Maon. 
And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the Wilderness of Maon.
26 (Ps 17:9) Saul went on this side of the mountain and David 
and his men on that side of the mountain. And David hurried to get away 
from Saul. Now Saul and his men were closing in on David 
and his men to capture them. 
27 (2Ki 19:9) But a messenger came to Saul saying, 
"Hurry and go! For the Philistines have invaded the land."
28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and he went against 
the Philistines. Therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape. 
29 (2Ch 20:2; Jos 15:62)David then went up from there and
lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.

[13] Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and
departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was
told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth.
[14] And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a
mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God
delivered him not into his hand.
[15] And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in
the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
[16] And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and
strengthened his hand in God.
[17] And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall
not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto
thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.
[18] And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the
wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
[19] Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David
hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah,
which is on the south of Jeshimon?
[20] Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the desire of thy
soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver him into the king's
hand.
[21] And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me.
[22] Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and see his place where his haunt
is, and who hath seen him there: for it is told me that he dealeth very
subtilly.
[23] See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he
hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go
with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will
search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
[24] And they arose, and went to Ziph before Saul: but David and his men
were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon.
[25] Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore
he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul
heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.
[26] And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on
that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of
Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take
them.
[27] But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for
the Philistines have invaded the land.
[28] Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the
Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth.
[29] And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at En-gedi. 

PSALMS 54

For the Music Director. With stringed instruments. 
A Contemplative Maskil of David, when the Ziphites 
went and told Saul, "Is David not hiding among us?"

1 O God, save me by Your name,
and judge me by Your strength.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) O God, hear my prayer;
give ear to the words of my mouth.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For strangers rise up against me,
and formidable adversaries seek my life;
they do not set God before them. Selah
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) God is my helper;
the Lord is with those who support my life.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) He will repay my enemies for their evil.
In Your faithfulness, destroy them.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) I will sacrifice a freewill offering to You;
I will give thanks to Your name, O Lord, for it is good.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) For He has delivered me out of all trouble;
and my eye has looked down on my enemies.

Psalm 54
[1] Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.
[2] Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
[3] For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my
soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.
[4] Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
[5] He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
[6] I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for
it is good.
[7] For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his
desire upon mine enemies. 

1 SAMUEL 24

David Spares Saul's Life
1 (1Sa 23:28-29; 23:19) When Saul had returned from following the Philistines,
it was reported to him, saying, "David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi."
2 (1Sa 26:2) Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel 
and went to seek David and his men in front of the rocks of the wild goats.
3 (Jdg 3:24; Ps 57:1-11) He came to the sheep pens by the way and a cave 
was there. And Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men 
were sitting in the rear of the cave. 
4 The men of David said to him, "This is the day of which the Lord
said to you, 'I am giving your enemy into your hand. 
You may do with him as seems good in your eyes.'"
 Then David arose and secretly cut off the corner of Saul's robe.
5 (2Sa 24:10) Afterward David's heart troubled him because he had cut off 
a corner of Saul's robe. 
6 He said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing 
to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him.
 For he is anointed of the Lord."
7 (Ps 7:4) So David dispersed his men by these words and did not let 
them rise against Saul. And Saul arose from the cave and went on his way.
8 (1Sa 25:23–24) David arose afterward and went out from the cave. 
And he called after Saul saying, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked 
behind him, David had bowed down with his face to the ground and paid homage. 
9 David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men saying, 
'David seeks your harm'? 
10 (1Sa 24:4) This day you have seen with your own eyes that the Lord 
delivered you today into my hand in the cave. So that some said to kill you,
but my eye had compassion on you. And I said, 'I will not put forth my hand 
against my lord, for he is anointed of the Lord.' 
11 (1Sa 26:20; 23:14) See, my father! Look at the corner of your robe 
in my hand. Indeed, I cut off the corner of your robe, but I did not kill you.
Observe and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hand.
I have not sinned against you, but you are
lying in wait for my life to take it. 
12 (Ge 16:5; Jdg 11:27) The Lord will judge between me and you, 
and the Lord will avenge me on you, but my hand will not be against you. 
13 (Mt 7:16-18) As the proverb of the ancients says,
'From the wicked comes forth wickedness,' but my hand will not be against you.
14 (1Sa 26:20; 17:43) "After whom has the king of Israel come out? 
After whom are you pursuing? After a dead dog? A single flea? 
15 (1Sa 24:12; Ps 35:1) May the Lord be judge, and decide between me and you.
And may He see and plead my case, and deliver me out of your hand."
16 (1Sa 26:17) When David finished speaking these words to Saul, 
Saul said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" And Saul lifted up his voice 
and wept. 
17 (1Sa 26:21; Mt 5:44) And he said to David, "You are more righteous than I. 
For you have rewarded me with good, while I have rewarded you with evil. 
18 (1Sa 26:23) And you have shown today that you have dealt well with me, 
when the Lord delivered me into your hand and you did not kill me.
19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him safely go away? 
Therefore may the Lord reward you well for what you have done for me this day.
20 (1Sa 23:17) Now, listen, I know that you will surely be king 
and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand. 
21 (Ge 21:23; 2Sa 21:6-8) Therefore swear to me now by the Lord that you will 
not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not 
destroy my name out of my father's household."
22 (1Sa 23:29) So David swore to Saul and Saul went home. 
But David and his men went up to the stronghold.

1 Samuel 24
[1] And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the
Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the
wilderness of En-gedi.
[2] Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to
seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
[3] And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul
went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of
the cave.
[4] And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD
said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that
thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and
cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
[5] And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he
had cut off Saul's skirt.
[6] And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing
unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him,
seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
[7] So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to
rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.
[8] David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after
Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David
stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
[9] And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying,
Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
[10] Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered
thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine
eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord;
for he is the LORD's anointed.
[11] Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand:
for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe and killed thee not, know thou
and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I
have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.
[12] The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but
mine hand shall not be upon thee.
[13] As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the
wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
[14] After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue?
after a dead dog, after a flea.
[15] The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see,
and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.
[16] And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words
unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted
up his voice, and wept.
[17] And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast
rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
[18] And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me:
forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst
me not.
[19] For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore
the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.
[20] And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that
the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.
[21] Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my
seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father's
house.
[22] And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men
gat them up unto the hold.

2) Our Daily Bread for 13 April 2025 titled
<a href="https://odb.org/2025/04/13/listen-to-the-stones">
Listen to the Stones </a>

Luke 19:37-40

37 When He was coming near the descent of the Mount of Olives,
the whole crowd of the disciples began to rejoice
and praise God with loud voices for all the mighty works that they had seen,
38 (Lk 13:35; Mt 21:9) saying:
'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!'(Ps 118:26.)
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Him,
"Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."
40 (Hab 2:11) He answered them, "I tell you, if these should be silent,
the stones would immediately cry out."

[37] And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of
Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God
with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
[38] Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace
in heaven, and glory in the highest.
[39] And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him,
Master, rebuke thy disciples.
[40] And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should
hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
 
After our family held a riverside memorial service for my father, we each 
selected a stone to help us remember him. His life had been a checkerboard of
wins and losses, but we knew his heart had been for us. My fingers traced my 
stone's smooth surface and helped me remember to hold him close.

In Luke 19, Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem while the crowds 
waved palm branches, shouted Hosannas, and cheered, "Blessed is the king 
who comes in the name of the Lord!"  (v. 38; see John 12:12-13). 
In the Pharisees' disdain of what they perceived to be a blasphemous claim of 
messiahship, they ordered Jesus to tell the disciples to be quiet. Jesus 
replied, "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:40).

The stones do cry out- in many ways. God has used stones throughout the story 
of His love for us. Two rough-hewn stones carried ten chiseled commandments 
to tell us how to live (Exodus 34:1). Stones of remembrance piled by the 
Jordan River and in the middle of the river reminded generations of Israelites
of God's provision and faithfulness (Joshua 4:8-9 nlt). The one rolled into 
place to contain Jesus' body is the same one that rolled away to show He had 
risen (Matthew 27:59-66; Luke 24:2). We "hear" this stone as it reminds us 
of Jesus' words: "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25).

Listen to the stones and lift your own voice along 
with them in praise to our loving Father.

By:  Elisa Morgan

Reflect & Pray

How have the stones of God's work in our world "cried out" to you? 
What message might God intend for you to take to heart?

Dear Father, thank You for using even stones to speak of Your love.
<a href="https://discoverodb.org/articles/give-me-a-sign/">
For further study, read Give Me a Sign</a>

3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association

Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools

Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 1 - Bought Back

Eph 1:7

7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood
and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace

[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace;

In the opening scenes of The Glenn Miller Story, Glenn Miller, then a
struggling musician trying to find an audience for his music, enters
a pawn shop. He has hocked his trombone for rent money, and has come
to redeem it. Paying the pawn broker the money, he buys back his own
instrument and leaves the shop, indicating that he will probably
be back again.
In Eph 1:7. Paul says that in Christ "we have redemption through
His blood and the forgiveness of sin according to the riches of His grace."
We belonged to God from the beginning; he made us and stamped
his image upon us. But through sin we were lost, pawned to the
world's system and the Enemy of our souls.
But God redeemed us; he "bought us back" with the most valuable
currency in the universe - the blood of his own Son, Jesus Christ.
He did not resent the bargain, or question whether we were worth
such a price. He freely gave Jesus in trade to ransom the souls
of the people he created and loved.
Sometimes in Christian circles we get so caught up in religious
jargon that we forget what redemption really means. Gog did not have
to "get us out of hock." He was not compelled to buy us back when we
had sold ourselves to sin. But because of his love, and with no
deserving on our part, he chose to pay an enormous price to set us free.
We are redeemed, bought back, by the One who owned us in the first place.

Application

a) In what ways have I been "in hock" to sin in my life?

b) What does it mean, in practical terms, that God "redeemed" me
from that sin? 

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Hebrews 7:8

8 In the one case mortal men receive tithes,
but in the other he of whom it is witnessed
that he is alive receives them.

8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them,
of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

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

When you are Facing Pain and Suffering

2 Cor 12:7-10

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance
of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan,
to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made
perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in hardships,
in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of
the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,
the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,
in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak,
then am I strong.

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?)

Manitoba

Quick facts on Muslims in Manitoba

Manitoba 2015 population  1 282 000

est Muslim Population      21 349

CNMM Networks: Winnipeg

The Muslim population of Manitoba, understandably centred in Winnipeg, is very
diverse and represents some 48 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. 
Conservative estimates put their number at 21000 , with some suggesting 
it might be twice that size.
Some outreach among Muslims has started, yet in comparison to the size 
of this community, there is the need and opportunity for far more engagement.
Continued influx of new immigrants and refugees continues to see the growth
of this Muslim centre in Manitoba. 
We rejoice in the Arabic fellowship meeting there and the energetic workers
among Muslims in Winnipeg.

Let us intercede in unity for:

- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim 
  communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
  background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith  in Jesus and stood her ground
  in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
   with great support

Adding further


30 day of Prayers from 10 March 2024 to 8 April 2024

1 Timothy 2:1-7

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 Saviour,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God
and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.
This was the testimony given at the proper time.
7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle
(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles
in faith and truth. 

[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 Saviour,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God
and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.
This was the testimony given at the proper time.
7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle
(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles
in faith and truth. 

How can we keep praying?

Pray for Muslims you know and those that live around you.

Ask those who are serving Christ among 
Muslim people how you can pray for them.

When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray
for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also 
participate in 30 Days.

What should you pray for?

Pray for the leaders of Muslim-majority nations to pursue peace and freedom
in the places they govern.

Pray for Muslim groups, tribes and communities in different regions to have
access to the gospel and respond to the message of Christ.

Pray for families and individuals to know the blessings of God and to be
saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

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

13th Day of the Month

a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them

b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador

I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, that God's Spirit
would influence then 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.
)

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 for your community and society around you 
and for your evangelism.

Pray to the Lord and pray to be a good an genuine servant of the Lord.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, thank You for using 
even stones to speak of Your love."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know How the Lord Redeemed you. 

Pray to the Lord and pray to know He that recevives your tithes.

Pray to the Lord and pray for the Lord to Give you strength.

Agree in prayer with us for:
- new Christian workers among Manitoba's growing Muslim population
- new church ministries focused on prayer, equipping and reaching Muslim 
  communities around them, as well as training new workers
- the Arabic fellowship and their ministries of discipling new Muslim
  background believers and for effectiveness in outreach
- for the recent Somali woman who found faith  in Jesus and stood her ground
  in the face of opposition to her new faith.
- for current workers among Muslims to be blessed, refreshed and encouraged
   with great support

Pray for Muslims you know and those that live around you.

Ask those who are serving Christ among 
Muslim people how you can pray for them.

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 the leaders of Muslim-majority nations to pursue peace and freedom
in the places they govern.

Pray for Muslim groups, tribes and communities in different regions to have
access to the gospel and respond to the message of Christ.

Pray for families and individuals to know the blessings of God and to be
saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them

Pray that Christians in Russia will be inspired, emboldened and equipped
to minister among the spiritually lost.

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
-- 
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