Day 195 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 195, 14 July 2025 

1) 2 Kings 16:1-9, 2 Chronicles 28:1-15, 2 Chronicles 28:16-21, 
2 Kings 16:10-18, 2 Chronicles 28:22-25, 2 Kings 16:19-20,
  2 Chronicles 28:26-27, 2 Chronicles 29:1-2, 2 Kings 18:1-4,
  Psalms 48, 2 Kings 17:1-4
  
2 Kings 16:1-9

Ahaz, King of Judah

2Ch 28:1-27

1 (Isa 1:1) In the seventeenth year of Pekah son of Remaliah,
Ahaz son of Jotham, king of Judah, became king.
2 Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king,
and he reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem.
He did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God
like David his father.
3 (Dt 12:31; Lev 18:21; 2Ki 21:2) He walked in the way of the kings
of Israel and even made his son pass through the fire according
to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord dispossessed
before the children of Israel­.
4 (Dt 12:2; 1Ki 14:23) He sacrificed and made offerings on the high places,
on the hills, and under every green tree.
5 (2Ki 15:37) Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah,
king of Israel, came up to Jerusalem to battle, and they besieged Ahaz
but could not subdue him.
6 (2Ki 14:22; 2Ch 26:2) At that time Re­zin king of Aram recovered Elath
for Aram and expelled the Judeans from Elath. The Edomites came to Elath
and live there to this day.
7 (2Ki 15:29) So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath--Pileser king of Assyria,
saying, "I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hand
of the king of Aram and from the hand of the king of Israel,
who are rising up against me."
8 (2Ki 12:17-18) Then Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found
in the house of the Lord and in the treasures of the king's house,
and sent a present to the king of Assyria.
9 (Isa 22:6; Am 9:7) So the king of Assyria listened to him.
The king of Assyria went up to Damascus, captured it,
exiled the people to Kir, and killed Rezin.

[1] In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of
Jotham king of Judah began to reign.
[2] Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen
years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the
LORD his God, like David his father.
[3] But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son
to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen,
whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.
[4] And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the
hills, and under every green tree.
[5] Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came
up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
[6] At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave
the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath,
and dwelt there unto this day.
[7] So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying,
I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the
king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel,
which rise up against me.
[8] And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the
LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to
the king of Assyria.
[9] And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went
up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to
Kir, and slew Rezin. 

2 Chronicles 28:1-15

Ahaz, King of Judah

2Ki 16:1-20

1 (1Ch 3:13; Isa 1:1) Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign,
and he was king in Jerusalem for sixteen years. And he did not do
what was correct in the eyes of the Lord as David his father.
2 (Ex 34:17; Jdg 2:11) And he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel,
and he cast images for Baal worship.
3 (Lev 18:21; 2Ch 33:2) And he made sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom,
and he burned his sons in the fire according to the detestable acts
of the nations that the Lord had displaced before the sons of Israel.
4 He even made sacrifices and offered incense on the high places
of the hills and under every green tree.

[1] Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned
sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was
right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
[2] For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel,
and made also molten images for Baalim.
[3] Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt
his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the
LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.
[4] He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the
hills, and under every green tree.

Judah Defeated

5 (Isa 7:1; 2Ki 16:5-6) So the Lord his God gave him
into the hand of the king of Aram. They struck Ahaz and took captive
many prisoners and brought them to Damascus.
He was even given into the hand of the king of Israel,
and he attacked Ahaz with a great slaughter.
6 (2Ki 15:27; Isa 9:21) And Pekah the son of Rem­aliah killed
120000 in Judah in one day, and they were all strong men,
but they abandoned the Lord God of their fathers.
7 And Zikri, a mighty warrior from Ephraim, killed Maaseiah
the son of the king, and Azrikam the official of the palace,
and Elkanah second to the king.
8 (2Ch 11:4; Dt 28:25) And the sons of Israel took captive 200000
of their kin, women, sons, and daughters.
They also took much plunder and brought the plunder to Samaria.
9 (Ezr 9:6; Isa 47:6) And there was a prophet there whose name was Oded,
and he went out to the army as it approached Samaria and said to them,
"See that the anger of the Lord God of your fathers is against Judah,
and He gave them into your hand, and you all have killed them
in a rage that has reached even to heaven.
10 (Lev 25:39-46) And now you are planning to subdue for yourselves
the people of Judah and Jerusalem as male and female slaves.
Do you all not surely have among you guilt before the Lord your God?
11 (Jas 2:13) And now listen to me. Return the captives whom you have taken
captive from your relatives
because the burning wrath of the Lord is on you all."
12 And some men who were heads of the people of Ephraim rose up
before those coming from the war: Azariah the son of Jehohanan,
Berekiah the son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah the son of Shallum,
and Amasa the son of Hadlai.
13 And they said, "You will not bring the captives here, for guilt
from the Lord will be on us, and you plan to add to our sin and guilt.
Our guilt is great, and there is already a burning anger against Israel."
14 So the soldiers left the captives and spoil before the officials
and all the assembly.
15 (Dt 34:3; 2Ki 6:22) Then the men who were designated by name took
the captives and clothed those who were naked from the plunder.
So they clothed them, gave them sandals, offered them food and drink,
anointed them with oil, and led them on donkeys, even all those who stumbled.
They brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees,
which was near their kinsmen. Then the officials returned to Samaria.

[5] Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of
Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them
captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the
hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
[6] For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty
thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken
the LORD God of their fathers.
[7] And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and
Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.
[8] And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two
hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil
from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.
[9] But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went
out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold,
because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath
delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage
that reacheth up unto heaven.
[10] And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem
for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with
you, sins against the LORD your God?
[11] Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have
taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon
you.
[12] Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son
of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of
Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from
the war,
[13] And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for
whereas we have offended against the LORD already, ye intend to add more to
our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is
fierce wrath against Israel.
[14] So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes
and all the congregation.
[15] And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the
captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and
arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and
anointed
them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to
Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to
Samaria. 

2 Chronicles 28:16-21

16 At that time King Ahaz sent to the king of Assyria for help.
17 (Ob 1:10) The Edomites continually came and struck Judah
and carried off captives.
18 (Eze 16:57; 16:27) Even the Philistines made raids on the cities
of the lowlands of the Shephelah and the Negev of Judah.
And they captured Beth Shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Soko and its villages,
Timnah and its villages, and Gimzo and its villages; and they settled there.
19 (2Ch 21:2) For the Lord humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Judah,
for he allowed depravity to spread in Judah and continually transgressed
against the Lord.
20 (2Ki 15:29; 1Ch 5:26) So Tiglath-­Pileser king of Assyria came
against him, but he brought him distress and not strength.
21 For Ahaz took a portion from the house of the Lord
and palace of the king and the officials, and he gave it
to the king of Assyria, but the king did not help Ahaz.

[16] At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him.
[17] For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away
captives.
[18] The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of
the south of Judah, and had taken Beth-shemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth,
and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof,
Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.
[19] For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he
made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.
[20] And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him,
but strengthened him not.
[21] For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the LORD, and out of
the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of
Assyria: but he helped him not.

2 Kings 16:10-18

10 (Isa 8:2) Then King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-Pileser
king of Assyria and saw an altar that was in Damascus.
King Ahaz sent to Uriah the priest a pattern of the altar and model of it,
according to the manner of its construction.
11 Uriah the priest built an altar according to all that King Ahaz had sent
from Damascus. Thus Uriah the priest worked until King Ahaz
came from Damascus.
12 (2Ch 26:16-19) When the king came back from Damascus
and saw the altar, the king approached the altar and made offerings on it.
13 He offered his burnt offering and his grain offering, poured out
his libations, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings upon the altar.
14 (2Ch 4:1; Ex 40:6) And the bronze altar that was before the Lord
he moved from the front of the house, from between the altar
and the house of the Lord. He put it on the north side of the new altar.
15 (Ex 29:39-41) Then King Ahaz commanded Uriah the priest, "Upon the great
altar offer the morning burnt offering, the evening grain offering,
the king's burnt offering, and his grain offering with the burnt offering
of all the people of the land, their grain offering, and their libations.
Sprinkle on it all the blood of the burnt offering and all the blood
of the sacrifice, and the bronze altar will be for me to inquire by."
16 So Uriah the priest did everything that King Ahaz commanded.
17 King Ahaz cut off the bases of the stands and removed the basin from them.
He took down the sea from off the bronze oxen that were under it
and put it on stone pavement.
18 The structure for the Sabbath that they had built in the house
and the king's outer entrance he removed from the house of the Lord
for the king of Assyria.

[10] And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria,
and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the
priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the
workmanship thereof.
[11] And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz
had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came
from Damascus.
[12] And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and
the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon.
[13] and he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his
drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the
altar.
[14] And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from
the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the
LORD, and put it on the north side of the altar.
[15] And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar
burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the
king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of
all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink
offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all
the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to inquire
by.
[16] Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded.
[17] And king Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver
from off them; and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen that were
under it, and put it upon a pavement of stones.
[18] And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and
the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king
of Assyria.

2 Chronicles 28:22-25

The Death of Ahaz

22 (Isa 1:5) And at the time that he was oppressed he increased
in unfaithfulness against the Lord.
23 (2Ch 25:14) So he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus
that had devastated him, for he said, "Because the gods of the kings
of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them so that
they might help me." But they were his downfall in Judah
and the downfall for all of Israel.
24 (2Ch 29:7; 2Ki 16:17-18) And Ahaz gathered the vessels from the house
of God, and he cut up the vessels. Then he shut the doors of the house
of the Lord, and he made altars in every corner of Jerusalem.
25 (2Ch 28:3) Then in every city in Judah he made high places to make
offerings to other gods. So he provoked the Lord God of his fathers.

[22] And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the
LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
[23] For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he
said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I
sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him,
and of all Israel.
[24] And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in
pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house
of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.
[25] And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense
unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.

2 Kings 16:19-20

19 Now the rest of the deeds of Ahaz that he did, are they not written
in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?
20 Ahaz slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers
in the City of David. Then Hezekiah his son reigned in his place.

[19] Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in
the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
[20] And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the
city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 28:26-27

26 (2Ki 16:19-20) Now the remainder of the acts and all his ways,
from first to last, are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
27 (2Ch 21:20; 24:25) So Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him
in the city of Jerusalem because they did not bring him to the tombs
of the kings of Israel. Then Hezekiah his son was king in his place.

[26] Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold,
they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
[27] And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even
in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of
Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 29:1-2

2 Chronicles 29
Hezekiah, King of Judah

2Ki 18:2-3

1 (2Ki 18:1-3; 1Ch 3:13) Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he began
to reign, and he was king in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years.
The name of his mother was Abijah [Or Abi in 2Ki 18:2.]
the daughter of Zechariah.
2 And he did what was correct in the eyes of the Lord
just as his father David had done.

[1] Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he
reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was
Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.
[2] And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to
all that David his father had done.

2 Kings 18:1-8

2 Kings 18
Hezekiah, King of Judah
2Ch 29:1-2; 31:1, 20-21; 2Ki 17:3-7
1 In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel,
Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, became king.
2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king,
and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abi
daughter of Zechariah.
3 (2Ki 20:3) He did what was right in the sight of the Lord,
according to everything that David his father had done.
4 (2Ch 31:1; Nu 21:8-9) He removed the high places, broke down the sacred
pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and crushed the bronze serpent that Moses
had made, for until those days the children of Israel had made offerings to it.
They called it Nehushtan.
5 (2Ki 19:10; 23:25) He trusted in the Lord God of Israel. Afterwards,
there was no one like him among all the kings of Judah
or among those who were before him.
6 (Dt 10:20; Jos 23:8) He clung to the Lord. He did not depart from
following him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord ­commanded Moses.
7 (1Sa 18:14; 2Ki 16:7; Ge 39:2-3) The Lord was with him. Wherever he went,
he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.
8 (2Ki 17:9; Isa 14:29) He struck the Philistines as far as Gaza
and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.

[1] Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of
Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.
[2] Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned
twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the
daughter of Zachariah.
[3] And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to
all that David his father did.
[4] He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the
groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto
those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it
Nehushtan.
[5] He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like
him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.
[6] For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept
his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.
[7] And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went
forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.
[8] He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from
the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.


Psalms 48
A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.
1 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised
in the city of our God, in His holy mountain.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Beautiful in elevation,
the joy of the whole earth,
is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north,
the city of the great King.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) God is known in her citadels
as a refuge.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) For the kings were assembled,
they passed by together.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) They saw it, and so they were astounded;
they were alarmed, they hurried away.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Trembling seized them there,
and pain like a woman in labor;
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) You break the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) As we have heard, so have we seen
in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our God;
God will establish it forever. Selah
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) We have thought of Your lovingkindness, O God,
in the midst of Your temple.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) According to Your name, O God,
so is Your praise to the ends of the earth;
Your right hand is full of righteousness.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) May Mount Zion rejoice,
may the daughters of Judah be glad, because of Your judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, and go round about her; count her towers;
13 mark well her bulwarks; consider her citadels;
that you may tell it to the generation following.
14 For this God is our God forever and ever;
He will be our guide even to death.

Psalm 48
A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.
[1] Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in
the mountain of his holiness.
[2] Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on
the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
[3] God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
[4] For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
[5] They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted
away.
[6] Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
[7] Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
[8] As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in
the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.
[9] We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy
temple.
[10] According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the
earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
[11] Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of
thy judgments.
[12] Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
[13] Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell
it to the generation following.
[14] For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even
unto death.


2 Kings 17:1-4

Hoshea, King of Israel

2Kgs 18:9-12

1 (2Ki 15:30) In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea son of Elah
became king in Samaria over Israel for nine years.
2 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, only not as the kings of Israel
who were before him.
3 (Hos 10:14) Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against him.
Hoshea became his servant and gave him gifts.
4 But the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea,
for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt
and offered up no gift to the king of Assyria as he had done year by year.
So the king of Assyria detained him, and then put him in prison.

[1] In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah
to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years.
[2] And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the
kings of Israel that were before him.
[3] Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his
servant, and gave him presents.
[4] And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent
messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of
Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him
up, and bound him in prison.

2) Our Daily Bread for 14 July 2025 titled <a href="
https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/digging-for-meaning"> 
Digging for Meaning </a> by Adam R. Holz
 
Jeremiah 2:5-13

5 (2Ki 17:15; Jer 2:31) Thus says the Lord:
What iniquity have your fathers found inMe,
that they have gone far from Me,
and have walked after vanity
and have become vain?
6 (Dt 32:10; Hos 13:4) They did not say, "Where is the Lord
who brought us up out of the land of Egypt,
who led us through the wilderness,
through a land of deserts and of pits,
through a land of drought and of the shadow of death,
through a land that no man passed through and where no man lived?"
7 (Dt 8:7-9; Jer 16:18) And I brought you into a plentiful country
to eat its fruit and its goodness.
But when you entered, you defiled My land
and made My heritage an abomination.
8 (Hab 2:18; Jer 5:31) The priests did not say,
"Where is the Lord?"
And those who handle the law did not know Me;
the shepherds also transgressed against Me,
and the prophets prophesied by Baal
and walked after things that do not profit.
9 (Eze 20:35-36; Jer 2:35) Therefore I will yet contend with you,
says the Lord,
and with your sons' sons I will contend.
10 (Ps 120:5) For pass over the coastlands of Cyprus and see,
and send to Kedar and consider diligently,
and see if there is such a thing.
11 (Ps 106:20; Isa 37:19) Has a nation changed their gods,
though they are not gods?
But My people have changed their glory
for that which does not profit.
12 (Isa 1:2) Be astonished at this, O heavens,
and be horribly afraid, be very desolate,
says the Lord.
13 (Ps 36:9; Jer 17:13) For My people have committed two evils.
They have forsaken Me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out for themselves cisterns,
broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

[5] Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that
they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become
vain?
[6] Neither said they, Where is the LORD that brought us up out of the land
of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and
of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a
land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?
[7] And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and
the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine
heritage an abomination.
[8] The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law
knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets
prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.
[9] Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the LORD, and with your
children's children will I plead.
[10] For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and
consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing.
[11] Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people
have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.
[12] Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye
very desolate, saith the LORD.
[13] For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the
fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns,
that can hold no water.
 
We have a new puppy, Winston. He bites. Sleeps. Eats. (Does one or two 
other things.) Oh, and he digs. Winston doesn't dig casually. He tunnels. 
Like he's escaping from prison. It's compulsive, ferocious, and filthy.

Why does that dog dig so much? I wondered recently. Then it hit 
me: I'm a digger too - prone to "digging" into myriad things I hope will make 
me happy. They're not always even bad things. But when I fixate on finding 
satisfaction in something apart from God, I become a digger. Digging 
for meaning apart from God leaves me covered in dirt and longing 
for something more.   

Jeremiah rebuked Israel for being diggers: "They have forsaken me," God said 
through the prophet, "and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that 
cannot hold water" (Jeremiah 2:13). God disciplined His people for neglecting 
to seek Him. They'd dug their own wells in an attempt to quench their deepest 
thirst. But God reminded them that He alone is 
the "spring of living water" (v. 13). In John 4, Jesus offered this living 
water to the woman at the well, who'd also done her share of digging 
elsewhere (vv. 10-26).

We're all diggers sometimes. But God graciously offers to replace our 
fruitless digging with vital fulfillment with His water, which alone 
satisfies the deep thirst of our souls. 

Reflect & Pray

Where do you tend to dig in search of meaning, hope, or satisfaction? 
How can you entrust this area of your life to God?

Father, please help me taste and see that You're what my soul longs 
for, and to put my shovel down as I rest in You.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 2 - God's purpose: The Image of Christ

Romans 8:28-29

28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for
good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew,
He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed
to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

A baby dies of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the parents are
devastated, plagued with guilt, and Asking "Why?" A 17-year-old plunges
headfirst into a pond and to the surface a quadriplegic. A single mother
of 3, struck down by leukemia, has to release he children to foster homes.
And in all these cases, well-meaning Christians stand by and attempt to
comfort: "All things work together for good, you know," they say blithely,
"just trust God, and praise him for everything."
Such pat answers are often repeated because they do contain an element
of truth; they become "pat", meaningless, and superficial, when they are
used as a panacea for all ills, whether the cure fits or not.
The truth is, God does use everything for the benefit of his people -
even disaster and tragedy. Romans 8:28 says, "In all things God works ...."
God foes not cause human suffering. He is not the author of pain
and misery. But what the Enemy of our souls intends for
destruction, God can use for growth.
The key to understanding Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29 . The Lord makes
clear what "his purpose" is: that we be "conformed to the
likeness of his Son." Everything that happens is not good,
but nothing is wasted in the economy of God. Even the sorrow,
misfortune, and calamity that strike all of us cam be used by the Spirit
to transform us into the image of Christ.

Application

a) Have I ever had experiences that made me doubt the
"all things work together for good"?

b) How does Romans 8:29 clarify Romans 8:28?

c) How can these verses help me deal with the struggles I have in my
own life? 

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

1 Cor 13:3

3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body to be burned,
and have not love, it profits me nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity,
it profiteth me nothing.

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

God's Inexhaustible Strength

Ps 18:30-34

30 As for God, His way has integrity;
the word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him.
31 For who is God except the Lord?
Or who is a rock besides our God?
32 It is God who clothes me with strength,
and gives my way integrity.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
and causes me to stand on my high places.
34 He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.

30 As for God, his way is perfect:
The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the LORD?
Or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength,
And maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet,
And setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war,
So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

Remember God's promises when You pray

The Lord's prayer 

Matthew 6:9-13


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

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

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

 Where do Muslims live?

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

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

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

Adding further

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

Under the Keep Praying page

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ideas for prayer

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

And 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROMANS 15:13

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

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

http://www.ehc.ca

14th Day of the Month

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

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

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

) 

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

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and and pray for your nation to follow the Lord.

Pray to the Lord: "Father, please help me by the power of 
Your Spirit to work for unity in my community."

Pray to the Lord and pray to Jesus to understand His purpose in all things.

Pray to the Lord and pray to have Love in you.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know His perfect ways.

Pray for Muslims in Canada to know Jesus as Saviour.

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

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

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

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

Praise God that children in Betul in Lebaono are experiencing His love
through a youth programme.

Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.

-- 
Member - Liberal International This is [email protected] Ici [email protected]
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
All I want to hear from JEsus Christ is WEll done Good and Faithful servant