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Day 121 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 30 April 2024 reflections

Day 121, 30 April 2024



1) PSALMS 133

A Song of Ascents. Of David.



1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

for brothers to dwell together in unity!

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) It is like precious oil upon the head,

that runs down on the beard-

even Aaron's beard-

and going down to the collar of his garments;

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) as the dew of Hermon,

that descends upon the mountains of Zion,

for there the Lord has commanded the blessing,

even life forever.



Psalms 133

[1] Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together

in unity!

[2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the

beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

[3] As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains

of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.



2) Our Daily Bread for 30 April 2024 titled

Can't Out-Love God




1 John 4:15-21



15 (Ro 10:9; 1Jn 5:5) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,

God lives in him, and he in God.

16 (1Jn 3:24; 3:1) And we have come to know and to believe the love

that God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us, so that we may

have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is, so are we

in this world.

18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out

fear, because fear has to do with punishment. Whoever fears is not perfect

in love.

19 (1Jn 4:10; Lk 7:47) We love Him because He first loved us.

20 (1Jn 2:4; 3:17) If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother,

he is a liar. For whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen,

how can he love God whom he has not seen?

21 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18) We have this commandment from Him:

Whoever loves God must also love his brother.



[15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in

him, and he in God.

[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is

love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

[17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day

of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

[18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because

fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

[19] We love him, because he first loved us.

[20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he

that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he

hath not seen?

[21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his

brother also.



When my now-grown son, Xavier, was in kindergarten, he stretched his arms

wide and said, "I love you this much." I stretched my longer arms wide

and said, "I love you this much." Planting his fists on his hips,

he said, "I loved you first." I shook my head. "I loved you when God

first put you in my womb." Xavier's eyes widened. "You win."

"We both win," I said, "because Jesus loved both of us first."



As Xavier prepares for the birth of his first child, I'm praying he'll

enjoy trying to out-love his son as they make sweet memories. But as I

prepare to be a grandmother, I'm amazed at how much I loved my grandson

from the moment Xavier and his wife told us they were expecting a baby.



The apostle John affirmed that Jesus' love for us gives us the ability

to love Him and others (1 John 4:19). Knowing He loves us gives us

a sense of security that deepens our personal relationship with Him

(vv. 15-17). As we realise the depth of His love for us (v. 19),

we can grow in our love for Him and express love in other relationships

(v. 20). Not only does Jesus empower us to love, but He also commands

us to love: "And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God

must also love their brother and sister" (v. 21). When it comes to

loving well, God always wins. No matter how hard we try,

we can't out-love God!



By: Xochitl Dixon



Reflect & Pray



How has knowing God loves you helped you to love others?

How can you show love to others this week?



Loving Saviour, thank You for loving me first so I can love others.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 3 - Let the Word Dwell in You



Col 3:16



16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell

in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing

one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.



16 Let the word of Christ dwell

in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing

one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.



Every day, whether we are aware of it or not, our minds are

bombarded by 20th Century values: "Dress for success!" "Get ahead!"

"You deserve a break today ...." Television, radio, and the incessant

voices that surround us distract our attention and keep us from

focusing on what is really important in our lives.

Paul's instruction to the Colossian Church brings us back to God's

value system: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."

When we give attention to the Word of God, we put ourselves in a position

to hear a higher truth the clamour of immediate demands

and the expectations of the world around us. We can experience peace

in the midst of struggle and rest in a restless environment.

God's Word is a powerful force for good in our lives - not merely

an attractive philosophy, but true power to overcome the pressures

of daily life.

Dwelling on the Word of God, and letting it indwell us, takes many forms.

Scripture memory, music, meditation, talking with others about the

goodness of God all help us keep our attention focused on Christ rather

than on the values of the world around us.

We can choose to listen to Christian radio or tapes. We can take time

daily for quiet meditation on his Word. We can commit the Word to memory

and draw on its power during the day. And as we listen to the voice

of the Spirit rather than the noise around us, we can enter into

his peace and live in communion with him.



Application



a) What pressures do I face that tend to distract me from the reality

of Christ's presence?



b) How can I "let the word of Christ dwell richly" in me, so that I

an regain my focus on him?



c) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus

my attention on Jesus and his word?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Haggai 2:7-9



7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,

and they will come with the wealth of all nations,

and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.

8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,

says the Lord of Hosts.

9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater

than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place

I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.



7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations

shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,

saith the LORD of hosts.

8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,

saith the LORD of hosts.

9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater

than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place

will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.



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



God's Help in Times of Temptation



James 1:12-18



Trial and Temptation



12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,

for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,

which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"

for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.

14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.

15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;

and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.

16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.

17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift

is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom is no change or shadow of turning.

18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth with

the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.



12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,

he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised

to them that love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:

for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust,

and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:

and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,

neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth,

that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.



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 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



Day 30 of the Month



a) Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout

Canadian society, as it is in Heaven



( Matt 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.



)



b) Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city

or community, and across our nation. (



Rom 2:4



4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness,

tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God

leads you to repentance?



4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance

and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth

thee to repentance?



)



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to dwell within unity with the Brethren.



Pray to the Lord: "Loving Saviour, thank You for loving me first

so I can love others."



Pray to the Lord and pray for The Word to dwell in you richly.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know that Wealth is His!



Pray to the Lord and pray to endure temptation.



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 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 continually for Sikhs to find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.



Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout

Canadian society, as it is in Heaven.



Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city

or community, and across our nation.



Pray for the Christian leaders in Uganda who are being trained to share the

Gospel with Muslims and help persecuted believers.



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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