From Newsgroup: alt.bible

Day 255, 12 September 2025

1) Daniel 6,Daniel 9, Ezra 1

Daniel 6

Daniel and the Lions' Den

1 (Est 1:1; Da 5:31) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom
one hundred and twenty officials,
so that they would be over the whole kingdom,
2 (Ezr 4:22; Da 2:48-49) and over them three presidents,
of whom Daniel was first, so that the officials might give accounts
to them and the king not suffer loss.
3 (Da 5:12; 5:14) Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents
and officials because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king
thought to set him over the whole realm.
4 (Ge 43:18; Jdg 14:4) Then the presidents and officials sought
to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom,
but they could find no occasion or fault because he was faithful;
nor was there any error or fault found in him.
5 (Ac 24:13-16; 24:20-21) Then these men said,
"We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,
unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."
6 (Da 2:4; Ne 2:3) Then these presidents and officials assembled together
to the king, and said to him: "King Darius, live forever!
7 (Ps 59:3; Da 3:2) All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors,
and the officials, the counselors, and the captains have consulted
together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree,
that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days,
save of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
8 (Est 1:19; Da 6:15) Now, O king, establish the decree
and sign the writing, that it not be changed,
according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered."
9 (Ps 118:9; 146:3) Therefore King Darius signed the writing, even the decree. 10 (Ps 55:17; 95:6) Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house. And his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,
he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks
before his God, as he had been doing previously.
11 (Ps 37:32-33; Da 6:6) Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying
and making supplication before his God.
12 (Da 6:8; Est 1:19; Da 3:8-12) Then they came near and spoke
before the king concerning the king's decree: "Have you not signed a decree, that every man who asks a petition of any god or man within thirty days,
save of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?"
The king answered and said, "The thing is true, according to the law
of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered."
13 (Da 2:25; 3:12) Then they answered and said before the king,
"That Daniel, who is of the sons of the captivity of Judah,
does not regard you, O king, or the decree that you have signed,
but makes his petition three times a day."
14 (Mk 6:26) Then the king, when he heard these words, was sorely displeased with himself and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him. And he labored
until sunset to deliver him.
15 (Est 8:8; Da 6:12) Then these men came by agreement to the king
and said to the king, "Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes
and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may
be changed."
16 (Job 5:19; Ps 37:39-40) Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel
and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said to Daniel, "Your God whom you serve continually, He will deliver you."

[1] It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;
[2] And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the
princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
[3] Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because
an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the
whole realm.
[4] Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault;
forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
[5] Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
[6] Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and
said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
[7] All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellers, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of
any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into
the den of lions.
[8] Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. [9] Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
[10] Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his
house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he
kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks
before his God, as he did aforetime.
[11] Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making
supplication before his God.
[12] Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a
petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall
be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is
true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
[13] Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of
the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
[14] Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till
the going down of the sun to deliver him.
[15] Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
[16] Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

Daniel Saved From the Lions

17 (La 3:53) A stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den,
and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords
so that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.
18 (Est 6:1; Da 2:1) Then the king went to his palace
and passed the night fasting, and no instruments of music
were brought before him. And his sleep fled from him.
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning
and went in haste to the den of lions.
20 (Da 3:17; 6:16; Ge 18:14) When he came to the den, he cried
with a voice full of sorrow to Daniel. And the king spoke
and said to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God,
has your God whom you serve continually been able
to deliver you from the lions?"
21 (Da 2:4; 6:6) Then Daniel said to the king, "O king, live forever!
22 (Da 3:28; 2Ti 4:17) My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions'
mouths so that they have not hurt me, because innocence was found in me
before Him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm."
23 (1Ch 5:20; Da 3:25) Then the king was exceeding glad for him
and commanded that they take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel
was taken up out of the den, and no manner of harm was found on him,
because he believed in his God.
24 (Dt 24:16; 2Ki 14:6) Then the king commanded, and they brought those men
who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions-
them, their children, and their wives. And the lions overpowered them
and broke all their bones in pieces
before they came to the bottom of the den.
25 (Da 4:1; Ezr 1:1-2; 4:17) Then King Darius wrote:
To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth:
"Peace be multiplied unto you.
26 (Da 4:34; 2:44; 3:29) "I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel.
"For He is the living God,
enduring forever;
His kingdom shall never be destroyed,
and His dominion shall be forever.
27 (Da 4:2-3) He delivers and rescues,
and He works signs and wonders
in heaven and on earth,
who has delivered Daniel
from the power of the lions."
28 (Da 1:21; Isa 44:28-45:1) So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

[17] And a stone was brought and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the
king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that
the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
[18] Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. [19] Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto
the den of lions.
[20] And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto
Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the
living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
[21] Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
[22] My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and
also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
[23] Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they
should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
[24] And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their
bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
[25] Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that
dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.
[26] I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and
fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for
ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion
shall be even unto the end.
[27] He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven
and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
[28] So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of
Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel 9

The Prayer of Daniel

1 (Da 11:1) In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus of the lineage
of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans,
2 (2Ch 36:21; Jer 29:10) in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed
in the books the number of the years which were specified by the word
of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet for the accomplishment of the desolations of Jerusalem, that is, seventy years.
3 I set my face toward the Lord God to seek by prayer and supplications
with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.
4 (Dt 7:9; Ne 9:32) And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said,
"Alas, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping His covenant
and mercy to those who love Him, and to those who keep His commandments.
5 (Ps 106:6; Isa 64:5-7) We have sinned and have committed iniquity
and have done wickedly and have rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and from Your judgments.
6 (2Ch 36:15-16; Ezr 9:7) We have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our officials, and our fathers,
and to all the people of the land.
7 (Dt 4:27; Ps 44:15) "O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame
of face, as it is this day, to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants
of Jerusalem and to all Israel, who are near and who are far off,
through all the countries wherever You have driven them,
because of their trespass that they have trespassed against You.
8 O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, to our officials,
and to our fathers, because we have sinned against You.
9 (Ps 130:4; Jer 14:7) To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
10 (2Ki 18:12; Da 9:6) We have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God,
to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets.
11 (Isa 1:4-6; Jer 8:5-10) Indeed, all Israel has transgressed Your law,
even by departing that they might not obey Your voice.
"Therefore the curse has been poured upon us, and the oath that is written
in the Law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against Him.
12 (Eze 5:9; Isa 44:26) He has confirmed His words, which He had spoken
against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing on us great calamity. For under the whole heaven there has not been done such
as has been done to Jerusalem.
13 (Isa 9:13; Jer 2:30) As it is written in the Law of Moses, great calamity has come on us. Yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God so that
we might turn from our iniquities and give attention to Your truth.
14 (Ne 9:33; Jer 44:27) Therefore, the Lord has kept the disaster in store
and brought it upon us. For the Lord our God is righteous in all His works which He does, but we have not obeyed His voice.
15 (Ne 9:10; Ex 6:1) "Now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people
out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and made Yourself a name,
even to this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly.
16 (Zec 8:3; Ps 31:1O) Lord, according to all Your righteousness,
I beseech You, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain, because for our sins and for the iniquities
of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become a reproach to all who
are around us.
17 (Ps 80:19; La 5:18) "Now therefore, O God, hear the prayer of Your servant and his supplications, and for Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine
upon Your sanctuary, which is desolate.
18 (Isa 37:17; Jer 25:29) O my God, incline Your ear and hear. Open Your eyes and look at our desolations and the city which is called by Your name,
for we do not present our supplications before You for our righteousness,
but for Your great mercies.
19 (Jer 14:9; Da 9:18) O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not defer, for Your own sake, O my God. For Your city and Your people
are called by Your name."

[1] In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the
Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;
[2] In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number
of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet,
that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
[3] And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplication, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
[4] And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them
that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;
[5] We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:
[6] Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people
of the land.
[7] O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of
faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass
that they have trespassed against thee.
[8] O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.
[9] To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;
[10] Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his
laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.
[11] Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the
oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we
have sinned against him.
[12] And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.
[13] As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us:
yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from
our iniquities, and understand thy truth.
[14] Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us:
for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.
[15] And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this
day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.
[16] O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy
mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.
[17] Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is
desolate, for the Lord's sake.
[18] O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.
[19] O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy
name.

The Seventy Weeks

20 (Ps 145:18; Isa 58:9) While I was speaking and praying and confessing
my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication
before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God,
21 (Da 8:16; Lk 1:19) indeed, while I was speaking in prayer,
the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning,
being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time
of the evening oblation.
22 (Da 8:16; 10:21) He informed me and talked with me, and said,
"Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.
23 (Da 10:11-12; 10:19) At the beginning of your supplications the command
went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved.
Therefore understand the matter and consider the vision:
24 (Eze 4:6; Nu 14:34) "Seventy weeks have been determined for your people
and upon your holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end
of sins, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint
the Most Holy Place.
25 (Ezr 4:24; Isa 9:6) rCLKnow therefore and understand that from the going forth of the command to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem
until the Prince Messiah shall be seven weeks, and 62 weeks.
It shall be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of trouble.
26 (Isa 53:8; Na 1:8; Mt 24:2) After the 62 weeks Messiah shall be cut off
and shall have nothing. And the troops of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall come with a flood.
And until the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 (Mt 24:15; Mk 13:14) And he shall make a firm covenant with many
for one week. But in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice
and the offering to cease. And on the wing of abominations shall come one
who makes desolate, until the decreed destruction is poured out
on the desolator."

[20] And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the
sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my
God for the holy mountain of my God;
[21] Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
[22] And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now
come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
[23] At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I
am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
[24] Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and
to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
[25] Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince
shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be
built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
[26] And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not
for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto
the end of the war desolations are determined.
[27] And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the
midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,
and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even
until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the
desolate.

Ezra 1

The Proclamation of Cyrus

2Ch 36:22-23

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

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

2) Our Daily Bread for 14 September 2024 titled <a href=" https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/ guarding-thoughts-in-christ"> Guarding Thoughts in Christ </a>
by Nancy Gavilanes

Philippians 4:4-9

4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness. The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 (Ac 6:3; 10:22) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever
things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.
9 (Php 3:17; Ro 15:33; Php 4:7) Do those things which you have both learned
and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

[4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
[5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
[9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and
seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Lap after lap, Katie Ledecky was in a familiar spot during the 1500-meter freestyle race at the 2024 Paris Olympics. For some fifteen minutes, she was far ahead of the rest of the swimmers and alone with her thoughts. What was Ledecky thinking about during the long race? In an interview conducted immediately following her gold-medal-winning performance in which she set a new Olympic record, Ledecky said she was thinking about her training
partners and saying their names in her head.

Distance swimmers aren't the only ones who need to focus their minds on the right things. We as believers in Jesus also need to guard our thoughts throughout our faith journey.

The apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian church to "rejoice in the Lord,"
not be "anxious about anything, but pray about everything"
(Philippians 4:4, 6). The result? "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (v. 7). Jesus, the Prince of Peace, helps put our worries and troubles in perspective.

Paul also encouraged believers: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (v. 8).

As we go about our day, let's be aware of our thoughts.
When we see God's hand in our life, we can count our blessings and worship Him.

Reflect & Pray

What have you been thinking about lately?
How can you honor God with your thoughts?

Dear God, may my thoughts be pleasing to You.
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-living/ spiritual-growth/the-confidence-to-grow">
Learn how to grow in faith by reading The Confidence to Grow.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 6 - Through The Fire

Is 43:2

2 (Ps 66:12; Da 3:25-27) When you pass through waters,
I will be with you. And through the rivers,they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
nor shall the flame kindle on you.

2 When thou passest through the waters,
I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

In the Book of Daniel, 3 young men provide one of the world's best-known
Bible stories. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three of the finest young
men of Israel, were taken into capitivity to Babylon. There King Nebuchadnezzar, filled with his own importance, commanded that
everyone bow down and worship his image.
When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship anyone
except the One True god, they were cast into Nebuchadnezzar's
furnace of fire.
Is 43:2 brings their experience into focus for us. There the Lord says,
"When you pass through the fire ... when you walk through the water ..."
Not if, but when. If we are committed to serving and honouring the Lord,
at some point we will be faced with "passing through the fire" for hm.
We may not face a physical furnace, but we may face the fires of
persecution, anger, hostility or suffering. And God says:
"I will be with you."
When the three young Israelites stepped into the king's furnace, all
the people looked and saw, not three, but four men in the fire, their
bonds burned away, walking freely among the flames. They did not
escape the fate decreed for them. But the Lord was with them in
the fire, as surely as he has promised to be with us in the flood
and the fire, as surely as he has promised to be with us in the
flood and fire tht life brings to us. The promise of god remains:
"I will be with you; the waters will not overflow, nor will the
flames burn you."

Application

a) What kinds of "fires" and "Floods" have I experienced?

b) How was I aware of the Lord's presence with me?


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?)

Nova Scotia

Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629

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

- in and around Halifax and other cities

- on university campuses

- for new workers among Muslims

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adding further

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

Under the Keep Praying page

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

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

Peter's Speech at Pentecost

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

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

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

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

Ideas for prayer

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.ehc.ca

12th Day of the Month

a) Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically

(Proverb 11:1

1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.

1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:
But a just weight is his delight.

)

b) Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to seek the Lord's favour and to understand
his prophecies .

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, may my thoughts be pleasing to You."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord is with you through
trials and temptations.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know who creates all things.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know Lord helps you trhough time of trouble.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations

- in and around Halifax and other cities

- on university campuses

- for new workers among Muslims

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

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

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

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

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

Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically

Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.

Pray on behalf of Christian converts from Islam in Oman
who have been harassed through legal challenges.

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 doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
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
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