From Newsgroup: alt.bible

Day 34, 3 February 2025

1) Exodus 13, Exodus 14, Exodus 15

EXODUS 13

Consecration of the Firstborn

1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
2 (Nu 3:13; Dt 15:19) Sanctify unto Me all the firstborn,
the firstborn of every womb among the children of Israel,
both of man and of beast. It is Mine.

[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[2] Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among
the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

( THE Lord's not the Church)

The Feast of Unleavened Bread

3 (Ex 6:1; Dt 16:3) Moses said to the people,
"Remember this day, in which you came out from Egypt,
out of the house of bondage, for by strength of hand the Lord brought
you out from this place. Nothing leavened shall be eaten.
4 (Ex 23:15; 34:18) On this day, you are going out, in the month of Aviv.
5 (Ex 3:8; 6:8; 12:25-26) It shall be when the Lord brings you into
the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites
and the Hivites and the Jebusites, which He swore to your fathers
to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep
this ceremony in this month.
6 (Ex 12:15 -20) Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread,
and on the seventh day shall be a feast to the Lord.
7 (Ex 12:19) Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And there
shall be no leavened bread seen among you, nor shall there be leaven
seen among you in all your borders.
8 (Ex 13:14; Ps 44:1) You shall declare to your son on that day, saying,
- 'This is done because of that which the Lord did for me
when I came forth out of Egypt.'
9 (Dt 6:8; Ex 12:14) It shall be as a sign to you on your hand
and as a memorial on your forehead, in order that the Lord's law
may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord brought
you out of Egypt.
10 (Ex 12:14) You shall, therefore, keep this ordinance
at its appointed time from year to year.

[3] And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
[4] This day came ye out in the month Abib.
[5] And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.
[6] Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall
be a feast to the LORD.
[7] Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.
[8] And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.
[9] And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD's law may be in thy mouth: for with a
strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.
[10] Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to
year.

The Law of the Firstborn

11 "It shall be when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites,
just as He swore to you and to your fathers, and shall give it you,
12 (Nu 18:15; Ex 34:19; Lev 27:26) that you shall set apart to the Lord
the first offspring of every womb and
the first offspring of every beast which you have.
The males shall be the Lord's.
13 (Ex 34:20; Nu 18:15-17) But every first offspring of a donkey
you shall redeem with a lamb.
And if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck,
and all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem.
14 (Jos 4:6; Ex 13:3) "It shall be when your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What is this?' that you shall say to him, 'With a strong hand
the Lord brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage.
15 (Ex 12:29) And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go,
that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt,
both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast.
Therefore, I sacrifice to the Lord the first male offspring
of every womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.'
16 (Ex 13:9; 13:14) It shall be as a sign on your hand
and as frontlets on your forehead,
for with a strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt."

[11] And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it
thee,
[12] That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix,
and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall
be the LORD's.
[13] And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if
thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the
firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
[14] And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What
is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought
us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:
[15] And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and
the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth
the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.
[16] And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

(Jesus was a firstborn to Mary and Joseph)

The Route of the Exodus

17 (Nu 14:1-4; Ex 14:11-12) Now when Pharaoh had let the people go,
God did not lead them through the way of the land of the Philistines,
although it was nearby. For God said, "Lest the people change their
minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt."
18 (Ex 14:2; Nu 33:6-8) Therefore, God led the people around,
through the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea,
and the children of Israel went up prepared for war out of the land of Egypt. 19 (Jos 24:32; Ac 7:16) Moses took the bones of Joseph with him,
for he had made the children of Israel solemnly swear, saying,
"God will surely attend to you,
and you shall carry my bones away from here with you."
20 They took their journey from Sukkoth and camped in Etham,
on the edge of the wilderness.
21 (Dt 1:33; Ne 9:12) The Lord went before them by day in
a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way,
and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light,
so that they might travel by day and by night.
22 He did not remove the pillar of cloud by day
or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.

[17] And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led
them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war,
and they return to Egypt:
[18] But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the
Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of
Egypt.
[19] And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn
the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall
carry up my bones away hence with you.
[20] And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
[21] And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead
them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
[22] He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire
by night, from before the people.

EXODUS 14

Crossing the Red Sea

1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
2 (Jer 44:1; Nu 33:7-8) Speak to the children of Israel, so that they turn
and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea,
before Baal Zephon. Opposite it you shall camp by the sea.
3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel,
"They are confused in the land. The wilderness has shut them in."
4 (Ex 7:5; Ro 9:17) So I will harden Pharaoh's heart,
so that he shall pursue them.
And I will be honored because of Pharaoh
and because of all his army,
so that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so.
5 (Ps 105:25) When it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled,
the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people,
and they said, "Why have we done this,
that we have let Israel go from serving us?"
6 So he made ready his chariot and took his people with him.
7 (Ex 15:4) And he took six hundred select chariots,
and all the chariots of Egypt, and officers over every one of them.
8 (Nu 33:3; Ac 13:17) The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel. However, the children of Israel went out with confidence.
9 (Ex 15:9; Jos 24:6) But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses
and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, a
nd overtook them camping by the sea, beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.
10 (Jos 24:7; Ne 9:9) When Pharaoh drew near,
the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and indeed,
the Egyptians were marching after them,
and they were extremely terrified,
so the children of Israel cried out to the Lord.
11 (Ps 106:7-8) Then they said to Moses,
"Is it because there were no graves in Egypt
that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?
Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt?
12 (Ex 5:21) Is not this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt,
saying, 'Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians'?
For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians
than to die in the wilderness."
(Oh how courage can melt away in the greatness of aversity)
13 (Ex 14:30; 2Ch 20:17; 20:15) But Moses said to the people,
"Fear not! Stand firm! And see the salvation of the Lord,
which He will show you today. For the Egyptians
whom you have seen today, you shall never see again.
14 (Ex 14:25; Dt 1:30) The Lord shall fight for you,
while you hold your peace."
(The Lord is always on our side fighting for us)
15 The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry out to Me?
Speak to the children of Israel, so that they go forward.
16 (Ex 4:17; 7:19) And as for you, lift up your rod,
and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it;
then the children of Israel shall go on dry ground
through the midst of the sea.
17 (Ex 14:4; 14:8) As for Me, surely,
I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians,
so that they shall follow them,
and I will be honored through Pharaoh,
through all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen.
18 (Ex 7:5) Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord
when I am honored through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen."
19 (Ex 13:21-22; 32:34) Then the angel of God, which went
before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them,
and the pillar of the cloud moved before them and stood behind them.
20 So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel,
and there was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night. Therefore, the one did not come near the other the entire night.
21 (Ex 15:8; Ps 74:13) Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea,
and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, so that the waters were divided.
22 (Ex 15:19; Ps 66:6) The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand,
and on their left.
23 (Ex 14:17) Then the Egyptians pursued and went in after them into
the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots,
and his horsemen.
24 And in the morning watch the Lord looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud
and threw the camp of the Egyptians into confusion.
25 (Ex 14:14) He removed their chariot wheels,
so that they drove them with difficulty,
and the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the face of Israel,
for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt."
26 (Ex 14:16) Then the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand
over the sea, so that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians,
upon their chariots, and their horsemen."
27 (Jos 4:18; Ps 78:53) So Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea,
and the sea returned to its normal place when the morning appeared,
while the Egyptians fled against it, so the Lord overthrew the Egyptians
in the midst of the sea.
28 (Ps 78:53; Hab 3:8-10) The waters returned and covered the chariots,
and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that
came into the sea after them.
There remained not so much as one of them.
29 (Ex 14:22) But the children of Israel walked on dry land
in the midst of the sea. And the waters were a wall to them
on their right hand and on their left.
30 (Ps 106:8; 106:10) Thus the Lord saved Israel that day
from the hand of the Egyptians,
and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the seashore.
31 (Jn 2:11; 11:45) When Israel saw the great power which the Lord
used upon the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord,
and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.

Exodus 14
[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[2] Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.
[3] For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in
the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.
[4] And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and
I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians
may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.
[5] And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said,
Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?
[6] And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:
[7] And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt,
and captains over every one of them.
[8] And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an
high hand.
[9] But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.
[10] And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their
eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore
afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.
[11] And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast
thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?
[12] Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us
alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to
serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
[13] And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians
whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
[14] The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
[15] And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
[16] But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the
midst of the sea.
[17] And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they
shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
[18] And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
[19] And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face,
and stood behind them:
[20] And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel;
and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to
these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
[21] And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the
sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry
land, and the waters were divided.
[22] And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on
their left.
[23] And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the
sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
[24] And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and
troubled the host of the Egyptians,
[25] And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so
that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
[26] And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.
[27] And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned
to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against
it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
[28] And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen,
and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there
remained not so much as one of them.
[29] But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the
sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
[30] Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians;
and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.
[31] And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians:
and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant
Moses.

(Let the Lord work within you and for you)

EXODUS 15

A Song of Moses

1 (Ps 106:12; Rev 15:3) Then Moses and the children of Israel sang
this song to the Lord and spoke, saying:
"I will sing to the Lord,
for He has triumphed gloriously!
He has thrown the horse and his rider
into the sea!
2 (Isa 12:2; Ex 3:15-16 )The Lord is my strength and song,
and He has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
my father's God, and I will exalt Him.
3 (Ps 24:8; 83:18 ) The Lord is a man of war;
the Lord is His name.
4 Pharaoh's chariots and his army
He has thrown into the sea;
his chosen captains also
are drowned in the Red Sea.
5 (Ne 9:11; Ex 14:28 )The depths have covered them;
they sank to the bottom like a stone.
6 (Ps 118:15-16; 2:9) "Your right hand, O Lord,
is glorious in power.
Your right hand, O Lord,
shatters the enemy.
7 (Isa 5:24; Dt 33:26) In the greatness of Your excellence,
You overthrow those who rise up against You.
You send out Your wrath;
it consumes them like stubble.
8 (Ps 78:13; Ex 14:21-22) With the blast of Your nostrils
the waters were gathered together.
The flowing waters stood upright as a heap;
and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.
9 (Jdg 5:30; Isa 53:12) "The enemy said,
'I will pursue. I will overtake.
I will divide the spoil;
my lust shall be satisfied upon them.
I will draw my sword,
my hand shall destroy them.'
10 (Ex 14:21; 15:5 ) You blew with Your wind,
and the sea covered them;
they sank like lead
in the mighty waters.
11 (Dt 3:24; Isa 6:3 ) "Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like You,
glorious in holiness,
fearful in praises,
doing wonders?
12 You stretched out Your right hand,
and the earth swallowed them.
13 (Ps 77:20) "In Your mercy You have led
the people whom You have redeemed;
You have guided them by Your strength
to Your holy dwelling.
14 (Nu 14:14; Dt 2:25) The peoples have heard and are afraid;
sorrow has taken hold on the inhabitants of Philistia.
15 (Jos 5:1; 2:9) Then the chiefs of Edom were amazed;
the mighty men of Moab, trembling takes hold of them;
all the inhabitants of Canaan are melted away.
16 (Ps 74:2; Dt 2:25) Fear and dread fall upon them;
by the greatness of Your arm
they are as still as a stone,
until Your people pass over, O Lord,
until the people whom You have purchased pass over.
17 (Ps 44:2; 80:8) You shall bring them in, and plant them
on the mountain of Your inheritance,
in the place, O Lord, which You have made for Your dwelling,
in the sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.
18 (Ps 10:16; 29:10) The Lord will reign
forever and ever."
19 (Ex 14:28-29) For the horses of Pharaoh went in with his chariots
and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought back the waters
of the sea upon them, but the children of Israel walked
on dry land in the midst of the sea.

[1] Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously:
the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
[2] The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is
my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will
exalt him.
[3] The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
[4] Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
[5] The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
[6] Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
[7] And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
[8] And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together,
the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the
heart of the sea.
[9] The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil;
my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
[10] Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead
in the mighty waters.
[11] Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee,
glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
[12] Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.
[13] Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed:
thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
[14] The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.
[15] Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab,
trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall
melt away.
[16] Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
[17] Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell
in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
[18] The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.
[19] For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his
horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

The Song of Miriam

20 (Jdg 11:34; 1Sa 18:6; Nu 26:59) Miriam the prophetess,
the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand,
and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing.
21 (Ex 15:1) Miriam answered them,
"Sing to the Lord,
for He triumphed gloriously!
The horse and his rider
He has hurled into the sea."

[20] And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
[21] And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

The Waters of Marah and Elim

22 (Ge 16:7; 25:18) Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea,
and they went out into the Wilderness of Shur,
and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.
23 (Nu 33:8; Ru 1:20) When they came to Marah,
they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter.
Therefore, the name of it was called Marah.
24 (Ex 16:2; 14:11) So the people murmured against Moses,
saying, "What shall we drink?"
25 (Ex 14:10; Jdg 3:4) And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him
a tree. When he had thrown it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them. 26 (Dt 7:15; Ex 23:25; Dt 28:60) He said, "If you diligently listen
to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight,
and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes,
I will not afflict you with any of the diseases with which
I have afflicted the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you."
27 (Nu 33:9) Then they came to Elim,
where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees,
and they camped there by the waters.

[22] So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.
[23] And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of
Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
[24] And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
[25] And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when
he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for
them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
[26] And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases
upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
[27] And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

2) Our Daily Bread for 3 February 2026 titled
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category /focus-on-god"> Focus on God </a> by Karen Huang

Haggai 2:1-9

The Future Glory of the Temple

1 (Hag 1:1) In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month,
the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying:
2 (Hag 1:1) Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant
of the people, saying:
3 (Ezr 3:12) Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory?
How do you see it now? Is it not, in your eyes, as nothing in comparison?
4 (Zec 8:9; 2Sa 5:10) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord,
and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong all you people of the land, says the Lord. Work, for I am with you, says the Lord
of Hosts.
5 (Ne 9:20; Ex 29:45-46) According to the covenant that I made with you
when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.
6 (Isa 10:25; 29:17) For thus says the Lord of Hosts: Once more,
in a little while, I will shake the heavens and earth, the sea and dry land.
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.

[1] In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came
the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,
[2] Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the
people, saying,
[3] Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do
ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?
[4] Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O
Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of
the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of
hosts:
[5] According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of
Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not.
[6] For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
[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.

At least he passed, Jess thought, holding the test paper. He'd been helping his son with math, but with house chores and extra work from his boss lately, studying together had been tough. Discouraged, Jess thought of his wife,
who'd passed away: Lisa, you'd know what to do.
I'm not as good a keeper of the home as you were.

On a bigger scale, such discouragement may well have been what Zerubbabel felt. The governor of Judah had been called by God to lead the Israelites in rebuilding the temple after captivity in Babylon. When they'd laid the foundation, "many . . . who had seen the former temple, wept aloud"
(Ezra 3:12). The memory of Solomon's glorious temple lingered again now, as construction of a smaller structure resumed. Ours isn't as good, everyone, including Zerubbabel, must've thought.

"But now be strong, Zerubbabel," God said, as He did to all involved: "I am with you . . . my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear" (Haggai 2:4-5). Zerubbabel could take heart in God's guiding presence, bound by His covenant with them (v. 5). Also, "The glory of this present house will be greater,"
God said (v. 9), pointing to when Jesus
Himself would visit the temple (John 2:13-25).

We may feel discouraged in a task God calls us to do, comparing our results with those of another season. Let's focus on His plan for this season,
because the work and its purpose are His, not our own.

Reflect & Pray

What task has God given you? How can You focus on Him while carrying it out?

Dear God, please help me as I embrace the task You've called me to do.
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-living/spiritual-growth /dont-let-your-failure-stop-you-from-following-jesus">For further study,
read Don't Let Your Failure Stop You from Following Jesus.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 3 The song of Exaltation

Exodus 15:2

2 The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father's God, and I will exalt Him.

2 The LORD is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation:
He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation;
My father's God, and I will exalt him.

The world is full of music that communicates human emotion:
love, joy, sadness, separation.
A love song makes us misty-eyed; a song of protest arouses anger; a song describing loss stimulates feelings of hurt and abandonment.
Music is a powerful force to sway the human spirit.
Exodus 15:2 indicates that God should be the source of the songs in our hearts. Human emotions vacillate; human relationships disappoint,
but God is our "strength" and our "song".
To exalt the Lord includes many different type of "songs".
"I can't carry a tune in a bucket," one woman complained.
"How can I sing to the Lord anything that will be pleasing to him?"
But the Lord does not delight in the professionalism of our songs,
but in the motivation of our hearts. We can "sing to the Lord"
when we enjoy a Bach organ piece played for his glory.
We can exalt him in the words of Scripture - either remembered or sung.
We can worship him by enjoying the songs of others.
The key to making the Lord our song is exaltation. When our thoughts
lift him up in praise, we are singing a song of exaltation to the Lord.
When God is exalted in our songs, in our hearts, and in our thoughts,
that focus gives strength to our lives. We can face the difficulties
that are an inevitable part of experience,
because God is our "strength and our song".

Application

a) What is the difference between a song that is professionally performed
and one that exalts the Lord?

b) What practical steps can I take to
make my daily life a "song of praise" to God?

4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland

Deut 8:18

18 But you must remember the Lord your God,
for it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth,
so that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers,
as it is today.

18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth
thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant
which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

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

When you are lonely

PSALMS 25:15-21

15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for He will lead my feet from the net.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,
for I am isolated and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look on my pain and misery,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!
Let me not suffer shame,
for I seek refuge in You.
21 Truth and integrity will preserve me
while I wait for You.

Ain
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;
For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Pe
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;
For I am desolate and afflicted.
Zade
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:
O bring thou me out of my distresses.
(Qoph)
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;
And forgive all my sins.
Resh
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
Shin
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:
Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
Taw
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
For I wait on thee.

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 2024 edition?)

Alberta

Quick facts on Muslims in Alberta

Alberta 2015 population 4121700

est Muslim Population 195240

CNMM Networks: Calgary and Edmonton

It is estimated that Calgary has 82000 Muslims and Edmonton another 50000 . Alberta may have a total as high as 195240 today.
Calgary is notable as the first Canadian city with a Muslim mayor. It's
become a prominent place of Islamic fundamentalism.
Edmonton's Muslim population is very diverse, with the largest group
coming from Tanzania, followed by Somalia, and then North African countries such as Egypt, Morocco, etc.
Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus! They overcome huge spiritual,
emotional and cultural hurdles to follow Christ. Yet their challenges still continue, especially in growing in discipleship. They often fell lost in our Western congregations, and equally lost trying to find a church body with whom they can identify. some are even being lured into Christian cult groups.

Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach. - for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
in these growing Muslim population centres.


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!

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

3nd Day of the Month

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

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

II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus

b) Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
( John 16:8 - When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Matthew 9:36 - But when He saw the crowds, He was moved with
compassion for them, because they fainted and were scattered,
like sheep without a shepherd

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with
compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered
abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. )

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and
Pray to seek the Lord's will in impossible circumstances.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me as
I embrace the task You've called me to do."

Pray to the Lord and pray to sign for Him.

Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His covenant.

Pray to the Lord and pray for integrity and uprightness to preserve you.

Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach. - for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
in these growing Muslim population centres.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and the World to faith in Christ.

Pray for the safety of believers facing severe persecution in Uganda, especially those who have converted from Islam.

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 is WEll Done Good and Faithful Servant.
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