From Newsgroup: alt.bible

Day 137, 17 May 2026

today at <a href="https://www.calvarycommunity.ca">Calvary Community Church </a>, Pastor Barry Regier joined by His wife Lori-Anne spoke on Living Counter-Cultural ... Goldy Marriages ... Wives

We stand in respect becuase we blieve when Scripute is opeoend, God speakes.

check Nehemiah 8.

A) Accept you husband's authority

1 Peter 3:1a

Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, (MEB)

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; (KJV)

1 Peter 2:13

13 (Titus 3:1) Submit yourselves to every human authority for the Lord's sake, whether it be to the king, as supreme,

[13] Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:
whether it be to the king, as supreme;

Ephesians 5:22

22 (Ge 3:16; 1Co 14:34) Wives, be submissive to your own husbands
as unto the Lord.

[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:18

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands,
as it is fitting in the Lord.

[18] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the
Lord.

1 Peter 3:1b-2

so that if any do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,
2 as they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

that, if any
obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation
of the wives;
[2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

1 Peter 2:21-25

21 (Ac 14:22; Mt 16:24) For to this you were called, because Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 (Isa 53:9; 2Co 5:21) "He committed no sin,
nor was deceit found in His mouth."(Isa 53:9.)
23 (Isa 53:7; Lk 23:46) When He was reviled, He did not revile back; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but He entrusted Himself to Him who judges righteously.
24 (Ro 6:2; 6:11) He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.
"By His wounds you were healed."(Isa 53:5).
25 (Isa 53:6; Ps 119:176)
For you were as sheep going astray, but now have been returned
to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
[23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
[24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
[25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the
Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

B) Pursue Inner beauty

1 Peter 3:3-5

3 (Isa 3:18-24) Do not let your adorning be the outward adorning
of braiding the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine clothing.
4 (Ro 7:22; Ps 149:4) But let it be the hidden nature of the heart, that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
5 (1Ti 5:5) For in this manner, in the old times, the holy women, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

[3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
[4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted
in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

1 Peter 3:4

4 (Ro 7:22; Ps 149:4) But let it be the hidden nature of the heart, that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

[4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Proverbs 11:22

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout,
so is a fair woman who is without discretion.

22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout,
So is a fair woman which is without discretion.

praus - Strength under control

Phillipians 4:8

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.

[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.

1 Peter 3:5

5 (1Ti 5:5) For in this manner, in the old times, the holy women, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted
in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

C) Trust God above all

1 Peter 3:6

6 (Ge 18:12) even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You are her children as long as you do right and are not afraid with any terror.

[6] Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are,
as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Not perfection. But Christlikeness.

Ephesians 5:21-33

Walk as Children of Light

21 (Php 2:3; Eph 5:22) being submissive to one another in the fear of God.

[21] Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Wives and Husbands

22 (Ge 3:16; 1Co 14:34) Wives, be submissive to your own husbands
as unto the Lord.
23 (Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18) For the husband is the head of the wife,
just as Christ is the head and Savior of the church, which is His body.
24 (Col 3:20; 3:22) But as the church submits to Christ,
so also let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25 (Eph 5:28; Col 3:19) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ
also loved the church and gave Himself for it,
26 (Ac 22:16; 1Co 6:11) that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 (2Co 11:2; Col 1:22; Eph 1:4) and that He might present to Himself
a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing,
but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 (Eph 5:25; 5:33) In this way men ought to love their wives as their
own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it,
just as the Lord cares for the church.
30 (1Co 6:15; Ge 2:23) For we are members of His body, of His flesh
and of His bones.
31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh."(Ge 2:24. )
32 This is a great mystery, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.
33 (Eph 5:25) However, let each one of you love his wife as himself,
and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of
the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it;
[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot,
or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish.
[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth
his wife loveth himself.
[29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth
it, even as the Lord the church:
[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
[31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. [33] Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even
as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

1)2 Samuel 19, 2 Samuel 20, 2 Samuel 21, 1 Chronicles 20:4-8

2 Samuel 19
1 (2Sa 18:5; 18:14) It was reported to Joab that the king was weeping
and mourning over Absalom.
2 The victory that day was turned into mourning for all of the people,
for the people heard that day, "The king is grieving for his son."
3 So the people entered the city by stealth that day, as a people
who have been disgraced steal away when they flee from battle.
4 (2Sa 15:30; 18:33) The king covered his face and called with
a loud voice, "My son Absalom, my son, my son!"
5 Then Joab came to the king in his house and said,
"Today you have shamed the faces of all of your servants
who saved your life today, as well as the lives of your sons and daughters,
the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines,
6 by loving those who hated you and hating those who love you.
You have shown today that commanders and servants are nothing to you.
I know that if Absalom were alive instead today and all of us were dead,
then this would be right in your eyes.
7 (Pr 14:28; Ge 34:3) Now go out and speak reassuringly to your servants,
for I swear by the Lord that if you do not go out, no man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than any calamity that has come against you from your youth until now."
8 (2Sa 18:24; 18:4) So the king arose and took his seat in the gate,
and the people were all told, "The king is sitting in the gate."
So all the people came before the king, but the children of Israel
had fled, each to his tent.

[1] And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. [2] And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people:
for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.
[3] And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people
being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
[4] But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O
my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
[5] And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed
this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life,
and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives,
and the lives of thy concubines;
[6] In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for
this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this
day, then it had pleased thee well.
[7] Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants:
for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that
befell thee from thy youth until now.
[8] Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people
came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

David Returns to Jerusalem

9 (2Sa 15:14; 8:1-14) Now all of the people began to quarrel throughout
all of the tribes of Israel, saying, "The king delivered us from the hand
of our enemies, and he saved us from the hand of the Philistines,
but now he has fled from the land on account of Absalom.
10 But Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle.
Now why are you idle to bring back the king?"
11 (2Sa 15:29) Then David sent word to Zadok and Abiathar the priests,
saying, "Speak to the elders of Israel, saying, 'Why are you last to bring
the king back to his house when the word of all Israel has come to the king,
to his house?
12 (2Sa 5:1) You are my brother. You are my bone and my flesh.
Why are you last to bring back the king?'
13 (2Sa 17:25; Ru 1:17) Say to Amasa, 'Are you not my bone and my flesh?
May God do to me, and more so, if you are not commander of the army
before me from now on in the place of Joab.' "
14 (Jdg 20:1) He swayed the heart of every man of Judah as though they were
one man, and they sent a message to the king:
"Return, you and all of your servants."
15 (Jos 5:9; 1Sa 11:14-15) So the king returned and came as far as the Jordan, and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and bring the king
across the Jordan.
16 (1Ki 2:8; 2Sa 16:5-13) Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite who was
from Bahurim, hastened to go down with the men of Judah to meet King David.
17 (2Sa 9:2; 16:1-4) With him were a thousand men from Benjamin. And Ziba,
the servant of the house of Saul, with his fifteen sons and twenty servants, rushed down to the Jordan before the king.
18 They crossed the ford to bring the household of the king across
and to do what was pleasing in his eyes.
Shimei the son of Gera fell before the king as he was crossing the Jordan,
19 (1Sa 22:15) and he said to the king, "Do not regard me as guilty, my lord, or remember how your servant went astray the day when my lord the king
went out from Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart.
20 (2Sa 16:5) For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore, I have
come this day, first from all of the house of Joseph, to go down to meet
my lord the king."
21 (Ex 22:28; 1Sa 26:9) Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered,
"Shall not Shimei be put to death for this,
because he cursed the anointed of the Lord?"
22 (1Sa 11:13; 2Sa 16:10) David said, "What do you sons of Zeruiah
have against me that you should become an adversary to me today?
Should any man in Israel be put to death today?
For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?"
23 (1Ki 2:8-9; 2:37) The king said to Shimei, "You will not die."
The king gave him his oath.
24 Then Mephibosheth the son of Saul went down to meet the king.
He had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his mustache, nor washed
his clothes from the day the king left until the day he came back in peace.
25 (2Sa 16:17) When he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, the king
said to him, "Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?"
26 He said, "My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For your servant said,
'I will saddle the mule for myself in order to ride on
it and go with the king,' because your servant is lame.
27 (2Sa 14:17; 14:20) But he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Still my lord the king is as the angel of God, so do what seems best to you.
28 (2Sa 9:13; 9:10) For all my father's house were but dead men
before my lord the king. Yet you set your servant among those who eat
at your table. What right do I have to cry out any more to the king?"
29 The king said to him, "Why do you still speak of your affairs?
I say that you and Ziba shall divide the field."
30 Mephibosheth said to the king, "Let him even take everything,
since my lord the king has come safely to his house."

[9] And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered
us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land
for Absalom.
[10] And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?
[11] And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back
to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to
his house.
[12] Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?
[13] And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do
so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
[14] And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of
one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.
[15] So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to
go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.
[16] And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted
and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.
[17] And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the
servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants
with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.
[18] And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household,
and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before
the king, as he was come over Jordan;
[19] And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me,
neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that
my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.
[20] For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am
come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my
lord the king.
[21] But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be
put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?
[22] And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?
[23] Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.
[24] And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes,
from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.
[25] And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king,
that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me,
Mephibosheth?
[26] And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy
servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to
the king; because thy servant is lame.
[27] And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord
the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.
[28] For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table.
What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?
[29] And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters?
I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.
[30] And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch
as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

31 (1Ki 2:7) Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim
in order to see the king across the Jordan.
32 (1Sa 25:2) Barzillai was very old, eighty years old. But he sustained
the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man.
33 The king said to Barzillai, "Cross over with me and I will sustain you
with me in Jerusalem."
34 Barzillai said to the king, "How many days are left in my life that
I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
35 (2Sa 15:33; Ezr 2:65) I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what
is pleasant from what is harmful? Can your servant taste what I eat
and what I drink? Can I still hear the voices of men and women who sing?
Why, then, should your servant be a burden to my lord the king?
36 Your servant is merely crossing over the Jordan with the king.
Why should the king repay me with this reward?
37 (1Ki 2:7; Jer 41:17) Now allow your servant to return, that I may die
in my own city with the grave of my father and my mother.
But here is your servant Kimham. He will cross over with my lord the king.
Do for him what seems best to you."
38 The king said, "Kimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him
what seems best to you. Whatever you require of me, I will do for you."
39 (Ge 31:55; 47:7; Ru 1:14) All of the people crossed over the Jordan.
And when the king had crossed over, the king kissed Barzillai a
nd blessed him and he returned to his own place.
40 The king passed on to Gilgal, and Kimham went on with him;
all of the people of Judah and half of the people of Israel passed
on with the king.
41 (Jdg 8:1; 12:1) Now all of the men of Israel were coming to the king
and said to the king, "Why have our brothers, the men of Judah,
stolen you away and brought the king and his household across the Jordan,
and all of the men of David with him?"
42 (2Sa 19:12) All of the men of Judah answered the men of Israel,
"Because the king is our close relative. Why are you angry over this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king's expense? Has he given any gift to us?"
43 (2Sa 5:1; Gal 5:20) And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah
and said, "We have ten shares in the king. Therefore we also have more claim
on David than you. Why then did you treat us with contempt?
Were we not the first to advise bringing back our king?"
But the words of the men of Judah were harsher than the words
of the men of Israel.

[31] And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over
Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.
[32] Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.
[33] And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will
feed thee with me in Jerusalem.
[34] And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I
should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
[35] I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more
the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy
servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
[36] Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why
should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
[37] Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine
own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But
behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
[38] And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to
him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require
of me, that will I do for thee.
[39] And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over,
the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own
place.
[40] Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all
the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel. [41] And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have
brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over
Jordan?
[42] And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king
is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we
eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift?
[43] And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then
did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back
our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of
the men of Israel.

2 Samuel 20
Sheba Rebels Against David
1 (1Ki 12:16; Dt 13:13) There happened to be a worthless man there whose name was Sheba the son of Bikri, a Benjamite. He sounded the trumpet and said,
"We have no share in David,nor do we have an inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel."
2 So every man of Israel withdrew from following David and followed
after Sheba the son of Bikri, but the men of Judah stayed with their king,
from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem.
3 (2Sa 15:16; 16:21-22) When the king came to his house in Jerusalem,
he took the ten women, the concubines whom he had left to keep
watch over the house, and he placed them in custody. He provided
for them but did not go in to them. They were shut up until the day
of their deaths, living as in widowhood.
4 (2Sa 17:25; 19:13) Then the king said to Amasa, "Summon for me the men
of Judah in three days, then present yourself here."
5 (1Sa 13:8) So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he delayed beyond
the deadline determined for him.
6 (2Sa 11:11; 21:17) So David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son of Bikri
will cause more harm for us than Absalom. You take your lord's servants
and pursue after him. Otherwise, he will find fortified cities and escape
from our sight."
7 (2Sa 8:18; 1Ki 1:38) The men of Joab went out after him,
along with the Kerethites, the Pelethites, and all of the warriors;
and they went out from Jerusalem to pursue after Sheba the son of Bikri.
8 (2Sa 2:13; 3:30) When they were at the large stone which is in Gibeon,
Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was dressed in his battle armor,
and fastened on it was a belt with a sword in its sheath at the waist.
As he went forward, it fell out.
9 Joab said to Amasa, "Is it well with you, my brother?" and he took Amasa
by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
10 (2Sa 2:23; 3:27) Amasa was not on guard against the sword
in the hand of Joab, and he struck him in the midsection spilling
his entrails on the ground. He died without being struck a second time.
Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bikri.
11 (2Sa 20:13) Now one of the young men of Joab stood by him and said,
"Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab."
12 Now Amasa was wallowing in his own blood in the middle of the path.
When the man saw that all of the people stood still, he moved Amasa
from the path to the field and threw a covering over him,
when he observed that everyone who passed by would stop.
13 Once he removed him from the path, all of the men passed by,
following Joab in pursuit of Sheba the son of Bikri.
14 (2Ki 15:29) He passed through all of the tribes of Israel toward
Abel Beth Maakah, also passing by all of the Bikrites. Once assembled,
they also came after him.
15 (2Ki 19:32; Jer 32:24) They came and besieged him in Abel Beth Maakah.
They constructed a siege ramp against the city, standing it against
the rampart. As all of the people who were with Joab were battering
the city wall in order to bring it down,
16 (2Sa 14:2) a wise woman called from the city, "Listen! Listen! Say to Joab, 'Come closer so that I may speak with you.' "
17 When he came near, the woman said, "Are you Joab?" He said, "I am."
She said to him, "Listen to the words of your servant,"
and he said, "I'm listening."
18 She said, "In former times, they would say,
'Let them inquire carefully in Abel,' and thus they would resolve an issue.
19 (1Sa 26:19; 2Sa 21:3) I am a trustworthy and faithful one of Israel.
You are attempting to destroy a city, even a mother, in Israel.
Why do you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?"
20 Joab responded, "Far be it, far be it from me to swallow up or destroy.
21 That is not true. But a man from the hill country of Ephraim,
Sheba the son of Bikri by name, has lifted his hand against King David.
Only deliver him, and I will depart from the city."
And the woman said to Joab, "His head will be thrown to you over the wall."
22 (2Sa 20:1) The woman, with her wisdom, came to all of the people
in the city, and they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bikri.
When they threw it to Joab, he blew the horn, and they dispersed
from the city, each going to his own tent.
Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.

2 Samuel 20
[1] And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba,
the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.
[2] So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the
son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even
to Jerusalem.
[3] And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten
women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in
ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.
[4] Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.
[5] So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than
the set time which he had appointed him.
[6] And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.
[7] And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to
pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
[8] When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it
a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as
he went forth it fell out.
[9] And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took
Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
[10] But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he
smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother
pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.
[11] And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab,
and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.
[12] And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the
man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that
came by him stood still.
[13] When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after
Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
[14] And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Beth-maachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.
[15] And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maachah, and they cast
up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people
that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
[16] Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you,
unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.
[17] And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And
he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine
handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.
[18] Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying,
They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.
[19] I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou
seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up
the inheritance of the LORD?
[20] And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
[21] The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of
Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against
David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.
[22] Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.

David's Officials

23 (2Sa 8:16-18) Now Joab was over the entire army of Israel.
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites.
24 (1Ki 4:3; 12:18) Adoniram was over conscripted labor. Jehoshaphat
the son of Ahilud was secretary.
25 (2Sa 8:17; 1Ki 4:4) Sheva was scribe. Zadok and Abiathar were priests,
26 (2Sa 23:38) and also Ira the Jairite was priest to David.

[23] Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of
Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:
[24] And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:
[25] And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
[26] And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

2 Samuel 21

David Avenges the Gibeonites

1 (Ge 12:10; Nu 27:21) Now there was a famine in the days of David
for three years, year after year; and David called upon the Lord.
The Lord said, "There is blood guilt upon Saul and upon his house
because he put the Gibeonites to death."
2 So the king summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them.
Now the Gibeonites were not from the children of Israel.
Instead they were a remnant of the Amorites.
Although the children of Israel had made a pact with them,
Saul attempted to destroy them in his zeal for the people of Israel and Judah. 3 (2Sa 20:19; 1Sa 26:19) David said to the Gibeonites, "What must I do
for you, and with what may I appease you that you may bless the inheritance
of the Lord?"
4 The Gibeonites said to him, "We have no concern for silver or gold from Saul or his household, nor is it for us to put any man in Israel to death."
He said to them, "What are you saying I should do for you?"
5 (2Sa 21:1) They said to the king, "Regarding the man who put an end to us
and planned to exterminate us from the entire territory of Israel,
6 (1Sa 10:24; 10:26) let seven of his male descendants be handed over to us, and we will hang them before the Lord at Gibeah of Saul,
the chosen one of the Lord." The king said, "I will hand them over."
7 (1Sa 18:3; 20:8) But the king spared Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan,
the son of Saul on account of the oath of the Lord that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.
8 (1Sa 18:19; 2Sa 3:7) So the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter
of Aiah, Armoni and Mephibosheth, whom she had born to Saul,
and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she had born to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite.
9 (Ru 1:22) He delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites,
and they hanged them on the mountain before the Lord;
the seven of them fell together. They were put to death in the first days
of harvest, in the beginning of the barley harvest.
10 (Dt 21:23) Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it
for herself on the rock, from the beginning of the harvest until the rains poured on them from heaven. She did not allow the birds of the air to rest
on them by day nor the animals of the field by night.
11 When it was reported to David that which Rizpah the daughter of Aiah,
the concubine of Saul, had done,
12 (Jos 17:11; 1Sa 31:10-13) David went and took the bones of Saul
and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh Gilead
who had secretly taken them from the plaza in Beth Shan,
where the Philistines had hung them the day the Philistines
struck down Saul on Gilboa.
13 He brought up the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son
from there, and they gathered the bones of those who had been hanged.
14 (Jos 18:28; 2Sa 24:25) They interred the bones of Saul and Jonathan
his son in the land of Benjamin at Zela, in the tomb of Kish, his father.
They did everything that the king commanded.
After that God was entreated regarding the land.

[1] Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after
year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.
[2] And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the
Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.)
[3] Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of
the LORD?
[4] And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of
Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel.
And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you.
[5] And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts
of Israel,
[6] Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king
said, I will give them.
[7] But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD's oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.
[8] But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:
[9] And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest.
[10] And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her
upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them
out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.
[11] And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine
of Saul, had done.
[12] And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh-gilead, which had stolen them from the street of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa:
[13] And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of
Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged.
[14] And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country
of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they
performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for
the land.

Wars With the Philistines

1Ch 20:4-8

15 (2Sa 5:17; 5:22) Now once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. So David went down and his servants with him to fight
the Philistines, and David grew weary.
16 (2Sa 21:18; 21:20) Now Ishbi-Benob, who was among the descendants
of the giant and was girded with new weaponry, had a spear weighing
three hundred bronze shekels and had said that he would strike David down.
17 (2Sa 18:3; 1Ki 11:36) But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid.
He struck down the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David made
an oath with him, saying, "You shall no longer come out with us to battle,
so that you do not extinguish the lamp of Israel."
18 (1Ch 11:29; 2Sa 21:20) Now afterwards there was again a battle with
the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbekai the Hushathite struck down Saph,
who was among the descendants of the giant.
19 (1Ch 20:5) Once again, there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob.
On this occasion, -Elhanan the son of Jaare-Oregim the Bethlehemite
struck down Goliath the Gittite, whose spear shaft was like a weaver's beam.
20 (2Sa 21:16; 21:18) Once again, there was war at Gath. There was a man
of stature who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number. Now he also was born to the giant.
21 (1Sa 16:9; 17:10) When he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimeah,
the brother of David, struck him down.
22 (1Ch 20:8) Now these four were born to the giant in Gath,
and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.


[15] Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and
David waxed faint.
[16] And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of
whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being
girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
[17] But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go
no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.
[18] And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of
the sons of the giant.
[19] And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.
[20] And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature,
that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and
twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.
[21] And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of
David slew him.
[22] These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of
David, and by the hand of his servants.

1 CHRONICLES 20

Philistine Giants Killed
2Sa 21:15-22

4 (2Sa 21:18-22) Now after this, when war broke out in Gezer
with the Philistines, Sibbekai of Hushah killed Sippai,
who was one of the descendants of the giants, and they were humbled.
5 (2Sa 21:19) Again there was war with the Philistines, and Elhanan
the son of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath the Gittite,
the shaft of whose wooden spear was like a weaver's beam.
6 Yet again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature,
who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, 24 in number;
and he also was descended from the giants.
7 (1Sa 16:9; 1Ch 2:13) When he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David's brother, killed him.
8 These were descended from the giants in Gath,
and they fell by the hand of David and his servants.

[4] And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with
the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai,
that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.
[5] And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like
a weaver's beam.
[6] And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand,
and six on each foot: and he also was the son of the giant.
[7] But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother
slew him.
[8] These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand
of David, and by the hand of his servants.

2) Our Daily Bread for 17 May 2026 Titled <a href=" https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/deep-roots">
Deep Roots </a> by Patricia Raybon

Jeremiah 17:5-8

5 (2Ch 32:8; Isa 2:22) Thus says the Lord:
Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength,
and whose heart departs from the Lord.
6 (Dt 29:23; Jer 48:6) For he will be like a bush in the desert
and will not see when good comes,
but will inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
in a salt land and not inhabited.
7 (Ps 34:8; 2:12) Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
and whose hope is the Lord.
8 (Ps 1:3; Eze 47:12) For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters,
and that spreads out its roots by the river,
and shall not fear when heat comes,
but its leaf shall be green,
and it shall not be anxious in the year of drought,

[5] Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
[6] For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when
good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a
salt land and not inhabited.
[7] Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. [8] For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out
her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf
shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither
shall cease from yielding fruit.

As Douglas Kent, a landscape architect, toured a charred Los Angeles neighbourhood after the city's raging 2025 wildfires, he encountered a shocking surprise - trees, alive and green, right next to melted cars and burned buildings. Many of them bore lush palms and leaves, abundant fruit,
and strong trunks and branches. How?

After two consecutive rainy winters, the trees' roots had reached deep into the soil to draw moisture, carrying it to branches and leaves. In a fire,
they proved resistant.
"What I saw," said Kent, "was that if you were deep-rooted, you survived."

Our faith during the fiery trials of life can be like that. As we set our spiritual roots deep in Christ and His love, we become "like a tree planted
by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year
of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:8).

Jeremiah, who never minced words, warned that those who trust in "mere flesh" are "cursed" (v. 5). "That person will be like a bush in the wastelands;
they will not see prosperity when it comes." Instead, "they will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives" (vv. 5-6). How much better to trust in God! Well-watered by His sustaining love,
we thrive even in raging times, bearing spiritual fruit in Him.

Reflect & Pray

How deep are your roots in Christ? How can you trust Him during fiery trials?

Dear God, as the world seems to burn around
me, please remind me to trust in You.

<a href="https://reclaimtoday.org/happiness">
Learn how to move from a shallow life to the firm
foundation of your identity in Christ.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 1 - The Joy of Confessing Christ

Romans 10:9-10

9 (Lk 12:8; Php 2:11)that if you confess with your mouth
Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead, you will be saved,
10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness,
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation

[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Teena, a college freshman, has just committed her life to Christ,
but she was apprehensive about telling anyone - until Bill appeared
on the scene. He plunked his coffee cup down on the table and smiled.
"I heard something exciting happened to you yesterday, Teena"
"Yeah", Teena paused and looked around, as if seeking an escape route.
"I , uh, well, I did it"
"Did what?"
"Well, I, ah, gave my life to God."
"That's wonderful!" Bill exclaimed.
He was still talking with Teena and encouraging he in her decision
when Maria walked by.
"Maria!" Bill called. "Teena wants to tell you something!"
Teena gasped , open-mouthed, then stammered,
" I - I committed my life to Christ."
Maria , similarly enthuasiatic, encouraged Teena in her commitment,
and within half an hour Teena was stopping her friends to tell them,
"Guess what? I've become a Christian! I belng to Jesus now!"
Teena had already surrendered her heart to Christ.
But when she confessed her decision aloud to others,
the truth of that transformation was confirmed by her.
Many of us have been raised to believe that 'faith is a private matter',
not to be discussed in polite company. Yet Paul makes clear the connection between heart commitment and verbal confession. Just as my love for family
and friends deepens as I tell them I love them, so a person's love
for Christ is confirmed and stabilised
by speaking of that commitment to others.

Application

a) Have I been reluctant to tell others of my faith in Christ? Why?

b) What happens within me when I do tell others of my love for the Lord?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Mark 4:23-29

23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15) "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.
The measure you give will be measured for you,
and to you who hear will more be given.
25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.
And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."

The Parable of the Growing Seed

26 (Mt 13:24) He said, "The kingdom of God is like a man
who scatters seed on the ground.
27 (Ecc 11:5) He sleeps and rises night and day,
and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how.
28 For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade,
then the head, then the full seed in the head.
29 (Joel 3:13) But when the grain is ripe,
immediately he applies the sickle because the harvest has come."

23 "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. "
24 And he said unto them, "Take heed what ye hear:
with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you:
and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not,
from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should
cast seed into the ground;
27 and should sleep, and rise night and day,
and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade,
then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth,
immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."

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

God's Gift of Salvation

Ps 51:1-13

PSALMS 51

For the Music Director. A Psalm of David,
when Nathan the Prophet came to him,
after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to Your lovingkindness;
according to the abundance of Your compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For I acknowledge my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Against You, You only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified when You speak,
and You are blameless when You judge.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) You desire truth in the inward parts,
and in the hidden part You make me to know wisdom.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3 ) Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Make me to hear joy and gladness,
that the bones that You have broken may rejoice.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Hide Your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not cast me away from Your presence,
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
and uphold me with Your willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners will return to You.

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?)

Ontario

Quick facts on Muslims in Ontario

Ontario 2015 population 13 687 7000

est Muslim Population 1 001 542

CNMM Networks: Ottawa, Durham, York, Toronto, Mississauga, Halton, Hamilton,
Niagara, Kitchener, London, Windsor

Ontario has 55% of all of Canada's entire Muslim population. This means that the whole of the Muslim world is represented somewhere in this province. Most Muslims are understandably located along the southern border stretching
from Windsor eastward all the way up to Ottawa. Yet Muslims are constantly resettling in more and more suburban and even small towns of Ontario. Mosques are springing up, and where there are enough gathered, Islamic schools
are starting.
And they're not complacent, either. Many Islamic leaders are energetic in their advancement of Islam in Canadian society. Recently in the Niagara Region,
the local mosque distributed via Canada Post as many as 50000 full-colour brochures on Islam. An that mosque's Facebook page proudly show pictures of "reverts", or white Canadians who have converted to Islam as a result of receiving the flier and engaging with the mosque community. Another town reports Muslims going door-to-door evangelism.
Agree in prayer for:

- net network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.

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

17th Day of the Month

a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict and crimes

( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!

7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)

b) Pray for the province of Ontario

I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.

III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus

)

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord so that you can reflect Christ in
your home and marriage

Pray to the Lord and seek the Lord in every decision you make.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, as the world seems to burn around
me, please remind me to trust in You."

Pray to the Lord and pray to confess publicly that Jesus is Lord of your life.

Pray to the Lord and pray to be a bountiful repear in Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as Mercy.

Agree in prayer for Ontario:

- get network leaders - the need is great
- the development of network leadership teams
- good connections with local pastors, congregations and individuals
whom God is calling into this ministry.
- wisdom facilitating outreach and training activities for mobilising
believers
- new full and part-time workers among Muslims throughout all these areas
- for pastors and churches to respond not in fear, but full of faith and love
towards Muslims, sharing Jesus with them.

- 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 the safety of those who live in your community -
safety from conflict and crimes

Pray that Christians in <a href="https://www.vomcanada.com/cuba.htm">Cuba</a> will wisely yet courageously proclaim the Gospel online, not fearing retaliation.

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 ;
Go for the Double Arsenal and Vote LDem 7 May 2026 !
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