Day 350, 15 December 2024 - 22nd Day of Advent
Today at
Calvary Community
Church Today PAstor Doug Zieber spoke on Freedom in The Spirit - Perfect
Peace
Galatians 5:22-23
22 (Eph 5:9; Ro 7:4) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 (Ac 24:25; 1Ti 1:9) meekness, and self-control; against
such there is no law.
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering(patience),
gentleness(Kindness), goodness, faith(faithfulness),
[23] Meekness(Gentleness), temperance(self-control):
against such there is no law.
Isaiah 9:6
6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
[6] For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government
shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Peace with God
Colossians 1:19-20
19 (Jn 1:16; Col 2:9) For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness
should dwell,
20 (Eph 1:10; Ro 5:1) and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him,
having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say-whether
they are things in earth, or things in heaven.
[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to
reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in
earth, or things in heaven.
Romans 5:1
1 (Jn 14:27; Ro 4:5) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ:
Peace in our Hearts
Colossians 3:15
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God, to which also you are called
in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
[15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are
called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Peace in every circumstance
JOhn 16:33
33 (Jn 14:27; 1Jn 4:4; Jn 14:1) "I have told you these things so that in Me
you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good
cheer. I have overcome the world."
[33] These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In
the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome
the world.
How Can we have peace in every circumstance?
a) REalise Jesus is in the Hearts
Mark 4:37-40
37 A great wind storm arose, and the waves splashed into the boat,
so that it was now filling the boat.
38 He was in the stern asleep on a pillow. They woke Him and said,
"Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"
39 (Job 38:11; Ps 89:9) He rose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea,
"Peace, be still!" Then the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40 (Mt 14:31; Lk 8:25) He said to them, "Why are you so fearful?
How is that you have no faith?"
[37] And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the
ship, so that it was now full.
[38] And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they
awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
[39] And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be
still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
[40] And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no
faith?
b) Speak peace to my storm?
John 14:27
27 (Jn 16:33; Php 4:7; Col 3:15) Peace I leave with you.
My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
[27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid.
c) Peace is a spiritual weapon
Romans 16:20
20 (Ge 3:15; Ro 15:33) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
[20] And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
d) Prayer and Praise
Phillipians 4:6-7
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer
and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3
3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You.
[3] Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.
1) Hebrews 11 , 12, 13
Hebrews 11
Faith
1 (2Co 4:18; 5:7) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the men of old obtained a good report.
3 (Jn 1:3; Ro 4:17) By faith we understand that the universe was framed
by the word of God, so that things that are seen were not made
out of things which are visible.
4 (Mt 23:35; Heb 12:24) By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent
sacrifice than Cain offered. Through this he was approved as righteous,
with God testifying concerning his gifts. He still speaks through his
faith, though he is dead.
5 (2Ki 2:11; Jude 1:14) By faith Enoch was taken to heaven so that
he would not see death. He was not found, because God took him away.
For before he was taken, he had this commendation, that he pleased God.
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 (1Pe 3:20; Eze 14:14) By faith Noah, being divinely warned about things
not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to save his family,
by which he condemned the world
and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8 (Ge 12:1-4; 12:7) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out
into a place which he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out
not knowing where he was going.
9 (Ge 12:8; 18:9) By faith he dwelt in the promised land, as in a foreign
land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs of the same promise,
10 (Heb 12:22; 13:14) for he was looking for a city which has foundations,
whose builder and maker is God.
11 (Ge 18:11-14; Heb 10:23) By faith Sarah herself also received the ability
to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age,
because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
12 (Ge 22:17; 15:5; 32:12) Therefore from one man, who was as good as dead,
sprang so many, a multitude as the stars of the sky and innumerable
as the sand by the seashore.
13 (Ge 23:4; Ps 39:12) These all died in faith not having received
the promises, but having seen them from afar were assured of them,
embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
on the earth.
14 Those who say such things declare plainly that they are looking
for a homeland.
15 (Ge 24:6-8) And certainly, if they had been thinking of the country
out of which they came, they might have had the opportunity to return.
16 (Ex 3:6; 3:15) But they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared
a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac,
and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.
18 (Ge 21:12; Ro 9:7) Of him God said,
"Through Isaac shall your seed be named."(Ge 21:12.)
19 (Ro 4:17-21) He reasoned that God was able to raise him up,
even from the dead, from which he indeed received him in a figurative sense.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph
and worshipped while leaning on the top of his staff.
22 (Ex 13:19; Ge 50:24-25) By faith Joseph, when he was dying, mentioned the
exodus of the children of Israel and gave instructions concerning his bones.
23 (Ex 1:16; 1:22) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden by his
parents for three months, because they saw he was a beautiful child,
and they were not afraid of the king's command.
24 (Ex 2:10-11) By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called
the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
25 (Job 36:21; Ps 84:10) choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people
of God than to enjoy thepleasures of sin for a time.
26 (Heb 2:2; 10:35) He esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches than
the treasures in Egypt, for he looked to the reward.
27 (Heb 11:13; Ex 2:14-15) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath
of the king. He endured by looking to Him who is invisible.
28 (Ex 12:21-30) By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood,
lest the one who destroys the firstborn touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land,
which the Egyptians attempted to do, but were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled
for seven days.
31 (Jas 2:25; Jos 6:22-25; Mt 1:5) By faith the prostitute Rahab,
when she received the spies with peace, did not perish with
those who did not believe.
32 (1Sa 1:20; 16:1) And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to
tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
33 (Jdg 14:5-6) who through faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice,
obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 (Jdg 15:8; 1Ki 19:3) quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge
of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in fighting,
and turned the armies of foreign enemies to flight.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured
and did not accept deliverance,
so that they might obtain a better resurrection.
36 (Jer 20:2; Ge 39:20; 1Ki 22:27) Still others had trials of mocking
and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment.
37 (1Ki 19:10; 2Ch 24:21) They were stoned, they were sawn in two,
were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered around
in sheepskins and goatskins, while destitute, afflicted, and tormented.
38 (1Ki 18:4; 19:9) The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts
and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
39 (Heb 11:13; 11:2; 1Pe 1:12) These all have obtained a good report through
faith, but they did not receive the promise.
40 (Rev 6:11) For God provided something better for us, so that with us they
would be made perfect.
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of
God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by
which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his
gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
[5] By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not
found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had
this testimony, that he pleased God.
[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to
God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him.
[7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with
fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned
the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
[8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he
should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not
knowing whither he went.
[9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country,
dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same
promise:
[10] For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and
maker is God.
[11] Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and
was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him
faithful who had promised.
[12] Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as
the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore
innumerable.
[13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having
seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and
confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
[14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
[15] And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they
came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
[16] But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore
God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a
city.
[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had
received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
[18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
[19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from
whence also he received him in a figure.
[20] By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
[21] By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph;
and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
[22] By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the
children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
[23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents,
because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the
king's commandment.
[24] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son
of Pharaoh's daughter;
[25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to
enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
[26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in
Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
[27] By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he
endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
[28] Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest
he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
[29] By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the
Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
[30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed
about seven days.
[31] By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not,
when she had received the spies with peace.
[32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of
Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and
Samuel, and of the prophets:
[33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained
promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
[34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of
weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the
armies of the aliens.
[35] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were
tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better
resurrection:
[36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of
bonds and imprisonment:
[37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with
the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute,
afflicted, tormented;
[38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in
mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
[39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received
not the promise:
[40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us
should not be made perfect.
Hebrews 12
The Discipline of the Lord
1 Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
2 (Heb 1:3; Lk 24:26) Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising
the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 (Gal 6:9; Heb 12:5) For consider Him who endured such hostility
from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up.
4 (Heb 10:32-34) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed while striving
against sin.
5 (Pr 3:11-12) And you have forgotten the exhortation addressed
to you as sons:
"My son, do not despise the discipline from the Lord,
nor grow weary when you are rebuked by Him;
6 (Rev 3:19; Ps 119:75; Pr 3:12) for whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
and scourges every son whom He receives."
7 (Pr 13:24; 19:18) Endure discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons.
For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?
8 If you are without discipline, of which everyone has partaken,
then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
9 (Nu 16:22; 27:16) Furthermore, we have had human fathers,
and they corrected us, and we gave them reverence.
Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
10 (2Pe 1:4) For they indeed disciplined us for a short time according
to their own judgment, but He does so for our profit, that we may partake
of His holiness.
11 (Isa 32:17; Jas 3:17-18) Now no discipline seems to be joyful at the time,
but grievous. Yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness
in those who have been trained by it.
12 (Isa 35:3; Job 4:3-4) Therefore lift up your tired hands,
and strengthen your weak knees.
13 (Gal 6:1; Pr 4:26-27) Make straight paths for your feet,
lest that which is lame go out of joint, but rather be healed.
[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily
beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy
that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against
himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
[4] Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
[5] And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto
children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint
when thou art rebuked of him:
[6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he
receiveth.
[7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son
is he whom the father chasteneth not?
[8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are
ye bastards, and not sons.
[9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we
gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the
Father of spirits, and live?
[10] For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure;
but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
[11] Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto
them which are exercised thereby.
[12] Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
[13] And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be
turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Warning Against Rejecting God's Grace
14 (Ro 14:19; 2Co 7:1) Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness
without which no one will see the Lord,
15 (Gal 5:4; Heb 3:12; Dt 29:18) watching diligently so that no one falls
short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up
to cause trouble, and many become defiled by it,
16 (Heb 13:4; Ge 25:31-34) lest there be any sexually immoral
or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing,
he was rejected. For he found no place for repentance, though he sought
it diligently with tears.
18 (Dt 4:11; Ex 20:18) You have not come to a mountain that can be touched
and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and storm,
19 (Dt 18:16; 4:12) and to the sound of a trumpet and to a voice speaking
words, such that those who heard them begged that the word not be spoken
to them anymore.
20 (Ex 19:12-13) For they could not endure that which was commanded:
"If so much as a beast touches the mountain, it must be stoned
or thrust through with a spear."(Ex 19:12-13.)
21 (Ex 19:16) So terrible was the sight that Moses said,
"I am terrified and trembling."(Dt 9:19.)
22 (Gal 4:26; Ps 48:2) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city
of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable
company of angels;
23 (Lk 10:20; Ge 18:25) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn,
who are enrolled in heaven; to God, the Judge of all; and to the spirits
of the righteous ones made perfect;
24 (Ge 4:10; Heb 11:4; 8:6) and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant;
and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than that of Abel.
25 (Heb 8:5; 11:7) See that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if they
did not escape when they refused Him who spoke on earth,
much less shall we escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.
26 (Ex 19:18) At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has given us
a promise, saying, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth
but also heaven." (Hag 2:6.)
27 And this statement, "Yet once more," signifies the removal of those things
that can be shaken, things that are created, so that only those things
that cannot be shaken will remain.
28 (Da 2:44; Heb 13:15) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom
that cannot be moved, let us be gracious, by which we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
29 (Dt 4:24; 9:3) For our God is a consuming fire.
[14] Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see
the Lord:
[15] Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root
of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
[16] Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one
morsel of meat sold his birthright.
[17] For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the
blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he
sought it carefully with tears.
[18] For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that
burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
[19] And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they
that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
[20] (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as
a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a
dart:
[21] And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and
quake:)
[22] But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
[23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written
in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made
perfect,
[24] And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of
sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
[25] See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who
refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn
away from him that speaketh from heaven:
[26] Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet
once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
[27] And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things
that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot
be shaken may remain.
[28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have
grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
[29] For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 13
Service That Pleases God
1 (1Pe 1:22; 2:17) Let brotherly love continue.
2 (Mt 25:35; 1Pe 4:9) Do not forget to entertain strangers, for thereby some
have entertained angels unknowingly.
3 (Mt 25:36; Col 4:18) Remember those who are in chains, as if imprisoned
with them, and those who are ill treated, since you are also in the body.
4 (1Co 6:9; Gal 5:19) Marriage is to be honored among everyone,
and the bed undefiled. But God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
5 (Jos 1:5; Dt 31:6) Let your lives be without love of money,
and be content with the things you have. For He has said:
"I will never leave you,
nor forsake you."(Dt 31:6, 8; Jos 1:5.)
6 (Ps 56:4) So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?"(Ps 118:6.)
7 (Heb 13:17; 6:12; 13:24) Remember those who rule over you, who have
proclaimed to you the word of God. Follow their faith, considering
the results it has produced in their lives.
8 (Heb 1:12; Mal 3:6) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today,
and forever.
9 (Eph 4:14; 2Co 1:21) Do not be carried away
with diverse and strange doctrines. It is a good thing that the heart
be strengthened with grace, not with foods, which have not profited
those who have been occupied with them.
10 (1Co 9:13) We have an altar from which those who serve in the tabernacle
have no right to eat.
11 (Ex 29:14; Lev 16:27) For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood
is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest on account of sin,
are burned outside the camp.
12 (Ac 7:58; Eph 5:26) Therefore Jesus also, so that He might sanctify
the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
13 (Heb 11:26) Therefore let us go forth to Him outside the camp,
bearing the reproach that He bore.
14 (Heb 12:22; Mic 2:10) For here we have no continuing city,
but we seek one to come.
15 (Hos 14:2; Lev 7:12) Through Him, then, let us continually offer
to God the sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of our lips,
giving thanks to His name.
16 (Ro 12:13; Php 4:18) But do not forget to do good and to share.
For with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 (Ac 20:28; Heb 13:7) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch
over your souls as those who must give an account. Let them do this with joy
and not complaining, for that would not be profitable to you.
18 (1Th 5:25; Ac 23:1) Pray for us. For we trust that we have a good
conscience and in all things are willing to live honestly.
19 (Phm 1:22) But I implore you to pray,
that I may be restored to you very soon.
[1] Let brotherly love continue.
[2] Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares.
[3] Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which
suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
[4] Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers
and adulterers God will judge.
[5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such
things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake
thee.
[6] So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear
what man shall do unto me.
[7] Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the
word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
[8] Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
[9] Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good
thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have
not profited them that have been occupied therein.
[10] We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the
tabernacle.
[11] For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the
sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
[12] Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own
blood, suffered without the gate.
[13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his
reproach.
[14] For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God
continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
[16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices
God is well pleased.
[17] Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they
watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it
with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
[18] Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things
willing to live honestly.
[19] But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you
the sooner.
Benediction and Final Greetings
20 (Zec 9:11; Jn 10:11) Now may the God of peace, who through the blood
of the eternal covenant brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the Great Shepherd of the sheep,
21 (Php 2:13; 2Th 2:17) make you perfect in every good work to do His will,
working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 (1Pe 5:12; Heb 3:1) I implore you, brothers, to heed this word
of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
23 (1Th 3:2) Know that our brother Timothy has been set free,
with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.
24 (Heb 13:7; 13:17) Greet all those who rule over you and all the saints.
Those from Italy greet you.
25 (Col 4:18) Grace be with you all. Amen.
[20] Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant,
[21] Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that
which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory
for ever and ever. Amen.
[22] And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have
written a letter unto you in few words.
[23] Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he
come shortly, I will see you.
[24] Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They
of Italy salute you.
[25] Grace be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 December 2024 titled
Christmas Dilemma
A Grandma's Faith
2 Timothy 1:1-5
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; Eph 3:6) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 (1Ti 1:2; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the
promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
[2] To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Loyalty to the Gospel
3 (Ro 1:8-9; Ac 23:1) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my
forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 (2Ti 4:9; 4:21) greatly desiring to see you, remembering your tears,
that I may be filled with joy,
5 (Ac 16:1; 1Ti 1:5) remembering the genuine faith that first lived
in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded
lives in you also.
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that
without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be
filled with joy;
[5] When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am
persuaded that in thee also.
We were seated around the dinner table when my nine-year-old grandson said
with a smile, "I'm just like Grandma. I love to read!" His words brought joy
to my heart. I thought back to the year before when he'd been sick and stayed
home from school. After he took a long nap, we sat together side by side
reading. I was happy to be passing along the legacy of loving books
that I'd received from my mother.
But that's not the most important legacy I want to pass on to my
grandchildren. I pray the legacy of faith I received from my parents and
sought to pass on to my children will also help my grandchildren in their
journey toward faith.
Timothy had the legacy of a godly mother and grandmother-and a spiritual
mentor, the apostle Paul. The apostle wrote, "I am reminded of your sincere
faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice
and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also" (2 Timothy 1:5).
We may think our lives haven’t been positive enough to be a good example
for others. Maybe the legacy passed down to us wasn’t a good one. But it's
never too late to build a legacy of faith into our children, grandchildren,
or any child's life. Through God's help, we plant seeds of faith. He's the
one who makes faith grow (1 Corinthians 3:6-9).
By: Alyson Kieda
Reflect & Pray
What kind of spiritual inheritance did you receive?
How can you build a legacy of faith?
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me to You.
Please help me to be a godly example to others.
For further study, read Walk with Me: Traveling with Jesus and Others on Life's Road.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 1 - Sin Universal
Romans 3:23-24
23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
24 (Ro 4:16; Col 1:14) being justified freely by His grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption
that is in Christ Jesus:
A distinguished middle-aged man stood trembling before his church
to give his testimony. Years before, in the grip of a mental illness
that nearly destroyed his life, he had taken the life of his own daughter
and tried to kill himself. But he did not die; tried and convicted, he
spent years in prison, and even longer in the prison of his own guilt.
After the service, a young woman walked up to him and simply said,
"Thank you for sharing. I've sinned, too."
We've all sinned, too - lest we forget or rationalise, the Bible reminds
us in no uncertain terms. And the writer of these verses was no stranger
to sin: he was the Pharisee, the holier-than-thou religious leader
who officiated at the stoning death of Stephen. He was the Jew who had
scattered and killed the followers of this heretic called Christ. He
thought he was righteous while he murdered God's people.
Christians tends to establish a "hierarchy" of sin - sexual sin is "worse"
than pride: murder is "more horrible" than slander. Yet the Bible gives
no indication that god acknowledges our hierarchy. Sin is sin; all have
sinned, and if we are guilty at one point, we are guilty of all.
Rather than rationalise our individual sins as being "less bad"
than someone else's, we need to openly confess our dilemma as sinners
and turn to God for his remedy. We cannot and do not need to earn or
deserve that grace - it is a gift from God.
Application
a) Have I ever compared my sin with someone else's in order
to make myself fell like a better person? Why is such
comparison not a valid remedy for sin?
b) Why do I need to acknowledge my sin honestly before I can
receive justification?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Deut 30:19-20
19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Ps 103:1-14
PSALMS 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8–9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:
And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
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 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, that God's Spirit would influence
them 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.
)
Advent day 22
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"Most of my books are evangelistic, addressed to [those outside the faith].
It would have been inept to preach forgiveness and a Saviour to those who
did not know they were in need of either." - C. S. Lewis
(From "Rejoinder to Dr. Pittenger," God in the Dock, p. 181.)
The Saviour
The name Jesus means "Yahweh saves." His name is his mission. He has come to
save us. To say that he is Jesus is to say that he is the Savior, the Evangel,
the Good News. Other characters in sacred history carried this name before
Jesus of Nazareth, although in a different form,
like Joshua, Hosea and Hoshea.
Lewis was very much concerned about the Good News. He once wrote, "Most of my
books are evangelistic." The word "evangelistic" contains within it the word
"evangel," which means, literally, "good news." In another place, Lewis stated
that the best work he could do was to explain the Christian faith to those on
the outside. He compared his work to that of a translator, a person who takes
words in one language and translates them into another language. Lewis tried
to translate biblical ideas into the language of the ordinary person. Some of
his books translated the good news, others smuggled that news under the cover
of fantasy. Still other writings of his spoke very directly. That you are
reading these words is a testimony to his success.
More important than Lewis' success and fame, however, is the success of his
evangelistic purpose. When we trust in this Jesus for the forgiveness of our
sins, we have what he came to give-eternal life.
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. And give me your Spirit
to speak that same word to others. Amen.
"She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
Matt. 1:21
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The Covenant Promise
to perform the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant,
-Luke 1:72
How pertinent it is that on this last Sunday of Advent we read the beautiful
song of Zechariah, in which he proclaims the marvelous news about God raising
up a Saviour and predicts that his son John will be a prophet of the Most
High. We will highlight the first component today and the second tomorrow.
How grateful we are that God fulfilled his promises to Abraham
and to others that he would save them from their enemies!
Not only does Zechariah review those covenant pledges, but he proceeds to
encourage all of us who note this completion that now we can serve our God
"without fear" and "in holiness and righteousness" for the rest of our lives.
What a freedom God's mercy and holy covenant bestow upon us! No matter what
"enemies" hate us, our Mighty Savior liberates us in his celestial purity
to advance what God is doing.
Prayer
Thank you, God, that the coming of the Promised One enables
us to serve you in holiness. Amen.
Read Luke 1:67-79.
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us,
72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant,
73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,
74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
might serve Him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ANXIETIES!
Lift up your heads, O you gates;
and be lifted up, you everlasting doors,
that the King of glory may enter. PSALM 24:7
Today's Scripture reminds me again that Advent is an ongoing journey
of UH-OHs and AH-HAs in our lives. Someone once quipped that
'If you like bungee-jumping, you'll love Advent!" How true. how true!
Psalm 24 brings out the anxieties of life. but only if we read it as
something that we got to do rather than something that we get to do.
We are asked, 'Who will the Lord come to lift up, to save ?" And we are told.
"Those who have clear hands and pure hearts." Well, that leaves me out.
Wow. what an UH-OH moment!
But there's more ... lots more. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said. 'A prison
cell, in which one waits, hopes and is completely depended on the fact
that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad
picture of Advent!" And that's what the psalmist is talking about!
Lift up our heads, we are told, because the King of Glory. Jesus Christ
himself, is coming! The door to life has been opened . .. from the outside
And so we do lift up our heads, as we also lift up other people.
Once again, today. the UH-OH anxieties of life have been overcome
by the AH-HAs of Advent! The prison door is open . . . come and see
the Empty Tomb!
Lord, continue to lift us up in the midst of our own anxieties
Send your Spirit to calm us, cleanse us and cuddle us in your Word.
And as you do, empower us to lift others up as well.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Psalm 24
Psalms 24
A Psalm of David.
1 The earth belongs to the Lord, and its fullness,
the world, and those who dwell in it.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For He has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the floods.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may stand in His holy place?
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He who has clean hands and a pure heart;
who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity,
nor sworn deceitfully.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) He will receive the blessing from the Lord,
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
who seek Your face. Selah
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Lift up your heads, O you gates;
and be lifted up, you everlasting doors,
that the King of glory may enter.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Lift up your heads, O you gates;
lift up, you everlasting doors,
that the King of glory may enter.
10) Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Who is He-this King of glory?
The Lord of Hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah
From
On Eagle's wings Day 15
Sharing A Gift
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Praise Him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise Him with stringed instruments and flute!
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
[4] Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed
instruments and organs.
[6] Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 150:4 & 6 (NRSV)
Her name is Jayda and she was twelve years old that summer we
visited her community to teach Bible Camp. She was a quiet girl
with a sweet smile that we caught glimpses of every once in a
while. The younger children looked up to her and she was patient
and kind to them. Some children are willing to share much of their
lives with us. Jayda kept things to herself, so we were surprised
when she asked if she could bring her fiddle to play at our "End of
the Week Celebration Picnic".
It was a perfect evening as we headed up to Jackfish Lake with
children and parents and every kind of picnic food imaginable.
Swimming and canoeing were the main activities of the evening.
As the feasting was coming to an end and most of us were just
relaxing around the fire, Jayda asked if she could play her fiddle.
As the sweet music began to flow, the quiet girl we knew so little
about became a bold and talented musician sharing her music with
us. God had given her a special gift and she was not shy about
using it.
God gives to each one of us special gifts. Like Jayda, we must be
bold in using our talents in his service. He sent his Son as the
greatest gift of all and during this Advent time we must share that
good news. So, just as the angels sang at Jesus' birth and the
shepherds ran to tell the news; we need to continue to tell that story
today. Jesus is born! Glory to God in the highest!
God of creation, not only have you given us the gift of your Son
but you have given us many gifts to share with each other. May
we use them to ever praise your holy name. Amen
Written by Suzanne Miller, Camp Hill, PA, 2013
On Eagle's Wings Volunteer
Conclusion:
Pray to know Him as The Lord of Peace.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who can save your soul.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me to You.
Please help me to be a godly example to others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as Redeemer of sins.
Pray to the Lord and pray to cleave to the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord's forgiveness and lovingkindness.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. And give me your Spirit to speak that
same word to others. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, God, that the coming of the Promised One enables
us to serve you in holiness. Amen.
Pray: Lord, continue to lift us up in the midst of our own anxieties
Send your Spirit to calm us, cleanse us and cuddle us in your Word.
And as you do, empower us to lift others up as well.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
God of creation, not only have you given us the gift of your Son
but you have given us many gifts to share with each other. May
we use them to ever praise your holy name. Amen
Christ is the reason for the season
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.