Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Day 331, 27 November 2022



Today at Calvary Community

Church , Pastor Barry Regier spoke on is The Good, REally Good?



Basis for Scripture Phillipians 3:1-9



Philippians 3



The True Righteousness



1 (Php 4:4; 1Th 5:16) Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write

the same things to you is no trouble to me, and it is reassuring for you.

[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to

you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.



Express your faith, Blessed Repentance



2 (2Co 11:13; Gal 5:15) Watch out for dogs, watch out for evil workers,

watch out for those who practice mutilation.

[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.



Beware of the not good, the legalistic



3 (Col 2:11; Jude 1:20) For we are the circumcision who worship

God in the Spirit, and boast in Christ Jesus, and place no trust in the flesh,

[3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and

rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.



{Faith in Jesus}



4 though I also have confidence in the flesh.

If any other man thinks that he has reason to trust in the flesh, I have more:

[4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man

thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 (2Co 11:22; Ro 11:1; Ac 23:6) I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock

of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew of Hebrews; as concerning

the law, a Pharisee;

[5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of

Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 (Ac 8:3; 22:3-4) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; and concerning

the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

[6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness

which is in the law, blameless.



Are we trapped in that thinking? NOt the right Understanding.

YOu will never be able to win his favour!



7 (Lk 14:33) But what things were gain to me, I have counted these things

to be loss for the sake of Christ.

[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.



8 (Jn 17:3; 2Pe 1:3) Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss

for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom

I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that

I may gain Christ,

[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the

knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all

things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,



9 (1Co 1:30; Php 3:6; Isa 53:11) and be found in Him, not having my own

righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith

in Christ, (Or through the faith of Christ.) the righteousness which is of God

on the basis of faith,

[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the

law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which

is of God by faith:



What is good?

From all have sinned (Romans 6:23)



Romans 10:4

4 (Gal 3:24) Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness

for every one who believes.

[4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that

believeth.



2 Cor 5:21

21 (Ro 1:17; 1Co 1:30) God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we

might become the righteousness of God in Him.

[21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might

be made the righteousness of God in him.





1)2 Corinthians 2:5 - 6:13



Forgiveness for the Offender



5 (Gal 4:12) But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me,

but to some extent all of you, not to put it too severely.

6 (1Co 5:4-5)This punishment which was inflicted by many

on such a man is sufficient.

7 (Eph 4:32) So on the contrary, you ought to forgive him

and comfort him, lest perhaps he might be swallowed up

with excessive sorrow.

8 Therefore I ask you to confirm your love toward him.

9 (2Co 10:6; Php 2:22) For to this end I also wrote,

so that I might know that you are proving yourselves

by whether you are being obedient in all things.

10 (1Co 5:4) Whomever you forgive anything, I also forgive.

For if I forgave someone anything, for your sakes I forgave

it in Christ,

11 (1Pe 5:8; Lk 22:31) lest Satan should take advantage of us.

For we are not ignorant of his devices.



[5] But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that

I may not overcharge you all.

[6] Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of

many.

[7] So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him,

lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

[8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

[9] For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you,

whether ye be obedient in all things.

[10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any

thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of

Christ;

[11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of

his devices.



Paul's Anxiety in Troas



12 (Ac 14:27; 16:8) Furthermore, when I came to Troas

to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,

13 (2Co 7:5-6; 12:18) I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find

Titus my brother. So taking my leave of them, I went from there

into Macedonia.

14 (SS 1:3; 2Co 8:16) Now thanks be to God who always causes

us to triumph in Christ and through us reveals the fragrance

of His knowledge in every place.

15 (1Co 1:18; Eze 20:41) For we are to God a sweet fragrance

of Christ among those who are saved and among those who perish.

16 (Lk 2:34; Jn 9:39) To the one we are the fragrance of death,

which brings death, and to the other the fragrance of life,

which brings life. Who is sufficient for these things?

17 (2Co 4:2; 1:12) For we are not as many are who peddle

the word of God. Instead, being sent by God, we sincerely speak

in Christ in the sight of God.



[12] Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door

was opened unto me of the Lord,

[13] I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but

taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

[14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,

and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

[15] For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved,

and in them that perish:

[16] To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the

savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

[17] For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of

sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.



2 Corinthians 3



Ministers of the New Covenant



1 (Ac 18:27; 2Co 5:12) Do we begin again to commend ourselves?

Or do we need, as some others, letters of commendation to you,

or letters of commendation from you?

2 You are our letter written in our hearts, known and read by all men.

3 (Ex 24:12; Jer 31:33) For you are prominently declared to be

the letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink

but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone

but on human tablets of the heart.

4 (Eph 3:12) We have such trust through Christ toward God,

5 (1Co 15:10) not that we are sufficient in ourselves to take credit

for anything of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,

6 (Lk 22:20; Jn 6:63) who has made us able ministers of the new covenant,

not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills,

but the Spirit gives life.

7 (Ex 24:12; 31:18) If the ministry that brought death, written

and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel

could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory

of his countenance, the glory which was to fade away,

8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

9 (Heb 12:18-21; Ro 3:21-22) For if the ministry of condemnation

is glorious, the ministry of righteousness much more exceeds

it in glory.

10 Even that which was made glorious had no glory in comparison

to the glory that excels.

11 For if that which fades was glorious, that which remains

is much more glorious.

12 (2Co 7:4; Ac 4:13) Seeing then that we have such hope,

we speak with great boldness,

13 (Ex 34:33-35; 2Co 3:7) not as Moses, who put a veil over his face,

so that the children of Israel could not look intently at the end

of what was fading away.

14 (Ac 13:15; Ro 11:25) Instead, their minds were blinded.

For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the

reading of the old covenant, the veil which was done away

with in Christ.

15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is in their hearts.

16 (Ex 34:34; Isa 25:7) Nevertheless when anyone turns to the Lord,

the veil is removed.

17 (Gal 4:6; Jn 8:32) Now the Lord is the Spirit.

And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

18 (Ro 8:29; 1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:4) But we all, seeing the glory

of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror,

are being transformed into the same image from glory

to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.



[1] Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others,

epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

[2] Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

[3] Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ

ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living

God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

[4] And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

[5] Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of

ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

[6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the

letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth

life.

[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was

glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the

face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done

away:

[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the

ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by

reason of the glory that excelleth.

[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which

remaineth is glorious.

[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

[13] And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of

Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

[14] But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same

vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done

away in Christ.

[15] But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their

heart.

[16] Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken

away.

[17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there

is liberty.

[18] But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the

Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the

Spirit of the Lord.





2 Corinthians 4



Treasure in Earthen Vessels



1 (1Co 7:25; 2Co 3:6) Therefore, since we have this ministry

through the mercy we have received, we do not lose heart.

2 (2Co 2:17; 5:11) But we have renounced the secret things of shame,

not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully,

but by expressing the truth and commending ourselves to every man's

conscience in the sight of God.

3 (1Co 1:18; 2Co 3:14) But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden

to those who are lost.

4 (2Co 4:6; Jn 12:31; Heb 1:3) The god of this world has blinded

the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious

gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

5 (1Co 1:23; 2Co 1:24) For we do not preach ourselves,

but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants

for Jesus' sake.

6 (Ge 1:3; 2Pe 1:19) For God, who commanded the light to shine

out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light

of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 (2Co 5:1; La 4:2) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,

the excellency of the power being from God and not from ourselves.

8 (2Co 7:5) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;

we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 (Heb 13:5) persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 (Ro 6:5; 2Co 1:5) and always carrying around in the body the death

of the Lord Jesus, that also the life of Jesus might be expressed

in our bodies.

11 (Ro 8:36) For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake,

that also the life of Jesus might be manifested in our mortal flesh.

12 (2Co 13:9) So then, death works in us, but life in you.

13 (Ps 116:10; 1Co 12:9) We have the same spirit of faith.

As it is written, "I believed, and therefore I have spoken."

(Ps 116:10, LXX (Septuagint).) So we also believe and therefore speak,

14 (1Th 4:14; Eph 5:27) knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus

will also raise us through Jesus and will present us with you.

15 (2Co 1:11; Ro 8:28) All these things are for your sakes,

so that the abundant grace through the thanksgiving

of many might overflow to the glory of God.



[1] Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we

faint not;

[2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in

craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation

of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of

God.

[3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which

believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the

image of God, should shine unto them.

[5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves

your servants for Jesus' sake.

[6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined

in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the

face of Jesus Christ.

[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the

power may be of God, and not of us.

[8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but

not in despair;

[9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

[10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the

life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

[11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that

the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

[12] So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

[13] We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I

believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

[14] Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also

by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

[15] For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might

through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.



Living by Faith



16 (Ro 7:22; Isa 40:31) For this reason we do not lose heart:

Even though our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man

is being renewed day by day.

17 (Ro 8:18; 1Pe 5:10) Our light affliction, which lasts

but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding

and eternal weight of glory,

18 (Heb 11:1; 2Co 5:7) while we do not look at the things

which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.

For the things which are seen are temporal,

but the things which are not seen are eternal.



[16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet

the inward man is renewed day by day.

[17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a

far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

[18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which

are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things

which are not seen are eternal.



2 Corinthians 5



1 (2Co 4:7; 2Pe 1:13-14) We know that if our earthly house, this tent,

were to be destroyed, we have an eternal building of God in the heavens,

a house not made with hands.

2 (Ro 8:23; 1Co 15:53-54) In this one we groan, earnestly desiring to be

sheltered with our house which is from heaven.

3 Thus being sheltered, we shall not be found unsheltered.

4 (1Co 15:53-54) For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened,

not because we wish to be unclothed, but to be further clothed,

so that what is mortal might be swallowed up by life.

5 (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22) Now He who has created us for this very thing is God,

who also has given to us the guarantee of the Spirit.

6 (Heb 11:13) Therefore we are always confident, knowing that while we are

at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.

7 (1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:18) For we walk by faith, not by sight.

8 Instead, I say that we are confident and willing to be absent from the body

and to be present with the Lord.

9 So whether present or absent, we labor that we may be accepted by Him.

10 (Mt 16:27; Ac 10:42) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of

Christ, that each one may receive his recompense in the body, according

to what he has done, whether it was good or bad.



[1] For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved,

we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the

heavens.

[2] For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our

house which is from heaven:

[3] If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

[4] For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for

that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be

swallowed up of life.

[5] Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath

given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

[6] Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home

in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

[7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

[8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body,

and to be present with the Lord.

[9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted

of him.

[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every

one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,

whether it be good or bad.



The Ministry of Reconciliation



11 (Heb 10:31; Jude 1:23) Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord,

we persuade men. But we are revealed to God, and I trust we are also

revealed in your consciences.

12 (2Co 1:14; 3:1) For we are not commending ourselves again to you.

Instead, we give you occasion to boast on our behalf, that you may

have something to answer those who boast in appearance and not in heart.

13 (2Co 11:1; 11:16-17) If we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are

in our right mind, it is for you.

14 (Ro 5:15) For the love of Christ constrains us, because we thus judge:

that if one died for all, then all have died.

15 (Ro 14:7-9) And He died for all, that those who live should not from

now on live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

16 (Php 3:7-8) So from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh.

Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we do not

regard Him as such from now on.

17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,

he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have

become new.

18 (Ro 5:10-11; 1Jn 2:2) All this is from God, who has reconciled us to

Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of

reconciliation,

19 (Isa 43:25; Mt 1:23) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world

to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the

message of reconciliation.

20 (2Co 6:1; Eph 6:20) So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God

were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ's stead: Be reconciled to

God.

21 (Ro 1:17; 1Co 1:30) God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we

might become the righteousness of God in Him.



[11] Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are

made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your

consciences.

[12] For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to

glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in

appearance, and not in heart.

[13] For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be

sober, it is for your cause.

[14] For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if

one died for all, then were all dead:

[15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth

live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

[16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we

have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are

passed away; behold, all things are become new.

[18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus

Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

[19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not

imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of

reconciliation.

[20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you

by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

[21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might

be made the righteousness of God in him.



2 Corinthians 6



1 (1Co 3:9; Heb 12:15) As workers together with God, we ask you not to receive

the grace of God in vain.

2 (Isa 49:8; Lk 4:19) For He says:

"In an acceptable time I have listened to you,

and in the day of salvation I have helped you." (Isa 49:8.)

Look, now is the accepted time; look, now is the day of salvation.

3 (1Co 9:12; Ro 14:13) We give no offense in anything, that our service may

not be blamed.

4 (1Co 3:5; 2Co 3:6) But in all things we commend ourselves as servants

of God: in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distress,

5 (2Co 11:23-25; Ac 17:5) in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors,

in sleeplessness, and in hunger;

6 (Ro 12:9; 2Co 11:6) by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness,

by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love,

7 (2Co 4:2; Eph 1:13) by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour

of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8 (Mt 27:63; Ro 3:8) by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report;

as deceivers, and yet true;

9 (Ro 8:36; 1Co 4:9) as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and look, we

live; as punished, but not killed;

10 (Jn 16:22; 2Co 8:9) as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making

many rich; and as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11 (Ps 119:32; 2Co 12:15) O Corinthians, we have spoken frankly to you;

our heart is opened wide.

12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own

affections.

13 In return (I speak as to my children) you also be open.



[1] We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive

not the grace of God in vain.

[2] (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of

salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold,

now is the day of salvation.)

[3] Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

[4] But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much

patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

[5] In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in

fastings;

[6] By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy

Ghost, by love unfeigned,

[7] By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of

righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

[8] By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers,

and yet true;

[9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as

chastened, and not killed;

[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as

having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

[11] O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

[12] Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

[13] Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye

also enlarged.



2) Our Daily Bread for 26 November 2022



Entitled "So Beautiful"



Ephesians 2:1-10



Ephesians 2



From Death to Life



1 (Col 2:13; Lk 15:24) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,

2 (Jn 12:31; Eph 6:12; 2:3) in which you formerly walked according

to the age of this world and according to the prince of the power of the air,

the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

3 (Gal 2:15-16; Ps 51:5) among them we all also once lived in the lusts

of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind,

and we were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

4 (Ro 2:4; Eph 1:7) But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love

with which He loved us,

5 (Eph 2:1; Ac 15:11; Eph 2:8) even when we were dead in sins, made us alive

together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

6 (Eph 1:3) and He raised us up and seated us together in the heavenly places

in Christ Jesus,

7 (Titus 3:4; Eph 2:4) so that in the coming ages He might show

the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 (Eph 2:5; Mk 16:16) For by grace you have been saved through faith,

and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God,

9 (2Ti 1:9; Ro 3:20) not of works, so that no one should boast.

10 (Eph 4:24; 2Co 5:17; Eph 1:4) For we are His workmanship, created

in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,

so that we should walk in them.



[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,

according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts

of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were

by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly

places in Christ Jesus:

[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace

in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it

is the gift of God:

[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,

which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.



I was very young when I peered through a hospital nursery window and saw a

newborn for the first time. In my ignorance, I was dismayed to see a tiny,

wrinkly child with a hairless, cone-shaped head. The baby's mother standing

near us, however, couldn't stop asking everyone, "Isn't he gorgeous?" I was

reminded of that moment when I saw a video of a young dad tenderly singing

the song, "You Are So Beautiful" to his baby girl. To her enraptured daddy,

the little girl was the most beautiful thing ever created.



Is that how God looks at us? Ephesians 2:10 says that we're His "handiwork"-

His masterpiece. Aware of our own failings, it may be hard for us to accept

how much He loves us or to believe that we could ever be of value to Him. But

God doesn't love us because we deserve love (vv. 3-4); He loves us because He

is love (1 John 4:8). His love is one of grace, and He showed the depth of it

when, through Jesus' sacrifice, He made us alive in Him when we were dead in

our sins (Ephesians 2:5, .



God's love isn't fickle. It's constant. He loves the imperfect, the broken,

those who are weak and those who mess up. When we fall, He's there to lift

us up. We're His treasure, and we're so beautiful to Him.



By: Cindy Hess Kasper



Reflect & Pray



What does it mean to know that "God is love"? How can you accept

the truth of God’s endless love for you when you feel undeserving of it?



Precious Father, thank You for Your love for me.





For further study, read How God Loves Us.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 1 Hard Bargain



Mark 11:24



24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray,

believe that you will receive them, and you will have them.



24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,

believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.



"I've been praying." Jennifer declared confidently. " I told God I'd give him

a tithe of that $5000000 when I win the sweepstakes."

Her friend Cindi laughed. "Well, then, you don't have a chance. I told him

I'd give him half!"

Can we, as in Mark 11:24 seems to imply , pray for anything, absolutely

anything, and expect that the Lord will come through? Can we pray with

assurance for new cars, mink coats, or trips to the Caribbean? The verse

seems to be a troublesome one, especially when we try it and our prayers

aren't answered in the way we expected.

But seen in context, Mark 11:24 gives us a much broader picture of the

kind of prayer Jesus meant. The verse appears in the framework of

Jesus' ministry - cleansing the temple, correcting the Pharisees,

commanding forgiveness, discussing his authority. The condition for

the fulfillment of Mark 11:24, if Jesus' actions are any indication,

is fulfilling the will and purpose of God.

Such a condition for powerful prayers involves much more than attaching

am "If it be Thy will" clause onto the end of our prayers. We need to know

God's will and walk in it, seeking his kingdom first, and drawing close to

him. Then , as our hearts are right with him, what we ask in prayer

is likely to be congruent with the mind and purposes of Christ. We are

less likely to pray selfishly, and more likely to share God's priorities,

as we get to know him. And as we deepen in our knowledge of him,

as his will becomes our will, his promise for answered prayer takes

on new dimensions.



Application



a) What is the connection betweeen know God's will and praying effectively?



b) What changes need to take place in my life

so that I might pray with greater power?



c) What does it mean in practical terms to know that "Our God reigns"?



4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland



Deut 28:11



11 (Dt 28:4; 30:9) The Lord will make you overflow in prosperity,

in the offspring of your body, in the offspring of your livestock,

and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore

to your fathers to give you.



11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body,

and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land

which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.



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



When you are lonely



1 John 4:16b-18



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

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

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

so are we in this world.

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

but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

Whoever fears is not perfect in love.



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

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness

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

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

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



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 2021 edition?)



Newfoundland & Labrador



Total population 527000

Muslim population (est.) 2065



As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us

for God's people to come together in prayer

and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.



St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which

may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,

The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986

to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.

A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to

other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began

to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number

of international students also join the community annually

ranging from 25 to 60.



In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200

families and many university students attending Memorial University. A

small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic

faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".

With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space

in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.



Pray for



- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims

in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.

- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding

Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.

- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim

students on the university, college and trade school campuses.



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



Day 27 of the Month



a) Pray that God's Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to

hold to wrong opinions of Christ and His Salvation.



(



2 Cor 10:4-5



4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,

5 casting down imaginations and every high thing

that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,

bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,



4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,

but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing

that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;



)



b) Pray that the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who

are lost to seek Him and to seek The Truth.



Advent Day 1



From C.S. Lewis a Grand Miracle



The Christian story is precisely the story of one grand

miracle, the Christian assertion being that what is beyond all

space and time, what is uncreated, eternal, came into nature,

into human nature, descended into His own universe, and rose

again, bringing nature up with Him. It is precisely one great

miracle. If you take that away there is nothing specifically

Christian left." C. S. Lewis

(Read this arid more in "The Grand Miracle", God in the Dock, p. 80.)

One Grand Miracle

C. S. Lewis loved the story of the birth of Christ. In fact, he argued

that the one Grand Miracle of Christianity is not the Crucifixion

or the Resurrection, but Christ's birth. He saw every other miracle

of Scripture as preparing for, demonstrating, or resulting from, the

Incarnation

What exactly is a miracle? Lewis calls it "an interference with

Nature by supernatural power." Thank God, he does interfere in our

world I Left to our own instincts, we go our own way. God became

one of us because he yearns to make us one with him. That's why

God has been miraculously interfering for millennia. Just for starters,

think of Abraham and Sarah becoming parents late in life,

the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, or the rescue of Daniel from the

lions. Perhaps you have experienced a miracle in your own life.

But none of these, remarkable though they were, is as important

as the Incarnation

We Christians believe that God is real--Christ is in us, the Holy

Spirit has been poured out on us. But God remains hidden in these

miracles. With the birth of Jesus, God became visible in a tiny body

for a mother to hold, for shepherds to admire, for magi to worship.

He himself was the miracles Jesus said, "Anyone who has seen me

has seen the Father"(John ] 4:9). The Word became flesh. He became

one of us his Grand Miracles

Let us--who recognize the Miracle--bow the knee.

Lord, give us a new appreciation of the Grand Miracle, your

coming [o Earth, this Advent season. .Amen.



From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



John 1:14



From C.S. Lewis a Grand Miracle





The Christian story is precisely the story of one grand

miracle, the Christian assertion being that what is beyond all

space and time, what is uncreated, eternal, came into nature,

into human nature, descended into His own universe, and rose

again, bringing nature up with Him. It is precisely one great

miracle. If you take that away there is nothing specifically

Christian left." C. S. Lewis

(Read this arid more in "The Grand Miracle", God in the Dock, p. 80.)

One Grand Miracle

C. S. Lewis loved the story of the birth of Christ. In fact, he argued

that the one Grand Miracle of Christianity is not the Crucifixion

or the Resurrection, but Christ's birth. He saw every other miracle

of Scripture as preparing for, demonstrating, or resulting from, the

Incarnation

What exactly is a miracle? Lewis calls it "an interference with

Nature by supernatural power." Thank God, he does interfere in our

world I Left to our own instincts, we go our own way. God became

one of us because he yearns to make us one with him. That's why

God has been miraculously interfering for millennia. Just for starters,

think of Abraham and Sarah becoming parents late in life,

the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, or the rescue of Daniel from the

lions. Perhaps you have experienced a miracle in your own life.

But none of these, remarkable though they were, is as important

as the Incarnation

We Christians believe that God is real--Christ is in us, the Holy

Spirit has been poured out on us. But God remains hidden in these

miracles. With the birth of Jesus, God became visible in a tiny body

for a mother to hold, for shepherds to admire, for magi to worship.

He himself was the miracles Jesus said, "Anyone who has seen me

has seen the Father"(John ] 4:9). The Word became flesh. He became

one of us his Grand Miracles

Let us--who recognize the Miracle--bow the knee.

Lord, give us a new appreciation of the Grand Miracle, your

coming to Earth, this Advent season. .Amen.



From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



John 1:14



14 (Gal 4:4; 1Ti 3:16) The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,

and we saw His glory, the glory as the only Son of the Father,

full of grace and truth.



FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Being Lovers of Christ



Luke 1:1-4



1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things

which are most surely believed among us,

2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning

were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,

3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things

from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,

most excellent Theophilus,

4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.



Advent has begun! We suddenly realize we are not ready for

Christmas, and we fret about decorations, cards, presents

or food. However, this year let's approach Christmas spiritually,

in order to prepare our hearts, minds and wills for the Christ

Child's coming.



In our lead text Luke declares that he has done all the research

and that he wants Theophilus to know the truth about all he

has learned concerning Jesus, so he has decided to write an

"orderly account. " We will meditate on this narrative during

Advent this year for one major purpose: that we might all

become more richly like Theophilus(Theophila) or "God

Lover".

Was Theophilus a real man, or did Luke use that name to

signify everyone reading his report? Unquestionably, the name

indicates our goal this Advent: That each of us might love God

more because of all he did for us in sending his Son, Jesus.



Prayer



God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.





Mark 13:35-37





The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler



FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT



AH-HA! Ambassadors pf Health, Hope and Anticipation





We begin another Advent season very appropriately-we me waiting,

waiting, waiting! We are waiting to see when gas prices will drop again

... waiting to see the economy turn around .. waiting to see what kind

of weather December will bring .. waiting to see who sends us the first

Christmas Card (alreadyI?)... waiting ... waiting... waiting ...

Advent is about anticipation. It is like waiting for the ketchup to ooze out

of its bottle's long neck We wait ... and wait ... and wait.

And finally It comes.

The Gospel for this week reminds us that no one knows when the Lord

will return to earth And so we can anticipate his Second Coming with

great Joy, not fear because he has already prepared us for life as well as

for death. Isn't it ironic that as we anticipate-as we prepare for his coming

In Bethlehem during this season-the Lord has already prepared us for

his Second Coming through his own death and resurrection?

So. ready or not, here he comes! Anticipate a joy-filled Advent season,

as ambassadors of health. hope and anticipation! And anticipate the

Lord at work In you today!



Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you

for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day

We celebrate your presence with great anticipation

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Matthew 24:36-44.







FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Being Lovers of Christ



Luke 1:1-4



Advent has begun! We suddenly realize we are not ready for

Christmas, and we fret about decorations, cards, presents

or food. However, this year let's approach Christmas spiritually,

in order to prepare our hearts, minds and wills for the Christ

Child's coming.

A

In our lead text Luke declares that he has done all the research

and that he wants Theophilus to know the truth about all he

has learned concerning Jesus, so he has decided to write an

"orderly account. " We will meditate on this narrative during

Advent this year for one major purpose: that we might all

become more richly like Theophilus(Theophila) or "God

Lover".

Was Theophilus a real man, or did Luke use that name to

signify everyone reading his report? Unquestionably, the name

indicates our goal this Advent: That each of us might love God

more because of all he did for us in sending his Son, Jesus.



Prayer



God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.



Mark 13:35-37





35 (Mt 24:42) "Watch therefore-for you do not know when the master

of the house is coming, in the evening, or at midnight,

or at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-

36 (Mk 14:40) lest he come suddenly and find you sleeping.

37 (Mk 13:35) What I say to you I say to all: Watch!"





The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler



FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT



AH-HA! Ambassadors pf Health, Hope and Anticipation





We begin another Advent season very appropriately-we me waiting,

waiting, waiting! We are waiting to see when gas prices will drop again

... waiting to see the economy turn around .. waiting to see what kind

of weather December will bring .. waiting to see who sends us the first

Christmas Card (already!?)... waiting ... waiting... waiting ...

Advent is about anticipation. It is like waiting for the ketchup to ooze out

of its bottle's long neck We wait ... and wait ... and wait.

And finally It comes.

The Gospel for this week reminds us that no one knows when the Lord

will return to earth And so we can anticipate his Second Coming with

great Joy, not fear because he has already prepared us for life as well as

for death. Isn't it ironic that as we anticipate-as we prepare for his coming

In Bethlehem during this season-the Lord has already prepared us for

his Second Coming through his own death and resurrection?

So. ready or not, here he comes! Anticipate a joy-filled Advent season,

as ambassadors of health. hope and anticipation! And anticipate the

Lord at work In you today!



Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you

for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day

We celebrate your presence with great anticipation

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Matthew 24:36-44.



The Unknown Day and Hour



Mk 13:32-37; Lk 17:26-30, 34-36



36 (Ac 1:7; Mt 25:13; Mk 13:32) "Concerning that day and hour no one knows,

not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

37 (Lk 17:26-27) As were the days of Noah, so will be

the coming of the Son of Man.

38 (Mt 22:30) For as in the days before the flood, they were eating

and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah

entered the ark,

39 (Mt 24:37) and did not know until the flood came

and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

40 Two will be in the field; one will be taken, and the other left.

41 (Ex 11:5; Isa 47:2) Two women will be grinding at the mill;

one will be taken, and the other left.

42 (Mt 25:13; 24:44) "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour

your Lord will come.

43 (Lk 12:39) But know this, that if the owner of the house had known

what hour the thief would come, he would have watched

and not have let his house be broken into.

44 (Mt 25:10; 25:13) Therefore you also must be ready, for in an hour

when you least expect, the Son of Man is coming.



Conclusion:



Pray to choose to follow Jesus and acknowledge your need for Jesus.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know what the ministry means.



Pray to the Lord: "Precious Father, thank You for Your love for me."



Pray to the Lord and pray to an effective prayer.



Pray to the Lord and pray to remember to His promises.



Pray to the Lord and pray to remember God is love!



Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador



- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims

in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.

- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding

Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.

- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim

students on the university, college and trade school campuses.



Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray that God's Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to

hold to wrong opinions of Christ and His Salvation.



Pray that the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who

are lost to seek Him and to seek The Truth.



Pray Lord, give us a new appreciation of the Grand Miracle, your

coming to Earth, this Advent season. Amen.



Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you

for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day

We celebrate your presence with great anticipation

In Jesus' name.



God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.



Pray for successful youth conferences that will greatly

impact many others of their generation in Nepal.



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.