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Day 343 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 13th Day of Advent - 9 December 2022 reflections

Day 343, 9 December 2022



1) Philippians 2:12-30, Philippians 3, Philippians 4



Philippians 2:12-30



Shining as Lights in the World



12 (2Co 7:15; Php 1:5) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed,

not only in my presence, but so much more in my absence, work out your

own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 (Heb 13:21; Ezr 1:5) For God is the One working in you, both to will

and to do His good pleasure.

14 (1Pe 4:9; 1Co 10:10) Do all things without murmuring and disputing,

15 (Mt 5:45; Dt 32:5) that you may be blameless and harmless, sons of God,

without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which

you shine as lights in the world.

16 (Gal 2:2; 4:11) Hold forth the word of life that I may rejoice

on the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 (Ro 15:16; 2Co 12:15) Yes, and even if I am offered upon the sacrifice

and service of your faith, I take delight and rejoice with you all.

18 For this reason you also take delight and rejoice with me.



[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence

only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear

and trembling.

[13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good

pleasure.

[14] Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

[15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,

in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights

in the world;

[16] Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of

Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

[17] Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith,

I joy, and rejoice with you all.

[18] For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.



Timothy and Epaphroditus



19 (1Co 4:17; Php 1:1) I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly

to you, that I also may be of good comfort when I get word concerning you.

20 (1Co 16:10) For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care

for your welfare.

21 (1Co 10:24; 13:5) For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Jesus.

22 (1Co 4:17; 1Ti 1:2) But you know of his proven worth, that as a son with

a father, he has served with me in the gospel.

23 Therefore I hope to send him soon after my situation is resolved.

24 (Phm 1:22) But I trust in the Lord that I, myself, shall also come shortly.

25 (Php 4:18; Phm 1:1-2; Php 4:3) Yet I thought it necessary to send to you

Epaphroditus, who is my brother and companion in labor, fellow soldier,

your messenger, and he who ministered to my necessity.

26 (Php 1:8) For he longed after you all and was filled with heaviness,

because you heard that he was sick.

27 Indeed he was sick, near death. But God had mercy on him,

and not only on him, but also on me,

lest I should have had sorrow upon sorrow.

28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again,

you may rejoice and I may be less sorrowful.

29 (1Co 16:18; Ro 16:2) So receive him in the Lord with all joy.

And hold such ones in high regard,

30 (1Co 16:17; Ac 20:24) because for the work of Christ he was near death,

not regarding his life, endeavouring to make up for your lack of service

toward me.



[19] But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that

I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

[20] For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

[21] For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

[22] But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath

served with me in the gospel.

[23] Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it

will go with me.

[24] But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

[25] Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother,

and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that

ministered to my wants.

[26] For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye

had heard that he had been sick.

[27] For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and

not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

[28] I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again,

ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

[29] Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in

reputation:

[30] Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding

his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.



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.

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

watch out for those who practice mutilation.

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,

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:

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;

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

the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

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

to be loss for the sake of 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,

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,

10 (Ro 8:17; 8:29) to know Him, and the power of His resurrection,

and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

11 (Ac 26:7) if somehow I might make it to the resurrection of the dead.



[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.

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

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

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

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

which is in the law, blameless.

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

[10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the

fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

[11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.



Pressing Toward the Mark



12 (1Co 13:10; 1Ti 6:19) Not that I have already attained or have already been

perfected, but I follow after it so that I may lay hold of that for which

I was seized by Christ Jesus.

13 (Lk 9:62; Ps 45:10) Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained,

but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind

and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

14 (Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high

calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 (1Co 2:6; Gal 5:10) Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus

minded. And if you think differently in any way,

God will reveal even this to you.

16 (Gal 6:16) Nevertheless, according to what we have already attained,

let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

17 (1Co 4:16; 1Pe 5:3) Brothers, become fellow imitators with me

and observe those who walk according to our example.

18 (Gal 6:12) For many are walking in such a way that they are the enemies

of the cross of Christ. I have told you of them often and tell you again,

even weeping.

19 (Ro 16:18; 2Pe 2:3) Their destination is destruction, their god

is their appetite, their glory is in their shame, their minds

are set on earthly things.

20 (Eph 2:19; 1Co 1:7; Ac 1:11) But our citizenship is in heaven, from

where also we await for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

21 (Col 3:4) who will transform our body of humiliation,

so that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working

of His power even to subdue all things to Himself.



[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but

I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended

of Christ Jesus.

[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I

do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those

things which are before,

[14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in

Christ Jesus.

[15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any

thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

[16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same

rule, let us mind the same thing.

[17] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as

ye have us for an ensample.

[18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even

weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

[19] Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is

in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the

Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

[21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his

glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue

all things unto himself.



Philippians 4



1 (Php 1:8; 1:27; 1Co 16:13) Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brothers,

my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.



[1] Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,

so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.



Exhortations



2 (Php 2:2-3) I exhort Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 (Lk 10:20; Php 1:27) I ask you also, true companion, help those women who

labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with my other fellow

laborers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness. The Lord is at hand.

6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer

and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God.

7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses all

understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 (Ac 6:3; 10:22) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever

things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.

9 (Php 3:17; Ro 15:33; Php 4:7) Do those things which you have both learned

and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.



[2] I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind

in the Lord.

[3] And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which

laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my

fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

[4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

[5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your

hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are

honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever

things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any

virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

[9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and

seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.



Acknowledgment of the Philippians' Gift



10 (2Co 11:9) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived

your concern for me. Regarding this, you did care, but you lacked opportunity.

11 (Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:6-9) I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned

in whatever state I am to be content.

12 (2Co 11:27; 11:9) I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to

have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret,

both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because of Christ

who strengthens me.

14 (Php 1:7) Nevertheless you did well having shared in my affliction.

15 (Php 1:5; 2Co 11:8-12) Now you Philippians know also,

that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia,

no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving,

except you alone.

16 (1Th 2:9) Even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for

my necessity,

17 (Titus 3:14) not because I desired a gift, but I desire fruit that

accumulates to your account.

18 (Eph 5:2; Php 2:25-26) But I have everything and abound. I have been

filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you,

like a sweet fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according

to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 (Ro 11:36; Gal 1:4-5) Now to God and our Father be glory forever and ever.

Amen.



[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of

me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked

opportunity.

[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever

state I am, therewith to be content.

[12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and

in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to

abound and to suffer need.

[13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

[14] Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my

affliction.

[15] Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when

I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning

giving and receiving, but ye only.

[16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

[17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your

account.

[18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus

the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice

acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.

[20] Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.



Final Greetings



21 (Gal 1:2) Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me

greet you.

22 (2Co 13:13; Php 1:13) All the saints greet you,

especially those who are of Caesar's household.

23 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.



[21] Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me

greet you.

[22] All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

[23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.



2) Our Daily Bread for 9 December 2022



Entitled "Lighten the Load"




Galatians 6:1-10



Galatians 6



Bear One Another's Burdens



1 (Heb 12:13; Ro 15:1; 1Co 2:15) Brothers, if a man is caught

in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore such

a one in the spirit of meekness, watching yourselves,

lest you also be tempted.

2 (Ro 15:1; Jn 13:34) Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill

the law of Christ.

3 (1Co 3:18; 2Co 12:11; Ro 12:3) For if someone thinks himself

to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

4 (1Co 11:28; 2Co 13:5) But let each one examine his own work,

and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

5 (1Co 3:8) For each one shall bear his own burden.

6 (Ro 15:27) Let him who is taught in the word share all good things

with him who teaches.

7 (1Co 6:9; 2Co 9:6) Be not deceived. God is not mocked.

For whatever a man sows, that will he also reap.

8 (Jas 3:18; Job 4:8; Hos 8:7) For the one who sows to his own flesh

will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit

will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

9 (Heb 12:3; 1Co 15:58; Heb 12:5) And let us not grow weary in doing good,

for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up.

10 (Eph 2:19; Jn 12:35) Therefore, as we have opportunity,

let us do good to all people, especially to those who are of

the household of faith.



[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,

restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest

thou also be tempted.

[2] Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

[3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he

deceiveth himself.

[4] But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing

in himself alone, and not in another.

[5] For every man shall bear his own burden.

[6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in

all good things.

[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that

shall he also reap.

[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but

he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

[10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them who are of the household of faith.



When the women in our newly formed Bible study faced a series of tragedies,

we suddenly found ourselves sharing deeply personal experiences. Facing the

loss of a father, the pain of a wedding anniversary after divorce, the birth

of a child who was completely deaf, the experience of racing to bring a child

to the emergency room-it was too much for anyone to carry alone. Each person's

vulnerability led to more transparency. We cried and prayed together, and what

started as a group of strangers became a group of close friends in a matter of

weeks. 



As part of the church body, believers in Jesus are able to come alongside

people in their suffering in a deep and personal way. The relational ties

that bind together brothers and sisters in Christ aren't dependent on the

length of time we've known each other or the things we have in common.

Instead, we do what Paul calls "Bear ye one another's burdens"

(Galatians 6:2). Relying on God's strength, we listen, we empathise,

we help where we can, and we pray. We can look for ways to "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (v. 10).

Paul says that when we do so, we fulfill the law of Christ (v. 2):

to love God and love our neighbour as ourselves. The burdens of life

can be heavy, but He's given us our church family to lighten the load.



By: Karen Pimpo



Reflect & Pray



Who's suffering around you? How can you lighten their load today?



Dear God, thank You for walking alongside me no matter

what I face. Help me love others in that way today.





Learn how to care for others spiritually.




For further study, read



Living Justly, Loving Mercy: A Biblical Response to Our Broken World.




3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 6 - Through The Fire



Is 43:2



2 (Ps 66:12; Da 3:25-27) When you pass through waters,

I will be with you. And through the rivers,they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

nor shall the flame kindle on you.



2 When thou passest through the waters,

I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:

when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;

neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.



In the Book of Daniel, 3 young men provide one of the world's best-known

Bible stories. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three of the finest young

men of Israel, were taken into capitivity to Babylon. There King

Nebuchadnezzar, filled with his own importance, commanded that

everyone bow down and worship his image.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship anyone

except the One True god, they were cast into Nebuchadnezzar's

furnace of fire.

Is 43:2 brings their experience into focus for us. There the Lord says,

"When you pass through the fire ... when you walk through the water ..."

Not if, but when. If we are committed to serving and honouring the Lord,

at some point we will be faced with "passing through the fire" for hm.

We may not face a physical furnace, but we may face the fires of

persecution, anger, hostility or suffering. And God says:

"I will be with you."

When the three young Israelites stepped into the king's furnace, all

the people looked and saw, not three, but four men in the fire, their

bonds burned away, walking freely among the flames. They did not

escape the fate decreed for them. But the Lord was with them in

the fire, as surely as he has promised to be with us in the flood

and the fire, as surely as he has promised to be with us in the

flood and fire tht life brings to us. The promise of god remains:

"I will be with you; the waters will not overflow, nor will the

flames burn you."



Application



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



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



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Ps 1:3



He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

that brings forth its fruit in its season;

its leaf will not wither,

and whatever he does will prosper.



3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

That bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

His leaf also shall not wither;

And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.



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



When you are Angry of Vengeful



James 1:19-25



Hearing and Doing the Word



19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear,

slow to speak, and slow to anger,

20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and remaining

wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able

to save your souls.

22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man

viewing his natural face in a mirror.

24 He views himself, and goes his way,

and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

25 But whoever looks into

the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it,

and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,

this man will be blessed in his deeds.



19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,

slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,

he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway

forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Remember God's promises when You pray





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



9th Day of the Month



a) Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout

the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,

faithfulness and provision.



(

Ps 100



A Psalm of thanksgiving.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;

come before His presence with singing.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;

it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise;

be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,

and His faithfulness to all generations.



Psalm 100



A Psalm of praise.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God:

It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;

We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise:

Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;

And his truth endureth to all generations.



)



b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways

to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.

(

1 Chr 12:32



32 (Est 1:13) From the sons of Issachar,

those having understanding of times

and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains

with all their brothers at their command.



32 And of the children of Issachar,

which were men that had understanding of the times,

to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred;

and all their brethren were at their commandment



)



Advent Day 13



From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle



{The great French writer] "Montaigne became kittenish with his kitten but

she never talked philosophy to him. Everywhere the great enters the

little-its power to do so is almost the test of its greatness." - C. S. Lewis



(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 147.)



The Great Enters the Little



Why was Jesus born in such a small town? Because it was the town of King

David, and Jesus was descended from the family of David. Although Micah said

of Bethlehem, "you are small among the clans of Judah," that was in God's

plan from the beginning. The size of the town didn't matter.



God so often surprises us by doing big things in little places, by

resisting the proud and exalting the humble, by choosing ordinary people

to do great things, and, in general, by doing the unexpected. What more

humble circumstances could we imagine than an unmarried, pregnant teenage

girl, with her betrothed husband, hurrying nearly a hundred miles from

little Nazareth to little Beth­lehem? What could be more humbling than

enrolling in a census late in a pregnancy, settling for less than ideal

accommodations, and giving birth far from the centers of power? The great

enters the little. God becomes a baby. Think of it. The creator of the

universe stoops to become a child.



Lewis calls it a test of greatness. In what ways have we

stooped to enter the little? Have we taken the time to

serve meals to the poor in a soup kitchen?

Have we visited the sick and imprisoned?

Have we clothed the naked? Have we welcomed the stranger?

If not, perhaps today is the day to change all that.



Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.

Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you

exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.



16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,

and the Baby lying in a manger.



Luke 2:16



From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



FRIDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT



Confirmation



43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?



-Luke 1:43



Elizabeth's words to Mary provided numerous confirmations of the message from

Gabriel. First, she knew that Mary was pregnant before it could possibly

show. Second, she knew Mary was pregnant with her Lord! That insight could

only have come by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit

within her.



Next, Elizabeth told Mary that the child she carried had leaped for Joy.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth's child had recognized the One

for Whom he would be a forerunner.



Finally, Elizabeth pronounced another blessing upon Mary for having

believed what had been prophesied. Thank God that Mary had concurred

with Gabriel's revelations!



Most of us don't experience angels coming to us in a dream or vision

and announcing what will take place in our future,

but we can read God's promises in his Word. What kinds of

promises for this life, our faith and eternal life has God

given us in the Scriptures? Do we take God at his Word?



prayer



Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your

new creation with Joy! Amen.



Read Luke 1:39-45.



Mary Visits Elizabeth



39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,

to a city of Judah,

40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped

in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,

the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion

to those things which were told her by the Lord."



From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



SECOND FRIDAY

AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AMAZEMENT!



2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,

upon them the light has shined.ISAIAH 9:2



I like being with little kids. They are so amazing because they get amazed

at so many little things! "Look. Mom, a wiggly worm!" Gramps, did you

know bees can smell fear? And the riddles and jokes they laugh at are

silly, like 'Did you know a raisin is a grape with a sunburn?" and "Why was

there a bee in the man's souls'? Because it was alphabet soups'



Amazing, isn't it. how amazing little kids are, as well as adults who hang on

to their amazement although life? Advent is a time for amazement, big

time! We ambassadors of Advent continue to sense the amazing grace of

God's love for us. especially through Scriptures like Isaiah 9:1-7. We too are

people who "walk in darkness" because of sin, and we too have "seen a

great light"--Jesus Christ ! This Child has been born for us. God's Son has

been given to us . . . as a gift! It has nothing whatsoever to do with what we

have done or should have done or had better get done. No way. It's not

about us; it's about him, Jesus Christ! Amazing. indeed!



Amazed means filled with wonder! Join me and others in singing

'And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders.

wonders of his love '!



Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent

Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy

and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and

play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for

making us ambassadors of amazement.

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



Read Isaiah 9:1-7.



Isaiah 9



The Coming King



1 (2Ki 15:29; 2Ch 16:4) Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom

for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously

treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

but in the latter time He shall make it glorious,

by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,

upon them the light has shined.

3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation

and increased the joy;

they rejoice before You

according to the joy of harvest

and as men rejoice

when they divide the spoil.

4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden

and the bar of his shoulder,

the rod of his oppressor

as in the day of Midian's defeat.

5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors

and all the garments rolled in blood

shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

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.

7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David

and over his kingdom,

to order it and to establish it

with justice and with righteousness,

from now until forever.

The zeal of the Lord of Hosts

will perform this.



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to seek joy in the Lord and stand firm in Him

and His humility.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for walking alongside me no matter

what I face. Help me love others in that way today."



Pray to the Lord and pray to remember that He is with you always.



Pray to the Lord and pray to give Holy inheritance to your offspring.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be slow to angry in your life!



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 a prayer of thanksgiving throughout

the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,

faithfulness and provision.



Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways

to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.



Pray: Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.

Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you

exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.



Pray: Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your

new creation with Joy! Amen.



Pray: Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent

Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy

and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and

play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for

making us ambassadors of amazement.

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



Pray for the protection and strengthening of Omani Christians.



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.

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