Day 344 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 14th Day of Advent - 10 December 2022 reflections
Day 344, 10 December 2022
1) James 1-3
James 1
Salutation
1 (Jn 7:35; Ac 12:17) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:
Greetings.
[1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve
tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Faith and Wisdom
2 (Jas 1:12) My brothers, count it all joy
when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 (Heb 10:36; 2Pe 1:6) knowing that the trying
of your faith develops patience.
4 (Mt 5:48; Lk 21:19) But let patience perfect its work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 (Pr 2:3-6; Jn 15:7) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all men liberally and without criticism,
and it will be given to him.
6 (Eph 4:14) But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 (Jas 4:8; 2Pe 2:14) A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing.
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
[6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like
a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
[8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Poverty and Riches
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted,
10 (1Co 7:31; 1Pe 1:24) but the rich in that he is made low,
because as the flower of the grass he will pass away.
11 (Isa 40:7-8) For the sun rises with a burning heat
and it withers the grass, and its flowers fall, and its beauty perishes.
So will the rich man wither away in his ways.
[9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
[10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the
grass he shall pass away.
[11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth
the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of
it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth
with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits
of His creatures.
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him.
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot
be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and
enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it
is finished, bringeth forth death.
[16] Do not err, my beloved brethren.
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning.
[18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a
kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 (Pr 10:19; 14:29) 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 (Eph 1:13; 4:22) Therefore lay aside all filthiness
and remaining wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls.
22 (Ro 2:13; Lk 6:46-48) 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 (Jas 2:12; Jn 13:17) 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.
26 (Ps 34:13; 141:3) If anyone among you seems to be religious
and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's
religion is vain.
27 (Isa 1:23; Ro 12:2) Religion that is pure and undefiled before God,
the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
[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:
[24] For 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.
[26] If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,
but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
[27] Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit
the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted
from the world.
James 2
Warning Against Partiality
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly,
and also a poor man in ragged clothing comes in,
3 and you have respect for him who wears the fine clothing and say to him,
"Sit here in a good place," and say to the poor, "Stand there,"
or "Sit here under my footstool,"
4 (Jn 7:24) have you not then become partial among yourselves
and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 (Mt 5:3; Lk 6:20; 12:21) Listen, my beloved brothers. Has God not chosen
the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom
which He has promised to those who love Him?
6 (1Co 11:22; Ac 8:3) But you have despised the poor.
Do not rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seats?
7 (Ac 11:26) Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called?
8 (Lev 19:18) If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself,"(Lev 19:18.) you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted
by the law as sinners.
10 (Gal 3:10) For whoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend
in one point is guilty of breaking the whole law.
11 (Ex 20:13-14; Dt 5:17-18) For He who said,
"Do not commit adultery,"(Ex 20:14; Dt 5:18.)
also said, "Do not kill."(Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17.)
Now if you do not commit adultery, yet you kill,
you have become a lawbreaker.
12 (Jas 1:25) So speak and so do as those who will be judged
by the law of liberty.
13 (Pr 21:13; Mt 5:7) For he who has shown no mercy will
have judgment without mercy, for mercy triumphs over judgment.
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
[3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto
him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there,
or sit here under my footstool:
[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil
thoughts?
[5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world
rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that
love him?
[6] But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you
before the judgment seats?
[7] Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
[8] If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
[9] But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of
the law as transgressors.
[10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he
is guilty of all.
[11] For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now
if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor
of the law.
[12] So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of
liberty.
[13] For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy;
and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Faith and Works
14 (Jas 1:22-25; Gal 5:6) What does it profit, my brothers,
if a man says he has faith but has no works? Can faith save him?
15 (Lk 3:11) If a brother or sister is naked and lacking daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,"
and yet you give them nothing that the body needs, what does it profit?
17 (Jas 2:14; 2:26) So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
18 (Gal 5:6; Jas 3:13) But a man may say, "You have faith and I have works."
Show me your faith without your works,
and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 (Dt 6:4; Mt 8:29) You believe that there is one God; you do well.
The demons also believe and tremble.
20 (Jas 2:26) But do you want to be shown, O foolish man,
that faith without works is dead?
21 (Ge 22:16-18) Was not Abraham our father justified by works
when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 (1Th 1:3) Do you see how faith worked with his works,
and by works faith was made perfect?
23 (Ge 15:6; 2Ch 20:7) The Scripture was fulfilled which says,
"Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,"
(Ge 15:6.) and he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then how by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 (Heb 11:31; Jos 2:1; 2:19-21) Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute
justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out
another way?
26 (Jas 2:20; 2:17) As the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead.
[14] What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and
have not works? can faith save him?
[15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
[16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;
notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body;
what doth it profit?
[17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
[18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy
faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
[19] Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also
believe, and tremble.
[20] But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
[21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered
Isaac his son upon the altar?
[22] Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith
made perfect?
[23] And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and
it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of
God.
[24] Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith
only.
[25] Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had
received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
[26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is
dead also.
James 3
The Tongue
1 (Mt 23:13; Ro 2:20-21) My brothers, not many of you should become teachers,
knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment.
2 (Mt 12:37; Jas 1:26) We all err in many ways. But if any man does not err
in word, he is a perfect man and able also to control the whole body.
3 (Ps 32:9) See how we put bits in the mouths of horses that they may obey
us, and we control their whole bodies.
4 And observe ships. Though they are so great and are driven by fierce winds,
yet they are directed with a very small rudder wherever the captain pleases.
5 (Ps 73:8-9) Even so, the tongue is a little part of the body
and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.
6 (Pr 16:27) The tongue is a fire, a world of evil. The tongue is among
the parts of the body, defiling the whole body,
and setting the course of nature on fire, and it is set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of beasts, and birds, and serpents, and things in the sea
are tamed or have been tamed by mankind.
8 (Ps 140:3; Ro 3:13) But no man can tame the tongue.
It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 (1Co 11:7; Ge 1:26-27) With it we bless the Lord and Father,
and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.
My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring yield at the same opening sweet and bitter water?
12 Can the fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a vine, figs?
So no spring can yield both salt water and fresh water.
[1] My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the
greater condemnation.
[2] For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the
same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
[3] Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we
turn about their whole body.
[4] Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of
fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm,
whithersoever the governor listeth.
[5] Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
[6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among
our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course
of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
[7] For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things
in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
[8] But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly
poison.
[9] Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men,
which are made after the similitude of God.
[10] Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren,
these things ought not so to be.
[11] Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
[12] Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?
so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
The Wisdom From Above
13 (Jas 2:18; 1:21) Who is wise and understanding among you?
Let him show his works by his good life in the meekness of wisdom.
14 (Jas 3:16; 2Co 12:20) But if you have bitter envying and strife
in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth.
15 (Jas 1:17; Jude 1:19) This wisdom descends not from above,
but is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish.
16 (1Co 3:3; Jas 3:14) For where there is envying and strife,
there is confusion and every evil work.
17 (Ro 12:9; Jas 2:4) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 (Pr 11:18; Mt 5:9) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.
[13] Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out
of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
[14] But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and
lie not against the truth.
[15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual,
devilish.
[16] For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil
work.
[17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
[18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make
peace.
2) Our Daily Bread for 10 December 2022
Entitled "Running to Our Shelter"
2 Samuel 22:1-7
David's Song of Deliverance
Ps 18:1-50
1 (Ex 15:1; Jdg 5:1) Now on the day the Lord delivered him from the hand
of all of his enemies and from the hand of Saul,
David spoke to the Lord the words of this song.
2 (Ps 31:3; 71:3)He said:
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
3 (Ge 15:1; Ps 9:9) the God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my fortress and my sanctuary;
my Savior, You save me from violence.
4 (Ps 48:1; 96:4) I call upon the Lord, who is praiseworthy,
and I am saved from my enemies.
5 (Ps 69:14-15; Jnh 2:3) When the waves of death encompassedme,
the currents of destruction made me afraid.
6 (Ps 116:3) The ropes of Sheol were wrapped around me;
the snares of death were opposite me.
7 (Ps 116:4; 120:1) In my distress I called on the Lord,
and cried out to my God;
from His temple He heard my voice.
My cry reached His ears.
[1] And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the
LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the
hand of Saul:
[2] And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
[3] The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn
of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me
from violence.
[4] I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be
saved from mine enemies.
[5] When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me
afraid;
[6] The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented
me;
[7] In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did
hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.
The sixth-grade basketball game was well underway. Parents and grandparents
were cheering on their players, while younger brothers and sisters of the boys
on the teams entertained themselves out in the school hallway. Suddenly,
sirens blared and lights flashed in the gym. A fire alarm had been tripped.
Soon the siblings came streaming back into the gym in panic, looking for their
parents.
There was no fire; the alarm had accidentally been activated. But as I
watched, I was struck by the way the children-sensing a crisis-unashamedly
ran to embrace their parents. What a picture of confidence in those who could
provide a sense of safety and reassurance in a time of fear!
Scripture presents a time when David experienced great fear. Saul and numerous
other enemies (2 Samuel 22:1) pursued him. After God delivered David to
safety, the grateful man sang an eloquent song of praise about His help. He
called God "my rock, my fortress and my deliverer" (v. 2). When the "cords of
the grave" and "the snares of death" (v. 6) hounded him, David "called out"
to God and his "cry came to [God's] ears" (v. 7). In the end, David proclaimed
He "rescued me" (vv. 18, 20, 49).
In times of fear and uncertainty, we can run to the "Rock" (v. 32). As we
call on God's name, He alone provides the refuge and shelter we need
(vv. 2-3).
By: Dave Branon
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Reflect & Pray
What fear are you dealing with these days? How can God help you face it and deal with it?
Dear God, when I’m afraid, remind me to trust You—to depend on You—and praise Your name.
"https://discoveryseries.org/courses/hope-discovering-the-one-true-source/">
For further study, read Hope: Discovering the One True Source.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control,without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebr 11:6
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh
to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Matt 7:7-11
Ask, Seek, Knock
Lk 11:9-13
7(Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,
and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
9 "What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread,
will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?
11 (Ge 6:5; 8:21) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give
good things to those who ask Him!
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you:
8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth;
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread,
will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children,
how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things
to them that ask him?
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
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Advent Day 14
FRom C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle
Saturday, Second Week of Advent
"I have read [your book} Treasure on Earth and I don't believe you have any notion how good it is I've never seen the
hushed internal excitement of a child on Christmas Eve better done. That is something we can all recognise." - C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Mrs. Phyllis Sandeman," Dec. 10, 1952,
Lewis' Collected Letters, III, pp. 26 lff.)
Hushed Excitement
Christmas is especially for children, whether young children, old children,
or very old children. Simeon is an example of the third category.
We'll come back to him later.
In a letter written to Phyllis Sandeman during Advent, Lewis comments
favorably about a book that she had written that year, Treasure on Earth.
Subtitled A Country House Christmas, it tells of the approach of Christmas Day
in an Elizabethan mansion in northern England in 1906. An excited child, the
ten-year-old author herself, awaits Christmas morning, the gifts and all the
festivities that would come with the day.
"There was not long to wait now before the drama would begin-the
curtain was trembling to its rise. The twilight of the early winter morning,
the piercing sweetness of the voices rising in the still air, the tune and
the words she loved so well, 'Christians, awake, salute the happy mom!'
Then heaven would open."
Simeon had been waiting for the Savior for a long time. God had told him that
he would see the Christ, the promised Messiah, before he died. When the moment
arrived, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, probably with a
"hushed internal excitement." His eyes were full of anticipation, as he saw
the salvation of lsrael in his arms. He amazed Mary and Joseph by predicting
the future of this child. We, who know him, know that these predictions came
true.
Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming, at your presence,
and make it truly internal. Amen.
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
Luke 2:30
From Follow the Story from Marva J. Dawn
SATURDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Proper Amplification
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
-Luke 1:47
This meditation asks you to read the complete Magnificat of Mary so you can
see that almost the entire song is
about God, but we will concentrate now on only its first three verses. Mary is
filled with exuberance. Not only has God given her miraculous promises, but
also her relative Elizabeth has confirmed those assurances with lofty Joy.
Mary begins her inspired song magnifying God with her soul. That word soul in
Hebrew (from which came her Aramaic) means "one's whole being or true self."
Everything in her resounded with praise and adoration. No wonder her spirit
rejoices exceedingly!
Though she was unremarkable, God had beheld her benevolently. She wanted
everyone to know, though all generations would acclaim her, that the glory was
God's, that he was the Stupendous One, and that he was to be hallowed. She was
the humble recipient of God's exalted treasures, and she ached for everyone to
share in her ecstasy.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.
Read Luke 1:46-55.
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND SATURDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AGING!
One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts. PSALM 145:4
Advent helps us to affirm that aging is a gift from God! Our society too
often sees aging as a burden rather than as a blessing. l am convinced
that God really, really loves old people. You know how can tell? Because
he continues to make more and more of us!
A favourite banner of mine states: 'Aging is the ONLY way to live!" How true,
how true!
Today's Scriptures catch the joy and the responsibilities of aging. In Mary's
song of praise. she rejoices in the fact that God had chosen her to bring
Jesus to the world. And she proclaims that his mercy is for everyone,
through all generations.
Psalm 145:4 the psalmist again picks up the fact that "one generation
shall laud your works to another!" We ambassadors of aging (and we ALL
are, regardless of our age. because the one thing we are all doing at the
same time is aging!) are called to share the same message that Mary
shared--Christ Jesus is for all people!
That is why Advent arid Christmas are not just for the little children but
-ether for all of God's children! That is why the Lord put us together in
families and congregations and communities where we can rub ministry
shoulders with those younger than us and also those older than us.
Perhaps during Advent or on Christmas Eve, if your congregation has a
children's message, you should also have an old folks' message. Invite a
the 80+ people to shuffle up to the front . . . and lie down,
lust like the little
kids do! Someone will help them up! (Just a suggestion, but no need to
tell your pastor l suggested it!)
Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Luke 1:46-56 and Psalm 145:4-7.
Luke 1
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56 Mary remained with her about three months
and returned to her own house.
Psalm 145
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty
and of Your wondrous works.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) They shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
and I will declare Your greatness.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) They shall abundantly declare the fame of Your great
goodness and shall sing of Your righteousness.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek wisdom from Him and to guard your tongue.
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 will always uphold you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him with Faith.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek him with persistence!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Pray: Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming,
at your presence, and make it truly internal. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.
Pray: Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for Yusef and his family of Saudi Arabia as they seek asylum in a
foreign country because of persecution.
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.
1) James 1-3
James 1
Salutation
1 (Jn 7:35; Ac 12:17) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:
Greetings.
[1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve
tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Faith and Wisdom
2 (Jas 1:12) My brothers, count it all joy
when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 (Heb 10:36; 2Pe 1:6) knowing that the trying
of your faith develops patience.
4 (Mt 5:48; Lk 21:19) But let patience perfect its work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 (Pr 2:3-6; Jn 15:7) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all men liberally and without criticism,
and it will be given to him.
6 (Eph 4:14) But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 (Jas 4:8; 2Pe 2:14) A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing.
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
[6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like
a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
[8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Poverty and Riches
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted,
10 (1Co 7:31; 1Pe 1:24) but the rich in that he is made low,
because as the flower of the grass he will pass away.
11 (Isa 40:7-8) For the sun rises with a burning heat
and it withers the grass, and its flowers fall, and its beauty perishes.
So will the rich man wither away in his ways.
[9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
[10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the
grass he shall pass away.
[11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth
the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of
it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth
with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits
of His creatures.
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him.
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot
be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and
enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it
is finished, bringeth forth death.
[16] Do not err, my beloved brethren.
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning.
[18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a
kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 (Pr 10:19; 14:29) 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 (Eph 1:13; 4:22) Therefore lay aside all filthiness
and remaining wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls.
22 (Ro 2:13; Lk 6:46-48) 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 (Jas 2:12; Jn 13:17) 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.
26 (Ps 34:13; 141:3) If anyone among you seems to be religious
and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's
religion is vain.
27 (Isa 1:23; Ro 12:2) Religion that is pure and undefiled before God,
the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
[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:
[24] For 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.
[26] If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,
but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
[27] Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit
the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted
from the world.
James 2
Warning Against Partiality
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly,
and also a poor man in ragged clothing comes in,
3 and you have respect for him who wears the fine clothing and say to him,
"Sit here in a good place," and say to the poor, "Stand there,"
or "Sit here under my footstool,"
4 (Jn 7:24) have you not then become partial among yourselves
and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 (Mt 5:3; Lk 6:20; 12:21) Listen, my beloved brothers. Has God not chosen
the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom
which He has promised to those who love Him?
6 (1Co 11:22; Ac 8:3) But you have despised the poor.
Do not rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seats?
7 (Ac 11:26) Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called?
8 (Lev 19:18) If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself,"(Lev 19:18.) you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted
by the law as sinners.
10 (Gal 3:10) For whoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend
in one point is guilty of breaking the whole law.
11 (Ex 20:13-14; Dt 5:17-18) For He who said,
"Do not commit adultery,"(Ex 20:14; Dt 5:18.)
also said, "Do not kill."(Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17.)
Now if you do not commit adultery, yet you kill,
you have become a lawbreaker.
12 (Jas 1:25) So speak and so do as those who will be judged
by the law of liberty.
13 (Pr 21:13; Mt 5:7) For he who has shown no mercy will
have judgment without mercy, for mercy triumphs over judgment.
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
[3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto
him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there,
or sit here under my footstool:
[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil
thoughts?
[5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world
rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that
love him?
[6] But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you
before the judgment seats?
[7] Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
[8] If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
[9] But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of
the law as transgressors.
[10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he
is guilty of all.
[11] For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now
if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor
of the law.
[12] So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of
liberty.
[13] For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy;
and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Faith and Works
14 (Jas 1:22-25; Gal 5:6) What does it profit, my brothers,
if a man says he has faith but has no works? Can faith save him?
15 (Lk 3:11) If a brother or sister is naked and lacking daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,"
and yet you give them nothing that the body needs, what does it profit?
17 (Jas 2:14; 2:26) So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
18 (Gal 5:6; Jas 3:13) But a man may say, "You have faith and I have works."
Show me your faith without your works,
and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 (Dt 6:4; Mt 8:29) You believe that there is one God; you do well.
The demons also believe and tremble.
20 (Jas 2:26) But do you want to be shown, O foolish man,
that faith without works is dead?
21 (Ge 22:16-18) Was not Abraham our father justified by works
when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 (1Th 1:3) Do you see how faith worked with his works,
and by works faith was made perfect?
23 (Ge 15:6; 2Ch 20:7) The Scripture was fulfilled which says,
"Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,"
(Ge 15:6.) and he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then how by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 (Heb 11:31; Jos 2:1; 2:19-21) Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute
justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out
another way?
26 (Jas 2:20; 2:17) As the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead.
[14] What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and
have not works? can faith save him?
[15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
[16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;
notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body;
what doth it profit?
[17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
[18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy
faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
[19] Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also
believe, and tremble.
[20] But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
[21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered
Isaac his son upon the altar?
[22] Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith
made perfect?
[23] And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and
it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of
God.
[24] Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith
only.
[25] Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had
received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
[26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is
dead also.
James 3
The Tongue
1 (Mt 23:13; Ro 2:20-21) My brothers, not many of you should become teachers,
knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment.
2 (Mt 12:37; Jas 1:26) We all err in many ways. But if any man does not err
in word, he is a perfect man and able also to control the whole body.
3 (Ps 32:9) See how we put bits in the mouths of horses that they may obey
us, and we control their whole bodies.
4 And observe ships. Though they are so great and are driven by fierce winds,
yet they are directed with a very small rudder wherever the captain pleases.
5 (Ps 73:8-9) Even so, the tongue is a little part of the body
and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.
6 (Pr 16:27) The tongue is a fire, a world of evil. The tongue is among
the parts of the body, defiling the whole body,
and setting the course of nature on fire, and it is set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of beasts, and birds, and serpents, and things in the sea
are tamed or have been tamed by mankind.
8 (Ps 140:3; Ro 3:13) But no man can tame the tongue.
It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 (1Co 11:7; Ge 1:26-27) With it we bless the Lord and Father,
and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.
My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring yield at the same opening sweet and bitter water?
12 Can the fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a vine, figs?
So no spring can yield both salt water and fresh water.
[1] My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the
greater condemnation.
[2] For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the
same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
[3] Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we
turn about their whole body.
[4] Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of
fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm,
whithersoever the governor listeth.
[5] Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
[6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among
our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course
of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
[7] For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things
in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
[8] But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly
poison.
[9] Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men,
which are made after the similitude of God.
[10] Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren,
these things ought not so to be.
[11] Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
[12] Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?
so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
The Wisdom From Above
13 (Jas 2:18; 1:21) Who is wise and understanding among you?
Let him show his works by his good life in the meekness of wisdom.
14 (Jas 3:16; 2Co 12:20) But if you have bitter envying and strife
in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth.
15 (Jas 1:17; Jude 1:19) This wisdom descends not from above,
but is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish.
16 (1Co 3:3; Jas 3:14) For where there is envying and strife,
there is confusion and every evil work.
17 (Ro 12:9; Jas 2:4) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 (Pr 11:18; Mt 5:9) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.
[13] Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out
of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
[14] But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and
lie not against the truth.
[15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual,
devilish.
[16] For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil
work.
[17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
[18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make
peace.
2) Our Daily Bread for 10 December 2022
Entitled "Running to Our Shelter"
2 Samuel 22:1-7
David's Song of Deliverance
Ps 18:1-50
1 (Ex 15:1; Jdg 5:1) Now on the day the Lord delivered him from the hand
of all of his enemies and from the hand of Saul,
David spoke to the Lord the words of this song.
2 (Ps 31:3; 71:3)He said:
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
3 (Ge 15:1; Ps 9:9) the God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my fortress and my sanctuary;
my Savior, You save me from violence.
4 (Ps 48:1; 96:4) I call upon the Lord, who is praiseworthy,
and I am saved from my enemies.
5 (Ps 69:14-15; Jnh 2:3) When the waves of death encompassedme,
the currents of destruction made me afraid.
6 (Ps 116:3) The ropes of Sheol were wrapped around me;
the snares of death were opposite me.
7 (Ps 116:4; 120:1) In my distress I called on the Lord,
and cried out to my God;
from His temple He heard my voice.
My cry reached His ears.
[1] And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the
LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the
hand of Saul:
[2] And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
[3] The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn
of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me
from violence.
[4] I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be
saved from mine enemies.
[5] When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me
afraid;
[6] The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented
me;
[7] In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did
hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.
The sixth-grade basketball game was well underway. Parents and grandparents
were cheering on their players, while younger brothers and sisters of the boys
on the teams entertained themselves out in the school hallway. Suddenly,
sirens blared and lights flashed in the gym. A fire alarm had been tripped.
Soon the siblings came streaming back into the gym in panic, looking for their
parents.
There was no fire; the alarm had accidentally been activated. But as I
watched, I was struck by the way the children-sensing a crisis-unashamedly
ran to embrace their parents. What a picture of confidence in those who could
provide a sense of safety and reassurance in a time of fear!
Scripture presents a time when David experienced great fear. Saul and numerous
other enemies (2 Samuel 22:1) pursued him. After God delivered David to
safety, the grateful man sang an eloquent song of praise about His help. He
called God "my rock, my fortress and my deliverer" (v. 2). When the "cords of
the grave" and "the snares of death" (v. 6) hounded him, David "called out"
to God and his "cry came to [God's] ears" (v. 7). In the end, David proclaimed
He "rescued me" (vv. 18, 20, 49).
In times of fear and uncertainty, we can run to the "Rock" (v. 32). As we
call on God's name, He alone provides the refuge and shelter we need
(vv. 2-3).
By: Dave Branon
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Reflect & Pray
What fear are you dealing with these days? How can God help you face it and deal with it?
Dear God, when I’m afraid, remind me to trust You—to depend on You—and praise Your name.
"https://discoveryseries.org/courses/hope-discovering-the-one-true-source/">
For further study, read Hope: Discovering the One True Source.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 7 - Upheld by His Hand
Is 41:10
10 (Jos 1:9; Isa 41:13-14) Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you,
yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Beth had the same recurring nightmare: she was running along a cliff,
then she slipped, and fell headlong, into a bottomless ravine.
Falling, without control,without end, falling, falling, falling...
Beth's dream may be one many of us identify with. The sense
of losing control can be nightmarish, and we may fear falling
without end, without remedy. Financial failure may be the chasm
that we face, or professional disgrace. Personal relationships
may go out of control, and we look into a never-ending
ravine of pain and misunderstanding
But God says, "Don't be afraid; I am holding you up."
Like the father who helps his child learn to swim,
God holds us above the water. We may not feel his hands;
indeed, we may suspect that he lets us go just so we can
do it on our own. But he promises that he doesn't let go.
"I am with you." he declares. "I give you strength
and hold you up."
God's promise never to let go takes on new meaning
in a world where relationships are temporary and life is
uncertain. We do not need to fear, for he is with us.
We can relax and stop striving, for he is our God.
His strength becomes ours; amid all our sin and rebellion,
he undergirds us with his righteousness. We cannot fall,
for he holds us firm.
Application
a) Under what circumstances have I felt myself "falling"?
b) How does God's promise in Is 41:10 help me to have faith
in the midst of my fears?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebr 11:6
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh
to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Matt 7:7-11
Ask, Seek, Knock
Lk 11:9-13
7(Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,
and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
9 "What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread,
will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?
11 (Ge 6:5; 8:21) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give
good things to those who ask Him!
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you:
8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth;
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread,
will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children,
how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things
to them that ask him?
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
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Advent Day 14
FRom C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle
Saturday, Second Week of Advent
"I have read [your book} Treasure on Earth and I don't believe you have any notion how good it is I've never seen the
hushed internal excitement of a child on Christmas Eve better done. That is something we can all recognise." - C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Mrs. Phyllis Sandeman," Dec. 10, 1952,
Lewis' Collected Letters, III, pp. 26 lff.)
Hushed Excitement
Christmas is especially for children, whether young children, old children,
or very old children. Simeon is an example of the third category.
We'll come back to him later.
In a letter written to Phyllis Sandeman during Advent, Lewis comments
favorably about a book that she had written that year, Treasure on Earth.
Subtitled A Country House Christmas, it tells of the approach of Christmas Day
in an Elizabethan mansion in northern England in 1906. An excited child, the
ten-year-old author herself, awaits Christmas morning, the gifts and all the
festivities that would come with the day.
"There was not long to wait now before the drama would begin-the
curtain was trembling to its rise. The twilight of the early winter morning,
the piercing sweetness of the voices rising in the still air, the tune and
the words she loved so well, 'Christians, awake, salute the happy mom!'
Then heaven would open."
Simeon had been waiting for the Savior for a long time. God had told him that
he would see the Christ, the promised Messiah, before he died. When the moment
arrived, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, probably with a
"hushed internal excitement." His eyes were full of anticipation, as he saw
the salvation of lsrael in his arms. He amazed Mary and Joseph by predicting
the future of this child. We, who know him, know that these predictions came
true.
Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming, at your presence,
and make it truly internal. Amen.
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
Luke 2:30
From Follow the Story from Marva J. Dawn
SATURDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Proper Amplification
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
-Luke 1:47
This meditation asks you to read the complete Magnificat of Mary so you can
see that almost the entire song is
about God, but we will concentrate now on only its first three verses. Mary is
filled with exuberance. Not only has God given her miraculous promises, but
also her relative Elizabeth has confirmed those assurances with lofty Joy.
Mary begins her inspired song magnifying God with her soul. That word soul in
Hebrew (from which came her Aramaic) means "one's whole being or true self."
Everything in her resounded with praise and adoration. No wonder her spirit
rejoices exceedingly!
Though she was unremarkable, God had beheld her benevolently. She wanted
everyone to know, though all generations would acclaim her, that the glory was
God's, that he was the Stupendous One, and that he was to be hallowed. She was
the humble recipient of God's exalted treasures, and she ached for everyone to
share in her ecstasy.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.
Read Luke 1:46-55.
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND SATURDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AGING!
One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts. PSALM 145:4
Advent helps us to affirm that aging is a gift from God! Our society too
often sees aging as a burden rather than as a blessing. l am convinced
that God really, really loves old people. You know how can tell? Because
he continues to make more and more of us!
A favourite banner of mine states: 'Aging is the ONLY way to live!" How true,
how true!
Today's Scriptures catch the joy and the responsibilities of aging. In Mary's
song of praise. she rejoices in the fact that God had chosen her to bring
Jesus to the world. And she proclaims that his mercy is for everyone,
through all generations.
Psalm 145:4 the psalmist again picks up the fact that "one generation
shall laud your works to another!" We ambassadors of aging (and we ALL
are, regardless of our age. because the one thing we are all doing at the
same time is aging!) are called to share the same message that Mary
shared--Christ Jesus is for all people!
That is why Advent arid Christmas are not just for the little children but
-ether for all of God's children! That is why the Lord put us together in
families and congregations and communities where we can rub ministry
shoulders with those younger than us and also those older than us.
Perhaps during Advent or on Christmas Eve, if your congregation has a
children's message, you should also have an old folks' message. Invite a
the 80+ people to shuffle up to the front . . . and lie down,
lust like the little
kids do! Someone will help them up! (Just a suggestion, but no need to
tell your pastor l suggested it!)
Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Luke 1:46-56 and Psalm 145:4-7.
Luke 1
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56 Mary remained with her about three months
and returned to her own house.
Psalm 145
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty
and of Your wondrous works.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) They shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
and I will declare Your greatness.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) They shall abundantly declare the fame of Your great
goodness and shall sing of Your righteousness.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek wisdom from Him and to guard your tongue.
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 will always uphold you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him with Faith.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek him with persistence!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Pray: Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming,
at your presence, and make it truly internal. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.
Pray: Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for Yusef and his family of Saudi Arabia as they seek asylum in a
foreign country because of persecution.
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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