Day 347 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 17th Day of Advent - 13 December 2022 reflections
Day 347, 13 December 2022
1) 1 Timothy 6:11-21 , Titus, 2 Timothy 1
1 Timothy 6:11-21
The Good Fight of Faith
11 (2Ti 2:22; 3:17) But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
12 (1Ti 1:18; 1Co 9:25-66) Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold
on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed
a good profession before many witnesses.
13 (1Ti 5:21; Mt 27:11) I command you, in the sight of God, who gives
life to all things, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who testified
a good confession before Pontius Pilate,
14 to keep this commandment without blemish, blameless
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 (1Ti 1:11; Rev 17:14) which He, who is the blessed and only Ruler,
the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the proper time.
16 (1Ti 1:17; Jn 1:18; Ps 104:2) He alone has immortality, living in
unapproachable light, whom no one has seen, nor can see.
To Him be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that
they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,
who richly gives us all things to enjoy.
18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich in good
works, generous, willing to share,
19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.
20 (Col 2:8; 2Ti 2:16) O Timothy, guard that which is committed to your trust.
Avoid profane babblings and opposing views from so-called knowledge.
21 (2Ti 2:18; Col 4:18) By professing it, some have erred concerning
the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.
[11] But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
[12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou
art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
[13] I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and
before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
[14] That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the
appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
[15] Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only
Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
[16] Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can
approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and
power everlasting. Amen.
[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly
all things to enjoy;
[18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to
distribute, willing to communicate;
[19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to
come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
[20] O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane
and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
[21] Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with
thee. Amen.
Titus 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 1:1; 1Ti 6:3) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth
which leads to godliness,
2 (2Ti 1:1; 1:9; Titus 2:13) in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot
lie, promised before the world began,
3 (1Ti 1:1; 1:1) 1and has in due time revealed His word through preaching,
with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,
4 (2Ti 1:2; 2Co 2:13) To Titus, my own son in the common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.
[1] Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the
faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after
godliness;
[2] In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the
world began;
[3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is
committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
[4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Titus' Work in Crete
5 (Ac 14:23; 27:7) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should
set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city,
as I commanded you:
6 (1Ti 3:2-7; 3:12) any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife,
having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly.
7 (Lk 12:42; 2Pe 2:10) For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward
of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness,
not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain,
8 (1Ti 3:2) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled,
just, holy, temperate,
9 (1Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:15) holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in
accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with
sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.
10 (1Ti 1:6; Ac 11:2) For there are many unruly men, empty talkers
and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 (2Ti 3:6; 1Ti 6:5) who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses
by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach.
12 (Ac 17:28) One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are
always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!"
13 (2Co 13:10; Titus 2:2) This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply
that they may be sound in the faith,
14 (Col 2:22; 2Ti 4:4) not paying attention to Jewish myths
and commandments of men who reject the truth.
15 (Ro 14:20; 14:23) To the pure, all things are pure.
But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.
Even their minds and consciences are defiled.
16 (1Jn 2:4; Rev 21:8) They profess that they know God,
but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient,
and worthless for every good work.
[5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order
the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had
appointed thee:
[6] If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children
not accused of riot or unruly.
[7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,
not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
[8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy,
temperate;
[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be
able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially
they of the circumcision:
[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things
which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
[12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are
alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be
sound in the faith;
[14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth.
[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and
unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being
abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 2
The Teaching of Sound Doctrine
1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you,
teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:
2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,
sound in faith, in love, in patience.
3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,
and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers
of good things,
4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children,
5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured.
6 (1Ti 5:1) Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled,
7 (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good
works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility,
8 (1Pe 2:12; Ne 5:9) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that
the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well
in everything, not answering back,
10 (Mt 5:16; Titus 1:3) or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that
they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
11 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 11:23) For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men,
12 (Lk 1:75; Ro 6:19) teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously,
and in godliness in this present world,
13 (2Ti 4:8; Titus 1:2) as we await the blessed hope and the appearing
of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 (Eph 2:10; Heb 9:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people,
zealous of good works.
15 (2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 5:20) Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise you.
[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
[2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in
charity, in patience.
[3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,
to love their children,
[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
[6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
[7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
[8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary
part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
[9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please
them well in all things; not answering again;
[10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
[15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no
man despise thee.
Titus 3
Maintain Good Deeds
1 (2Ti 2:21; Ecc 10:4) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to obey them, to be ready for every good work,
2 (1Ti 3:3; 2Ti 2:24-25) to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious,
but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
3 (Col 3:7) We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred
and hating each other.
4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone.
9 (2Ti 2:14; 2:23) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions,
and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 (Ro 16:17; 2Jn 1:10) Reject a divisive man after a first and second
admonition,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
[1] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
[2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all
meekness unto all men.
[3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and
hating one another.
[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared,
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to
the hope of eternal life.
[8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
[9] But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and
strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
[10] A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
[11] Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned
of himself.
Personal Instructions and Greetings
12 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:9) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent
to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 (Ac 18:24; Mt 22:35) Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
on their journey. See that they lack nothing.
14 (Php 1:11; Col 1:10) And let our people also learn to continue doing good
works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.
15 (Col 4:18) All who are with me greet you.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
[12] When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come
unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
[13] Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that
nothing be wanting unto them.
[14] And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that
they be not unfruitful.
[15] All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
2 Timothy 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; Eph 3:6) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 (1Ti 1:2; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the
promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
[2] To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Loyalty to the Gospel
3 (Ro 1:8-9; Ac 23:1) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my
forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 (2Ti 4:9; 4:21) greatly desiring to see you, remembering your tears,
that I may be filled with joy,
5 (Ac 16:1; 1Ti 1:5) remembering the genuine faith that first lived
in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded
lives in you also.
6 (1Ti 4:14; 1Th 5:19) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God,
which is in you by the laying on of my hands.
7 (Ro 8:15; Ac 1:8) For God has not given us the spirit of fear,
but of power, and love, and self-control.
8 (Mk 8:38; Eph 3:1) So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,
nor of me, His prisoner. But share in the sufferings of the gospel
by the power of God,
9 (Ro 16:25; Titus 1:2) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling,
not by our works, but by His own purpose and grace, which was given us
in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 (Ro 2:7; 16:26) but is now revealed by the appearing of our Saviour,
Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and has brought life
and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 (1Ti 2:7) for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle,
and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 (2Ti 1:8; 1Ti 6:20; 1Pe 4:19) For these things I suffer, but I am not
ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is
able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that Day.
13 (1Ti 1:14; Titus 1:9) Follow the pattern of sound teaching
which you have heard from me in the faith and love that is in Christ Jesus.
14 (Ro 8:9; 1Ti 6:20) Guard the treasure that was committed to you through
the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
15 (2Ti 4:16; Ac 19:10) You know that all those who are in Asia have turned
away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 (2Ti 4:19; Ac 28:20) May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus,
for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
17 But when he arrived in Rome, he searched me out very diligently
and found me.
18 (2Ti 1:12; Heb 6:10) May the Lord grant that he may find mercy
from the Lord on that Day. You know very well how many ways he ministered
to me at Ephesus.
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that
without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be
filled with joy;
[5] When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am
persuaded that in thee also.
[6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God,
which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind.
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me
his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel
according to the power of God;
[9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to
our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began,
[10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel:
[11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of
the Gentiles.
[12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not
ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
[13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in
faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
[14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost
which dwelleth in us.
[15] This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from
me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
[16] The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed
me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
[17] But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found
me.
[18] The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day:
and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very
well.
2) Our Daily Bread for 13 December 2022
Entitled "The Meaning of Life"
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
50 (Mt 16:17) Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot
inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
51 (1Co 13:2; Php 3:21) Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep,
but we shall all be changed.
52 (Mt 24:31; Jn 5:25; Isa 27:13) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound,
the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 (2Co 5:2-4; 1Jn 3:2) For this corruptible will put on incorruption,
and this mortal will put on immortality.
54 (Isa 25:8; Rev 20:14) When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,
and this mortal will have put on immortality, then the saying that is written
shall come to pass: "Death is swallowed up in victory."(Isa 25:8.)
55 (Hos 13:14) "O death, where is your sting?
O grave, where is your victory?"(Hos 13:14.)
56 (Ro 4:15) The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
57 (Ro 8:37; 2Co 2:14) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ!
58 (1Co 16:10; 2Pe 3:14) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast,
unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that
your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
[50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the
kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all
be changed,
[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we
shall be changed.
[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put
on immortality.
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this
mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the
saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
[56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ.
[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is
not in vain in the Lord.
A short story by Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges tells of a Roman soldier,
Marcus Rufus, who drinks from a "secret river that purifies men of death." In
time, though, Marcus realizes immortality wasn't all it was cracked up to be:
life without limits was life without significance. In fact, it is death itself
that gives meaning to life. Marcus finds an antidote-a spring of clear water.
After drinking from it, he scratches his hand on a thorn, and a drop of blood
forms, signifying his restored mortality.
Like Marcus, we too sometimes despair over the decline of life and the
prospect of death (Psalm 88:3). We agree that death gives significance to
life. But this is where the stories diverge. Unlike Marcus, we know it's in
Christ’s death that we find the true meaning of our lives. With the shedding
of His blood on the cross, Christ conquered death, swallowing it up in victory
(1 Corinthians 15:54). For us, the antidote is in the "living water" of Jesus
Christ (John 4:10). Because we drink that, all the rules of life, death,
and life immortal have changed (1 Corinthians 15:52).
It's true, we won't escape physical death, but that isn't the point. Jesus
upends all our despair about life and death (Hebrews 2:11-15). In Christ,
we're reassured with the hope of heaven and of meaningful joy
in eternal life with Him.
By: Kenneth Petersen
Reflect & Pray
What are you worried about? What are your thoughts about the prospect of
death? How does 1 Corinthians 15 encourage you?
God, help me to embrace Your promises
about deliverance into eternal life with You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 3 - Let the Word Dwell in You
Col 3:16
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Every day, whether we are aware of it or not, our minds are
bombarded by 20th Century values: "Dress for success!" "Get ahead!"
"You deserve a break today ...." Television, radio, and the incessant
voices that surround us distract our attention and keep us from
focusing on what is really important in our lives.
Paul's instruction to the Colossian Church brings us back to God's
value system: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."
When we give attention to the Word of God, we put ourselves in a position
to hear a higher truth the clamour of immediate demands
and the expectations of the world around us. We can experience peace
in the midst of struggle and rest in a restless environment.
God's Word is a powerful force for good in our lives - not merely
an attractive philosophy, but true power to overcome the pressures
of daily life.
Dwelling on the Word of God, and letting it indwell us, takes many forms.
Scripture memory, music, meditation, talking with others about the
goodness of God all help us keep our attention focused on Christ rather
than on the values of the world around us.
We can choose to listen to Christian radio or tapes. We can take time
daily for quiet meditation on his Word. We can commit the Word to memory
and draw on its power during the day. And as we listen to the voice
of the Spirit rather than the noise around us, we can enter into
his peace and live in communion with him.
Application
a) What pressures do I face that tend to distract me from the reality
of Christ's presence?
b) How can I "let the word of Christ dwell richly" in me, so that I
an regain my focus on him?
c) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus
my attention on Jesus and his word?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:6
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;
and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
1 Tim 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
that we can carry nothing out.
8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things.
9 But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will
be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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
13th Day of the Month
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, that God's Spirit
would influence then to act justly, serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may
lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
)
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Advent Day 17
From C.S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"'It seems, then," said Tirian... "that the Stable
seen from within and the Stable seen from without are two different places."
'Yes,' said the Lord Digory. 'Its inside is bigger than its outside.'
"Yes,' said Queen Lucy. 'In our world too, a Stable once
had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world.'"
- C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in The Last Battle, p. 141.)
Bigger than the Whole World
Lucy and some of her friends had come into Narnia, thinking that they were
going to rescue Narnia from its enemies. But when the battle turned against
them, they thought they were about to die. Narnia had been overrun
by Calormenes, and during the battle Lucy and her friends were forced
into a stable. They soon discovered that they had actually entered
the Narnian heaven. An apparent defeat turned out to be the ultimate victory.
During that moment Queen Lucy recalls, "In our world too, a
Stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world."
The stable to which Lucy referred was, of course, the stable of Bethlehem.
It once had something inside it that was bigger than the whole world,
the baby Jesus. We will one day experience the same firsthand,
we who humble ourselves to receive this Christ child.
We know that big things come in small packages. Small towns.
Short people. Diamond rings. Babies especially. But also heart, courage,
determination, and faith. Faith can move mountains, but it doesn't need
to be big to do so. Jesus said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard
seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there'
and it will move" (Matt. 17:20).
Lord Jesus, your greatness comes in smallness.
Give us a small faith in a great Savior. Amen.
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small
among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for
me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins
are from of old, from ancient times.
Micah 5:2
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dean
TUESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Did Mary Stay?
Mary remained with her about three months
and returned to her own house.
-Luke 1:56
The question of our title today lingers with me because the Gospel text is
ambiguous. We have been told by the angel Gabriel that Elizabeth was already
six months along in her pregnancy when Mary received the news of hers.
If we add the months that Mary remained with her, Elizabeth must have given
birth before Mary left-but we aren't specifically told that.
Because Mary had traveled so far, one doubts if she would have gone home
before the big event of the baby's birth. Besides, she surely would want
to assist her relative through her last days of pregnancy and first days
of motherhood.
Why does the question matter? Mary was getting to the time when she would
be scorned for being pregnant before marrying Joseph. Imagine that God
furnished Mary with extra courage
by granting her the privilege of witnessing the birth of her promised child's
Forerunner and by sharing in the ardent faith of Elizabeth and Zechariah.
prayer
Thank you again, Gracious Father, that these two women had
each other. Amen.
Read Luke 1:45-56.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
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.
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ANCESTORS!
2 (Mt 14:3; 4:12) Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ,
he sent two of his disciples,
3 (Heb 10:37; Jn 11:27) and said to Him, "Are You He who should come,
or should we look for another?" MATTHEW 11:2-3
Who has prepared you to receive God's love and t)ope in Jesus Christ?
Who has been telling his story to you in both word and action? I hope
there have been many people in your history. as well as in your present.
who continue to be like John the Baptist to you as they "prepare the way of
the Lord" in and for you!
And to whom are you John the Baptist? This question does not refer of
course, to the taste and style of your clothes or what weird diets you may
be on. I'm simply asking how you are preparing people to hear and see
God's presence in Christ Jesus in their lives as well as in yours.
The AH-HA of ancestors is not talking about our old relatives and the
"good old days" of the Bible or even of our lives. Instead, it is centering
us on the people around us, now and in the past, who have brought the
message of Jesus to us.
Thank the Lord today for your ancestors who have prepared you to know
and love the Lord. If they are still here on earth, tell them you love them. If
not, thank the Lord for giving them to you as a Christmas gift!
Lord, you have prepared us through Word and sacrament (and though
special people) to be your child. Thank you for the legion of ancestors
with whom you've surrounded us. And empower us to be like John
the Baptist as we help other people to "prepare the way" for you
to come into their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 11:2-11
2 (Mt 14:3; 4:12) Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ,
he sent two of his disciples,
3 (Heb 10:37; Jn 11:27) and said to Him, "Are You He who should come,
or should we look for another?"
4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see:
5 (Lk 4:18; Isa 35:4-6; Mt 5:3) The blind receive their sight
and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear,
the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
[Taken from Isa 35:5-6; 61:1.]
6 (Isa 8:14-15; Mt 24:10) Blessed is he who does not fall away because of Me."
7 (Eph 4:14; Jas 1:6) As they departed, Jesus began to say to the crowds
concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see?
A reed shaken by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see?
A man dressed in soft clothing? Indeed,
those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
9 (Lk 1:76; Mt 14:5) Then what did you go out to see? A prophet?
Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.
10 (Mal 3:1; Mk 1:2) For this is he of whom it is written:
'Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face,
who will prepare Your way before You.'[Mal 3:1.]
11 Truly I say to you, among those who are born of women,
there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist.
But he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray to the Lord: "God, help me to embrace Your promises
about deliverance into eternal life with You."
Pray to the Lord and pray for His Word to dwell in you richly.
Pray to the Lord and pray to reap bountifully.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to let the lusts of this world choke the Word!
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 that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
Pray: Thank you again, Gracious Father, that these two women had
each other. Amen.
Pray: Lord, you have prepared us through Word and sacrament (and though
special people) to be your child. Thank you for the legion of ancestors
with whom you've surrounded us. And empower us to be like John
the Baptist as we help other people to "prepare the way" for you
to come into their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for the protection of ministry workers in Sudan and the fulfillment
of their spiritual and practical needs.
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) 1 Timothy 6:11-21 , Titus, 2 Timothy 1
1 Timothy 6:11-21
The Good Fight of Faith
11 (2Ti 2:22; 3:17) But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
12 (1Ti 1:18; 1Co 9:25-66) Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold
on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed
a good profession before many witnesses.
13 (1Ti 5:21; Mt 27:11) I command you, in the sight of God, who gives
life to all things, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who testified
a good confession before Pontius Pilate,
14 to keep this commandment without blemish, blameless
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 (1Ti 1:11; Rev 17:14) which He, who is the blessed and only Ruler,
the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the proper time.
16 (1Ti 1:17; Jn 1:18; Ps 104:2) He alone has immortality, living in
unapproachable light, whom no one has seen, nor can see.
To Him be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that
they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,
who richly gives us all things to enjoy.
18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich in good
works, generous, willing to share,
19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.
20 (Col 2:8; 2Ti 2:16) O Timothy, guard that which is committed to your trust.
Avoid profane babblings and opposing views from so-called knowledge.
21 (2Ti 2:18; Col 4:18) By professing it, some have erred concerning
the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.
[11] But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
[12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou
art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
[13] I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and
before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
[14] That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the
appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
[15] Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only
Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
[16] Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can
approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and
power everlasting. Amen.
[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly
all things to enjoy;
[18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to
distribute, willing to communicate;
[19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to
come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
[20] O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane
and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
[21] Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with
thee. Amen.
Titus 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 1:1; 1Ti 6:3) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth
which leads to godliness,
2 (2Ti 1:1; 1:9; Titus 2:13) in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot
lie, promised before the world began,
3 (1Ti 1:1; 1:1) 1and has in due time revealed His word through preaching,
with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,
4 (2Ti 1:2; 2Co 2:13) To Titus, my own son in the common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.
[1] Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the
faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after
godliness;
[2] In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the
world began;
[3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is
committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
[4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Titus' Work in Crete
5 (Ac 14:23; 27:7) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should
set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city,
as I commanded you:
6 (1Ti 3:2-7; 3:12) any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife,
having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly.
7 (Lk 12:42; 2Pe 2:10) For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward
of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness,
not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain,
8 (1Ti 3:2) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled,
just, holy, temperate,
9 (1Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:15) holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in
accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with
sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.
10 (1Ti 1:6; Ac 11:2) For there are many unruly men, empty talkers
and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 (2Ti 3:6; 1Ti 6:5) who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses
by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach.
12 (Ac 17:28) One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are
always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!"
13 (2Co 13:10; Titus 2:2) This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply
that they may be sound in the faith,
14 (Col 2:22; 2Ti 4:4) not paying attention to Jewish myths
and commandments of men who reject the truth.
15 (Ro 14:20; 14:23) To the pure, all things are pure.
But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.
Even their minds and consciences are defiled.
16 (1Jn 2:4; Rev 21:8) They profess that they know God,
but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient,
and worthless for every good work.
[5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order
the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had
appointed thee:
[6] If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children
not accused of riot or unruly.
[7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,
not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
[8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy,
temperate;
[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be
able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially
they of the circumcision:
[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things
which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
[12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are
alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be
sound in the faith;
[14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth.
[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and
unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being
abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 2
The Teaching of Sound Doctrine
1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you,
teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:
2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,
sound in faith, in love, in patience.
3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,
and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers
of good things,
4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children,
5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured.
6 (1Ti 5:1) Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled,
7 (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good
works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility,
8 (1Pe 2:12; Ne 5:9) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that
the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well
in everything, not answering back,
10 (Mt 5:16; Titus 1:3) or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that
they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
11 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 11:23) For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men,
12 (Lk 1:75; Ro 6:19) teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously,
and in godliness in this present world,
13 (2Ti 4:8; Titus 1:2) as we await the blessed hope and the appearing
of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 (Eph 2:10; Heb 9:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people,
zealous of good works.
15 (2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 5:20) Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise you.
[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
[2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in
charity, in patience.
[3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,
to love their children,
[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
[6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
[7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
[8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary
part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
[9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please
them well in all things; not answering again;
[10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
[15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no
man despise thee.
Titus 3
Maintain Good Deeds
1 (2Ti 2:21; Ecc 10:4) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to obey them, to be ready for every good work,
2 (1Ti 3:3; 2Ti 2:24-25) to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious,
but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
3 (Col 3:7) We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred
and hating each other.
4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone.
9 (2Ti 2:14; 2:23) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions,
and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 (Ro 16:17; 2Jn 1:10) Reject a divisive man after a first and second
admonition,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
[1] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
[2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all
meekness unto all men.
[3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and
hating one another.
[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared,
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to
the hope of eternal life.
[8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
[9] But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and
strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
[10] A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
[11] Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned
of himself.
Personal Instructions and Greetings
12 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:9) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent
to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 (Ac 18:24; Mt 22:35) Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
on their journey. See that they lack nothing.
14 (Php 1:11; Col 1:10) And let our people also learn to continue doing good
works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.
15 (Col 4:18) All who are with me greet you.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
[12] When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come
unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
[13] Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that
nothing be wanting unto them.
[14] And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that
they be not unfruitful.
[15] All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
2 Timothy 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; Eph 3:6) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 (1Ti 1:2; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the
promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
[2] To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Loyalty to the Gospel
3 (Ro 1:8-9; Ac 23:1) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my
forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 (2Ti 4:9; 4:21) greatly desiring to see you, remembering your tears,
that I may be filled with joy,
5 (Ac 16:1; 1Ti 1:5) remembering the genuine faith that first lived
in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded
lives in you also.
6 (1Ti 4:14; 1Th 5:19) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God,
which is in you by the laying on of my hands.
7 (Ro 8:15; Ac 1:8) For God has not given us the spirit of fear,
but of power, and love, and self-control.
8 (Mk 8:38; Eph 3:1) So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,
nor of me, His prisoner. But share in the sufferings of the gospel
by the power of God,
9 (Ro 16:25; Titus 1:2) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling,
not by our works, but by His own purpose and grace, which was given us
in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 (Ro 2:7; 16:26) but is now revealed by the appearing of our Saviour,
Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and has brought life
and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 (1Ti 2:7) for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle,
and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 (2Ti 1:8; 1Ti 6:20; 1Pe 4:19) For these things I suffer, but I am not
ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is
able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that Day.
13 (1Ti 1:14; Titus 1:9) Follow the pattern of sound teaching
which you have heard from me in the faith and love that is in Christ Jesus.
14 (Ro 8:9; 1Ti 6:20) Guard the treasure that was committed to you through
the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
15 (2Ti 4:16; Ac 19:10) You know that all those who are in Asia have turned
away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 (2Ti 4:19; Ac 28:20) May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus,
for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
17 But when he arrived in Rome, he searched me out very diligently
and found me.
18 (2Ti 1:12; Heb 6:10) May the Lord grant that he may find mercy
from the Lord on that Day. You know very well how many ways he ministered
to me at Ephesus.
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that
without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be
filled with joy;
[5] When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am
persuaded that in thee also.
[6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God,
which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind.
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me
his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel
according to the power of God;
[9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to
our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began,
[10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel:
[11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of
the Gentiles.
[12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not
ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
[13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in
faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
[14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost
which dwelleth in us.
[15] This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from
me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
[16] The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed
me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
[17] But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found
me.
[18] The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day:
and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very
well.
2) Our Daily Bread for 13 December 2022
Entitled "The Meaning of Life"
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
50 (Mt 16:17) Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot
inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
51 (1Co 13:2; Php 3:21) Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep,
but we shall all be changed.
52 (Mt 24:31; Jn 5:25; Isa 27:13) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound,
the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 (2Co 5:2-4; 1Jn 3:2) For this corruptible will put on incorruption,
and this mortal will put on immortality.
54 (Isa 25:8; Rev 20:14) When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,
and this mortal will have put on immortality, then the saying that is written
shall come to pass: "Death is swallowed up in victory."(Isa 25:8.)
55 (Hos 13:14) "O death, where is your sting?
O grave, where is your victory?"(Hos 13:14.)
56 (Ro 4:15) The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
57 (Ro 8:37; 2Co 2:14) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ!
58 (1Co 16:10; 2Pe 3:14) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast,
unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that
your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
[50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the
kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all
be changed,
[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we
shall be changed.
[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put
on immortality.
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this
mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the
saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
[56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ.
[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is
not in vain in the Lord.
A short story by Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges tells of a Roman soldier,
Marcus Rufus, who drinks from a "secret river that purifies men of death." In
time, though, Marcus realizes immortality wasn't all it was cracked up to be:
life without limits was life without significance. In fact, it is death itself
that gives meaning to life. Marcus finds an antidote-a spring of clear water.
After drinking from it, he scratches his hand on a thorn, and a drop of blood
forms, signifying his restored mortality.
Like Marcus, we too sometimes despair over the decline of life and the
prospect of death (Psalm 88:3). We agree that death gives significance to
life. But this is where the stories diverge. Unlike Marcus, we know it's in
Christ’s death that we find the true meaning of our lives. With the shedding
of His blood on the cross, Christ conquered death, swallowing it up in victory
(1 Corinthians 15:54). For us, the antidote is in the "living water" of Jesus
Christ (John 4:10). Because we drink that, all the rules of life, death,
and life immortal have changed (1 Corinthians 15:52).
It's true, we won't escape physical death, but that isn't the point. Jesus
upends all our despair about life and death (Hebrews 2:11-15). In Christ,
we're reassured with the hope of heaven and of meaningful joy
in eternal life with Him.
By: Kenneth Petersen
Reflect & Pray
What are you worried about? What are your thoughts about the prospect of
death? How does 1 Corinthians 15 encourage you?
God, help me to embrace Your promises
about deliverance into eternal life with You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 3 - Let the Word Dwell in You
Col 3:16
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Every day, whether we are aware of it or not, our minds are
bombarded by 20th Century values: "Dress for success!" "Get ahead!"
"You deserve a break today ...." Television, radio, and the incessant
voices that surround us distract our attention and keep us from
focusing on what is really important in our lives.
Paul's instruction to the Colossian Church brings us back to God's
value system: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."
When we give attention to the Word of God, we put ourselves in a position
to hear a higher truth the clamour of immediate demands
and the expectations of the world around us. We can experience peace
in the midst of struggle and rest in a restless environment.
God's Word is a powerful force for good in our lives - not merely
an attractive philosophy, but true power to overcome the pressures
of daily life.
Dwelling on the Word of God, and letting it indwell us, takes many forms.
Scripture memory, music, meditation, talking with others about the
goodness of God all help us keep our attention focused on Christ rather
than on the values of the world around us.
We can choose to listen to Christian radio or tapes. We can take time
daily for quiet meditation on his Word. We can commit the Word to memory
and draw on its power during the day. And as we listen to the voice
of the Spirit rather than the noise around us, we can enter into
his peace and live in communion with him.
Application
a) What pressures do I face that tend to distract me from the reality
of Christ's presence?
b) How can I "let the word of Christ dwell richly" in me, so that I
an regain my focus on him?
c) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus
my attention on Jesus and his word?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:6
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;
and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
1 Tim 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
that we can carry nothing out.
8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things.
9 But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will
be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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
13th Day of the Month
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, that God's Spirit
would influence then to act justly, serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may
lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
)
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Advent Day 17
From C.S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"'It seems, then," said Tirian... "that the Stable
seen from within and the Stable seen from without are two different places."
'Yes,' said the Lord Digory. 'Its inside is bigger than its outside.'
"Yes,' said Queen Lucy. 'In our world too, a Stable once
had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world.'"
- C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in The Last Battle, p. 141.)
Bigger than the Whole World
Lucy and some of her friends had come into Narnia, thinking that they were
going to rescue Narnia from its enemies. But when the battle turned against
them, they thought they were about to die. Narnia had been overrun
by Calormenes, and during the battle Lucy and her friends were forced
into a stable. They soon discovered that they had actually entered
the Narnian heaven. An apparent defeat turned out to be the ultimate victory.
During that moment Queen Lucy recalls, "In our world too, a
Stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world."
The stable to which Lucy referred was, of course, the stable of Bethlehem.
It once had something inside it that was bigger than the whole world,
the baby Jesus. We will one day experience the same firsthand,
we who humble ourselves to receive this Christ child.
We know that big things come in small packages. Small towns.
Short people. Diamond rings. Babies especially. But also heart, courage,
determination, and faith. Faith can move mountains, but it doesn't need
to be big to do so. Jesus said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard
seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there'
and it will move" (Matt. 17:20).
Lord Jesus, your greatness comes in smallness.
Give us a small faith in a great Savior. Amen.
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small
among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for
me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins
are from of old, from ancient times.
Micah 5:2
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dean
TUESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Did Mary Stay?
Mary remained with her about three months
and returned to her own house.
-Luke 1:56
The question of our title today lingers with me because the Gospel text is
ambiguous. We have been told by the angel Gabriel that Elizabeth was already
six months along in her pregnancy when Mary received the news of hers.
If we add the months that Mary remained with her, Elizabeth must have given
birth before Mary left-but we aren't specifically told that.
Because Mary had traveled so far, one doubts if she would have gone home
before the big event of the baby's birth. Besides, she surely would want
to assist her relative through her last days of pregnancy and first days
of motherhood.
Why does the question matter? Mary was getting to the time when she would
be scorned for being pregnant before marrying Joseph. Imagine that God
furnished Mary with extra courage
by granting her the privilege of witnessing the birth of her promised child's
Forerunner and by sharing in the ardent faith of Elizabeth and Zechariah.
prayer
Thank you again, Gracious Father, that these two women had
each other. Amen.
Read Luke 1:45-56.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
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.
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ANCESTORS!
2 (Mt 14:3; 4:12) Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ,
he sent two of his disciples,
3 (Heb 10:37; Jn 11:27) and said to Him, "Are You He who should come,
or should we look for another?" MATTHEW 11:2-3
Who has prepared you to receive God's love and t)ope in Jesus Christ?
Who has been telling his story to you in both word and action? I hope
there have been many people in your history. as well as in your present.
who continue to be like John the Baptist to you as they "prepare the way of
the Lord" in and for you!
And to whom are you John the Baptist? This question does not refer of
course, to the taste and style of your clothes or what weird diets you may
be on. I'm simply asking how you are preparing people to hear and see
God's presence in Christ Jesus in their lives as well as in yours.
The AH-HA of ancestors is not talking about our old relatives and the
"good old days" of the Bible or even of our lives. Instead, it is centering
us on the people around us, now and in the past, who have brought the
message of Jesus to us.
Thank the Lord today for your ancestors who have prepared you to know
and love the Lord. If they are still here on earth, tell them you love them. If
not, thank the Lord for giving them to you as a Christmas gift!
Lord, you have prepared us through Word and sacrament (and though
special people) to be your child. Thank you for the legion of ancestors
with whom you've surrounded us. And empower us to be like John
the Baptist as we help other people to "prepare the way" for you
to come into their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 11:2-11
2 (Mt 14:3; 4:12) Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ,
he sent two of his disciples,
3 (Heb 10:37; Jn 11:27) and said to Him, "Are You He who should come,
or should we look for another?"
4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see:
5 (Lk 4:18; Isa 35:4-6; Mt 5:3) The blind receive their sight
and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear,
the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
[Taken from Isa 35:5-6; 61:1.]
6 (Isa 8:14-15; Mt 24:10) Blessed is he who does not fall away because of Me."
7 (Eph 4:14; Jas 1:6) As they departed, Jesus began to say to the crowds
concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see?
A reed shaken by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see?
A man dressed in soft clothing? Indeed,
those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
9 (Lk 1:76; Mt 14:5) Then what did you go out to see? A prophet?
Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.
10 (Mal 3:1; Mk 1:2) For this is he of whom it is written:
'Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face,
who will prepare Your way before You.'[Mal 3:1.]
11 Truly I say to you, among those who are born of women,
there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist.
But he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray to the Lord: "God, help me to embrace Your promises
about deliverance into eternal life with You."
Pray to the Lord and pray for His Word to dwell in you richly.
Pray to the Lord and pray to reap bountifully.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to let the lusts of this world choke the Word!
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 that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
Pray: Thank you again, Gracious Father, that these two women had
each other. Amen.
Pray: Lord, you have prepared us through Word and sacrament (and though
special people) to be your child. Thank you for the legion of ancestors
with whom you've surrounded us. And empower us to be like John
the Baptist as we help other people to "prepare the way" for you
to come into their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for the protection of ministry workers in Sudan and the fulfillment
of their spiritual and practical needs.
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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