Day 350 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 20th Day of Advent - 16 December 2022 reflections
Day 350, 16 December 2022
1) Hebrews 5 - 7
Hebrews 5
1 (Heb 8:3; 10:11; 2:17) For every high priest chosen from among men
is appointed to represent men in things pertaining to God,
that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 (Heb 2:18; 7:28) He is able to have compassion on the ignorant
and on those who are wayward, for he himself is also subject to weakness.
3 (Heb 7:27; 9:7; Lev 9:7) Because of this he must offer sacrifices
for his own sins, just as he does for the people.
4 (Ex 28:1; Nu 16:40) No man takes this honor for himself,
but he who is called by God receives it, just as Aaron did.
5 (Jn 8:54; Ps 2:7) So also Christ did not glorify Himself to be made
a High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:
"You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father."–7 (Ps 40:6–8.)
6 (Heb 7:17; Ps 110:4; Heb 7:21) As He also says in another place:
"You are a priest forever
in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)
7 (Mt 27:46; 27:50) In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers
and supplications with loud cries and tears to Him who was able to save
Him from death. He was heard because of His godly fear.
8 (Php 2:8) Though He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things
that He suffered,
9 (Heb 2:10) and being made perfect, He became the source of eternal
salvation for all those who obey Him,
10 (Heb 5:5-6; 6:20) being designated by God a High Priest according
to the order of Melchizedek.
[1] For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things
pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
[2] Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the
way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
[3] And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself,
to offer for sins.
[4] And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of
God, as was Aaron.
[5] So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he
that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
[6] As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the
order of Melchisedec.
[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and
supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save
him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he
suffered;
[9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him;
[10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Warning Against Apostasy
11 (2Pe 3:16) Concerning this we have much to say that is hard to explain,
since you have become hard of hearing.
12 (Heb 6:1; Ac 7:38) For though by now you should be teachers, you need
someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God
and have come to need milk rather than solid food.
13 (1Co 14:20; 1Pe 2:2) Everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word
of righteousness, for he is a baby.
14 (Isa 7:15; 1Co 2:6) But solid food belongs to those who are mature,
for those who through practice have powers of discernment that are trained
to distinguish good from evil.
[11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye
are dull of hearing.
[12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one
teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are
become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
[13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of
righteousness: for he is a babe.
[14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who
by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 6
1 (Heb 9:14) Therefore, leaving the elementary principles of the doctrine
of Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation
of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
2 (Ac 6:6; 17:31-32) of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands,
the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:7)This we will do if God permits.
4 (Gal 3:2; Eph 2:8) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 (Heb 2:5; 1Pe 2:3) and have tasted the good word of God and the powers
of the age to come,
6 (Heb 10:29; 1Jn 5:16) if they fall away,
to be renewed once more to repentance,
since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God
and subject Him to public shame.
7 For land that drinks in the rain that often falls upon it
and bears a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives
a blessing from God.
8 (Ge 3:17-18; Dt 29:28) But land that bears thorns and thistles
is rejected and near to being cursed. Its destiny is to be burned.
9 But though we speak in this manner, we are persuaded of better things
for you, things that accompany salvation,
10 (Mt 10:42; 1Th 1:3; Pr 14:31) for God is not unjust so as to forget
your work and labor of love that you have shown for His name, in that
you have ministered to the saints and continue ministering.
11 (Heb 3:6; 3:14; Ro 5:2-5) We desire that every one of you show
the same diligence for the full assurance of hope to the end,
12 (Heb 10:36; 13:7; Rev 13:10) so that you may not be lazy, but imitators
of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
[1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on
unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead
works, and of faith toward God,
[2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of
resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
[3] And this will we do, if God permit.
[4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
[5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to
come,
[6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing
they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open
shame.
[7] For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and
bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing
from God:
[8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto
cursing; whose end is to be burned.
[9] But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that
accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
[10] For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love,
which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the
saints, and do minister.
[11] And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the
full assurance of hope unto the end:
[12] That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and
patience inherit the promises.
Sure Promise of God
13 (Lk 1:73) For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could vow
by no one greater, He vowed by Himself,
14 (Ge 22:17) saying, "Surely I will bless you, and surely I will
multiply you."(Ge 22:17.)
15 (Heb 6:12) So after Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 (Ex 22:11) For men indeed swear by a greater authority than themselves,
and for them an oath of confirmation ends all dispute.
17 (Heb 11:9; Pr 19:21) So God, wanting to show more abundantly
the immutability of His counsel to the heirs of promise, confirmed it
by an oath.
18 (Titus 1:2; Nu 23:19; Heb 12:1-2) So that by two immutable things,
in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge
might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
19 (Heb 9:7; Lev 16:2) We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor
of the soul, which enters the Inner Place behind the veil.
20 (Heb 4:14; 5:6; 1:3) This is where Jesus has entered for us as
a forerunner, since He has become the everlasting High Priest in
the order of Melchizedek.
[13] For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no
greater, he sware by himself,
[14] Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will
multiply thee.
[15] And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
[16] For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to
them an end of all strife.
[17] Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise
the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
[18] That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to
lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay
hold upon the hope set before us:
[19] Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast,
and which entereth into that within the veil;
[20] Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 7
The Priestly Order of Melchizedek
1 (Ge 14:18-20; Mk 5:7) For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest
of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings
and blessed him.
2 To him Abraham also gave a tenth part of everything. In the first place,
his name is translated "king of righteousness," and then also he is king
of Salem, which means "king of peace."
3 (Heb 7:6) Without father, without mother, without descent,
having neither beginning of days nor end of life,
but made like the Son of God, he continually remains a priest.
4 (Ac 2:29; Ge 14:20) Now consider how great this man was, to whom even
the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
5 Surely the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have
a command to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is,
from their brothers, though they also come from the seed of Abraham.
6 (Ro 4:13; Ge 14:19-20) But this man, whose descent is not numbered among
them, received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
7 Without question, the inferior is blessed by the superior.
8 (Heb 5:6; 6:20) In the one case mortal men receive tithes, but in the other
he of whom it is witnessed that he is alive receives them.
9 One might say that Levi also, who receives tithes,
paid tithes through Abraham,
10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met Abraham.
11 (Heb 8:7; Gal 2:21) If perfection were attained through the Levitical
priesthood (for through it the people received the law), what further need
was there that another priest should rise in the order of Melchizedek,
rather than established in the order of Aaron?
12 For a change in the priesthood necessitates a change in the law.
13 For the One concerning whom these things are spoken pertains to another
tribe, from which no man served at the altar.
14 (Isa 11:1; Mic 5:2; Lk 3:33) For it is evident that our Lord descended
from Judah, a tribe concerning which Moses said nothing about priests.
15 This is far more evident when another priest arises in the likeness
of Melchizedek,
16 who becomes a priest not by a law pertaining to ancestry,
but by the power of an endless life.
17 (Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6) For He testifies:
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)
18 (Ro 8:3; Gal 4:9) For there is then an annulling of the previous
commandment due to its weakness and uselessness.
19 (Ac 13:39; Heb 4:16) For the law made nothing perfect, but now
a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
20 And He was not made a priest without an oath.
21 (Ps 110:4; Heb 7:17) (Other priests were made without an oath,
but this One with an oath by the One who said to Him:
"The Lord has sworn
and will not relent,
'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.' " (Nu 23:19;
1Sa 15:29; Ps 110:4.))
22 Through this oath Jesus became the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 And the former priests were numerous because they were hindered
from serving because of death.
24 (Heb 7:28; Jn 12:34) But He, because He lives forever,
has an everlasting priesthood.
25 (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:19; Jn 14:6) Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost
those who come to God through Him, because He at all times lives to make
intercession for them.
26 (Heb 8:1; 2Co 5:21) For such a High Priest was fitting for us,
for He is holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners,
and is higher than the heavens.
27 (Heb 9:28; 5:3; 9:12) Unlike those high priests, He does not need to
offer daily sacrifices-first for His own sins and then for the people's,
for He did this once for all when He offered up Himself.
28 (Heb 2:10; 1:2) For the law appoints men who are weak as high priests,
but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son who is
made perfect forever.
[1] For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who
met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
[2] To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by
interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem,
which is, King of peace;
[3] Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither
beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God;
abideth a priest continually.
[4] Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch
Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
[5] And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of
the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to
the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of
Abraham:
[6] But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of
Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
[7] And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
[8] And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of
whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
[9] And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in
Abraham.
[10] For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
[11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it
the people received the law,) what further need was there that another
priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after
the order of Aaron?
[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change
also of the law.
[13] For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of
which no man gave attendance at the altar.
[14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe
Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
[15] And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of
Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
[16] Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the
power of an endless life.
[17] For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec.
[18] For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for
the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
[19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope
did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
[20] And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
[21] (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by
him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
[22] By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
[23] And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to
continue by reason of death:
[24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable
priesthood.
[25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
[26] For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled,
separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
[27] Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice,
first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once,
when he offered up himself.
[28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word
of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for
evermore.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 December 2022
Entitled "Legacy of Faith"
2 Timothy 1:3-5
Loyalty to the Gospel
3 (Ro 1:8-9; Ac 23:1) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my
forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 (2Ti 4:9; 4:21) greatly desiring to see you, remembering your tears,
that I may be filled with joy,
5 (Ac 16:1; 1Ti 1:5) remembering the genuine faith that first lived
in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded
lives in you also.
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that
without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be
filled with joy;
[5] When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am
persuaded that in thee also.
In 2019, research exploring the spiritual heritage of believers in Jesus in
the United States revealed that mothers and grandmothers have a significant
influence on spiritual development. Nearly two-thirds of people who claim a
legacy of faith credited their mother, and one-third acknowledged that a
grandparent (usually a grandmother) also played a significant role.
The report's editor remarked, "Over and over, this study speaks to the
enduring impact of mothers in . . . spiritual development."
It's an impact we also discover in Scripture.
In Paul's letter to his protégé Timothy, he acknowledged that Timothy's
faith was modeled to him by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice
(2 Timothy 1:5). It’s a delightful personal detail highlighting the impact
of two women on one of the leaders of the early church. Their influence can
also be seen in Paul's encouragement to Timothy: "continue in what you have
learned [because] from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures"(3:14-15).
A strong spiritual heritage is a precious gift. But even if our upbringing
lacked the kind of positive influences that helped form Timothy's faith,
there are likely others in our life who’ve had a profound impact in helping
to shape our spiritual development. Most important, we all have the
opportunity to model sincere faith to those around us and leave a lasting
legacy.
By: Lisa M. Samra
Reflect & Pray
Who's had a significant impact on your spiritual development?
How can you encourage others in faith?
Father, thank You for the men and women
in my life that have modeled sincere faith.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 6 - Shielded by the Word
Proverbs 30:5
5 (Ps 12:6; 18:30) Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
A wife of ten years, betrayed by her husband's infidelity, declares that
she will never trust a man again. A teenage son says of his father, "I
can't depend on him anymore! Dad always talk big and makes promises,
but he never does what he says." A career woman, her reputation
undermined by gossip, leaves the church broken, and never returns.
Human beings are weak, volatile, unfaithful creatures; often we
break our word and hurt others in the process. But the Scripture
clearly assures us that God's Word is not like the word of man.
God always remains faithful to his Word, always fulfills his promises,
always does what he says he will do.
God's word is pure (or flawless), Proverbs 30:5 says. His Word
is not distorted with mixed motives or flawed by untruth. God's Word
is dependable, able to support and lift us up, able to speak
encouragement to us. His Word is a "shield" a protection for us
against the onslaughts of the Enemy, a place of refuge from the struggle
and confusion of daily life.
We live in a world that recognises no absolute truth. Morality,
values, relationships, ethics - every decision of life, it seems,
"depends on the situation." But in the midst of the confusion,
God interjects his Word - timeless, pure, trustworthy, reliable.
We can depend upon God's Word. We can turn to him to verify who we are
and the purposes for which we were created. We can find refuge in his truth,
and rest in the knowledge that whatever he says, he will do.
Application
a) In my own experience, how have I found God's Word
to be different from the word of men and women?
b) In what areas of my life do I need the assurance of the validity
and dependability of God's Word?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebrews 7:8
8 In the one case mortal men receive tithes,
but in the other he of whom it is witnessed
that he is alive receives them.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them,
of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
2 Cor 12:7-10
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance
of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan,
to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made
perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in hardships,
in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of
the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,
the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,
in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak,
then am I strong.
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
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Advent Day 20
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Friday, Third Week of Advent
"From the waist upwards he was like a man, but his legs were shaped like a goat's....One of his hands...held the umbrella:
in the other arm he carried several brown paper parcels. What with the parcels
and the snow it looked just as if he had been doing his Christmas shopping. He
was a Faun. And when he saw Lucy he gave such a start of surprise that he
dropped all his parcels." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, p. 8.)
Christmas Shopping
Some families begin their Christmas shopping the day after Christmas, so far
in advance that they have more than 300shop ping days to complete that task.
Early in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Tumnus the Faun looked as if he
had been Christmas shopping. Then he met Lucy, dropped his parcels in
surprise, and the adventures in Narnia began. Those gifts are never again
mentioned in the Chronicles of Narnia.
God's plans started much earlier than our plan sdo. At one point in Israel's
history, their plans began seventy years before the end of the Babylonian
Exile. For us they began even earlier than that. "For he chose us in him
before the creation of the world" (Eph. 1:4). If God chose us before the
creation of the world, then he also planned to send his Son before the
creation of the world. Those plans even began before the first sin. Now that's
planning!
In Christ God loved us with the riches of his grace that "he lavished on us
with all wisdom and understanding" (Eph. 1:8). He planned that we "be adopted
as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and
will" (Eph. 1:5). That lavishment was God's shopping, so to speak, wrapping
up gifts of grace in advance for us to enjoy in the coming of Jesus. The gifts
of the Wise Men were planned to be gifts fit for a king. God's gifts were
planned to be gifts fit for the children of the King.
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world to be your
sons and daughters. Amen.
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
Ephesians 1:4
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Pondering and Prophesying
... For the hand of the Lord was with him..
-Luke 1:66b
Fear of God came over everyone, and everything was discussed throughout
Judea's hill country. There were two other dominant reactions to the
astonishing events that took place with John's circumcision. On one hand,
people were pondering and asking, "What then will this child become?" On the
other hand, Zechariah was compelled by the Holy Spirit to prophesy.
All of these responses are appropriate when we perceive that God has created a
wonder. Not only will we want to tell all our neighbors and friends throughout
the world, but also we will yearn to mull over the circumstances ourselves.
Moreover, we may be overpowered by the Holy Spirit ourselves and may give
witness to God's glorious accomplishments in other ways.
Are we open to the workings of the Holy Spirit through us? Has it ever
happened that you have prophesied? (I mean not necessarily foretelling the
future, but clarifying the meaning of the present.) Have we instead sometimes
quenched the Spirit when God would have used us to give witness to his deeds?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Read Luke 1:65-67.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts
were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,
"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AD LIBS!
God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, HEBREWS 1:1-2
How is your journey to the manger going so far? We're almost
to Bethlehem!
I like to look for different "twists" in the Christmas message each year. Not
that l change the story, but I do look for creative ways to ad lib along the
way. This is called the AH-HA of ad libs!
For instance. l imagine what would have happened if, when Mary and
Joseph came to the innkeeper, instead of turning them away. he would
have said, "Hey. no problem, come on in and hake a drink!" Or l wonder
what if when the angels came to the old shepherds in the field, the senior
adult shepherds would have responded, "Huh?"
We'd better just stick to the old, old story of Jesus and his love, don't you
think?--just the way today's Scripture lays it out. Hebrews reminds us that
years ago God spoke to his people through the prophets, but now he
speaks to us through his Son. That's the story we never want to change!
Author David Grayson once wrote. "Sometimes we expect too much of
Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and
humanity of the whole year. I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all
through the year." Not a bad way to ad lib our way, each day, in the Lord!
Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Hebrews 1:1-4
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,
whom He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express
image of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power.
When He had by Himself purged our sins,
He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels
as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to have spiritual meat and not milk.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, thank You for the men and women
in my life that have modeled sincere faith."
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember that His Word is pure.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour Him with your first fruits.
Pray to the Lord and pray to ask the Lord for Healing!
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 God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world
to be your sons and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Pray: Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for house churches throughout Tunisia.
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) Hebrews 5 - 7
Hebrews 5
1 (Heb 8:3; 10:11; 2:17) For every high priest chosen from among men
is appointed to represent men in things pertaining to God,
that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 (Heb 2:18; 7:28) He is able to have compassion on the ignorant
and on those who are wayward, for he himself is also subject to weakness.
3 (Heb 7:27; 9:7; Lev 9:7) Because of this he must offer sacrifices
for his own sins, just as he does for the people.
4 (Ex 28:1; Nu 16:40) No man takes this honor for himself,
but he who is called by God receives it, just as Aaron did.
5 (Jn 8:54; Ps 2:7) So also Christ did not glorify Himself to be made
a High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:
"You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father."–7 (Ps 40:6–8.)
6 (Heb 7:17; Ps 110:4; Heb 7:21) As He also says in another place:
"You are a priest forever
in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)
7 (Mt 27:46; 27:50) In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers
and supplications with loud cries and tears to Him who was able to save
Him from death. He was heard because of His godly fear.
8 (Php 2:8) Though He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things
that He suffered,
9 (Heb 2:10) and being made perfect, He became the source of eternal
salvation for all those who obey Him,
10 (Heb 5:5-6; 6:20) being designated by God a High Priest according
to the order of Melchizedek.
[1] For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things
pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
[2] Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the
way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
[3] And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself,
to offer for sins.
[4] And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of
God, as was Aaron.
[5] So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he
that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
[6] As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the
order of Melchisedec.
[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and
supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save
him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he
suffered;
[9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him;
[10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Warning Against Apostasy
11 (2Pe 3:16) Concerning this we have much to say that is hard to explain,
since you have become hard of hearing.
12 (Heb 6:1; Ac 7:38) For though by now you should be teachers, you need
someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God
and have come to need milk rather than solid food.
13 (1Co 14:20; 1Pe 2:2) Everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word
of righteousness, for he is a baby.
14 (Isa 7:15; 1Co 2:6) But solid food belongs to those who are mature,
for those who through practice have powers of discernment that are trained
to distinguish good from evil.
[11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye
are dull of hearing.
[12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one
teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are
become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
[13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of
righteousness: for he is a babe.
[14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who
by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 6
1 (Heb 9:14) Therefore, leaving the elementary principles of the doctrine
of Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation
of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
2 (Ac 6:6; 17:31-32) of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands,
the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:7)This we will do if God permits.
4 (Gal 3:2; Eph 2:8) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 (Heb 2:5; 1Pe 2:3) and have tasted the good word of God and the powers
of the age to come,
6 (Heb 10:29; 1Jn 5:16) if they fall away,
to be renewed once more to repentance,
since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God
and subject Him to public shame.
7 For land that drinks in the rain that often falls upon it
and bears a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives
a blessing from God.
8 (Ge 3:17-18; Dt 29:28) But land that bears thorns and thistles
is rejected and near to being cursed. Its destiny is to be burned.
9 But though we speak in this manner, we are persuaded of better things
for you, things that accompany salvation,
10 (Mt 10:42; 1Th 1:3; Pr 14:31) for God is not unjust so as to forget
your work and labor of love that you have shown for His name, in that
you have ministered to the saints and continue ministering.
11 (Heb 3:6; 3:14; Ro 5:2-5) We desire that every one of you show
the same diligence for the full assurance of hope to the end,
12 (Heb 10:36; 13:7; Rev 13:10) so that you may not be lazy, but imitators
of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
[1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on
unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead
works, and of faith toward God,
[2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of
resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
[3] And this will we do, if God permit.
[4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
[5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to
come,
[6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing
they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open
shame.
[7] For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and
bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing
from God:
[8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto
cursing; whose end is to be burned.
[9] But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that
accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
[10] For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love,
which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the
saints, and do minister.
[11] And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the
full assurance of hope unto the end:
[12] That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and
patience inherit the promises.
Sure Promise of God
13 (Lk 1:73) For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could vow
by no one greater, He vowed by Himself,
14 (Ge 22:17) saying, "Surely I will bless you, and surely I will
multiply you."(Ge 22:17.)
15 (Heb 6:12) So after Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 (Ex 22:11) For men indeed swear by a greater authority than themselves,
and for them an oath of confirmation ends all dispute.
17 (Heb 11:9; Pr 19:21) So God, wanting to show more abundantly
the immutability of His counsel to the heirs of promise, confirmed it
by an oath.
18 (Titus 1:2; Nu 23:19; Heb 12:1-2) So that by two immutable things,
in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge
might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
19 (Heb 9:7; Lev 16:2) We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor
of the soul, which enters the Inner Place behind the veil.
20 (Heb 4:14; 5:6; 1:3) This is where Jesus has entered for us as
a forerunner, since He has become the everlasting High Priest in
the order of Melchizedek.
[13] For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no
greater, he sware by himself,
[14] Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will
multiply thee.
[15] And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
[16] For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to
them an end of all strife.
[17] Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise
the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
[18] That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to
lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay
hold upon the hope set before us:
[19] Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast,
and which entereth into that within the veil;
[20] Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 7
The Priestly Order of Melchizedek
1 (Ge 14:18-20; Mk 5:7) For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest
of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings
and blessed him.
2 To him Abraham also gave a tenth part of everything. In the first place,
his name is translated "king of righteousness," and then also he is king
of Salem, which means "king of peace."
3 (Heb 7:6) Without father, without mother, without descent,
having neither beginning of days nor end of life,
but made like the Son of God, he continually remains a priest.
4 (Ac 2:29; Ge 14:20) Now consider how great this man was, to whom even
the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
5 Surely the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have
a command to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is,
from their brothers, though they also come from the seed of Abraham.
6 (Ro 4:13; Ge 14:19-20) But this man, whose descent is not numbered among
them, received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
7 Without question, the inferior is blessed by the superior.
8 (Heb 5:6; 6:20) In the one case mortal men receive tithes, but in the other
he of whom it is witnessed that he is alive receives them.
9 One might say that Levi also, who receives tithes,
paid tithes through Abraham,
10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met Abraham.
11 (Heb 8:7; Gal 2:21) If perfection were attained through the Levitical
priesthood (for through it the people received the law), what further need
was there that another priest should rise in the order of Melchizedek,
rather than established in the order of Aaron?
12 For a change in the priesthood necessitates a change in the law.
13 For the One concerning whom these things are spoken pertains to another
tribe, from which no man served at the altar.
14 (Isa 11:1; Mic 5:2; Lk 3:33) For it is evident that our Lord descended
from Judah, a tribe concerning which Moses said nothing about priests.
15 This is far more evident when another priest arises in the likeness
of Melchizedek,
16 who becomes a priest not by a law pertaining to ancestry,
but by the power of an endless life.
17 (Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6) For He testifies:
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)
18 (Ro 8:3; Gal 4:9) For there is then an annulling of the previous
commandment due to its weakness and uselessness.
19 (Ac 13:39; Heb 4:16) For the law made nothing perfect, but now
a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
20 And He was not made a priest without an oath.
21 (Ps 110:4; Heb 7:17) (Other priests were made without an oath,
but this One with an oath by the One who said to Him:
"The Lord has sworn
and will not relent,
'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.' " (Nu 23:19;
1Sa 15:29; Ps 110:4.))
22 Through this oath Jesus became the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 And the former priests were numerous because they were hindered
from serving because of death.
24 (Heb 7:28; Jn 12:34) But He, because He lives forever,
has an everlasting priesthood.
25 (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:19; Jn 14:6) Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost
those who come to God through Him, because He at all times lives to make
intercession for them.
26 (Heb 8:1; 2Co 5:21) For such a High Priest was fitting for us,
for He is holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners,
and is higher than the heavens.
27 (Heb 9:28; 5:3; 9:12) Unlike those high priests, He does not need to
offer daily sacrifices-first for His own sins and then for the people's,
for He did this once for all when He offered up Himself.
28 (Heb 2:10; 1:2) For the law appoints men who are weak as high priests,
but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son who is
made perfect forever.
[1] For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who
met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
[2] To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by
interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem,
which is, King of peace;
[3] Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither
beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God;
abideth a priest continually.
[4] Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch
Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
[5] And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of
the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to
the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of
Abraham:
[6] But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of
Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
[7] And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
[8] And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of
whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
[9] And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in
Abraham.
[10] For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
[11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it
the people received the law,) what further need was there that another
priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after
the order of Aaron?
[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change
also of the law.
[13] For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of
which no man gave attendance at the altar.
[14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe
Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
[15] And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of
Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
[16] Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the
power of an endless life.
[17] For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec.
[18] For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for
the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
[19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope
did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
[20] And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
[21] (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by
him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
[22] By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
[23] And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to
continue by reason of death:
[24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable
priesthood.
[25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
[26] For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled,
separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
[27] Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice,
first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once,
when he offered up himself.
[28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word
of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for
evermore.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 December 2022
Entitled "Legacy of Faith"
2 Timothy 1:3-5
Loyalty to the Gospel
3 (Ro 1:8-9; Ac 23:1) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my
forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 (2Ti 4:9; 4:21) greatly desiring to see you, remembering your tears,
that I may be filled with joy,
5 (Ac 16:1; 1Ti 1:5) remembering the genuine faith that first lived
in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded
lives in you also.
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that
without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be
filled with joy;
[5] When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am
persuaded that in thee also.
In 2019, research exploring the spiritual heritage of believers in Jesus in
the United States revealed that mothers and grandmothers have a significant
influence on spiritual development. Nearly two-thirds of people who claim a
legacy of faith credited their mother, and one-third acknowledged that a
grandparent (usually a grandmother) also played a significant role.
The report's editor remarked, "Over and over, this study speaks to the
enduring impact of mothers in . . . spiritual development."
It's an impact we also discover in Scripture.
In Paul's letter to his protégé Timothy, he acknowledged that Timothy's
faith was modeled to him by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice
(2 Timothy 1:5). It’s a delightful personal detail highlighting the impact
of two women on one of the leaders of the early church. Their influence can
also be seen in Paul's encouragement to Timothy: "continue in what you have
learned [because] from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures"(3:14-15).
A strong spiritual heritage is a precious gift. But even if our upbringing
lacked the kind of positive influences that helped form Timothy's faith,
there are likely others in our life who’ve had a profound impact in helping
to shape our spiritual development. Most important, we all have the
opportunity to model sincere faith to those around us and leave a lasting
legacy.
By: Lisa M. Samra
Reflect & Pray
Who's had a significant impact on your spiritual development?
How can you encourage others in faith?
Father, thank You for the men and women
in my life that have modeled sincere faith.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 6 - Shielded by the Word
Proverbs 30:5
5 (Ps 12:6; 18:30) Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
A wife of ten years, betrayed by her husband's infidelity, declares that
she will never trust a man again. A teenage son says of his father, "I
can't depend on him anymore! Dad always talk big and makes promises,
but he never does what he says." A career woman, her reputation
undermined by gossip, leaves the church broken, and never returns.
Human beings are weak, volatile, unfaithful creatures; often we
break our word and hurt others in the process. But the Scripture
clearly assures us that God's Word is not like the word of man.
God always remains faithful to his Word, always fulfills his promises,
always does what he says he will do.
God's word is pure (or flawless), Proverbs 30:5 says. His Word
is not distorted with mixed motives or flawed by untruth. God's Word
is dependable, able to support and lift us up, able to speak
encouragement to us. His Word is a "shield" a protection for us
against the onslaughts of the Enemy, a place of refuge from the struggle
and confusion of daily life.
We live in a world that recognises no absolute truth. Morality,
values, relationships, ethics - every decision of life, it seems,
"depends on the situation." But in the midst of the confusion,
God interjects his Word - timeless, pure, trustworthy, reliable.
We can depend upon God's Word. We can turn to him to verify who we are
and the purposes for which we were created. We can find refuge in his truth,
and rest in the knowledge that whatever he says, he will do.
Application
a) In my own experience, how have I found God's Word
to be different from the word of men and women?
b) In what areas of my life do I need the assurance of the validity
and dependability of God's Word?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebrews 7:8
8 In the one case mortal men receive tithes,
but in the other he of whom it is witnessed
that he is alive receives them.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them,
of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
2 Cor 12:7-10
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance
of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan,
to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made
perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in hardships,
in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of
the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,
the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,
in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak,
then am I strong.
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
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Advent Day 20
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Friday, Third Week of Advent
"From the waist upwards he was like a man, but his legs were shaped like a goat's....One of his hands...held the umbrella:
in the other arm he carried several brown paper parcels. What with the parcels
and the snow it looked just as if he had been doing his Christmas shopping. He
was a Faun. And when he saw Lucy he gave such a start of surprise that he
dropped all his parcels." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, p. 8.)
Christmas Shopping
Some families begin their Christmas shopping the day after Christmas, so far
in advance that they have more than 300shop ping days to complete that task.
Early in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Tumnus the Faun looked as if he
had been Christmas shopping. Then he met Lucy, dropped his parcels in
surprise, and the adventures in Narnia began. Those gifts are never again
mentioned in the Chronicles of Narnia.
God's plans started much earlier than our plan sdo. At one point in Israel's
history, their plans began seventy years before the end of the Babylonian
Exile. For us they began even earlier than that. "For he chose us in him
before the creation of the world" (Eph. 1:4). If God chose us before the
creation of the world, then he also planned to send his Son before the
creation of the world. Those plans even began before the first sin. Now that's
planning!
In Christ God loved us with the riches of his grace that "he lavished on us
with all wisdom and understanding" (Eph. 1:8). He planned that we "be adopted
as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and
will" (Eph. 1:5). That lavishment was God's shopping, so to speak, wrapping
up gifts of grace in advance for us to enjoy in the coming of Jesus. The gifts
of the Wise Men were planned to be gifts fit for a king. God's gifts were
planned to be gifts fit for the children of the King.
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world to be your
sons and daughters. Amen.
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
Ephesians 1:4
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Pondering and Prophesying
... For the hand of the Lord was with him..
-Luke 1:66b
Fear of God came over everyone, and everything was discussed throughout
Judea's hill country. There were two other dominant reactions to the
astonishing events that took place with John's circumcision. On one hand,
people were pondering and asking, "What then will this child become?" On the
other hand, Zechariah was compelled by the Holy Spirit to prophesy.
All of these responses are appropriate when we perceive that God has created a
wonder. Not only will we want to tell all our neighbors and friends throughout
the world, but also we will yearn to mull over the circumstances ourselves.
Moreover, we may be overpowered by the Holy Spirit ourselves and may give
witness to God's glorious accomplishments in other ways.
Are we open to the workings of the Holy Spirit through us? Has it ever
happened that you have prophesied? (I mean not necessarily foretelling the
future, but clarifying the meaning of the present.) Have we instead sometimes
quenched the Spirit when God would have used us to give witness to his deeds?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Read Luke 1:65-67.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts
were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,
"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AD LIBS!
God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, HEBREWS 1:1-2
How is your journey to the manger going so far? We're almost
to Bethlehem!
I like to look for different "twists" in the Christmas message each year. Not
that l change the story, but I do look for creative ways to ad lib along the
way. This is called the AH-HA of ad libs!
For instance. l imagine what would have happened if, when Mary and
Joseph came to the innkeeper, instead of turning them away. he would
have said, "Hey. no problem, come on in and hake a drink!" Or l wonder
what if when the angels came to the old shepherds in the field, the senior
adult shepherds would have responded, "Huh?"
We'd better just stick to the old, old story of Jesus and his love, don't you
think?--just the way today's Scripture lays it out. Hebrews reminds us that
years ago God spoke to his people through the prophets, but now he
speaks to us through his Son. That's the story we never want to change!
Author David Grayson once wrote. "Sometimes we expect too much of
Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and
humanity of the whole year. I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all
through the year." Not a bad way to ad lib our way, each day, in the Lord!
Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Hebrews 1:1-4
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,
whom He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express
image of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power.
When He had by Himself purged our sins,
He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels
as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to have spiritual meat and not milk.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, thank You for the men and women
in my life that have modeled sincere faith."
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember that His Word is pure.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour Him with your first fruits.
Pray to the Lord and pray to ask the Lord for Healing!
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 God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world
to be your sons and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Pray: Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for house churches throughout Tunisia.
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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