Day 354 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 24th Day of Advent - 20 December 2022 reflections
Day 354, 20 December 2022
1) 1 Peter 2:4 - 5:14
1 Peter 2:4-25
The Living Stone and the Holy Nation
4 (1Pe 2:7) Coming to Him as to a living stone who is rejected by men,
but chosen by God and precious,
5 (Php 4:18; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 61:6) you also, as living stones, are being built
up into a spiritual house as a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual
sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 (Isa 28:16; Eph 2:20) For also it is contained in the Scripture,
"Look! I lay in Zion
a chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
and he who believes in Him
shall never be put to shame." (Isa 28:16.)
7 (Mt 21:42; 2Co 2:16) Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious.
But to those who are disobedient,
"The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,"(Ps 118:22.)
8 (Isa 8:14; Ro 9:22) and,
"A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense."(Isa 8:14.)
They stumble because they are disobedient to the word,
to which also they were appointed.
9 (Dt 7:6; 10:15) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may declare the
goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
10 (Hos 1:9-10; 2:23) In times past, you were not a people, but now you are
the people of God. You had not received mercy, but now you have received
mercy.
[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but
chosen of God, and precious,
[5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.
[6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a
chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not
be confounded.
[7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be
disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the
head of the corner,
[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which
stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
[10] Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:
which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Live as Servants of God
11 (Jas 4:1; Lev 25:23) Dearly beloved, I implore you as aliens and refugees,
abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.
12 (Mt 5:16; 1Pe 3:16) Live your lives honorably among the Gentiles, so that
though they speak against you as evildoers, they shall see your good works
and thereby glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 (Titus 3:1) Submit yourselves to every human authority for the Lord's sake,
whether it be to the king, as supreme,
14 (Ro 13:3-4) or to governors, as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers
and to praise those who do right.
15 (1Pe 2:12) For it is the will of God that by doing right you may put to
silence the ignorance of foolish men.
16 (Ro 6:22; 1Co 7:22) As free people, do not use your liberty as a covering
for evil, but live as servants of God.
17 (Ro 13:7; Pr 24:21; Ro 12:10) Honor all people. Love the brotherhood.
Fear God. Honor the king.
[11] Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from
fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
[12] Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they
speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they
shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
[13] Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:
whether it be to the king, as supreme;
[14] Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment
of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
[15] For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence
the ignorance of foolish men:
[16] As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but
as the servants of God.
[17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
The Example of Christ's Suffering
18 (Jas 3:17) Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only
to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
19 (Ro 13:5) For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God
a person endures grief, suffering unjustly.
20 (1Pe 2:19; 3:17) For what credit is it if when you are being beaten
for your sins you patiently endure? But if when doing good and suffering
for it, you patiently endure, this is favorable before God.
21 (Ac 14:22; Mt 16:24) For to this you were called, because Christ suffered
for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 (Isa 53:9; 2Co 5:21) "He committed no sin,
nor was deceit found in His mouth."(Isa 53:9.)
23 (Isa 53:7; Lk 23:46) When He was reviled, He did not revile back; when He
suffered, He did not threaten, but He entrusted Himself to Him who judges
righteously.
24 (Ro 6:2; 6:11) He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.
"By His wounds you were healed."(Isa 53:5).
25 (Isa 53:6; Ps 119:176)
For you were as sheep going astray, but now have been returned
to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
[18] Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the
good and gentle, but also to the froward.
[19] For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure
grief, suffering wrongfully.
[20] For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall
take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it
patiently, this is acceptable with God.
[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
[23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he
threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
[24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were
healed.
[25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the
Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1 Peter 3
Wives and Husbands
1 (1Co 7:16; Col 3:18) Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands,
so that if any do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the
conduct of their wives,
2 as they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
3 (Isa 3:18-24) Do not let your adorning be the outward adorning
of braiding the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine clothing.
4 (Ro 7:22; Ps 149:4) But let it be the hidden nature of the heart, that which
is not corruptible, even the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is
very precious in the sight of God.
5 (1Ti 5:5) For in this manner, in the old times, the holy women, who trusted
in God, adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,
6 (Ge 18:12) even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You are her
children as long as you do right and are not afraid with any terror.
7 (Col 3:19; 1Th 4:4) Likewise, you husbands, live considerately with
your wives, giving honor to the woman as the weaker vessel,
since they too are also heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers
will not be hindered.
[1] Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any
obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation
of the wives;
[2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
[3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair,
and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
[4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not
corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the
sight of God of great price.
[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted
in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
[6] Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are,
as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
[7] Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving
honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together
of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Suffering for Righteousness' Sake
8 (Mt 18:33; Ro 12:10) Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward
one another, be gracious, and be kind.
9 (Ro 12:17; 12:14; 1Th 5:15) Do not repay evil for evil, or curse for curse,
but on the contrary, bless, knowing that to this you are called, so that you
may receive a blessing.
10 (Ps 34:12-16) For
"He who would love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil,
and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 (Ps 34:14; Mt 5:9) Let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and His ears are open to their prayers;
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13 (Pr 16:7) Who is he who will harm you if you follow that which is good?
14 (1Pe 2:19-20; Isa 8:12-13) But even if you suffer for the sake
of righteousness, you are blessed. "Do not be afraid of their terror,
do not be troubled."(Isa 8:12.)
15 (Col 4:6; Isa 29:23) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for
a reason for the hope that is in you, with
gentleness and fear.
16 (Heb 13:18; 1Pe 2:12) Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak
evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
17 (1Pe 2:20; 4:19) For it is better, if it is the will of God, that you
suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
18 (1Pe 4:1; Heb 9:26; Ro 4:25) For Christ also has once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, being put to death
in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit,
19 (1Pe 4:6) by whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison,
20 (Ge 6:3; 6:5) who in times past were disobedient, when God waited patiently
in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is,
eight souls, were saved through water.
21 (1Pe 1:3; Mk 16:16) Figuratively this is like baptism, which also saves us
now. It is not washing off the dirt from the body, but a response to God from
a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 (Ro 8:38; Mk 16:19) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand
of God, with angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.
[8] Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love
as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
[9] Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise
blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a
blessing.
[10] For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his
tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
[11] Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
[12] For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open
unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
[13] And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is
good?
[14] But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not
afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear:
[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of
evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in
Christ.
[17] For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well
doing, than for evil doing.
[18] For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but
quickened by the Spirit:
[19] By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
[20] Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God
waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that
is, eight souls were saved by water.
[21] The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the
putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
[22] Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and
authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
1 Peter 4
Good Stewards of God's Grace
1 (Ro 6:7; 6:2) Therefore, since Christ has suffered for us in the flesh,
arm yourselves likewise with the same mind, for he who has suffered in
the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 (Mk 3:35; Ro 6:11) so that he no longer should live the rest of his time
in the flesh serving human desires, but the will of God.
3 (Isa 28:7; Eze 44:6) For in earlier times of our lives it may have
sufficed us to do what the Gentiles like to do, when we walked in immorality:
lusts, drunkenness, carousing, debauchery, and abominable idolatries.
4 (1Pe 3:16; 2:12) They are surprised that you do not join them in the same
excess of wild living, and so they speak evil of you.
5 (Ac 10:42; 2Ti 4:1) They will give account to Him who is ready to judge
the living and the dead.
6 (1Pe 3:19) For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who
are dead, so that even though they might be judged according to men
in the flesh, they might live according to God in the spirit.
7 (1Pe 1:13; Lk 21:36) The end of all things is near.
Therefore be solemn and sober so you can pray.
8 (Pr 10:12; Jas 5:20) Above all things, have unfailing love for one another,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
9 (Php 2:14; 1Ti 3:2) Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
10 (1Co 4:1-2; Lk 12:42) As everyone has received a gift, even so serve one
another with it, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 (Ac 7:38; 1Co 10:31) If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.
If anyone serves, let him serve with the strength that God supplies, so that
God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
[1] Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the
flesh hath ceased from sin;
[2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the
lusts of men, but to the will of God.
[3] For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of
the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine,
revellings, banqueting, and abominable idolatries:
[4] Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same
excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
[5] Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the
dead.
[6] For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead,
that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according
to God in the spirit.
[7] But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch
unto prayer.
[8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity
shall cover the multitude of sins.
[9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
[10] As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
[11] If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all
things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion
for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place
among you to test you, as though some strange thing happened to you.
13 (Ro 8:17; Php 3:10) But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ's sufferings,
so that you may rejoice and be glad also in the revelation
of His glory.
14 (Mt 5:11; 1Pe 3:16) If you are reproached because of the name of Christ,
you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
15 (1Th 4:11; 2Th 3:11) Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief,
or an evildoer, or even as a busybody.
16 (Ac 5:41; 26:28) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be
ashamed, but let him glorify God because of it.
17 (Jer 25:29; 2Th 1:8) For the time has come for judgment to begin
at the house of God, and if it begins first with us, what shall the end
be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 (Pr 11:31; Lk 23:31) And
"If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"(Pr 11:31.)
19 (Ps 31:5; Lk 23:46) So then, let those who suffer according to the will
of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator, while continuing
to do good.
[12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
[13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that,
when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
[14] If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the
spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken
of, but on your part he is glorified.
[15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an
evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
[16] Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let
him glorify God on this behalf.
[17] For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and
if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the
gospel of God?
[18] And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the
sinner appear?
[19] Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the
keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
1 Peter 5
Tending the Flock of God
1 (Lk 24:48; Ac 11:30) I exhort the elders who are among you,
as one who is also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ
as well as a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 (1Ti 3:8; 3:3) Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, take care
of them, not by constraint, but willingly, not for dishonest gain,
but eagerly.
3 (Eze 34:4; Php 3:17) Do not lord over those in your charge,
but be examples to the flock.
4 (1Co 9:25; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 1:4) And when the chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive a crown of glory that will not fade away.
5 (Jas 4:6; Eph 5:21) Likewise you younger ones, submit yourselves
to the elders. Yes, all of you be submissive one to another
and clothe yourselves with humility, because
"God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."(Pr 3:34.)
6 (Jas 4:10; Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time.
7 (Ps 55:22; 37:5) Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.
8 (Job 2:2; Eph 6:11) Be sober and watchful, because your adversary
the devil walks around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 (Ac 14:22; Jas 4:7) Resist him firmly in the faith, knowing that
the same afflictions are experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 (2Co 4:17; 2Th 2:17; 1Co 1:9) But after you have suffered a little while,
the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory through Christ
Jesus, will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
11 (1Pe 4:11) To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
[1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed:
[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,
not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
[3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the
flock.
[4] And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of
glory that fadeth not away.
[5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you
be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth
the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may
exalt you in due time:
[7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are
accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
[10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by
Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,
stablish, strengthen, settle you.
[11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12 (Heb 13:22; 2Co 1:19; Ac 20:24) With the help of Silas, whom I consider
to be a faithful brother to you, I have written briefly, exhorting you
and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
13 (Ac 12:12; 12:25) The church that is at Babylon, elect together with you,
greets you, and so does Mark, my son.
14 (Ro 16:16; Eph 6:23) Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
[12] By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written
briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God
wherein ye stand.
[13] The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you;
and so doth Marcus my son.
[14] Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that
are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 20 December 2022
Entitled "No Cursing"
Numbers 24:15-19
Balaam's Fourth Prophecy
15 (Nu 23:7; 24:3-4) He took up his parable and said:
"The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
and the oracle of the man whose eyes are open;
16 (Nu 24:4) the oracle of the one hearing the words of God,
and knowing the knowledge of the Most High,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
17 (Ge 49:10; 2Sa 8:2; Ps 45:6) "I will see him, but not now;
I will behold him, but not near;
a star will come out of Jacob,
and a scepter will rise out of Israel,
and will crush the borderlands of Moab,
and destroy all the children of Sheth.
18 (Am 9:12; Ge 27:29) Edom will be a possession,
and Seir, a possession of its enemies,
while Israel does valiantly.
19 (Ge 49:10; Mic 5:2) One out of Jacob shall have dominion,
and destroy the survivors of the city."
[15] And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said,
and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
[16] He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of
the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance,
but having his eyes open:
[17] I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there
shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and
shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
[18] And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his
enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
[19] Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy
him that remaineth of the city.
William Shakespeare was a master of the insult, a "quality" that actor Barry
Kraft adeptly leverages with his Shakespeare Insult Generator. The clever book
consists of obscure insults drawn from Shakespeare's plays. For instance, you
might disparage someone by saying, "Thou thrasonical, logger-headed
rampallian"-which is so much more creative than saying, "You brag a lot and
you're not very smart, you scoundrel!"
Kraft's light-hearted book is in good fun. But an ancient king of Moab tried
to pay a mysterious prophet not merely to insult the Israelites but to
outright curse them. "Come and put a curse on these people," King Balak told
Balaam (Numbers 22:6). Instead, Balaam enraged the king by blessing the Hebrew
people-multiple times (24:10). One of his blessings included this prophecy:
"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near" (24:17). Clearly the
individual in view is not yet on the scene, but just who is Balaam talking
about? The next line holds a clue. "A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter
will rise out of Israel" (v. 17). The "star" would one day lead wise men to the promised Child (Matthew 2:1-2).
An ancient Mesopotamian prophet who knew nothing of Messiah pointed the world
to a future sign declaring His arrival. From an unlikely source came not
cursing, but blessing.
Reflect and Pray
How does Numbers 24 help you see the Christmas story differently? How might it
change the way you act when you encounter people opposing the work of God?
God, please give me eyes to see Your hand at work in all things.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 3 - The Remedy
Acts 4:12
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) "There is no salvation in any other,
for there is no other name under heaven given among men
by which we must be saved."
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
"You have cancer", the doctor told his patient. "We need to operate
- as soon as possible. It's the only remedy." The patient, not wanting
to undergo surgery unless it was absolutely necessary, sought out a second
opinion, then a third. When the third round of testing came up with the same
results, she returned to the doctor and submitted herself to the treatment.
Often the remedy for the problems in our lives seems worst than the problems
themselves. We don't want to endure the pain of self-examination, of honest
confrontation with our sin and selfishness. We'd rather live in "blissful
ignorance" than face up to ourselves.
But the Bible tells us there is only one remedy for sin: casting ourselves
upon the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Submitting ourselves to God's
"treatment" for sin is not an easy matter or a simple decision. We have to
give up on ourselves, on our own striving for self-salvation. We have to come
to the agonising realisation of our sin, the depths to which we have fallen.
Acknowledging sin is not a duty simply for "bad" people who have lived in
rebellion against God. "Good" people - Sunday-school kids, moral parents,
and sweet little grandmothers - may have more difficulty coming to Christ
than swindlers and prostitutes, precisely because their sin is not as
visible - sometimes it is even applauded by church and society.
"Good" or "bad", we all have the same problem: sin. And, because
of the Lord's grace, we all have the same remedy: salvation through Christ.
As we look to him, not to others, and see ourselves in light of his holiness,
we can glimpse the seriousness of our own resistance to him and call upon
his name.
Application
a) What other "remedies" have I tried to use in treating my sin?
b) Why is Jesus Christ the only source of salvation?
c) How can this verse help me to see the "salvation"
of Christ in the daily struggles of life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Romans 13:7-8
7 (Mt 17:25; 22:21) Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes
are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due,
and honor to whom honour is due.
8 (Ro 13:10; Mt 7:12) Owe no one anything, except to love one another,
for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
Ps 117
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations! Exalt Him, all you peoples!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
1 O praise the LORD,
All ye nations: Praise him, all ye people.
2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us:
And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.
Praise ye the LORD.
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
20th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
( Matthew 19:14
14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
)
b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
(
Eph 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
)
Advent Day 24
From C.S. Lewis A grand miracle by Joel Heck
"Once more, very many thanks to all your great goodness to me and mine:
and with all best wishes for a happy Christmas."
-C. S. Lewis
(From Letter to Dr. Warfield Firor, Nov. 6, 1948, Lewis' Collected Letters,
II, p. 889.)
Christmas Gratitude
During World War Two and for nearly a decade thereafter,
England suffered from a scarcity of certain foods and other consumables.
Rationing was the only solution, and a victory in the war the only consolation.
During those years, many in England benefited from the generosity of American
citizens almost as much as from the heroic courage of American soldiers.
The Lewis household was one of many to receive packages from the States,
which greatly eased the hardship. In the process, God blessed both the giver
and the recipients.
Dr. Warfield Firor, a physician from Baltimore, sent package after package
for many years. Because of the gift of more than one delicious ham,
Lewis once named him "Firor-of-the-Hams." Lewis had to come up with new
and creative ways of expressing his thanks, so frequent and generous
were Firor's gifts. Finally, Dr. Firor insisted that Lewis not thank
him anymore, but simply write to him about what he was reading, thinking,
or doing at the time. But in a letter in 1948, Lewis paired his gratitude
with greetings for the upcoming Christmas season.
The psalmist, thankful for God's strength, salvation, refuge, and
righteousness, thanks God for being his God. He says, "The Lord is
my strength and my song; he has become my salvation" (Ps. 118:14).
In the Advent season, we think of the salvation that God has sent
in his Son, and we are grateful.
We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.
Amen.
You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.
Psalm 118:28
From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
TUESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
John's Qualifications
And the child grew and became strong in spirit, ...
-Luke 1:80a
What do we mean when we assert that certain people have a "strong spirit"?
Usually we are awed by their
passionate convictions or the certainty of their beliefs.
In John the Forerunner's case, we encounter both the culmination of his call
to prepare the way for his Lord and the aftermath of his years of solitude
in the desert when his preeminent teacher was God. Some scholars speculate
that he was associated with the Essenes, who had retreated to the barren
lands to preserve their faith, but we don't know for sure.
Nor do we know how old John was when he withdrew to the wilderness,
but we can surmise that earlier he had benefited from the rigorous
training of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
They had enfolded him entirely in the story of Israel's long awaited
Messiah and in his own call to cultivate repentance in preparation for him.
On the bedrock of his parents' proficiencies, God equipped him
in the wastelands to meet the public and testify to them.
prayer
Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.
Read Luke 1:76-80.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he remained in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCLAMATION!
7 so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 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. TITUS 3:7-8
Christmas is the time for acclamation . . . and so is Advent! This AH-HA
is present throughout our lives in the Lord as we shout. cheer, applaud
and say "AH-HA and hooray" to those around us!
Today's lesson is a great summary of the life in the Lord that we acclaim
daily. We are justified by his grace. which means we live "just as if I'd never
sinned." The Babe born in the manger whom we celebrate these days is
the reason for the reason we are free to acclaim his love and forgiveness
to others ... starting with ourselves!
Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham. had it right when she said that a "happy
'marriage is the union of two forgivers." We acclaim that this is what the
Church is all about also---a commUNION of forgivers in Christ!
The Church has not survived for over 2000 years because of our optimism,
idealism or realism, but because the Spirit has empowered his people to
acclaim and witness to the birth, death, and resurrection of the Lord! Our
job is not to fix the world but to forgive the world through Christ Jesus!
Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " This is a faithful saying!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Titus 3:4-8
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.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to understand His ways.
Pray to the Lord: "God, please give me eyes to see Your hand
at work in all things."
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember He is the only Source of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to help you render to those who you owe .
Pray to the Lord and pray to exalt Him.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.
Pray: Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " The saying is sure!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Uzbekistan's government will change, so it will uphold
righteousness and justice .
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 Peter 2:4 - 5:14
1 Peter 2:4-25
The Living Stone and the Holy Nation
4 (1Pe 2:7) Coming to Him as to a living stone who is rejected by men,
but chosen by God and precious,
5 (Php 4:18; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 61:6) you also, as living stones, are being built
up into a spiritual house as a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual
sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 (Isa 28:16; Eph 2:20) For also it is contained in the Scripture,
"Look! I lay in Zion
a chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
and he who believes in Him
shall never be put to shame." (Isa 28:16.)
7 (Mt 21:42; 2Co 2:16) Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious.
But to those who are disobedient,
"The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,"(Ps 118:22.)
8 (Isa 8:14; Ro 9:22) and,
"A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense."(Isa 8:14.)
They stumble because they are disobedient to the word,
to which also they were appointed.
9 (Dt 7:6; 10:15) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may declare the
goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
10 (Hos 1:9-10; 2:23) In times past, you were not a people, but now you are
the people of God. You had not received mercy, but now you have received
mercy.
[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but
chosen of God, and precious,
[5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.
[6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a
chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not
be confounded.
[7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be
disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the
head of the corner,
[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which
stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
[10] Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:
which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Live as Servants of God
11 (Jas 4:1; Lev 25:23) Dearly beloved, I implore you as aliens and refugees,
abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.
12 (Mt 5:16; 1Pe 3:16) Live your lives honorably among the Gentiles, so that
though they speak against you as evildoers, they shall see your good works
and thereby glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 (Titus 3:1) Submit yourselves to every human authority for the Lord's sake,
whether it be to the king, as supreme,
14 (Ro 13:3-4) or to governors, as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers
and to praise those who do right.
15 (1Pe 2:12) For it is the will of God that by doing right you may put to
silence the ignorance of foolish men.
16 (Ro 6:22; 1Co 7:22) As free people, do not use your liberty as a covering
for evil, but live as servants of God.
17 (Ro 13:7; Pr 24:21; Ro 12:10) Honor all people. Love the brotherhood.
Fear God. Honor the king.
[11] Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from
fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
[12] Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they
speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they
shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
[13] Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:
whether it be to the king, as supreme;
[14] Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment
of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
[15] For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence
the ignorance of foolish men:
[16] As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but
as the servants of God.
[17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
The Example of Christ's Suffering
18 (Jas 3:17) Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only
to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
19 (Ro 13:5) For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God
a person endures grief, suffering unjustly.
20 (1Pe 2:19; 3:17) For what credit is it if when you are being beaten
for your sins you patiently endure? But if when doing good and suffering
for it, you patiently endure, this is favorable before God.
21 (Ac 14:22; Mt 16:24) For to this you were called, because Christ suffered
for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 (Isa 53:9; 2Co 5:21) "He committed no sin,
nor was deceit found in His mouth."(Isa 53:9.)
23 (Isa 53:7; Lk 23:46) When He was reviled, He did not revile back; when He
suffered, He did not threaten, but He entrusted Himself to Him who judges
righteously.
24 (Ro 6:2; 6:11) He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.
"By His wounds you were healed."(Isa 53:5).
25 (Isa 53:6; Ps 119:176)
For you were as sheep going astray, but now have been returned
to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
[18] Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the
good and gentle, but also to the froward.
[19] For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure
grief, suffering wrongfully.
[20] For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall
take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it
patiently, this is acceptable with God.
[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
[23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he
threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
[24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were
healed.
[25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the
Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1 Peter 3
Wives and Husbands
1 (1Co 7:16; Col 3:18) Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands,
so that if any do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the
conduct of their wives,
2 as they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
3 (Isa 3:18-24) Do not let your adorning be the outward adorning
of braiding the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine clothing.
4 (Ro 7:22; Ps 149:4) But let it be the hidden nature of the heart, that which
is not corruptible, even the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is
very precious in the sight of God.
5 (1Ti 5:5) For in this manner, in the old times, the holy women, who trusted
in God, adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,
6 (Ge 18:12) even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You are her
children as long as you do right and are not afraid with any terror.
7 (Col 3:19; 1Th 4:4) Likewise, you husbands, live considerately with
your wives, giving honor to the woman as the weaker vessel,
since they too are also heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers
will not be hindered.
[1] Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any
obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation
of the wives;
[2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
[3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair,
and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
[4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not
corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the
sight of God of great price.
[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted
in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
[6] Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are,
as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
[7] Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving
honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together
of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Suffering for Righteousness' Sake
8 (Mt 18:33; Ro 12:10) Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward
one another, be gracious, and be kind.
9 (Ro 12:17; 12:14; 1Th 5:15) Do not repay evil for evil, or curse for curse,
but on the contrary, bless, knowing that to this you are called, so that you
may receive a blessing.
10 (Ps 34:12-16) For
"He who would love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil,
and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 (Ps 34:14; Mt 5:9) Let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and His ears are open to their prayers;
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13 (Pr 16:7) Who is he who will harm you if you follow that which is good?
14 (1Pe 2:19-20; Isa 8:12-13) But even if you suffer for the sake
of righteousness, you are blessed. "Do not be afraid of their terror,
do not be troubled."(Isa 8:12.)
15 (Col 4:6; Isa 29:23) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for
a reason for the hope that is in you, with
gentleness and fear.
16 (Heb 13:18; 1Pe 2:12) Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak
evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
17 (1Pe 2:20; 4:19) For it is better, if it is the will of God, that you
suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
18 (1Pe 4:1; Heb 9:26; Ro 4:25) For Christ also has once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, being put to death
in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit,
19 (1Pe 4:6) by whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison,
20 (Ge 6:3; 6:5) who in times past were disobedient, when God waited patiently
in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is,
eight souls, were saved through water.
21 (1Pe 1:3; Mk 16:16) Figuratively this is like baptism, which also saves us
now. It is not washing off the dirt from the body, but a response to God from
a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 (Ro 8:38; Mk 16:19) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand
of God, with angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.
[8] Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love
as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
[9] Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise
blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a
blessing.
[10] For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his
tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
[11] Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
[12] For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open
unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
[13] And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is
good?
[14] But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not
afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear:
[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of
evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in
Christ.
[17] For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well
doing, than for evil doing.
[18] For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but
quickened by the Spirit:
[19] By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
[20] Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God
waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that
is, eight souls were saved by water.
[21] The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the
putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
[22] Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and
authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
1 Peter 4
Good Stewards of God's Grace
1 (Ro 6:7; 6:2) Therefore, since Christ has suffered for us in the flesh,
arm yourselves likewise with the same mind, for he who has suffered in
the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 (Mk 3:35; Ro 6:11) so that he no longer should live the rest of his time
in the flesh serving human desires, but the will of God.
3 (Isa 28:7; Eze 44:6) For in earlier times of our lives it may have
sufficed us to do what the Gentiles like to do, when we walked in immorality:
lusts, drunkenness, carousing, debauchery, and abominable idolatries.
4 (1Pe 3:16; 2:12) They are surprised that you do not join them in the same
excess of wild living, and so they speak evil of you.
5 (Ac 10:42; 2Ti 4:1) They will give account to Him who is ready to judge
the living and the dead.
6 (1Pe 3:19) For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who
are dead, so that even though they might be judged according to men
in the flesh, they might live according to God in the spirit.
7 (1Pe 1:13; Lk 21:36) The end of all things is near.
Therefore be solemn and sober so you can pray.
8 (Pr 10:12; Jas 5:20) Above all things, have unfailing love for one another,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
9 (Php 2:14; 1Ti 3:2) Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
10 (1Co 4:1-2; Lk 12:42) As everyone has received a gift, even so serve one
another with it, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 (Ac 7:38; 1Co 10:31) If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.
If anyone serves, let him serve with the strength that God supplies, so that
God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
[1] Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the
flesh hath ceased from sin;
[2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the
lusts of men, but to the will of God.
[3] For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of
the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine,
revellings, banqueting, and abominable idolatries:
[4] Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same
excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
[5] Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the
dead.
[6] For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead,
that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according
to God in the spirit.
[7] But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch
unto prayer.
[8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity
shall cover the multitude of sins.
[9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
[10] As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
[11] If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all
things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion
for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place
among you to test you, as though some strange thing happened to you.
13 (Ro 8:17; Php 3:10) But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ's sufferings,
so that you may rejoice and be glad also in the revelation
of His glory.
14 (Mt 5:11; 1Pe 3:16) If you are reproached because of the name of Christ,
you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
15 (1Th 4:11; 2Th 3:11) Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief,
or an evildoer, or even as a busybody.
16 (Ac 5:41; 26:28) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be
ashamed, but let him glorify God because of it.
17 (Jer 25:29; 2Th 1:8) For the time has come for judgment to begin
at the house of God, and if it begins first with us, what shall the end
be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 (Pr 11:31; Lk 23:31) And
"If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"(Pr 11:31.)
19 (Ps 31:5; Lk 23:46) So then, let those who suffer according to the will
of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator, while continuing
to do good.
[12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
[13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that,
when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
[14] If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the
spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken
of, but on your part he is glorified.
[15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an
evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
[16] Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let
him glorify God on this behalf.
[17] For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and
if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the
gospel of God?
[18] And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the
sinner appear?
[19] Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the
keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
1 Peter 5
Tending the Flock of God
1 (Lk 24:48; Ac 11:30) I exhort the elders who are among you,
as one who is also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ
as well as a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 (1Ti 3:8; 3:3) Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, take care
of them, not by constraint, but willingly, not for dishonest gain,
but eagerly.
3 (Eze 34:4; Php 3:17) Do not lord over those in your charge,
but be examples to the flock.
4 (1Co 9:25; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 1:4) And when the chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive a crown of glory that will not fade away.
5 (Jas 4:6; Eph 5:21) Likewise you younger ones, submit yourselves
to the elders. Yes, all of you be submissive one to another
and clothe yourselves with humility, because
"God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."(Pr 3:34.)
6 (Jas 4:10; Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time.
7 (Ps 55:22; 37:5) Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.
8 (Job 2:2; Eph 6:11) Be sober and watchful, because your adversary
the devil walks around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 (Ac 14:22; Jas 4:7) Resist him firmly in the faith, knowing that
the same afflictions are experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 (2Co 4:17; 2Th 2:17; 1Co 1:9) But after you have suffered a little while,
the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory through Christ
Jesus, will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
11 (1Pe 4:11) To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
[1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed:
[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,
not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
[3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the
flock.
[4] And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of
glory that fadeth not away.
[5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you
be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth
the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may
exalt you in due time:
[7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are
accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
[10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by
Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,
stablish, strengthen, settle you.
[11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12 (Heb 13:22; 2Co 1:19; Ac 20:24) With the help of Silas, whom I consider
to be a faithful brother to you, I have written briefly, exhorting you
and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
13 (Ac 12:12; 12:25) The church that is at Babylon, elect together with you,
greets you, and so does Mark, my son.
14 (Ro 16:16; Eph 6:23) Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
[12] By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written
briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God
wherein ye stand.
[13] The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you;
and so doth Marcus my son.
[14] Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that
are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 20 December 2022
Entitled "No Cursing"
Numbers 24:15-19
Balaam's Fourth Prophecy
15 (Nu 23:7; 24:3-4) He took up his parable and said:
"The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
and the oracle of the man whose eyes are open;
16 (Nu 24:4) the oracle of the one hearing the words of God,
and knowing the knowledge of the Most High,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
17 (Ge 49:10; 2Sa 8:2; Ps 45:6) "I will see him, but not now;
I will behold him, but not near;
a star will come out of Jacob,
and a scepter will rise out of Israel,
and will crush the borderlands of Moab,
and destroy all the children of Sheth.
18 (Am 9:12; Ge 27:29) Edom will be a possession,
and Seir, a possession of its enemies,
while Israel does valiantly.
19 (Ge 49:10; Mic 5:2) One out of Jacob shall have dominion,
and destroy the survivors of the city."
[15] And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said,
and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
[16] He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of
the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance,
but having his eyes open:
[17] I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there
shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and
shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
[18] And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his
enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
[19] Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy
him that remaineth of the city.
William Shakespeare was a master of the insult, a "quality" that actor Barry
Kraft adeptly leverages with his Shakespeare Insult Generator. The clever book
consists of obscure insults drawn from Shakespeare's plays. For instance, you
might disparage someone by saying, "Thou thrasonical, logger-headed
rampallian"-which is so much more creative than saying, "You brag a lot and
you're not very smart, you scoundrel!"
Kraft's light-hearted book is in good fun. But an ancient king of Moab tried
to pay a mysterious prophet not merely to insult the Israelites but to
outright curse them. "Come and put a curse on these people," King Balak told
Balaam (Numbers 22:6). Instead, Balaam enraged the king by blessing the Hebrew
people-multiple times (24:10). One of his blessings included this prophecy:
"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near" (24:17). Clearly the
individual in view is not yet on the scene, but just who is Balaam talking
about? The next line holds a clue. "A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter
will rise out of Israel" (v. 17). The "star" would one day lead wise men to the promised Child (Matthew 2:1-2).
An ancient Mesopotamian prophet who knew nothing of Messiah pointed the world
to a future sign declaring His arrival. From an unlikely source came not
cursing, but blessing.
Reflect and Pray
How does Numbers 24 help you see the Christmas story differently? How might it
change the way you act when you encounter people opposing the work of God?
God, please give me eyes to see Your hand at work in all things.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 3 - The Remedy
Acts 4:12
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) "There is no salvation in any other,
for there is no other name under heaven given among men
by which we must be saved."
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
"You have cancer", the doctor told his patient. "We need to operate
- as soon as possible. It's the only remedy." The patient, not wanting
to undergo surgery unless it was absolutely necessary, sought out a second
opinion, then a third. When the third round of testing came up with the same
results, she returned to the doctor and submitted herself to the treatment.
Often the remedy for the problems in our lives seems worst than the problems
themselves. We don't want to endure the pain of self-examination, of honest
confrontation with our sin and selfishness. We'd rather live in "blissful
ignorance" than face up to ourselves.
But the Bible tells us there is only one remedy for sin: casting ourselves
upon the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Submitting ourselves to God's
"treatment" for sin is not an easy matter or a simple decision. We have to
give up on ourselves, on our own striving for self-salvation. We have to come
to the agonising realisation of our sin, the depths to which we have fallen.
Acknowledging sin is not a duty simply for "bad" people who have lived in
rebellion against God. "Good" people - Sunday-school kids, moral parents,
and sweet little grandmothers - may have more difficulty coming to Christ
than swindlers and prostitutes, precisely because their sin is not as
visible - sometimes it is even applauded by church and society.
"Good" or "bad", we all have the same problem: sin. And, because
of the Lord's grace, we all have the same remedy: salvation through Christ.
As we look to him, not to others, and see ourselves in light of his holiness,
we can glimpse the seriousness of our own resistance to him and call upon
his name.
Application
a) What other "remedies" have I tried to use in treating my sin?
b) Why is Jesus Christ the only source of salvation?
c) How can this verse help me to see the "salvation"
of Christ in the daily struggles of life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Romans 13:7-8
7 (Mt 17:25; 22:21) Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes
are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due,
and honor to whom honour is due.
8 (Ro 13:10; Mt 7:12) Owe no one anything, except to love one another,
for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
Ps 117
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations! Exalt Him, all you peoples!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
1 O praise the LORD,
All ye nations: Praise him, all ye people.
2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us:
And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.
Praise ye the LORD.
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
20th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
( Matthew 19:14
14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
)
b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
(
Eph 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
)
Advent Day 24
From C.S. Lewis A grand miracle by Joel Heck
"Once more, very many thanks to all your great goodness to me and mine:
and with all best wishes for a happy Christmas."
-C. S. Lewis
(From Letter to Dr. Warfield Firor, Nov. 6, 1948, Lewis' Collected Letters,
II, p. 889.)
Christmas Gratitude
During World War Two and for nearly a decade thereafter,
England suffered from a scarcity of certain foods and other consumables.
Rationing was the only solution, and a victory in the war the only consolation.
During those years, many in England benefited from the generosity of American
citizens almost as much as from the heroic courage of American soldiers.
The Lewis household was one of many to receive packages from the States,
which greatly eased the hardship. In the process, God blessed both the giver
and the recipients.
Dr. Warfield Firor, a physician from Baltimore, sent package after package
for many years. Because of the gift of more than one delicious ham,
Lewis once named him "Firor-of-the-Hams." Lewis had to come up with new
and creative ways of expressing his thanks, so frequent and generous
were Firor's gifts. Finally, Dr. Firor insisted that Lewis not thank
him anymore, but simply write to him about what he was reading, thinking,
or doing at the time. But in a letter in 1948, Lewis paired his gratitude
with greetings for the upcoming Christmas season.
The psalmist, thankful for God's strength, salvation, refuge, and
righteousness, thanks God for being his God. He says, "The Lord is
my strength and my song; he has become my salvation" (Ps. 118:14).
In the Advent season, we think of the salvation that God has sent
in his Son, and we are grateful.
We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.
Amen.
You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.
Psalm 118:28
From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
TUESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
John's Qualifications
And the child grew and became strong in spirit, ...
-Luke 1:80a
What do we mean when we assert that certain people have a "strong spirit"?
Usually we are awed by their
passionate convictions or the certainty of their beliefs.
In John the Forerunner's case, we encounter both the culmination of his call
to prepare the way for his Lord and the aftermath of his years of solitude
in the desert when his preeminent teacher was God. Some scholars speculate
that he was associated with the Essenes, who had retreated to the barren
lands to preserve their faith, but we don't know for sure.
Nor do we know how old John was when he withdrew to the wilderness,
but we can surmise that earlier he had benefited from the rigorous
training of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
They had enfolded him entirely in the story of Israel's long awaited
Messiah and in his own call to cultivate repentance in preparation for him.
On the bedrock of his parents' proficiencies, God equipped him
in the wastelands to meet the public and testify to them.
prayer
Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.
Read Luke 1:76-80.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he remained in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCLAMATION!
7 so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 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. TITUS 3:7-8
Christmas is the time for acclamation . . . and so is Advent! This AH-HA
is present throughout our lives in the Lord as we shout. cheer, applaud
and say "AH-HA and hooray" to those around us!
Today's lesson is a great summary of the life in the Lord that we acclaim
daily. We are justified by his grace. which means we live "just as if I'd never
sinned." The Babe born in the manger whom we celebrate these days is
the reason for the reason we are free to acclaim his love and forgiveness
to others ... starting with ourselves!
Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham. had it right when she said that a "happy
'marriage is the union of two forgivers." We acclaim that this is what the
Church is all about also---a commUNION of forgivers in Christ!
The Church has not survived for over 2000 years because of our optimism,
idealism or realism, but because the Spirit has empowered his people to
acclaim and witness to the birth, death, and resurrection of the Lord! Our
job is not to fix the world but to forgive the world through Christ Jesus!
Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " This is a faithful saying!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Titus 3:4-8
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.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to understand His ways.
Pray to the Lord: "God, please give me eyes to see Your hand
at work in all things."
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember He is the only Source of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to help you render to those who you owe .
Pray to the Lord and pray to exalt Him.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.
Pray: Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " The saying is sure!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Uzbekistan's government will change, so it will uphold
righteousness and justice .
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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