Day 356 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 26th Day of Advent - 22 December 2022 reflections
Day 355, 22 December 2022
1) 1 John 1:1 - 4:6
1 John 1
The Word of Life
1 (Jn 20:27; Lk 24:39; Ac 4:20) That which was from the beginning, which
we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon,
and our hands have touched, concerning the Word of life-
2 (Jn 1:4; 1Jn 5:20; 3:5) the life was revealed, and we have seen it
and testify to it, and announce to you the eternal life, which was with
the Father and was revealed to us-
3 (1Co 1:9; 1Jn 1:1; Php 2:1) we declare to you that which we have seen
and heard, that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship
is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
4 (Jn 15:11; 16:24) We are writing these things to you so that our joy may
be complete.
[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have
seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled,
of the Word of life;
[2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and
shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was
manifested unto us;)
[3] That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may
have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and
with his Son Jesus Christ.
[4] And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
God Is Light
5 (1Jn 3:11; Jas 1:17) This then is the message which we have heard from Him
and declare to you: God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
6 (1Jn 4:20; 1:10) If we say that we have fellowship with Him, yet walk
in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
7 (Isa 2:5; Eph 1:7) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ
His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 (Jas 3:2; 1Jn 2:4) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.
9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 (1Jn 5:10; 1:8) If we say that we have not sinned,
we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto
you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
[6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we
lie, and do not the truth:
[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from
all sin.
[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us.
[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is
not in us.
1 John 2
Christ Our Advocate
1 (Ro 8:34; 1Ti 2:5; Jn 13:33) My little children, I am writing these things
to you, so that you do not sin. But if anyone does sin,
we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.
2 (1Jn 4:10; Jn 4:42) He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,
and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 (Jn 14:15; 15:10) By this we know that we know Him,
if we keep His commandments.
4 (1Jn 1:8; 1:6) Whoever says, "I know Him," and does not keep
His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 (Jn 14:23; 1Jn 3:24) But whoever keeps His word truly has the love of God
perfected in him. By this we know we are in Him.
6 (1Pe 2:21; Mt 11:29) Whoever says he remains in Him ought to walk
as He walked.
[1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And
if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous:
[2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also
for the sins of the whole world.
[3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
[4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar,
and the truth is not in him.
[5] But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
hereby know we that we are in him.
[6] He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as
he walked.
The New Commandment
7 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18; 2Jn 1:5-6) Brothers, I am writing no new commandment
to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning.
The old commandment is the word which you have heard from the beginning.
8 (Jn 1:9; 13:34) Yet a new commandment I am writing to you, which holds true
in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away,
and the true light is already shining.
9 (1Jn 2:11; 4:20) Whoever says he is in the light but hates his brother
is in darkness even until now.
10 (2Pe 1:10; 1Jn 3:14) Whoever loves his brother lives in the light,
and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
11 (Jn 12:35; 2Co 4:4; 1Jn 2:9) But whoever hates his brother is in darkness,
and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going,
because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12 (Ac 13:38; Lk 24:47) I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for His name's sake.
13 (1Jn 2:14; Jn 14:7; Lk 10:22) I am writing to you, fathers,
because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I am writing to you, little children,
because you have known the Father.
14 (1Jn 2:13; Jn 5:38; Eph 6:10) I have written to you, fathers,
because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
15 (Jas 4:4; Ro 12:2; Mt 6:24) Do not love the world or the things
in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father
is not in him.
16 (Ro 13:14; Eph 2:3) For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father,
but is of the world.
17 (1Co 7:31; Mk 3:35) The world and its desires are passing away,
but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
[7] Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment
which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye
have heard from the beginning.
[8] Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him
and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
[9] He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness
even until now.
[10] He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none
occasion of stumbling in him.
[11] But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness,
and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his
eyes.
[12] I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you
for his name's sake.
[13] I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the
beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked
one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
[14] I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is
from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are
strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked
one.
[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
[16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
[17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the
will of God abideth for ever.
The Antichrist
18 (1Jn 4:3; Mt 24:5; 1Jn 2:22) Little children, it is the last hour.
As you have heard that the antichrist will come, even now there are
many antichrists. By this we know that it is the last hour.
19 (Ac 20:30; 1Co 11:19) They went out from us, but they were not of us,
for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have remained with us.
But they went out, revealing that none of them were of us.
20 (1Jn 2:27; Mk 1:24; Jn 14:26) But you have an anointing from the Holy One,
and you know all things.
21 (2Pe 1:12) I have written to you, not because you do not know the truth,
but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
22 (2Jn 1:7; 1Jn 4:3; 2:18) Who is a liar
but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? Whoever denies the Father
and the Son is the antichrist.
23 (1Jn 4:15; Jn 8:19) No one who denies the Son has the Father;
the one who confesses the Son has the Father.
24 (Jn 14:23; 1Jn 1:3) Let that which you have heard from the beginning
remain in you. If that which you have heard from the beginning remains in you,
you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.
25 (1Jn 1:2) And this is the promise that He has promised us-eternal life.
26 (2Jn 1:7; 1Jn 3:7) I have written these things to you concerning those
who deceive you.
27 (Jn 14:26) But the anointing which you have received from Him remains
in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. For as the same anointing
teaches you concerning all things, and is truth, and is no lie,
and just as it has taught you, remain in Him.
[18] Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that
antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know
that it is the last time.
[19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of
us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they
might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
[20] But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
[21] I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because
ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
[22] Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is
antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
[23] Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that
acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
[24] Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the
beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in
you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
[25] And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
[26] These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
[27] But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye
need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of
all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye
shall abide in him.
Children of God
28 (1Jn 3:2; 4:17) And now, little children, remain in Him, so that
when He appears, we may have confidence
and not be ashamed before Him when He comes.
29 (1Jn 3:7; 5:1) If you know that He is righteous,
you know that everyone who does righteousness is born of Him.
[28] And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we
may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
[29] If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth
righteousness is born of him.
1 John 3
1 (Jn 1:12; 3:16) Consider how much love the Father has given to us,
that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know
us, because it did not know Him.
2 (Ro 8:18; 8:29) Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been
revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be
like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
3 (2Co 7:1; 2Pe 3:14) Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself,
just as He is pure.
4 (1Jn 5:17; Ro 4:15; 3:20) Whoever practices sin breaks the law,
for sin is lawlessness.
5 (2Co 5:21; Heb 9:28) You know that He was revealed to take away our sins,
and in Him there is no sin.
6 (3Jn 1:11; 1Jn 2:4; 3:9) Whoever remains in Him does not sin.
Whoever sins has not seen Him and does not know Him.
7 (1Jn 2:26; 2:29) Little children, let no one deceive you.
The one who does righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
8 (Jn 8:44; Mt 13:38) Whoever practices sin is of the devil,
for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.
For this purpose the Son of God was revealed,
that He might destroy the works of the devil.
9 (1Jn 5:18; Jn 1:13; 1Pe 1:23) Whoever has been born of God does not
practice sin, for His seed remains in him. And he cannot keep on sinning,
because he has been born of God.
10 (1Jn 4:8; Mt 13:38) In this the children of God and the children
of the devil are revealed: Whoever does not live in righteousness
is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not,
because it knew him not.
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for
we shall see him as he is.
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he
is pure.
[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the
transgression of the law.
[5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is
no sin.
[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen
him, neither known him.
[7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is
righteous, even as he is righteous.
[8] He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the
beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might
destroy the works of the devil.
[9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in
him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
[10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the
devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that
loveth not his brother.
Love One Another
11 (1Jn 1:5; 2Jn 1:5) For this is the message that you heard
from the beginning: We should love one another,
12 (Heb 11:4; Jude 1:11) not like Cain, who was of the wicked one
and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him?
Because his own works were evil, and his brother's works were righteous.
13 (Jn 17:14; 15:18-19) Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you.
14 (Jn 5:24; 1Jn 5:2) We know that we have passed from death to life,
because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love his brother remains
in death.
15 (Mt 5:21-22; Rev 21:8) Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.
16 (Php 2:17; Jn 3:16) By this we know the love of God: that He laid down
His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
17 (1Jn 4:20; Heb 13:16) Whoever has the world's goods and sees
his brother in need, but closes his heart of compassion from him,
how can the love of God remain in him?
18 (1Jn 2:1; Ro 12:9) My little children, let us love not in word
and speech, but in action and truth.
[11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we
should love one another.
[12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And
wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's
righteous.
[13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
[14] We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the
brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
[15] Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no
murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for
us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God
in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in
deed and in truth.
Confidence Before God
19 By this we know that we are of the truth, and shall reassure our hearts
before Him.
20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart
and knows everything.
21 (Job 22:26; 1Co 4:4) Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us,
then we have confidence before God.
22 (Jn 8:29; 9:31) And whatever we ask, we will receive from Him,
because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing
in His sight.
23 (Jn 6:29; 13:34) And this is His commandment: that we should believe
on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
24 (Jn 17:21) Now the one who keeps His commandments remains in Him,
and He in him. And by this we know that He remains in us, through
the Spirit whom He has given us.
[19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our
hearts before him.
[20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth
all things.
[21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward
God.
[22] And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
[23] And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his
Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
[24] And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.
And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given
us.
1 John 4
Test the Spirits
1 (2Pe 2:1; 1Jn 2:18; 1Th 5:21) Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because
many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 (1Co 12:3; Jn 1:14) This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit
that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3 (1Jn 2:18; 2:22; 2Jn 1:7) and every spirit that does not confess
that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God.
This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have
heard is coming and is already in the world.
4 (Jn 12:31; 1Jn 4:16) You are of God, little children, and have overcome
them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
5 (Jn 17:14; 3:31) They are of the world, and therefore they speak
from the world, and the world listens to them.
6 (Jn 14:17; 1Co 14:37) We are of God, and whoever knows God listens to us.
Whoever is not of God does not listen to us. This is how we know the spirit
of truth and the spirit of error.
[1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are
of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
[2] Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
[3] And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the
flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have
heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
[4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater
is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
[5] They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world
heareth them.
[6] We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God
heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
2) Our Daily Bread for 22 December 2022
Entitled "Bending Low"
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
Paul's Thanksgiving After Affliction
3 (Eph 1:3; 1Pe 1:3; Ro 15:5-6) Blessed be God, the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort,
4 (Isa 51:12; 2Co 7:6-7) who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble
by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 (Col 1:24; Php 3:10) As the sufferings of Christ abound in us,
so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
6 (2Ti 2:10) If we are afflicted, it is for your consolation
and salvation, which is effective in enduring the same
sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted,
it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that as you partake
in the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
8 (1Co 15:32) For we would not, brothers, have you ignorant
of our troubles which came to us in Asia. We were pressured
beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even
of life.
9 (Lk 18:9) We had the sentence of death in ourselves,
so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God
who raises the dead.
10 (Ro 15:31) He delivered us from so great a death
and does deliver us. In Him we trust that He will
still deliver us,
11 (2Co 4:15; Php 1:19) as you help together by praying
for us, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf
for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many persons.
[3] Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort;
[4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort
them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God.
[5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ.
[6] And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also
suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and
salvation.
[7] And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of
the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
[8] For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came
to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch
that we despaired even of life:
[9] But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust
in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
[10] Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we
trust that he will yet deliver us;
[11] Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed
upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our
behalf.
A young mom followed behind her daughter, who pedaled her tiny bike as fast
as her little legs could go. But picking up more speed than she wanted, the
little girl suddenly rolled off the bike and cried that her ankle hurt. Her
mom quietly got down on her knees, bent down low, and kissed it to "make the
pain go away." And it worked! The little girl jumped up, climbed back on her
bike, and pedaled on. Don't you wish all our pains could go away that easily!
The apostle Paul experienced the comfort of God in his continual struggles
yet kept going. He listed some of those trials in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29:
floggings, beatings, stonings, sleep deprivation, hunger, concerns for all
the churches. He learned intimately that God is "the Father of compassion
and the God of all comfort" (1:3) or as another version translates it:
"He is the Father who gives tender love" (nirv). Much like a mom comforting
her child, God bends down low to tenderly care for us in our pain.
God's loving ways of comforting us are many and varied. He may give us a
Scripture verse that encourages us to continue on, or He may have someone
send a special note or prompt a friend to give us a call that touches our
spirit. While the struggle may not go away, because God bends down low
to help us, we can get up and pedal on.
By: Anne Cetas
Reflect & Pray
In what ways has God comforted you? How can you be a comfort to others because of that?
Father of compassion, come near to me and hold me in Your arms where I can find rest and encouragement.
For further study, read
Compassion: When Jesus Asks for More than We Have .
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 5 - Starting Over
2 Cor 5:17
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away.
Look, all things have become new.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
"The trouble with turning over a new leaf," Gordon sighed,
"is that once you've done it twice, you're right back where
you started." Gordon, in his mid-fifties, had his job
"canceled" by a company wanting to cut back on retirement payments.
Out of work, with few prospects, he said wistfully,
"I wish I had the chance to start over again."
Many of us would echo Gordon's sentiments. Whether we have lost a job,
gone through a divorce, moved to another part of the country, or
experienced some lesser crisis, we often long for the chance to
begin again, fresh, without the shadow of past mistakes following us.
God's word offers just such an opportunity. Anyone who is in Christ,
Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17, is a "new creation". For the Christian, the past
is truly past - "all things are become new". In the forgiveness
and restoration of God's grace we can leave the past behind,
with all its mistakes, and enter into new life.
And the promise is not just for the newly saved. Those of us who
have been Christians for years need to hear the truth of 2 Cor 5:17 again,
for we accumulated some "new mistakes" since we came to Christ. Anyone who
is in Christ is a new creation; the freedom of forgiveness, of
"starting over" is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
We cannot every really "start over" simply by establishing New Year's
resolutions or turning over a new leaf. Only God gives us that opportunity;
his grace allows us to clear away the rubble of the past and begin again.
Everything becomes new in God's loving forgiveness.
Application
a) What "resolutions" have I made in an attempt to "start over"
in some area of struggle or failure in my life? Did my resolutions work?
b) What does 2 Cor 5:17 mean for me at this point in my Christian Life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
1 Tim 6:17-19
17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that they
not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,
who richly gives us all things to enjoy.
18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich
in good works, generous, willing to share,
19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly
all things to enjoy;
18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works,
ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time
to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
Ps 89:1 -8
PSALMS 89
A Contemplative Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.
1 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;
with my mouth I will make known
Your faithfulness to all generations.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For I have said,
"Mercy shall be built up forever;
Your faithfulness shall be
established in the heavens."
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) You have said,
"I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) 'Your offspring I will establish forever,
and build up your throne for all generations.' " Selah
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Let the heavens praise Your wonders, O Lord;
Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) For who in the skies can
be compared to the Lord?
Who among the heavenly sons is like the Lord?
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) God is greatly to be feared
in the assembly of the holy ones
and awesome to all those who surround Him.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) O Lord God of Hosts,
who is a mighty Lord like You,
with Your faithfulness all around You?
1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever:
With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever:
Thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
3 I have made a covenant with my chosen,
I have sworn unto David my servant,
4 Thy seed will I establish for ever,
And build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD:
Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
6 For who in the heaven
Can be compared unto the LORD?
Who among the sons of the mighty
Can be likened unto the LORD?
7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,
And to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
8 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee?
Or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
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
22 Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Province of Quebec
I) Pray for the leaders of Quebec,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
b) Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve
every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge
of God.
(
2 Cor 10: 3 - 5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strongholds,
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,
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;)
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 26
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"Just a hurried line...to tell a story which puts the contrast
between our feast of the Nativity and all this ghastly 'Xmas'
racket at its lowest. My brother heard a woman on a bus say,
as the bus passed a church with a Crib outside it,
'Oh Lord! They bring religion into everything. Look-
they're dragging it even into Christmas now!"' - C. S. Lewis
(From Letters to an American Lady, Dec. 29, 1958, p. 80.)
Bringing Religion into Everything
An English woman saw a crib in front of a church and thought that the church had borrowed the crib from the world. Little did she know that the church had it first. No borrowing. It would be funnier if it were not so sad. Today the world seems set on separating itself from many churchly features, substituting "Happy Holidays" for "Merry Christmas."
I say, let's bring our religion into everything. It's already in the phrase "Happy Holidays," because the word "holiday" comes from "holy day." Santa Claus is named for an ancient man of faith, Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian bishop of Myra in Asia Minor known for his gift-giving.
St. Paul invites us to do whatever we do for the glory of God. In order to do that, we have to bring religion into everything. To bring the Christian religion into everything, we have to bring Christ into everything. Let's not be quiet about it. Let's bring the Christmas spirit into all our giving, all our shopping, and all our serving. Let's realize that all our eating and drinking, all our Christmas parties, and all our worshiping is from God and for God. He gives us the fixings, and then he comes to the party. Let's notice his presence and celebrate it.
0 holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in every aspect of our lives today. Amen.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
From Follow the Story from Marva J. Dawn
THURSDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
To Be In Bethlehem
So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
-Luke 2:4
Joseph went to Bethlehem, we all know, because he was descended from the house and family of David"-as was
Mary, to whom he was betrothed (v. 5). The text conveys this so artlessly that we hardly stop to contemplate it.
When we do, however, we are again staggered by God's perfect precision. The prophet Micah had foretold, "But you,0 Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth ... one who is to rule in Israel
..." (Micah 5:2). Consequently, the religious leaders had looked for the Messiah to arise therein (see Matthew 2:1-6). What else besides a mandated registration could bring Joseph and Mary "from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem" (Luke 2:4)?
Have you ever found yourself in a place to which you went for an unrelated reason and then discovered you were there for quite another purpose?
Prayer
Thank you, Wise Father, that my ambitions sometimes take me to where I should be to serve your goals. Amen.
Read Luke 2:1-7.
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ALWAYS!
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song,
for He has done marvelous deeds!
His right hand and His holy arm
have accomplished deliverance.
PSALM 98:1
"Make a joyful noise to the lord, all the Earth," the psalmist proclaims.
The sounds and noises and commotions of the season are all very much
tune with this statement!
In a sense. Advent is always because we are always preparing and
waiting and expecting and hoping for things to happen. This Advent
AH-HA affirms a gain that our Lord is always with us, because of his birth
in Bethlehem.
Perhaps some of the noises of life pull us away from this always Lord.
Perhaps we sometimes cannot hear or see of sense the Lord because
TV ads. scurrying schedules, pity parties and other obstacles "drown out"
the joyful noise that the psalmist is talking about. T. S. Eliot said, "We are
distracted from distractions by distractions."
Today, enjoy the always of the Lord. Even when we think he is not
with us . . . even when we cannot see him . . . even when the noise of life
seems to shut him out, rejoice! For the message of Christmas and
Good Friday and Easter is that he is with us always! Think of this AH-HA
of Advert as the way a garden grows we wail we hope and we know
the best is yet to come .. always!
Lord. we do want to "sing to you a new song," but often it comes out
flat and not in harmony with life. Help us to know in faith that you
continue to give us a "new song" to sing, even when we forget the words.
thanks for your presence among us and in us and through us always.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Psalm 98
1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song,
for He has done marvelous deeds!
His right hand and His holy arm
have accomplished deliverance.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) The Lord has made known His salvation;
His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He has remembered His mercy
and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the deliverance of our God.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth;
break out in loud songs, and sing praises.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Sing unto the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of melody,
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) with trumpets and sound of the horn;
make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Let the sea roar, and all that fills it,
the world and those who live in it;
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills be joyful together
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) before the Lord,
for He is coming to judge the earth.
With righteousness He will judge the world,
and the peoples with justice.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to confess your sins
and to have the gift of testing the spirits.
Pray to the Lord: "Father of compassion, come near to me and hold me
in Your arms where I can find rest and encouragement."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to help you each day.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to help instruct the rich to lay
treasure in Heaven .
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember His promises.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve
every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge
of God.
0 holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin,
and enter in, be born in every aspect of our lives today. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Wise Father, that my ambitions sometimes take me
to where I should be to serve your goals. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for Christian converts from Islam in Baghdad, Iraq,
where persecution has intensified .
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 John 1:1 - 4:6
1 John 1
The Word of Life
1 (Jn 20:27; Lk 24:39; Ac 4:20) That which was from the beginning, which
we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon,
and our hands have touched, concerning the Word of life-
2 (Jn 1:4; 1Jn 5:20; 3:5) the life was revealed, and we have seen it
and testify to it, and announce to you the eternal life, which was with
the Father and was revealed to us-
3 (1Co 1:9; 1Jn 1:1; Php 2:1) we declare to you that which we have seen
and heard, that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship
is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
4 (Jn 15:11; 16:24) We are writing these things to you so that our joy may
be complete.
[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have
seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled,
of the Word of life;
[2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and
shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was
manifested unto us;)
[3] That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may
have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and
with his Son Jesus Christ.
[4] And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
God Is Light
5 (1Jn 3:11; Jas 1:17) This then is the message which we have heard from Him
and declare to you: God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
6 (1Jn 4:20; 1:10) If we say that we have fellowship with Him, yet walk
in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
7 (Isa 2:5; Eph 1:7) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ
His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 (Jas 3:2; 1Jn 2:4) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.
9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 (1Jn 5:10; 1:8) If we say that we have not sinned,
we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.
[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto
you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
[6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we
lie, and do not the truth:
[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from
all sin.
[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us.
[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is
not in us.
1 John 2
Christ Our Advocate
1 (Ro 8:34; 1Ti 2:5; Jn 13:33) My little children, I am writing these things
to you, so that you do not sin. But if anyone does sin,
we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.
2 (1Jn 4:10; Jn 4:42) He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,
and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 (Jn 14:15; 15:10) By this we know that we know Him,
if we keep His commandments.
4 (1Jn 1:8; 1:6) Whoever says, "I know Him," and does not keep
His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 (Jn 14:23; 1Jn 3:24) But whoever keeps His word truly has the love of God
perfected in him. By this we know we are in Him.
6 (1Pe 2:21; Mt 11:29) Whoever says he remains in Him ought to walk
as He walked.
[1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And
if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous:
[2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also
for the sins of the whole world.
[3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
[4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar,
and the truth is not in him.
[5] But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
hereby know we that we are in him.
[6] He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as
he walked.
The New Commandment
7 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18; 2Jn 1:5-6) Brothers, I am writing no new commandment
to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning.
The old commandment is the word which you have heard from the beginning.
8 (Jn 1:9; 13:34) Yet a new commandment I am writing to you, which holds true
in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away,
and the true light is already shining.
9 (1Jn 2:11; 4:20) Whoever says he is in the light but hates his brother
is in darkness even until now.
10 (2Pe 1:10; 1Jn 3:14) Whoever loves his brother lives in the light,
and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
11 (Jn 12:35; 2Co 4:4; 1Jn 2:9) But whoever hates his brother is in darkness,
and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going,
because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12 (Ac 13:38; Lk 24:47) I am writing to you, little children,
because your sins are forgiven for His name's sake.
13 (1Jn 2:14; Jn 14:7; Lk 10:22) I am writing to you, fathers,
because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men,
because you have overcome the evil one.
I am writing to you, little children,
because you have known the Father.
14 (1Jn 2:13; Jn 5:38; Eph 6:10) I have written to you, fathers,
because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
because you are strong,
and the word of God lives in you,
and you have overcome the evil one.
15 (Jas 4:4; Ro 12:2; Mt 6:24) Do not love the world or the things
in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father
is not in him.
16 (Ro 13:14; Eph 2:3) For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father,
but is of the world.
17 (1Co 7:31; Mk 3:35) The world and its desires are passing away,
but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
[7] Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment
which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye
have heard from the beginning.
[8] Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him
and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
[9] He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness
even until now.
[10] He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none
occasion of stumbling in him.
[11] But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness,
and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his
eyes.
[12] I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you
for his name's sake.
[13] I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the
beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked
one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
[14] I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is
from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are
strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked
one.
[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
[16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
[17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the
will of God abideth for ever.
The Antichrist
18 (1Jn 4:3; Mt 24:5; 1Jn 2:22) Little children, it is the last hour.
As you have heard that the antichrist will come, even now there are
many antichrists. By this we know that it is the last hour.
19 (Ac 20:30; 1Co 11:19) They went out from us, but they were not of us,
for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have remained with us.
But they went out, revealing that none of them were of us.
20 (1Jn 2:27; Mk 1:24; Jn 14:26) But you have an anointing from the Holy One,
and you know all things.
21 (2Pe 1:12) I have written to you, not because you do not know the truth,
but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
22 (2Jn 1:7; 1Jn 4:3; 2:18) Who is a liar
but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? Whoever denies the Father
and the Son is the antichrist.
23 (1Jn 4:15; Jn 8:19) No one who denies the Son has the Father;
the one who confesses the Son has the Father.
24 (Jn 14:23; 1Jn 1:3) Let that which you have heard from the beginning
remain in you. If that which you have heard from the beginning remains in you,
you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.
25 (1Jn 1:2) And this is the promise that He has promised us-eternal life.
26 (2Jn 1:7; 1Jn 3:7) I have written these things to you concerning those
who deceive you.
27 (Jn 14:26) But the anointing which you have received from Him remains
in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. For as the same anointing
teaches you concerning all things, and is truth, and is no lie,
and just as it has taught you, remain in Him.
[18] Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that
antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know
that it is the last time.
[19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of
us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they
might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
[20] But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
[21] I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because
ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
[22] Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is
antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
[23] Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that
acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
[24] Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the
beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in
you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
[25] And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
[26] These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
[27] But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye
need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of
all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye
shall abide in him.
Children of God
28 (1Jn 3:2; 4:17) And now, little children, remain in Him, so that
when He appears, we may have confidence
and not be ashamed before Him when He comes.
29 (1Jn 3:7; 5:1) If you know that He is righteous,
you know that everyone who does righteousness is born of Him.
[28] And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we
may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
[29] If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth
righteousness is born of him.
1 John 3
1 (Jn 1:12; 3:16) Consider how much love the Father has given to us,
that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know
us, because it did not know Him.
2 (Ro 8:18; 8:29) Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been
revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be
like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
3 (2Co 7:1; 2Pe 3:14) Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself,
just as He is pure.
4 (1Jn 5:17; Ro 4:15; 3:20) Whoever practices sin breaks the law,
for sin is lawlessness.
5 (2Co 5:21; Heb 9:28) You know that He was revealed to take away our sins,
and in Him there is no sin.
6 (3Jn 1:11; 1Jn 2:4; 3:9) Whoever remains in Him does not sin.
Whoever sins has not seen Him and does not know Him.
7 (1Jn 2:26; 2:29) Little children, let no one deceive you.
The one who does righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
8 (Jn 8:44; Mt 13:38) Whoever practices sin is of the devil,
for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.
For this purpose the Son of God was revealed,
that He might destroy the works of the devil.
9 (1Jn 5:18; Jn 1:13; 1Pe 1:23) Whoever has been born of God does not
practice sin, for His seed remains in him. And he cannot keep on sinning,
because he has been born of God.
10 (1Jn 4:8; Mt 13:38) In this the children of God and the children
of the devil are revealed: Whoever does not live in righteousness
is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not,
because it knew him not.
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for
we shall see him as he is.
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he
is pure.
[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the
transgression of the law.
[5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is
no sin.
[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen
him, neither known him.
[7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is
righteous, even as he is righteous.
[8] He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the
beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might
destroy the works of the devil.
[9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in
him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
[10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the
devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that
loveth not his brother.
Love One Another
11 (1Jn 1:5; 2Jn 1:5) For this is the message that you heard
from the beginning: We should love one another,
12 (Heb 11:4; Jude 1:11) not like Cain, who was of the wicked one
and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him?
Because his own works were evil, and his brother's works were righteous.
13 (Jn 17:14; 15:18-19) Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you.
14 (Jn 5:24; 1Jn 5:2) We know that we have passed from death to life,
because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love his brother remains
in death.
15 (Mt 5:21-22; Rev 21:8) Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.
16 (Php 2:17; Jn 3:16) By this we know the love of God: that He laid down
His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
17 (1Jn 4:20; Heb 13:16) Whoever has the world's goods and sees
his brother in need, but closes his heart of compassion from him,
how can the love of God remain in him?
18 (1Jn 2:1; Ro 12:9) My little children, let us love not in word
and speech, but in action and truth.
[11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we
should love one another.
[12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And
wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's
righteous.
[13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
[14] We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the
brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
[15] Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no
murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for
us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God
in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in
deed and in truth.
Confidence Before God
19 By this we know that we are of the truth, and shall reassure our hearts
before Him.
20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart
and knows everything.
21 (Job 22:26; 1Co 4:4) Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us,
then we have confidence before God.
22 (Jn 8:29; 9:31) And whatever we ask, we will receive from Him,
because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing
in His sight.
23 (Jn 6:29; 13:34) And this is His commandment: that we should believe
on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
24 (Jn 17:21) Now the one who keeps His commandments remains in Him,
and He in him. And by this we know that He remains in us, through
the Spirit whom He has given us.
[19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our
hearts before him.
[20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth
all things.
[21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward
God.
[22] And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
[23] And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his
Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
[24] And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.
And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given
us.
1 John 4
Test the Spirits
1 (2Pe 2:1; 1Jn 2:18; 1Th 5:21) Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because
many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 (1Co 12:3; Jn 1:14) This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit
that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3 (1Jn 2:18; 2:22; 2Jn 1:7) and every spirit that does not confess
that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God.
This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have
heard is coming and is already in the world.
4 (Jn 12:31; 1Jn 4:16) You are of God, little children, and have overcome
them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
5 (Jn 17:14; 3:31) They are of the world, and therefore they speak
from the world, and the world listens to them.
6 (Jn 14:17; 1Co 14:37) We are of God, and whoever knows God listens to us.
Whoever is not of God does not listen to us. This is how we know the spirit
of truth and the spirit of error.
[1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are
of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
[2] Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
[3] And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the
flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have
heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
[4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater
is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
[5] They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world
heareth them.
[6] We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God
heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
2) Our Daily Bread for 22 December 2022
Entitled "Bending Low"
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
Paul's Thanksgiving After Affliction
3 (Eph 1:3; 1Pe 1:3; Ro 15:5-6) Blessed be God, the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort,
4 (Isa 51:12; 2Co 7:6-7) who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble
by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 (Col 1:24; Php 3:10) As the sufferings of Christ abound in us,
so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
6 (2Ti 2:10) If we are afflicted, it is for your consolation
and salvation, which is effective in enduring the same
sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted,
it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that as you partake
in the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
8 (1Co 15:32) For we would not, brothers, have you ignorant
of our troubles which came to us in Asia. We were pressured
beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even
of life.
9 (Lk 18:9) We had the sentence of death in ourselves,
so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God
who raises the dead.
10 (Ro 15:31) He delivered us from so great a death
and does deliver us. In Him we trust that He will
still deliver us,
11 (2Co 4:15; Php 1:19) as you help together by praying
for us, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf
for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many persons.
[3] Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort;
[4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort
them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God.
[5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ.
[6] And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also
suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and
salvation.
[7] And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of
the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
[8] For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came
to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch
that we despaired even of life:
[9] But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust
in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
[10] Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we
trust that he will yet deliver us;
[11] Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed
upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our
behalf.
A young mom followed behind her daughter, who pedaled her tiny bike as fast
as her little legs could go. But picking up more speed than she wanted, the
little girl suddenly rolled off the bike and cried that her ankle hurt. Her
mom quietly got down on her knees, bent down low, and kissed it to "make the
pain go away." And it worked! The little girl jumped up, climbed back on her
bike, and pedaled on. Don't you wish all our pains could go away that easily!
The apostle Paul experienced the comfort of God in his continual struggles
yet kept going. He listed some of those trials in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29:
floggings, beatings, stonings, sleep deprivation, hunger, concerns for all
the churches. He learned intimately that God is "the Father of compassion
and the God of all comfort" (1:3) or as another version translates it:
"He is the Father who gives tender love" (nirv). Much like a mom comforting
her child, God bends down low to tenderly care for us in our pain.
God's loving ways of comforting us are many and varied. He may give us a
Scripture verse that encourages us to continue on, or He may have someone
send a special note or prompt a friend to give us a call that touches our
spirit. While the struggle may not go away, because God bends down low
to help us, we can get up and pedal on.
By: Anne Cetas
Reflect & Pray
In what ways has God comforted you? How can you be a comfort to others because of that?
Father of compassion, come near to me and hold me in Your arms where I can find rest and encouragement.
For further study, read
Compassion: When Jesus Asks for More than We Have .
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 5 - Starting Over
2 Cor 5:17
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away.
Look, all things have become new.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
"The trouble with turning over a new leaf," Gordon sighed,
"is that once you've done it twice, you're right back where
you started." Gordon, in his mid-fifties, had his job
"canceled" by a company wanting to cut back on retirement payments.
Out of work, with few prospects, he said wistfully,
"I wish I had the chance to start over again."
Many of us would echo Gordon's sentiments. Whether we have lost a job,
gone through a divorce, moved to another part of the country, or
experienced some lesser crisis, we often long for the chance to
begin again, fresh, without the shadow of past mistakes following us.
God's word offers just such an opportunity. Anyone who is in Christ,
Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17, is a "new creation". For the Christian, the past
is truly past - "all things are become new". In the forgiveness
and restoration of God's grace we can leave the past behind,
with all its mistakes, and enter into new life.
And the promise is not just for the newly saved. Those of us who
have been Christians for years need to hear the truth of 2 Cor 5:17 again,
for we accumulated some "new mistakes" since we came to Christ. Anyone who
is in Christ is a new creation; the freedom of forgiveness, of
"starting over" is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
We cannot every really "start over" simply by establishing New Year's
resolutions or turning over a new leaf. Only God gives us that opportunity;
his grace allows us to clear away the rubble of the past and begin again.
Everything becomes new in God's loving forgiveness.
Application
a) What "resolutions" have I made in an attempt to "start over"
in some area of struggle or failure in my life? Did my resolutions work?
b) What does 2 Cor 5:17 mean for me at this point in my Christian Life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
1 Tim 6:17-19
17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that they
not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,
who richly gives us all things to enjoy.
18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich
in good works, generous, willing to share,
19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly
all things to enjoy;
18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works,
ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time
to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
Ps 89:1 -8
PSALMS 89
A Contemplative Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.
1 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;
with my mouth I will make known
Your faithfulness to all generations.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For I have said,
"Mercy shall be built up forever;
Your faithfulness shall be
established in the heavens."
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) You have said,
"I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) 'Your offspring I will establish forever,
and build up your throne for all generations.' " Selah
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Let the heavens praise Your wonders, O Lord;
Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) For who in the skies can
be compared to the Lord?
Who among the heavenly sons is like the Lord?
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) God is greatly to be feared
in the assembly of the holy ones
and awesome to all those who surround Him.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) O Lord God of Hosts,
who is a mighty Lord like You,
with Your faithfulness all around You?
1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever:
With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever:
Thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
3 I have made a covenant with my chosen,
I have sworn unto David my servant,
4 Thy seed will I establish for ever,
And build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD:
Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
6 For who in the heaven
Can be compared unto the LORD?
Who among the sons of the mighty
Can be likened unto the LORD?
7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,
And to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
8 O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee?
Or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
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
22 Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Province of Quebec
I) Pray for the leaders of Quebec,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
b) Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve
every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge
of God.
(
2 Cor 10: 3 - 5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strongholds,
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,
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;)
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 26
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"Just a hurried line...to tell a story which puts the contrast
between our feast of the Nativity and all this ghastly 'Xmas'
racket at its lowest. My brother heard a woman on a bus say,
as the bus passed a church with a Crib outside it,
'Oh Lord! They bring religion into everything. Look-
they're dragging it even into Christmas now!"' - C. S. Lewis
(From Letters to an American Lady, Dec. 29, 1958, p. 80.)
Bringing Religion into Everything
An English woman saw a crib in front of a church and thought that the church had borrowed the crib from the world. Little did she know that the church had it first. No borrowing. It would be funnier if it were not so sad. Today the world seems set on separating itself from many churchly features, substituting "Happy Holidays" for "Merry Christmas."
I say, let's bring our religion into everything. It's already in the phrase "Happy Holidays," because the word "holiday" comes from "holy day." Santa Claus is named for an ancient man of faith, Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian bishop of Myra in Asia Minor known for his gift-giving.
St. Paul invites us to do whatever we do for the glory of God. In order to do that, we have to bring religion into everything. To bring the Christian religion into everything, we have to bring Christ into everything. Let's not be quiet about it. Let's bring the Christmas spirit into all our giving, all our shopping, and all our serving. Let's realize that all our eating and drinking, all our Christmas parties, and all our worshiping is from God and for God. He gives us the fixings, and then he comes to the party. Let's notice his presence and celebrate it.
0 holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in every aspect of our lives today. Amen.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
From Follow the Story from Marva J. Dawn
THURSDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
To Be In Bethlehem
So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
-Luke 2:4
Joseph went to Bethlehem, we all know, because he was descended from the house and family of David"-as was
Mary, to whom he was betrothed (v. 5). The text conveys this so artlessly that we hardly stop to contemplate it.
When we do, however, we are again staggered by God's perfect precision. The prophet Micah had foretold, "But you,0 Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth ... one who is to rule in Israel
..." (Micah 5:2). Consequently, the religious leaders had looked for the Messiah to arise therein (see Matthew 2:1-6). What else besides a mandated registration could bring Joseph and Mary "from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem" (Luke 2:4)?
Have you ever found yourself in a place to which you went for an unrelated reason and then discovered you were there for quite another purpose?
Prayer
Thank you, Wise Father, that my ambitions sometimes take me to where I should be to serve your goals. Amen.
Read Luke 2:1-7.
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ALWAYS!
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song,
for He has done marvelous deeds!
His right hand and His holy arm
have accomplished deliverance.
PSALM 98:1
"Make a joyful noise to the lord, all the Earth," the psalmist proclaims.
The sounds and noises and commotions of the season are all very much
tune with this statement!
In a sense. Advent is always because we are always preparing and
waiting and expecting and hoping for things to happen. This Advent
AH-HA affirms a gain that our Lord is always with us, because of his birth
in Bethlehem.
Perhaps some of the noises of life pull us away from this always Lord.
Perhaps we sometimes cannot hear or see of sense the Lord because
TV ads. scurrying schedules, pity parties and other obstacles "drown out"
the joyful noise that the psalmist is talking about. T. S. Eliot said, "We are
distracted from distractions by distractions."
Today, enjoy the always of the Lord. Even when we think he is not
with us . . . even when we cannot see him . . . even when the noise of life
seems to shut him out, rejoice! For the message of Christmas and
Good Friday and Easter is that he is with us always! Think of this AH-HA
of Advert as the way a garden grows we wail we hope and we know
the best is yet to come .. always!
Lord. we do want to "sing to you a new song," but often it comes out
flat and not in harmony with life. Help us to know in faith that you
continue to give us a "new song" to sing, even when we forget the words.
thanks for your presence among us and in us and through us always.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Psalm 98
1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song,
for He has done marvelous deeds!
His right hand and His holy arm
have accomplished deliverance.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) The Lord has made known His salvation;
His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He has remembered His mercy
and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the deliverance of our God.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth;
break out in loud songs, and sing praises.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Sing unto the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of melody,
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) with trumpets and sound of the horn;
make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Let the sea roar, and all that fills it,
the world and those who live in it;
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills be joyful together
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) before the Lord,
for He is coming to judge the earth.
With righteousness He will judge the world,
and the peoples with justice.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to confess your sins
and to have the gift of testing the spirits.
Pray to the Lord: "Father of compassion, come near to me and hold me
in Your arms where I can find rest and encouragement."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to help you each day.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to help instruct the rich to lay
treasure in Heaven .
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember His promises.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve
every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge
of God.
0 holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin,
and enter in, be born in every aspect of our lives today. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Wise Father, that my ambitions sometimes take me
to where I should be to serve your goals. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for Christian converts from Islam in Baghdad, Iraq,
where persecution has intensified .
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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