Day 357 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 27th Day of Advent - 23 December 2022 reflections
Day 356, 23 December 2022
1) 1 John 4:7-21, 5 , 2 John, 3 John
1 John 4
God Is Love
7 (1Jn 2:29) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God,
and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
8 (2Co 13:11; 1Jn 4:16) Anyone who does not love does not know God,
for God is love.
9 (Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:10; 5:11) In this way the love of God was revealed to us,
that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live
through Him.
10 (1Jn 2:2; 1Pe 3:18; 1Jn 3:1) In this is love: not that we loved God, but
that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we must also love one another.
12 (Jn 1:18; 1Ti 6:16; 1Jn 2:5) No one has seen God at any time. If we love
one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us.
13 (1Jn 3:24) We know that we live in Him, and He in us,
because He has given us His Spirit.
14 (Jn 4:42; 1:14) And we have seen and testify that the Father sent the Son
to be the Saviour of the world.
15 (Ro 10:9; 1Jn 5:5) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,
God lives in him, and he in God.
16 (1Jn 3:24; 3:1) And we have come to know and to believe the love
that God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us, so that we may
have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is, so are we
in this world.
18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out
fear, because fear has to do with punishment. Whoever fears is not perfect
in love.
19 (1Jn 4:10; Lk 7:47) We love Him because He first loved us.
20 (1Jn 2:4; 3:17) If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother,
he is a liar. For whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen,
how can he love God whom he has not seen?
21 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18) We have this commandment from Him:
Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
[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.
[7] Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that
loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
[8] He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
[9] In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent
his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
[10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent
his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
[11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
[12] No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth
in us, and his love is perfected in us.
[13] Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath
given us of his Spirit.
[14] And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world.
[15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in
him, and he in God.
[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is
love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
[17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day
of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
[18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because
fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
[19] We love him, because he first loved us.
[20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he
that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he
hath not seen?
[21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his
brother also.
1 John 5
Overcoming the World
1 (1Jn 2:29; Jn 1:12-13) Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born
of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves the one born of the Father.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God
and keep His commandments.
3 (Jn 14:15; 2Jn 1:6) For this is the love of God, that we keep
His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,
4 (Jn 16:33; 1Jn 4:4) for whoever is born of God overcomes the world,
and the victory that overcomes the world is our faith.
5 (1Jn 4:15; 5:1) Who is it that overcomes the world,
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
[1] Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every
one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
[2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and
keep his commandments.
[3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his
commandments are not grievous.
[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is
the Son of God?
The Witness Concerning the Son
6 (Jn 15:26; 14:17) This is He who came by water and blood-Jesus Christ.
He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. It is the Spirit
who bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth.
7 (Mt 28:19; Dt 6:4) There are three who testify in heaven: the Father,
the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and the three are one.
8 There are three that testify on earth: the Spirit, the water,
and the blood, and the three are toward the one.
9 (Mt 3:16-17) If we receive the testimony of men,
the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God
which He has given concerning His Son.
10 (Jn 3:33; Ro 8:16) Whoever believes in the Son of God has this witness
in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar,
because he does not believe the testimony that God gave about His Son.
11 (Jn 1:4; 1Jn 2:25) And this is the testimony: that God has given us
eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 (Jn 3:36; 3:15; 5:24) Whoever has the Son has life, and whoever does not
have the Son of God does not have life.
[6] This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water
only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness,
because the Spirit is truth.
[7] For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
[8] And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the
water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
[9] If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for
this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
[10] He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he
that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the
record that God gave of his Son.
[11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and
this life is in his Son.
[12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God
hath not life.
Purpose of Writing
13 (Jn 20:31; 1:12) I have written these things to you who believe in the name
of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you
may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
14 (1Jn 3:21-22; Jn 14:13) This is the confidence that we have in Him, that
if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 So if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have
whatever we asked of Him.
16 (Jer 7:16; Heb 6:4-6) If anyone sees his brother commit a sin
which does not lead to death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life.
This is for those whose sin does not lead to death.
There is a sin that leads to death. I do not say that he should pray for it.
17 (1Jn 3:4; 5:16; Isa 1:18) All wrongdoing is sin, but there is a sin that
does not lead to death.
18 (1Jn 3:9; Jas 1:27) We know that whoever is born of God does not keep on
sinning. But whoever has been born of God guards himself,
and the wicked one cannot touch him.
19 (Gal 1:4; Jn 12:31) We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies
in wickedness.
20 (Jn 17:3; Lk 24:45; Rev 3:7) And we know that the Son of God has come
and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true,
and we are in Him who is true-His Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life.
21 (1Co 10:14; 10:7) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
[13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the
Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may
believe on the name of the Son of God.
[14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us:
[15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have
the petitions that we desired of him.
[16] If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall
ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a
sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
[17] All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
[18] We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
[19] And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in
wickedness.
[20] And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an
understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is
true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
[21] Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
2 John 1
John
The second general epistle of John was probably written in Ephesus
in the AD90s by John the beloved disciple. It is a very personal
and wise exhortation that encourages believers to walk in the light
and warns them about deceivers and how they conduct their lives.
It is not only an encouragement to exhibit agape
(a Greek word for committed or volitional love),
but it is also a sound exhortation to separate from worldliness
and unholiness.
Salutation
The elder,
1 To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth,
and not I only, but also all those who know the truth,
2 for the sake of the truth, which remains in us, and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
[1] The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the
truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
[2] For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for
ever.
Truth and Love
4 I greatly rejoiced that I found some of your children walking in truth
as we were commanded by the Father.
5 And now I ask you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you,
but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6 And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments.
This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning,
you should walk in it.
7 For many deceivers, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come
in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Each one is a deceiver
and an antichrist.
8 Watch yourselves, so that we do not lose those things for which
we have worked, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whoever transgresses and does not remain in the teaching of Christ
does not have God. Whoever remains in the teaching of Christ has both
the Father and the Son.
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching,
do not receive him into your house, nor greet him.
11 For whoever greets him takes part in his evil deeds.
[3] Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
[4] I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we
have received a commandment from the Father.
[5] And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment
unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one
another.
[6] And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the
commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in
it.
[7] For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
[8] Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought,
but that we receive a full reward.
[9] Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath
not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father
and the Son.
[10] If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him
not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
[11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Final Greetings
12 I have many things to write to you, but I prefer not to write
with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and speak face
to face that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
[12] Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and
ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may
be full.
[13] The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
3 John 1
John
John the Beloved probably wrote the third general epistle
of John in Ephesus in the AD90s. It addresses the reality
of true and false ministers. Addressed to Gaius, a local
church leader, it commends a disciple named Demetrius
while also warning against the tactics of Diotrephes.
The Holy Spirit provides sound instruction
and sober exhortations for all believers in this epistle.
Salutation
1 The elder,
To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you
and that you may be in good health, even as your soul is well.
3 For I greatly rejoiced when brothers came and testified
of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
[1] The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
[2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in
health, even as thy soul prospereth.
[3] For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the
truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
[4] I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Working Together
5 Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and for strangers,
6 who have testified of your love before the church. You will do well to send
them along on their journey in a manner worthy of God.
7 For His name's sake they went out, receiving no help from the Gentiles.
8 Therefore we ought to receive such men, that we might be fellow workers
for the truth.
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself first
among them, did not accept us.
10 Because of this, if I come, I will bring up what kinds of works he does:
ranting against us with malicious words. Not content with that, he does not
accept the brothers, and stops those who want to, and throws them
out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good.
Whoever does good is from God, but whoever does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius receives good reports from everyone and from the truth itself.
Yes, and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
[5] Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren,
and to strangers;
[6] Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou
bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
[7] Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the
Gentiles.
[8] We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to
the truth.
[9] I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the
preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
[10] Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating
against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he
himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth
them out of the church.
[11] Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that
doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
[12] Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea,
and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Final Greetings
13 I had many things to write, but I would rather not write to you
with pen and ink.
14 Instead, I hope to see you soon, and we shall speak face to face.
Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
[13] I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto
thee:
[14] But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.
Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 December 2022
Entitled "Granny Whale"
Psalm 71:15-24
15 My mouth will declare Your righteousness
and Your salvation all the day,
for I cannot know their numbers.
16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.
17 O God, You have taught me from my youth;
and until now I have proclaimed Your wondrous works.
18 Now also when I am old and gray,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I have proclaimed Your strength to this generation,
and Your power to everyone who is to come.
19 Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heights;
You have done great deeds;
O God, who is like You?
20 You who have shown me great distresses and troubles
will revive me again,
and will bring me up again
from the depths of the earth.
21 You will increase my greatness,
and You will encircle and comfort me.
22 I will give You thanks with the harp,
even Your truth, O my God;
to You I will sing with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will rejoice
when I sing to You,
and my soul, which You have redeemed.
24 My tongue also will speak of Your righteousness
all the day long;
for those who seek my harm are ashamed,
for they have been put to shame.
[15] My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the
day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
[16] I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy
righteousness, even of thine only.
[17] O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared
thy wondrous works.
[18] Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I
have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one
that is to come.
[19] Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great
things: O God, who is like unto thee!
[20] Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me
again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
[21] Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
[22] I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God:
unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
[23] My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul,
which
thou hast redeemed.
[24] My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for
they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.
An orca whale, who researchers have named "Granny," apparently knew the
importance of her role in the life of her "grandbaby whale." The young whale's
mother had recently died, and the orphaned whale was not yet old enough to
thrive without protection and support. Granny, though in her eighties (or
older), came alongside to teach him what he needed to know to survive. Granny
corralled some fish for the younger whale instead of consuming them herself, so
he would not only have a meal but would also learn what to eat and where to
find the salmon he'd need to live.
We too have the distinct honor and joy of passing on what we know-we can share
about the wonderful works and character of God with those coming after us. The
aging psalmist asks God to allow him to “shewed thy strength unto this
generation” (Psalm 71:18). He earnestly wishes to share with others what he knows of God-His "righteous deeds" and "saving acts"-that we need to flourish (v. 15).
Even if we don't have the gray hairs of old age (v. 18), declaring how we've
experienced the love and faithfulness of God can benefit someone on their
journey with Him. Our willingness to share that wisdom might just be what that
person needs to live and thrive in Christ even in adversity (v. 20).
By: Kirsten Holmberg
Reflect & Pray
Who has nurtured your relationship with God? Who needs your wisdom today?
Dear Father, thank You for sending me wisdom through
those who've walked ahead of me. May I do the same for others
in Your power and love.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 6 - It is Finished
John 5:24
24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears
My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life
and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. "
[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth
on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
"PLEASE BE PATIENT - GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET,"
the sweatshirt read. In this case, the message was an ironic one,
for the occupant of the shirt was a snaggle-toothed, freckle-faced six year
old!
In one sense, God is not finished with the work he has to do in each of us.
Life in Christ is an ongoing process of change and growth as we become
more like him. Certainly, the more we see of ourselves, the more we hope
he isn't finished with us!
Yet whatever plans God has for making us into the men and women he created
us to be, certain aspects of our life in Christ are finished, finalised.
Jesus declares with absolute assurance, "whoever hears
My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life
and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. "
Because we do not have to earn or deserve God's grace, because we are not
called to prove ourselves worthy of Salvation, we can have immediate
and total assurance of the security of life in Jesus Christ. The one who
put his trust in the Lord has eternal life; he will not be condemned;
he has crossed over from death to life.
This "crossing over" into life happens in the split second when we acknowledge
our dependence upon Christ alone. And the rest of our lives is given over to
the development of his image in us.
God is not finished with us yet.
But his work of salvation is finished - complete,
fully dependable an accomplished fact.
Application
a) Have I ever doubted the "accomplished fact" of my own salvation? Why?
b) How can today's verse help me realise that, although I may have a lot of
growing yet to do, my salvation in Jesus Christ is secure?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Matthew 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
Lk 12:33-34
19 (Heb 13:5; Lk 12:21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20 (Lk 12:33; Mt 19:21) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroy
and where thieves do not break in nor steal,
21 (Lk 12:34) for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
2 Tim 2:8-13
8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David, according to my gospel,
9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,
even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.
10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things
for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain
the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:
If we die with Him,
we shall also live with Him.
12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17 ) If we endure,
we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3 )If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:
9 wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of
God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also
obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him,
we shall also live with him:
12 if we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
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
Day 23 of the Month
a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
(
John 13:34-35
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another."
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another;
Heb 10:24
24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,
and be kind.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1 John 3:23
23 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.
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.
)
Advent Day 27
FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Early Offering
to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
-Luke 2:5
Luke mentions that Mary was "great with child" (KJV) so candidly that we don't pause to ponder how difficult it
must have been for her to travel all the way (about 70 miles!) from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. Even more significant, the Christ Child she carried must have been jostled and jarred by the movement, Loo.
Those of us who use statements of faith in our worship services declare
in the Apostles' Creed that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified ... " I believe instead we should say, "suffered, under Pontius Pilate was crucified" to be more accurate to the original. Jesus suffered all his life, not just under Pilate. When we reflect on the appalling journey that he endured in the womb, we might imagine that his sufferings on our behalf began even before he was born. What amazing love that Christ sustained such adversity for us!
prayer
Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? 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.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to feel the might of His Love.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, thank You for sending me wisdom through
those who've walked ahead of me. May I do the same for others
in Your power and love."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to remember His fact of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to to lay treasure in Heaven .
Pray to the Lord and pray never to deny 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 genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.
Pray for African congregations and other ethnic churches
in Israel that face discrimination .
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 4:7-21, 5 , 2 John, 3 John
1 John 4
God Is Love
7 (1Jn 2:29) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God,
and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
8 (2Co 13:11; 1Jn 4:16) Anyone who does not love does not know God,
for God is love.
9 (Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:10; 5:11) In this way the love of God was revealed to us,
that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live
through Him.
10 (1Jn 2:2; 1Pe 3:18; 1Jn 3:1) In this is love: not that we loved God, but
that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we must also love one another.
12 (Jn 1:18; 1Ti 6:16; 1Jn 2:5) No one has seen God at any time. If we love
one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us.
13 (1Jn 3:24) We know that we live in Him, and He in us,
because He has given us His Spirit.
14 (Jn 4:42; 1:14) And we have seen and testify that the Father sent the Son
to be the Saviour of the world.
15 (Ro 10:9; 1Jn 5:5) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,
God lives in him, and he in God.
16 (1Jn 3:24; 3:1) And we have come to know and to believe the love
that God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us, so that we may
have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is, so are we
in this world.
18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out
fear, because fear has to do with punishment. Whoever fears is not perfect
in love.
19 (1Jn 4:10; Lk 7:47) We love Him because He first loved us.
20 (1Jn 2:4; 3:17) If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother,
he is a liar. For whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen,
how can he love God whom he has not seen?
21 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18) We have this commandment from Him:
Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
[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.
[7] Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that
loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
[8] He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
[9] In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent
his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
[10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent
his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
[11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
[12] No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth
in us, and his love is perfected in us.
[13] Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath
given us of his Spirit.
[14] And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world.
[15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in
him, and he in God.
[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is
love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
[17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day
of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
[18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because
fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
[19] We love him, because he first loved us.
[20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he
that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he
hath not seen?
[21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his
brother also.
1 John 5
Overcoming the World
1 (1Jn 2:29; Jn 1:12-13) Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born
of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves the one born of the Father.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God
and keep His commandments.
3 (Jn 14:15; 2Jn 1:6) For this is the love of God, that we keep
His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,
4 (Jn 16:33; 1Jn 4:4) for whoever is born of God overcomes the world,
and the victory that overcomes the world is our faith.
5 (1Jn 4:15; 5:1) Who is it that overcomes the world,
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
[1] Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every
one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
[2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and
keep his commandments.
[3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his
commandments are not grievous.
[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is
the Son of God?
The Witness Concerning the Son
6 (Jn 15:26; 14:17) This is He who came by water and blood-Jesus Christ.
He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. It is the Spirit
who bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth.
7 (Mt 28:19; Dt 6:4) There are three who testify in heaven: the Father,
the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and the three are one.
8 There are three that testify on earth: the Spirit, the water,
and the blood, and the three are toward the one.
9 (Mt 3:16-17) If we receive the testimony of men,
the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God
which He has given concerning His Son.
10 (Jn 3:33; Ro 8:16) Whoever believes in the Son of God has this witness
in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar,
because he does not believe the testimony that God gave about His Son.
11 (Jn 1:4; 1Jn 2:25) And this is the testimony: that God has given us
eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 (Jn 3:36; 3:15; 5:24) Whoever has the Son has life, and whoever does not
have the Son of God does not have life.
[6] This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water
only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness,
because the Spirit is truth.
[7] For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
[8] And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the
water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
[9] If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for
this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
[10] He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he
that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the
record that God gave of his Son.
[11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and
this life is in his Son.
[12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God
hath not life.
Purpose of Writing
13 (Jn 20:31; 1:12) I have written these things to you who believe in the name
of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you
may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
14 (1Jn 3:21-22; Jn 14:13) This is the confidence that we have in Him, that
if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 So if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have
whatever we asked of Him.
16 (Jer 7:16; Heb 6:4-6) If anyone sees his brother commit a sin
which does not lead to death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life.
This is for those whose sin does not lead to death.
There is a sin that leads to death. I do not say that he should pray for it.
17 (1Jn 3:4; 5:16; Isa 1:18) All wrongdoing is sin, but there is a sin that
does not lead to death.
18 (1Jn 3:9; Jas 1:27) We know that whoever is born of God does not keep on
sinning. But whoever has been born of God guards himself,
and the wicked one cannot touch him.
19 (Gal 1:4; Jn 12:31) We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies
in wickedness.
20 (Jn 17:3; Lk 24:45; Rev 3:7) And we know that the Son of God has come
and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true,
and we are in Him who is true-His Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life.
21 (1Co 10:14; 10:7) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
[13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the
Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may
believe on the name of the Son of God.
[14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us:
[15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have
the petitions that we desired of him.
[16] If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall
ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a
sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
[17] All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
[18] We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
[19] And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in
wickedness.
[20] And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an
understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is
true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
[21] Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
2 John 1
John
The second general epistle of John was probably written in Ephesus
in the AD90s by John the beloved disciple. It is a very personal
and wise exhortation that encourages believers to walk in the light
and warns them about deceivers and how they conduct their lives.
It is not only an encouragement to exhibit agape
(a Greek word for committed or volitional love),
but it is also a sound exhortation to separate from worldliness
and unholiness.
Salutation
The elder,
1 To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth,
and not I only, but also all those who know the truth,
2 for the sake of the truth, which remains in us, and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
[1] The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the
truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
[2] For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for
ever.
Truth and Love
4 I greatly rejoiced that I found some of your children walking in truth
as we were commanded by the Father.
5 And now I ask you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you,
but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6 And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments.
This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning,
you should walk in it.
7 For many deceivers, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come
in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Each one is a deceiver
and an antichrist.
8 Watch yourselves, so that we do not lose those things for which
we have worked, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whoever transgresses and does not remain in the teaching of Christ
does not have God. Whoever remains in the teaching of Christ has both
the Father and the Son.
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching,
do not receive him into your house, nor greet him.
11 For whoever greets him takes part in his evil deeds.
[3] Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
[4] I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we
have received a commandment from the Father.
[5] And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment
unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one
another.
[6] And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the
commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in
it.
[7] For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
[8] Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought,
but that we receive a full reward.
[9] Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath
not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father
and the Son.
[10] If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him
not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
[11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Final Greetings
12 I have many things to write to you, but I prefer not to write
with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and speak face
to face that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
[12] Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and
ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may
be full.
[13] The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
3 John 1
John
John the Beloved probably wrote the third general epistle
of John in Ephesus in the AD90s. It addresses the reality
of true and false ministers. Addressed to Gaius, a local
church leader, it commends a disciple named Demetrius
while also warning against the tactics of Diotrephes.
The Holy Spirit provides sound instruction
and sober exhortations for all believers in this epistle.
Salutation
1 The elder,
To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you
and that you may be in good health, even as your soul is well.
3 For I greatly rejoiced when brothers came and testified
of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
[1] The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
[2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in
health, even as thy soul prospereth.
[3] For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the
truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
[4] I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Working Together
5 Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and for strangers,
6 who have testified of your love before the church. You will do well to send
them along on their journey in a manner worthy of God.
7 For His name's sake they went out, receiving no help from the Gentiles.
8 Therefore we ought to receive such men, that we might be fellow workers
for the truth.
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself first
among them, did not accept us.
10 Because of this, if I come, I will bring up what kinds of works he does:
ranting against us with malicious words. Not content with that, he does not
accept the brothers, and stops those who want to, and throws them
out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good.
Whoever does good is from God, but whoever does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius receives good reports from everyone and from the truth itself.
Yes, and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
[5] Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren,
and to strangers;
[6] Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou
bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
[7] Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the
Gentiles.
[8] We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to
the truth.
[9] I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the
preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
[10] Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating
against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he
himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth
them out of the church.
[11] Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that
doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
[12] Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea,
and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Final Greetings
13 I had many things to write, but I would rather not write to you
with pen and ink.
14 Instead, I hope to see you soon, and we shall speak face to face.
Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
[13] I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto
thee:
[14] But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.
Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 December 2022
Entitled "Granny Whale"
Psalm 71:15-24
15 My mouth will declare Your righteousness
and Your salvation all the day,
for I cannot know their numbers.
16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.
17 O God, You have taught me from my youth;
and until now I have proclaimed Your wondrous works.
18 Now also when I am old and gray,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I have proclaimed Your strength to this generation,
and Your power to everyone who is to come.
19 Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heights;
You have done great deeds;
O God, who is like You?
20 You who have shown me great distresses and troubles
will revive me again,
and will bring me up again
from the depths of the earth.
21 You will increase my greatness,
and You will encircle and comfort me.
22 I will give You thanks with the harp,
even Your truth, O my God;
to You I will sing with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips will rejoice
when I sing to You,
and my soul, which You have redeemed.
24 My tongue also will speak of Your righteousness
all the day long;
for those who seek my harm are ashamed,
for they have been put to shame.
[15] My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the
day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
[16] I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy
righteousness, even of thine only.
[17] O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared
thy wondrous works.
[18] Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I
have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one
that is to come.
[19] Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great
things: O God, who is like unto thee!
[20] Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me
again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
[21] Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
[22] I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God:
unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
[23] My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul,
which
thou hast redeemed.
[24] My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for
they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.
An orca whale, who researchers have named "Granny," apparently knew the
importance of her role in the life of her "grandbaby whale." The young whale's
mother had recently died, and the orphaned whale was not yet old enough to
thrive without protection and support. Granny, though in her eighties (or
older), came alongside to teach him what he needed to know to survive. Granny
corralled some fish for the younger whale instead of consuming them herself, so
he would not only have a meal but would also learn what to eat and where to
find the salmon he'd need to live.
We too have the distinct honor and joy of passing on what we know-we can share
about the wonderful works and character of God with those coming after us. The
aging psalmist asks God to allow him to “shewed thy strength unto this
generation” (Psalm 71:18). He earnestly wishes to share with others what he knows of God-His "righteous deeds" and "saving acts"-that we need to flourish (v. 15).
Even if we don't have the gray hairs of old age (v. 18), declaring how we've
experienced the love and faithfulness of God can benefit someone on their
journey with Him. Our willingness to share that wisdom might just be what that
person needs to live and thrive in Christ even in adversity (v. 20).
By: Kirsten Holmberg
Reflect & Pray
Who has nurtured your relationship with God? Who needs your wisdom today?
Dear Father, thank You for sending me wisdom through
those who've walked ahead of me. May I do the same for others
in Your power and love.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 6 - It is Finished
John 5:24
24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears
My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life
and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. "
[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth
on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
"PLEASE BE PATIENT - GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET,"
the sweatshirt read. In this case, the message was an ironic one,
for the occupant of the shirt was a snaggle-toothed, freckle-faced six year
old!
In one sense, God is not finished with the work he has to do in each of us.
Life in Christ is an ongoing process of change and growth as we become
more like him. Certainly, the more we see of ourselves, the more we hope
he isn't finished with us!
Yet whatever plans God has for making us into the men and women he created
us to be, certain aspects of our life in Christ are finished, finalised.
Jesus declares with absolute assurance, "whoever hears
My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life
and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. "
Because we do not have to earn or deserve God's grace, because we are not
called to prove ourselves worthy of Salvation, we can have immediate
and total assurance of the security of life in Jesus Christ. The one who
put his trust in the Lord has eternal life; he will not be condemned;
he has crossed over from death to life.
This "crossing over" into life happens in the split second when we acknowledge
our dependence upon Christ alone. And the rest of our lives is given over to
the development of his image in us.
God is not finished with us yet.
But his work of salvation is finished - complete,
fully dependable an accomplished fact.
Application
a) Have I ever doubted the "accomplished fact" of my own salvation? Why?
b) How can today's verse help me realise that, although I may have a lot of
growing yet to do, my salvation in Jesus Christ is secure?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Matthew 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
Lk 12:33-34
19 (Heb 13:5; Lk 12:21) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20 (Lk 12:33; Mt 19:21) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroy
and where thieves do not break in nor steal,
21 (Lk 12:34) for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
2 Tim 2:8-13
8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David, according to my gospel,
9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,
even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.
10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things
for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain
the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:
If we die with Him,
we shall also live with Him.
12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17 ) If we endure,
we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3 )If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:
9 wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of
God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also
obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him,
we shall also live with him:
12 if we suffer, we shall also reign with him:
if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13 if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
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
Day 23 of the Month
a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
(
John 13:34-35
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another."
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another;
Heb 10:24
24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,
and be kind.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1 John 3:23
23 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.
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.
)
Advent Day 27
FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Early Offering
to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
-Luke 2:5
Luke mentions that Mary was "great with child" (KJV) so candidly that we don't pause to ponder how difficult it
must have been for her to travel all the way (about 70 miles!) from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. Even more significant, the Christ Child she carried must have been jostled and jarred by the movement, Loo.
Those of us who use statements of faith in our worship services declare
in the Apostles' Creed that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified ... " I believe instead we should say, "suffered, under Pontius Pilate was crucified" to be more accurate to the original. Jesus suffered all his life, not just under Pilate. When we reflect on the appalling journey that he endured in the womb, we might imagine that his sufferings on our behalf began even before he was born. What amazing love that Christ sustained such adversity for us!
prayer
Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? 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.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to feel the might of His Love.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, thank You for sending me wisdom through
those who've walked ahead of me. May I do the same for others
in Your power and love."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to remember His fact of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to to lay treasure in Heaven .
Pray to the Lord and pray never to deny 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 genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can
conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.
Pray for African congregations and other ethnic churches
in Israel that face discrimination .
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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