Day 321 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 17 November 2023 reflections
Day 321, 17 November 2023
1) Acts 15, Acts 16
Acts 15
The Council in Jerusalem
1 (Ac 15:5; 15:24) Some men came down from Judea and were teaching
the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised in the tradition of Moses,
you cannot be saved."
2 (Ac 15:22-23; 15:4; 15:6-7) Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had
no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul
and Barnabas, and certain others among them, should go up to Jerusalem
to the apostles and elders about this question.
3 (Ac 14:27; 21:5) So being sent on their way by the church,
they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion
of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers.
4 (Ac 14:27; 15:12) When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed
by the church and the apostles and the elders,
and they declared what God had done through them.
5 (Ac 15:1) Then some believers of the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying,
"It is necessary to circumcise them,
and to command them to keep the Law of Moses."
6 (Ac 15:25) The apostles and elders assembled to consider this matter.
7 (Ac 15:2; 10:20) After much disputing, Peter rose up and said to them,
"Brothers, you know that some time ago God decided among us,
that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
8 (Ac 1:24; 2:4) God, who knows the heart, approved of them, giving them
the Holy Spirit just as He did to us,
9 (Ac 10:28; 10:34) and made no distinction between them and us,
and purified their hearts by faith.
10 (Mt 23:4; Gal 5:1) Now then, why test God by putting a yoke upon
the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been
able to bear?
11 (Ro 3:24; 2Co 13:14) But we believe that through the grace
of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."
12 (Ac 14:27; 15:4) The entire assembly remained silent
and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring what signs
and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
13 (Ac 12:17) After they had become silent, James answered,
"Brothers, listen to me.
14 (Isa 43:21; 2Pe 1:1) Simon has declared how God first visited
the Gentiles to take from among them a people for His name.
15 With this the words of the prophets agree. As it is written:
16 (Am 9:11-12) 'After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will set it up;(Am 9:11; Jer 12:15.)
17 (Isa 43:7) that the rest of men may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
(Am 9:12; Dt 28:10; Isa 63:19; Jer 14:9; Da 9:19.)
says the Lord who does all these things.' (Am 9:11-12.)
18 Known to God are all His works since the beginning of the world.
19 (Ac 15:28) "Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble
those of the Gentiles who are turning to God,
20 (Lev 3:17; Ac 15:29; Ge 9:4) but that we write to them to abstain
from food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from strangled animals,
and from blood.
21 (Ac 13:15; 13:27) For Moses has had in every city since early generations
those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."
[1] And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and
said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be
saved.
[2] When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation
with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of
them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this
question.
[3] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through
Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they
caused great joy unto all the brethren.
[4] And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church,
and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had
done with them.
[5] But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed,
saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep
the law of Moses.
[6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this
matter.
[7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto
them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice
among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel,
and believe.
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the
Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by
faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the
disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall
be saved, even as they.
[12] Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and
Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles
by them.
[13] And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and
brethren, hearken unto me:
[14] Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to
take out of them a people for his name.
[15] And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
[16] After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David,
which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will
set it up:
[17] That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the
Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these
things.
[18] Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
[19] Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among
the Gentiles are turned to God:
[20] But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of
idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
[21] For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being
read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
The Reply of the Council
22 (Ac 15:27; 15:32; 15:40) Then it pleased the apostles and the elders,
with the whole church, to send chosen men from among them to Antioch
with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabas, and Silas,
leading men among the brothers.
23 (Ac 23:26; Jas 1:1) They wrote this letter by their hand:
The apostles and the elders and the brothers,
To the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24 (Ac 15:1; Gal 1:7) Since we have heard that some of us,
whom we did not commission, have gone out and have troubled you with words,
unsettling your minds, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law,"
25 (Ac 1:14; 2Pe 3:15) it seemed good to us, being assembled in unity,
to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 (Ac 14:19; 9:23-25) men who have risked their lives
for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 (Ac 15:22) Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas,
who will also speak to you, saying the same things.
28 (Jn 16:13; Ac 5:32) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit
and to us to put on you no greater burden than these necessary things:
29 (Ac 15:20; 21:25; Rev 2:14) Abstain from food offered to idols,
from sexual immorality, from strangled animals, and from blood.
If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
Farewell.
30 So when they were dismissed, they went down to Antioch.
And when they had assembled the congregation, they delivered the letter.
31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the exhortation.
32 (Ac 11:23; 13:1) Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves,
exhorted the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
33 (1Co 16:11; Ac 16:36) After they had remained there for a time,
they were sent off in peace by the brothers to the apostles.
34 But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.
35 (Ac 13:1) And Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch,
teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
[22] Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send
chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely,
Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
[23] And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and
elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the
Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
[24] Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have
troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be
circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
[25] It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen
men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
[26] Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
[27] We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the
same things by mouth.
[28] For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no
greater burden than these necessary things;
[29] That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from
things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye
shall do well. Fare ye well.
[30] So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had
gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
[31] Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
[32] And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the
brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
[33] And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace
from the brethren unto the apostles.
[34] Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
[35] Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the
word of the Lord, with many others also.
Paul and Barnabas Separate
36 (Ac 13:4; 13:13-14) After some days Paul said to Barnabas,
"Let us return and visit our brothers in every city
where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."
37 (Ac 12:12) Barnabas determined to take with them John, who was called Mark.
38 (Ac 13:13) But Paul thought it was not good to take with them one
who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them
to the work.
39 (Ac 4:36) Then there arose a sharp contention,
so that they separated from each other.
Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus,
40 (Ac 14:26; 15:22) but Paul chose Silas and departed,
being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.
41 (Ac 15:23; 15:32) And he went through Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening the churches.
[36] And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit
our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and
see how they do.
[37] And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
[38] But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them
from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
[39] And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed
asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto
Cyprus;
[40] And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren
unto the grace of God.
[41] And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Acts 16
Timothy Accompanies Paul and Silas
1 (Ac 14:6; 17:14) Then he came to Derbe and then to Lystra.
A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed,
but his father was a Greek.
2 He was well spoken of by the brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 (Gal 2:3) Paul wanted him to travel with him. So he took him
and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places,
for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
4 (Ac 15:28-29; 15:2) As they went through the cities,
they delivered to them the decrees to observe,
that were set forth by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.
5 (Ac 9:31; 2:47) So the churches were strengthened in the faith,
and increased in number daily.
[1] Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was
there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and
believed; but his father was a Greek:
[2] Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and
Iconium.
[3] Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him
because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his
father was a Greek.
[4] And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for
to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at
Jerusalem.
[5] And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in
number daily.
Paul's Vision of the Macedonian
6 (Ac 18:23; 1Pe 1:1; Gal 1:2) They went through the region of Phrygia
and Galatia and were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.
7 (Ro 8:9; Gal 4:6) When they came near Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia,
but the Spirit did not allow them.
8 (2Co 2:12; 2Ti 4:13) So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.
9 (Ac 18:5; 19:21) During the night a vision appeared to Paul:
A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying,
"Come over to Macedonia and help us."
10 After he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia,
concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
[6] Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and
were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
[7] After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the
Spirit suffered them not.
[8] And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
[9] And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of
Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
[10] And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into
Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the
gospel unto them.
The Conversion of Lydia
11 From Troas we set sail on a straight course to Samothrace
and the next day to Neapolis,
12 (Php 1:1; 1Th 2:2) and from there to Philippi, which is the main city
of that part of Macedonia, and a colony. We stayed in this city several days.
13 (Ac 13:14) On the Sabbath we went out of the city to a riverside,
where prayer was customarily offered. And we sat down
and spoke to the women who had assembled.
14 (Lk 24:45; Ac 18:7) A woman named Lydia, a seller of purple fabric
of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard us.
The Lord opened her heart to acknowledge what Paul said.
15 (Ac 11:14; Heb 13:2) When she and her household were baptized,
she entreated us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord,
come to my house and remain there." And she persuaded us.
[11] Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to
Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
[12] And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of
Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
[13] And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where
prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which
resorted thither.
[14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of
Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that
she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
[15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying,
If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and
abide there. And she constrained us.
The Imprisonment in Philippi
16 (1Sa 28:7; 1Ch 10:13) On one occasion, as we went to the place of prayer,
a servant girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us,
who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
17 (Mk 5:7; Da 3:26) She followed Paul and us, shouting,
"These men are servants of the Most High God,
who proclaim to us the way of salvation."
18 (Mk 16:17; 1:34) She did this for many days. But becoming greatly
troubled, Paul turned to the spirit and said,
"I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her."
And it came out at that moment.
19 (Ac 21:30; 8:3) When her masters saw that the hope of their profits
was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace
to the rulers.
20 (Ac 28:22) And they brought them to the magistrates, saying,
"These men, being Jews, greatly trouble our city
21 (Est 3:8; Ac 16:12) and teach customs which are not lawful for us,
being Romans, to receive or observe."
22 (1Th 2:2; 2Co 6:5) The crowd rose up together against them.
And the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them.
23 After they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison,
commanding the jailer to guard them securely.
24 (Job 13:27; 33:11) Having received such an order, he threw them into
the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 (Job 35:10; Ps 42:8) At midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26 (Ac 4:31; 12:7) Suddenly there was a great earthquake,
so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.
And immediately all the doors were opened
and everyone's shackles were loosened.
27 (Ac 12:19) When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors open,
he drew his sword and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
28 But Paul shouted, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."
29 He called for lights and rushed in, trembling,
and fell down before Paul and Silas.
30 (Ac 2:37; 22:10) He then led them out and asked,
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 (Mk 16:16; Jn 1:12) They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,
and you and your household will be saved."
32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him
and to all who were in his household.
33 (Ac 16:15; 16:25) In that hour of the night he took them
and washed their wounds. And immediately he and his entire household
were baptized.
34 (Ac 2:46) Then he brought them up to his house and set food before them.
And he rejoiced with his entire household believing in God.
35 When it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying,
"Release those men."
36 (Ac 15:33) The prison guard reported these words to Paul, saying,
"The magistrates have sent to release you.
Now therefore depart, and go in peace."
37 (Ac 22:25-29) But Paul said to them, "They have publicly beaten us,
who are uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison.
And now do they secretly throw us out? Certainly not!
Let them come themselves and bring us out."
38 (Ac 22:29) The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates,
and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.
39 (Mt 8:34) So they came and entreated them. And they brought them out,
asking them to leave the city.
40 (Ac 16:14) They went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia.
When they had seen the brothers, they exhorted them and departed.
[16] And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed
with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by
soothsaying:
[17] The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
[18] And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to
the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.
And he came out the same hour.
[19] And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they
caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
[20] And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do
exceedingly trouble our city,
[21] And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to
observe, being Romans.
[22] And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates
rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
[23] And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into
prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
[24] Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison,
and made their feet fast in the stocks.
[25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and
the prisoners heard them.
[26] And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of
the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every
one's bands were loosed.
[27] And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the
prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
[28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we
are all here.
[29] Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell
down before Paul and Silas,
[30] And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
[31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house.
[32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in
his house.
[33] And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes;
and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
[34] And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them,
and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
[35] And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let
those men go.
[36] And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates
have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
[37] But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being
Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily?
nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
[38] And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they
feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
[39] And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them
to depart out of the city.
[40] And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia
and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 November 2022 Titled
The Adventure
Ephesians 1:3-14
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 (2Co 1:3; Eph 6:12; 2:6) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
places in Christ,
4 (Eph 5:27; Col 1:22) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
5 (Ro 8:29-30; Eph 1:11) He predestined us to adoption as sons to Himself
through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 (Mt 3:17; Eph 1:12) to the praise of the glory of His grace which
He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood
and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace,
8 which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight,
9 (Ro 8:28; Eph 1:11) making known to us the mystery of His will,
according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Himself,
10 (Col 1:20; Eph 3:15) as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite
all things in Christ, which are in heaven and on earth.
11 (Eph 1:14; Heb 6:17) In Him also we have received an inheritance,
being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things
according to the counsel of His own will,
12 (Eph 1:6) that we, who were the first to hope in Christ,
should live for the praise of His glory.
13 (Eph 4:30; Ac 1:4; 2:33) In Him you also, after hearing the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation, and after believing in Him,
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
14 (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22) who is the guarantee of our inheritance
until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed
us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to
himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
[6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us
accepted in the beloved.
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace;
[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good
pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
[10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which
are on earth; even in him:
[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of
his own will:
[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in
Christ.
[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were
sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
[14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the
purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
"Christianity is not for me. It's boring. One of my values I hold on to is
adventure. That's life to me," a young woman told me. It saddened me that she
hadn't yet learned the incredible joy and excitement that comes with following
Jesus-an adventure like no other. I excitedly shared with her about Jesus
and how real life is found in Him.
Mere words are inadequate to describe the adventure of knowing and walking with
Jesus, God's Son. But in Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul gives us a small but
powerful glimpse of life with Him. God gives us spiritual blessings directly
from heaven (v. 3), holiness and blamelessness in God's eyes (v. 4), and
adoption as His own into the King's royal family (v. 5). He blesses us with
the lavish gift of His forgiveness and grace (vv. 7-8), understanding of the
mystery of His will (v. 9), and a new purpose of living "for the praise of his
glory" (v. 12). The Holy Spirit comes to live in us to empower and lead us
(v. 13), and He guarantees eternity in God's presence forever (v. 14).
When Jesus Christ enters our life, we discover that getting to know Him more
and following Him closely is the greatest of adventures. Seek Him now and
every day for real life.
By: Anne Cetas
Reflect & Pray
How would you describe the life of knowing and walking with Jesus?
Who might God want you to share this with?
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me and always
walking by my side. You've given me more than I could have imagined.
I love being known and loved by You and sharing You with others.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 6 - Shielded by the Word
Proverbs 30:5
5 (Ps 12:6; 18:30) Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
A wife of ten years, betrayed by her husband's infidelity, declares that
she will never trust a man again. A teenage son says of his father, "I
can't depend on him anymore! Dad always talk big and makes promises,
but he never does what he says." A career woman, her reputation
undermined by gossip, leaves the church broken, and never returns.
Human beings are weak, volatile, unfaithful creatures; often we
break our word and hurt others in the process. But the Scripture
clearly assures us that God's Word is not like the word of man.
God always remains faithful to his Word, always fulfills his promises,
always does what he says he will do.
God's word is pure (or flawless), Proverbs 30:5 says. His Word
is not distorted with mixed motives or flawed by untruth. God's Word
is dependable, able to support and lift us up, able to speak
encouragement to us. His Word is a "shield" a protection for us
against the onslaughts of the Enemy, a place of refuge from the struggle
and confusion of daily life.
We live in a world that recognises no absolute truth. Morality,
values, relationships, ethics - every decision of life, it seems,
"depends on the situation." But in the midst of the confusion,
God interjects his Word - timeless, pure, trustworthy, reliable.
We can depend upon God's Word. We can turn to him to verify who we are
and the purposes for which we were created. We can find refuge in his truth,
and rest in the knowledge that whatever he says, he will do.
Application
a) In my own experience, how have I found God's Word
to be different from the word of men and women?
b) In what areas of my life do I need the assurance of the validity
and dependability of God's Word?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 16:10-12
10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also
in much.
11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who will give you that which is your own?"
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who shall give you that which is your own?
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Col 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another
and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,
to which also you are called in one body,
rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
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 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
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
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
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
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray the the Lord will guide you in every controversial
decision to be made.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me and always
walking by my side. You've given me more than I could have imagined.
I love being known and loved by You and sharing You with others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the His Word is a shield.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a righteous steward in all things.
Pray to the Lord and pray to everything in the thankfulness of God!
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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 safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
Pray that more Christian workers will reside in Mauritania and share the Gospel
throughout the country .
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) Acts 15, Acts 16
Acts 15
The Council in Jerusalem
1 (Ac 15:5; 15:24) Some men came down from Judea and were teaching
the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised in the tradition of Moses,
you cannot be saved."
2 (Ac 15:22-23; 15:4; 15:6-7) Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had
no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul
and Barnabas, and certain others among them, should go up to Jerusalem
to the apostles and elders about this question.
3 (Ac 14:27; 21:5) So being sent on their way by the church,
they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion
of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers.
4 (Ac 14:27; 15:12) When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed
by the church and the apostles and the elders,
and they declared what God had done through them.
5 (Ac 15:1) Then some believers of the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying,
"It is necessary to circumcise them,
and to command them to keep the Law of Moses."
6 (Ac 15:25) The apostles and elders assembled to consider this matter.
7 (Ac 15:2; 10:20) After much disputing, Peter rose up and said to them,
"Brothers, you know that some time ago God decided among us,
that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
8 (Ac 1:24; 2:4) God, who knows the heart, approved of them, giving them
the Holy Spirit just as He did to us,
9 (Ac 10:28; 10:34) and made no distinction between them and us,
and purified their hearts by faith.
10 (Mt 23:4; Gal 5:1) Now then, why test God by putting a yoke upon
the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been
able to bear?
11 (Ro 3:24; 2Co 13:14) But we believe that through the grace
of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."
12 (Ac 14:27; 15:4) The entire assembly remained silent
and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring what signs
and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
13 (Ac 12:17) After they had become silent, James answered,
"Brothers, listen to me.
14 (Isa 43:21; 2Pe 1:1) Simon has declared how God first visited
the Gentiles to take from among them a people for His name.
15 With this the words of the prophets agree. As it is written:
16 (Am 9:11-12) 'After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will set it up;(Am 9:11; Jer 12:15.)
17 (Isa 43:7) that the rest of men may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
(Am 9:12; Dt 28:10; Isa 63:19; Jer 14:9; Da 9:19.)
says the Lord who does all these things.' (Am 9:11-12.)
18 Known to God are all His works since the beginning of the world.
19 (Ac 15:28) "Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble
those of the Gentiles who are turning to God,
20 (Lev 3:17; Ac 15:29; Ge 9:4) but that we write to them to abstain
from food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from strangled animals,
and from blood.
21 (Ac 13:15; 13:27) For Moses has had in every city since early generations
those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."
[1] And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and
said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be
saved.
[2] When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation
with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of
them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this
question.
[3] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through
Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they
caused great joy unto all the brethren.
[4] And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church,
and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had
done with them.
[5] But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed,
saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep
the law of Moses.
[6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this
matter.
[7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto
them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice
among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel,
and believe.
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the
Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by
faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the
disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall
be saved, even as they.
[12] Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and
Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles
by them.
[13] And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and
brethren, hearken unto me:
[14] Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to
take out of them a people for his name.
[15] And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
[16] After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David,
which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will
set it up:
[17] That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the
Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these
things.
[18] Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
[19] Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among
the Gentiles are turned to God:
[20] But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of
idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
[21] For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being
read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
The Reply of the Council
22 (Ac 15:27; 15:32; 15:40) Then it pleased the apostles and the elders,
with the whole church, to send chosen men from among them to Antioch
with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabas, and Silas,
leading men among the brothers.
23 (Ac 23:26; Jas 1:1) They wrote this letter by their hand:
The apostles and the elders and the brothers,
To the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24 (Ac 15:1; Gal 1:7) Since we have heard that some of us,
whom we did not commission, have gone out and have troubled you with words,
unsettling your minds, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law,"
25 (Ac 1:14; 2Pe 3:15) it seemed good to us, being assembled in unity,
to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 (Ac 14:19; 9:23-25) men who have risked their lives
for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 (Ac 15:22) Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas,
who will also speak to you, saying the same things.
28 (Jn 16:13; Ac 5:32) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit
and to us to put on you no greater burden than these necessary things:
29 (Ac 15:20; 21:25; Rev 2:14) Abstain from food offered to idols,
from sexual immorality, from strangled animals, and from blood.
If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
Farewell.
30 So when they were dismissed, they went down to Antioch.
And when they had assembled the congregation, they delivered the letter.
31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the exhortation.
32 (Ac 11:23; 13:1) Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves,
exhorted the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
33 (1Co 16:11; Ac 16:36) After they had remained there for a time,
they were sent off in peace by the brothers to the apostles.
34 But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.
35 (Ac 13:1) And Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch,
teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
[22] Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send
chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely,
Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
[23] And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and
elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the
Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
[24] Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have
troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be
circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
[25] It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen
men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
[26] Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
[27] We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the
same things by mouth.
[28] For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no
greater burden than these necessary things;
[29] That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from
things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye
shall do well. Fare ye well.
[30] So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had
gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
[31] Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
[32] And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the
brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
[33] And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace
from the brethren unto the apostles.
[34] Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
[35] Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the
word of the Lord, with many others also.
Paul and Barnabas Separate
36 (Ac 13:4; 13:13-14) After some days Paul said to Barnabas,
"Let us return and visit our brothers in every city
where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."
37 (Ac 12:12) Barnabas determined to take with them John, who was called Mark.
38 (Ac 13:13) But Paul thought it was not good to take with them one
who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them
to the work.
39 (Ac 4:36) Then there arose a sharp contention,
so that they separated from each other.
Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus,
40 (Ac 14:26; 15:22) but Paul chose Silas and departed,
being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.
41 (Ac 15:23; 15:32) And he went through Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening the churches.
[36] And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit
our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and
see how they do.
[37] And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
[38] But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them
from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
[39] And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed
asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto
Cyprus;
[40] And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren
unto the grace of God.
[41] And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Acts 16
Timothy Accompanies Paul and Silas
1 (Ac 14:6; 17:14) Then he came to Derbe and then to Lystra.
A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed,
but his father was a Greek.
2 He was well spoken of by the brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 (Gal 2:3) Paul wanted him to travel with him. So he took him
and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places,
for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
4 (Ac 15:28-29; 15:2) As they went through the cities,
they delivered to them the decrees to observe,
that were set forth by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.
5 (Ac 9:31; 2:47) So the churches were strengthened in the faith,
and increased in number daily.
[1] Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was
there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and
believed; but his father was a Greek:
[2] Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and
Iconium.
[3] Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him
because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his
father was a Greek.
[4] And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for
to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at
Jerusalem.
[5] And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in
number daily.
Paul's Vision of the Macedonian
6 (Ac 18:23; 1Pe 1:1; Gal 1:2) They went through the region of Phrygia
and Galatia and were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.
7 (Ro 8:9; Gal 4:6) When they came near Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia,
but the Spirit did not allow them.
8 (2Co 2:12; 2Ti 4:13) So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.
9 (Ac 18:5; 19:21) During the night a vision appeared to Paul:
A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying,
"Come over to Macedonia and help us."
10 After he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia,
concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
[6] Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and
were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
[7] After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the
Spirit suffered them not.
[8] And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
[9] And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of
Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
[10] And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into
Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the
gospel unto them.
The Conversion of Lydia
11 From Troas we set sail on a straight course to Samothrace
and the next day to Neapolis,
12 (Php 1:1; 1Th 2:2) and from there to Philippi, which is the main city
of that part of Macedonia, and a colony. We stayed in this city several days.
13 (Ac 13:14) On the Sabbath we went out of the city to a riverside,
where prayer was customarily offered. And we sat down
and spoke to the women who had assembled.
14 (Lk 24:45; Ac 18:7) A woman named Lydia, a seller of purple fabric
of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard us.
The Lord opened her heart to acknowledge what Paul said.
15 (Ac 11:14; Heb 13:2) When she and her household were baptized,
she entreated us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord,
come to my house and remain there." And she persuaded us.
[11] Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to
Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
[12] And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of
Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
[13] And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where
prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which
resorted thither.
[14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of
Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that
she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
[15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying,
If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and
abide there. And she constrained us.
The Imprisonment in Philippi
16 (1Sa 28:7; 1Ch 10:13) On one occasion, as we went to the place of prayer,
a servant girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us,
who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
17 (Mk 5:7; Da 3:26) She followed Paul and us, shouting,
"These men are servants of the Most High God,
who proclaim to us the way of salvation."
18 (Mk 16:17; 1:34) She did this for many days. But becoming greatly
troubled, Paul turned to the spirit and said,
"I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her."
And it came out at that moment.
19 (Ac 21:30; 8:3) When her masters saw that the hope of their profits
was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace
to the rulers.
20 (Ac 28:22) And they brought them to the magistrates, saying,
"These men, being Jews, greatly trouble our city
21 (Est 3:8; Ac 16:12) and teach customs which are not lawful for us,
being Romans, to receive or observe."
22 (1Th 2:2; 2Co 6:5) The crowd rose up together against them.
And the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them.
23 After they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison,
commanding the jailer to guard them securely.
24 (Job 13:27; 33:11) Having received such an order, he threw them into
the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 (Job 35:10; Ps 42:8) At midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26 (Ac 4:31; 12:7) Suddenly there was a great earthquake,
so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.
And immediately all the doors were opened
and everyone's shackles were loosened.
27 (Ac 12:19) When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors open,
he drew his sword and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
28 But Paul shouted, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."
29 He called for lights and rushed in, trembling,
and fell down before Paul and Silas.
30 (Ac 2:37; 22:10) He then led them out and asked,
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 (Mk 16:16; Jn 1:12) They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,
and you and your household will be saved."
32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him
and to all who were in his household.
33 (Ac 16:15; 16:25) In that hour of the night he took them
and washed their wounds. And immediately he and his entire household
were baptized.
34 (Ac 2:46) Then he brought them up to his house and set food before them.
And he rejoiced with his entire household believing in God.
35 When it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying,
"Release those men."
36 (Ac 15:33) The prison guard reported these words to Paul, saying,
"The magistrates have sent to release you.
Now therefore depart, and go in peace."
37 (Ac 22:25-29) But Paul said to them, "They have publicly beaten us,
who are uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison.
And now do they secretly throw us out? Certainly not!
Let them come themselves and bring us out."
38 (Ac 22:29) The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates,
and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.
39 (Mt 8:34) So they came and entreated them. And they brought them out,
asking them to leave the city.
40 (Ac 16:14) They went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia.
When they had seen the brothers, they exhorted them and departed.
[16] And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed
with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by
soothsaying:
[17] The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
[18] And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to
the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.
And he came out the same hour.
[19] And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they
caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
[20] And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do
exceedingly trouble our city,
[21] And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to
observe, being Romans.
[22] And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates
rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
[23] And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into
prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
[24] Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison,
and made their feet fast in the stocks.
[25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and
the prisoners heard them.
[26] And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of
the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every
one's bands were loosed.
[27] And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the
prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
[28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we
are all here.
[29] Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell
down before Paul and Silas,
[30] And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
[31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house.
[32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in
his house.
[33] And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes;
and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
[34] And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them,
and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
[35] And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let
those men go.
[36] And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates
have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
[37] But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being
Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily?
nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
[38] And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they
feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
[39] And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them
to depart out of the city.
[40] And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia
and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 November 2022 Titled
The Adventure
Ephesians 1:3-14
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 (2Co 1:3; Eph 6:12; 2:6) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
places in Christ,
4 (Eph 5:27; Col 1:22) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
5 (Ro 8:29-30; Eph 1:11) He predestined us to adoption as sons to Himself
through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 (Mt 3:17; Eph 1:12) to the praise of the glory of His grace which
He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood
and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace,
8 which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight,
9 (Ro 8:28; Eph 1:11) making known to us the mystery of His will,
according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Himself,
10 (Col 1:20; Eph 3:15) as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite
all things in Christ, which are in heaven and on earth.
11 (Eph 1:14; Heb 6:17) In Him also we have received an inheritance,
being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things
according to the counsel of His own will,
12 (Eph 1:6) that we, who were the first to hope in Christ,
should live for the praise of His glory.
13 (Eph 4:30; Ac 1:4; 2:33) In Him you also, after hearing the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation, and after believing in Him,
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
14 (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22) who is the guarantee of our inheritance
until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed
us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to
himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
[6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us
accepted in the beloved.
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace;
[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good
pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
[10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which
are on earth; even in him:
[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of
his own will:
[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in
Christ.
[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were
sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
[14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the
purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
"Christianity is not for me. It's boring. One of my values I hold on to is
adventure. That's life to me," a young woman told me. It saddened me that she
hadn't yet learned the incredible joy and excitement that comes with following
Jesus-an adventure like no other. I excitedly shared with her about Jesus
and how real life is found in Him.
Mere words are inadequate to describe the adventure of knowing and walking with
Jesus, God's Son. But in Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul gives us a small but
powerful glimpse of life with Him. God gives us spiritual blessings directly
from heaven (v. 3), holiness and blamelessness in God's eyes (v. 4), and
adoption as His own into the King's royal family (v. 5). He blesses us with
the lavish gift of His forgiveness and grace (vv. 7-8), understanding of the
mystery of His will (v. 9), and a new purpose of living "for the praise of his
glory" (v. 12). The Holy Spirit comes to live in us to empower and lead us
(v. 13), and He guarantees eternity in God's presence forever (v. 14).
When Jesus Christ enters our life, we discover that getting to know Him more
and following Him closely is the greatest of adventures. Seek Him now and
every day for real life.
By: Anne Cetas
Reflect & Pray
How would you describe the life of knowing and walking with Jesus?
Who might God want you to share this with?
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me and always
walking by my side. You've given me more than I could have imagined.
I love being known and loved by You and sharing You with others.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 6 - Shielded by the Word
Proverbs 30:5
5 (Ps 12:6; 18:30) Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
A wife of ten years, betrayed by her husband's infidelity, declares that
she will never trust a man again. A teenage son says of his father, "I
can't depend on him anymore! Dad always talk big and makes promises,
but he never does what he says." A career woman, her reputation
undermined by gossip, leaves the church broken, and never returns.
Human beings are weak, volatile, unfaithful creatures; often we
break our word and hurt others in the process. But the Scripture
clearly assures us that God's Word is not like the word of man.
God always remains faithful to his Word, always fulfills his promises,
always does what he says he will do.
God's word is pure (or flawless), Proverbs 30:5 says. His Word
is not distorted with mixed motives or flawed by untruth. God's Word
is dependable, able to support and lift us up, able to speak
encouragement to us. His Word is a "shield" a protection for us
against the onslaughts of the Enemy, a place of refuge from the struggle
and confusion of daily life.
We live in a world that recognises no absolute truth. Morality,
values, relationships, ethics - every decision of life, it seems,
"depends on the situation." But in the midst of the confusion,
God interjects his Word - timeless, pure, trustworthy, reliable.
We can depend upon God's Word. We can turn to him to verify who we are
and the purposes for which we were created. We can find refuge in his truth,
and rest in the knowledge that whatever he says, he will do.
Application
a) In my own experience, how have I found God's Word
to be different from the word of men and women?
b) In what areas of my life do I need the assurance of the validity
and dependability of God's Word?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 16:10-12
10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also
in much.
11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who will give you that which is your own?"
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who shall give you that which is your own?
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Col 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another
and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,
to which also you are called in one body,
rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
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 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
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
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!
7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
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
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray the the Lord will guide you in every controversial
decision to be made.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me and always
walking by my side. You've given me more than I could have imagined.
I love being known and loved by You and sharing You with others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the His Word is a shield.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a righteous steward in all things.
Pray to the Lord and pray to everything in the thankfulness of God!
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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 safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
Pray that more Christian workers will reside in Mauritania and share the Gospel
throughout the country .
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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