Day 330 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 26 November 2023 reflections - First Day of Advent
Day 330, 26 November 2023 - First Day of Advent
Today At
Calvary Community Church, Pastor Nathan Zieber spoke on
The Spirit Filled Community does life Together
Life Among the Believers
Why?
Acts 2:42-44
42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46) They continued steadfastly in the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
43 Fear came to every soul. And many wonders and signs were done through
the apostles.
44 (Ac 4:32) All who believed were together and had all things in common.
[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
[43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by
the apostles.
[44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
How?
Acts 2:46-47
46 (Ac 5:42; 20:7) And continuing daily with one mind in the temple,
and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness
and simplicity of heart,
47 (Ac 11:24; 2:41) praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
[46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness
of heart,
[47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added
to the church daily such as should be saved.
1) 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14
1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts
1 (1Co 14:37) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you
to be ignorant.
2 (Ps 115:5; 1Th 1:9) You know that you were Gentiles,
carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.
3 (Jn 13:13; 1Jn 4:2-3) Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking
by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed!" And no one can say,
"Jesus is the Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
4 (Heb 2:4; Ro 12:4-6) There are various gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 (1Co 15:28) There are various operations, but it is the same God
who operates all of them in all people.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to everyone for the common good.
8 (2Co 8:7; 1Co 1:5) To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom,
to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit,
9 (2Co 4:13; 1Co 13:2) to another faith by the same Spirit,
to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 (Mk 16:17; 1Jn 4:1; 1Co 12:28-30) to another the working of miracles,
to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits,
to another various kinds of tongues,
and to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 (1Co 12:4; 2Co 10:13) But that one and very same Spirit works all these,
dividing to each one individually as He will.
1 Corinthians 12
[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
[2] Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even
as ye were led.
[3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit
of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the
Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which
worketh all in all.
[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal.
[8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the
word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
[9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by
the same Spirit;
[10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues:
[11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to
every man severally as he will.
One Body With Many Members
12 (1Co 12:27; 10:17) For as the body is one and has many parts,
and all the many parts of that one body are one body, so also is Christ.
13 (Jn 7:37-39; Gal 3:28) For by one Spirit we are all baptised
into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are slaves
or free, and we have all been made to drink of one Spirit.
14 The body is not one part, but many.
15 If the foot says, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,"
is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear says, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,"
is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be?
If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
18 (1Co 12:11; 12:28) But now God has established the parts,
every one of them, in the body as it has pleased Him.
19 If they were all one part, where would the body be?
20 So there are many parts, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you,"
nor the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
22 No, those parts of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
23 And those parts of the body which we think are less honorable,
upon these we bestow more abundant honor. And our less respectable
parts are treated with much more respect,
24 whereas our more respectable parts have no need of this.
But God has composed the body, having given more abundant honour
to that part which lacks it,
25 so that there should be no division in the body,
but that the parts should have the same care for one another.
26 (Ro 12:15) If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it,
and if one part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it.
27 (Ro 12:5; Eph 1:23) Now you are the body of Christ
and members individually.
28 (Heb 13:17; 13:24) God has put these in the church:
first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles,
then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?
Are all workers of miracles?
30 Do all have the gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues?
Do all interpret?
31 (1Co 14:39)But earnestly covet the greater gifts.
[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of
that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews
or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink
into one Spirit.
[14] For the body is not one member, but many.
[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;
is it therefore not of the body?
[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the
body; is it therefore not of the body?
[17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole
were hearing, where were the smelling?
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it
hath pleased him.
[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?
[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again
the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble,
are necessary:
[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable,
upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more
abundant comeliness.
[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body
together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
[25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should
have the same care one for another.
[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one
member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
[28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings,
helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
[29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers
of miracles?
[30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all
interpret?
[31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more
excellent way.
Love
Yet I show you a more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 13
1 (2Co 12:4) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,
and have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
2 (Mt 17:20; 21:21) If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand
all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 (Col 3:12; Pr 10:12) Love suffers long and is kind; love envies not;
love flaunts not itself and is not puffed up,
5 (1Co 10:24; Php 2:21) does not behave itself improperly, seeks not its own,
is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;
6 (2Jn 1:4; Ro 1:32) rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7 (1Co 13:4) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
and endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they shall fail;
if there are tongues, they shall cease; and if there is knowledge,
it shall vanish.
9 (1Co 8:2; 13:12) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect comes, then that which is imperfect
shall pass away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child,
and I thought as a child. But when I became a man,
I put away childish things.
12 (2Co 5:7; 1Jn 3:2) For now we see as through a glass, dimly, but then,
face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know,
even as I also am known.
13 (Gal 5:6; 1Co 16:14; 1Pe 1:21) So now abide faith, hope, and love,
these three. But the greatest of these is love.
[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not
charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
[2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries,
and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove
mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
[3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my
body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
[4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
[5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil;
[6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
[7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth
all things.
[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;
whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it
shall vanish away.
[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
[10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part
shall be done away.
[11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I
thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
[12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I
know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
[13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of
these is charity.
1 Corinthians 14
Tongues and Prophecy
1 (1Co 12:1; 14:39) Follow after love and desire spiritual gifts,
but especially that you may prophesy.
2 (1Co 13:2; Mk 16:17) For he who speaks in an unknown tongue
does not speak to men, but to God. For no one understands him,
although in the spirit, he speaks mysteries.
3 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 14:12) But he who prophesies speaks to men
for their edification and exhortation and comfort.
4 (Mk 16:17; 1Co 14:3) He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself,
but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5 (1Co 12:10; Mk 16:17) I desire that you all speak in tongues,
but even more that you prophesy. For greater is he who prophesies
than he who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets,
so that the church may receive edification.
6 (Eph 1:17; Ro 6:17) Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you by revelation or knowledge
or prophesying or doctrine?
7 Even when things without life give sound, whether flute or harp,
how will it be known what is played unless they give a distinction
in the sounds?
8 (Nu 10:9; Jer 4:19) If the trumpet makes an uncertain sound,
who will prepare himself for the battle?
9 (1Co 9:26) So also you, unless with the tongue you speak words
easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken?
For you shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world,
and none of them is without significance.
11 (Ac 28:2) Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the speech,
I shall be a barbarian to him who speaks,
and he who speaks will be a barbarian to me.
12 (1Co 14:26) So, seeing that you are zealous of spiritual gifts,
seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Let him who speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 (1Co 14:2) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays,
but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 (Col 3:16; Ps 47:7) What is it then? I will pray with the spirit,
and I will pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit,
and I will sing with the understanding.
16 (1Ch 16:36; Ps 106:48) Otherwise, when you bless with the spirit,
how will he who occupies the place of the unlearned say "Amen"
at your giving of thanks, seeing he does not understand what you say?
17 (1Co 14:4) For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than you all.
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding,
that by my voice I might teach others also,
than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20 (Ro 16:19; Ps 119:99) Brothers, do not be children in your thinking;
rather be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
21 (Jn 10:34; Isa 28:11-12) In the law it is written:
"With men of other tongues
and other lips
I will speak to this people;
but even then they will not hear Me,"(Isa 28:11-12.)
says the Lord.
22 (Mk 16:17) So tongues are for a sign, not to believers,
but to unbelievers. But prophesying does not serve unbelievers, but believers.
23 (Ac 2:13) Therefore if the whole church assembles in one place
and all speak with tongues, and those who are unlearned
or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
24 But if all prophesy and there comes in one who does not believe
or one unlearned, he is convinced by all and judged by all.
25 (Isa 45:14; Zec 8:23) Thus the secrets of his heart are revealed.
And so falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God
is truly among you.
1 Corinthians 14
[1] Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.
[2] For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but
unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh
mysteries.
[3] But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort.
[4] He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church.
[5] I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied:
for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues,
except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
[6] Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I
profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by
knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
[7] And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except
they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped
or harped?
[8] For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to
the battle?
[9] So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be
understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into
the air.
[10] There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of
them is without signification.
[11] Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him
that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto
me.
[12] Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that
ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
[13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may
interpret.
[14] For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my
understanding is unfruitful.
[15] What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the
understanding also.
[16] Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth
the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he
understandeth not what thou sayest?
[17] For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
[18] I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
[19] Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding,
that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an
unknown tongue.
[20] Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye
children, but in understanding be men.
[21] In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will
I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith
the Lord.
[22] Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them
that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but
for them which believe.
[23] If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all
speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or
unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
[24] But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
[25] And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling
down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a
truth.
All Things to Be Done in Order
26 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 12:7-10) How is it then, brothers? When you come together,
every one of you has a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation,
and an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
27 If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two,
or at the most by three, and each in turn, and let one interpret.
28 But if there is no interpreter, let him remain silent in the church,
and let him speak to himself and to God.
29 (1Co 12:10) Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.
30 (1Th 5:19-20) If anything is revealed to another that sits by,
let the first keep silent.
31 For you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn
and all may be encouraged.
32 (1Jn 4:1) The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 (1Co 7:17; 4:17) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace,
as in all churches of the saints.
34 (1Ti 2:11-12; Ge 3:16) Let your women remain silent in the churches.
For they are not permitted to speak. They are commanded to be
under obedience, as the law also says.
35 If they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home,
for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36 What? Did the word of God come from you? Or did it come to you only?
37 (2Co 10:7; 1Jn 4:6) If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet
or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is
a command of the Lord.
38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 (1Co 12:31; 14:1) Therefore, brothers, eagerly desire to prophesy,
and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
40 (Col 2:5) Let all things be done decently and in order.
[26] How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an
interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
[27] If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most
by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
[28] But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and
let him speak to himself, and to God.
[29] Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
[30] If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold
his peace.
[31] For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be
comforted.
[32] And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
[33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all
churches of the saints.
[34] Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted
unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also
saith the law.
[35] And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home:
for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
[36] What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
[37] If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him
acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of
the Lord.
[38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
[39] Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with
tongues.
[40] Let all things be done decently and in order.
2) Our Daily Bread for 26 November 2023 titled
Who Am I?
1 Chronicles 29:14-20
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer
so freely as this? For everything comes from You, even from Your own hand
we have given to You.
15 (Job 14:2; Ps 39:12) For we are strangers and sojourners before You,
just as all our fathers were. Our days on earth are like a shadow,
and there is no hope.
16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You
a house for Your holy name has come from Your hand, and all belongs to You.
17 (1Ch 28:9; 1Sa 16:7) I know, my God, that You test the heart,
and with uprightness You are pleased, so in the uprightness of my heart
I have offered freely all these things, and now I have seen Your people,
those present here, offer freely and joyously to You.
18 O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this
forever in the thoughts and intentions of the heart of Your people
and direct their heart to You.
19 (Ps 72:1; 1Ch 22:14) Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart
to keep Your commandments, Your testimonies, and Your statutes,
to do all these things and to build the palace
for which I have made preparation."
20 (Ex 4:31) Then David said to all the assembly, "Bless now the Lord
your God." So all the assembly blessed the Lord, the God of their fathers.
They bowed down and paid homage to the Lord and the king.
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer
so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine
own have we given thee.
15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers:
our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house
for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure
in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly
offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people,
which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for
ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and
prepare their heart unto thee:
19 and give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments,
thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build
the palace, for the which I have made provision.
20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God.
And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers,
and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.
As a member of the leadership team for a local ministry, part of my job was
to invite others to join us as group discussion leaders. My invitations
described the time commitment required and outlined the ways leaders would
need to engage with their small group participants, both in meetings and
during regular phone calls. I was often reluctant to impose on other people,
being aware of the sacrifice they’d be making to become a leader. And yet
sometimes their reply would completely overwhelm me: "I'd be honoured."
Instead of citing legitimate reasons to decline, they described their
gratitude to God for all He’d done in their lives as their reason
for being eager to give back.
When the time came to give resources toward building a temple for God, David
had a similar response: "Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be
able to give as generously as this?" (1 Chronicles 29:14). David's generosity
was driven by gratitude for God's involvement in his life and that of the
people of Israel. His response speaks of his humility and his acknowledgment
of His goodness toward "foreigners and strangers" (v. 15).
Our giving to God's work-whether in time, talent, or treasure-reflects our
gratitude to the One who gave to us to begin with. All that we have comes
from His hand (v. 14); in response, we can give gratefully to Him.
By: Kirsten Holmberg
Reflect & Pray
How has God been involved in your life? How can you give in response?
Dear Father, please help me to respond
to Your love and care with a generous heart.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 1 - Bought Back
Eph 1:7
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
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace;
In the opening scenes of The Glenn Miller Story, Glenn Miller, then a
struggling musician trying to find an audience for his music, enters
a pawn shop. He has hocked his trombone for rent money, and has come
to redeem it. Paying the pawn broker the money, he buys back his own
instrument and leaves the shop, indicating that he will probably
be back again.
In Eph 1:7. Paul says that in Christ "we have redemption through
His blood and the forgiveness of sin according to the riches of His grace."
We belonged to God from the beginning; he made us and stamped
his image upon us. But through sin we were lost, pawned to the
world's system and the Enemy of our souls.
But God redeemed us; he "bought us back" with the most valuable
currency in the universe - the blood of his own Son, Jesus Christ.
He did not resent the bargain, or question whether we were worth
such a price. He freely gave Jesus in trade to ransom the souls
of the people he created and loved.
Sometimes in Christian circles we get so caught up in religious
jargon that we forget what redemption really means. Gog did not have
to "get us out of hock." He was not compelled to buy us back when we
had sold ourselves to sin. But because of his love, and with no
deserving on our part, he chose to pay an enormous price to set us free.
We are redeemed, bought back, by the One who owned us in the first place.
Application
a) In what ways have I been "in hock" to sin in my life?
b) What does it mean, in practical terms, that God "redeemed" me
from that sin?
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 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, ...)
Day 26 of the Month
a) Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ (Matt 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut
I) Pray for the leaders of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut,
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.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto 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
)
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Being Lovers of Christ
Luke 1:1-4
1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things
which are most surely believed among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things
from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,
most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.
Advent has begun! We suddenly realize we are not ready for
Christmas, and we fret about decorations, cards, presents
or food. However, this year let's approach Christmas spiritually,
in order to prepare our hearts, minds and wills for the Christ
Child's coming.
In our lead text Luke declares that he has done all the research
and that he wants Theophilus to know the truth about all he
has learned concerning Jesus, so he has decided to write an
"orderly account. " We will meditate on this narrative during
Advent this year for one major purpose: that we might all
become more richly like Theophilus(Theophila) or "God
Lover".
Was Theophilus a real man, or did Luke use that name to
signify everyone reading his report? Unquestionably, the name
indicates our goal this Advent: That each of us might love God
more because of all he did for us in sending his Son, Jesus.
Prayer
God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.
Mark 13:35-37
The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors pf Health, Hope and Anticipation
We begin another Advent season very appropriately-we me waiting,
waiting, waiting! We are waiting to see when gas prices will drop again
... waiting to see the economy turn around .. waiting to see what kind
of weather December will bring .. waiting to see who sends us the first
Christmas Card (alreadyI?)... waiting ... waiting... waiting ...
Advent is about anticipation. It is like waiting for the ketchup to ooze out
of its bottle's long neck We wait ... and wait ... and wait.
And finally It comes.
The Gospel for this week reminds us that no one knows when the Lord
will return to earth And so we can anticipate his Second Coming with
great Joy, not fear because he has already prepared us for life as well as
for death. Isn't it ironic that as we anticipate-as we prepare for his coming
In Bethlehem during this season-the Lord has already prepared us for
his Second Coming through his own death and resurrection?
So. ready or not, here he comes! Anticipate a joy-filled Advent season,
as ambassadors of health. hope and anticipation! And anticipate the
Lord at work In you today!
Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you
for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day
We celebrate your presence with great anticipation
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 24:36-44.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Being Lovers of Christ
Luke 1:1-4
Advent has begun! We suddenly realize we are not ready for
Christmas, and we fret about decorations, cards, presents
or food. However, this year let's approach Christmas spiritually,
in order to prepare our hearts, minds and wills for the Christ
Child's coming.
A
In our lead text Luke declares that he has done all the research
and that he wants Theophilus to know the truth about all he
has learned concerning Jesus, so he has decided to write an
"orderly account. " We will meditate on this narrative during
Advent this year for one major purpose: that we might all
become more richly like Theophilus(Theophila) or "God
Lover".
Was Theophilus a real man, or did Luke use that name to
signify everyone reading his report? Unquestionably, the name
indicates our goal this Advent: That each of us might love God
more because of all he did for us in sending his Son, Jesus.
Prayer
God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.
Mark 13:35-37
35 (Mt 24:42) "Watch therefore-for you do not know when the master
of the house is coming, in the evening, or at midnight,
or at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-
36 (Mk 14:40) lest he come suddenly and find you sleeping.
37 (Mk 13:35) What I say to you I say to all: Watch!"
The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors pf Health, Hope and Anticipation
We begin another Advent season very appropriately-we me waiting,
waiting, waiting! We are waiting to see when gas prices will drop again
... waiting to see the economy turn around .. waiting to see what kind
of weather December will bring .. waiting to see who sends us the first
Christmas Card (already!?)... waiting ... waiting... waiting ...
Advent is about anticipation. It is like waiting for the ketchup to ooze out
of its bottle's long neck We wait ... and wait ... and wait.
And finally It comes.
The Gospel for this week reminds us that no one knows when the Lord
will return to earth And so we can anticipate his Second Coming with
great Joy, not fear because he has already prepared us for life as well as
for death. Isn't it ironic that as we anticipate-as we prepare for his coming
In Bethlehem during this season-the Lord has already prepared us for
his Second Coming through his own death and resurrection?
So. ready or not, here he comes! Anticipate a joy-filled Advent season,
as ambassadors of health. hope and anticipation! And anticipate the
Lord at work In you today!
Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you
for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day
We celebrate your presence with great anticipation
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 24:36-44.
The Unknown Day and Hour
Mk 13:32-37; Lk 17:26-30, 34-36
36 (Ac 1:7; Mt 25:13; Mk 13:32) "Concerning that day and hour no one knows,
not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
37 (Lk 17:26-27) As were the days of Noah, so will be
the coming of the Son of Man.
38 (Mt 22:30) For as in the days before the flood, they were eating
and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah
entered the ark,
39 (Mt 24:37) and did not know until the flood came
and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
40 Two will be in the field; one will be taken, and the other left.
41 (Ex 11:5; Isa 47:2) Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and the other left.
42 (Mt 25:13; 24:44) "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour
your Lord will come.
43 (Lk 12:39) But know this, that if the owner of the house had known
what hour the thief would come, he would have watched
and not have let his house be broken into.
44 (Mt 25:10; 25:13) Therefore you also must be ready, for in an hour
when you least expect, the Son of Man is coming.
Waiting and Watching by Anglican Bishop David Lehmann
Terrace BC, Canada
Luke 3:4-6
4 (Isa 40:3-5; Jn 1:23) As it is written in the book of the words
of Isaiah the prophet, saying:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord;
make His paths straight.
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
[Gk. 2 assaria. An assarion was worth 1/16 of a denarius,
which was a day's wage.]
[4] As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying,
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
[5] Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be
brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways
shall be made smooth;
[6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
The overarching theme for Advent is Watching and Waiting. We are invited
into 4 weeks of intentional preparation for the return of our Lord. The
people of Israel were called to watch and wait for the Messiah; we are
called in a similar manner for his return. This year's wildfires brought
this practice into focus for me.
My Family had to evacuate out of the Northwest Territories this past August.
It seemed like I spent most of the summer talking with people about preparing
for and living through wildfires. There was much watching and waiting. Will the
end come for a community? When would people need to leave and then
be allowed to return home?
All this reminded me to be thankful for the blessings of life - wildfire
fighters, volunteers, who cared for evacuees, and the kindness of strangers.
And more importantly, to be an Advent person - watching, waiting,
and being prepared.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and Pray not to be lonely in the Community of Christ.
Pray to the Lord and pray to use the Gifts that The Lord has given to you
lovingly and and a wise manner before Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, please help me to respond
to Your love and care with a generous heart."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know him as Redeemer of your life.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and pray to never deny Him!
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 that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ.
Pray Lord, give us a new appreciation of the Grand Miracle, your
coming to Earth, this Advent season. Amen.
Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you
for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day
We celebrate your presence with great anticipation
In Jesus' name.
God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.
Gracious God, you call us to prepare for the return of your Son.
Clear our Vision so that as we watch and wait, we may see your
grace and love. Free us from anxiety and guide us as we prepare.
We ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pray for believers in Algeria whose churches have been closed by the
government.
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.
Today At
Calvary Community Church, Pastor Nathan Zieber spoke on
The Spirit Filled Community does life Together
Life Among the Believers
Why?
Acts 2:42-44
42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46) They continued steadfastly in the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
43 Fear came to every soul. And many wonders and signs were done through
the apostles.
44 (Ac 4:32) All who believed were together and had all things in common.
[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
[43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by
the apostles.
[44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
How?
Acts 2:46-47
46 (Ac 5:42; 20:7) And continuing daily with one mind in the temple,
and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness
and simplicity of heart,
47 (Ac 11:24; 2:41) praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
[46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness
of heart,
[47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added
to the church daily such as should be saved.
1) 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14
1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual Gifts
1 (1Co 14:37) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you
to be ignorant.
2 (Ps 115:5; 1Th 1:9) You know that you were Gentiles,
carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.
3 (Jn 13:13; 1Jn 4:2-3) Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking
by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed!" And no one can say,
"Jesus is the Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
4 (Heb 2:4; Ro 12:4-6) There are various gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 (1Co 15:28) There are various operations, but it is the same God
who operates all of them in all people.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to everyone for the common good.
8 (2Co 8:7; 1Co 1:5) To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom,
to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit,
9 (2Co 4:13; 1Co 13:2) to another faith by the same Spirit,
to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 (Mk 16:17; 1Jn 4:1; 1Co 12:28-30) to another the working of miracles,
to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits,
to another various kinds of tongues,
and to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 (1Co 12:4; 2Co 10:13) But that one and very same Spirit works all these,
dividing to each one individually as He will.
1 Corinthians 12
[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
[2] Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even
as ye were led.
[3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit
of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the
Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which
worketh all in all.
[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal.
[8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the
word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
[9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by
the same Spirit;
[10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues:
[11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to
every man severally as he will.
One Body With Many Members
12 (1Co 12:27; 10:17) For as the body is one and has many parts,
and all the many parts of that one body are one body, so also is Christ.
13 (Jn 7:37-39; Gal 3:28) For by one Spirit we are all baptised
into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are slaves
or free, and we have all been made to drink of one Spirit.
14 The body is not one part, but many.
15 If the foot says, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,"
is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear says, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,"
is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be?
If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
18 (1Co 12:11; 12:28) But now God has established the parts,
every one of them, in the body as it has pleased Him.
19 If they were all one part, where would the body be?
20 So there are many parts, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you,"
nor the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
22 No, those parts of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
23 And those parts of the body which we think are less honorable,
upon these we bestow more abundant honor. And our less respectable
parts are treated with much more respect,
24 whereas our more respectable parts have no need of this.
But God has composed the body, having given more abundant honour
to that part which lacks it,
25 so that there should be no division in the body,
but that the parts should have the same care for one another.
26 (Ro 12:15) If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it,
and if one part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it.
27 (Ro 12:5; Eph 1:23) Now you are the body of Christ
and members individually.
28 (Heb 13:17; 13:24) God has put these in the church:
first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles,
then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?
Are all workers of miracles?
30 Do all have the gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues?
Do all interpret?
31 (1Co 14:39)But earnestly covet the greater gifts.
[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of
that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews
or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink
into one Spirit.
[14] For the body is not one member, but many.
[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;
is it therefore not of the body?
[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the
body; is it therefore not of the body?
[17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole
were hearing, where were the smelling?
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it
hath pleased him.
[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?
[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again
the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble,
are necessary:
[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable,
upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more
abundant comeliness.
[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body
together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
[25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should
have the same care one for another.
[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one
member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
[28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings,
helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
[29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers
of miracles?
[30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all
interpret?
[31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more
excellent way.
Love
Yet I show you a more excellent way.
1 Corinthians 13
1 (2Co 12:4) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,
and have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
2 (Mt 17:20; 21:21) If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand
all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 (Col 3:12; Pr 10:12) Love suffers long and is kind; love envies not;
love flaunts not itself and is not puffed up,
5 (1Co 10:24; Php 2:21) does not behave itself improperly, seeks not its own,
is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;
6 (2Jn 1:4; Ro 1:32) rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7 (1Co 13:4) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
and endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they shall fail;
if there are tongues, they shall cease; and if there is knowledge,
it shall vanish.
9 (1Co 8:2; 13:12) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect comes, then that which is imperfect
shall pass away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child,
and I thought as a child. But when I became a man,
I put away childish things.
12 (2Co 5:7; 1Jn 3:2) For now we see as through a glass, dimly, but then,
face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know,
even as I also am known.
13 (Gal 5:6; 1Co 16:14; 1Pe 1:21) So now abide faith, hope, and love,
these three. But the greatest of these is love.
[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not
charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
[2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries,
and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove
mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
[3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my
body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
[4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
[5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil;
[6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
[7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth
all things.
[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;
whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it
shall vanish away.
[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
[10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part
shall be done away.
[11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I
thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
[12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I
know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
[13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of
these is charity.
1 Corinthians 14
Tongues and Prophecy
1 (1Co 12:1; 14:39) Follow after love and desire spiritual gifts,
but especially that you may prophesy.
2 (1Co 13:2; Mk 16:17) For he who speaks in an unknown tongue
does not speak to men, but to God. For no one understands him,
although in the spirit, he speaks mysteries.
3 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 14:12) But he who prophesies speaks to men
for their edification and exhortation and comfort.
4 (Mk 16:17; 1Co 14:3) He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself,
but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5 (1Co 12:10; Mk 16:17) I desire that you all speak in tongues,
but even more that you prophesy. For greater is he who prophesies
than he who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets,
so that the church may receive edification.
6 (Eph 1:17; Ro 6:17) Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you by revelation or knowledge
or prophesying or doctrine?
7 Even when things without life give sound, whether flute or harp,
how will it be known what is played unless they give a distinction
in the sounds?
8 (Nu 10:9; Jer 4:19) If the trumpet makes an uncertain sound,
who will prepare himself for the battle?
9 (1Co 9:26) So also you, unless with the tongue you speak words
easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken?
For you shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world,
and none of them is without significance.
11 (Ac 28:2) Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the speech,
I shall be a barbarian to him who speaks,
and he who speaks will be a barbarian to me.
12 (1Co 14:26) So, seeing that you are zealous of spiritual gifts,
seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Let him who speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 (1Co 14:2) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays,
but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 (Col 3:16; Ps 47:7) What is it then? I will pray with the spirit,
and I will pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit,
and I will sing with the understanding.
16 (1Ch 16:36; Ps 106:48) Otherwise, when you bless with the spirit,
how will he who occupies the place of the unlearned say "Amen"
at your giving of thanks, seeing he does not understand what you say?
17 (1Co 14:4) For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than you all.
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding,
that by my voice I might teach others also,
than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20 (Ro 16:19; Ps 119:99) Brothers, do not be children in your thinking;
rather be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
21 (Jn 10:34; Isa 28:11-12) In the law it is written:
"With men of other tongues
and other lips
I will speak to this people;
but even then they will not hear Me,"(Isa 28:11-12.)
says the Lord.
22 (Mk 16:17) So tongues are for a sign, not to believers,
but to unbelievers. But prophesying does not serve unbelievers, but believers.
23 (Ac 2:13) Therefore if the whole church assembles in one place
and all speak with tongues, and those who are unlearned
or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
24 But if all prophesy and there comes in one who does not believe
or one unlearned, he is convinced by all and judged by all.
25 (Isa 45:14; Zec 8:23) Thus the secrets of his heart are revealed.
And so falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God
is truly among you.
1 Corinthians 14
[1] Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.
[2] For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but
unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh
mysteries.
[3] But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort.
[4] He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church.
[5] I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied:
for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues,
except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
[6] Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I
profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by
knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
[7] And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except
they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped
or harped?
[8] For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to
the battle?
[9] So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be
understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into
the air.
[10] There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of
them is without signification.
[11] Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him
that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto
me.
[12] Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that
ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
[13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may
interpret.
[14] For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my
understanding is unfruitful.
[15] What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the
understanding also.
[16] Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth
the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he
understandeth not what thou sayest?
[17] For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
[18] I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
[19] Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding,
that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an
unknown tongue.
[20] Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye
children, but in understanding be men.
[21] In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will
I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith
the Lord.
[22] Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them
that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but
for them which believe.
[23] If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all
speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or
unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
[24] But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
[25] And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling
down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a
truth.
All Things to Be Done in Order
26 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 12:7-10) How is it then, brothers? When you come together,
every one of you has a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation,
and an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
27 If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two,
or at the most by three, and each in turn, and let one interpret.
28 But if there is no interpreter, let him remain silent in the church,
and let him speak to himself and to God.
29 (1Co 12:10) Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.
30 (1Th 5:19-20) If anything is revealed to another that sits by,
let the first keep silent.
31 For you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn
and all may be encouraged.
32 (1Jn 4:1) The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 (1Co 7:17; 4:17) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace,
as in all churches of the saints.
34 (1Ti 2:11-12; Ge 3:16) Let your women remain silent in the churches.
For they are not permitted to speak. They are commanded to be
under obedience, as the law also says.
35 If they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home,
for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36 What? Did the word of God come from you? Or did it come to you only?
37 (2Co 10:7; 1Jn 4:6) If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet
or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is
a command of the Lord.
38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 (1Co 12:31; 14:1) Therefore, brothers, eagerly desire to prophesy,
and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
40 (Col 2:5) Let all things be done decently and in order.
[26] How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an
interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
[27] If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most
by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
[28] But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and
let him speak to himself, and to God.
[29] Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
[30] If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold
his peace.
[31] For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be
comforted.
[32] And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
[33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all
churches of the saints.
[34] Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted
unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also
saith the law.
[35] And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home:
for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
[36] What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
[37] If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him
acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of
the Lord.
[38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
[39] Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with
tongues.
[40] Let all things be done decently and in order.
2) Our Daily Bread for 26 November 2023 titled
Who Am I?
1 Chronicles 29:14-20
14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer
so freely as this? For everything comes from You, even from Your own hand
we have given to You.
15 (Job 14:2; Ps 39:12) For we are strangers and sojourners before You,
just as all our fathers were. Our days on earth are like a shadow,
and there is no hope.
16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You
a house for Your holy name has come from Your hand, and all belongs to You.
17 (1Ch 28:9; 1Sa 16:7) I know, my God, that You test the heart,
and with uprightness You are pleased, so in the uprightness of my heart
I have offered freely all these things, and now I have seen Your people,
those present here, offer freely and joyously to You.
18 O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this
forever in the thoughts and intentions of the heart of Your people
and direct their heart to You.
19 (Ps 72:1; 1Ch 22:14) Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart
to keep Your commandments, Your testimonies, and Your statutes,
to do all these things and to build the palace
for which I have made preparation."
20 (Ex 4:31) Then David said to all the assembly, "Bless now the Lord
your God." So all the assembly blessed the Lord, the God of their fathers.
They bowed down and paid homage to the Lord and the king.
14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer
so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine
own have we given thee.
15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers:
our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
16 O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house
for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.
17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure
in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly
offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people,
which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for
ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and
prepare their heart unto thee:
19 and give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments,
thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build
the palace, for the which I have made provision.
20 And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God.
And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers,
and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.
As a member of the leadership team for a local ministry, part of my job was
to invite others to join us as group discussion leaders. My invitations
described the time commitment required and outlined the ways leaders would
need to engage with their small group participants, both in meetings and
during regular phone calls. I was often reluctant to impose on other people,
being aware of the sacrifice they’d be making to become a leader. And yet
sometimes their reply would completely overwhelm me: "I'd be honoured."
Instead of citing legitimate reasons to decline, they described their
gratitude to God for all He’d done in their lives as their reason
for being eager to give back.
When the time came to give resources toward building a temple for God, David
had a similar response: "Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be
able to give as generously as this?" (1 Chronicles 29:14). David's generosity
was driven by gratitude for God's involvement in his life and that of the
people of Israel. His response speaks of his humility and his acknowledgment
of His goodness toward "foreigners and strangers" (v. 15).
Our giving to God's work-whether in time, talent, or treasure-reflects our
gratitude to the One who gave to us to begin with. All that we have comes
from His hand (v. 14); in response, we can give gratefully to Him.
By: Kirsten Holmberg
Reflect & Pray
How has God been involved in your life? How can you give in response?
Dear Father, please help me to respond
to Your love and care with a generous heart.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 1 - Bought Back
Eph 1:7
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
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace;
In the opening scenes of The Glenn Miller Story, Glenn Miller, then a
struggling musician trying to find an audience for his music, enters
a pawn shop. He has hocked his trombone for rent money, and has come
to redeem it. Paying the pawn broker the money, he buys back his own
instrument and leaves the shop, indicating that he will probably
be back again.
In Eph 1:7. Paul says that in Christ "we have redemption through
His blood and the forgiveness of sin according to the riches of His grace."
We belonged to God from the beginning; he made us and stamped
his image upon us. But through sin we were lost, pawned to the
world's system and the Enemy of our souls.
But God redeemed us; he "bought us back" with the most valuable
currency in the universe - the blood of his own Son, Jesus Christ.
He did not resent the bargain, or question whether we were worth
such a price. He freely gave Jesus in trade to ransom the souls
of the people he created and loved.
Sometimes in Christian circles we get so caught up in religious
jargon that we forget what redemption really means. Gog did not have
to "get us out of hock." He was not compelled to buy us back when we
had sold ourselves to sin. But because of his love, and with no
deserving on our part, he chose to pay an enormous price to set us free.
We are redeemed, bought back, by the One who owned us in the first place.
Application
a) In what ways have I been "in hock" to sin in my life?
b) What does it mean, in practical terms, that God "redeemed" me
from that sin?
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 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, ...)
Day 26 of the Month
a) Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ (Matt 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut
I) Pray for the leaders of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut,
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.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto 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
)
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Being Lovers of Christ
Luke 1:1-4
1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things
which are most surely believed among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things
from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,
most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.
Advent has begun! We suddenly realize we are not ready for
Christmas, and we fret about decorations, cards, presents
or food. However, this year let's approach Christmas spiritually,
in order to prepare our hearts, minds and wills for the Christ
Child's coming.
In our lead text Luke declares that he has done all the research
and that he wants Theophilus to know the truth about all he
has learned concerning Jesus, so he has decided to write an
"orderly account. " We will meditate on this narrative during
Advent this year for one major purpose: that we might all
become more richly like Theophilus(Theophila) or "God
Lover".
Was Theophilus a real man, or did Luke use that name to
signify everyone reading his report? Unquestionably, the name
indicates our goal this Advent: That each of us might love God
more because of all he did for us in sending his Son, Jesus.
Prayer
God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.
Mark 13:35-37
The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors pf Health, Hope and Anticipation
We begin another Advent season very appropriately-we me waiting,
waiting, waiting! We are waiting to see when gas prices will drop again
... waiting to see the economy turn around .. waiting to see what kind
of weather December will bring .. waiting to see who sends us the first
Christmas Card (alreadyI?)... waiting ... waiting... waiting ...
Advent is about anticipation. It is like waiting for the ketchup to ooze out
of its bottle's long neck We wait ... and wait ... and wait.
And finally It comes.
The Gospel for this week reminds us that no one knows when the Lord
will return to earth And so we can anticipate his Second Coming with
great Joy, not fear because he has already prepared us for life as well as
for death. Isn't it ironic that as we anticipate-as we prepare for his coming
In Bethlehem during this season-the Lord has already prepared us for
his Second Coming through his own death and resurrection?
So. ready or not, here he comes! Anticipate a joy-filled Advent season,
as ambassadors of health. hope and anticipation! And anticipate the
Lord at work In you today!
Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you
for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day
We celebrate your presence with great anticipation
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 24:36-44.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Being Lovers of Christ
Luke 1:1-4
Advent has begun! We suddenly realize we are not ready for
Christmas, and we fret about decorations, cards, presents
or food. However, this year let's approach Christmas spiritually,
in order to prepare our hearts, minds and wills for the Christ
Child's coming.
A
In our lead text Luke declares that he has done all the research
and that he wants Theophilus to know the truth about all he
has learned concerning Jesus, so he has decided to write an
"orderly account. " We will meditate on this narrative during
Advent this year for one major purpose: that we might all
become more richly like Theophilus(Theophila) or "God
Lover".
Was Theophilus a real man, or did Luke use that name to
signify everyone reading his report? Unquestionably, the name
indicates our goal this Advent: That each of us might love God
more because of all he did for us in sending his Son, Jesus.
Prayer
God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.
Mark 13:35-37
35 (Mt 24:42) "Watch therefore-for you do not know when the master
of the house is coming, in the evening, or at midnight,
or at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-
36 (Mk 14:40) lest he come suddenly and find you sleeping.
37 (Mk 13:35) What I say to you I say to all: Watch!"
The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors pf Health, Hope and Anticipation
We begin another Advent season very appropriately-we me waiting,
waiting, waiting! We are waiting to see when gas prices will drop again
... waiting to see the economy turn around .. waiting to see what kind
of weather December will bring .. waiting to see who sends us the first
Christmas Card (already!?)... waiting ... waiting... waiting ...
Advent is about anticipation. It is like waiting for the ketchup to ooze out
of its bottle's long neck We wait ... and wait ... and wait.
And finally It comes.
The Gospel for this week reminds us that no one knows when the Lord
will return to earth And so we can anticipate his Second Coming with
great Joy, not fear because he has already prepared us for life as well as
for death. Isn't it ironic that as we anticipate-as we prepare for his coming
In Bethlehem during this season-the Lord has already prepared us for
his Second Coming through his own death and resurrection?
So. ready or not, here he comes! Anticipate a joy-filled Advent season,
as ambassadors of health. hope and anticipation! And anticipate the
Lord at work In you today!
Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you
for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day
We celebrate your presence with great anticipation
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 24:36-44.
The Unknown Day and Hour
Mk 13:32-37; Lk 17:26-30, 34-36
36 (Ac 1:7; Mt 25:13; Mk 13:32) "Concerning that day and hour no one knows,
not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
37 (Lk 17:26-27) As were the days of Noah, so will be
the coming of the Son of Man.
38 (Mt 22:30) For as in the days before the flood, they were eating
and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah
entered the ark,
39 (Mt 24:37) and did not know until the flood came
and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
40 Two will be in the field; one will be taken, and the other left.
41 (Ex 11:5; Isa 47:2) Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and the other left.
42 (Mt 25:13; 24:44) "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour
your Lord will come.
43 (Lk 12:39) But know this, that if the owner of the house had known
what hour the thief would come, he would have watched
and not have let his house be broken into.
44 (Mt 25:10; 25:13) Therefore you also must be ready, for in an hour
when you least expect, the Son of Man is coming.
Waiting and Watching by Anglican Bishop David Lehmann
Terrace BC, Canada
Luke 3:4-6
4 (Isa 40:3-5; Jn 1:23) As it is written in the book of the words
of Isaiah the prophet, saying:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord;
make His paths straight.
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
[Gk. 2 assaria. An assarion was worth 1/16 of a denarius,
which was a day's wage.]
[4] As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying,
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
[5] Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be
brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways
shall be made smooth;
[6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
The overarching theme for Advent is Watching and Waiting. We are invited
into 4 weeks of intentional preparation for the return of our Lord. The
people of Israel were called to watch and wait for the Messiah; we are
called in a similar manner for his return. This year's wildfires brought
this practice into focus for me.
My Family had to evacuate out of the Northwest Territories this past August.
It seemed like I spent most of the summer talking with people about preparing
for and living through wildfires. There was much watching and waiting. Will the
end come for a community? When would people need to leave and then
be allowed to return home?
All this reminded me to be thankful for the blessings of life - wildfire
fighters, volunteers, who cared for evacuees, and the kindness of strangers.
And more importantly, to be an Advent person - watching, waiting,
and being prepared.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and Pray not to be lonely in the Community of Christ.
Pray to the Lord and pray to use the Gifts that The Lord has given to you
lovingly and and a wise manner before Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, please help me to respond
to Your love and care with a generous heart."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know him as Redeemer of your life.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and pray to never deny Him!
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 that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ.
Pray Lord, give us a new appreciation of the Grand Miracle, your
coming to Earth, this Advent season. Amen.
Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you
for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day
We celebrate your presence with great anticipation
In Jesus' name.
God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.
Gracious God, you call us to prepare for the return of your Son.
Clear our Vision so that as we watch and wait, we may see your
grace and love. Free us from anxiety and guide us as we prepare.
We ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pray for believers in Algeria whose churches have been closed by the
government.
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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