Day 359 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 25 December 2023 reflections - Christmas Day
Day 359, 25 December 2023 Merry Christmas!
1)Revelation 19-22
Revelation 19 - 22
Revelation 19
1 (Rev 11:15; 19:6; 12:10) After these things I heard a great sound
of many people in heaven, shouting:
"Alleluia!
Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!
2 (Dt 32:43; Rev 6:10) For true and righteous are His judgments,
because He has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality;
and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants.-
3 (Isa 34:10; Rev 14:11) Again they said:
"Alleluia!
Her smoke rises forever and ever."
4 (Rev 5:14; Ps 106:48) The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures
fell down and worshipped God who sat on the throne, saying:
"Amen! Alleluia!"
[1] And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven,
saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord
our God:
[2] For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great
whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged
the blood of his servants at her hand.
[3] And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
[4] And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and
worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
5 (Ps 134:1; 135:1) Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
"Praise our God,
all you His servants
and those who fear Him,
both small and great!"
6 (Rev 14:2; Ps 97:1) Then I heard something like the sound like a great
multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings,
saying:
"Alleluia!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
7 (Mt 22:2; Eph 5:32) Let us be glad and rejoice
and give Him glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and His wife has made herself ready.
8 (Ps 45:13-14; 132:9) It was granted her to be arrayed in fine linen,
clean and white."
Fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 (Rev 21:5; 22:6) Then he said to me, "Write: Blessed are those who are
invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me,
"These are the true sayings of God."
10 (Rev 12:17; 22:8-9) I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me,
"See that you not do that. I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers
who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus
is the spirit of prophecy."
[5] And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his
servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
[6] And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice
of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia:
for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
[7] Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of
the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
[8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean
and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
[9] And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the
marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true
sayings of God.
[10] And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do
it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony
of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
The Rider on the White Horse
11 (Rev 3:14; 6:2) I saw heaven opened. And there was a white horse.
He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness
He judges and wages war.
12 (Rev 1:14; 6:2) His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head
are many crowns. He has a name written, that no one knows but He Himself.
13 (Jn 1:1) He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood. His name
is called The Word of God.
14 (Rev 19:8; 7:9 ) The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen,
white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
15 (Isa 11:4; 2Th 2:8) Out of His mouth proceeds a sharp sword,
with which He may strike the nations.
"He shall rule them with an iron scepter."(Ps 2:9.)
He treads the winepress of the fury and wrath of God the Almighty.
16 (Rev 17:14) On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:
KING OF KINGS
AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 (Rev 19:21; Jer 12:9) And I saw an angel standing in the sun,
and he cried with a loud voice to all the birds flying in the midst
of heaven, "Come and gather for the supper of the great God,
18 (Eze 39:18-20; Rev 6:15) to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh
of commanders, the flesh of strong men, the flesh of horses
and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave,
both small and great!"
19 (Rev 16:16; 16:14) Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth
with their armies gathered to wage war against Him who sat on the horse
and against His army.
20 (Rev 20:10; 21:8; 14:10) But the beast was captured and with him
the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which
he deceived those who received the mark of the beast
and those who worshipped his image. These two were thrown alive
into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone.
21 The remnant were slain with the sword which proceeded
out of the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.
And all the birds gorged themselves with their flesh .
[11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon
him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and
make war.
[12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and
he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
[13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is
called The Word of God.
[14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
[15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite
the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the
winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
[16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF
KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
[17] And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice,
saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather
yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
[18] That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the
flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them,
and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
[19] And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies,
gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against
his army.
[20] And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought
miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark
of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive
into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
[21] And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the
horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled
with their flesh.
(Collaborators of Anti-Christ and False Prophet will meet a dreadful end)
Revelation 20
The Thousand Years
1 (Rev 1:18; 10:1) And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven,
having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 (2Pe 2:4; Rev 12:9) He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent,
who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
3 (Da 6:17; Mt 27:66) He cast him into the bottomless pit,
and shut him up, and set a seal on him, that he should deceive
the nations no more, until the thousand years were ended.
After that he must be set free for a little while.
4 (Da 7:9; 7:18) I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and the authority
to judge was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been
beheaded for their witness of Jesus and for the word of God.
They had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received
his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. They came to life
and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years
were ended. This is the first resurrection.
6 (Rev 1:6; 2:11; 5:10) Blessed and holy is he who takes part
in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no power,
but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with
Him a thousand years.
[1] And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the
bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
[2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil,
and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
[3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal
upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand
years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
[4] And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto
them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of
Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast,
neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in
their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
[5] But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were
finished. This is the first resurrection.
[6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such
the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of
Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
( PLease note on Lucifer aka Satan is in jail, but not the rest of the demons)
The Defeat of Satan
7 (Rev 20:2) When the thousand years are ended, Satan will be set free from
his prison
8 (Rev 16:14; 20:3) and will go out to deceive the nations which are
in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle.
Their number is like the sand of the sea.
9 (Eze 38:9; 38:16) They traveled the breadth of the earth and surrounded
the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from God
out of heaven and devoured them.
10 (Rev 19:20; 20:2-3; 20:14-15) The devil, who deceived them, was cast
into the lake of fire and brimstone
where the beast and the false prophet were. They will be tormented day
and night forever and ever.
[7] And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of
his prison,
[8] And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters
of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number
of whom is as the sand of the sea.
[9] And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of
the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of
heaven, and devoured them.
[10] And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and
brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented
day and night for ever and ever.
The Great White Throne Judgment
11 (Da 2:35; Rev 12:8) Then I saw a great white throne
and Him who was seated on it. From His face the earth
and the heavens fled away, and no place was found for them.
12 (Da 7:10; Mt 16:27) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before
God. Books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book
of Life. The dead were judged according to their works as recorded
in the books.
13 (Rev 6:8; 20:12) The sea gave up the dead who were in it,
and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.
And they were judged, each one by his works.
14 (1Co 15:26; Rev 20:6) Then Death and Hades were cast into
the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 (Mt 25:41; Mk 9:43-48) Anyone whose name was not found written
in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
[11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face
the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
[12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books
were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the
dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works.
[13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell
delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man
according to their works.
[14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second
death.
[15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into
the lake of fire.
Revelation 21
The New Heaven and the New Earth
1 (Isa 66:22; 2Pe 3:13) Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth."(Isa 65:17.)
For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no
more sea.
2 (Heb 11:10; Rev 3:12) I, John, saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned
for her husband.
3 (2Co 6:16; Rev 7:15) And I heard a loud voice from heaven, saying,
"Look! The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.
They shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them
and be their God.
4 (Isa 25:8; 35:10; 1Co 15:26) 'God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
There shall be no more death.'(Isa 25:8.) Neither shall there be any more
sorrow nor crying nor pain, for the former things have passed away."
5 (Rev 4:9; 20:11) He who was seated on the throne said,
"Look! I am making all things new." Then He said to me,
"Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6 (Rev 1:8; 22:13; Jn 4:10) He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha
and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the spring
of the water of life to him who thirsts.
7 (Rev 21:3; Mt 25:34) He who overcomes shall inherit all things,
and I will be his God and he shall be My son. (2Sa 7:14; Ps 89:26.)
8 (Rev 19:20; Gal 5:19-21) But the cowardly, the unbelieving,
the abominable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the sorcerers,
the idolaters, and all liars shall have their portion
in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. This is the second death."
[1] And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the
first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
[2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
[3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle
of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his
people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
[4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are passed away.
[5] And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And
he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
[6] And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water
of life freely.
[7] He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and
he shall be my son.
[8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death.
The New Jerusalem
9 (Rev 19:7; 21:2) One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full
of the seven last plagues came to me and said to me,
"Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb."
10 (Rev 17:3; 1:10) And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great
and high mountain, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, descending
out of heaven from God,
11 (Rev 4:6; 22:5) having the glory of God, her light like a most
precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
12 (Eze 48:31-34; Rev 21:25) It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates,
and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve
tribes of the sons of Israel were written:
13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates
on the south, and three gates on the west.
14 (Heb 11:10; Mt 16:18) The wall of the city had twelve foundations,
and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 He who talked with me had a golden rod to measure the city
and its gates and wall. 16The city lies as a square,
its length as long as its width. He measured the city with the rod:
one thousand four hundred miles.(Gk. 12,000 stadia, or 2,200 kilometers.)
Its length and breadth and height are equal.
17 He then measured its wall: two hundred feet(144 cubits, or 65 meters.)
by the measurement of a man, that is, of an angel.
18 (Rev 21:11; 21:21) The wall was built of jasper and the city was pure gold,
as clear as glass.
19 (Isa 54:11-12) The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished
with all kinds of precious jewels. The first foundation was jasper;
the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;
20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase;
the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst.
21 (Rev 21:18; 17:4; 22:2) The twelve gates were twelve pearls,
each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city
was pure gold, transparent as glass.
22 (Jn 4:23; Rev 1:8) I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty
and the Lamb are its temple.
23 (Rev 21:11; Isa 60:19-20; Rev 22:5) The city has no need of sun
or moon to shine in it, for the glory of God is its light,
and its lamp is the Lamb.
24 (Rev 22:2) And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light,
and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour into it.
25 (Isa 60:11; Zec 14:7) Its gates shall never be shut by day, for there
shall be no night there. 26They shall bring into it the glory and the honor
of the nations.
27 (Isa 52:1; Joel 3:17) No unclean thing shall ever enter it, nor shall anyone
who commits abomination or falsehood, but only those whose names are written
in the Lamb's Book of Life.
[9] And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials
full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I
will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
[10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and
shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from
God,
[11] Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most
precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
[12] And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates
twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve
tribes of the children of Israel:
[13] On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three
gates; and on the west three gates.
[14] And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
[15] And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and
the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
[16] And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the
breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs.
The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
[17] And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits,
according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
[18] And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure
gold, like unto clear glass.
[19] And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all
manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second,
sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
[20] The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the
eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh,
a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
[21] And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one
pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent
glass.
[22] And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are
the temple of it.
[23] And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in
it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
[24] And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it:
and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
[25] And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be
no night there.
[26] And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
[27] And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth,
neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are
written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 22
1 (Zec 14:8; Rev 7:17) Then he showed me a pure river of the water of life,
clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 (Rev 2:7; Ge 2:9) in the middle of its street. On each side of the river
was the tree of life, which bore twelve kinds of fruit,
yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were
for the healing of the nations.
3 (Zec 14:11; Ps 17:15) There shall be no more curse. The throne of God
and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
4 (Mt 5:8; Rev 14:1) They shall see His face, and His name shall
be on their foreheads.
5 (Da 7:27; 7:18) Night shall be no more. They need no lamp
nor the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.
And they shall reign forever and ever.
[1] And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
[2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was
there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her
fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the
nations.
[3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb
shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
[4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
[5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither
light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign
for ever and ever.
The Coming of Christ
6 (Rev 1:1; 21:5; 19:9) The angel said to me, "These words are faithful
and true. The Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show
to His servants the things which must soon take place."
7 (Rev 1:3; 3:11; 22:12) "Look, I am coming soon. Blessed is he who keeps
the words of the prophecy of this book."
8 (Rev 19:10; 1:1) I, John, am he who saw and heard these things.
When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel
who showed me these things.
9 (Rev 19:10) But he said to me, "See that you not do that.
For I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers the prophets,
and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"
10 (Rev 10:4; Da 8:26) Then he said to me, "Do not seal the words
of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
11 (Eze 3:27; Da 12:10) He who is unjust, let him be unjust still.
He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous,
let him be righteous still. He who is holy, let him be holy still."
12 (Isa 40:10; Rev 22:7) "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me
to give to each one according to his work.
13 (Rev 1:8; 21:6; 1:17) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning
and the End, the First and the Last."
14 (Rev 21:27; 22:2) Blessed are those who do His commandments,
that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter
through the gates into the city.
15 (Rev 21:8; Gal 5:19-21; Php 3:2) Outside are dogs and sorcerers
and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters
and everyone who loves and practices a lie.
16 (Rev 1:1; 5:5; Mt 2:2) "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to you
with this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring
of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
(The Bright and Morning Star, esp The Morning Star is not fallen)
17 (Rev 21:6; Isa 2:5) The Spirit and the bride say, "Come."
Let him who hears say, "Come." Let him who is thirsty come.
Let him who desires take the water of life freely.
18 (Dt 4:2; Pr 30:6) I testify to everyone who hears the words
of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things,
God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book.
19 (Rev 22:2; 13:8) And if anyone takes away from the words
of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part
out of the Book of Life and out of the Holy City
and out of the things which are written in this book.
20 (Rev 22:7; 1Co 16:22) He who testifies to these things says,
"Surely I am coming soon."
Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!
21 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
[6] And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord
God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things
which must shortly be done.
[7] Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the
prophecy of this book.
[8] And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and
seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me
these things.
[9] Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant,
and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this
book: worship God.
[10] And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this
book: for the time is at hand.
[11] He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let
him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still:
and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
[12] And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every
man according as his work shall be.
[13] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the
last.
[14] Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
[15] For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers,
and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
[16] I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and
morning star.
[17] And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say,
Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the
water of life freely.
[18] For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of
this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him
the plagues that are written in this book:
[19] And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this
prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of
the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
[20] He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
2) Our Daily Bread for 25 December 2023 Titled
The Promise of Christ's Birth
Luke 2:1-7
The Birth of Jesus
Mt 1:18-25
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into
Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was
of the house and lineage of David:)
[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered.
[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the
inn.
Micah 5:2
2 (Zec 9:9; Mt 2:6) But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
although you are small among the tribes of Judah,
from you will come forth for Me
one who will be ruler over Israel.
His origins are from of old,
from ancient days.
[2] But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands
of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in
Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
In November 1962, physicist John W. Mauchly said, "There is no reason to
suppose the average boy or girl cannot be master of a personal computer."
Mauchly's prediction seemed remarkable at the time, but it proved
astonishingly accurate. Today, using a computer or handheld device is one
of the earliest skills a child learns.
While Mauchly's prediction has come true, so have much more important
predictions-those made in Scripture about the coming of Christ. For example,
Micah 5:2 declared, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little
among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me
that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old,
from everlasting." God sent Jesus, who arrived in tiny Bethlehem-marking him
as from the royal line of David (see Luke 2:4-7).
The same Bible that accurately predicted the first coming of Jesus also
promises His return (Acts 1:11). Jesus promised His first followers that
He would come back for them (John 14:1-4).
This Christmas, as we ponder the accurately predicted facts surrounding the
birth of Jesus, may we also consider His promised return, and allow Him to
prepare us for that majestic moment when we see Him face to face!
By: Bill Crowder
Reflect & Pray
How might you respond in worship to the truth of the prophecies of Christ's
birth? How does His promise to return for us impact your decision-making?
Loving Father, I'm so grateful for the birth
of Jesus and His mission of rescue and redemption.
Thank You for His certain return for me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 2 - Due Season
Gal 6:9
9 And let us not grow weary in doing good,
for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Jackie's preschool class took on an exciting project: they were going to grow
flowers from seeds, Each child took the seed, planted it carefully in the
bedding soil, watered, and waited. But Jackie couldn't wait. Every day
for a week he ran to the window box, looked for his plants, poked, prodded,
unplanted the seeds and then planted them again. "It's no use,"
he pouted after the first week. "Nothing's gonna grow in there."
We live in an instant society - microwave dinners, quick fixes, easy answers.
We are conditioned by our environment to expect - even to demand -
immediate response, and when we have to wait,
we become impatient and irritable.
Paul's exhortation to the Galatians, "Let us not become weary in doing good,"
is as appropriate for twentieth-century believers as it was for the new church
at Galatia. We lose motivation when we don't see results,
and weariness sets in.
If our work does not seem to be producing as we hope, we want to abandon it
and move on to a new project.
But God says, "You will reap a harvest if you don't give up." We give up too
soon in our prayers for a loved one's salvation. We abandon hope too readily
when we don't see spiritual growth in our own lives, when our investment in
another's spiritual maturity seems to have no return. The Lord says,
"The harvest is coming; be patient; trust me."
In due season the harvest comes; when it's the right time. When the seed has
had time to germinate, when the roots are string enough, when the conditions
are right, the reaping time will come. But we must be willing to wait for
the due season, the moment of ripeness, when our labor brings its return.
Application
a) Have I ever felt that my spiritual labours have produced no harvest at all?
b) What does it mean to my own spiritual growth that there is a "due season"
for reaping the harvest?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Proverbs 22:7
7 The rich rules over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Saddened by Loss
John 14:1 - 7
1 "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me.
2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places.
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, you may be also.
4 You know where I am going, and you know the way."
5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know
where You are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.
From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;
and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:
and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 25 of the Month
a) Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or
community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
(Acts 2: 41,47b
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized,
and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
)
b) Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true
justice for all.
( Prov 11:1
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:
But a just weight is his delight.
)
Christmas Day
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
Saturday, Fourth Week of Advent
"That time He was creating not simply a man but the Man
who was to be Himself: was creating Man anew: was beginning,
at this divine and human point, the New Creation of all things.
The miraculous conception is one more witness that here is Nature's Lord.
He is doing now, small and close, what He does in a different fashion
for every woman who conceives." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 182.)
The New Creation
Most of us like new things. We like new cars, new houses, new clothes,
a new day. We like the new things we receive at Christmas, a new outlook
on life, a new baby. We like the newness of spring, the freshness
of the morning, and the originality of a new piece of art.
The ultimate purpose of God's Grand Miracle-becoming one of us-was
to make all things new, including us. This is our greatest Christmas gift,
if we can see it. Jesus came for us and became one of us, so that we might
become like him. We mentioned that earlier when Lewis wrote,
"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God."
In today's last quotation for these devotions, Lewis makes it clear
that through the Grand Miracle Jesus became human to show us what we could
be like. He came not only as an example. He also became a man in order
to recreate humankind, to start all over again. That is, he came in power
to reshape us. A miracle! A Grand Miracle!
Jesus, the Creator of the Universe, came to create all things anew,
as John writes, "He who was seated on the throne said,
'I am making everything new!"' (Rev. 21:5).
This Christmas Day, and every day, it starts in us, one by one,
as we sing with the hymn-writer,
Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child, Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be A quiet chamber kept for Thee.
(Martin Luther, From Heaven Above, stanza 13)
May God grant it for Jesus' sake.
Son of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
0 come, let us adore you, Christ, the Lord. Amen.
Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature.
Old things have passed away. Look, all things have
become new.
2 Cor 5:17
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
CHRISTMAS DAY
News of Great Joy
But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. "
-Luke 2:10
Composers in this world cannot envision music magisterial enough!
Oh, how I wish we could have joined the shepherds to hear the regal
angel choir sing, "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace ..."!
Oddly, God deigned to present this fabulous concert to the outcasts
of that society and to grant unpretentious shepherds the privilege
of being the first to visit the Christ Child and to carry the news
of his birth to those around them. No wonder everyone was flabbergasted
at what the shepherds told them! No wonder Mary treasured all these words
and pondered them in her heart!
That is why I capitalize the word Joy and employ it exclusively
for divine gifts! When we declare the Joy of Christmas (and of Easter),
there is no greater. The euphoria of Christ's birth (and resurrection)
overwhelms all human infatuations and electrifies us with a heavenly
exhilaration that can't be shackled!
prayer
Oh, Jesus, how we love and revere you! May we always cherish
and broadcast the Joy of your birth! Amen.
Read Luke 2:8-20.
8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company
of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men."
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said
to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened,
which the Lord has made known to us."
16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,
and the Baby lying in a manger.
17 When they had seen Him, they made widely known the word
which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them.
19 (Lk 2:51; Ge 37:11) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them
in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH SATURDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AMEN!
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory,
the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. JOHN 1:14
Christmas has come to you and all of your AH-HA family and friends!
We are all ambassadors of health, hope and amen because of Christ's
birth, death and resurrection!
We say amen because the "Word became flesh and lived among us!"
Amen, of course. does not mean "the end," but rather it means "Yes,"
and 'Hooray." and "So be it," and even "You betcha!" And so Christmas
is not the end of our AH-HAing. It's only the beginning!
Once I was looking at one of the manger scenes in our home. As I
focused on each character individually, like Mary and Joseph and the
shepherds and even the animals, each one of them seemed lonely and
way too serious. But when l looked more closely at each of them, I noticed
that they all were focused on one main point--God in the Flesh, Jesus!
Once l knew that they all were focused on Jesus, their faces became
not lonely. but lovely. and were not too serious, but reverent.
A little child was asked to finish the Scripture sentence, 'And the Word
became ...' He was puzzled for a while, but then all of a sudden he
shouted out. 'And the Word became FRESH!" And he was right!
The Word, Jesus Christ. became Flesh for us so that his Word would
be FRESH in and through our lives! That's the AH-HA of Christmas!
Lord. we greet thee. born on Christmas morning! Jesus, to thee be glory
given, Word of the Father now in flesh(and fresh!) appearing!
Amen and amen ... and, of course, AH-HA!
Read John 1:14-18
11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,
the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, "This was He of whom I said,
'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' "
16 We have all received from His fullness grace upon grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has seen God at any time. The only Son, who is at the Father's side,
has made Him known.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to endure in Faith.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Father, I'm so grateful for the birth
of Jesus and His mission of rescue and redemption.
Thank You for His certain return for me."
Pray to the Lord and pray for patience
and endurance for your rewards will pay off.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be neither a borrower nor a lender.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He is preparing a place for you in Heaven.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or
community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true
justice for all.
Pray to Give me a heart, Lord, that gives as you gave. Amen.
Pray: Son of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
0 come, let us adore you, Christ, the Lord. Amen.
Pray: Oh, Jesus, how we love and revere you! May we always cherish
and broadcast the Joy of your birth! Amen.
Pray: Lord. we greet thee. born on Christmas morning! Jesus, to thee be glory
given, Word of the Father now in flesh(and fresh!) appearing!
Amen and amen ... and, of course, AH-HA!
Pray that God will provide for the many Christians in Iraq who have been
forced to flee their homes.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1)Revelation 19-22
Revelation 19 - 22
Revelation 19
1 (Rev 11:15; 19:6; 12:10) After these things I heard a great sound
of many people in heaven, shouting:
"Alleluia!
Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!
2 (Dt 32:43; Rev 6:10) For true and righteous are His judgments,
because He has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality;
and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants.-
3 (Isa 34:10; Rev 14:11) Again they said:
"Alleluia!
Her smoke rises forever and ever."
4 (Rev 5:14; Ps 106:48) The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures
fell down and worshipped God who sat on the throne, saying:
"Amen! Alleluia!"
[1] And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven,
saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord
our God:
[2] For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great
whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged
the blood of his servants at her hand.
[3] And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
[4] And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and
worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
5 (Ps 134:1; 135:1) Then a voice came from the throne, saying:
"Praise our God,
all you His servants
and those who fear Him,
both small and great!"
6 (Rev 14:2; Ps 97:1) Then I heard something like the sound like a great
multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings,
saying:
"Alleluia!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!
7 (Mt 22:2; Eph 5:32) Let us be glad and rejoice
and give Him glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and His wife has made herself ready.
8 (Ps 45:13-14; 132:9) It was granted her to be arrayed in fine linen,
clean and white."
Fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
9 (Rev 21:5; 22:6) Then he said to me, "Write: Blessed are those who are
invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me,
"These are the true sayings of God."
10 (Rev 12:17; 22:8-9) I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me,
"See that you not do that. I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers
who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus
is the spirit of prophecy."
[5] And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his
servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
[6] And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice
of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia:
for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
[7] Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of
the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
[8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean
and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
[9] And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the
marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true
sayings of God.
[10] And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do
it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony
of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
The Rider on the White Horse
11 (Rev 3:14; 6:2) I saw heaven opened. And there was a white horse.
He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness
He judges and wages war.
12 (Rev 1:14; 6:2) His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head
are many crowns. He has a name written, that no one knows but He Himself.
13 (Jn 1:1) He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood. His name
is called The Word of God.
14 (Rev 19:8; 7:9 ) The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen,
white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
15 (Isa 11:4; 2Th 2:8) Out of His mouth proceeds a sharp sword,
with which He may strike the nations.
"He shall rule them with an iron scepter."(Ps 2:9.)
He treads the winepress of the fury and wrath of God the Almighty.
16 (Rev 17:14) On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:
KING OF KINGS
AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 (Rev 19:21; Jer 12:9) And I saw an angel standing in the sun,
and he cried with a loud voice to all the birds flying in the midst
of heaven, "Come and gather for the supper of the great God,
18 (Eze 39:18-20; Rev 6:15) to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh
of commanders, the flesh of strong men, the flesh of horses
and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave,
both small and great!"
19 (Rev 16:16; 16:14) Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth
with their armies gathered to wage war against Him who sat on the horse
and against His army.
20 (Rev 20:10; 21:8; 14:10) But the beast was captured and with him
the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which
he deceived those who received the mark of the beast
and those who worshipped his image. These two were thrown alive
into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone.
21 The remnant were slain with the sword which proceeded
out of the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.
And all the birds gorged themselves with their flesh .
[11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon
him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and
make war.
[12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and
he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
[13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is
called The Word of God.
[14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
[15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite
the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the
winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
[16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF
KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
[17] And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice,
saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather
yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
[18] That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the
flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them,
and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
[19] And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies,
gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against
his army.
[20] And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought
miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark
of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive
into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
[21] And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the
horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled
with their flesh.
(Collaborators of Anti-Christ and False Prophet will meet a dreadful end)
Revelation 20
The Thousand Years
1 (Rev 1:18; 10:1) And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven,
having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 (2Pe 2:4; Rev 12:9) He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent,
who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
3 (Da 6:17; Mt 27:66) He cast him into the bottomless pit,
and shut him up, and set a seal on him, that he should deceive
the nations no more, until the thousand years were ended.
After that he must be set free for a little while.
4 (Da 7:9; 7:18) I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and the authority
to judge was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been
beheaded for their witness of Jesus and for the word of God.
They had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received
his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. They came to life
and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years
were ended. This is the first resurrection.
6 (Rev 1:6; 2:11; 5:10) Blessed and holy is he who takes part
in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no power,
but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with
Him a thousand years.
[1] And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the
bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
[2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil,
and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
[3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal
upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand
years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
[4] And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto
them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of
Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast,
neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in
their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
[5] But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were
finished. This is the first resurrection.
[6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such
the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of
Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
( PLease note on Lucifer aka Satan is in jail, but not the rest of the demons)
The Defeat of Satan
7 (Rev 20:2) When the thousand years are ended, Satan will be set free from
his prison
8 (Rev 16:14; 20:3) and will go out to deceive the nations which are
in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle.
Their number is like the sand of the sea.
9 (Eze 38:9; 38:16) They traveled the breadth of the earth and surrounded
the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from God
out of heaven and devoured them.
10 (Rev 19:20; 20:2-3; 20:14-15) The devil, who deceived them, was cast
into the lake of fire and brimstone
where the beast and the false prophet were. They will be tormented day
and night forever and ever.
[7] And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of
his prison,
[8] And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters
of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number
of whom is as the sand of the sea.
[9] And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of
the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of
heaven, and devoured them.
[10] And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and
brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented
day and night for ever and ever.
The Great White Throne Judgment
11 (Da 2:35; Rev 12:8) Then I saw a great white throne
and Him who was seated on it. From His face the earth
and the heavens fled away, and no place was found for them.
12 (Da 7:10; Mt 16:27) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before
God. Books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book
of Life. The dead were judged according to their works as recorded
in the books.
13 (Rev 6:8; 20:12) The sea gave up the dead who were in it,
and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.
And they were judged, each one by his works.
14 (1Co 15:26; Rev 20:6) Then Death and Hades were cast into
the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 (Mt 25:41; Mk 9:43-48) Anyone whose name was not found written
in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
[11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face
the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
[12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books
were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the
dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books,
according to their works.
[13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell
delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man
according to their works.
[14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second
death.
[15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into
the lake of fire.
Revelation 21
The New Heaven and the New Earth
1 (Isa 66:22; 2Pe 3:13) Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth."(Isa 65:17.)
For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no
more sea.
2 (Heb 11:10; Rev 3:12) I, John, saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned
for her husband.
3 (2Co 6:16; Rev 7:15) And I heard a loud voice from heaven, saying,
"Look! The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.
They shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them
and be their God.
4 (Isa 25:8; 35:10; 1Co 15:26) 'God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
There shall be no more death.'(Isa 25:8.) Neither shall there be any more
sorrow nor crying nor pain, for the former things have passed away."
5 (Rev 4:9; 20:11) He who was seated on the throne said,
"Look! I am making all things new." Then He said to me,
"Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6 (Rev 1:8; 22:13; Jn 4:10) He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha
and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the spring
of the water of life to him who thirsts.
7 (Rev 21:3; Mt 25:34) He who overcomes shall inherit all things,
and I will be his God and he shall be My son. (2Sa 7:14; Ps 89:26.)
8 (Rev 19:20; Gal 5:19-21) But the cowardly, the unbelieving,
the abominable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the sorcerers,
the idolaters, and all liars shall have their portion
in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. This is the second death."
[1] And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the
first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
[2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
[3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle
of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his
people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
[4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
pain: for the former things are passed away.
[5] And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And
he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
[6] And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water
of life freely.
[7] He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and
he shall be my son.
[8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death.
The New Jerusalem
9 (Rev 19:7; 21:2) One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full
of the seven last plagues came to me and said to me,
"Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb."
10 (Rev 17:3; 1:10) And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great
and high mountain, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, descending
out of heaven from God,
11 (Rev 4:6; 22:5) having the glory of God, her light like a most
precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
12 (Eze 48:31-34; Rev 21:25) It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates,
and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve
tribes of the sons of Israel were written:
13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates
on the south, and three gates on the west.
14 (Heb 11:10; Mt 16:18) The wall of the city had twelve foundations,
and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 He who talked with me had a golden rod to measure the city
and its gates and wall. 16The city lies as a square,
its length as long as its width. He measured the city with the rod:
one thousand four hundred miles.(Gk. 12,000 stadia, or 2,200 kilometers.)
Its length and breadth and height are equal.
17 He then measured its wall: two hundred feet(144 cubits, or 65 meters.)
by the measurement of a man, that is, of an angel.
18 (Rev 21:11; 21:21) The wall was built of jasper and the city was pure gold,
as clear as glass.
19 (Isa 54:11-12) The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished
with all kinds of precious jewels. The first foundation was jasper;
the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;
20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite;
the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase;
the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst.
21 (Rev 21:18; 17:4; 22:2) The twelve gates were twelve pearls,
each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city
was pure gold, transparent as glass.
22 (Jn 4:23; Rev 1:8) I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty
and the Lamb are its temple.
23 (Rev 21:11; Isa 60:19-20; Rev 22:5) The city has no need of sun
or moon to shine in it, for the glory of God is its light,
and its lamp is the Lamb.
24 (Rev 22:2) And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light,
and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour into it.
25 (Isa 60:11; Zec 14:7) Its gates shall never be shut by day, for there
shall be no night there. 26They shall bring into it the glory and the honor
of the nations.
27 (Isa 52:1; Joel 3:17) No unclean thing shall ever enter it, nor shall anyone
who commits abomination or falsehood, but only those whose names are written
in the Lamb's Book of Life.
[9] And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials
full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I
will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
[10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and
shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from
God,
[11] Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most
precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
[12] And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates
twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve
tribes of the children of Israel:
[13] On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three
gates; and on the west three gates.
[14] And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
[15] And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and
the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
[16] And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the
breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs.
The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
[17] And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits,
according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
[18] And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure
gold, like unto clear glass.
[19] And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all
manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second,
sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
[20] The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the
eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh,
a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
[21] And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one
pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent
glass.
[22] And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are
the temple of it.
[23] And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in
it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
[24] And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it:
and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
[25] And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be
no night there.
[26] And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
[27] And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth,
neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are
written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 22
1 (Zec 14:8; Rev 7:17) Then he showed me a pure river of the water of life,
clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 (Rev 2:7; Ge 2:9) in the middle of its street. On each side of the river
was the tree of life, which bore twelve kinds of fruit,
yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were
for the healing of the nations.
3 (Zec 14:11; Ps 17:15) There shall be no more curse. The throne of God
and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
4 (Mt 5:8; Rev 14:1) They shall see His face, and His name shall
be on their foreheads.
5 (Da 7:27; 7:18) Night shall be no more. They need no lamp
nor the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.
And they shall reign forever and ever.
[1] And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
[2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was
there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her
fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the
nations.
[3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb
shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
[4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
[5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither
light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign
for ever and ever.
The Coming of Christ
6 (Rev 1:1; 21:5; 19:9) The angel said to me, "These words are faithful
and true. The Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show
to His servants the things which must soon take place."
7 (Rev 1:3; 3:11; 22:12) "Look, I am coming soon. Blessed is he who keeps
the words of the prophecy of this book."
8 (Rev 19:10; 1:1) I, John, am he who saw and heard these things.
When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel
who showed me these things.
9 (Rev 19:10) But he said to me, "See that you not do that.
For I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers the prophets,
and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"
10 (Rev 10:4; Da 8:26) Then he said to me, "Do not seal the words
of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
11 (Eze 3:27; Da 12:10) He who is unjust, let him be unjust still.
He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous,
let him be righteous still. He who is holy, let him be holy still."
12 (Isa 40:10; Rev 22:7) "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me
to give to each one according to his work.
13 (Rev 1:8; 21:6; 1:17) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning
and the End, the First and the Last."
14 (Rev 21:27; 22:2) Blessed are those who do His commandments,
that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter
through the gates into the city.
15 (Rev 21:8; Gal 5:19-21; Php 3:2) Outside are dogs and sorcerers
and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters
and everyone who loves and practices a lie.
16 (Rev 1:1; 5:5; Mt 2:2) "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to you
with this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring
of David, the Bright and Morning Star."
(The Bright and Morning Star, esp The Morning Star is not fallen)
17 (Rev 21:6; Isa 2:5) The Spirit and the bride say, "Come."
Let him who hears say, "Come." Let him who is thirsty come.
Let him who desires take the water of life freely.
18 (Dt 4:2; Pr 30:6) I testify to everyone who hears the words
of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things,
God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book.
19 (Rev 22:2; 13:8) And if anyone takes away from the words
of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part
out of the Book of Life and out of the Holy City
and out of the things which are written in this book.
20 (Rev 22:7; 1Co 16:22) He who testifies to these things says,
"Surely I am coming soon."
Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!
21 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
[6] And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord
God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things
which must shortly be done.
[7] Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the
prophecy of this book.
[8] And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and
seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me
these things.
[9] Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant,
and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this
book: worship God.
[10] And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this
book: for the time is at hand.
[11] He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let
him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still:
and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
[12] And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every
man according as his work shall be.
[13] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the
last.
[14] Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
[15] For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers,
and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
[16] I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the
churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and
morning star.
[17] And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say,
Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the
water of life freely.
[18] For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of
this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him
the plagues that are written in this book:
[19] And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this
prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of
the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
[20] He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
2) Our Daily Bread for 25 December 2023 Titled
The Promise of Christ's Birth
Luke 2:1-7
The Birth of Jesus
Mt 1:18-25
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into
Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was
of the house and lineage of David:)
[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered.
[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the
inn.
Micah 5:2
2 (Zec 9:9; Mt 2:6) But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
although you are small among the tribes of Judah,
from you will come forth for Me
one who will be ruler over Israel.
His origins are from of old,
from ancient days.
[2] But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands
of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in
Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
In November 1962, physicist John W. Mauchly said, "There is no reason to
suppose the average boy or girl cannot be master of a personal computer."
Mauchly's prediction seemed remarkable at the time, but it proved
astonishingly accurate. Today, using a computer or handheld device is one
of the earliest skills a child learns.
While Mauchly's prediction has come true, so have much more important
predictions-those made in Scripture about the coming of Christ. For example,
Micah 5:2 declared, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little
among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me
that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old,
from everlasting." God sent Jesus, who arrived in tiny Bethlehem-marking him
as from the royal line of David (see Luke 2:4-7).
The same Bible that accurately predicted the first coming of Jesus also
promises His return (Acts 1:11). Jesus promised His first followers that
He would come back for them (John 14:1-4).
This Christmas, as we ponder the accurately predicted facts surrounding the
birth of Jesus, may we also consider His promised return, and allow Him to
prepare us for that majestic moment when we see Him face to face!
By: Bill Crowder
Reflect & Pray
How might you respond in worship to the truth of the prophecies of Christ's
birth? How does His promise to return for us impact your decision-making?
Loving Father, I'm so grateful for the birth
of Jesus and His mission of rescue and redemption.
Thank You for His certain return for me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 2 - Due Season
Gal 6:9
9 And let us not grow weary in doing good,
for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Jackie's preschool class took on an exciting project: they were going to grow
flowers from seeds, Each child took the seed, planted it carefully in the
bedding soil, watered, and waited. But Jackie couldn't wait. Every day
for a week he ran to the window box, looked for his plants, poked, prodded,
unplanted the seeds and then planted them again. "It's no use,"
he pouted after the first week. "Nothing's gonna grow in there."
We live in an instant society - microwave dinners, quick fixes, easy answers.
We are conditioned by our environment to expect - even to demand -
immediate response, and when we have to wait,
we become impatient and irritable.
Paul's exhortation to the Galatians, "Let us not become weary in doing good,"
is as appropriate for twentieth-century believers as it was for the new church
at Galatia. We lose motivation when we don't see results,
and weariness sets in.
If our work does not seem to be producing as we hope, we want to abandon it
and move on to a new project.
But God says, "You will reap a harvest if you don't give up." We give up too
soon in our prayers for a loved one's salvation. We abandon hope too readily
when we don't see spiritual growth in our own lives, when our investment in
another's spiritual maturity seems to have no return. The Lord says,
"The harvest is coming; be patient; trust me."
In due season the harvest comes; when it's the right time. When the seed has
had time to germinate, when the roots are string enough, when the conditions
are right, the reaping time will come. But we must be willing to wait for
the due season, the moment of ripeness, when our labor brings its return.
Application
a) Have I ever felt that my spiritual labours have produced no harvest at all?
b) What does it mean to my own spiritual growth that there is a "due season"
for reaping the harvest?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Proverbs 22:7
7 The rich rules over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
7 The rich ruleth over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Saddened by Loss
John 14:1 - 7
1 "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me.
2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places.
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, you may be also.
4 You know where I am going, and you know the way."
5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know
where You are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.
From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;
and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:
and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 25 of the Month
a) Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or
community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
(Acts 2: 41,47b
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized,
and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
47 ... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
)
b) Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true
justice for all.
( Prov 11:1
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:
But a just weight is his delight.
)
Christmas Day
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
Saturday, Fourth Week of Advent
"That time He was creating not simply a man but the Man
who was to be Himself: was creating Man anew: was beginning,
at this divine and human point, the New Creation of all things.
The miraculous conception is one more witness that here is Nature's Lord.
He is doing now, small and close, what He does in a different fashion
for every woman who conceives." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 182.)
The New Creation
Most of us like new things. We like new cars, new houses, new clothes,
a new day. We like the new things we receive at Christmas, a new outlook
on life, a new baby. We like the newness of spring, the freshness
of the morning, and the originality of a new piece of art.
The ultimate purpose of God's Grand Miracle-becoming one of us-was
to make all things new, including us. This is our greatest Christmas gift,
if we can see it. Jesus came for us and became one of us, so that we might
become like him. We mentioned that earlier when Lewis wrote,
"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God."
In today's last quotation for these devotions, Lewis makes it clear
that through the Grand Miracle Jesus became human to show us what we could
be like. He came not only as an example. He also became a man in order
to recreate humankind, to start all over again. That is, he came in power
to reshape us. A miracle! A Grand Miracle!
Jesus, the Creator of the Universe, came to create all things anew,
as John writes, "He who was seated on the throne said,
'I am making everything new!"' (Rev. 21:5).
This Christmas Day, and every day, it starts in us, one by one,
as we sing with the hymn-writer,
Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child, Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be A quiet chamber kept for Thee.
(Martin Luther, From Heaven Above, stanza 13)
May God grant it for Jesus' sake.
Son of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
0 come, let us adore you, Christ, the Lord. Amen.
Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature.
Old things have passed away. Look, all things have
become new.
2 Cor 5:17
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
CHRISTMAS DAY
News of Great Joy
But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. "
-Luke 2:10
Composers in this world cannot envision music magisterial enough!
Oh, how I wish we could have joined the shepherds to hear the regal
angel choir sing, "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace ..."!
Oddly, God deigned to present this fabulous concert to the outcasts
of that society and to grant unpretentious shepherds the privilege
of being the first to visit the Christ Child and to carry the news
of his birth to those around them. No wonder everyone was flabbergasted
at what the shepherds told them! No wonder Mary treasured all these words
and pondered them in her heart!
That is why I capitalize the word Joy and employ it exclusively
for divine gifts! When we declare the Joy of Christmas (and of Easter),
there is no greater. The euphoria of Christ's birth (and resurrection)
overwhelms all human infatuations and electrifies us with a heavenly
exhilaration that can't be shackled!
prayer
Oh, Jesus, how we love and revere you! May we always cherish
and broadcast the Joy of your birth! Amen.
Read Luke 2:8-20.
8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company
of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men."
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said
to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened,
which the Lord has made known to us."
16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,
and the Baby lying in a manger.
17 When they had seen Him, they made widely known the word
which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them.
19 (Lk 2:51; Ge 37:11) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them
in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH SATURDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AMEN!
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory,
the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. JOHN 1:14
Christmas has come to you and all of your AH-HA family and friends!
We are all ambassadors of health, hope and amen because of Christ's
birth, death and resurrection!
We say amen because the "Word became flesh and lived among us!"
Amen, of course. does not mean "the end," but rather it means "Yes,"
and 'Hooray." and "So be it," and even "You betcha!" And so Christmas
is not the end of our AH-HAing. It's only the beginning!
Once I was looking at one of the manger scenes in our home. As I
focused on each character individually, like Mary and Joseph and the
shepherds and even the animals, each one of them seemed lonely and
way too serious. But when l looked more closely at each of them, I noticed
that they all were focused on one main point--God in the Flesh, Jesus!
Once l knew that they all were focused on Jesus, their faces became
not lonely. but lovely. and were not too serious, but reverent.
A little child was asked to finish the Scripture sentence, 'And the Word
became ...' He was puzzled for a while, but then all of a sudden he
shouted out. 'And the Word became FRESH!" And he was right!
The Word, Jesus Christ. became Flesh for us so that his Word would
be FRESH in and through our lives! That's the AH-HA of Christmas!
Lord. we greet thee. born on Christmas morning! Jesus, to thee be glory
given, Word of the Father now in flesh(and fresh!) appearing!
Amen and amen ... and, of course, AH-HA!
Read John 1:14-18
11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,
the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, "This was He of whom I said,
'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' "
16 We have all received from His fullness grace upon grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has seen God at any time. The only Son, who is at the Father's side,
has made Him known.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to endure in Faith.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Father, I'm so grateful for the birth
of Jesus and His mission of rescue and redemption.
Thank You for His certain return for me."
Pray to the Lord and pray for patience
and endurance for your rewards will pay off.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be neither a borrower nor a lender.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He is preparing a place for you in Heaven.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or
community trusting in Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Pray that those who serve in the justice system will be agents of true
justice for all.
Pray to Give me a heart, Lord, that gives as you gave. Amen.
Pray: Son of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
0 come, let us adore you, Christ, the Lord. Amen.
Pray: Oh, Jesus, how we love and revere you! May we always cherish
and broadcast the Joy of your birth! Amen.
Pray: Lord. we greet thee. born on Christmas morning! Jesus, to thee be glory
given, Word of the Father now in flesh(and fresh!) appearing!
Amen and amen ... and, of course, AH-HA!
Pray that God will provide for the many Christians in Iraq who have been
forced to flee their homes.
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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