Day 321 - 19 November 2021 reflections
Day 323, 19 November 2021
1)
Acts 13-14
Acts 13
Barnabas and Saul Commissioned
1 (Ac 11:22-27; 4:36) In the church that was in Antioch there were prophets
and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) As they worshipped the Lord and fasted,
the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work
to which I have called them."
3 (Ac 6:6; 14:26) Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands
on them and sent them off.
The Apostles Preach in Cyprus
4 (Ac 4:36; 13:2) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down
to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
5 (Ac 13:14; 9:20) When they arrived at SalÂamis, they preached
the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John as
an assistant.
6 (Mt 7:15) When they had gone through the whole island to Paphos,
they found a certain sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet,
whose name was Bar-Jesus,
7 (Ac 13:12; 19:38) who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus,
an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul
and sought to hear the word of God.
8 (Ac 13:6-7; 2Ti 3:8) But Elymas the sorcerer (which is his name
by interpretation) opposed them, trying to divert the proconsul
from the faith.
9 (Ac 4:8; 2:4) Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled
with the Holy Spirit, stared at him and said,
10 (Hos 14:9; Mt 13:38) "You son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness,
full of deceit and of all fraud, will you not cease perverting the right
ways of the Lord?
11 (Ex 9:3; Ps 32:4) Now, look! The hand of the Lord is against you,
and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time."
Immediately mist and darkness fell on him, and he went about
seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 (Ac 13:7) When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed
and was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia
13 (Ac 2:10; 12:12) Now when Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos,
they came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John departed from them and returned
to Jerusalem.
14 (Ac 16:13; 13:5) But they departed from Perga and came to Antioch
in Pisidia. And they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.
15 (Ac 15:21; Mk 5:22) After the reading from the Law and the Prophets,
the rulers of the synagogue sent word to them, saying,
"Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it."
16 (Ac 12:17; 10:2) Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:
"Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.
17 (Dt 7:6-8; Ps 105:23-24) The God of this people of Israel chose
our fathers, and exalted the people when they lived as foreigners
in the land of Egypt, and with great power He led them out of it.
18 (Ac 7:36; Dt 9:7) For about forty years He endured their conduct
in the desert.
19 (Ps 78:55; Dt 7:1; Jos 14:1) When He had destroyed seven nations
in the land of Canaan, He gave them their land as an inheritance by lot.
20 (Jdg 2:16; 1Sa 3:20) "After about four hundred and fifty years,
God gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.
21 (1Sa 10:1) Then they requested a king. And God gave them Saul
the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
22 (1Sa 16:1; 15:23; 15:26) When He had removed him, He raised up David
to be their king, of whom He testified, saying,
'I have found David (Ps 89:20.) the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart,
who will fulfill My entire will.'(1Sa 13:14.)
23 (Mt 1:1; Ps 132:11) "From this man's descendants God has raised a Saviour
for Israel, Jesus, according to His promise.
24 (Ac 1:22) Before His coming John had preached a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel.
25 (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:7) As John was fulfilling his course, he said,
'Who do you think I am? I am not He. But look! He is coming after me,
the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'(Jn 1:20, 27.)
26 (Ac 4:12; 13:46) "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham,
and those of you who fear God, the word of this salvation has been sent to us.
27 (Ac 3:17; Lk 24:20) Because those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers,
did not know Him, in condemning Him they have fulfilled the voices
of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath.
28 (Mt 27:22-25) Though they found in Him no cause worthy of death,
yet they asked Pilate to have Him killed.
29 (Lk 23:53; Mt 27:57-60; Mk 15:45-46) When they had fulfilled
all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree
and placed Him in a tomb.
30 (Ac 2:24; Mt 28:6) But God raised Him from the dead,
31 (Lk 24:48; Ac 1:3) and for many days He appeared to those who came up
with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people.
32 (Ac 26:6; Ro 4:13) "We preach to you good news: The promise which was made
to the fathers,
33 (Ps 2:7; Heb 5:5) God has fulfilled to us, their children, raising Jesus.
As it is written in the second Psalm:
'You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father.'(Ps 2:7.)
34 (Isa 55:3; Ro 6:9) That He raised Him from the dead, no more to return
to corruption, He has spoken in this way:
'I will give You the holy and sure blessings of David.'(Isa 55:3.)
35 (Ps 16:10) So He says in another Psalm:
'You will not let Your Holy One see decay.'(Ps 16:10.)
36 (1Ki 2:10; Ac 2:29) "For after David had served by the counsel of God
in his own generation, he fell asleep, was buried with his fathers,
and saw decay.
37 (Ac 13:30; 2:24) But He whom God raised up saw no decay.
38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 2:38) "Therefore, brothers, let it be known to you that
through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
39 (Ro 8:3; Gal 2:16) and by Him everyone who believes is justified
from everything from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses.
40 Therefore beware, lest what is spoken of in the prophets come upon you:
41 (Hab 1:5) 'Look, you scoffers, marvel and perish!
For I will perform a work in your days
which you will never believe,
even if someone declares it to you.'(Hab 1:5.)"
42 When Paul and Barnabas went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles asked
that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
43 (Ac 11:23; 6:5) When the congregation was dismissed,
many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas,
who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city assembled
to hear the word of God.
45 (Ac 18:6; 5:17) But when the Jews saw the crowds,
they were filled with jealousy, blaspheming and contradicting
what Paul was saying.
46 (Ac 3:26; 28:28) Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said,
"It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first.
But seeing you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life,
we are turning to the Gentiles.
47 (Isa 49:6; Lk 2:32) For thus has the Lord commanded us:
'I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'(Isa 42:6; 49:6.)"
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word
of the Lord. And all who were ordained to eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord was spread throughout the entire region.
50 (Ac 14:2; 14:19) But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women
and the chief men of the city, and raised up persecution against Paul
and Barnabas, and drove them from their region.
51 (Mt 10:14; Ac 18:6) So they shook off the dust of their feet against them
and went to Iconium.
52 (Ac 2:4; Mt 5:12) And the disciples were filled with joy
and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 14
Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
1 (Ac 18:4; 13:46) At Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together
and so spoke that a great crowd of both Jews and Greeks believed.
2 (Ac 13:50; 13:45) But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles
and embittered their minds against the brothers.
3 (Heb 2:4; Ac 20:32) So they continued there a long time, speaking boldly
for the Lord, who bore witness to His gracious word, granting signs
and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 (Ac 28:24; 14:14) But the people of the city were divided.
Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.
5 (Ac 14:19) When an assault was planned by both Gentiles and Jews,
with their leaders, to attack them and to stone them,
6 (Mt 10:23; 2Ti 3:11) they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe,
cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
7 (Ac 14:21) And there they preached the gospel.
Paul and Barnabas in Lystra
8 (Ac 3:2) In Lystra there sat a man, crippled in his feet, who had never
walked and was lame from birth.
9 (Mt 9:28-29; Ac 3:4) He heard Paul speaking, who looked intently at him
and perceived that he had faith to be healed
10 (Isa 35:6) and said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet."
And he jumped up and walked.
11 (Ac 8:10; 28:6) When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up
their voices, saying in Lycaonian,
"The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"
12 (Ac 19:35) Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes,
because he was the main speaker.
13 (Da 2:46) The priest of Zeus, who was in front of the city,
brought bulls and garlands to the gates to offer sacrifices with the crowds.
14 (Mt 26:65; Ac 14:4) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this,
they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,
15 (1Sa 12:21; Jer 14:22) "Men, why are you doing this? We also are men,
of like nature with you, preaching to you to turn from these vain things
to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea,
and everything that is in them,
16 (Ac 17:30; Ps 81:12) who in times past allowed all nations to walk
in their own ways.
17 (Dt 11:14; Job 5:10) Yet He did not leave Himself without witness,
for He did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons,
satisfying our hearts with food and gladness."
18 With these words they scarcely restrained the crowds
from sacrificing to them.
19 (Ac 13:45; 2Co 11:25) Then some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there
and persuaded the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing he was dead.
20 (Ac 14:6) But as the disciples gathered around him, he rose up
and went into the city. The next day he departed with Barnabas for Derbe.
The Return to Antioch in Syria
21 (Ac 13:51; 14:19) When they had preached the gospel to that city
and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra
and to Iconium and to Antioch,
22 (Jn 16:33; 2Ti 3:12) strengthening the minds of the disciples
and exhorting them to continue in the faith, to go through many afflictions
and thus enter the kingdom of God.
23 (Titus 1:5; Ac 11:30; 20:32) When they had appointed elders for them
in every church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord
in whom they believed.
24 (Ac 13:13-14) Then they passed throughout Pisidia and came to Pamphylia,
25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia.
26 (Ac 15:40; 11:19) From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been
commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.
27 (Ac 15:12; 1Co 16:9) When they arrived and had assembled the church,
they reported what God had done through them and how He had opened
the door of faith to the Gentiles.
28 (Ac 11:26) And there they stayed a long time with the disciples.
2) Our Daily Bread for 19 November 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/11/19/when-you-cant-go-on
entitled When You Can't Go On
Lamentations 3:21–23
21 (Ps 130:7) But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
22 (Mal 3:6; Ps 78:38) It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed;
His compassions do not fail.
23 (Zep 3:5; Ps 36:5) They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
In 2006, my dad was diagnosed with a neurological disease that robbed him
of his memory, speech, and control over body movements. He became bedridden
in 2011 and continues to be cared for by my mom at home. The beginning
of his illness was a dark time. I was fearful: I knew nothing about caring
for a sick person, and I was anxious about finances and my mom’s health.
The words of Lamentations 3:22 helped me get up many mornings
when the light was as gray as the state of my heart:
"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed;"
The Hebrew word for "consumed" means "to be used up completely"
or "to come to an end."
God's great love enables us to go on, to get up to face the day.
Our trials may feel overwhelming, but we won't be destroyed
by them because God's love is far greater!
There are many times I can recount when God has shown His faithful,
loving ways to my family. I saw His provision in the kindness
of relatives and friends, the wise counsel of doctors,
financial provision, and the reminder in our hearts that
-one day-my dad will be whole again in heaven.
If you're going through a dark time, don't lose hope.
God can help you to not be consumed by what you face.
Keep trusting in His faithful love and provision for you.
By: Karen Huang
Reflect & Pray
In the midst of difficulty, where do you go for strength?
How can you remind yourself to trust in God's great love?
Father, help me to keep trusting You.
Open my eyes so I can see Your love and faithfulness.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 6 - Shielded by the Word
Proverbs 30:5
5 (Ps 12:6; 18:30) Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
A wife of ten years, betrayed by her husband's infidelity, declares that
she will never trust a man again. A teenage son says of his father, "I
can't depend on him anymore! Dad always talk big and makes promises,
but he never does what he says." A career woman, her reputation
undermined by gossip, leaves the church broken, and never returns.
Human beings are weak, volatile, unfaithful creatures; often we
break our word and hurt others in the process. But the Scripture
clearly assures us that God's Word is not like the word of man.
God always remains faithful to his Word, always fulfills his promises,
always does what he says he will do.
God's word is pure (or flawless), Proverbs 30:5 says. His Word
is not distorted with mixed motives or flawed by untruth. God's Word
is dependable, able to support and lift us up, able to speak
encouragement to us. His Word is a "shield" a protection for us
against the onslaughts of the Enemy, a place of refuge from the struggle
and confusion of daily life.
We live in a world that recognises no absolute truth. Morality,
values, relationships, ethics - every decision of life, it seems,
"depends on the situation." But in the midst of the confusion,
God interjects his Word - timeless, pure, trustworthy, reliable.
We can depend upon God's Word. We can turn to him to verify who we are
and the purposes for which we were created. We can find refuge in his truth,
and rest in the knowledge that whatever he says, he will do.
Application
a) In my own experience, how have I found God's Word
to be different from the word of men and women?
b) In what areas of my life do I need the assurance of the validity
and dependability of God's Word?
c) How can today's verse help me trust more fully in God's Word?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Joshua 1:5
5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6–8) No man will be able to stand against
you all the days of your life.
As I was with Moses, I will be with you.
I will not abandon you. I will not leave you.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
1 Cor 10:1-13
1 Corinthians 10
Warning Against Idolatry
1 (Ex 14:29; Ps 66:6) I would not want you to be unaware that
all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,
2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 (Ex 16:35; Dt 8:3) all ate the same spiritual food;
4 (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11) and all drank the same spiritual drink,
for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them,
and that Rock was Christ.
5 (Heb 3:17; Jude 1:5) But with many of them God was not well pleased,
and they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 (Nu 11:4; 1Co 10:11) Now these things were our examples to the intent
that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted.
7 (Ex 32:19; 32:4) Neither be idolaters as were some of them.
As it is written,
“The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to revel.†(Ex 32:6. )
8 (Nu 25:1–9; 1Co 6:18) Neither let us commit sexual immorality as some
of them committed, when 23000 fell in one day.
9 (Nu 21:5–6; Ex 17:2) Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them
also tempted and were destroyed by serpents.
10 (Ex 12:23; Nu 16:41) Neither murmur, as some of them also murmured
and were destroyed by the destroyer.
11 (Ro 13:11) Now all these things happened to them for examples.
They are written as an admonition to us,
upon whom the end of the ages has come.
12 (Ro 11:20) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed,
lest he fall.
13 (1Co 1:9; 2Pe 2:9) No temptation has taken you except what is common
to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above
what you can endure, but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
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."
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
19th Day of the Month
a) Pray the the Holy Spirit will influence our governmental leaders
as they make vital decisions that shape Canadian Society
(
1 Tim 2:1-2
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2(Ezr 6:10)for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
)
b) Pray for the province of Prince Edward Island
I) Pray for the leaders of Prince Edward Island,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
)
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to make disciples and rebuke those who do not believe.
Pray to the Lord "Father, help me to keep trusting You.
Open my eyes so I can see Your love and faithfulness."
Pray to the Lord and Thank the Lord that His Word is a shield for life.
Pray to the Lord and Thank Him for He will not abandon you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him all your temptations.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray the the Holy Spirit will influence our governmental leaders
as they make vital decisions that shape Canadian Society
Pray for Ahmed and his family from Yemen, who are seeking
asylum in a foreign country because of persecution.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1)
Acts 13-14
Acts 13
Barnabas and Saul Commissioned
1 (Ac 11:22-27; 4:36) In the church that was in Antioch there were prophets
and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) As they worshipped the Lord and fasted,
the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work
to which I have called them."
3 (Ac 6:6; 14:26) Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands
on them and sent them off.
The Apostles Preach in Cyprus
4 (Ac 4:36; 13:2) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down
to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
5 (Ac 13:14; 9:20) When they arrived at SalÂamis, they preached
the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John as
an assistant.
6 (Mt 7:15) When they had gone through the whole island to Paphos,
they found a certain sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet,
whose name was Bar-Jesus,
7 (Ac 13:12; 19:38) who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus,
an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul
and sought to hear the word of God.
8 (Ac 13:6-7; 2Ti 3:8) But Elymas the sorcerer (which is his name
by interpretation) opposed them, trying to divert the proconsul
from the faith.
9 (Ac 4:8; 2:4) Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled
with the Holy Spirit, stared at him and said,
10 (Hos 14:9; Mt 13:38) "You son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness,
full of deceit and of all fraud, will you not cease perverting the right
ways of the Lord?
11 (Ex 9:3; Ps 32:4) Now, look! The hand of the Lord is against you,
and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time."
Immediately mist and darkness fell on him, and he went about
seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 (Ac 13:7) When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed
and was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia
13 (Ac 2:10; 12:12) Now when Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos,
they came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John departed from them and returned
to Jerusalem.
14 (Ac 16:13; 13:5) But they departed from Perga and came to Antioch
in Pisidia. And they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.
15 (Ac 15:21; Mk 5:22) After the reading from the Law and the Prophets,
the rulers of the synagogue sent word to them, saying,
"Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it."
16 (Ac 12:17; 10:2) Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:
"Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.
17 (Dt 7:6-8; Ps 105:23-24) The God of this people of Israel chose
our fathers, and exalted the people when they lived as foreigners
in the land of Egypt, and with great power He led them out of it.
18 (Ac 7:36; Dt 9:7) For about forty years He endured their conduct
in the desert.
19 (Ps 78:55; Dt 7:1; Jos 14:1) When He had destroyed seven nations
in the land of Canaan, He gave them their land as an inheritance by lot.
20 (Jdg 2:16; 1Sa 3:20) "After about four hundred and fifty years,
God gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.
21 (1Sa 10:1) Then they requested a king. And God gave them Saul
the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
22 (1Sa 16:1; 15:23; 15:26) When He had removed him, He raised up David
to be their king, of whom He testified, saying,
'I have found David (Ps 89:20.) the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart,
who will fulfill My entire will.'(1Sa 13:14.)
23 (Mt 1:1; Ps 132:11) "From this man's descendants God has raised a Saviour
for Israel, Jesus, according to His promise.
24 (Ac 1:22) Before His coming John had preached a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel.
25 (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:7) As John was fulfilling his course, he said,
'Who do you think I am? I am not He. But look! He is coming after me,
the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'(Jn 1:20, 27.)
26 (Ac 4:12; 13:46) "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham,
and those of you who fear God, the word of this salvation has been sent to us.
27 (Ac 3:17; Lk 24:20) Because those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers,
did not know Him, in condemning Him they have fulfilled the voices
of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath.
28 (Mt 27:22-25) Though they found in Him no cause worthy of death,
yet they asked Pilate to have Him killed.
29 (Lk 23:53; Mt 27:57-60; Mk 15:45-46) When they had fulfilled
all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree
and placed Him in a tomb.
30 (Ac 2:24; Mt 28:6) But God raised Him from the dead,
31 (Lk 24:48; Ac 1:3) and for many days He appeared to those who came up
with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people.
32 (Ac 26:6; Ro 4:13) "We preach to you good news: The promise which was made
to the fathers,
33 (Ps 2:7; Heb 5:5) God has fulfilled to us, their children, raising Jesus.
As it is written in the second Psalm:
'You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father.'(Ps 2:7.)
34 (Isa 55:3; Ro 6:9) That He raised Him from the dead, no more to return
to corruption, He has spoken in this way:
'I will give You the holy and sure blessings of David.'(Isa 55:3.)
35 (Ps 16:10) So He says in another Psalm:
'You will not let Your Holy One see decay.'(Ps 16:10.)
36 (1Ki 2:10; Ac 2:29) "For after David had served by the counsel of God
in his own generation, he fell asleep, was buried with his fathers,
and saw decay.
37 (Ac 13:30; 2:24) But He whom God raised up saw no decay.
38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 2:38) "Therefore, brothers, let it be known to you that
through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
39 (Ro 8:3; Gal 2:16) and by Him everyone who believes is justified
from everything from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses.
40 Therefore beware, lest what is spoken of in the prophets come upon you:
41 (Hab 1:5) 'Look, you scoffers, marvel and perish!
For I will perform a work in your days
which you will never believe,
even if someone declares it to you.'(Hab 1:5.)"
42 When Paul and Barnabas went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles asked
that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
43 (Ac 11:23; 6:5) When the congregation was dismissed,
many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas,
who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city assembled
to hear the word of God.
45 (Ac 18:6; 5:17) But when the Jews saw the crowds,
they were filled with jealousy, blaspheming and contradicting
what Paul was saying.
46 (Ac 3:26; 28:28) Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said,
"It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first.
But seeing you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life,
we are turning to the Gentiles.
47 (Isa 49:6; Lk 2:32) For thus has the Lord commanded us:
'I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'(Isa 42:6; 49:6.)"
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word
of the Lord. And all who were ordained to eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord was spread throughout the entire region.
50 (Ac 14:2; 14:19) But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women
and the chief men of the city, and raised up persecution against Paul
and Barnabas, and drove them from their region.
51 (Mt 10:14; Ac 18:6) So they shook off the dust of their feet against them
and went to Iconium.
52 (Ac 2:4; Mt 5:12) And the disciples were filled with joy
and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 14
Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
1 (Ac 18:4; 13:46) At Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together
and so spoke that a great crowd of both Jews and Greeks believed.
2 (Ac 13:50; 13:45) But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles
and embittered their minds against the brothers.
3 (Heb 2:4; Ac 20:32) So they continued there a long time, speaking boldly
for the Lord, who bore witness to His gracious word, granting signs
and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 (Ac 28:24; 14:14) But the people of the city were divided.
Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.
5 (Ac 14:19) When an assault was planned by both Gentiles and Jews,
with their leaders, to attack them and to stone them,
6 (Mt 10:23; 2Ti 3:11) they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe,
cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
7 (Ac 14:21) And there they preached the gospel.
Paul and Barnabas in Lystra
8 (Ac 3:2) In Lystra there sat a man, crippled in his feet, who had never
walked and was lame from birth.
9 (Mt 9:28-29; Ac 3:4) He heard Paul speaking, who looked intently at him
and perceived that he had faith to be healed
10 (Isa 35:6) and said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet."
And he jumped up and walked.
11 (Ac 8:10; 28:6) When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up
their voices, saying in Lycaonian,
"The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"
12 (Ac 19:35) Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes,
because he was the main speaker.
13 (Da 2:46) The priest of Zeus, who was in front of the city,
brought bulls and garlands to the gates to offer sacrifices with the crowds.
14 (Mt 26:65; Ac 14:4) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this,
they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,
15 (1Sa 12:21; Jer 14:22) "Men, why are you doing this? We also are men,
of like nature with you, preaching to you to turn from these vain things
to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea,
and everything that is in them,
16 (Ac 17:30; Ps 81:12) who in times past allowed all nations to walk
in their own ways.
17 (Dt 11:14; Job 5:10) Yet He did not leave Himself without witness,
for He did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons,
satisfying our hearts with food and gladness."
18 With these words they scarcely restrained the crowds
from sacrificing to them.
19 (Ac 13:45; 2Co 11:25) Then some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there
and persuaded the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing he was dead.
20 (Ac 14:6) But as the disciples gathered around him, he rose up
and went into the city. The next day he departed with Barnabas for Derbe.
The Return to Antioch in Syria
21 (Ac 13:51; 14:19) When they had preached the gospel to that city
and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra
and to Iconium and to Antioch,
22 (Jn 16:33; 2Ti 3:12) strengthening the minds of the disciples
and exhorting them to continue in the faith, to go through many afflictions
and thus enter the kingdom of God.
23 (Titus 1:5; Ac 11:30; 20:32) When they had appointed elders for them
in every church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord
in whom they believed.
24 (Ac 13:13-14) Then they passed throughout Pisidia and came to Pamphylia,
25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia.
26 (Ac 15:40; 11:19) From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been
commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.
27 (Ac 15:12; 1Co 16:9) When they arrived and had assembled the church,
they reported what God had done through them and how He had opened
the door of faith to the Gentiles.
28 (Ac 11:26) And there they stayed a long time with the disciples.
2) Our Daily Bread for 19 November 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/11/19/when-you-cant-go-on
entitled When You Can't Go On
Lamentations 3:21–23
21 (Ps 130:7) But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
22 (Mal 3:6; Ps 78:38) It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed;
His compassions do not fail.
23 (Zep 3:5; Ps 36:5) They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
In 2006, my dad was diagnosed with a neurological disease that robbed him
of his memory, speech, and control over body movements. He became bedridden
in 2011 and continues to be cared for by my mom at home. The beginning
of his illness was a dark time. I was fearful: I knew nothing about caring
for a sick person, and I was anxious about finances and my mom’s health.
The words of Lamentations 3:22 helped me get up many mornings
when the light was as gray as the state of my heart:
"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed;"
The Hebrew word for "consumed" means "to be used up completely"
or "to come to an end."
God's great love enables us to go on, to get up to face the day.
Our trials may feel overwhelming, but we won't be destroyed
by them because God's love is far greater!
There are many times I can recount when God has shown His faithful,
loving ways to my family. I saw His provision in the kindness
of relatives and friends, the wise counsel of doctors,
financial provision, and the reminder in our hearts that
-one day-my dad will be whole again in heaven.
If you're going through a dark time, don't lose hope.
God can help you to not be consumed by what you face.
Keep trusting in His faithful love and provision for you.
By: Karen Huang
Reflect & Pray
In the midst of difficulty, where do you go for strength?
How can you remind yourself to trust in God's great love?
Father, help me to keep trusting You.
Open my eyes so I can see Your love and faithfulness.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 6 - Shielded by the Word
Proverbs 30:5
5 (Ps 12:6; 18:30) Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
A wife of ten years, betrayed by her husband's infidelity, declares that
she will never trust a man again. A teenage son says of his father, "I
can't depend on him anymore! Dad always talk big and makes promises,
but he never does what he says." A career woman, her reputation
undermined by gossip, leaves the church broken, and never returns.
Human beings are weak, volatile, unfaithful creatures; often we
break our word and hurt others in the process. But the Scripture
clearly assures us that God's Word is not like the word of man.
God always remains faithful to his Word, always fulfills his promises,
always does what he says he will do.
God's word is pure (or flawless), Proverbs 30:5 says. His Word
is not distorted with mixed motives or flawed by untruth. God's Word
is dependable, able to support and lift us up, able to speak
encouragement to us. His Word is a "shield" a protection for us
against the onslaughts of the Enemy, a place of refuge from the struggle
and confusion of daily life.
We live in a world that recognises no absolute truth. Morality,
values, relationships, ethics - every decision of life, it seems,
"depends on the situation." But in the midst of the confusion,
God interjects his Word - timeless, pure, trustworthy, reliable.
We can depend upon God's Word. We can turn to him to verify who we are
and the purposes for which we were created. We can find refuge in his truth,
and rest in the knowledge that whatever he says, he will do.
Application
a) In my own experience, how have I found God's Word
to be different from the word of men and women?
b) In what areas of my life do I need the assurance of the validity
and dependability of God's Word?
c) How can today's verse help me trust more fully in God's Word?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Joshua 1:5
5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6–8) No man will be able to stand against
you all the days of your life.
As I was with Moses, I will be with you.
I will not abandon you. I will not leave you.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
1 Cor 10:1-13
1 Corinthians 10
Warning Against Idolatry
1 (Ex 14:29; Ps 66:6) I would not want you to be unaware that
all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,
2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 (Ex 16:35; Dt 8:3) all ate the same spiritual food;
4 (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11) and all drank the same spiritual drink,
for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them,
and that Rock was Christ.
5 (Heb 3:17; Jude 1:5) But with many of them God was not well pleased,
and they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 (Nu 11:4; 1Co 10:11) Now these things were our examples to the intent
that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted.
7 (Ex 32:19; 32:4) Neither be idolaters as were some of them.
As it is written,
“The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to revel.†(Ex 32:6. )
8 (Nu 25:1–9; 1Co 6:18) Neither let us commit sexual immorality as some
of them committed, when 23000 fell in one day.
9 (Nu 21:5–6; Ex 17:2) Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them
also tempted and were destroyed by serpents.
10 (Ex 12:23; Nu 16:41) Neither murmur, as some of them also murmured
and were destroyed by the destroyer.
11 (Ro 13:11) Now all these things happened to them for examples.
They are written as an admonition to us,
upon whom the end of the ages has come.
12 (Ro 11:20) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed,
lest he fall.
13 (1Co 1:9; 2Pe 2:9) No temptation has taken you except what is common
to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above
what you can endure, but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
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."
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
19th Day of the Month
a) Pray the the Holy Spirit will influence our governmental leaders
as they make vital decisions that shape Canadian Society
(
1 Tim 2:1-2
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2(Ezr 6:10)for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
)
b) Pray for the province of Prince Edward Island
I) Pray for the leaders of Prince Edward Island,
that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
)
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to make disciples and rebuke those who do not believe.
Pray to the Lord "Father, help me to keep trusting You.
Open my eyes so I can see Your love and faithfulness."
Pray to the Lord and Thank the Lord that His Word is a shield for life.
Pray to the Lord and Thank Him for He will not abandon you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him all your temptations.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray the the Holy Spirit will influence our governmental leaders
as they make vital decisions that shape Canadian Society
Pray for Ahmed and his family from Yemen, who are seeking
asylum in a foreign country because of persecution.
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.