Day 337 - 3 December 2021 reflections
Day 337, 3 December 2021
1)
2 Corinthians 5 - 9
2 Corinthians 5
1 (2Co 4:7; 2Pe 1:13-14) We know that if our earthly house, this tent,
were to be destroyed, we have an eternal building of God in the heavens,
a house not made with hands.
2 (Ro 8:23; 1Co 15:53-54) In this one we groan, earnestly desiring to be
sheltered with our house which is from heaven.
3 Thus being sheltered, we shall not be found unsheltered.
4 (1Co 15:53-54) For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened,
not because we wish to be unclothed, but to be further clothed,
so that what is mortal might be swallowed up by life.
5 (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22) Now He who has created us for this very thing is God,
who also has given to us the guarantee of the Spirit.
6 (Heb 11:13) Therefore we are always confident, knowing that while we are
at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.
7 (1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:18) For we walk by faith, not by sight.
8 Instead, I say that we are confident and willing to be absent from the body
and to be present with the Lord.
9 So whether present or absent, we labor that we may be accepted by Him.
10 (Mt 16:27; Ac 10:42_ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ, that each one may receive his recompense in the body, according
to what he has done, whether it was good or bad.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 (Heb 10:31; Jude 1:23) Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord,
we persuade men. But we are revealed to God, and I trust we are also
revealed in your consciences.
12 (2Co 1:14; 3:1) For we are not commending ourselves again to you.
Instead, we give you occasion to boast on our behalf, that you may
have something to answer those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
13 (2Co 11:1; 11:16-17) If we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are
in our right mind, it is for you.
14 (Ro 5:15) For the love of Christ constrains us, because we thus judge:
that if one died for all, then all have died.
15 (Ro 14:7-9) And He died for all, that those who live should not from
now on live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 (Php 3:7-8) So from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh.
Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we do not
regard Him as such from now on.
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have
become new.
18 (Ro 5:10-11; 1Jn 2:2) All this is from God, who has reconciled us to
Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of
reconciliation,
19 (Isa 43:25; Mt 1:23) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world
to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the
message of reconciliation.
20 (2Co 6:1; Eph 6:20) So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ's stead: Be reconciled to
God.
21 (Ro 1:17; 1Co 1:30) God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we
might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 6
1 (1Co 3:9; Heb 12:15) As workers together with God, we ask you not to receive
the grace of God in vain.
2 (Isa 49:8; Lk 4:19) For He says:
"In an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and in the day of salvation I have helped you." (Isa 49:8.)
Look, now is the accepted time; look, now is the day of salvation.
3 (1Co 9:12; Ro 14:13) We give no offense in anything, that our service may
not be blamed.
4 (1Co 3:5; 2Co 3:6) But in all things we commend ourselves as servants
of God: in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distress,
5 (2Co 11:23-25; Ac 17:5) in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors,
in sleeplessness, and in hunger;
6 (Ro 12:9; 2Co 11:6) by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness,
by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love,
7 (2Co 4:2; Eph 1:13) by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour
of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 (Mt 27:63; Ro 3:8) by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report;
as deceivers, and yet true;
9 (Ro 8:36; 1Co 4:9) as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and look, we
live; as punished, but not killed;
10 (Jn 16:22; 2Co 8:9) as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making
many rich; and as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
11 (Ps 119:32; 2Co 12:15) O Corinthians, we have spoken frankly to you;
our heart is opened wide.
12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own
affections.
13 In return (I speak as to my children) you also be open.
The Temple of the Living God
14 (1Co 5:9; 7:39) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness?
What communion has light with darkness?
15 What agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what part has he who believes
with an unbeliever?
16 (Lev 26:12; Ex 29:45) What agreement has the temple of God with idols?
For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
"I will live in them
and walk in them.
I will be their God,
and they shall be My people."(Lev 26:12; Jer 32:38; Eze 37:27.)
17 (Isa 52:11; Rev 18:4) Therefore,
“Come out from among them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
and I will receive you." (Jer 9:24.)
18 (Isa 43:6; Jer 31:9) "I will be a Father to you,
and you shall be My sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty." (2Sa 7:14.)
2 Corinthians 7
1 (Pr 8:13; 2Co 6:17-18) Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Paul's Joy at the Church's Repentance
2 (Ac 20:33) Accept us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one,
and we have defrauded no one.
3 (2Co 6:11-12) I do not say this to condemn you, for I have said before
that you are in our hearts, so that we would die or live with you.
4 (2Co 1:4; 3:12) Great is my boldness of speech toward you; great is
my boasting of you. I am filled with comfort, and I am exceedingly joyful
in all our tribulation.
5 (Dt 32:25; 2Co 2:13) For when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest,
and we were troubled on every side. On the outside were conflicts; on the
inside were fears.
6 (2Co 1:3-4; 7:13) Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us
through the coming of Titus,
7 and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was
comforted in you, when he told us about your sincere desire, your mourning,
and your zeal toward me, so that I rejoiced even more.
8 Though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it, though
I did regret it. For I perceive that this same letter has caused you sorrow,
though only for a while.
9 (Ac 20:21) Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that your
sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorrowful in a godly way, that
you might not suffer loss in any way through us.
10 (Ac 11:18; 2Sa 12:13) Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads
to salvation and brings no regret, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
11 (2Co 7:7) For observe this very thing, which you sorrowed in a godly way:
What carefulness it produced in you, what vindication of yourselves, what
indignation, what fear, what intense desire, what zeal, what avenging
of wrong! In all things you have proven yourselves to be innocent in this
matter.
12 (2Co 2:9) So though I wrote to you, I did it not because of him who had
done the wrong, nor because of him who suffered wrong, but that our care
for you in the sight of God might be evident to you.
13 (2Co 7:6; Ro 15:32) Therefore we were comforted in your comfort.
Yes, and we were exceedingly the more joyful for the sake of Titus,
because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
14 (2Co 7:4; 8:24) So I am not ashamed if I have boasted of anything to him
regarding you. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even our boasting
in the presence of Titus is found to be true.
15 (Php 2:12; 2Co 2:9) Now his affection abounds all the more toward you, as
he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you
received him.
16 (2Co 2:3) Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.
2 Corinthians 8
Liberal Giving
1 (Ac 16:9) Moreover, brothers, we want you to experience the grace of God
bestowed on the churches of Macedonia,
2 how in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their
deep poverty overflowed toward the riches of their generous giving.
3 (1Co 16:2) For I bear record that according to their means,
and beyond their means, they freely gave,
4 (Ac 24:17; 1Co 16:3-4) begging us with much urgency that we would receive
the gift and the fellowship of ministering to the saints.
5 This they did, not as we expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord,
and then to us by the will of God.
6 (2Co 12:18; 8:4) So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also
complete this gracious deed for you.
7 (2Co 9:8; 1Co 1:5; Ro 15:14) But as you abound in everything-in faith, in
utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to
us-see that you abound in this grace also.
8 (1Co 7:6) I say this not as a command, but to prove through the authenticity
of others, the sincerity also of your love.
9 (Mt 20:28; 2Co 6:10; 13:14) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that through His
poverty you might be rich.
10 (1Co 7:25; 2Co 9:2) And in this matter I give my advice. It is appropriate
for you, who began last year not only to give, but also to willingly give.
11 Now therefore complete the task, so that, as there was a willingness to do
so, there may be a performance of it according to your means.
12 (2Co 9:7) For if there is a willing mind first, the gift is accepted
according to what a man possesses and not according to what he does not
possess.
13 I do not mean that other men have relief, and you be burdened,
14 (2Co 9:12; Ac 4:34_ but for equality, that your abundance now at this time
may supply their need, and their abundance may supply your need-that there
may be equality.
15 (Ex 16:18) As it is written, "He who gathered much had no excess. And he
who gathered little had no lack."(Ex 16:18.)
16 (Rev 17:17) But thanks be to God, who placed the same sincere care
in the heart of Titus for you.
17 (2Co 8:6) For indeed he accepted the exhortation. But being more zealous,
he went to you of his own accord.
18 (2Co 12:18; 1Co 7:17) And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is
in the gospel throughout all the churches.
19 (1Co 16:3-4; 2Co 4:15) And not only that, but he was also chosen
by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which we administer
to the glory of the same Lord, and to declare your willing mind,
20 to prevent any man from blaming us in administering this abundant gift,
21 (Ro 12:17; 14:18) providing for honest things, not only in the sight
of the Lord but also in the sight of men.
22 Furthermore, we have sent with them our brother whom we have frequently
proved diligent in many things, but now is much more diligent,
due to the great confidence which he has in you.
23 (Php 2:25; Phm 1:17; 2Co 8:6) If anyone inquires about Titus,
he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you.
Or if our brothers are inquired about, they are the messengers
of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24 (2Co 7:14; 7:4) Therefore show to them, and before the churches,
the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
2 Corinthians 9
The Offering for the Saints
1 It is redundant for me to write to you concerning the ministry
to the saints.
2 (2Co 8:10; 8:8; 8:24) I know your willingness, for which I boast
of you to those in Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago,
and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
3 (2Co 8:6) Yet I have sent the brothers, lest our boasting of you might
be in vain in this case, that, as I said, you may be ready;
4 and lest if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared,
we (not to mention you) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.
5 (Ge 33:11; 1Sa 25:27) Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the
brothers to go ahead to you and arrange beforehand your bountiful gift you
previously promised, that it might be prepared as a gift, not as a matter of
greed.
6 (Pr 22:9; Lk 6:38) But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 (Ex 25:2; 2Co 8:12) Let every man give according to the purposes
in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful
giver.
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you,
always having enough of everything, may abound to every good work.
9 (Ps 112:9) As it is written:
"He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor;
His righteousness remains forever."(Ps 112:9.)
10 (Isa 55:10; Hos 10:12) Now He who supplies seed to the sower and supplies
bread for your food will also multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits
of your righteousness.
11 (2Co 1:11; 1Co 1:5) So you will be enriched in everything to all
bountifulness, which makes us give thanks to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the need
of the saints, but is abundant also through many thanksgivings to God.
13 (Mt 5:16) Meanwhile, through the performance of this ministry,
they glorify God for the profession of your faith in the gospel of Christ
and for your liberal sharing with them and with all others.
14 And in their prayer for you, they long for you because of the surpassing
grace of God in you.
15 (2Co 2:14; Jn 3:16) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
2) Our Daily Bread for 3 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/03/truth-and-tiaras
entitled True Identity
1 John 2:28 - 3:10
Children of God
28 (1Jn 3:2; 4:17) And now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He
appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him when He comes.
29 (1Jn 3:7; 5:1) If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone
who does righteousness is born of Him.
1 John 3
1 (Jn 1:12; 3:16) Consider how much love the Father has given to us, that we
should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know us,
because it did not know Him. '=
2 (Ro 8:18; 8:29) Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been
revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like
Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
3 (2Co 7:1; 2Pe 3:14) Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself,
just as He is pure.
4 (1Jn 5:17; Ro 4:15; 3:20) Whoever practices sin breaks the law, for sin is
lawlessness.
5 (2Co 5:21; Heb 9:28) You know that He was revealed to take away our sins,
and in Him there is no sin.
6 (3Jn 1:11; 1Jn 2:4; 3:9) Whoever remains in Him does not sin.
Whoever sins has not seen Him and does not know Him.
7 (1Jn 2:26; 2:29) Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who does
righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
8 (Jn 8:44; Mt 13:38) Whoever practices sin is of the devil, for the devil
has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God
was revealed, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
9 (1Jn 5:18; Jn 1:13; 1Pe 1:23) Whoever has been born of God does not practice
sin, for His seed remains in him. And he cannot keep on sinning, because
he has been born of God.
10 (1Jn 4:8; Mt 13:38) In this the children of God and the children of
the devil are revealed: Whoever does not live in righteousness is not of God,
nor is the one who does not love his brother.
As my friend reviewed the pictures I took of her, she pointed out the physical
characteristics she saw as imperfections. I asked her to look closer. "I see a
beautiful and beloved daughter of the Almighty King of Kings," I said. "I see
a compassionate lover of God and others, whose genuine kindness, generosity,
and faithfulness have made a difference in so many lives." When I noticed
the tears brimming her eyes, I said, "I think you need a tiara!" Later that
afternoon, we picked out the perfect crown for my friend so she would never
forget her true identity.
When we come to know Jesus personally, He crowns us with love and calls us His
children (1 John 3:1). He gives us the power to persevere in faith so that "we
may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming" (2:28). Though He
accepts us as we are, His love purifies us and transforms us into His likeness
(3:2-3). He helps us recognize our need for Him and repent as we rejoice in
the power to turn away from sin (vv. 7-9). We can live in faithful obedience
and love (v. 10), with His truth hidden in our hearts and His Spirit present
in our lives.
My friend didn't really need a tiara or any other trinket that day. But we
both needed the reminder of our worth as God's beloved children.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
What personal faults and past failings have you allowed to determine
your identity? How can knowing you're loved, chosen, and crowned as God's
child help you live in righteousness and love?
Loving God, thank You for reminding me that who I am is based
on whose I am-Yours, simply Yours.
Learn more about your own identity.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 6 - Eternal Life, Beginning now
John 10:28 - I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand.
In C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, one of the Spirits in heaven, identifying
himself as George MacDonald, makes some startling statements on the nature of
eternal life. Depending upon the individual's choice for or against Christ,
MacDonald says, everything in life takes on the character of haven or hell.
"At the end of ALL THINGS, when the sun rises here (in heaven) and the twilight
turns to blackness down there, the Blessed will say, 'We have never lived
anywhere except in Heaven,' and the Lost, 'We were always in Hell.'
And both will speak truly" - From the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.
Lewis was not trying to make a theological case, but to demonstrate
a principle: eternal life begins now.
The choices that we make for or against obedience to God, the life we live,
the patterns we establish, all move us in one direction of the other.
And when we have decided to choose obedience to God (the forsakeness of sin),
when we give ourselves fully into his hands, he is able to take the worst of
circumstances and redeem them for our good, use them to mature us in his image.
Again Jesus says in John 10:28
"I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand. "
In Christ is a very secure place to be. No experience is lost, no pain is
wasted. Everything in our lives is redeemed by God for our benefit.
Application
a) How have I experienced the truth that "eternal life begins now"?
b) How can this verse help me put life in perspective during times
of stress and anxiety?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Is 55:11
11 (Isa 45:23; 46:10) so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
it shall not return to Me void,
but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are ill or injured
James 5:13-16
13 (Ps 50:15; Eph 5:19) Is anyone among you suffering?
Let him pray. Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.
14 (Mk 6:13; 16:18; Ac 14:23) Is anyone sick among you?
Let him call for the elders of the church,
and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil
in the name of the Lord.
15 (Isa 33:24; Jas 1:6) And the prayer of faith will save
the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
And if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
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?)
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 facity, 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 notherern 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
3rd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the province of Alberta as follows:
I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, 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
)
b) Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and to draw Canadian to faith in Christ.
( John 16:8 - When He comes,
He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment: ,
Matthew 9:36 - But when He saw the crowds
, He was moved with compassion for them,
because they fainted and were scattered, like sheep without a shepherd )
Advent Day 6
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle - Joel Heck
"The Incarnation was God's 'weak moment':
when Omnipotence becomes a baby in a manger it
has 'weakened' itself....The temptation ...
is precisely a temptation to evade
the self-imposed weaknesses, to be strong, omnipotent,
again- to make stones into bread,
to be emperor of the world, to do 'levitations'.
The weakness was the strength." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, pp. 409ff.)
Strength in Weakness
In this age of professional athletes, health clubs, bodybuilding,
and advances in medical science, nutrition, and natural foods,
we have trouble identifying with the idea of strength in weakness.
The apostle Paul did also, at first, until God spoke to him of
the suffiÂciency of his grace. Jesus himself showed strength
in weakness at the time he was tempted by the devil, as Lewis
wrote in this letter. More than that, the Incarnation is
the best example of weakness self-imposed weakness.
How can weakness be strength? When I tell my spouse, or even my children,
"I'm sorry," I may seem weak. But they don't think of it as weakness.
Only a strong person can apologize. When I share some of my innermost
thoughts, I am vulnerable. However, when I open myself to another person,
I often find it strengthens the relaÂtionship. When I realize my own
strengths and weaknesses, I learn to rely on other people.
That, too, is strength. God put us into the body of Christ to be dependent
on one another. That's strength in weakness,
because it draws on the strengths of others.
So when God says, "My power is made perfect in weakness," we can believe it.
When I learn to rely on God's grace, instead of my own strength, God works
in me. I leave matters in God's hands. I wait upon the Spirit (Acts 1:4).
I trust that God is working out his plan (Rom. 8:28). He is "able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." (Eph. 3:20). God said it.
That should settle it.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to know that our weak moments are so often
the times when your strength is at work in us. Amen.
9 (Php 4:13; 2Co 12:10; Isa 40:29-31) But He said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
Fulfilling Service
... They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple'
-Luke 1:22b
My title is meant to have double meanings.
Zechariah indubitably completed his service in the Temple, and he
certainly found it gratifying as he did so. Subsequently, his wife
and he consummated their marriage, and she praised God for looking
favourably upon her and taking away her disgrace for not yet having borne
a child.
Moreover, those who waited for Zechariah at the Temple discerned
another aspect of the priest's service-that he had seen a vision.
What else could they deduce when he returned later than expected
from offering the incense and reappeared stricken with muteness?
Nevertheless, his face must have displayed great bewilderment
and perhaps bliss at the thought of having a child in his old age.
To what service has God called you? Have you experienced any moments
of fulfillment lately? Have you received from anyone (representing God?)
good news that refreshed you with wonder? Has a member of your family
encountered any situation that nourished him/her with great exhilaration?
prayer
Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Read Luke 1:21-25.
21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited
so long in the temple.
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them
and remained speechless.
23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,
he departed to his own home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months
she hid herself, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
From the Ah-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimmler
FIRST FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADVENTure!
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"(Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!" MATTHEW 21:9
Advent is a great ADVENTure. Just like Christ's adventure into Jerusalem
on Palm Sunday As you read today's Scripture, what is it about this
ADVENTure that stands out for you? If you had beer there as part of the
crowd in the Palm Sunday parade, what would you have been thinking?
I am reminded of the story about the little girl who home from
worship and asked her parents. "Who's Anna?" When neither Mom nor
Dad could understand what she was asking, they queried, ''Why are you
asking that question?" The girl simply responded, "In church we're always
singing, 'Who's Anna? Who's Anna'?l' And I don't even know her!"
Advent reminds us that any time we are in the presence of "he who comes
In the name of the Lord," we are on an extraordinary ADVENTure! In many
ways, the beginning of our Advent journey this week is similar to Christ's
journey on Palm Sunday: from Jerusalem .. . through the streets and
villages . . . to the cross . . . and finally to the empty tomb! Because oof His
ADVENTure, we are able to shout. "Hosanna--save us,. Lord!" during our
ADVENTure to Bethlehem. .. and then beyond to Good Friday and 'Easter'!
enjoy your ADVENTure in the Lord today!
PRAYER: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 21:1-11
Matthew 21
The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem
Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:28-38; Jn 12:12-19
1 (Mt 24:3; 26:30) When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage,
on the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
2 saying to them, "Go over into the village opposite you,
and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her.
Untie them and bring them to Me.
3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.'
And he will send them immediately."
4 (Mt 1:22; Jn 12:15) All this was done to fulfill
what was spoken by the prophet, saying:
5 (Isa 62:11; Ge 49:10) "Tell the daughter of Zion,
'Look, your King is coming to you,
humble, and sitting on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'Zec 9:9."
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their garments on them,
and He sat on them.
8 (2Ki 9:13) A very large crowd spread their garments on the road.
Others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' (Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!"
10 When He entered Jerusalem, the entire city was moved,
saying, "Who is He?"
11 (Lk 7:16; Jn 6:14) The crowds said, "This is Jesus,
the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and Thank Him for you are a Minister of Reconcilation.
Pray to the Lord "Loving God, thank You for reminding me that who I am is
based on whose I am-Yours, simply Yours."
Pray to the Lord and remember Eternity starts now.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him that His Word does not return void.
Pray to the Lord and confess your sins.
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 the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and to draw Canadian to faith in Christ.
Prayer: Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Pray: Gracious Lord, thank you for including us in your intentions
for the growth of faith. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
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)
2 Corinthians 5 - 9
2 Corinthians 5
1 (2Co 4:7; 2Pe 1:13-14) We know that if our earthly house, this tent,
were to be destroyed, we have an eternal building of God in the heavens,
a house not made with hands.
2 (Ro 8:23; 1Co 15:53-54) In this one we groan, earnestly desiring to be
sheltered with our house which is from heaven.
3 Thus being sheltered, we shall not be found unsheltered.
4 (1Co 15:53-54) For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened,
not because we wish to be unclothed, but to be further clothed,
so that what is mortal might be swallowed up by life.
5 (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22) Now He who has created us for this very thing is God,
who also has given to us the guarantee of the Spirit.
6 (Heb 11:13) Therefore we are always confident, knowing that while we are
at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.
7 (1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:18) For we walk by faith, not by sight.
8 Instead, I say that we are confident and willing to be absent from the body
and to be present with the Lord.
9 So whether present or absent, we labor that we may be accepted by Him.
10 (Mt 16:27; Ac 10:42_ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ, that each one may receive his recompense in the body, according
to what he has done, whether it was good or bad.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 (Heb 10:31; Jude 1:23) Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord,
we persuade men. But we are revealed to God, and I trust we are also
revealed in your consciences.
12 (2Co 1:14; 3:1) For we are not commending ourselves again to you.
Instead, we give you occasion to boast on our behalf, that you may
have something to answer those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
13 (2Co 11:1; 11:16-17) If we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are
in our right mind, it is for you.
14 (Ro 5:15) For the love of Christ constrains us, because we thus judge:
that if one died for all, then all have died.
15 (Ro 14:7-9) And He died for all, that those who live should not from
now on live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 (Php 3:7-8) So from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh.
Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we do not
regard Him as such from now on.
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have
become new.
18 (Ro 5:10-11; 1Jn 2:2) All this is from God, who has reconciled us to
Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of
reconciliation,
19 (Isa 43:25; Mt 1:23) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world
to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the
message of reconciliation.
20 (2Co 6:1; Eph 6:20) So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ's stead: Be reconciled to
God.
21 (Ro 1:17; 1Co 1:30) God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we
might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 6
1 (1Co 3:9; Heb 12:15) As workers together with God, we ask you not to receive
the grace of God in vain.
2 (Isa 49:8; Lk 4:19) For He says:
"In an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and in the day of salvation I have helped you." (Isa 49:8.)
Look, now is the accepted time; look, now is the day of salvation.
3 (1Co 9:12; Ro 14:13) We give no offense in anything, that our service may
not be blamed.
4 (1Co 3:5; 2Co 3:6) But in all things we commend ourselves as servants
of God: in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distress,
5 (2Co 11:23-25; Ac 17:5) in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors,
in sleeplessness, and in hunger;
6 (Ro 12:9; 2Co 11:6) by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness,
by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love,
7 (2Co 4:2; Eph 1:13) by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour
of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 (Mt 27:63; Ro 3:8) by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report;
as deceivers, and yet true;
9 (Ro 8:36; 1Co 4:9) as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and look, we
live; as punished, but not killed;
10 (Jn 16:22; 2Co 8:9) as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making
many rich; and as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
11 (Ps 119:32; 2Co 12:15) O Corinthians, we have spoken frankly to you;
our heart is opened wide.
12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own
affections.
13 In return (I speak as to my children) you also be open.
The Temple of the Living God
14 (1Co 5:9; 7:39) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness?
What communion has light with darkness?
15 What agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what part has he who believes
with an unbeliever?
16 (Lev 26:12; Ex 29:45) What agreement has the temple of God with idols?
For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
"I will live in them
and walk in them.
I will be their God,
and they shall be My people."(Lev 26:12; Jer 32:38; Eze 37:27.)
17 (Isa 52:11; Rev 18:4) Therefore,
“Come out from among them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
and I will receive you." (Jer 9:24.)
18 (Isa 43:6; Jer 31:9) "I will be a Father to you,
and you shall be My sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty." (2Sa 7:14.)
2 Corinthians 7
1 (Pr 8:13; 2Co 6:17-18) Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Paul's Joy at the Church's Repentance
2 (Ac 20:33) Accept us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one,
and we have defrauded no one.
3 (2Co 6:11-12) I do not say this to condemn you, for I have said before
that you are in our hearts, so that we would die or live with you.
4 (2Co 1:4; 3:12) Great is my boldness of speech toward you; great is
my boasting of you. I am filled with comfort, and I am exceedingly joyful
in all our tribulation.
5 (Dt 32:25; 2Co 2:13) For when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest,
and we were troubled on every side. On the outside were conflicts; on the
inside were fears.
6 (2Co 1:3-4; 7:13) Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us
through the coming of Titus,
7 and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was
comforted in you, when he told us about your sincere desire, your mourning,
and your zeal toward me, so that I rejoiced even more.
8 Though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it, though
I did regret it. For I perceive that this same letter has caused you sorrow,
though only for a while.
9 (Ac 20:21) Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that your
sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorrowful in a godly way, that
you might not suffer loss in any way through us.
10 (Ac 11:18; 2Sa 12:13) Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads
to salvation and brings no regret, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
11 (2Co 7:7) For observe this very thing, which you sorrowed in a godly way:
What carefulness it produced in you, what vindication of yourselves, what
indignation, what fear, what intense desire, what zeal, what avenging
of wrong! In all things you have proven yourselves to be innocent in this
matter.
12 (2Co 2:9) So though I wrote to you, I did it not because of him who had
done the wrong, nor because of him who suffered wrong, but that our care
for you in the sight of God might be evident to you.
13 (2Co 7:6; Ro 15:32) Therefore we were comforted in your comfort.
Yes, and we were exceedingly the more joyful for the sake of Titus,
because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
14 (2Co 7:4; 8:24) So I am not ashamed if I have boasted of anything to him
regarding you. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even our boasting
in the presence of Titus is found to be true.
15 (Php 2:12; 2Co 2:9) Now his affection abounds all the more toward you, as
he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you
received him.
16 (2Co 2:3) Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.
2 Corinthians 8
Liberal Giving
1 (Ac 16:9) Moreover, brothers, we want you to experience the grace of God
bestowed on the churches of Macedonia,
2 how in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their
deep poverty overflowed toward the riches of their generous giving.
3 (1Co 16:2) For I bear record that according to their means,
and beyond their means, they freely gave,
4 (Ac 24:17; 1Co 16:3-4) begging us with much urgency that we would receive
the gift and the fellowship of ministering to the saints.
5 This they did, not as we expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord,
and then to us by the will of God.
6 (2Co 12:18; 8:4) So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also
complete this gracious deed for you.
7 (2Co 9:8; 1Co 1:5; Ro 15:14) But as you abound in everything-in faith, in
utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to
us-see that you abound in this grace also.
8 (1Co 7:6) I say this not as a command, but to prove through the authenticity
of others, the sincerity also of your love.
9 (Mt 20:28; 2Co 6:10; 13:14) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that through His
poverty you might be rich.
10 (1Co 7:25; 2Co 9:2) And in this matter I give my advice. It is appropriate
for you, who began last year not only to give, but also to willingly give.
11 Now therefore complete the task, so that, as there was a willingness to do
so, there may be a performance of it according to your means.
12 (2Co 9:7) For if there is a willing mind first, the gift is accepted
according to what a man possesses and not according to what he does not
possess.
13 I do not mean that other men have relief, and you be burdened,
14 (2Co 9:12; Ac 4:34_ but for equality, that your abundance now at this time
may supply their need, and their abundance may supply your need-that there
may be equality.
15 (Ex 16:18) As it is written, "He who gathered much had no excess. And he
who gathered little had no lack."(Ex 16:18.)
16 (Rev 17:17) But thanks be to God, who placed the same sincere care
in the heart of Titus for you.
17 (2Co 8:6) For indeed he accepted the exhortation. But being more zealous,
he went to you of his own accord.
18 (2Co 12:18; 1Co 7:17) And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is
in the gospel throughout all the churches.
19 (1Co 16:3-4; 2Co 4:15) And not only that, but he was also chosen
by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which we administer
to the glory of the same Lord, and to declare your willing mind,
20 to prevent any man from blaming us in administering this abundant gift,
21 (Ro 12:17; 14:18) providing for honest things, not only in the sight
of the Lord but also in the sight of men.
22 Furthermore, we have sent with them our brother whom we have frequently
proved diligent in many things, but now is much more diligent,
due to the great confidence which he has in you.
23 (Php 2:25; Phm 1:17; 2Co 8:6) If anyone inquires about Titus,
he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you.
Or if our brothers are inquired about, they are the messengers
of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24 (2Co 7:14; 7:4) Therefore show to them, and before the churches,
the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
2 Corinthians 9
The Offering for the Saints
1 It is redundant for me to write to you concerning the ministry
to the saints.
2 (2Co 8:10; 8:8; 8:24) I know your willingness, for which I boast
of you to those in Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago,
and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
3 (2Co 8:6) Yet I have sent the brothers, lest our boasting of you might
be in vain in this case, that, as I said, you may be ready;
4 and lest if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared,
we (not to mention you) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.
5 (Ge 33:11; 1Sa 25:27) Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the
brothers to go ahead to you and arrange beforehand your bountiful gift you
previously promised, that it might be prepared as a gift, not as a matter of
greed.
6 (Pr 22:9; Lk 6:38) But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 (Ex 25:2; 2Co 8:12) Let every man give according to the purposes
in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful
giver.
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you,
always having enough of everything, may abound to every good work.
9 (Ps 112:9) As it is written:
"He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor;
His righteousness remains forever."(Ps 112:9.)
10 (Isa 55:10; Hos 10:12) Now He who supplies seed to the sower and supplies
bread for your food will also multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits
of your righteousness.
11 (2Co 1:11; 1Co 1:5) So you will be enriched in everything to all
bountifulness, which makes us give thanks to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the need
of the saints, but is abundant also through many thanksgivings to God.
13 (Mt 5:16) Meanwhile, through the performance of this ministry,
they glorify God for the profession of your faith in the gospel of Christ
and for your liberal sharing with them and with all others.
14 And in their prayer for you, they long for you because of the surpassing
grace of God in you.
15 (2Co 2:14; Jn 3:16) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
2) Our Daily Bread for 3 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/03/truth-and-tiaras
entitled True Identity
1 John 2:28 - 3:10
Children of God
28 (1Jn 3:2; 4:17) And now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He
appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him when He comes.
29 (1Jn 3:7; 5:1) If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone
who does righteousness is born of Him.
1 John 3
1 (Jn 1:12; 3:16) Consider how much love the Father has given to us, that we
should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know us,
because it did not know Him. '=
2 (Ro 8:18; 8:29) Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been
revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like
Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
3 (2Co 7:1; 2Pe 3:14) Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself,
just as He is pure.
4 (1Jn 5:17; Ro 4:15; 3:20) Whoever practices sin breaks the law, for sin is
lawlessness.
5 (2Co 5:21; Heb 9:28) You know that He was revealed to take away our sins,
and in Him there is no sin.
6 (3Jn 1:11; 1Jn 2:4; 3:9) Whoever remains in Him does not sin.
Whoever sins has not seen Him and does not know Him.
7 (1Jn 2:26; 2:29) Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who does
righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
8 (Jn 8:44; Mt 13:38) Whoever practices sin is of the devil, for the devil
has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God
was revealed, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
9 (1Jn 5:18; Jn 1:13; 1Pe 1:23) Whoever has been born of God does not practice
sin, for His seed remains in him. And he cannot keep on sinning, because
he has been born of God.
10 (1Jn 4:8; Mt 13:38) In this the children of God and the children of
the devil are revealed: Whoever does not live in righteousness is not of God,
nor is the one who does not love his brother.
As my friend reviewed the pictures I took of her, she pointed out the physical
characteristics she saw as imperfections. I asked her to look closer. "I see a
beautiful and beloved daughter of the Almighty King of Kings," I said. "I see
a compassionate lover of God and others, whose genuine kindness, generosity,
and faithfulness have made a difference in so many lives." When I noticed
the tears brimming her eyes, I said, "I think you need a tiara!" Later that
afternoon, we picked out the perfect crown for my friend so she would never
forget her true identity.
When we come to know Jesus personally, He crowns us with love and calls us His
children (1 John 3:1). He gives us the power to persevere in faith so that "we
may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming" (2:28). Though He
accepts us as we are, His love purifies us and transforms us into His likeness
(3:2-3). He helps us recognize our need for Him and repent as we rejoice in
the power to turn away from sin (vv. 7-9). We can live in faithful obedience
and love (v. 10), with His truth hidden in our hearts and His Spirit present
in our lives.
My friend didn't really need a tiara or any other trinket that day. But we
both needed the reminder of our worth as God's beloved children.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
What personal faults and past failings have you allowed to determine
your identity? How can knowing you're loved, chosen, and crowned as God's
child help you live in righteousness and love?
Loving God, thank You for reminding me that who I am is based
on whose I am-Yours, simply Yours.
Learn more about your own identity.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 6 - Eternal Life, Beginning now
John 10:28 - I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand.
In C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, one of the Spirits in heaven, identifying
himself as George MacDonald, makes some startling statements on the nature of
eternal life. Depending upon the individual's choice for or against Christ,
MacDonald says, everything in life takes on the character of haven or hell.
"At the end of ALL THINGS, when the sun rises here (in heaven) and the twilight
turns to blackness down there, the Blessed will say, 'We have never lived
anywhere except in Heaven,' and the Lost, 'We were always in Hell.'
And both will speak truly" - From the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.
Lewis was not trying to make a theological case, but to demonstrate
a principle: eternal life begins now.
The choices that we make for or against obedience to God, the life we live,
the patterns we establish, all move us in one direction of the other.
And when we have decided to choose obedience to God (the forsakeness of sin),
when we give ourselves fully into his hands, he is able to take the worst of
circumstances and redeem them for our good, use them to mature us in his image.
Again Jesus says in John 10:28
"I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand. "
In Christ is a very secure place to be. No experience is lost, no pain is
wasted. Everything in our lives is redeemed by God for our benefit.
Application
a) How have I experienced the truth that "eternal life begins now"?
b) How can this verse help me put life in perspective during times
of stress and anxiety?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Is 55:11
11 (Isa 45:23; 46:10) so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
it shall not return to Me void,
but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are ill or injured
James 5:13-16
13 (Ps 50:15; Eph 5:19) Is anyone among you suffering?
Let him pray. Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.
14 (Mk 6:13; 16:18; Ac 14:23) Is anyone sick among you?
Let him call for the elders of the church,
and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil
in the name of the Lord.
15 (Isa 33:24; Jas 1:6) And the prayer of faith will save
the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
And if he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
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?)
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 facity, 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 notherern 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
3rd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the province of Alberta as follows:
I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, 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
)
b) Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and to draw Canadian to faith in Christ.
( John 16:8 - When He comes,
He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment: ,
Matthew 9:36 - But when He saw the crowds
, He was moved with compassion for them,
because they fainted and were scattered, like sheep without a shepherd )
Advent Day 6
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle - Joel Heck
"The Incarnation was God's 'weak moment':
when Omnipotence becomes a baby in a manger it
has 'weakened' itself....The temptation ...
is precisely a temptation to evade
the self-imposed weaknesses, to be strong, omnipotent,
again- to make stones into bread,
to be emperor of the world, to do 'levitations'.
The weakness was the strength." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, pp. 409ff.)
Strength in Weakness
In this age of professional athletes, health clubs, bodybuilding,
and advances in medical science, nutrition, and natural foods,
we have trouble identifying with the idea of strength in weakness.
The apostle Paul did also, at first, until God spoke to him of
the suffiÂciency of his grace. Jesus himself showed strength
in weakness at the time he was tempted by the devil, as Lewis
wrote in this letter. More than that, the Incarnation is
the best example of weakness self-imposed weakness.
How can weakness be strength? When I tell my spouse, or even my children,
"I'm sorry," I may seem weak. But they don't think of it as weakness.
Only a strong person can apologize. When I share some of my innermost
thoughts, I am vulnerable. However, when I open myself to another person,
I often find it strengthens the relaÂtionship. When I realize my own
strengths and weaknesses, I learn to rely on other people.
That, too, is strength. God put us into the body of Christ to be dependent
on one another. That's strength in weakness,
because it draws on the strengths of others.
So when God says, "My power is made perfect in weakness," we can believe it.
When I learn to rely on God's grace, instead of my own strength, God works
in me. I leave matters in God's hands. I wait upon the Spirit (Acts 1:4).
I trust that God is working out his plan (Rom. 8:28). He is "able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." (Eph. 3:20). God said it.
That should settle it.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to know that our weak moments are so often
the times when your strength is at work in us. Amen.
9 (Php 4:13; 2Co 12:10; Isa 40:29-31) But He said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
Fulfilling Service
... They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple'
-Luke 1:22b
My title is meant to have double meanings.
Zechariah indubitably completed his service in the Temple, and he
certainly found it gratifying as he did so. Subsequently, his wife
and he consummated their marriage, and she praised God for looking
favourably upon her and taking away her disgrace for not yet having borne
a child.
Moreover, those who waited for Zechariah at the Temple discerned
another aspect of the priest's service-that he had seen a vision.
What else could they deduce when he returned later than expected
from offering the incense and reappeared stricken with muteness?
Nevertheless, his face must have displayed great bewilderment
and perhaps bliss at the thought of having a child in his old age.
To what service has God called you? Have you experienced any moments
of fulfillment lately? Have you received from anyone (representing God?)
good news that refreshed you with wonder? Has a member of your family
encountered any situation that nourished him/her with great exhilaration?
prayer
Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Read Luke 1:21-25.
21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited
so long in the temple.
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them
and remained speechless.
23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,
he departed to his own home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months
she hid herself, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
From the Ah-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimmler
FIRST FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADVENTure!
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"(Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!" MATTHEW 21:9
Advent is a great ADVENTure. Just like Christ's adventure into Jerusalem
on Palm Sunday As you read today's Scripture, what is it about this
ADVENTure that stands out for you? If you had beer there as part of the
crowd in the Palm Sunday parade, what would you have been thinking?
I am reminded of the story about the little girl who home from
worship and asked her parents. "Who's Anna?" When neither Mom nor
Dad could understand what she was asking, they queried, ''Why are you
asking that question?" The girl simply responded, "In church we're always
singing, 'Who's Anna? Who's Anna'?l' And I don't even know her!"
Advent reminds us that any time we are in the presence of "he who comes
In the name of the Lord," we are on an extraordinary ADVENTure! In many
ways, the beginning of our Advent journey this week is similar to Christ's
journey on Palm Sunday: from Jerusalem .. . through the streets and
villages . . . to the cross . . . and finally to the empty tomb! Because oof His
ADVENTure, we are able to shout. "Hosanna--save us,. Lord!" during our
ADVENTure to Bethlehem. .. and then beyond to Good Friday and 'Easter'!
enjoy your ADVENTure in the Lord today!
PRAYER: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 21:1-11
Matthew 21
The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem
Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:28-38; Jn 12:12-19
1 (Mt 24:3; 26:30) When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage,
on the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
2 saying to them, "Go over into the village opposite you,
and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her.
Untie them and bring them to Me.
3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.'
And he will send them immediately."
4 (Mt 1:22; Jn 12:15) All this was done to fulfill
what was spoken by the prophet, saying:
5 (Isa 62:11; Ge 49:10) "Tell the daughter of Zion,
'Look, your King is coming to you,
humble, and sitting on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'Zec 9:9."
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their garments on them,
and He sat on them.
8 (2Ki 9:13) A very large crowd spread their garments on the road.
Others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' (Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!"
10 When He entered Jerusalem, the entire city was moved,
saying, "Who is He?"
11 (Lk 7:16; Jn 6:14) The crowds said, "This is Jesus,
the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and Thank Him for you are a Minister of Reconcilation.
Pray to the Lord "Loving God, thank You for reminding me that who I am is
based on whose I am-Yours, simply Yours."
Pray to the Lord and remember Eternity starts now.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him that His Word does not return void.
Pray to the Lord and confess your sins.
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 the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and to draw Canadian to faith in Christ.
Prayer: Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Pray: Gracious Lord, thank you for including us in your intentions
for the growth of faith. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
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.