Day 343 - 9 December 2021 reflections
Day 343, 9 December 2021
1)
Romans 14 - 16
Romans 14
Do Not Judge Your Brother
1 (Ro 15:1; 15:7) Welcome him who is weak in faith, but not
for the purpose of arguing over opinions.
2 (Ro 14:14) For one has faith to eat all things,
but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
3 (Lk 18:9; Ro 14:10) Do not let him who eats despise him who does
not eat, and do not let him who does not eat judge him who eats,
for God has welcomed him.
4 (Ro 9:20) Who are you to judge another man's servant? To his
own master he stands or falls. And he will stand,
for God is able to make him stand.
5 (Ro 14:23) One man judges one day above another;
another judges every day alike. Let each one be fully persuaded
in his own mind.
6 (Mt 14:19; 15:36) He who observes the day observes it for the Lord,
and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.
He who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, for he gives thanks to God;
and the one who does not eat, in honour of the Lord he does not eat,
and gives thanks to God.
7 (2Co 5:15; 1Th 5:10) For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies
for himself.
8 (Php 1:20; 1Th 5:10) For if we live, we live for the Lord. And if we die,
we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
9 (Rev 1:18; Mt 28:18; Lk 24:26) For to this end Christ died and rose
and lived again, so that He might be Lord of both the dead and living.
10 (2Co 5:10; Ro 2:16; 1Co 4:5) So why do you judge your brother? Or why do
you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat
of Christ.
11 For it is written:
"As I live, says the Lord,
every knee shall bow to Me,
and every tongue shall confess to God."(Isa 45:23.)
12 (Mt 12:36; 1Pe 4:5) So then each of us shall give
an account of himself to God.
Do Not Make Your Brother Stumble
13 (Mt 7:1) Therefore let us no longer pass judgment on one another,
but rather determine not to put a stumbling block
or an obstacle in a brother's way.
14 (1Co 8:7; Ro 14:2) I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus
that nothing is unclean in itself, but to him who considers anything to be
unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 (Eph 5:2) If your brother is grieved because of your food, you are
no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food one
for whom Christ died.
16 (Ro 12:17; 1Co 10:29-30) So do not let what is good to you be spoken
of as evil.
17 (Ro 15:13; 1Co 8:8; Gal 5:22) For the kingdom of God does not mean
eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy
Spirit.
18 (2Co 8:21; Ro 16:18) For he who serves Christ in these things
is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 (Ps 34:14; Ro 15:2) Therefore let us pursue the things which
produce peace and the things that build up one another.
20 (Ro 14:14-15; Ac 10:15) Do not destroy the work of God for the
sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but it is evil for the man
who causes someone to fall by what he eats.
21 (1Co 8:13) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine,
nor do anything whereby your brother stumbles or is offended
or is made weak.
22 (1Jn 3:21) The faith that you have, have as your own conviction
before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats,
because it is not from faith, for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Romans 15
Please Others, Not Yourself
1 (Ro 14:1; 1Th 5:14) We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses
of the weak and not please ourselves.
2 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 10:24) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,
leading to edification.
3 (Ps 69:9; Jn 5:30) For even Christ did not please Himself.
But as it is written, "The insults of those who insulted You fell on Me."
(Ps 69:9).
4 (Ro 4:23-24) For whatever was previously written was written
for our instruction, so that through perseverance and encouragement
of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 (Ro 12:16; 1Co 1:10) Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement
grant you to live in harmony with one another in accordance with Christ
Jesus,
6 (Eph 1:3; Jn 20:17) so that together you may with one voice glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us,
for the glory of God.
8 (Mt 15:24; 2Co 1:20) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become
a servant to the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God,
to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
9 (2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49) and that the Gentiles might glorify God
for His mercy, as it is written:
"For this reason I will acknowledge You among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to Your name."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Dt 32:43) He also says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"(Dt 32:43.)
11 (Ps 117:1) And again:
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise Him."(Ps 117:1.)
12 (Isa 11:10; Mt 12:21) And again Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in Him shall the Gentiles hope."(Isa 11:10.)
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul's Missionary Commission
14 (1Co 8:1; 8:7) Now I myself am persuaded concerning you, my brothers,
that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and also
able to instruct one another.
15 (Ro 12:3; 1:5) Nevertheless, brothers, I have written even more boldly
to you on some points, to remind you, because of the grace that is given to
me from God,
16 (Php 2:17; Ro 11:13; Ac 9:15) that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ
to the Gentiles, in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that
the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified
by the Holy Spirit.
17 (Heb 5:1; Php 3:3) In Christ Jesus therefore I have reason to boast
in my service to God.
18 (Ac 15:12; 21:19) For I will not dare to speak of anything except
what Christ has accomplished through me, to make the Gentiles obedient,
by word and deed,
19 (Ac 22:17-21; 2Co 12:12) by the power of signs and wonders,
by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem
and as far around as Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel
of Christ.
20 (2Co 10:13-16) So I have strived to preach the gospel,
not where Christ was named, so that I should not build on another man's
foundation.
21 (Isa 52:15) But as it is written:
"To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
and those who have not heard shall understand."(Isa 52:15.)
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
22 (Ro 1:13) For this reason also I was often hindered from coming to you.
23 (Ro 15:32; Ac 19:21) But now, no longer having a place in these regions,
and having a great desire for many years to come to you,
24 (Ro 15:28; Ac 15:3) whenever I go to Spain, I shall come to you,
for I hope to see you when I pass through and to be helped on my way
there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a little while.
25 (Ac 19:21; 24:17) But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the
saints.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make some contribution
for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
27 (1Co 9:11; Gal 6:6) It has pleased them indeed, and they are their
debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things,
they also ought to minister to them in material things.
28 (Ro 15:24) Therefore, when I have completed this and have given this
blessing to them, I shall come by way of you to Spain,
29 and I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 (2Co 1:11; Col 4:12) Now I ask you, brothers, through the Lord Jesus
Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in
your prayers to God on my behalf,
31 (2Th 3:2; 2Co 8:4) that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in
Judea, and that my ministry for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:18) so that I may come to you with joy by the will
of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33 (2Co 13:11; Ro 16:20; Php 4:9) Now the God of peace be with you all.
Amen.
Romans 16
Personal Greetings
1 (Ac 18:18; 2Co 3:1) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is
a servant (Or deacon.) of the church at Cenchrea,
2 (Php 2:29) that you welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy
of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter
she may have need of you, for she has been a helper of many
and of myself as well.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I,
but also all the churches of the Gentiles, give thanks.
5 (1Co 16:15; 16:19) Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first convert of Achaia for Christ.
6 (Ro 16:12) Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
7 (Ro 16:11; 16:21) Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen
and fellow prisoners, who are noteworthy among the apostles,
who also came to Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.
Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman.
Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.
Greet the beloved Persis, who also labored much in the Lord.
13 (Mk 15:21) Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother,
who is like a mother to me.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas,
and the brothers who are with them.
15 (Ro 16:2) Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 (1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12) Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The churches of Christ greet you.
17 (2Th 3:6; 1Ti 1:3) Now I urge you, brothers, to closely watch those
who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the teaching which
you have learned, and avoid them.
18 (Php 3:19; Col 2:4) For such people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ,
but their own appetites, and through smooth talk and flattery they deceive
the hearts of the unsuspecting.
19 (Mt 10:16; Ro 1:8) Your obedience has become known to all men.
Therefore I am glad on your behalf. Yet I want you to be wise to that
which is good, and innocent to that which is evil.
20 (Ge 3:15; Ro 15:33) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 (Ac 20:4; 13:1) Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason,
and Sosipater, my kinsmen, greet you.
22 (Gal 6:11) I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 (Ac 19:22; 1Co 1:14) Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church,
greets you.
Erastus, who is the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Doxology
25 (Ro 2:16; Eph 1:9) Now to Him who has power to establish you according
to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past,
26 (Ro 1:5; 1:2) but now is revealed by the prophetic Scriptures according
to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all the Gentiles
for the obedience of faith,
27 (Ro 11:36; 1Ti 1:17) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/09/a-great-multitude
entitled A Great Multitude
Revelation 7:9-12
The Multitude From Every Nation
9 (Rev 5:9; Lev 23:40) Then I looked. And there was a great multitude
which no one could count, from all nations and tribes and peoples
and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,
clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.
10 (Ps 3:8; Rev 19:1) They cried out with a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb!"
11 (Rev 4:6; 4:10) All the angels stood around the throne
and the elders and the four living creatures
and fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God,
12 (Rev 5:12–14; 19:4) saying:
"Amen!
Blessing and glory
and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever!
Amen."
We came together for our Sunday morning church service with joy
and anticipation. Although we were spatially distanced because
of the coronavirus pandemic, we welcomed the opportunity to celebrate
Gavin and Tijana’s wedding. Our technologically gifted Iranian friends
broadcast the service to friends and family spread out geographically
-including in Spain, Poland, and Serbia. This creative approach helped
us overcome the constraints as we rejoiced in the covenant of marriage.
God's Spirit united us and gave us joy.
That Sunday morning with our wonderfully multinational congregation
was a small taste of the glory to come when people from "every nation, tribe, people and language" will stand before God in heaven
(Revelation 7:9). The beloved disciple John glimpsed this "great
multitude" in a vision he recounts in the book of Revelation.
There those gathered will worship God together along with the angels
and elders: "Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever" (v. 12).
The union and marriage of Jesus and His international bride
in the “wedding supper of the Lamb†(19:9) will be an amazing time
of worship and celebration. Our experience at our Sunday church service
with people from many nations points to this celebration that one day
we'll enjoy.
While we wait in hope for that joyful event,
we can embrace the practice of feasting and rejoicing among God's people.
By: Amy Boucher Pye
Reflect & Pray
How do you picture the wedding supper of the Lamb?
How does being invited to this celebration affect your daily life?
Lamb of God, thank You for the invitation
to the heavenly wedding.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 5 - 1 John 1:9
9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
"If God already knows everything about me, everything I've done,
then why do I need to confess it?" Grant struggled with a common
dilemma for many Christians. Indeed, God, knew all his sin - much
better than Grant did himself. But Grant needed to confess,
not for God's benefit, but for his own. Grant needed to agree with God
that his sin was wrong, and put himself in a position to receive God's
grace in forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 make the process quit clear. We confess,
and God forgives and cleanses. Many of us, however, want to take on
God's part as well. We confess, agreeing with God that our sin is wrong.
But then we proceed to try to 'clean up our act,'bargaining with God,
promising that if he will forgive us just this once,
we won't ever to it again.
The problem is, we can never keep such a promise.
We probably will do it again, and then we are back where we started,
begging for forgiveness, and trying once more to cleanse
ourselves for our unrighteousness.
God offers freedom from such futile performance. He says, "Just confess.
Agree that you sinned. Submit yourself to me. Then I'll take over from there."
God's grace does not give us freedom to keep on sinning, of course - we need
to cooperate with the work of his Spirit in our lives and do all we can
to avoid sin. But we do not have to beg God for forgiveness - forgiveness
is offered to us freely.
We do not have to clean up out act before God will accept us; God can make
the necessary changes in our lives. When we confess, submit ourselves to God,
and allow him to work within us, he is able both to forgive us and to cleanse
us from unrighteousness.
Application
a) In what ways have I bartered with God and tried to "Clean up my act"
in order to deserve his forgiveness?
b) What is my part in confession? What is God's response?
Why it is important for me to recognize God's part in my
confession and forgiveness?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 12:21
21 "So is he who stores up treasure for himself,
and is not rich toward God."
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Impatient
James 5:7-11
Patience and Prayer
7 Therefore be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.
Notice how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth
and is patient with it until he receives the early and late rain.
8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, lest you be condemned.
Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 My brothers, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord,
as an example of suffering and patience.
11 Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job
and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
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 facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far Northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
9th Day of the Month
a) Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout the day for God's unfailing
love, Mercy, compassion, faithfulness and provision.
(
Ps 100
A Psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;
it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise;
be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways to wiesly
and effectively respond to pressing social issues
(
1 Chr 12:32
32 (Est 1:13) From the sons of Issachar,
those having understanding of times
and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains
with all their brothers at their command.
)
Advent Day 12
From C.S.Lewis A Grand miracle by Joel Heck
Thursday, Second Week of Advent
"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God. We do not know... how things would have worked if the
human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy....
You and I are concerned with the way things work now."
- C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 178.)
Why Did He Do It?
Have you ever noticed that children have so many of the same mannerisms as their parents? They walk, gesture, and even laugh like their parents. Children also mimic the bad traits of their par ents, but it is a great compliment to parents that their sons and daughters are like them.
Why did the Son of God become one of us? Certainly not for his own benefit. John says it this way, "But to as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God." Lewis says it similarly, "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God." God didn't become a man to impress anyone, least of all us. God was in the business of raising up us men and women to become like him, people who walk in his ways, who act like he acted and do what he did. Jesus became like us so that we might become like him.
Parents want their children to grow up to be like them. Setting aside our faults for the moment, it is better for them to become like us than to stay children. That is also our Father's intent for us. At times, it is painful when God molds and shapes us to be conformed to the image of his Son. But we become more ourselves when we become like him.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and daughters. Amen.
Verses:
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
John 1:12,
10 (Eph 2:10; 4:23-24; Ro 12:2)and have embraced the new nature,
which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,
Col. 3:10
From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
THURSDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Benediction
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
-Luke 1:42
Mary must have had multiple motives. Soon after she had received
the angel Gabriel's proclamation, she hastened
to the town where Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived.
Probably she went to see for herself that Elizabeth, too, was pregnant.
Perhaps she went, with great love for her relative, to give her assistance
in her last months. Maybe she grasped she would need the practice
of helping to deliver a child.
She travelled a long way-from Nazareth of Galilee in the north
to the hill country of the southern province, Judea-so she had ample
time to ponder all the news Gabriel had given. She had accepted
the LORD's will, and now she had time to comprehend more thoroughly
what it all meant.
Elizabeth's greetings were rapturous. The babe leaped, and she was filled
with the Holy Spirit, so she cried out joyously, "Blessed are you ...
and the fruit of your womb." How much that must have emboldened Mary!
Prayer
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Read Luke 1:39-45.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWARENESS!
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
GALATIANS 4:4
It is hard not to be aware that something is happening during these
weeks before Christmas. isn't it? Whether one is a Christian or not, things
are simply different. Take a look around: sparkling, flashing lights on homes
and lawns, halls decked with boughs of holly, a lot of fa-la-la-ing going
on, little kids and bored dads standing in line to see an old fat guy, store
owners singing their favorite carol: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
and on and on and on. I just read of a town that prohibited the Salvation
Army from having their traditional Santas ringing bells outside of stores,
because of a noise pollution ordinance. o a smart marketing person
made two signs for the Santas to hold up. One said "Ding" and the other
said "Dong.' Now that's awareness!
So what's the point? The point is that unless we become intentionally
aware of what Advent and Christmas are all about. we will miss the point.!
Today's reading is the point: When it was time, God sent Jesus unto the
world! Perhaps this message has been heard and used so much that it is
hard to keep aware of the meaning of Christmas: God loves us so much
that Jesus was born, died and rose again for us! Sure, go ahead and
wrap gifts. put trees up, bake cookies, say "ho. ho. ho." But as you do so,
continue to be aware that Christ is Christmas ... period! Please do not be
like a friend who says. "Keep Christ in Xmasl" He still doesn't get it!
Prayer
Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Galatians 4:4-5
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
5 (Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12) to redeem those who were under the law,
that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Conclusion:
Pray to The Lord and pray to spread the gospel with being a stumbling block.
Pray to the Lord "Lamb of God, thank You for the invitation
to the heavenly wedding."
Pray to the Lord and confess all your sins.
Pray to the Lord and pray ti store treasure in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and pray as if you are praying without ceasing.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
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.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout the day for God's unfailing
love, Mercy, compassion, faithfulness and provision.
Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways to wiesly
and effectively respond to pressing social issues
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and daughters. Amen.
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Pray: Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for revival within the Jordanian church.
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)
Romans 14 - 16
Romans 14
Do Not Judge Your Brother
1 (Ro 15:1; 15:7) Welcome him who is weak in faith, but not
for the purpose of arguing over opinions.
2 (Ro 14:14) For one has faith to eat all things,
but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
3 (Lk 18:9; Ro 14:10) Do not let him who eats despise him who does
not eat, and do not let him who does not eat judge him who eats,
for God has welcomed him.
4 (Ro 9:20) Who are you to judge another man's servant? To his
own master he stands or falls. And he will stand,
for God is able to make him stand.
5 (Ro 14:23) One man judges one day above another;
another judges every day alike. Let each one be fully persuaded
in his own mind.
6 (Mt 14:19; 15:36) He who observes the day observes it for the Lord,
and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.
He who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, for he gives thanks to God;
and the one who does not eat, in honour of the Lord he does not eat,
and gives thanks to God.
7 (2Co 5:15; 1Th 5:10) For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies
for himself.
8 (Php 1:20; 1Th 5:10) For if we live, we live for the Lord. And if we die,
we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
9 (Rev 1:18; Mt 28:18; Lk 24:26) For to this end Christ died and rose
and lived again, so that He might be Lord of both the dead and living.
10 (2Co 5:10; Ro 2:16; 1Co 4:5) So why do you judge your brother? Or why do
you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat
of Christ.
11 For it is written:
"As I live, says the Lord,
every knee shall bow to Me,
and every tongue shall confess to God."(Isa 45:23.)
12 (Mt 12:36; 1Pe 4:5) So then each of us shall give
an account of himself to God.
Do Not Make Your Brother Stumble
13 (Mt 7:1) Therefore let us no longer pass judgment on one another,
but rather determine not to put a stumbling block
or an obstacle in a brother's way.
14 (1Co 8:7; Ro 14:2) I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus
that nothing is unclean in itself, but to him who considers anything to be
unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 (Eph 5:2) If your brother is grieved because of your food, you are
no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food one
for whom Christ died.
16 (Ro 12:17; 1Co 10:29-30) So do not let what is good to you be spoken
of as evil.
17 (Ro 15:13; 1Co 8:8; Gal 5:22) For the kingdom of God does not mean
eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy
Spirit.
18 (2Co 8:21; Ro 16:18) For he who serves Christ in these things
is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 (Ps 34:14; Ro 15:2) Therefore let us pursue the things which
produce peace and the things that build up one another.
20 (Ro 14:14-15; Ac 10:15) Do not destroy the work of God for the
sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but it is evil for the man
who causes someone to fall by what he eats.
21 (1Co 8:13) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine,
nor do anything whereby your brother stumbles or is offended
or is made weak.
22 (1Jn 3:21) The faith that you have, have as your own conviction
before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats,
because it is not from faith, for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Romans 15
Please Others, Not Yourself
1 (Ro 14:1; 1Th 5:14) We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses
of the weak and not please ourselves.
2 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 10:24) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,
leading to edification.
3 (Ps 69:9; Jn 5:30) For even Christ did not please Himself.
But as it is written, "The insults of those who insulted You fell on Me."
(Ps 69:9).
4 (Ro 4:23-24) For whatever was previously written was written
for our instruction, so that through perseverance and encouragement
of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 (Ro 12:16; 1Co 1:10) Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement
grant you to live in harmony with one another in accordance with Christ
Jesus,
6 (Eph 1:3; Jn 20:17) so that together you may with one voice glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us,
for the glory of God.
8 (Mt 15:24; 2Co 1:20) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become
a servant to the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God,
to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
9 (2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49) and that the Gentiles might glorify God
for His mercy, as it is written:
"For this reason I will acknowledge You among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to Your name."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Dt 32:43) He also says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"(Dt 32:43.)
11 (Ps 117:1) And again:
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise Him."(Ps 117:1.)
12 (Isa 11:10; Mt 12:21) And again Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in Him shall the Gentiles hope."(Isa 11:10.)
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul's Missionary Commission
14 (1Co 8:1; 8:7) Now I myself am persuaded concerning you, my brothers,
that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and also
able to instruct one another.
15 (Ro 12:3; 1:5) Nevertheless, brothers, I have written even more boldly
to you on some points, to remind you, because of the grace that is given to
me from God,
16 (Php 2:17; Ro 11:13; Ac 9:15) that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ
to the Gentiles, in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that
the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified
by the Holy Spirit.
17 (Heb 5:1; Php 3:3) In Christ Jesus therefore I have reason to boast
in my service to God.
18 (Ac 15:12; 21:19) For I will not dare to speak of anything except
what Christ has accomplished through me, to make the Gentiles obedient,
by word and deed,
19 (Ac 22:17-21; 2Co 12:12) by the power of signs and wonders,
by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem
and as far around as Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel
of Christ.
20 (2Co 10:13-16) So I have strived to preach the gospel,
not where Christ was named, so that I should not build on another man's
foundation.
21 (Isa 52:15) But as it is written:
"To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
and those who have not heard shall understand."(Isa 52:15.)
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
22 (Ro 1:13) For this reason also I was often hindered from coming to you.
23 (Ro 15:32; Ac 19:21) But now, no longer having a place in these regions,
and having a great desire for many years to come to you,
24 (Ro 15:28; Ac 15:3) whenever I go to Spain, I shall come to you,
for I hope to see you when I pass through and to be helped on my way
there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a little while.
25 (Ac 19:21; 24:17) But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the
saints.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make some contribution
for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
27 (1Co 9:11; Gal 6:6) It has pleased them indeed, and they are their
debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things,
they also ought to minister to them in material things.
28 (Ro 15:24) Therefore, when I have completed this and have given this
blessing to them, I shall come by way of you to Spain,
29 and I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 (2Co 1:11; Col 4:12) Now I ask you, brothers, through the Lord Jesus
Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in
your prayers to God on my behalf,
31 (2Th 3:2; 2Co 8:4) that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in
Judea, and that my ministry for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:18) so that I may come to you with joy by the will
of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33 (2Co 13:11; Ro 16:20; Php 4:9) Now the God of peace be with you all.
Amen.
Romans 16
Personal Greetings
1 (Ac 18:18; 2Co 3:1) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is
a servant (Or deacon.) of the church at Cenchrea,
2 (Php 2:29) that you welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy
of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter
she may have need of you, for she has been a helper of many
and of myself as well.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I,
but also all the churches of the Gentiles, give thanks.
5 (1Co 16:15; 16:19) Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first convert of Achaia for Christ.
6 (Ro 16:12) Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
7 (Ro 16:11; 16:21) Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen
and fellow prisoners, who are noteworthy among the apostles,
who also came to Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.
Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman.
Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.
Greet the beloved Persis, who also labored much in the Lord.
13 (Mk 15:21) Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother,
who is like a mother to me.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas,
and the brothers who are with them.
15 (Ro 16:2) Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 (1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12) Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The churches of Christ greet you.
17 (2Th 3:6; 1Ti 1:3) Now I urge you, brothers, to closely watch those
who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the teaching which
you have learned, and avoid them.
18 (Php 3:19; Col 2:4) For such people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ,
but their own appetites, and through smooth talk and flattery they deceive
the hearts of the unsuspecting.
19 (Mt 10:16; Ro 1:8) Your obedience has become known to all men.
Therefore I am glad on your behalf. Yet I want you to be wise to that
which is good, and innocent to that which is evil.
20 (Ge 3:15; Ro 15:33) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 (Ac 20:4; 13:1) Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason,
and Sosipater, my kinsmen, greet you.
22 (Gal 6:11) I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 (Ac 19:22; 1Co 1:14) Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church,
greets you.
Erastus, who is the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Doxology
25 (Ro 2:16; Eph 1:9) Now to Him who has power to establish you according
to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past,
26 (Ro 1:5; 1:2) but now is revealed by the prophetic Scriptures according
to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all the Gentiles
for the obedience of faith,
27 (Ro 11:36; 1Ti 1:17) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/09/a-great-multitude
entitled A Great Multitude
Revelation 7:9-12
The Multitude From Every Nation
9 (Rev 5:9; Lev 23:40) Then I looked. And there was a great multitude
which no one could count, from all nations and tribes and peoples
and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,
clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.
10 (Ps 3:8; Rev 19:1) They cried out with a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb!"
11 (Rev 4:6; 4:10) All the angels stood around the throne
and the elders and the four living creatures
and fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God,
12 (Rev 5:12–14; 19:4) saying:
"Amen!
Blessing and glory
and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever!
Amen."
We came together for our Sunday morning church service with joy
and anticipation. Although we were spatially distanced because
of the coronavirus pandemic, we welcomed the opportunity to celebrate
Gavin and Tijana’s wedding. Our technologically gifted Iranian friends
broadcast the service to friends and family spread out geographically
-including in Spain, Poland, and Serbia. This creative approach helped
us overcome the constraints as we rejoiced in the covenant of marriage.
God's Spirit united us and gave us joy.
That Sunday morning with our wonderfully multinational congregation
was a small taste of the glory to come when people from "every nation, tribe, people and language" will stand before God in heaven
(Revelation 7:9). The beloved disciple John glimpsed this "great
multitude" in a vision he recounts in the book of Revelation.
There those gathered will worship God together along with the angels
and elders: "Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever" (v. 12).
The union and marriage of Jesus and His international bride
in the “wedding supper of the Lamb†(19:9) will be an amazing time
of worship and celebration. Our experience at our Sunday church service
with people from many nations points to this celebration that one day
we'll enjoy.
While we wait in hope for that joyful event,
we can embrace the practice of feasting and rejoicing among God's people.
By: Amy Boucher Pye
Reflect & Pray
How do you picture the wedding supper of the Lamb?
How does being invited to this celebration affect your daily life?
Lamb of God, thank You for the invitation
to the heavenly wedding.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 5 - 1 John 1:9
9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
"If God already knows everything about me, everything I've done,
then why do I need to confess it?" Grant struggled with a common
dilemma for many Christians. Indeed, God, knew all his sin - much
better than Grant did himself. But Grant needed to confess,
not for God's benefit, but for his own. Grant needed to agree with God
that his sin was wrong, and put himself in a position to receive God's
grace in forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 make the process quit clear. We confess,
and God forgives and cleanses. Many of us, however, want to take on
God's part as well. We confess, agreeing with God that our sin is wrong.
But then we proceed to try to 'clean up our act,'bargaining with God,
promising that if he will forgive us just this once,
we won't ever to it again.
The problem is, we can never keep such a promise.
We probably will do it again, and then we are back where we started,
begging for forgiveness, and trying once more to cleanse
ourselves for our unrighteousness.
God offers freedom from such futile performance. He says, "Just confess.
Agree that you sinned. Submit yourself to me. Then I'll take over from there."
God's grace does not give us freedom to keep on sinning, of course - we need
to cooperate with the work of his Spirit in our lives and do all we can
to avoid sin. But we do not have to beg God for forgiveness - forgiveness
is offered to us freely.
We do not have to clean up out act before God will accept us; God can make
the necessary changes in our lives. When we confess, submit ourselves to God,
and allow him to work within us, he is able both to forgive us and to cleanse
us from unrighteousness.
Application
a) In what ways have I bartered with God and tried to "Clean up my act"
in order to deserve his forgiveness?
b) What is my part in confession? What is God's response?
Why it is important for me to recognize God's part in my
confession and forgiveness?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 12:21
21 "So is he who stores up treasure for himself,
and is not rich toward God."
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Impatient
James 5:7-11
Patience and Prayer
7 Therefore be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.
Notice how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth
and is patient with it until he receives the early and late rain.
8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, lest you be condemned.
Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 My brothers, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord,
as an example of suffering and patience.
11 Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job
and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
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 facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far Northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
9th Day of the Month
a) Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout the day for God's unfailing
love, Mercy, compassion, faithfulness and provision.
(
Ps 100
A Psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;
it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise;
be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways to wiesly
and effectively respond to pressing social issues
(
1 Chr 12:32
32 (Est 1:13) From the sons of Issachar,
those having understanding of times
and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains
with all their brothers at their command.
)
Advent Day 12
From C.S.Lewis A Grand miracle by Joel Heck
Thursday, Second Week of Advent
"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God. We do not know... how things would have worked if the
human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy....
You and I are concerned with the way things work now."
- C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 178.)
Why Did He Do It?
Have you ever noticed that children have so many of the same mannerisms as their parents? They walk, gesture, and even laugh like their parents. Children also mimic the bad traits of their par ents, but it is a great compliment to parents that their sons and daughters are like them.
Why did the Son of God become one of us? Certainly not for his own benefit. John says it this way, "But to as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God." Lewis says it similarly, "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God." God didn't become a man to impress anyone, least of all us. God was in the business of raising up us men and women to become like him, people who walk in his ways, who act like he acted and do what he did. Jesus became like us so that we might become like him.
Parents want their children to grow up to be like them. Setting aside our faults for the moment, it is better for them to become like us than to stay children. That is also our Father's intent for us. At times, it is painful when God molds and shapes us to be conformed to the image of his Son. But we become more ourselves when we become like him.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and daughters. Amen.
Verses:
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
John 1:12,
10 (Eph 2:10; 4:23-24; Ro 12:2)and have embraced the new nature,
which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,
Col. 3:10
From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
THURSDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Benediction
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
-Luke 1:42
Mary must have had multiple motives. Soon after she had received
the angel Gabriel's proclamation, she hastened
to the town where Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived.
Probably she went to see for herself that Elizabeth, too, was pregnant.
Perhaps she went, with great love for her relative, to give her assistance
in her last months. Maybe she grasped she would need the practice
of helping to deliver a child.
She travelled a long way-from Nazareth of Galilee in the north
to the hill country of the southern province, Judea-so she had ample
time to ponder all the news Gabriel had given. She had accepted
the LORD's will, and now she had time to comprehend more thoroughly
what it all meant.
Elizabeth's greetings were rapturous. The babe leaped, and she was filled
with the Holy Spirit, so she cried out joyously, "Blessed are you ...
and the fruit of your womb." How much that must have emboldened Mary!
Prayer
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Read Luke 1:39-45.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWARENESS!
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
GALATIANS 4:4
It is hard not to be aware that something is happening during these
weeks before Christmas. isn't it? Whether one is a Christian or not, things
are simply different. Take a look around: sparkling, flashing lights on homes
and lawns, halls decked with boughs of holly, a lot of fa-la-la-ing going
on, little kids and bored dads standing in line to see an old fat guy, store
owners singing their favorite carol: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
and on and on and on. I just read of a town that prohibited the Salvation
Army from having their traditional Santas ringing bells outside of stores,
because of a noise pollution ordinance. o a smart marketing person
made two signs for the Santas to hold up. One said "Ding" and the other
said "Dong.' Now that's awareness!
So what's the point? The point is that unless we become intentionally
aware of what Advent and Christmas are all about. we will miss the point.!
Today's reading is the point: When it was time, God sent Jesus unto the
world! Perhaps this message has been heard and used so much that it is
hard to keep aware of the meaning of Christmas: God loves us so much
that Jesus was born, died and rose again for us! Sure, go ahead and
wrap gifts. put trees up, bake cookies, say "ho. ho. ho." But as you do so,
continue to be aware that Christ is Christmas ... period! Please do not be
like a friend who says. "Keep Christ in Xmasl" He still doesn't get it!
Prayer
Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Galatians 4:4-5
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
5 (Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12) to redeem those who were under the law,
that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Conclusion:
Pray to The Lord and pray to spread the gospel with being a stumbling block.
Pray to the Lord "Lamb of God, thank You for the invitation
to the heavenly wedding."
Pray to the Lord and confess all your sins.
Pray to the Lord and pray ti store treasure in Heaven.
Pray to the Lord and pray as if you are praying without ceasing.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
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.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout the day for God's unfailing
love, Mercy, compassion, faithfulness and provision.
Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways to wiesly
and effectively respond to pressing social issues
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and daughters. Amen.
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Pray: Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for revival within the Jordanian church.
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.