Day 347 - 13 December 2021 reflections
Day 347, 13 December 2021
1)
Colossians , Philemon
Colossians 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; 1Co 1:1; Php 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
by the will of God,and Timothy our brother,
2 (Ro 1:7; Eph 1:1) To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ who are
at Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thankfulness for the Colossians
3 (Eph 1:15) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you.
4 (Gal 5:6; Eph 1:15) For we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love
for all the saints,
5 (Ac 23:6; Eph 1:13) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,
of which you have already heard in the word of the truth of the gospel,
6 (Jn 15:16; Ps 98:3) which has come to you, as it has in all the world,
and brings forth fruit, as it has also in you, since the day you heard it
and knew the grace of God in truth.
7 (Col 4:12; Phm 1:23) And you also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow
servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you,
8 (Ro 15:30) who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
The Person and Work of Christ
9 (Eph 1:8; 5:17) For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not
cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge
of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 (Eph 4:1; 1Th 4:1) that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,
pleasing to all, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing
in the knowledge of God,
11 (Eph 4:2; 3:16) strengthened with all might according to His glorious
power, enduring everything with perseverance and patience joyfully,
12 (Ac 20:32; 26:18) giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled us to be
partakers in the inheritance of the saints in light.
13 (Eph 6:12; 1:6) He has delivered us from the power of darkness
and has transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son,
14 (Eph 1:7) in whom we have redemption through His blood,
the forgiveness of sins.
15 (2Co 4:4; Jn 1:18) He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn
of every creature.
16 (Jn 1:3; Ro 11:36) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him
and for Him.
17 (Jn 8:58; Heb 1:3) He is before all things,
and in Him all things hold together.
18 (Ac 26:23; Eph 1:22-23) He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things
He may have the preeminence.
19 (Jn 1:16; Col 2:9) For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness
should dwell,
20 (Eph 1:10; Ro 5:1) and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him,
having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say-whether
they are things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies
in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,
23 (Eph 3:17; Mk 16:15) if you continue in the faith, grounded and settled,
and are not removed from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard,
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven,
and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Paul's Ministry to the Church
24 (2Ti 1:8; 2Co 7:4) Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake
and fill up in my flesh that which is lacking in the afflictions of Christ,
for the sake of His body, which is the church.
25 (Eph 3:2; Col 1:23) I have been made a servant of it according
to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you,
to fulfill the word of God,
26 (Ro 16:25-26) even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages
and generations, but now is revealed to His saints.
27 (1Ti 1:1; Ro 8:10) To them God would make known what is the glorious
riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you,
the hope of glory,
28 (1Co 2:6; Col 1:22) whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone
in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.
29 (1Co 15:10; Eph 1:19) In this I labor, striving according to His power,
which effectively works in me.
Colossians 2
1 (Col 1:29; Rev 1:11) I would like you to know what a great struggle
I am having for you, and for those at Laodicea,
and for everyone who has not seen my face in the flesh,
2 (Col 4:8; Ro 16:25) that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together
in love, and receive all the riches and assurance of full understanding,
and knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
3 (Ro 11:33; 1Co 1:24) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge.
4 (Eph 5:6) Now this I say lest anyone beguile you with enticing words.
5 (1Co 14:40; 1Pe 5:9) For though I am absent in the flesh,
yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your orderliness
and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Fullness of Life in Christ
6 (Col 1:10; 1Th 4:1) As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk in Him,
7 (Eph 3:17; 2:20-22) rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,
as you have been taught, and abounding with thanksgiving.
8 (1Ti 6:20; Gal 4:3) Beware lest anyone captivate you through philosophy
and vain deceit, in the tradition of men and the elementary principles
of the world, and not after Christ.
9 (Col 1:19; Jn 1:14) For in Him lives all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all authority and power.
11 (Ro 2:29; 6:6) In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision
made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh,
by the circumcision of Christ,
12 (Ac 2:24; Ro 4:24) buried with Him in baptism, in which also you were
raised with Him through the faith of the power of God, who has raised Him
from the dead.
13 (Eph 2:1; Jas 2:26) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision
of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all
sins.
14 (Ac 3:19; Col 2:20) He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was
against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to
the cross.
15 (Eph 4:8; Lk 10:18) And having disarmed authorities and powers,
He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.
16 (Heb 9:10; 1Ch 23:31) Therefore let no one judge you regarding food,
or drink, or in respect of a holy day or new moon or sabbath days.
17 (Heb 8:5; 10:1) These are shadows of things to come, but the substance
belongs to Christ.
18 (Col 2:23; 2:8) Do not let anyone cheat you of your reward by delighting
in false humility and the worship of angels, dwelling on those things which
he has not seen, vainly arrogant due to his unspiritual mind,
19 (Eph 4:15-16) and not supporting the head, from which the entire body,
nourished and knit together by joints and sinews, grows as God gives
the increase.
The New Life in Christ
20 (Col 2:8; 2:14) Therefore, if you died with Christ to the elementary
principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world,
do you subject yourself to legalistic rules?
21 (1Ti 4:3) "Do not touch! Do not taste! Do not handle!"
22 (Isa 29:13; 1Co 6:13) These all are to perish with use and are aligned
with the commandments and doctrines of men.
23 (Col 2:18; 1Ti 4:8) These things have indeed a show of wisdom in
self-imposed worship and humility and neglecting of the body,
but are worthless against the indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 3
1 (Ps 110:1; Mk 16:19) If you then were raised with Christ, desire those
things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
2 (Mt 16:23) Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth.
3 (Ro 6:2; Col 2:20) For you are dead,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 (1Jn 3:2; Jn 11:25) When Christ who is our life shall appear, then you also
shall appear with Him in glory.
5 (Ro 8:13; 1Co 6:18) Therefore put to death the parts of your earthly nature:
sexual immorality, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire,
and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 (Ro 1:18; Eph 5:6) Because of these things, the wrath of God comes
on the sons of disobedience.
7 (Eph 2:2) You also once walked in these, when you lived in them.
8 (Eph 4:22; 4:29) But now you must also put away all these: anger, wrath,
malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of your mouth.
9 (Eph 4:22; 4:25) Do not lie one to another, since you have put off
the old nature with its deeds,
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,
11 (Ro 10:12; Eph 1:23) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor
uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free,
but Christ is all and in all.
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another and forgive one
another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you,
so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God, to which also you are called
in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through Him.
Social Duties of the New Life
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands,
as it is fitting in the Lord.
19 (Eph 5:25; 1Pe 3:7) Husbands, love your wives,
and do not be bitter toward them.
20 (Ex 20:12; Eph 5:24) Children, obey your parents in all things,
for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
21 (Eph 6:4) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
lest they be discouraged.
22 (Col 3:20) Servants, obey your masters in all things according
to the flesh, serving not only when they are watching, as the servants
of men, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
23 (Col 3:17) And whatever you do, do it heartily,
as for the Lord and not for men,
24 (1Co 7:22; Eph 6:8) knowing that from the Lord you will receive
the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ.
25 (Ac 10:34; Dt 10:17) But he who does wrong will receive
for the wrong which he has done, and there is no partiality.
Colossians 4
1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and fair,
knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Exhortations
2 (Lk 18:1; Eph 6:18) Continue in prayer, and be watchful with thanksgiving,
3 (Eph 6:19-20; Ac 14:27) while praying also for us, that God would open
to us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am
also in chains,
4 (Eph 6:20) that I may reveal it clearly, as I ought to speak.
5 (Mk 4:11; Eph 5:15-17) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside,
wisely using the opportunity.
6 (Mk 9:50; 1Pe 3:15) Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned
with salt, that you may know how you should answer everyone.
Final Greetings
7 (Ac 20:4; Col 4:9) Tychicus, who is a beloved brother and a faithful
minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
8 (Eph 6:22; Col 2:2) I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that he
might know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
They will make known to you everything which is happening here.
10 (Ac 19:29; 27:2) Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark,
the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions:
If he comes to you, receive him),
11 (Ac 11:2) and Jesus, who is called Justus. These are my only fellow
workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision.
They have been a comfort to me.
12 (Ro 15:30; Col 1:7) Epaphras greets you. He is one of you, a servant
of Christ, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may
stand mature and complete in the entire will of God.
13 (Col 2:1) I bear witness of him, that he has a great zeal for you,
those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
14 (Phm 1:24; 2Ti 4:10-11) Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
15 (Ro 16:5) Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nympha,
and the church which is in his house.
16 (1Th 5:27; 2Th 3:14) When this epistle is read among you, ensure that it is
read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you, likewise,
read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 (Phm 1:2) Tell Archippus, "Make sure that you fulfill the ministry
which you have received in the Lord."
18 (1Co 16:21; 1Ti 6:21) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
Philemon 1
Philemon
The epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon was written in Rome
in about AD 62. This story is about a servant named Onesimus
who ran away from Philemon, a Christian of Colosse. Onesimus had departed
from Philemon and fled to Rome, where he then became converted
under Paul's ministry. Paul sent him back to Philemon with this letter
to reconcile their broken relationship, since they were both in Christ.
The letter about Onesimus was included in the canon, in the opinion of some,
due to the authenticity of its authorship. Paul's political astuteness
and personal interaction with the recipient make this letter both warm
and compelling. It is truly a heartfelt plea from one Christian to another.
Salutation
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
1 To Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer,
2 and to beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier,
and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon's Love and Faith
4 I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers,
5 whenever I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus
and for all the saints,
6 that the sharing of your faith may be most effective by the acknowledgment
of every good thing which is in you from Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love,
because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother.
Paul Pleads for Onesimus
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you
to do that which is proper,
9 yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you-I, Paul, an old man,
and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-
10 I appeal to you on behalf of my son Onesimus, whose father I have become
in my imprisonment,
11 who in the past was unprofitable to you,
but now he is profitable to you and to me.
12 I have sent him back. Therefore receive him as my own heart.
13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that in your place he might serve me
during my imprisonment for the gospel.
14 But without your consent I would do nothing, so that your goodness
would not be forced, but given willingly.
15 Perhaps this was why he departed for a while,
that you might receive him forever,
16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother,
especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh
and in the Lord.
17 If then you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me.
18 If he wronged you or owes you anything, charge this to my account.
19 I, Paul, have written this with my own hand. I will repay it-not
to mention that you owe me even your own self.
20 Yes, brother, help me rejoice in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Being convinced of your obedience, I write to you,
knowing that you will also do more than I say.
22 But, in addition, prepare also lodging for me,
for I hope that through your prayers I shall be graciously restored to you.
Final Greetings
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/13/a-worthwhile-wait
entitled A Worthwhile Wait
Isaiah 30:15-19
15 (Isa 8:7-8; Da 11:22) because you have said, "We have made a covenant with death,
and with hell we are in agreement.
The overflowing scourge shall not come to us
when it passes through,
for we have made lies our refuge
and under falsehood we have hid ourselves."
A Cornerstone in Zion
16 (Ps 118:22; Mt 21:42; Ro 9:33) Therefore, thus says the Lord God:
See, I lay in Zion a stone,
a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, firmly placed;
he who believes shall not act hastily.
17 (2Ki 21:13; Isa 28:2) I shall make justice the measuring line
and righteousness the plummet;
then the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies
and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
18 (Isa 7:7; 28:15) Your covenant with death shall be annulled,
and your agreement with hell shall not stand;
when the overflowing scourge passes through,
then you shall be trodden down by it.
19 As often as it passes through, it shall seize you;
for morning by morning it shall pass through,
anytime by day or night.
It shall be terror only
to understand the report.
Stuck in a stressful job with long hours and an unreasonable boss,
James wished he could quit. But he had a mortgage, a wife,
and a young child to take care of. He was tempted to resign anyway,
but his wife reminded him: "Let's hang on and see what God will give us."
Many months later, their prayers were answered. James found a new job
that he enjoyed and gave him more time with the family.
"Those months were long," he told me, "but I'm glad I waited for God's
plan to unfold in His time."
Waiting for God's help in the midst of trouble is hard; it can be tempting
to try to find our own solution first. The Israelites did just that:
under threat from their enemies, they sought help from Egypt instead
of turning to God (Isaiah 30:2). But God told them that if they would
repent and put their trust in Him, they would find strength
and salvation (v. 15). In fact, He added, "the Lord longs to be gracious
to you" (v. 18).
Waiting for God takes faith and patience. But when we see His answer
at the end of it all, we'll realize it was worth it:
"Blessed are all who wait for him!" (v. 18). And what's even more amazing,
God is waiting for us to come to Him!
By: Leslie Koh
Reflect & Pray
What prayer request has you waiting on God?
How can you meditate on His faithfulness as you seek His answer?
Father, give me the patience to wait for Your answer.
I know You're a good and loving God whose timing
and will are always perfect.
Learn more about
waiting.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 2 The Wardrobe of Joy Isaiah 61:10
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my soul shall be joyful in my God;
for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
On her wedding day, the bride dresses carefully for the ceremony
that is about to take place. Never before has she spent so much
time in preparation for one relatively brief event. When she
looks in the mirror and rejoices in her happiness, she responds not
out of vanity, but for sheer joy as she anticipates the coming ceremony.
God wants his people, lie that bride to be joyful, to rejoice in the Lord,
the Bridegroom. And he gives, through his grace,
the garments of joy to his beloved ones.
He clothes us, Isaiah says, with salvation, and covers us with
the robe of righteousness. The wardrobe that God provides is not merely
a utility garment, a coverall that hides our sin from his eyes.
It is his own righteousness in Christ, given to us as a free gift, so that
we might be united with him. And God himself, Isaiah says,
is filled with joy, adorning himself like a bridegroom.
When we truly see God's immeasurable gift in accepting us as him own,
we also will "greatly rejoice" in the Lord. He, the eternal god,
Creator of the universe, desires to be united with us, as a husband
desires his wife! God does not simply accept us grudgingly,
reminding us of our unworthiness to be with him. Rather, he celebrates
with unrestrained joy his oneness in Spirit with those he calls his own.
And we, having been fully forgiven
and set free from sin, can rejoice unashamedly as well.
Application
a) Have I ever felt ashamed to draw close to God? Why?
b) What does this verse tell me about God's attitude towards me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebr 11:6
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Matt 7:7-11
Ask, Seek, Knock
Lk 11:9-13
7(Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,
and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
9 "What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread,
will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?
11 (Ge 6:5; 8:21) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give
good things to those who ask Him!
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
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 in 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
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b)Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador,
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
)
Advent Day 16
C.S.Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"My brother and I took a day off last week, put sandwiches
in our pockets, and tramped sixteen miles... from Dorchester Abbey
to Oxford....You would be surprised if you could see the unspoilt
beauty and charm which can still be found I hope to send you
the autographed children's book by Christmas, but will probably
know more about its progress this afternoon,
as I am going out to lunch with my publisher." - C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Miss Vera Mathews," Sept. 20, 1950,
Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, p. 54.)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Advertisers will call their product "the perfect gift"
or "the gift for any occasion." Many people love books,
and books are among the favourite Christmas gifts to give or receive.
You can purchase a book on almost every imaginable subject. Books last.
Books can be read over and over again.
The book about which Lewis writes in this letter to Vera Mathews
is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It was released by Geoffrey Bles
Publishers on October 16, 1950, in time for the Christmas season.
In fact, most of the original Chronicles of Narnia books
were released in time for Christmas.
Christians are a "people of the book." Our word "Bible" comes
from a Greek word meaning "book." And as Jesus was the Word made flesh,
to tell his story God arranged for the writing of a book of books,
so constructed that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ.
Lewis once wrote, tongue in cheek, that God was an unscruÂpulous author,
leaving traps, nets, and stratagems everywhere in his book to snare
its readers (Surprised by Joy, p. 191). Indeed! God "wants all men
to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4).
Thank you, Lord, for books, especially the Book, with its
testimony to Jesus as the Christ. Amen.
These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.
John 20:31
Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
MONDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
The Recipients
His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
-Luke 1:50
It was fitting yesterday on the Third Sunday of Advent
to begin this week focusing on God's righting of injustice in the
world since we are preparing for the coming of Jesus, who spent
his life, contrary to the religious leaders, ministering to the poor
and the ill, the humble and the outcast. Consequently,
today we accentuate again (see Wednesday, First Week of Advent)
that significant word fear.
We have seen that God towers above us all, that his prodigious
power could (if he chose) do away with every one of us,
that we are inconsequential to his purposes, that our efforts are meager
in his sight. It is appropriate that we always remember this and properly
fear, for then we never take it for granted that God loves us,
that his grace floods over us, that his mercy endures forever!
What elation overwhelms us then, for we are awed that the Glorious One
stoops to select us! What lavish gratitude inhabits our souls!
Prayer
Bounteous God, how can I ever thank you sufficiently for
choosing me to be yours? Amen.
Read Luke 1:45-55.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.â€
The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD MONDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATTITUDE!
Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
whose hope is in the Lord his God, PSALM 146:5
Notice the strong, positive attitude of the psalmist. He is "praising the Lord
not because everything is going well, but because of what the Lord has
clone . . . for all of us!
Hows your attitude today? Or, do you have an attitude about
your attitude? A friend of mine likes to say. "In case of an accident
I'm not surprised!" Great attitude, eh? Years ago I received a coffee cup
as a gift from a so-called friend which read. "Life is hard and then you die.
A great way to start each morning. don't you thinks
The AH-HAs of Advent help us to grasp that the Lord has given us
everything to change our UH-OH attitudes into AH-HA affirmations.
No wonder the psalmist can proclaim that "happy are those whose help is
the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God." The joy of Advent
is that we proclaim tile exact same message.
And more good news: even when we do not have a very positive attitude--
when we are dull and tired and dragging--the Lord continues to love us,
to prop us up, and to show us the way from the AH-HAs of Advent, through
the UH-OHs of Good Friday, and on to the Greatest AH-HA of them all--
EASTER! Advent is not a "let's pretend" game of thinking that Easter
has not happened No way! Easter is the real thing, right now. today!
What an attitude!
Lord. thanks for setting people free---for lifting us up and opening our
blind eyes to see the needs and hopes of others. Keep giving us an
attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Psalm 146
Psalms 146
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises unto my God while I have my life.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Do not put your trust in princes,
nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) His breath leaves him, and he returns to the earth;
on that very day his plans perish.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) who made heaven, and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faithfulness forever,
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord releases the prisoners.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
the Lord raises those who are brought down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) The Lord preserves the sojourners;
He lifts up the fatherless and widow,
but on the way of the wicked He brings disaster.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) The Lord shall reign forever,
your God, O Zion, unto all generations.
Praise you the Lord!
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and prat that the Word of the Lord
will dwell in you richly.
Pray to The Lord and pray to be a bold witness for Christ in persecution.
Pray to the Lord "Father, give me the patience to wait for Your answer.
I know You're a good and loving God whose timing
and will are always perfect."
Pray to the Lord and Pray to Him to deal with your shame.
Pray to the Lord to seek Him always in faith.
Pray to the Lord and pray continually to seek Him.
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 that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them.
Thank you, Lord, for books, especially the Book, with its
testimony to Jesus as the Christ. Amen.
Pray: Bounteous God, how can I ever thank you sufficiently for
choosing me to be yours? Amen.
Pray: Lord. thanks for setting people free---for lifting us up and opening our
blind eyes to see the needs and hopes of others. Keep giving us an
attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for pastors in the Central African Republic who refuse to flee,
staying behind to shepherd the remaining believers.
Pray for those sharing the Gospel with Somalis living in Kenya.
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)
Colossians , Philemon
Colossians 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; 1Co 1:1; Php 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
by the will of God,and Timothy our brother,
2 (Ro 1:7; Eph 1:1) To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ who are
at Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thankfulness for the Colossians
3 (Eph 1:15) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you.
4 (Gal 5:6; Eph 1:15) For we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love
for all the saints,
5 (Ac 23:6; Eph 1:13) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,
of which you have already heard in the word of the truth of the gospel,
6 (Jn 15:16; Ps 98:3) which has come to you, as it has in all the world,
and brings forth fruit, as it has also in you, since the day you heard it
and knew the grace of God in truth.
7 (Col 4:12; Phm 1:23) And you also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow
servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you,
8 (Ro 15:30) who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
The Person and Work of Christ
9 (Eph 1:8; 5:17) For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not
cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge
of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 (Eph 4:1; 1Th 4:1) that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,
pleasing to all, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing
in the knowledge of God,
11 (Eph 4:2; 3:16) strengthened with all might according to His glorious
power, enduring everything with perseverance and patience joyfully,
12 (Ac 20:32; 26:18) giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled us to be
partakers in the inheritance of the saints in light.
13 (Eph 6:12; 1:6) He has delivered us from the power of darkness
and has transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son,
14 (Eph 1:7) in whom we have redemption through His blood,
the forgiveness of sins.
15 (2Co 4:4; Jn 1:18) He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn
of every creature.
16 (Jn 1:3; Ro 11:36) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him
and for Him.
17 (Jn 8:58; Heb 1:3) He is before all things,
and in Him all things hold together.
18 (Ac 26:23; Eph 1:22-23) He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things
He may have the preeminence.
19 (Jn 1:16; Col 2:9) For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness
should dwell,
20 (Eph 1:10; Ro 5:1) and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him,
having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say-whether
they are things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies
in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,
23 (Eph 3:17; Mk 16:15) if you continue in the faith, grounded and settled,
and are not removed from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard,
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven,
and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Paul's Ministry to the Church
24 (2Ti 1:8; 2Co 7:4) Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake
and fill up in my flesh that which is lacking in the afflictions of Christ,
for the sake of His body, which is the church.
25 (Eph 3:2; Col 1:23) I have been made a servant of it according
to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you,
to fulfill the word of God,
26 (Ro 16:25-26) even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages
and generations, but now is revealed to His saints.
27 (1Ti 1:1; Ro 8:10) To them God would make known what is the glorious
riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you,
the hope of glory,
28 (1Co 2:6; Col 1:22) whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone
in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.
29 (1Co 15:10; Eph 1:19) In this I labor, striving according to His power,
which effectively works in me.
Colossians 2
1 (Col 1:29; Rev 1:11) I would like you to know what a great struggle
I am having for you, and for those at Laodicea,
and for everyone who has not seen my face in the flesh,
2 (Col 4:8; Ro 16:25) that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together
in love, and receive all the riches and assurance of full understanding,
and knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
3 (Ro 11:33; 1Co 1:24) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge.
4 (Eph 5:6) Now this I say lest anyone beguile you with enticing words.
5 (1Co 14:40; 1Pe 5:9) For though I am absent in the flesh,
yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your orderliness
and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Fullness of Life in Christ
6 (Col 1:10; 1Th 4:1) As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk in Him,
7 (Eph 3:17; 2:20-22) rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,
as you have been taught, and abounding with thanksgiving.
8 (1Ti 6:20; Gal 4:3) Beware lest anyone captivate you through philosophy
and vain deceit, in the tradition of men and the elementary principles
of the world, and not after Christ.
9 (Col 1:19; Jn 1:14) For in Him lives all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all authority and power.
11 (Ro 2:29; 6:6) In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision
made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh,
by the circumcision of Christ,
12 (Ac 2:24; Ro 4:24) buried with Him in baptism, in which also you were
raised with Him through the faith of the power of God, who has raised Him
from the dead.
13 (Eph 2:1; Jas 2:26) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision
of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all
sins.
14 (Ac 3:19; Col 2:20) He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was
against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to
the cross.
15 (Eph 4:8; Lk 10:18) And having disarmed authorities and powers,
He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.
16 (Heb 9:10; 1Ch 23:31) Therefore let no one judge you regarding food,
or drink, or in respect of a holy day or new moon or sabbath days.
17 (Heb 8:5; 10:1) These are shadows of things to come, but the substance
belongs to Christ.
18 (Col 2:23; 2:8) Do not let anyone cheat you of your reward by delighting
in false humility and the worship of angels, dwelling on those things which
he has not seen, vainly arrogant due to his unspiritual mind,
19 (Eph 4:15-16) and not supporting the head, from which the entire body,
nourished and knit together by joints and sinews, grows as God gives
the increase.
The New Life in Christ
20 (Col 2:8; 2:14) Therefore, if you died with Christ to the elementary
principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world,
do you subject yourself to legalistic rules?
21 (1Ti 4:3) "Do not touch! Do not taste! Do not handle!"
22 (Isa 29:13; 1Co 6:13) These all are to perish with use and are aligned
with the commandments and doctrines of men.
23 (Col 2:18; 1Ti 4:8) These things have indeed a show of wisdom in
self-imposed worship and humility and neglecting of the body,
but are worthless against the indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 3
1 (Ps 110:1; Mk 16:19) If you then were raised with Christ, desire those
things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
2 (Mt 16:23) Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth.
3 (Ro 6:2; Col 2:20) For you are dead,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 (1Jn 3:2; Jn 11:25) When Christ who is our life shall appear, then you also
shall appear with Him in glory.
5 (Ro 8:13; 1Co 6:18) Therefore put to death the parts of your earthly nature:
sexual immorality, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire,
and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 (Ro 1:18; Eph 5:6) Because of these things, the wrath of God comes
on the sons of disobedience.
7 (Eph 2:2) You also once walked in these, when you lived in them.
8 (Eph 4:22; 4:29) But now you must also put away all these: anger, wrath,
malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of your mouth.
9 (Eph 4:22; 4:25) Do not lie one to another, since you have put off
the old nature with its deeds,
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,
11 (Ro 10:12; Eph 1:23) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor
uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free,
but Christ is all and in all.
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another and forgive one
another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you,
so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God, to which also you are called
in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through Him.
Social Duties of the New Life
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands,
as it is fitting in the Lord.
19 (Eph 5:25; 1Pe 3:7) Husbands, love your wives,
and do not be bitter toward them.
20 (Ex 20:12; Eph 5:24) Children, obey your parents in all things,
for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
21 (Eph 6:4) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
lest they be discouraged.
22 (Col 3:20) Servants, obey your masters in all things according
to the flesh, serving not only when they are watching, as the servants
of men, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
23 (Col 3:17) And whatever you do, do it heartily,
as for the Lord and not for men,
24 (1Co 7:22; Eph 6:8) knowing that from the Lord you will receive
the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ.
25 (Ac 10:34; Dt 10:17) But he who does wrong will receive
for the wrong which he has done, and there is no partiality.
Colossians 4
1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and fair,
knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Exhortations
2 (Lk 18:1; Eph 6:18) Continue in prayer, and be watchful with thanksgiving,
3 (Eph 6:19-20; Ac 14:27) while praying also for us, that God would open
to us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am
also in chains,
4 (Eph 6:20) that I may reveal it clearly, as I ought to speak.
5 (Mk 4:11; Eph 5:15-17) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside,
wisely using the opportunity.
6 (Mk 9:50; 1Pe 3:15) Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned
with salt, that you may know how you should answer everyone.
Final Greetings
7 (Ac 20:4; Col 4:9) Tychicus, who is a beloved brother and a faithful
minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
8 (Eph 6:22; Col 2:2) I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that he
might know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
They will make known to you everything which is happening here.
10 (Ac 19:29; 27:2) Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark,
the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions:
If he comes to you, receive him),
11 (Ac 11:2) and Jesus, who is called Justus. These are my only fellow
workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision.
They have been a comfort to me.
12 (Ro 15:30; Col 1:7) Epaphras greets you. He is one of you, a servant
of Christ, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may
stand mature and complete in the entire will of God.
13 (Col 2:1) I bear witness of him, that he has a great zeal for you,
those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
14 (Phm 1:24; 2Ti 4:10-11) Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
15 (Ro 16:5) Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nympha,
and the church which is in his house.
16 (1Th 5:27; 2Th 3:14) When this epistle is read among you, ensure that it is
read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you, likewise,
read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 (Phm 1:2) Tell Archippus, "Make sure that you fulfill the ministry
which you have received in the Lord."
18 (1Co 16:21; 1Ti 6:21) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
Philemon 1
Philemon
The epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon was written in Rome
in about AD 62. This story is about a servant named Onesimus
who ran away from Philemon, a Christian of Colosse. Onesimus had departed
from Philemon and fled to Rome, where he then became converted
under Paul's ministry. Paul sent him back to Philemon with this letter
to reconcile their broken relationship, since they were both in Christ.
The letter about Onesimus was included in the canon, in the opinion of some,
due to the authenticity of its authorship. Paul's political astuteness
and personal interaction with the recipient make this letter both warm
and compelling. It is truly a heartfelt plea from one Christian to another.
Salutation
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
1 To Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer,
2 and to beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier,
and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon's Love and Faith
4 I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers,
5 whenever I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus
and for all the saints,
6 that the sharing of your faith may be most effective by the acknowledgment
of every good thing which is in you from Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love,
because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother.
Paul Pleads for Onesimus
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you
to do that which is proper,
9 yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you-I, Paul, an old man,
and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-
10 I appeal to you on behalf of my son Onesimus, whose father I have become
in my imprisonment,
11 who in the past was unprofitable to you,
but now he is profitable to you and to me.
12 I have sent him back. Therefore receive him as my own heart.
13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that in your place he might serve me
during my imprisonment for the gospel.
14 But without your consent I would do nothing, so that your goodness
would not be forced, but given willingly.
15 Perhaps this was why he departed for a while,
that you might receive him forever,
16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother,
especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh
and in the Lord.
17 If then you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me.
18 If he wronged you or owes you anything, charge this to my account.
19 I, Paul, have written this with my own hand. I will repay it-not
to mention that you owe me even your own self.
20 Yes, brother, help me rejoice in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Being convinced of your obedience, I write to you,
knowing that you will also do more than I say.
22 But, in addition, prepare also lodging for me,
for I hope that through your prayers I shall be graciously restored to you.
Final Greetings
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/13/a-worthwhile-wait
entitled A Worthwhile Wait
Isaiah 30:15-19
15 (Isa 8:7-8; Da 11:22) because you have said, "We have made a covenant with death,
and with hell we are in agreement.
The overflowing scourge shall not come to us
when it passes through,
for we have made lies our refuge
and under falsehood we have hid ourselves."
A Cornerstone in Zion
16 (Ps 118:22; Mt 21:42; Ro 9:33) Therefore, thus says the Lord God:
See, I lay in Zion a stone,
a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, firmly placed;
he who believes shall not act hastily.
17 (2Ki 21:13; Isa 28:2) I shall make justice the measuring line
and righteousness the plummet;
then the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies
and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
18 (Isa 7:7; 28:15) Your covenant with death shall be annulled,
and your agreement with hell shall not stand;
when the overflowing scourge passes through,
then you shall be trodden down by it.
19 As often as it passes through, it shall seize you;
for morning by morning it shall pass through,
anytime by day or night.
It shall be terror only
to understand the report.
Stuck in a stressful job with long hours and an unreasonable boss,
James wished he could quit. But he had a mortgage, a wife,
and a young child to take care of. He was tempted to resign anyway,
but his wife reminded him: "Let's hang on and see what God will give us."
Many months later, their prayers were answered. James found a new job
that he enjoyed and gave him more time with the family.
"Those months were long," he told me, "but I'm glad I waited for God's
plan to unfold in His time."
Waiting for God's help in the midst of trouble is hard; it can be tempting
to try to find our own solution first. The Israelites did just that:
under threat from their enemies, they sought help from Egypt instead
of turning to God (Isaiah 30:2). But God told them that if they would
repent and put their trust in Him, they would find strength
and salvation (v. 15). In fact, He added, "the Lord longs to be gracious
to you" (v. 18).
Waiting for God takes faith and patience. But when we see His answer
at the end of it all, we'll realize it was worth it:
"Blessed are all who wait for him!" (v. 18). And what's even more amazing,
God is waiting for us to come to Him!
By: Leslie Koh
Reflect & Pray
What prayer request has you waiting on God?
How can you meditate on His faithfulness as you seek His answer?
Father, give me the patience to wait for Your answer.
I know You're a good and loving God whose timing
and will are always perfect.
Learn more about
waiting.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 2 The Wardrobe of Joy Isaiah 61:10
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my soul shall be joyful in my God;
for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
On her wedding day, the bride dresses carefully for the ceremony
that is about to take place. Never before has she spent so much
time in preparation for one relatively brief event. When she
looks in the mirror and rejoices in her happiness, she responds not
out of vanity, but for sheer joy as she anticipates the coming ceremony.
God wants his people, lie that bride to be joyful, to rejoice in the Lord,
the Bridegroom. And he gives, through his grace,
the garments of joy to his beloved ones.
He clothes us, Isaiah says, with salvation, and covers us with
the robe of righteousness. The wardrobe that God provides is not merely
a utility garment, a coverall that hides our sin from his eyes.
It is his own righteousness in Christ, given to us as a free gift, so that
we might be united with him. And God himself, Isaiah says,
is filled with joy, adorning himself like a bridegroom.
When we truly see God's immeasurable gift in accepting us as him own,
we also will "greatly rejoice" in the Lord. He, the eternal god,
Creator of the universe, desires to be united with us, as a husband
desires his wife! God does not simply accept us grudgingly,
reminding us of our unworthiness to be with him. Rather, he celebrates
with unrestrained joy his oneness in Spirit with those he calls his own.
And we, having been fully forgiven
and set free from sin, can rejoice unashamedly as well.
Application
a) Have I ever felt ashamed to draw close to God? Why?
b) What does this verse tell me about God's attitude towards me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebr 11:6
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Matt 7:7-11
Ask, Seek, Knock
Lk 11:9-13
7(Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,
and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
9 "What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread,
will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?
11 (Ge 6:5; 8:21) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give
good things to those who ask Him!
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
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 in 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
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b)Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador,
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
)
Advent Day 16
C.S.Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"My brother and I took a day off last week, put sandwiches
in our pockets, and tramped sixteen miles... from Dorchester Abbey
to Oxford....You would be surprised if you could see the unspoilt
beauty and charm which can still be found I hope to send you
the autographed children's book by Christmas, but will probably
know more about its progress this afternoon,
as I am going out to lunch with my publisher." - C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Miss Vera Mathews," Sept. 20, 1950,
Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, p. 54.)
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Advertisers will call their product "the perfect gift"
or "the gift for any occasion." Many people love books,
and books are among the favourite Christmas gifts to give or receive.
You can purchase a book on almost every imaginable subject. Books last.
Books can be read over and over again.
The book about which Lewis writes in this letter to Vera Mathews
is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It was released by Geoffrey Bles
Publishers on October 16, 1950, in time for the Christmas season.
In fact, most of the original Chronicles of Narnia books
were released in time for Christmas.
Christians are a "people of the book." Our word "Bible" comes
from a Greek word meaning "book." And as Jesus was the Word made flesh,
to tell his story God arranged for the writing of a book of books,
so constructed that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ.
Lewis once wrote, tongue in cheek, that God was an unscruÂpulous author,
leaving traps, nets, and stratagems everywhere in his book to snare
its readers (Surprised by Joy, p. 191). Indeed! God "wants all men
to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4).
Thank you, Lord, for books, especially the Book, with its
testimony to Jesus as the Christ. Amen.
These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.
John 20:31
Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
MONDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
The Recipients
His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
-Luke 1:50
It was fitting yesterday on the Third Sunday of Advent
to begin this week focusing on God's righting of injustice in the
world since we are preparing for the coming of Jesus, who spent
his life, contrary to the religious leaders, ministering to the poor
and the ill, the humble and the outcast. Consequently,
today we accentuate again (see Wednesday, First Week of Advent)
that significant word fear.
We have seen that God towers above us all, that his prodigious
power could (if he chose) do away with every one of us,
that we are inconsequential to his purposes, that our efforts are meager
in his sight. It is appropriate that we always remember this and properly
fear, for then we never take it for granted that God loves us,
that his grace floods over us, that his mercy endures forever!
What elation overwhelms us then, for we are awed that the Glorious One
stoops to select us! What lavish gratitude inhabits our souls!
Prayer
Bounteous God, how can I ever thank you sufficiently for
choosing me to be yours? Amen.
Read Luke 1:45-55.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.â€
The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD MONDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATTITUDE!
Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
whose hope is in the Lord his God, PSALM 146:5
Notice the strong, positive attitude of the psalmist. He is "praising the Lord
not because everything is going well, but because of what the Lord has
clone . . . for all of us!
Hows your attitude today? Or, do you have an attitude about
your attitude? A friend of mine likes to say. "In case of an accident
I'm not surprised!" Great attitude, eh? Years ago I received a coffee cup
as a gift from a so-called friend which read. "Life is hard and then you die.
A great way to start each morning. don't you thinks
The AH-HAs of Advent help us to grasp that the Lord has given us
everything to change our UH-OH attitudes into AH-HA affirmations.
No wonder the psalmist can proclaim that "happy are those whose help is
the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God." The joy of Advent
is that we proclaim tile exact same message.
And more good news: even when we do not have a very positive attitude--
when we are dull and tired and dragging--the Lord continues to love us,
to prop us up, and to show us the way from the AH-HAs of Advent, through
the UH-OHs of Good Friday, and on to the Greatest AH-HA of them all--
EASTER! Advent is not a "let's pretend" game of thinking that Easter
has not happened No way! Easter is the real thing, right now. today!
What an attitude!
Lord. thanks for setting people free---for lifting us up and opening our
blind eyes to see the needs and hopes of others. Keep giving us an
attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Psalm 146
Psalms 146
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises unto my God while I have my life.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Do not put your trust in princes,
nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) His breath leaves him, and he returns to the earth;
on that very day his plans perish.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) who made heaven, and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faithfulness forever,
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord releases the prisoners.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
the Lord raises those who are brought down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) The Lord preserves the sojourners;
He lifts up the fatherless and widow,
but on the way of the wicked He brings disaster.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) The Lord shall reign forever,
your God, O Zion, unto all generations.
Praise you the Lord!
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and prat that the Word of the Lord
will dwell in you richly.
Pray to The Lord and pray to be a bold witness for Christ in persecution.
Pray to the Lord "Father, give me the patience to wait for Your answer.
I know You're a good and loving God whose timing
and will are always perfect."
Pray to the Lord and Pray to Him to deal with your shame.
Pray to the Lord to seek Him always in faith.
Pray to the Lord and pray continually to seek Him.
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 that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them.
Thank you, Lord, for books, especially the Book, with its
testimony to Jesus as the Christ. Amen.
Pray: Bounteous God, how can I ever thank you sufficiently for
choosing me to be yours? Amen.
Pray: Lord. thanks for setting people free---for lifting us up and opening our
blind eyes to see the needs and hopes of others. Keep giving us an
attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for pastors in the Central African Republic who refuse to flee,
staying behind to shepherd the remaining believers.
Pray for those sharing the Gospel with Somalis living in Kenya.
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.