Day 350 - 16 December 2021 reflections
Day 350, 16 December 2021
1)
1 Timothy
1 Timothy 1
Salutation
1 (Titus 1:3; Col 1:27; Lk 1:47) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by
the command of God our Savior, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
2 (2Ti 1:2; Titus 1:4; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Warning Against False Doctrine
3 (Gal 1:6-7; 1Ti 6:3) As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,
continue to remain at Ephesus so that you might command some to teach
no other doctrine,
4 (1Ti 4:7; Titus 1:14) nor pay attention to fables and endless genealogies,
which cause debates rather than godly edifying, which is in faith.
5 (2Ti 1:5; 2:22) Now the goal of this command is love from a pure heart,
and from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.
6 (Titus 1:10) From this, some have lost their way and turned aside
to empty talk,
7 (1Ti 6:4) desiring to be teachers of the law, and understanding
neither what they say nor what they affirm.
8 (Ro 7:16) But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully.
9 (Gal 5:23; 3:19) And we know that the law is not given for a righteous
person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners,
for the unholy and the profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers,
for murderers,
10 (2Ti 4:3; Lev 18:22) for the sexually immoral, for sodomites, for slave
traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anything else that is contrary
to sound doctrine,
11 (Gal 2:7; 2Co 4:4) according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God,
which was committed to my trust.
Thankfulness for Mercy
12 (Php 4:13; Ac 9:15) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me,
because He counted me faithful and appointed me to the ministry.
13 (Ac 8:3; 3:17) I was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an
insolent man. But I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 (2Ti 1:13) The grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Ti 3:1; 2Ti 2:11) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
16 (1Ti 1:13; Eph 2:7) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me,
first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were
to believe in Him for eternal life.
17 (Col 1:15; Mt 6:13) Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only
wise God, be honor and glory forever. Amen.
18 (1Ti 4:14; 1:2) This command I commit to you, my son Timothy, according
to the prophecies that were previously given to you, that by them you might
fight a good fight,
19 (1Ti 1:5; 3:9) keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have
rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
20 (2Ti 2:17; Ac 13:45) Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have
delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 2
Instructions Concerning Prayer
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 Saviour,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God
and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.
This was the testimony given at the proper time.
7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle
(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles
in faith and truth.
8 (Ps 134:2; Jn 4:21) Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting
up holy hands, without wrath or contentiousness.
9 In like manner also, that women clothe themselves in modest clothing, with
decency and self-control, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive
clothing,
10 but with good works, which is proper for women professing godliness.
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all obedience.
12 (1Co 14:34) I do not permit a woman to teach or to usurp authority
over a man, but to be silent.
13 (Ge 2:22; 2:7) For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 (Ge 3:6; 2Co 11:3) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being
deceived, fell into sin.
15 (1Ti 1:14) Yet she will be saved in childbearing if they continue
in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
1 Timothy 3
Qualifications of Overseers
1 (Ac 20:28; 1Ti 1:15; Ac 1:20) This is a faithful saying: If a man desires
the office of an overseer, he desires a good work.
2 (1Ti 5:9; 2Ti 2:24) An overseer then must be blameless, the husband
of one wife, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach;
3 (Titus 1:7; 1Ti 3:8; Lev 10:9) not given to drunkenness, not violent, not
greedy for money, but patient, not argumentative, not covetous;
4 (1Ti 3:12; Titus 1:6) and one who manages his own house well, having his
children in submission with all reverence.
5 (1Ti 3:15) For if a man does not know how to manage his own house, how will
he take care of the church of God?
6 (1Ti 6:4) He must not be newly converted, so that he does not become
prideful and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 (2Ti 2:26; 1Ti 6:9) Moreover he must have a good reputation among those who
are outsiders, so that he does not fall into reproach and the snare of the
devil.
Qualifications of Deacons
8 (Php 1:1; Titus 2:3; Lev 10:9) Likewise deacons must be serious,
not insincere, not given to much wine, not greedy,
9 (1Ti 1:19; 1:5) keeping the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 (1Ti 5:22) And let them first be tested; then, being found blameless,
let them serve as deacons.
11 (Titus 2:3; 2Ti 3:3; 1Ti 3:2) Likewise, their wives must be serious,
not slanderers, sober, and faithful in all things.
12 (1Ti 3:2) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,
managing their children and their own houses well.
13 (Mt 25:21) For those who have served well in the office of deacon
purchase for themselves good standing and great boldness in the faith,
which is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Our Religion
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly,
15 (Mt 16:16; 18:18) but if I am delayed, you might know how you ought
to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 (Jn 1:14; Heb 1:3; Mk 16:19) Without question, great is the mystery
of godliness:
God was revealed in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit,
seen by angels,
preached to the Gentiles,
believed on in the world,
taken up into glory.
1 Timothy 4
Prediction of Apostasy
1 (Jn 16:13; 2Pe 3:3) Now the Spirit clearly says that in the last times
some will depart from the faith and pay attention to seducing spirits
and doctrines of devils,
2 (Eph 4:19) speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared
with a hot iron,
3 (Ro 14:6; Heb 13:4) forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain
from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving
by those who believe and know the truth.
4 (Ge 1:31; Ro 14:14) For everything created by God is good, and not to
be refused if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Minister of Christ Jesus
6 (1Ti 1:10) If you remind the brothers of these things, you will be a good
minister of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and of good
doctrine, which you have followed closely.
7 (1Ti 1:4; 2Ti 2:16; Heb 5:14) But refuse profane and foolish myths.
Instead, exercise in the ways of godliness.
8 (Mt 6:33; 1Ti 6:6) For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness
is profitable in all things, holding promise for the present life
and also for the life to come.
9 (1Ti 1:15) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
10 (1Ti 2:4; 3:15) For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach,
because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men,
especially of those who believe.
11 (1Ti 6:2; 5:7) Command and teach these things.
12 (2Ti 2:22; Titus 2:7) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example
to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,
and in purity.
13 Until I come, give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine.
14 (2Ti 1:6; Ac 6:6; 1Ti 1:18) Do not neglect the gift that is in you,
which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of hands
by the elders.
15 Meditate on these things. Give yourself completely to them,
that your progress may be known to everyone.
16 (Titus 2:7; Ro 11:14) Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.
Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself
and those who hear you.
1 Timothy 5
Duties Toward Others
1 (Lev 19:32; Titus 2:6) Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father,
the younger men as brothers,
2 the elder women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with complete
purity.
3 (Ac 6:1; 9:39) Honor widows that are widows indeed.
4 (1Ti 2:3; Ge 45:10-11) But if any widow has children or grandchildren,
let them learn first to show piety at home and to repay their parents.
For this is good and acceptable before God.
5 (Lk 2:37; 1Ti 5:3) Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts
in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
6 (Lk 15:24; Jas 5:5) But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 (1Ti 4:11) And these things command, that they may be blameless.
8 (Titus 1:16; Gal 6:10) But if any do not care for their own,
and especially for those of their own house, they have denied the faith
and are worse than unbelievers.
9 (1Ti 3:2) Do not let a widow be counted unless she is over sixty years old,
has been the wife of one man,
10 (1Ti 6:18; Titus 3:8) is well attested in good works, if she has brought
up children, has lodged strangers, has washed the saints' feet, has relieved
the afflicted, and has diligently followed every good work.
11 (1Ti 5:14) But refuse the younger widows, for when their sensual desires
have drawn them away from Christ, they want to marry,
12 and bring judgment on themselves, because they have cast off their
first pledge.
13 (Pr 20:19; Titus 1:11) Besides that, they learn to be idle, and not only
idle, wandering around from house to house, but also gossips and busybodies,
saying what they ought not.
14 (Titus 2:5; 1Ti 6:1; 4:3) Therefore I desire that the younger women marry,
bear children, manage the house, and give no occasion to the adversary
to speak reproachfully.
15 For some have already turned aside after Satan.
16 (1Ti 5:3-5) If any believing man or woman has widows, let those assist
them. Do not let the church be charged, so that it may relieve those
who are widows indeed.
17 (Ro 12:8; Php 2:29) Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy
of double honour, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
18 (Dt 25:4; Lev 19:13; Mt 10:10) For the Scripture says, "You shall not
muzzle the ox that treads out the grain,"(Dt 25:4.) and, "The laborer is
worthy of his reward."(Lk 10:7.)
19 (Dt 19:15; Mt 18:16) Do not receive an accusation against an elder,
except before two or three witnesses.
20 (Dt 13:11; 2Ti 4:2) Rebuke in the presence of everyone those who sin,
that the rest also may fear.
21 (1Ti 6:13; 2Ti 4:1) I command you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ
and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice,
doing nothing by partiality.
22 (Ac 6:6; Eph 5:11) Do not lay hands suddenly on anyone, and do not
partake of other men's sins. Keep yourself pure.
23 (1Ti 3:8; Ps 104:15) No longer drink only water, but use a little wine
for your stomach's sake and your frequent illnesses.
24 Some men's sins are evident, pointing to judgment,
but other men's sins are revealed later.
25 Likewise, the good works of some are evident,
but those that are not cannot be hidden.
1 Timothy 6
1 (Titus 2:5; Isa 52:5) Let as many servants as are under the yoke of slavery
count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His
doctrine may not be slandered.
2 (1Ti 4:11) Let those who have believing masters not despise them, because
they are brothers. Instead, let them serve as slaves, because those who
receive their service are faithful and beloved.
False Teaching and True Wealth
Teach and command these things.
3 (1Ti 1:3; 1:10) Anyone who teaches otherwise and does not consent
to wholesome words, to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to godly
doctrine
4 (1Ti 1:4; 3:6) is conceited and knows nothing. He has a morbid
disposition for controversy and verbal disputes, from which come envy,
strife, blasphemies, evil speculations,
5 (2Ti 3:8; Titus 1:11) constant disputes by men of corrupt minds, being
destitute of the truth, and supposing that financial gain is godliness.
Withdraw yourself from such men.
6 (1Ti 4:8; Heb 13:5) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 (Job 1:21; Ps 49:17) For we brought nothing into this world,
and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.
8 (Ge 28:20) If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with
these things.
9 (Pr 15:27; 1Ti 3:7) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation
and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men
in ruin and destruction.
10 (Dt 16:19) For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The Good Fight of Faith
11 (2Ti 2:22; 3:17) But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
12 (1Ti 1:18; 1Co 9:25-66) Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold
on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed
a good profession before many witnesses.
13 (1Ti 5:21; Mt 27:11) I command you, in the sight of God, who gives
life to all things, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who testified
a good confession before Pontius Pilate,
14 to keep this commandment without blemish, blameless
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 (1Ti 1:11; Rev 17:14) which He, who is the blessed and only Ruler,
the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the proper time.
16 (1Ti 1:17; Jn 1:18; Ps 104:2) He alone has immortality, living in
unapproachable light, whom no one has seen, nor can see.
To Him be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that
they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,
who richly gives us all things to enjoy.
18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich in good
works, generous, willing to share,
19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.
20 (Col 2:8; 2Ti 2:16) O Timothy, guard that which is committed to your trust.
Avoid profane babblings and opposing views from so-called knowledge.
21 (2Ti 2:18; Col 4:18) By professing it, some have erred concerning
the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/16/what-are-you
entitled What Are You?
Galatians 3:26-4:7
26 (Gal 4:5-6) You are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 (Ro 13:14; Ac 2:38) For as many of you as have been baptised
into Christ have put on Christ.
28 (Col 3:11; Gal 5:6) There is neither Jew nor Greek,
there is neither slave nor free, and there is neither male nor female,
for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 (Ro 8:17; 9:7-8) If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed,
and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 4
1 Now I say that as long as the heir is a child,
he does not differ from a servant though he is lord of all.
2 But he is under tutors and governors until the time appointed
by the father.
3 (Gal 2:4; 4:9) So when we were children, we were in bondage
to the elements of the world.
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.
6 (Ro 5:5; 8:9; Eph 4:30) And because you are sons, God has sent
forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, "Abba, Father!"
7 Therefore you are no longer a servant, but a son,
and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
When I walked into the ice cream shop with my five-year-old biracial son,
the man behind the counter glanced at me and stared at my child.
"What are you?"
His question and harsh tone triggered the all-too-familiar anger
and heartache I’d experienced growing up as a Mexican-American who didn't fit
stereotypes. Pulling Xavier closer, I turned toward my Black husband as he
entered the store. With eyes narrowed, the store clerk completed our order
in silence.
I prayed silently for the man as my son listed the flavours of ice cream
he wanted to try. Repenting of my bitterness, I asked God to give me
a spirit of forgiveness. With my light-but-not-white complexion, I'd been
the target of similar glares accompanying that same question over the years.
I'd struggled with insecurities and feelings of worthlessness until I began
learning how to embrace my identity as God's beloved daughter.
The apostle Paul declares that believers in Jesus are "all children of God
through faith," equally valued and beautifully diverse. We're intimately
connected and intentionally designed to work together (Galatians 3:26-29).
When God sent His Son to redeem us, we became family through His blood
shed on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins (4:4-7). As God's
image-bearers, our worth cannot be determined by the opinions,
expectations, or biases of others.
What are we? We're children of God.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
When have you doubted your value as a person due to the opinions,
expectations, or biases of others?
How does knowing all God’s
children are His image-bearers help you love those
who are different from you?
Father God, please help me to see myself and others
through Your eyes. Help me love with Your heart
as I come into contact with people who are different from me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 5 Called by Name
Isaiah 43:1
1 But now, thus says the Lord
who created you, O Jacob,
and He who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
Eric, age 4, somehow lost his mother in a large and busy department store.
Found sobbing under a coat rack, the boy tried to tell the security guard
where he was when he got separated from his mother. Finally the guard said,
"what's your name, Son? Who do you belong to?"
The child brightened a bit, gave the guard his name, and within minutes
the frantic mother was reunited with her lost son.
One of the first questions we are asked, both as children and adults, is
"What is your name?" - that is, "Who are you? Who do you belong to?"
Children bear the name of their parents, and most women,
except for professional reasons,
take the name of their husbands when they marry.
Our names are our primary method of identification;
they connect us with our heritage and those we love.
In Isaiah 43:1, God declares that we belong to him.
The Lord who created us and formed us says,
"I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine." God's
right of ownership in our lives extends beyond the bond of family and friends,
of parent, child, or spouse. We belong first to him;
we are called by him into oneness with him.
The Scripture is filled with images of the Lord's care for us;
when we are lost, he does
not wait for us to find him,
but takes the initiative, like a loving parent
to seek us out. That declaration of belonging can give us
a strong sense of security in our lives. God loves us;
he will never let us go.
Application
a) What experiences have I had of being lost of abandoned?
b) How can today's verse help me find security in belonging to God?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:6
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
1 Tim 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
that we can carry nothing out. 8 If we have food and clothing,
we shall be content with these things. 9 But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
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
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment"
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
)
Advent Day 19
From C.S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
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 parÂents, 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.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons
and daughters. Amen.
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,
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, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
His name is John.
He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
-Luke 1:63a
All the friends and relatives wanted to name the child Zechariah
after his father. However, Elizabeth and Zechariah were adamant
that he was to be called John. The people were amazed-this was not
a family name, they cried. But it was the name the angel Gabriel
had given to Zechariah in the Temple, so it was God's
ordinance that he should be so designated.
If the people were astounded by the couple's unusual unanimity
about this unique name, they were even more surprised on this
circumcision day by the opening of Zechariah's mouth.
He spoke clearly-his tongue was free! and, most important,
he acclaimed God!
Zechariah had had more than nine months to contemplate things.
He was overwhelmed with Joy that he and Elizabeth had borne
a child in their old age, and he was awed that even before
birth John had been filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, Zechariah
burst out with praise at God's working.
Prayer
Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Amen.
Read Luke 1:59-64.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.
And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.
60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.â€
61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives
who is called by this name."
62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.
63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
And they all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,
and he spoke and praised God.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ABSOLUTES!
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according
to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you, 1 PETER 1:3-4
Joy to the World is a hymn that should be sung all year long!
We boldly proclaim that there is joy in this world because the Lord HAS
come! Have you ever sung a stanza that goes. "Joy to the world, the Lord
might come," or "the Lord is thinking of coming." or "shape up and he will
come"? Me neither!
Absolutes is a big AH-HA of Advent. It affirms that Advent is not a time
to pretend that the Lord is coming, but that he has indeed come to
us already! And with this absolute truth of the Gospel we also receive
absolution of our sins--again because (he Lord has come to live, suffer,
die and rise for us! We are forgiven . . . absolutely!
Think of other absolutes in your life. l think of love for family although
mess that up at times; and of life being a gift from God,. although
sometimes do not live like it is; and, of course, it is an absolute that
the Chicago Cubs will never win another World Series
but that's another story!
1 Peter 1 affirms in us that the absolute of Advent is that the Lord has given us
"a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"!
So enjoy the day, absolutely, in the Lord. Sit back. relax. enjoy--there is
nothing left for us to do. Soren Kierkegaard once said, "Laughter is a type
of prayer." Perhaps he meant that laughter, like prayer, allows us to give up
our need to control or manage. Just receive the Christ of Christmas!
Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read 1 Peter 1:3-9
3 (1Co 15:20; 2Co 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living
hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 4:8) to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you,
5 (Eph 2:8) who are protected by the power of God through faith for
a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 (Jas 1:2; Isa 61:3; Ro 5:2) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now,
if for a little while, you have had to suffer various trials,
7 (Job 23:10; Pr 17:3; Isa 48:10) in order that the genuineness of your faith,
which is more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried by fire,
may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation
of Jesus Christ,
8 (Jn 20:29; Heb 11:27) whom, having not seen, you love; and in whom,
though you do not see Him now, you believe and you rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory,
9 (Ro 6:22) receiving as the result of your faith the salvation of your souls.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to keep His purity in your heart.
Pray to the Lord "Father God, please help me to see myself and others
through Your eyes. Help me love with Your heart
as I come into contact with people who are different from me."
Pray to the Lord and Pray to remember He has called you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to reap bountifully.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be covetous of money.
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 God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences.
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become
your sons and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Pray: Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray "And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection." for the churches in Syria.
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)
1 Timothy
1 Timothy 1
Salutation
1 (Titus 1:3; Col 1:27; Lk 1:47) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by
the command of God our Savior, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
2 (2Ti 1:2; Titus 1:4; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Warning Against False Doctrine
3 (Gal 1:6-7; 1Ti 6:3) As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,
continue to remain at Ephesus so that you might command some to teach
no other doctrine,
4 (1Ti 4:7; Titus 1:14) nor pay attention to fables and endless genealogies,
which cause debates rather than godly edifying, which is in faith.
5 (2Ti 1:5; 2:22) Now the goal of this command is love from a pure heart,
and from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.
6 (Titus 1:10) From this, some have lost their way and turned aside
to empty talk,
7 (1Ti 6:4) desiring to be teachers of the law, and understanding
neither what they say nor what they affirm.
8 (Ro 7:16) But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully.
9 (Gal 5:23; 3:19) And we know that the law is not given for a righteous
person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners,
for the unholy and the profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers,
for murderers,
10 (2Ti 4:3; Lev 18:22) for the sexually immoral, for sodomites, for slave
traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anything else that is contrary
to sound doctrine,
11 (Gal 2:7; 2Co 4:4) according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God,
which was committed to my trust.
Thankfulness for Mercy
12 (Php 4:13; Ac 9:15) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me,
because He counted me faithful and appointed me to the ministry.
13 (Ac 8:3; 3:17) I was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an
insolent man. But I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 (2Ti 1:13) The grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Ti 3:1; 2Ti 2:11) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
16 (1Ti 1:13; Eph 2:7) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me,
first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were
to believe in Him for eternal life.
17 (Col 1:15; Mt 6:13) Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only
wise God, be honor and glory forever. Amen.
18 (1Ti 4:14; 1:2) This command I commit to you, my son Timothy, according
to the prophecies that were previously given to you, that by them you might
fight a good fight,
19 (1Ti 1:5; 3:9) keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have
rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
20 (2Ti 2:17; Ac 13:45) Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have
delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 2
Instructions Concerning Prayer
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 Saviour,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God
and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.
This was the testimony given at the proper time.
7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle
(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles
in faith and truth.
8 (Ps 134:2; Jn 4:21) Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting
up holy hands, without wrath or contentiousness.
9 In like manner also, that women clothe themselves in modest clothing, with
decency and self-control, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive
clothing,
10 but with good works, which is proper for women professing godliness.
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all obedience.
12 (1Co 14:34) I do not permit a woman to teach or to usurp authority
over a man, but to be silent.
13 (Ge 2:22; 2:7) For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 (Ge 3:6; 2Co 11:3) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being
deceived, fell into sin.
15 (1Ti 1:14) Yet she will be saved in childbearing if they continue
in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
1 Timothy 3
Qualifications of Overseers
1 (Ac 20:28; 1Ti 1:15; Ac 1:20) This is a faithful saying: If a man desires
the office of an overseer, he desires a good work.
2 (1Ti 5:9; 2Ti 2:24) An overseer then must be blameless, the husband
of one wife, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach;
3 (Titus 1:7; 1Ti 3:8; Lev 10:9) not given to drunkenness, not violent, not
greedy for money, but patient, not argumentative, not covetous;
4 (1Ti 3:12; Titus 1:6) and one who manages his own house well, having his
children in submission with all reverence.
5 (1Ti 3:15) For if a man does not know how to manage his own house, how will
he take care of the church of God?
6 (1Ti 6:4) He must not be newly converted, so that he does not become
prideful and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 (2Ti 2:26; 1Ti 6:9) Moreover he must have a good reputation among those who
are outsiders, so that he does not fall into reproach and the snare of the
devil.
Qualifications of Deacons
8 (Php 1:1; Titus 2:3; Lev 10:9) Likewise deacons must be serious,
not insincere, not given to much wine, not greedy,
9 (1Ti 1:19; 1:5) keeping the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 (1Ti 5:22) And let them first be tested; then, being found blameless,
let them serve as deacons.
11 (Titus 2:3; 2Ti 3:3; 1Ti 3:2) Likewise, their wives must be serious,
not slanderers, sober, and faithful in all things.
12 (1Ti 3:2) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,
managing their children and their own houses well.
13 (Mt 25:21) For those who have served well in the office of deacon
purchase for themselves good standing and great boldness in the faith,
which is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Our Religion
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly,
15 (Mt 16:16; 18:18) but if I am delayed, you might know how you ought
to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 (Jn 1:14; Heb 1:3; Mk 16:19) Without question, great is the mystery
of godliness:
God was revealed in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit,
seen by angels,
preached to the Gentiles,
believed on in the world,
taken up into glory.
1 Timothy 4
Prediction of Apostasy
1 (Jn 16:13; 2Pe 3:3) Now the Spirit clearly says that in the last times
some will depart from the faith and pay attention to seducing spirits
and doctrines of devils,
2 (Eph 4:19) speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared
with a hot iron,
3 (Ro 14:6; Heb 13:4) forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain
from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving
by those who believe and know the truth.
4 (Ge 1:31; Ro 14:14) For everything created by God is good, and not to
be refused if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Minister of Christ Jesus
6 (1Ti 1:10) If you remind the brothers of these things, you will be a good
minister of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and of good
doctrine, which you have followed closely.
7 (1Ti 1:4; 2Ti 2:16; Heb 5:14) But refuse profane and foolish myths.
Instead, exercise in the ways of godliness.
8 (Mt 6:33; 1Ti 6:6) For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness
is profitable in all things, holding promise for the present life
and also for the life to come.
9 (1Ti 1:15) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
10 (1Ti 2:4; 3:15) For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach,
because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men,
especially of those who believe.
11 (1Ti 6:2; 5:7) Command and teach these things.
12 (2Ti 2:22; Titus 2:7) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example
to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,
and in purity.
13 Until I come, give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine.
14 (2Ti 1:6; Ac 6:6; 1Ti 1:18) Do not neglect the gift that is in you,
which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of hands
by the elders.
15 Meditate on these things. Give yourself completely to them,
that your progress may be known to everyone.
16 (Titus 2:7; Ro 11:14) Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.
Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself
and those who hear you.
1 Timothy 5
Duties Toward Others
1 (Lev 19:32; Titus 2:6) Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father,
the younger men as brothers,
2 the elder women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with complete
purity.
3 (Ac 6:1; 9:39) Honor widows that are widows indeed.
4 (1Ti 2:3; Ge 45:10-11) But if any widow has children or grandchildren,
let them learn first to show piety at home and to repay their parents.
For this is good and acceptable before God.
5 (Lk 2:37; 1Ti 5:3) Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts
in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
6 (Lk 15:24; Jas 5:5) But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 (1Ti 4:11) And these things command, that they may be blameless.
8 (Titus 1:16; Gal 6:10) But if any do not care for their own,
and especially for those of their own house, they have denied the faith
and are worse than unbelievers.
9 (1Ti 3:2) Do not let a widow be counted unless she is over sixty years old,
has been the wife of one man,
10 (1Ti 6:18; Titus 3:8) is well attested in good works, if she has brought
up children, has lodged strangers, has washed the saints' feet, has relieved
the afflicted, and has diligently followed every good work.
11 (1Ti 5:14) But refuse the younger widows, for when their sensual desires
have drawn them away from Christ, they want to marry,
12 and bring judgment on themselves, because they have cast off their
first pledge.
13 (Pr 20:19; Titus 1:11) Besides that, they learn to be idle, and not only
idle, wandering around from house to house, but also gossips and busybodies,
saying what they ought not.
14 (Titus 2:5; 1Ti 6:1; 4:3) Therefore I desire that the younger women marry,
bear children, manage the house, and give no occasion to the adversary
to speak reproachfully.
15 For some have already turned aside after Satan.
16 (1Ti 5:3-5) If any believing man or woman has widows, let those assist
them. Do not let the church be charged, so that it may relieve those
who are widows indeed.
17 (Ro 12:8; Php 2:29) Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy
of double honour, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
18 (Dt 25:4; Lev 19:13; Mt 10:10) For the Scripture says, "You shall not
muzzle the ox that treads out the grain,"(Dt 25:4.) and, "The laborer is
worthy of his reward."(Lk 10:7.)
19 (Dt 19:15; Mt 18:16) Do not receive an accusation against an elder,
except before two or three witnesses.
20 (Dt 13:11; 2Ti 4:2) Rebuke in the presence of everyone those who sin,
that the rest also may fear.
21 (1Ti 6:13; 2Ti 4:1) I command you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ
and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice,
doing nothing by partiality.
22 (Ac 6:6; Eph 5:11) Do not lay hands suddenly on anyone, and do not
partake of other men's sins. Keep yourself pure.
23 (1Ti 3:8; Ps 104:15) No longer drink only water, but use a little wine
for your stomach's sake and your frequent illnesses.
24 Some men's sins are evident, pointing to judgment,
but other men's sins are revealed later.
25 Likewise, the good works of some are evident,
but those that are not cannot be hidden.
1 Timothy 6
1 (Titus 2:5; Isa 52:5) Let as many servants as are under the yoke of slavery
count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His
doctrine may not be slandered.
2 (1Ti 4:11) Let those who have believing masters not despise them, because
they are brothers. Instead, let them serve as slaves, because those who
receive their service are faithful and beloved.
False Teaching and True Wealth
Teach and command these things.
3 (1Ti 1:3; 1:10) Anyone who teaches otherwise and does not consent
to wholesome words, to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to godly
doctrine
4 (1Ti 1:4; 3:6) is conceited and knows nothing. He has a morbid
disposition for controversy and verbal disputes, from which come envy,
strife, blasphemies, evil speculations,
5 (2Ti 3:8; Titus 1:11) constant disputes by men of corrupt minds, being
destitute of the truth, and supposing that financial gain is godliness.
Withdraw yourself from such men.
6 (1Ti 4:8; Heb 13:5) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 (Job 1:21; Ps 49:17) For we brought nothing into this world,
and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.
8 (Ge 28:20) If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with
these things.
9 (Pr 15:27; 1Ti 3:7) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation
and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men
in ruin and destruction.
10 (Dt 16:19) For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The Good Fight of Faith
11 (2Ti 2:22; 3:17) But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
12 (1Ti 1:18; 1Co 9:25-66) Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold
on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed
a good profession before many witnesses.
13 (1Ti 5:21; Mt 27:11) I command you, in the sight of God, who gives
life to all things, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who testified
a good confession before Pontius Pilate,
14 to keep this commandment without blemish, blameless
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 (1Ti 1:11; Rev 17:14) which He, who is the blessed and only Ruler,
the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the proper time.
16 (1Ti 1:17; Jn 1:18; Ps 104:2) He alone has immortality, living in
unapproachable light, whom no one has seen, nor can see.
To Him be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that
they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,
who richly gives us all things to enjoy.
18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich in good
works, generous, willing to share,
19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.
20 (Col 2:8; 2Ti 2:16) O Timothy, guard that which is committed to your trust.
Avoid profane babblings and opposing views from so-called knowledge.
21 (2Ti 2:18; Col 4:18) By professing it, some have erred concerning
the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/16/what-are-you
entitled What Are You?
Galatians 3:26-4:7
26 (Gal 4:5-6) You are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 (Ro 13:14; Ac 2:38) For as many of you as have been baptised
into Christ have put on Christ.
28 (Col 3:11; Gal 5:6) There is neither Jew nor Greek,
there is neither slave nor free, and there is neither male nor female,
for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 (Ro 8:17; 9:7-8) If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed,
and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 4
1 Now I say that as long as the heir is a child,
he does not differ from a servant though he is lord of all.
2 But he is under tutors and governors until the time appointed
by the father.
3 (Gal 2:4; 4:9) So when we were children, we were in bondage
to the elements of the world.
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.
6 (Ro 5:5; 8:9; Eph 4:30) And because you are sons, God has sent
forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, "Abba, Father!"
7 Therefore you are no longer a servant, but a son,
and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
When I walked into the ice cream shop with my five-year-old biracial son,
the man behind the counter glanced at me and stared at my child.
"What are you?"
His question and harsh tone triggered the all-too-familiar anger
and heartache I’d experienced growing up as a Mexican-American who didn't fit
stereotypes. Pulling Xavier closer, I turned toward my Black husband as he
entered the store. With eyes narrowed, the store clerk completed our order
in silence.
I prayed silently for the man as my son listed the flavours of ice cream
he wanted to try. Repenting of my bitterness, I asked God to give me
a spirit of forgiveness. With my light-but-not-white complexion, I'd been
the target of similar glares accompanying that same question over the years.
I'd struggled with insecurities and feelings of worthlessness until I began
learning how to embrace my identity as God's beloved daughter.
The apostle Paul declares that believers in Jesus are "all children of God
through faith," equally valued and beautifully diverse. We're intimately
connected and intentionally designed to work together (Galatians 3:26-29).
When God sent His Son to redeem us, we became family through His blood
shed on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins (4:4-7). As God's
image-bearers, our worth cannot be determined by the opinions,
expectations, or biases of others.
What are we? We're children of God.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
When have you doubted your value as a person due to the opinions,
expectations, or biases of others?
How does knowing all God’s
children are His image-bearers help you love those
who are different from you?
Father God, please help me to see myself and others
through Your eyes. Help me love with Your heart
as I come into contact with people who are different from me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 5 Called by Name
Isaiah 43:1
1 But now, thus says the Lord
who created you, O Jacob,
and He who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
Eric, age 4, somehow lost his mother in a large and busy department store.
Found sobbing under a coat rack, the boy tried to tell the security guard
where he was when he got separated from his mother. Finally the guard said,
"what's your name, Son? Who do you belong to?"
The child brightened a bit, gave the guard his name, and within minutes
the frantic mother was reunited with her lost son.
One of the first questions we are asked, both as children and adults, is
"What is your name?" - that is, "Who are you? Who do you belong to?"
Children bear the name of their parents, and most women,
except for professional reasons,
take the name of their husbands when they marry.
Our names are our primary method of identification;
they connect us with our heritage and those we love.
In Isaiah 43:1, God declares that we belong to him.
The Lord who created us and formed us says,
"I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine." God's
right of ownership in our lives extends beyond the bond of family and friends,
of parent, child, or spouse. We belong first to him;
we are called by him into oneness with him.
The Scripture is filled with images of the Lord's care for us;
when we are lost, he does
not wait for us to find him,
but takes the initiative, like a loving parent
to seek us out. That declaration of belonging can give us
a strong sense of security in our lives. God loves us;
he will never let us go.
Application
a) What experiences have I had of being lost of abandoned?
b) How can today's verse help me find security in belonging to God?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:6
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
1 Tim 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
that we can carry nothing out. 8 If we have food and clothing,
we shall be content with these things. 9 But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
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
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment"
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
)
Advent Day 19
From C.S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
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 parÂents, 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.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons
and daughters. Amen.
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,
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, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
His name is John.
He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
-Luke 1:63a
All the friends and relatives wanted to name the child Zechariah
after his father. However, Elizabeth and Zechariah were adamant
that he was to be called John. The people were amazed-this was not
a family name, they cried. But it was the name the angel Gabriel
had given to Zechariah in the Temple, so it was God's
ordinance that he should be so designated.
If the people were astounded by the couple's unusual unanimity
about this unique name, they were even more surprised on this
circumcision day by the opening of Zechariah's mouth.
He spoke clearly-his tongue was free! and, most important,
he acclaimed God!
Zechariah had had more than nine months to contemplate things.
He was overwhelmed with Joy that he and Elizabeth had borne
a child in their old age, and he was awed that even before
birth John had been filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, Zechariah
burst out with praise at God's working.
Prayer
Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Amen.
Read Luke 1:59-64.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.
And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.
60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.â€
61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives
who is called by this name."
62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.
63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
And they all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,
and he spoke and praised God.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ABSOLUTES!
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according
to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you, 1 PETER 1:3-4
Joy to the World is a hymn that should be sung all year long!
We boldly proclaim that there is joy in this world because the Lord HAS
come! Have you ever sung a stanza that goes. "Joy to the world, the Lord
might come," or "the Lord is thinking of coming." or "shape up and he will
come"? Me neither!
Absolutes is a big AH-HA of Advent. It affirms that Advent is not a time
to pretend that the Lord is coming, but that he has indeed come to
us already! And with this absolute truth of the Gospel we also receive
absolution of our sins--again because (he Lord has come to live, suffer,
die and rise for us! We are forgiven . . . absolutely!
Think of other absolutes in your life. l think of love for family although
mess that up at times; and of life being a gift from God,. although
sometimes do not live like it is; and, of course, it is an absolute that
the Chicago Cubs will never win another World Series
but that's another story!
1 Peter 1 affirms in us that the absolute of Advent is that the Lord has given us
"a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"!
So enjoy the day, absolutely, in the Lord. Sit back. relax. enjoy--there is
nothing left for us to do. Soren Kierkegaard once said, "Laughter is a type
of prayer." Perhaps he meant that laughter, like prayer, allows us to give up
our need to control or manage. Just receive the Christ of Christmas!
Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read 1 Peter 1:3-9
3 (1Co 15:20; 2Co 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living
hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 4:8) to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you,
5 (Eph 2:8) who are protected by the power of God through faith for
a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 (Jas 1:2; Isa 61:3; Ro 5:2) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now,
if for a little while, you have had to suffer various trials,
7 (Job 23:10; Pr 17:3; Isa 48:10) in order that the genuineness of your faith,
which is more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried by fire,
may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation
of Jesus Christ,
8 (Jn 20:29; Heb 11:27) whom, having not seen, you love; and in whom,
though you do not see Him now, you believe and you rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory,
9 (Ro 6:22) receiving as the result of your faith the salvation of your souls.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to keep His purity in your heart.
Pray to the Lord "Father God, please help me to see myself and others
through Your eyes. Help me love with Your heart
as I come into contact with people who are different from me."
Pray to the Lord and Pray to remember He has called you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to reap bountifully.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be covetous of money.
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 God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences.
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become
your sons and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Pray: Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray "And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection." for the churches in Syria.
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.