Day 351 - 17 December 2021 reflections
Day 351, 17 December 2021
1)
Titus
Titus 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 1:1; 1Ti 6:3) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth
which leads to godliness,
2 (2Ti 1:1; 1:9; Titus 2:13) in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot
lie, promised before the world began,
3 (1Ti 1:1; 1:1) 1and has in due time revealed His word through preaching,
with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,
4 (2Ti 1:2; 2Co 2:13) To Titus, my own son in the common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.
Titus' Work in Crete
5 (Ac 14:23; 27:7) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should
set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city,
as I commanded you:
6 (1Ti 3:2-7; 3:12) any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife,
having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly.
7 (Lk 12:42; 2Pe 2:10) For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward
of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness,
not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain,
8 (1Ti 3:2) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled,
just, holy, temperate,
9 (1Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:15) holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in
accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with
sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.
10 (1Ti 1:6; Ac 11:2) For there are many unruly men, empty talkers
and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 (2Ti 3:6; 1Ti 6:5) who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses
by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach.
12 (Ac 17:28) One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are
always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!"
13 (2Co 13:10; Titus 2:2) This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply
that they may be sound in the faith,
14 (Col 2:22; 2Ti 4:4) not paying attention to Jewish myths
and commandments of men who reject the truth.
15 (Ro 14:20; 14:23) To the pure, all things are pure.
But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.
Even their minds and consciences are defiled.
16 (1Jn 2:4; Rev 21:8) They profess that they know God,
but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient,
and worthless for every good work.
Titus 2
The Teaching of Sound Doctrine
1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you, teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:
2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,
sound in faith, in love, in patience.
3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,
and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers
of good things,
4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children,
5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured.
6 (1Ti 5:1) Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled,
7 (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good
works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility,
8 (1Pe 2:12; Ne 5:9) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that
the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well
in everything, not answering back,
10 (Mt 5:16; Titus 1:3) or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that
they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
11 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 11:23) For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men,
12 (Lk 1:75; Ro 6:19) teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously,
and in godliness in this present world,
13 (2Ti 4:8; Titus 1:2) as we await the blessed hope and the appearing
of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 (Eph 2:10; Heb 9:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people,
zealous of good works.
152 (Ti 4:2; 1Ti 5:20) Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise you.
Titus 3
Maintain Good Deeds
1 (2Ti 2:21; Ecc 10:4) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to obey them, to be ready for every good work,
2 (1Ti 3:3; 2Ti 2:24-25) to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious,
but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
3 (Col 3:7) We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred
and hating each other.
4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone.
9 (2Ti 2:14; 2:23) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions,
and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 (Ro 16:17; 2Jn 1:10) Reject a divisive man after a first and second
admonition,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Personal Instructions and Greetings
12 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:9) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent
to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 (Ac 18:24; Mt 22:35) Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
on their journey. See that they lack nothing.
14 (Php 1:11; Col 1:10) And let our people also learn to continue doing good
works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.
15 (Col 4:18) All who are with me greet you.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/17/beautifully-broken
entitled Beautifully Broken
Psalm 31:12–24
12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind;
I am like a broken vessel.
13 For I have heard the slander of many;
fear was on every side;
while they took counsel together againstme,
they planned to take away my life.
14 But I trusted in You, O Lord;
I said, "You are my God."
15 My times are in Your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies
and my pursuers.
16 Make Your face to shine on Your servant;
save me by Your lovingkindness.
17 Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord,
for I have called on You;
let the wicked be ashamed,
and let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence,
who speak arrogantly
in pride and contempt against the righteous.
19 Oh, how great is Your goodness,
which You have laid up for those who fear You,
which You have done for those
seeking refuge in You before people!
20 You will hide them in the secret of Your presence
from conspirators;
You will keep them secretly in a shelter
from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord,
for He has shown me His marvelous lovingkindness
in a fortified city.
22 For I said in my haste,
"I am cut off from before Your eyes."
Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications
when I cried to You.
23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints,
for the Lord preserves the faithful,
but amply repays the one who acts in pride.
24 Be strong, and He will strengthen your heart,
all you who wait for the Lord.
Our bus finally arrived at our much-anticipated destination
-an archaeological dig in Israel where we would actually
do some excavation work of our own. The site's director explained that
anything we might unearth had been untouched for thousands of years.
Digging up broken shards of pottery, we felt as though we were touching
history. After an extended time, we were led to a workstation where those
broken pieces-from huge vases shattered long, long ago
-were being put back together.
The picture was crystal clear. Those artisans reconstructing centuries-old
broken pottery were a beautiful representation of the God who loves to fix
broken things. In Psalm 31:12, David wrote, "I am forgotten as a dead man out
of mind; I am like a broken vessel." Though no occasion is given for the
writing of this psalm, David's life difficulties often found voice in his
laments-just like this one. The song describes him as being broken down
by danger, enemies, and despair.
So, where did he turn for help? In verse 16, David cries out to God,
“Make Your face to shine on Your servant;
save me by Your lovingkindness.â€
The God who was the object of David's trust is the same One who still fixes
broken things today. All He asks is that we call out to Him and trust in His
unfailing love.
By: Bill Crowder
Reflect & Pray
What areas of brokenness have you experienced? How has God helped you through those difficult times?
God of my help, I thank You for all the times I’ve fallen and been broken-times when You’ve put me back together.
For further study, read
Understanding the Bible: The Wisdom Books.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 6 God Works!
Phil 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence,
but so much more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling.
13 For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.
"I just can't do it!" Marlys, a carrer woman in her 30s, was struggling to fit
her new Christian principles into the business world. Accustomed to the
cutthroat tactics of the corporate hierarchy, she has a hard time knowing
Jesus' examples of grace and mercy applied.
Marlys was right. She couldn't do it. In our own strength, none of us is able
to "live the Christian life." Someone has said, " The Christian life isn't
difficult -- it's impossible!" Only the power of the Holy Spirit is
effective to work the needed changes in our priorities and behaviour;
only God can accomplish what he calls us to do.
In Phillippians 2:12, Paul says "work it out." If we stop there,
we are likely to throw up our hands in despair.
But the good news appears in verse 13:
" For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure."
WE are not left on our own to figure out how to live the Christian life.
God gives us both the will and the ability to obey him, to live in a way
that will please him.
The key to a God-pleasing life is not performance, but obedience. God does not
expect us to "do great things" for him, to deserve his love and grace.
Our part in the process of salvation is to respond in obedience to the Lord,
to say "yes" to what he asks of us. We cannot change ourselves;
we cannot even know ourselves apart from the Spirit's insight. But
as we cooperate with him, as we agree to be obedient, the Spirit changes us
within, and those changes are "worked out" into our lives.
Application
a) Have I ever tried to "Live the Christian life" on my own strengh?
What was the result?
b) In what practical ways is Paul's declaration that "God works in me"
good new in my life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Prov 3:9-10
9 Honour the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
Hebr 13:5-6
5 Let your lives be without love of money, and be content
with the things you have. For He has said:
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
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
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 "Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!" )
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
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 20
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Friday, Third Week of Advent
"From the waist upwards he was like a man, but his legs were shaped like a goat's....One of his hands...held the umbrella:
in the other arm he carried several brown paper parcels. What with the parcels and the snow it looked just as if he had been doing his Christmas shopping. He was a Faun. And when he saw Lucy he gave such a start of surprise that he dropped all his parcels." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, p. 8.)
Christmas Shopping
Some families begin their Christmas shopping the day after Christmas, so far in advance that they have more than 300shop ping days to complete that task. Early in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Tumnus the Faun looked as if he had been Christmas shopping. Then he met Lucy, dropped his parcels in surprise, and the adventures in Narnia began. Those gifts are never again menÂtioned in the Chronicles of Narnia.
God's plans started much earlier than our plans do. At one point in Israel's history, their plans began seventy years before the end of the Babylonian Exile. For us they began even earlier than that. "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world" (Eph. 1:4). If God chose us before the creation of the world, then he also planned to send his Son before the creation of the world. Those plans even began before the first sin. Now that's planning!
In Christ God loved us with the riches of his grace that "he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding" (Eph. 1:8). He planned that we "be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will" (Eph. 1:5). That lavishment was God's shopping, so to speak, wrapping up gifts of grace in advance for us to enjoy in the coming of Jesus. The gifts of the Wise Men were planned to be gifts fit for a king. God's gifts were planned to be gifts fit for the children of the King.
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world to be your sons and daughters. Amen.
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
Ephesians 1:4
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Pondering and Prophesying
... For the hand of the Lord was with him..
-Luke 1:66b
Fear of God came over everyone, and everything was discussed throughout Judea's hill country. There were two
other dominant reactions to the astonishing events that took place with John's circumcision. On one hand, people were pondering and asking, "What then will this child become?" On the other hand, Zechariah was compelled by the Holy Spirit to prophesy.
All of these responses are appropriate when we perceive that God has created a wonder. Not only will we want to tell all our neighbors and friends throughout the world, but also we will yearn to mull over the circumstances ourselves. Moreover, we may be overpowered by the Holy Spirit ourselves and may give witness to God's glorious accomplishments in other ways.
Are we open to the workings of the Holy Spirit through us? Has it ever happened that you have prophesied? (I mean not necessarily foretelling the future, but clarifying the meaning of the present.) Have we instead sometimes quenched the Spirit when God would have used us to give witness to his deeds?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Read Luke 1:65-67.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts
were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,
"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AD LIBS!
God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, HEBREWS 1:1-2
How is your journey to the manger going so far? We're almost
to Bethlehem!
I like to look for different "twists" in the Christmas message each year. Not
that l change the story, but I do look for creative ways to ad lib along the
way. This is called the AH-HA of ad libs!
For instance. l imagine what would have happened if, when Mary and
Joseph came to the innkeeper, instead of turning them away. he would
have said, "Hey. no problem, come on in and hake a drink!" Or l wonder
what if when the angels came to the old shepherds in the field, the senior
adult shepherds would have responded, "Huh?"
We'd better just stick to the old, old story of Jesus and his love, don't you
think?--just the way today's Scripture lays it out. Hebrews reminds us that
years ago God spoke to his people through the prophets, but now he
speaks to us through his Son. That's the story we never want to change!
Author David Grayson once wrote. "Sometimes we expect too much of
Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and
humanity of the whole year. I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all
through the year." Not a bad way to ad lib our way, each day, in the Lord!
Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Hebrews 1:1-4
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,
whom He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express
image of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power.
When He had by Himself purged our sins,
He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels
as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to teach the Word in His name.
Pray to the Lord "God of my help, I thank You for all the times I’ve fallen and been broken-times when You’ve put me back together."
Pray to the Lord and Thank Him for His continual work in You.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour Him with your first fruits.
Pray to the Lord and Thank Him for He is your Helper.
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 for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world
to be your sons and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Pray: Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for unity among Somali believers and those working with them.
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)
Titus
Titus 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 1:1; 1Ti 6:3) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth
which leads to godliness,
2 (2Ti 1:1; 1:9; Titus 2:13) in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot
lie, promised before the world began,
3 (1Ti 1:1; 1:1) 1and has in due time revealed His word through preaching,
with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,
4 (2Ti 1:2; 2Co 2:13) To Titus, my own son in the common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.
Titus' Work in Crete
5 (Ac 14:23; 27:7) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should
set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city,
as I commanded you:
6 (1Ti 3:2-7; 3:12) any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife,
having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly.
7 (Lk 12:42; 2Pe 2:10) For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward
of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness,
not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain,
8 (1Ti 3:2) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled,
just, holy, temperate,
9 (1Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:15) holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in
accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with
sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.
10 (1Ti 1:6; Ac 11:2) For there are many unruly men, empty talkers
and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 (2Ti 3:6; 1Ti 6:5) who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses
by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach.
12 (Ac 17:28) One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are
always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!"
13 (2Co 13:10; Titus 2:2) This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply
that they may be sound in the faith,
14 (Col 2:22; 2Ti 4:4) not paying attention to Jewish myths
and commandments of men who reject the truth.
15 (Ro 14:20; 14:23) To the pure, all things are pure.
But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.
Even their minds and consciences are defiled.
16 (1Jn 2:4; Rev 21:8) They profess that they know God,
but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient,
and worthless for every good work.
Titus 2
The Teaching of Sound Doctrine
1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you, teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:
2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,
sound in faith, in love, in patience.
3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,
and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers
of good things,
4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children,
5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured.
6 (1Ti 5:1) Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled,
7 (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good
works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility,
8 (1Pe 2:12; Ne 5:9) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that
the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well
in everything, not answering back,
10 (Mt 5:16; Titus 1:3) or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that
they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
11 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 11:23) For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men,
12 (Lk 1:75; Ro 6:19) teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously,
and in godliness in this present world,
13 (2Ti 4:8; Titus 1:2) as we await the blessed hope and the appearing
of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 (Eph 2:10; Heb 9:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people,
zealous of good works.
152 (Ti 4:2; 1Ti 5:20) Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise you.
Titus 3
Maintain Good Deeds
1 (2Ti 2:21; Ecc 10:4) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to obey them, to be ready for every good work,
2 (1Ti 3:3; 2Ti 2:24-25) to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious,
but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
3 (Col 3:7) We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred
and hating each other.
4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone.
9 (2Ti 2:14; 2:23) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions,
and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 (Ro 16:17; 2Jn 1:10) Reject a divisive man after a first and second
admonition,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Personal Instructions and Greetings
12 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:9) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent
to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 (Ac 18:24; Mt 22:35) Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
on their journey. See that they lack nothing.
14 (Php 1:11; Col 1:10) And let our people also learn to continue doing good
works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.
15 (Col 4:18) All who are with me greet you.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 17 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/17/beautifully-broken
entitled Beautifully Broken
Psalm 31:12–24
12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind;
I am like a broken vessel.
13 For I have heard the slander of many;
fear was on every side;
while they took counsel together againstme,
they planned to take away my life.
14 But I trusted in You, O Lord;
I said, "You are my God."
15 My times are in Your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies
and my pursuers.
16 Make Your face to shine on Your servant;
save me by Your lovingkindness.
17 Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord,
for I have called on You;
let the wicked be ashamed,
and let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence,
who speak arrogantly
in pride and contempt against the righteous.
19 Oh, how great is Your goodness,
which You have laid up for those who fear You,
which You have done for those
seeking refuge in You before people!
20 You will hide them in the secret of Your presence
from conspirators;
You will keep them secretly in a shelter
from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord,
for He has shown me His marvelous lovingkindness
in a fortified city.
22 For I said in my haste,
"I am cut off from before Your eyes."
Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications
when I cried to You.
23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints,
for the Lord preserves the faithful,
but amply repays the one who acts in pride.
24 Be strong, and He will strengthen your heart,
all you who wait for the Lord.
Our bus finally arrived at our much-anticipated destination
-an archaeological dig in Israel where we would actually
do some excavation work of our own. The site's director explained that
anything we might unearth had been untouched for thousands of years.
Digging up broken shards of pottery, we felt as though we were touching
history. After an extended time, we were led to a workstation where those
broken pieces-from huge vases shattered long, long ago
-were being put back together.
The picture was crystal clear. Those artisans reconstructing centuries-old
broken pottery were a beautiful representation of the God who loves to fix
broken things. In Psalm 31:12, David wrote, "I am forgotten as a dead man out
of mind; I am like a broken vessel." Though no occasion is given for the
writing of this psalm, David's life difficulties often found voice in his
laments-just like this one. The song describes him as being broken down
by danger, enemies, and despair.
So, where did he turn for help? In verse 16, David cries out to God,
“Make Your face to shine on Your servant;
save me by Your lovingkindness.â€
The God who was the object of David's trust is the same One who still fixes
broken things today. All He asks is that we call out to Him and trust in His
unfailing love.
By: Bill Crowder
Reflect & Pray
What areas of brokenness have you experienced? How has God helped you through those difficult times?
God of my help, I thank You for all the times I’ve fallen and been broken-times when You’ve put me back together.
For further study, read
Understanding the Bible: The Wisdom Books.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 6 God Works!
Phil 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence,
but so much more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling.
13 For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.
"I just can't do it!" Marlys, a carrer woman in her 30s, was struggling to fit
her new Christian principles into the business world. Accustomed to the
cutthroat tactics of the corporate hierarchy, she has a hard time knowing
Jesus' examples of grace and mercy applied.
Marlys was right. She couldn't do it. In our own strength, none of us is able
to "live the Christian life." Someone has said, " The Christian life isn't
difficult -- it's impossible!" Only the power of the Holy Spirit is
effective to work the needed changes in our priorities and behaviour;
only God can accomplish what he calls us to do.
In Phillippians 2:12, Paul says "work it out." If we stop there,
we are likely to throw up our hands in despair.
But the good news appears in verse 13:
" For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure."
WE are not left on our own to figure out how to live the Christian life.
God gives us both the will and the ability to obey him, to live in a way
that will please him.
The key to a God-pleasing life is not performance, but obedience. God does not
expect us to "do great things" for him, to deserve his love and grace.
Our part in the process of salvation is to respond in obedience to the Lord,
to say "yes" to what he asks of us. We cannot change ourselves;
we cannot even know ourselves apart from the Spirit's insight. But
as we cooperate with him, as we agree to be obedient, the Spirit changes us
within, and those changes are "worked out" into our lives.
Application
a) Have I ever tried to "Live the Christian life" on my own strengh?
What was the result?
b) In what practical ways is Paul's declaration that "God works in me"
good new in my life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Prov 3:9-10
9 Honour the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
Hebr 13:5-6
5 Let your lives be without love of money, and be content
with the things you have. For He has said:
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
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
17th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
( Ps 122:7 - 7 "Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!" )
b) Pray for the province of Ontario
I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
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 20
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Friday, Third Week of Advent
"From the waist upwards he was like a man, but his legs were shaped like a goat's....One of his hands...held the umbrella:
in the other arm he carried several brown paper parcels. What with the parcels and the snow it looked just as if he had been doing his Christmas shopping. He was a Faun. And when he saw Lucy he gave such a start of surprise that he dropped all his parcels." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, p. 8.)
Christmas Shopping
Some families begin their Christmas shopping the day after Christmas, so far in advance that they have more than 300shop ping days to complete that task. Early in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Tumnus the Faun looked as if he had been Christmas shopping. Then he met Lucy, dropped his parcels in surprise, and the adventures in Narnia began. Those gifts are never again menÂtioned in the Chronicles of Narnia.
God's plans started much earlier than our plans do. At one point in Israel's history, their plans began seventy years before the end of the Babylonian Exile. For us they began even earlier than that. "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world" (Eph. 1:4). If God chose us before the creation of the world, then he also planned to send his Son before the creation of the world. Those plans even began before the first sin. Now that's planning!
In Christ God loved us with the riches of his grace that "he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding" (Eph. 1:8). He planned that we "be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will" (Eph. 1:5). That lavishment was God's shopping, so to speak, wrapping up gifts of grace in advance for us to enjoy in the coming of Jesus. The gifts of the Wise Men were planned to be gifts fit for a king. God's gifts were planned to be gifts fit for the children of the King.
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world to be your sons and daughters. Amen.
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
Ephesians 1:4
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Pondering and Prophesying
... For the hand of the Lord was with him..
-Luke 1:66b
Fear of God came over everyone, and everything was discussed throughout Judea's hill country. There were two
other dominant reactions to the astonishing events that took place with John's circumcision. On one hand, people were pondering and asking, "What then will this child become?" On the other hand, Zechariah was compelled by the Holy Spirit to prophesy.
All of these responses are appropriate when we perceive that God has created a wonder. Not only will we want to tell all our neighbors and friends throughout the world, but also we will yearn to mull over the circumstances ourselves. Moreover, we may be overpowered by the Holy Spirit ourselves and may give witness to God's glorious accomplishments in other ways.
Are we open to the workings of the Holy Spirit through us? Has it ever happened that you have prophesied? (I mean not necessarily foretelling the future, but clarifying the meaning of the present.) Have we instead sometimes quenched the Spirit when God would have used us to give witness to his deeds?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Read Luke 1:65-67.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts
were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,
"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AD LIBS!
God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, HEBREWS 1:1-2
How is your journey to the manger going so far? We're almost
to Bethlehem!
I like to look for different "twists" in the Christmas message each year. Not
that l change the story, but I do look for creative ways to ad lib along the
way. This is called the AH-HA of ad libs!
For instance. l imagine what would have happened if, when Mary and
Joseph came to the innkeeper, instead of turning them away. he would
have said, "Hey. no problem, come on in and hake a drink!" Or l wonder
what if when the angels came to the old shepherds in the field, the senior
adult shepherds would have responded, "Huh?"
We'd better just stick to the old, old story of Jesus and his love, don't you
think?--just the way today's Scripture lays it out. Hebrews reminds us that
years ago God spoke to his people through the prophets, but now he
speaks to us through his Son. That's the story we never want to change!
Author David Grayson once wrote. "Sometimes we expect too much of
Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and
humanity of the whole year. I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all
through the year." Not a bad way to ad lib our way, each day, in the Lord!
Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Hebrews 1:1-4
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,
whom He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express
image of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power.
When He had by Himself purged our sins,
He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels
as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to teach the Word in His name.
Pray to the Lord "God of my help, I thank You for all the times I’ve fallen and been broken-times when You’ve put me back together."
Pray to the Lord and Thank Him for His continual work in You.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour Him with your first fruits.
Pray to the Lord and Thank Him for He is your Helper.
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 for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world
to be your sons and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Pray: Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for unity among Somali believers and those working with them.
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.