Day 355 - 21 December 2021 reflections
Day 355, 21 December 2021
1)
Hebrews 11 - 13
Hebrews 11
Faith
1 (2Co 4:18; 5:7) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the men of old obtained a good report.
3 (Jn 1:3; Ro 4:17) By faith we understand that the universe was framed
by the word of God, so that things that are seen were not made
out of things which are visible.
4 (Mt 23:35; Heb 12:24) By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent
sacrifice than Cain offered. Through this he was approved as righteous,
with God testifying concerning his gifts. He still speaks through his
faith, though he is dead.
5 (2Ki 2:11; Jude 1:14) By faith Enoch was taken to heaven so that
he would not see death. He was not found, because God took him away.
For before he was taken, he had this commendation, that he pleased God.
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 (1Pe 3:20; Eze 14:14) By faith Noah, being divinely warned about things
not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to save his family,
by which he condemned the world
and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8 (Ge 12:1-4; 12:7) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out
into a place which he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out
not knowing where he was going.
9 (Ge 12:8; 18:9) By faith he dwelt in the promised land, as in a foreign
land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs of the same promise,
10 (Heb 12:22; 13:14) for he was looking for a city which has foundations,
whose builder and maker is God.
11 (Ge 18:11-14; Heb 10:23) By faith Sarah herself also received the ability
to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age,
because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
12 (Ge 22:17; 15:5; 32:12) Therefore from one man, who was as good as dead,
sprang so many, a multitude as the stars of the sky and innumerable
as the sand by the seashore.
13 (Ge 23:4; Ps 39:12) These all died in faith not having received
the promises, but having seen them from afar were assured of them,
embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
on the earth.
14 Those who say such things declare plainly that they are looking
for a homeland.
15 (Ge 24:6-8) And certainly, if they had been thinking of the country
out of which they came, they might have had the opportunity to return.
16 (Ex 3:6; 3:15) But they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared
a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac,
and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.
18 (Ge 21:12; Ro 9:7) Of him God said,
"Through Isaac shall your seed be named."(Ge 21:12.)
19 (Ro 4:17-21) He reasoned that God was able to raise him up,
even from the dead, from which he indeed received him in a figurative sense.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph
and worshipped while leaning on the top of his staff.
22 (Ex 13:19; Ge 50:24-25) By faith Joseph, when he was dying, mentioned the
exodus of the children of Israel and gave instructions concerning his bones.
23 (Ex 1:16; 1:22) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden by his
parents for three months, because they saw he was a beautiful child,
and they were not afraid of the king's command.
24 (Ex 2:10-11) By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called
the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
25 (Job 36:21; Ps 84:10) choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people
of God than to enjoy thepleasures of sin for a time.
26 (Heb 2:2; 10:35) He esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches than
the treasures in Egypt, for he looked to the reward.
27 (Heb 11:13; Ex 2:14-15) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath
of the king. He endured by looking to Him who is invisible.
28 (Ex 12:21-30) By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood,
lest the one who destroys the firstborn touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land,
which the Egyptians attempted to do, but were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled
for seven days.
31 (Jas 2:25; Jos 6:22-25; Mt 1:5) By faith the prostitute Rahab,
when she received the spies with peace, did not perish with
those who did not believe.
32 (1Sa 1:20; 16:1) And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to
tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
33 (Jdg 14:5-6) who through faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice,
obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 (Jdg 15:8; 1Ki 19:3) quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge
of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in fighting,
and turned the armies of foreign enemies to flight.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured
and did not accept deliverance,
so that they might obtain a better resurrection.
36 (Jer 20:2; Ge 39:20; 1Ki 22:27) Still others had trials of mocking
and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment.
37 (1Ki 19:10; 2Ch 24:21) They were stoned, they were sawn in two,
were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered around
in sheepskins and goatskins, while destitute, afflicted, and tormented.
38 (1Ki 18:4; 19:9) The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts
and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
39 (Heb 11:13; 11:2; 1Pe 1:12) These all have obtained a good report through
faith, but they did not receive the promise.
40 (Rev 6:11) For God provided something better for us, so that with us they
would be made perfect.
Hebrews 12
The Discipline of the Lord
1 Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
2 (Heb 1:3; Lk 24:26) Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising
the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 (Gal 6:9; Heb 12:5) For consider Him who endured such hostility
from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up.
4 (Heb 10:32-34) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed while striving
against sin.
5 (Pr 3:11-12) And you have forgotten the exhortation addressed
to you as sons:
"My son, do not despise the discipline from the Lord,
nor grow weary when you are rebuked by Him;
6 (Rev 3:19; Ps 119:75; Pr 3:12) for whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
and scourges every son whom He receives."
7 (Pr 13:24; 19:18) Endure discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons.
For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?
8 If you are without discipline, of which everyone has partaken,
then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
9 (Nu 16:22; 27:16) Furthermore, we have had human fathers,
and they corrected us, and we gave them reverence.
Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
10 (2Pe 1:4) For they indeed disciplined us for a short time according
to their own judgment, but He does so for our profit, that we may partake
of His holiness.
11 (Isa 32:17; Jas 3:17-18) Now no discipline seems to be joyful at the time,
but grievous. Yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness
in those who have been trained by it.
12 (Isa 35:3; Job 4:3-4) Therefore lift up your tired hands,
and strengthen your weak knees.
13 (Gal 6:1; Pr 4:26-27) Make straight paths for your feet,
lest that which is lame go out of joint, but rather be healed.
Warning Against Rejecting God's Grace
14 (Ro 14:19; 2Co 7:1) Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness
without which no one will see the Lord,
15 (Gal 5:4; Heb 3:12; Dt 29:18) watching diligently so that no one falls
short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up
to cause trouble, and many become defiled by it,
16 (Heb 13:4; Ge 25:31-34) lest there be any sexually immoral
or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing,
he was rejected. For he found no place for repentance, though he sought
it diligently with tears.
18 (Dt 4:11; Ex 20:18) You have not come to a mountain that can be touched
and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and storm,
19 (Dt 18:16; 4:12) and to the sound of a trumpet and to a voice speaking
words, such that those who heard them begged that the word not be spoken
to them anymore.
20 (Ex 19:12-13) For they could not endure that which was commanded:
"If so much as a beast touches the mountain, it must be stoned
or thrust through with a spear."(Ex 19:12-13.)
21 (Ex 19:16) So terrible was the sight that Moses said,
"I am terrified and trembling."(Dt 9:19.)
22 (Gal 4:26; Ps 48:2) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city
of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable
company of angels;
23 (Lk 10:20; Ge 18:25) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn,
who are enrolled in heaven; to God, the Judge of all; and to the spirits
of the righteous ones made perfect;
24 (Ge 4:10; Heb 11:4; 8:6) and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant;
and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than that of Abel.
25 (Heb 8:5; 11:7) See that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if they
did not escape when they refused Him who spoke on earth,
much less shall we escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.
26 (Ex 19:18) At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has given us
a promise, saying, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth
but also heaven." (Hag 2:6.)
27 And this statement, "Yet once more," signifies the removal of those things
that can be shaken, things that are created, so that only those things
that cannot be shaken will remain.
28 (Da 2:44; Heb 13:15) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom
that cannot be moved, let us be gracious, by which we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
29 (Dt 4:24; 9:3) For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 13
Service That Pleases God
1 (1Pe 1:22; 2:17) Let brotherly love continue.
2 (Mt 25:35; 1Pe 4:9) Do not forget to entertain strangers, for thereby some
have entertained angels unknowingly.
3 (Mt 25:36; Col 4:18) Remember those who are in chains, as if imprisoned
with them, and those who are ill treated, since you are also in the body.
4 (1Co 6:9; Gal 5:19) Marriage is to be honored among everyone,
and the bed undefiled. But God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
5 (Jos 1:5; Dt 31:6) 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."(Dt 31:6, 8; Jos 1:5.)
6 (Ps 56:4) So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?"(Ps 118:6.)
7 (Heb 13:17; 6:12; 13:24) Remember those who rule over you, who have
proclaimed to you the word of God. Follow their faith, considering
the results it has produced in their lives.
8 (Heb 1:12; Mal 3:6) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today,
and forever.
9 (Eph 4:14; 2Co 1:21) Do not be carried away
with diverse and strange doctrines. It is a good thing that the heart
be strengthened with grace, not with foods, which have not profited
those who have been occupied with them.
10 (1Co 9:13) We have an altar from which those who serve in the tabernacle
have no right to eat.
11 (Ex 29:14; Lev 16:27) For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood
is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest on account of sin,
are burned outside the camp.
12 (Ac 7:58; Eph 5:26) Therefore Jesus also, so that He might sanctify
the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
13 (Heb 11:26) Therefore let us go forth to Him outside the camp,
bearing the reproach that He bore.
14 (Heb 12:22; Mic 2:10) For here we have no continuing city,
but we seek one to come.
15 (Hos 14:2; Lev 7:12) Through Him, then, let us continually offer
to God the sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of our lips,
giving thanks to His name.
16 (Ro 12:13; Php 4:18) But do not forget to do good and to share.
For with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 (Ac 20:28; Heb 13:7) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch
over your souls as those who must give an account. Let them do this with joy
and not complaining, for that would not be profitable to you.
18 (1Th 5:25; Ac 23:1) Pray for us. For we trust that we have a good
conscience and in all things are willing to live honestly.
19 (Phm 1:22) But I implore you to pray,
that I may be restored to you very soon.
Benediction and Final Greetings
20 (Zec 9:11; Jn 10:11) Now may the God of peace, who through the blood
of the eternal covenant brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the Great Shepherd of the sheep,
21 (Php 2:13; 2Th 2:17) make you perfect in every good work to do His will,
working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 (1Pe 5:12; Heb 3:1) I implore you, brothers, to heed this word
of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
23 (1Th 3:2) Know that our brother Timothy has been set free,
with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.
24 (Heb 13:7; 13:17) Greet all those who rule over you and all the saints.
Those from Italy greet you.
25 (Col 4:18) Grace be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 21 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/21/gods-compass-2
entitled God's Compass
Ps 119:105-112
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,
that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am greatly afflicted;
revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept the freewill offerings of my praise, O Lord,
and teach me Your judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand,
yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a trap for me,
yet I do not depart from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my inheritance forever,
for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes always,
even unto the end.
During World War II, Waldemar Semenov was serving as a junior
engineer aboard the SS Alcoa Guide when-nearly three hundred miles off
the coast of North Carolina—a German submarine surfaced and opened fire
on the ship. The ship was hit, caught fire, and began to sink.
Semenov and his crew lowered a lifeboat into the water and used the vessel's
compass to sail toward the shipping lanes. After three days, a patrol plane
spotted their lifeboat and the USS Broome rescued the men the next day.
Thanks to that compass, Semenov and 26 other crew members were saved.
The psalmist reminded God's people that they were equipped with a compass
for life-the Bible. He compared Scripture to "a lamp" (Psalm 119:105) that
provides light to illuminate the path of life for those pursuing God.
When the psalmist was adrift in the chaotic waters of life, he knew God could
use Scripture to provide spiritual longitude and latitude and help him
survive. Thus, he prayed that God would send out His light to direct him
in life and bring him safely to the port of His holy presence (43:3).
As believers in Jesus, when we lose our way, God can guide us
by the Holy Spirit and by the direction found in the Scriptures.
May God transform our hearts and minds as we read the Bible,
study it, and follow its wisdom.
By: Marvin Williams
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced a particular verse or passage
as a compass for your life in recent days? When are you
tempted not to follow the directions the compass of Scripture gives?
Jesus, thank You that when I'm tempted to drift away,
the wisdom of Scripture helps bring me back.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 3 The Kind Heart of Forgiveness
Eph 4:32
32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12–13; Mt 6:12)And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
Don had lost his job because he stood against his boss and refused to
compromise his Christian principles. Certain friends in the company had
turned against him, choosing to save their own jobs at any cost,
and he felt very alone, abandoned when he most needed the support
of those who cared.
But Don showed no signs of bitterness or unforgiveness. He refused to
recite the details of his firing to those around him, saying simply and
honestly, " I believe my boss was wrong in what he did. But God can show
him." The kindness of Don's heart ., and the tenderness with which he
extended forgiveness, became a testimony to all who knew him. Don's
boss never "saw the light", never repented, but Don lived in the freedom of
forgiving.
Comparison is a rare commodity among Christains today. We seem to be
overstocked with judgment and crammed full of condemnation, but we have
little space in the corners of our lives for tenderheartedness. We are quick
to assume that we know another person's heart and have the remedy for
the problem, rather then giving that person the benefit of the doubt,
the room to grow, the freedom to make a mistake and seek forgiveness.
Jesus demonstrated the king compassion necessary in forgiveness when he
looked down at the soldiers who has crucified him, gambling at his feet
for his cloak, and said, "Father , forgive them, for they do not know what
are doing."
When others hurt and betray us, they often "do not know what they are
doing." we can, in Christ, offer compassionate forgiveness to them -
not condoning their actions or excusing their wrong, but forgiving ,
in the simplicity and purity of God's love.
Application
a) What is the difference between excusing a wrong and forgiving?
b) How has God forgiven me for Christ's sake?
c) What does today's verse tell me about my attitude in forgiveness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ecclesiates 11:1
1 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42; Heb 6:10) Cast your bread upon the waters,
for you will find it after many days
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Romans 8:31-39
The Love of God
31 (Ps 118:6; Ro 4:1) What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 (Jn 3:16; Ro 4:25) He who did not spare His own Son,
but delivered Him up for us all, how shall
He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 (Rev 12:10–11; Isa 50:8–9) Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?
It is God who justifies.
34 (Heb 7:25; Mk 16:19; Ro 8:1) Who is he who condemns?
It is Christ who died, yes, who is risen, who is also
at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
35 (1Co 4:11) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 (Ps 44:22; 1Co 15:30)As it is written:
"For Your sake we are killed all day long;
we are counted as sheep for the slaughter." (Ps 44:22.)
37 (1Co 15:57; Gal 2:20) No, in all these things we are more
than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present
nor things to come,
39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
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
21st Day of the Month
a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make god honouring decisions
(
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
)
b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Advent Day 24
From C.S. Lewis A grand miracle by Joel Heck
"Once more, very many thanks to all your great goodness to me and mine:
and with all best wishes for a happy Christmas."
-C. S. Lewis
(From Letter to Dr. Warfield Firor, Nov. 6, 1948, Lewis' Collected Letters,
II, p. 889.)
Christmas Gratitude
During World War Two and for nearly a decade thereafter,
England suffered from a scarcity of certain foods and other consumables.
Rationing was the only solution, and a victory in the war the only consolation.
During those years, many in England benefited from the generosity of American
citizens almost as much as from the heroic courage of American soldiers.
The Lewis household was one of many to receive packages from the States,
which greatly eased the hardship. In the process, God blessed both the giver
and the recipients.
Dr. Warfield Firor, a physician from Baltimore, sent package after package
for many years. Because of the gift of more than one delicious ham,
Lewis once named him "Firor-of-the-Hams." Lewis had to come up with new
and creative ways of expressing his thanks, so frequent and generous
were Firor's gifts. Finally, Dr. Firor insisted that Lewis not thank
him anymore, but simply write to him about what he was reading, thinking,
or doing at the time. But in a letter in 1948, Lewis paired his gratitude
with greetings for the upcoming Christmas season.
The psalmist, thankful for God's strength, salvation, refuge, and
righteousness, thanks God for being his God. He says, "The Lord is
my strength and my song; he has become my salvation" (Ps. 118:14).
In the Advent season, we think of the salvation that God has sent
in his Son, and we are grateful.
We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.
Amen.
You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.
Psalm 118:28
From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
TUESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
John’s Qualifications
And the child grew and became strong in spirit, ...
-Luke 1:80a
What do we mean when we assert that certain people have a "strong spirit"?
Usually we are awed by their
passionate convictions or the certainty of their beliefs.
In John the Forerunner's case, we encounter both the culmination of his call
to prepare the way for his Lord and the aftermath of his years of solitude
in the desert when his preeminent teacher was God. Some scholars speculate
that he was associated with the Essenes, who had retreated to the barren
lands to preserve their faith, but we don't know for sure.
Nor do we know how old John was when he withdrew to the wilderness,
but we can surmise that earlier he had benefited from the rigorous
training of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
They had enfolded him entirely in the story of Israel's long awaited
Messiah and in his own call to cultivate repentance in preparation for him.
On the bedrock of his parents' proficiencies, God equipped him
in the wastelands to meet the public and testify to them.
prayer
Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.
Read Luke 1:76-80.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he remained in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCLAMATION!
7 so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 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. TITUS 3:7-8
Christmas is the time for acclamation . . . and so is Advent! This AH-HA
is present throughout our lives in the Lord as we shout. cheer, applaud
and say "AH-HA and hooray" to those around us!
Today's lesson is a great summary of the life in the Lord that we acclaim
daily. We are justified by his grace. which means we live "just as if I'd never
sinned." The Babe born in the manger whom we celebrate these days is
the reason for the reason we are free to acclaim his love and forgiveness
to others ... starting with ourselves!
Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham. had it right when she said that a "happy
'marriage is the union of two forgivers." We acclaim that this is what the
Church is all about also---a commUNION of forgivers in Christ!
The Church has not survived for over 2000 years because of our optimism,
idealism or realism, but because the Spirit has empowered his people to
acclaim and witness to the birth, death, and resurrection of the Lord! Our
job is not to fix the world but to forgive the world through Christ Jesus!
Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " This is a faithful saying!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Titus 3:4-8
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.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to accept Him by Faith and grace
Pray to the Lord "Jesus, thank You that when I'm tempted to drift away,
the wisdom of Scripture helps bring me back."
Pray to the Lord and pray to have a heart of forgiveness.
Pray to the Lord and pray for the risks you take.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for not separating from us.
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 leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make god honouring decisions
Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.
Pray: Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " The saying is sure!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for Christians continuing to work among the 1 300 000 Rohingya refugees
in Bangladesh.
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)
Hebrews 11 - 13
Hebrews 11
Faith
1 (2Co 4:18; 5:7) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the men of old obtained a good report.
3 (Jn 1:3; Ro 4:17) By faith we understand that the universe was framed
by the word of God, so that things that are seen were not made
out of things which are visible.
4 (Mt 23:35; Heb 12:24) By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent
sacrifice than Cain offered. Through this he was approved as righteous,
with God testifying concerning his gifts. He still speaks through his
faith, though he is dead.
5 (2Ki 2:11; Jude 1:14) By faith Enoch was taken to heaven so that
he would not see death. He was not found, because God took him away.
For before he was taken, he had this commendation, that he pleased God.
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 (1Pe 3:20; Eze 14:14) By faith Noah, being divinely warned about things
not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to save his family,
by which he condemned the world
and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8 (Ge 12:1-4; 12:7) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out
into a place which he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out
not knowing where he was going.
9 (Ge 12:8; 18:9) By faith he dwelt in the promised land, as in a foreign
land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs of the same promise,
10 (Heb 12:22; 13:14) for he was looking for a city which has foundations,
whose builder and maker is God.
11 (Ge 18:11-14; Heb 10:23) By faith Sarah herself also received the ability
to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age,
because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
12 (Ge 22:17; 15:5; 32:12) Therefore from one man, who was as good as dead,
sprang so many, a multitude as the stars of the sky and innumerable
as the sand by the seashore.
13 (Ge 23:4; Ps 39:12) These all died in faith not having received
the promises, but having seen them from afar were assured of them,
embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
on the earth.
14 Those who say such things declare plainly that they are looking
for a homeland.
15 (Ge 24:6-8) And certainly, if they had been thinking of the country
out of which they came, they might have had the opportunity to return.
16 (Ex 3:6; 3:15) But they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared
a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac,
and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.
18 (Ge 21:12; Ro 9:7) Of him God said,
"Through Isaac shall your seed be named."(Ge 21:12.)
19 (Ro 4:17-21) He reasoned that God was able to raise him up,
even from the dead, from which he indeed received him in a figurative sense.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph
and worshipped while leaning on the top of his staff.
22 (Ex 13:19; Ge 50:24-25) By faith Joseph, when he was dying, mentioned the
exodus of the children of Israel and gave instructions concerning his bones.
23 (Ex 1:16; 1:22) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden by his
parents for three months, because they saw he was a beautiful child,
and they were not afraid of the king's command.
24 (Ex 2:10-11) By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called
the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
25 (Job 36:21; Ps 84:10) choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people
of God than to enjoy thepleasures of sin for a time.
26 (Heb 2:2; 10:35) He esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches than
the treasures in Egypt, for he looked to the reward.
27 (Heb 11:13; Ex 2:14-15) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath
of the king. He endured by looking to Him who is invisible.
28 (Ex 12:21-30) By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood,
lest the one who destroys the firstborn touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land,
which the Egyptians attempted to do, but were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled
for seven days.
31 (Jas 2:25; Jos 6:22-25; Mt 1:5) By faith the prostitute Rahab,
when she received the spies with peace, did not perish with
those who did not believe.
32 (1Sa 1:20; 16:1) And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to
tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
33 (Jdg 14:5-6) who through faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice,
obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 (Jdg 15:8; 1Ki 19:3) quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge
of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in fighting,
and turned the armies of foreign enemies to flight.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured
and did not accept deliverance,
so that they might obtain a better resurrection.
36 (Jer 20:2; Ge 39:20; 1Ki 22:27) Still others had trials of mocking
and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment.
37 (1Ki 19:10; 2Ch 24:21) They were stoned, they were sawn in two,
were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered around
in sheepskins and goatskins, while destitute, afflicted, and tormented.
38 (1Ki 18:4; 19:9) The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts
and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
39 (Heb 11:13; 11:2; 1Pe 1:12) These all have obtained a good report through
faith, but they did not receive the promise.
40 (Rev 6:11) For God provided something better for us, so that with us they
would be made perfect.
Hebrews 12
The Discipline of the Lord
1 Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
2 (Heb 1:3; Lk 24:26) Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising
the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 (Gal 6:9; Heb 12:5) For consider Him who endured such hostility
from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up.
4 (Heb 10:32-34) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed while striving
against sin.
5 (Pr 3:11-12) And you have forgotten the exhortation addressed
to you as sons:
"My son, do not despise the discipline from the Lord,
nor grow weary when you are rebuked by Him;
6 (Rev 3:19; Ps 119:75; Pr 3:12) for whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
and scourges every son whom He receives."
7 (Pr 13:24; 19:18) Endure discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons.
For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?
8 If you are without discipline, of which everyone has partaken,
then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
9 (Nu 16:22; 27:16) Furthermore, we have had human fathers,
and they corrected us, and we gave them reverence.
Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
10 (2Pe 1:4) For they indeed disciplined us for a short time according
to their own judgment, but He does so for our profit, that we may partake
of His holiness.
11 (Isa 32:17; Jas 3:17-18) Now no discipline seems to be joyful at the time,
but grievous. Yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness
in those who have been trained by it.
12 (Isa 35:3; Job 4:3-4) Therefore lift up your tired hands,
and strengthen your weak knees.
13 (Gal 6:1; Pr 4:26-27) Make straight paths for your feet,
lest that which is lame go out of joint, but rather be healed.
Warning Against Rejecting God's Grace
14 (Ro 14:19; 2Co 7:1) Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness
without which no one will see the Lord,
15 (Gal 5:4; Heb 3:12; Dt 29:18) watching diligently so that no one falls
short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up
to cause trouble, and many become defiled by it,
16 (Heb 13:4; Ge 25:31-34) lest there be any sexually immoral
or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing,
he was rejected. For he found no place for repentance, though he sought
it diligently with tears.
18 (Dt 4:11; Ex 20:18) You have not come to a mountain that can be touched
and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and storm,
19 (Dt 18:16; 4:12) and to the sound of a trumpet and to a voice speaking
words, such that those who heard them begged that the word not be spoken
to them anymore.
20 (Ex 19:12-13) For they could not endure that which was commanded:
"If so much as a beast touches the mountain, it must be stoned
or thrust through with a spear."(Ex 19:12-13.)
21 (Ex 19:16) So terrible was the sight that Moses said,
"I am terrified and trembling."(Dt 9:19.)
22 (Gal 4:26; Ps 48:2) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city
of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable
company of angels;
23 (Lk 10:20; Ge 18:25) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn,
who are enrolled in heaven; to God, the Judge of all; and to the spirits
of the righteous ones made perfect;
24 (Ge 4:10; Heb 11:4; 8:6) and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant;
and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than that of Abel.
25 (Heb 8:5; 11:7) See that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if they
did not escape when they refused Him who spoke on earth,
much less shall we escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.
26 (Ex 19:18) At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has given us
a promise, saying, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth
but also heaven." (Hag 2:6.)
27 And this statement, "Yet once more," signifies the removal of those things
that can be shaken, things that are created, so that only those things
that cannot be shaken will remain.
28 (Da 2:44; Heb 13:15) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom
that cannot be moved, let us be gracious, by which we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
29 (Dt 4:24; 9:3) For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 13
Service That Pleases God
1 (1Pe 1:22; 2:17) Let brotherly love continue.
2 (Mt 25:35; 1Pe 4:9) Do not forget to entertain strangers, for thereby some
have entertained angels unknowingly.
3 (Mt 25:36; Col 4:18) Remember those who are in chains, as if imprisoned
with them, and those who are ill treated, since you are also in the body.
4 (1Co 6:9; Gal 5:19) Marriage is to be honored among everyone,
and the bed undefiled. But God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
5 (Jos 1:5; Dt 31:6) 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."(Dt 31:6, 8; Jos 1:5.)
6 (Ps 56:4) So we may boldly say:
"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?"(Ps 118:6.)
7 (Heb 13:17; 6:12; 13:24) Remember those who rule over you, who have
proclaimed to you the word of God. Follow their faith, considering
the results it has produced in their lives.
8 (Heb 1:12; Mal 3:6) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today,
and forever.
9 (Eph 4:14; 2Co 1:21) Do not be carried away
with diverse and strange doctrines. It is a good thing that the heart
be strengthened with grace, not with foods, which have not profited
those who have been occupied with them.
10 (1Co 9:13) We have an altar from which those who serve in the tabernacle
have no right to eat.
11 (Ex 29:14; Lev 16:27) For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood
is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest on account of sin,
are burned outside the camp.
12 (Ac 7:58; Eph 5:26) Therefore Jesus also, so that He might sanctify
the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
13 (Heb 11:26) Therefore let us go forth to Him outside the camp,
bearing the reproach that He bore.
14 (Heb 12:22; Mic 2:10) For here we have no continuing city,
but we seek one to come.
15 (Hos 14:2; Lev 7:12) Through Him, then, let us continually offer
to God the sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of our lips,
giving thanks to His name.
16 (Ro 12:13; Php 4:18) But do not forget to do good and to share.
For with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 (Ac 20:28; Heb 13:7) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch
over your souls as those who must give an account. Let them do this with joy
and not complaining, for that would not be profitable to you.
18 (1Th 5:25; Ac 23:1) Pray for us. For we trust that we have a good
conscience and in all things are willing to live honestly.
19 (Phm 1:22) But I implore you to pray,
that I may be restored to you very soon.
Benediction and Final Greetings
20 (Zec 9:11; Jn 10:11) Now may the God of peace, who through the blood
of the eternal covenant brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the Great Shepherd of the sheep,
21 (Php 2:13; 2Th 2:17) make you perfect in every good work to do His will,
working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 (1Pe 5:12; Heb 3:1) I implore you, brothers, to heed this word
of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
23 (1Th 3:2) Know that our brother Timothy has been set free,
with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.
24 (Heb 13:7; 13:17) Greet all those who rule over you and all the saints.
Those from Italy greet you.
25 (Col 4:18) Grace be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 21 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/21/gods-compass-2
entitled God's Compass
Ps 119:105-112
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,
that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am greatly afflicted;
revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept the freewill offerings of my praise, O Lord,
and teach me Your judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand,
yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a trap for me,
yet I do not depart from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my inheritance forever,
for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes always,
even unto the end.
During World War II, Waldemar Semenov was serving as a junior
engineer aboard the SS Alcoa Guide when-nearly three hundred miles off
the coast of North Carolina—a German submarine surfaced and opened fire
on the ship. The ship was hit, caught fire, and began to sink.
Semenov and his crew lowered a lifeboat into the water and used the vessel's
compass to sail toward the shipping lanes. After three days, a patrol plane
spotted their lifeboat and the USS Broome rescued the men the next day.
Thanks to that compass, Semenov and 26 other crew members were saved.
The psalmist reminded God's people that they were equipped with a compass
for life-the Bible. He compared Scripture to "a lamp" (Psalm 119:105) that
provides light to illuminate the path of life for those pursuing God.
When the psalmist was adrift in the chaotic waters of life, he knew God could
use Scripture to provide spiritual longitude and latitude and help him
survive. Thus, he prayed that God would send out His light to direct him
in life and bring him safely to the port of His holy presence (43:3).
As believers in Jesus, when we lose our way, God can guide us
by the Holy Spirit and by the direction found in the Scriptures.
May God transform our hearts and minds as we read the Bible,
study it, and follow its wisdom.
By: Marvin Williams
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced a particular verse or passage
as a compass for your life in recent days? When are you
tempted not to follow the directions the compass of Scripture gives?
Jesus, thank You that when I'm tempted to drift away,
the wisdom of Scripture helps bring me back.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 3 The Kind Heart of Forgiveness
Eph 4:32
32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12–13; Mt 6:12)And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
Don had lost his job because he stood against his boss and refused to
compromise his Christian principles. Certain friends in the company had
turned against him, choosing to save their own jobs at any cost,
and he felt very alone, abandoned when he most needed the support
of those who cared.
But Don showed no signs of bitterness or unforgiveness. He refused to
recite the details of his firing to those around him, saying simply and
honestly, " I believe my boss was wrong in what he did. But God can show
him." The kindness of Don's heart ., and the tenderness with which he
extended forgiveness, became a testimony to all who knew him. Don's
boss never "saw the light", never repented, but Don lived in the freedom of
forgiving.
Comparison is a rare commodity among Christains today. We seem to be
overstocked with judgment and crammed full of condemnation, but we have
little space in the corners of our lives for tenderheartedness. We are quick
to assume that we know another person's heart and have the remedy for
the problem, rather then giving that person the benefit of the doubt,
the room to grow, the freedom to make a mistake and seek forgiveness.
Jesus demonstrated the king compassion necessary in forgiveness when he
looked down at the soldiers who has crucified him, gambling at his feet
for his cloak, and said, "Father , forgive them, for they do not know what
are doing."
When others hurt and betray us, they often "do not know what they are
doing." we can, in Christ, offer compassionate forgiveness to them -
not condoning their actions or excusing their wrong, but forgiving ,
in the simplicity and purity of God's love.
Application
a) What is the difference between excusing a wrong and forgiving?
b) How has God forgiven me for Christ's sake?
c) What does today's verse tell me about my attitude in forgiveness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ecclesiates 11:1
1 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42; Heb 6:10) Cast your bread upon the waters,
for you will find it after many days
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Romans 8:31-39
The Love of God
31 (Ps 118:6; Ro 4:1) What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 (Jn 3:16; Ro 4:25) He who did not spare His own Son,
but delivered Him up for us all, how shall
He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 (Rev 12:10–11; Isa 50:8–9) Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?
It is God who justifies.
34 (Heb 7:25; Mk 16:19; Ro 8:1) Who is he who condemns?
It is Christ who died, yes, who is risen, who is also
at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
35 (1Co 4:11) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 (Ps 44:22; 1Co 15:30)As it is written:
"For Your sake we are killed all day long;
we are counted as sheep for the slaughter." (Ps 44:22.)
37 (1Co 15:57; Gal 2:20) No, in all these things we are more
than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present
nor things to come,
39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
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
21st Day of the Month
a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make god honouring decisions
(
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
)
b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Advent Day 24
From C.S. Lewis A grand miracle by Joel Heck
"Once more, very many thanks to all your great goodness to me and mine:
and with all best wishes for a happy Christmas."
-C. S. Lewis
(From Letter to Dr. Warfield Firor, Nov. 6, 1948, Lewis' Collected Letters,
II, p. 889.)
Christmas Gratitude
During World War Two and for nearly a decade thereafter,
England suffered from a scarcity of certain foods and other consumables.
Rationing was the only solution, and a victory in the war the only consolation.
During those years, many in England benefited from the generosity of American
citizens almost as much as from the heroic courage of American soldiers.
The Lewis household was one of many to receive packages from the States,
which greatly eased the hardship. In the process, God blessed both the giver
and the recipients.
Dr. Warfield Firor, a physician from Baltimore, sent package after package
for many years. Because of the gift of more than one delicious ham,
Lewis once named him "Firor-of-the-Hams." Lewis had to come up with new
and creative ways of expressing his thanks, so frequent and generous
were Firor's gifts. Finally, Dr. Firor insisted that Lewis not thank
him anymore, but simply write to him about what he was reading, thinking,
or doing at the time. But in a letter in 1948, Lewis paired his gratitude
with greetings for the upcoming Christmas season.
The psalmist, thankful for God's strength, salvation, refuge, and
righteousness, thanks God for being his God. He says, "The Lord is
my strength and my song; he has become my salvation" (Ps. 118:14).
In the Advent season, we think of the salvation that God has sent
in his Son, and we are grateful.
We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.
Amen.
You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.
Psalm 118:28
From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
TUESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
John’s Qualifications
And the child grew and became strong in spirit, ...
-Luke 1:80a
What do we mean when we assert that certain people have a "strong spirit"?
Usually we are awed by their
passionate convictions or the certainty of their beliefs.
In John the Forerunner's case, we encounter both the culmination of his call
to prepare the way for his Lord and the aftermath of his years of solitude
in the desert when his preeminent teacher was God. Some scholars speculate
that he was associated with the Essenes, who had retreated to the barren
lands to preserve their faith, but we don't know for sure.
Nor do we know how old John was when he withdrew to the wilderness,
but we can surmise that earlier he had benefited from the rigorous
training of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
They had enfolded him entirely in the story of Israel's long awaited
Messiah and in his own call to cultivate repentance in preparation for him.
On the bedrock of his parents' proficiencies, God equipped him
in the wastelands to meet the public and testify to them.
prayer
Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.
Read Luke 1:76-80.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he remained in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCLAMATION!
7 so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 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. TITUS 3:7-8
Christmas is the time for acclamation . . . and so is Advent! This AH-HA
is present throughout our lives in the Lord as we shout. cheer, applaud
and say "AH-HA and hooray" to those around us!
Today's lesson is a great summary of the life in the Lord that we acclaim
daily. We are justified by his grace. which means we live "just as if I'd never
sinned." The Babe born in the manger whom we celebrate these days is
the reason for the reason we are free to acclaim his love and forgiveness
to others ... starting with ourselves!
Ruth Graham, wife of Billy Graham. had it right when she said that a "happy
'marriage is the union of two forgivers." We acclaim that this is what the
Church is all about also---a commUNION of forgivers in Christ!
The Church has not survived for over 2000 years because of our optimism,
idealism or realism, but because the Spirit has empowered his people to
acclaim and witness to the birth, death, and resurrection of the Lord! Our
job is not to fix the world but to forgive the world through Christ Jesus!
Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " This is a faithful saying!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Titus 3:4-8
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.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to accept Him by Faith and grace
Pray to the Lord "Jesus, thank You that when I'm tempted to drift away,
the wisdom of Scripture helps bring me back."
Pray to the Lord and pray to have a heart of forgiveness.
Pray to the Lord and pray for the risks you take.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for not separating from us.
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 leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make god honouring decisions
Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
We give thanks to you, 0 Lord, because you are good,
and because you gave us Jesus. Give us truly grateful hearts.
Pray: Equip us wholly, Lord, to serve you the best we can. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we applaud, praise and acclaim your name. And even when
we do not acclaim your name, we know that you claim us as your forgiven
people! Help us. Lord, to say. like St. Paul, " The saying is sure!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for Christians continuing to work among the 1 300 000 Rohingya refugees
in Bangladesh.
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.