Day 349 - 15 December 2021 reflections
Day 349, 15 December 2021
1)
Philippians
Philippians 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; 1Ti 3:8; Ac 20:28) Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers
and deacons:
2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians
3 (Ro 1:8-9; 2Ti 1:3) I thank my God for every reminder of you.
4 (Ro 1:9) In every prayer of mine for you all, I have always made requests
with joy,
5 (Ac 16:12-40; Php 1:7) due to your fellowship in the gospel from the first
day until now.
6 (1Co 1:8; Jn 6:29) I am confident of this very thing, that He who began
a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.
7 (2Co 7:3; Ac 20:23) It is right for me to think this of you all because
I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonments and in the defense
and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers of my grace.
8 (Ro 1:9; 9:1) For God is my witness, how I long after you all with
the affection of Jesus Christ.
9 (1Th 3:12; Col 1:9; 3:10) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet
more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,
10 (1Th 3:13; Ro 12:2) that you may approve things that are excellent
so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11 (Col 1:6; Jn 15:8) being filled with the fruit of righteousness,
which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God.
To Live Is Christ
12 But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me
have resulted in advancing the gospel,
13 (Php 1:7) so that my imprisonments in Christ have become known throughout
the entire palace guard and to all the rest.
14 And a great many of the brothers in the Lord, having become confident
because of my incarcerations, have dared to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and strife,
and some also from good will.
16 (Php 1:7) The former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely,
intending to add trouble to my circumstance.
17 (Php 1:7; 2:3) But the latter preach out of love, knowing
that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,
Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice.
Indeed, I will rejoice.
19 (2Co 1:11; Ac 16:7) For I know that through your prayer
and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will result
in my deliverance.
20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope
that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,
so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life
or by death.
21 (Gal 2:20) For to me, to continue living is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor to me.
Yet I do not know what I shall choose.
23 (2Co 5:8; 2Ti 4:6; Lk 23:43) I am in a difficult position between the two,
having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
25 (Php 2:24; Ac 20:25) Having this confidence, I know that I shall remain
and continue with you all for your joyful advancement of the faith,
26 (2Co 1:14; 5:12) so that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant
in Jesus Christ when I am in your presence again.
27 (Eph 4:1; Jude 1:3) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel
of Christ, that whether or not I come and see you, I may hear of your
activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit, with one mind,
striving together for the faith of the gospel.
28 Do not be frightened by your adversaries. This is a sign to them
of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God.
29 For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe
in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 (Ac 16:19-40; 1Th 2:2) having the same conflict which you saw in me
and now hear is in me.
Philippians 2
Christian Humility and Christ's Humility
1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any
comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, being in unity with one mind.
3 (Ro 12:10; Gal 5:26) Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in
humility let each esteem the other better than himself.
4 (Ro 15:1) Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also
to the interests of others.
5 (Mt 11:29; Ro 15:3) Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ
Jesus,
6 (Jn 5:18; 10:33) who, being in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
7 (Mt 20:28; Jn 1:14) But He emptied Himself,
taking upon Himself the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men.
8 (Heb 12:2; Mt 26:39; Jn 10:18) And being found in the form of a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death,
even death on a cross.
9 (Heb 2:9; Mt 28:18) Therefore God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name which is above every name,
10 (Mt 28:18) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 (Jn 13:13; Ro 14:9) and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Shining as Lights in the World
12 (2Co 7:15; Php 1:5) 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 (Heb 13:21; Ezr 1:5) For God is the One working in you, both to will
and to do His good pleasure.
14 (1Pe 4:9; 1Co 10:10) Do all things without murmuring and disputing,
15 (Mt 5:45; Dt 32:5) that you may be blameless and harmless, sons of God,
without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which
you shine as lights in the world.
16 (Gal 2:2; 4:11) Hold forth the word of life that I may rejoice
on the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
17 (Ro 15:16; 2Co 12:15) Yes, and even if I am offered upon the sacrifice
and service of your faith, I take delight and rejoice with you all.
18 For this reason you also take delight and rejoice with me.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 (1Co 4:17; Php 1:1) I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly
to you, that I also may be of good comfort when I get word concerning you.
20 (1Co 16:10) For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care
for your welfare.
21 (1Co 10:24; 13:5) For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Jesus.
22 (1Co 4:17; 1Ti 1:2) But you know of his proven worth, that as a son with
a father, he has served with me in the gospel.
23 Therefore I hope to send him soon after my situation is resolved.
24 (Phm 1:22) But I trust in the Lord that I, myself, shall also come shortly.
25 (Php 4:18; Phm 1:1-2; Php 4:3) Yet I thought it necessary to send to you
Epaphroditus, who is my brother and companion in labor, fellow soldier,
your messenger, and he who ministered to my necessity.
26 (Php 1:8) For he longed after you all and was filled with heaviness,
because you heard that he was sick.
27 Indeed he was sick, near death. But God had mercy on him,
and not only on him, but also on me,
lest I should have had sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again,
you may rejoice and I may be less sorrowful.
29 (1Co 16:18; Ro 16:2) So receive him in the Lord with all joy.
And hold such ones in high regard,
30 (1Co 16:17; Ac 20:24) because for the work of Christ he was near death,
not regarding his life, endeavouring to make up for your lack of service
toward me.
Philippians 3
The True Righteousness
1 (Php 4:4; 1Th 5:16) Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write
the same things to you is no trouble to me, and it is reassuring for you.
2 (2Co 11:13; Gal 5:15) Watch out for dogs, watch out for evil workers,
watch out for those who practice mutilation.
3 (Col 2:11; Jude 1:20) For we are the circumcision who worship
God in the Spirit, and boast in Christ Jesus, and place no trust in the flesh,
4 though I also have confidence in the flesh.
If any other man thinks that he has reason to trust in the flesh, I have more:
5 (2Co 11:22; Ro 11:1; Ac 23:6) I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock
of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew of Hebrews; as concerning
the law, a Pharisee;
6 (Ac 8:3; 22:3-4) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; and concerning
the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 (Lk 14:33) But what things were gain to me, I have counted these things
to be loss for the sake of Christ.
8 (Jn 17:3; 2Pe 1:3) Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss
for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom
I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that
I may gain Christ,
9 (1Co 1:30; Php 3:6; Isa 53:11) and be found in Him, not having my own
righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith
in Christ, (Or through the faith of Christ.) the righteousness which is of God
on the basis of faith,
10 (Ro 8:17; 8:29) to know Him, and the power of His resurrection,
and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11 (Ac 26:7) if somehow I might make it to the resurrection of the dead.
Pressing Toward the Mark
12 (1Co 13:10; 1Ti 6:19) Not that I have already attained or have already been
perfected, but I follow after it so that I may lay hold of that for which
I was seized by Christ Jesus.
13 (Lk 9:62; Ps 45:10) Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained,
but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 (Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Co 2:6; Gal 5:10) Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus
minded. And if you think differently in any way,
God will reveal even this to you.
16 (Gal 6:16) Nevertheless, according to what we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
17 (1Co 4:16; 1Pe 5:3) Brothers, become fellow imitators with me
and observe those who walk according to our example.
18 (Gal 6:12) For many are walking in such a way that they are the enemies
of the cross of Christ. I have told you of them often and tell you again,
even weeping.
19 (Ro 16:18; 2Pe 2:3) Their destination is destruction, their god
is their appetite, their glory is in their shame, their minds
are set on earthly things.
20 (Eph 2:19; 1Co 1:7; Ac 1:11) But our citizenship is in heaven, from
where also we await for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 (Col 3:4) who will transform our body of humiliation,
so that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working
of His power even to subdue all things to Himself.
Philippians 4
1 (Php 1:8; 1:27; 1Co 16:13) Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brothers,
my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.
Exhortations
2 (Php 2:2-3) I exhort Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 (Lk 10:20; Php 1:27) I ask you also, true companion, help those women who
labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with my other fellow
laborers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness. The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer
and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 (Ac 6:3; 10:22) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever
things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.
9 (Php 3:17; Ro 15:33; Php 4:7) Do those things which you have both learned
and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Acknowledgment of the Philippians' Gift
10 (2Co 11:9) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived
your concern for me. Regarding this, you did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 (Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:6-9) I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned
in whatever state I am to be content.
12 (2Co 11:27; 11:9) I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to
have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret,
both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because of Christ
who strengthens me.
14 (Php 1:7) Nevertheless you did well having shared in my affliction.
15 (Php 1:5; 2Co 11:8-12) Now you Philippians know also,
that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia,
no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving,
except you alone.
16 (1Th 2:9) Even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for
my necessity,
17 (Titus 3:14) not because I desired a gift, but I desire fruit that
accumulates to your account.
18 (Eph 5:2; Php 2:25-26) But I have everything and abound. I have been
filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you,
like a sweet fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 (Ro 11:36; Gal 1:4-5) Now to God and our Father be glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Final Greetings
21 (Gal 1:2) Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me
greet you.
22 (2Co 13:13; Php 1:13) All the saints greet you,
especially those who are of Caesar's household.
23 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/15/i-am-his-hands
entitled I Am His Hands
1 Corinthians 12:12-21
One Body With Many Members
12 (1Co 12:27; 10:17) For as the body is one and has many parts,
and all the many parts of that one body are one body, so also is Christ.
13 (Jn 7:37-39; Gal 3:28) For by one Spirit we are all baptised
into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are slaves
or free, and we have all been made to drink of one Spirit.
14 The body is not one part, but many.
15 If the foot says, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,"
is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear says, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,"
is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be?
If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
18 (1Co 12:11; 12:28) But now God has established the parts,
every one of them, in the body as it has pleased Him.
19 If they were all one part, where would the body be?
20 So there are many parts, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you,"
nor the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
Jia Haixia lost his sight in the year 2000. His friend Jia Wenqi
lost his arms as a child. But they've found a way around their
disabilities. "I am his hands and he is my eyes," Haixia says.
Together, they're transforming their village in China.
Since 2002 the friends have been on a mission to regenerate
a wasteland near their home. Each day Haixia climbs on Wenqi's
back to cross a river to the site. Wenqi then "hands" Haixia
a shovel with his foot, before Haixia places a pail on a pole
between Wenqi's cheek and shoulder. And as one digs
and the other waters, the two plant trees-more than 10 000 so far.
"Working together, we don't feel disabled at all," Haixia says.
"We're a team."
The apostle Paul likens the church to a body, each part needing
the other to function. If the church were all eyes, there'd be no hearing;
if all ears, there'd be no sense of smell (1 Corinthians 12:14–17).
"The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!'" Paul says (v. 21).
Each of us plays a role in the church based on our spiritual gifts
(vv. 7-11, 18). Like Jia Haixia and Jia Wenqi, when we combine
our strengths, we can bring change to the world.
Two men combining their abilities to regenerate a wasteland.
What a picture of the church in action!
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
Based on your spiritual gifts, what part do you play
in the body of Christ? How are you joining with others
to fulfill His mission?
Holy Spirit, thank You for giving me spiritual gifts
and arranging me in a body where I’m needed.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 4 Under the Mercy
Ps 13:5-6
5 I for my part confide in Your kindness;
may my heart exult in Your salvation!
6 I will sing to the Lord,
because He has dealt bountifully with me.
In Sheldon Vanauken's book "A Severe Mercy", Vanauken faced the "severe mercy"
of the untimely death of his wife. His friend C. S. Lewis , who had endured a
similar grief , comforted him through letters,
encouraging him with the exhotation, "Go under the Mercy".
While God's grace deals with sin and forgiveness,
God's mercy deals with the pain pf human existence. We all experience pain
- sometimes as a natural result of wrongs we have done, sometimes unfairly
as a consequence of living in a fallen world.
But for all who hurt, God provides
mercy - respite from pain, and the assurance of a Lord who cares.
David , in Psalm 13 says " I trust in your mercy, your unfailing love."
God's love never fail us, no matter how much we may have failed him.
David knew the consequences of sin; he knew what it meant to fail God,
to rebel against God's faithfulness. Yet David trusted in God's Goodness
rather than depending upon his own; he focused his attention upon the
mercy of the Lord.
We need, like David, to "Go under the mercy" , even when it is a "severe mercy."
Even when circumstances seem bad; even when things seem out of control; even
when we think God has forsaken us, yet his mercy is at work to bring us
fulfillment and cause us to turn to him
with a song of praise on our lips.
Application
a) How have I experienced the mercy of God?
b) How can these verses help me focus on God's
merciful intervention in my life even when circumstances seem
out of control?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 in the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far Northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness
and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, 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 18
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Wednesday. Third Week of Advent
"The Scotch catechism says that man's end is 'to glorify God and enjoy Him
forever'. But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to
enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us
to enjoy Him." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Reflections on the Psalms, p. 97.)
Enjoying God
When we set aside the flurry of activity that so often comes in December,
we can almost hear the message of the angels. They inÂvited the shepherds
not to be afraid, but to give glory to God. Lewis tells us that when they
did this, the angels were inviting them to enjoy God.
Aren't we, too, being invited in this holy season to give glory to God?
God doesn't really need our praise and glory, but he knows that we need
to lift up our hearts. We need to lift up our eyes unto the hills,
from whence our help comes, and see the glory that will be revealed to us.
Narnia can help us to do that. Narnia contains many pleasures, and they all
come from God. The gifts of Father Christmas to Peter, Susan, and Lucy
are some of those pleasures. The crowning of the four children to be Kings
and Queens of Narnia are another. The arrival of Reepicheep, the talking
mouse, in Aslan's country is a third. God gave Lewis the vision.
In enjoying his vision, we are enjoying God.
Even in the midst of suffering, we need this reminder. St. Paul tells us,
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with
the glory that will be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). When we give glory to God,
it reminds us of the glory that will be revealed to us. And we find joy
in this glory. That's one reason why the message was "good news
of great joy" (Luke 2:10), not only for the shepherds,
but "for all the people"-including us.
Glory to you, 0 Lord. Praise to you, 0 Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.
Luke 2:14
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
The Gift of a Child
Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
-Luke 1:57
Because our culture has basically disregarded God, our society
at large does not appreciate what a colossal treasure
from God a child is! Some women, including me, for mainly medical reasons,
can't bear children and for that reason comprehend much more deeply
how precious such a gift is.
Elizabeth, too, had not been able to bear children earlier in her youth,
and it was incontrovertibly miraculous that she could give birth
now in her older years. Her friends and relatives knew what
an enormous benevolence from God this child was-the text says that
they had "heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to [Elizabeth]"
-so they enthusiastically joined her in rejoicing.
What a splendid celebration they must have had!
What cherished blessing have you received from the Lord lately?
Do you need to prize afresh your spouse or children as treasures from God?
Perhaps your God-given gifts include friends, colleagues
or relatives who bring you mercy and grace.
prayer
Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.
Read Luke 1:57-58.
57 Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,
and they rejoiced with her.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWAITING!
Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. JAMES 5:7
Have you heard the story of Grandma saying to Grandpa, "What are
you doing?" Grandpa slowly responds, "How soon do you need to know?"
Patience, patience, patience.
In the book Power of Pause, Terry Hershey tells the story of a little girl
who says. "Shh, Mom, listen." "What am I listening to?" asks Mom
The girl responds, "If you are quiet and listen, you can hear God talking
to us." Patience, patience, patience.
The AH-HA of awaiting is the call to be patient, and to be quiet in order
to hear the Lord in the big and little events of our lives. "The first duty
of love is to wait," said a patient man named Tillich. Are you ever like I am
when I anxiously wait for someone to stop talking so I can say something
"brilliant" ? As one comic quipped. "No one really listens to anyone else, and
if you ever try to for a while, you'll know why!l" Patience. patience. patience.
Just for today. try to really listen to someone with your entire self.
And then keep going back to re-read James 5 . .. over and over.
Patience, patience, patience.
Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read James 5:7-11
7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early
and late rain.
8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,
lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,
who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be humble and shine your light;
remember, He will strengthen you.
Pray to the Lord "Holy Spirit, thank You for giving me spiritual gifts
and arranging me in a body where I’m needed."
Pray to the Lord and Pray to Him to put order back when
everything feels out of control.
Pray to the Lord and remember He will pour out Blessings.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for being your shield.
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 Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Glory to you, 0 Lord. Praise to you, 0 Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.
Pray: Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that ministries workers in Indonesia will find creative ways to
carry out their ministries.
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)
Philippians
Philippians 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; 1Ti 3:8; Ac 20:28) Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers
and deacons:
2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians
3 (Ro 1:8-9; 2Ti 1:3) I thank my God for every reminder of you.
4 (Ro 1:9) In every prayer of mine for you all, I have always made requests
with joy,
5 (Ac 16:12-40; Php 1:7) due to your fellowship in the gospel from the first
day until now.
6 (1Co 1:8; Jn 6:29) I am confident of this very thing, that He who began
a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.
7 (2Co 7:3; Ac 20:23) It is right for me to think this of you all because
I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonments and in the defense
and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers of my grace.
8 (Ro 1:9; 9:1) For God is my witness, how I long after you all with
the affection of Jesus Christ.
9 (1Th 3:12; Col 1:9; 3:10) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet
more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,
10 (1Th 3:13; Ro 12:2) that you may approve things that are excellent
so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11 (Col 1:6; Jn 15:8) being filled with the fruit of righteousness,
which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God.
To Live Is Christ
12 But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me
have resulted in advancing the gospel,
13 (Php 1:7) so that my imprisonments in Christ have become known throughout
the entire palace guard and to all the rest.
14 And a great many of the brothers in the Lord, having become confident
because of my incarcerations, have dared to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and strife,
and some also from good will.
16 (Php 1:7) The former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely,
intending to add trouble to my circumstance.
17 (Php 1:7; 2:3) But the latter preach out of love, knowing
that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,
Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice.
Indeed, I will rejoice.
19 (2Co 1:11; Ac 16:7) For I know that through your prayer
and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will result
in my deliverance.
20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope
that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,
so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life
or by death.
21 (Gal 2:20) For to me, to continue living is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor to me.
Yet I do not know what I shall choose.
23 (2Co 5:8; 2Ti 4:6; Lk 23:43) I am in a difficult position between the two,
having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
25 (Php 2:24; Ac 20:25) Having this confidence, I know that I shall remain
and continue with you all for your joyful advancement of the faith,
26 (2Co 1:14; 5:12) so that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant
in Jesus Christ when I am in your presence again.
27 (Eph 4:1; Jude 1:3) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel
of Christ, that whether or not I come and see you, I may hear of your
activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit, with one mind,
striving together for the faith of the gospel.
28 Do not be frightened by your adversaries. This is a sign to them
of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God.
29 For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe
in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 (Ac 16:19-40; 1Th 2:2) having the same conflict which you saw in me
and now hear is in me.
Philippians 2
Christian Humility and Christ's Humility
1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any
comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, being in unity with one mind.
3 (Ro 12:10; Gal 5:26) Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in
humility let each esteem the other better than himself.
4 (Ro 15:1) Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also
to the interests of others.
5 (Mt 11:29; Ro 15:3) Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ
Jesus,
6 (Jn 5:18; 10:33) who, being in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
7 (Mt 20:28; Jn 1:14) But He emptied Himself,
taking upon Himself the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men.
8 (Heb 12:2; Mt 26:39; Jn 10:18) And being found in the form of a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death,
even death on a cross.
9 (Heb 2:9; Mt 28:18) Therefore God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name which is above every name,
10 (Mt 28:18) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 (Jn 13:13; Ro 14:9) and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Shining as Lights in the World
12 (2Co 7:15; Php 1:5) 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 (Heb 13:21; Ezr 1:5) For God is the One working in you, both to will
and to do His good pleasure.
14 (1Pe 4:9; 1Co 10:10) Do all things without murmuring and disputing,
15 (Mt 5:45; Dt 32:5) that you may be blameless and harmless, sons of God,
without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which
you shine as lights in the world.
16 (Gal 2:2; 4:11) Hold forth the word of life that I may rejoice
on the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
17 (Ro 15:16; 2Co 12:15) Yes, and even if I am offered upon the sacrifice
and service of your faith, I take delight and rejoice with you all.
18 For this reason you also take delight and rejoice with me.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
19 (1Co 4:17; Php 1:1) I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly
to you, that I also may be of good comfort when I get word concerning you.
20 (1Co 16:10) For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care
for your welfare.
21 (1Co 10:24; 13:5) For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Jesus.
22 (1Co 4:17; 1Ti 1:2) But you know of his proven worth, that as a son with
a father, he has served with me in the gospel.
23 Therefore I hope to send him soon after my situation is resolved.
24 (Phm 1:22) But I trust in the Lord that I, myself, shall also come shortly.
25 (Php 4:18; Phm 1:1-2; Php 4:3) Yet I thought it necessary to send to you
Epaphroditus, who is my brother and companion in labor, fellow soldier,
your messenger, and he who ministered to my necessity.
26 (Php 1:8) For he longed after you all and was filled with heaviness,
because you heard that he was sick.
27 Indeed he was sick, near death. But God had mercy on him,
and not only on him, but also on me,
lest I should have had sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again,
you may rejoice and I may be less sorrowful.
29 (1Co 16:18; Ro 16:2) So receive him in the Lord with all joy.
And hold such ones in high regard,
30 (1Co 16:17; Ac 20:24) because for the work of Christ he was near death,
not regarding his life, endeavouring to make up for your lack of service
toward me.
Philippians 3
The True Righteousness
1 (Php 4:4; 1Th 5:16) Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write
the same things to you is no trouble to me, and it is reassuring for you.
2 (2Co 11:13; Gal 5:15) Watch out for dogs, watch out for evil workers,
watch out for those who practice mutilation.
3 (Col 2:11; Jude 1:20) For we are the circumcision who worship
God in the Spirit, and boast in Christ Jesus, and place no trust in the flesh,
4 though I also have confidence in the flesh.
If any other man thinks that he has reason to trust in the flesh, I have more:
5 (2Co 11:22; Ro 11:1; Ac 23:6) I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock
of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew of Hebrews; as concerning
the law, a Pharisee;
6 (Ac 8:3; 22:3-4) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; and concerning
the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 (Lk 14:33) But what things were gain to me, I have counted these things
to be loss for the sake of Christ.
8 (Jn 17:3; 2Pe 1:3) Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss
for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom
I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that
I may gain Christ,
9 (1Co 1:30; Php 3:6; Isa 53:11) and be found in Him, not having my own
righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith
in Christ, (Or through the faith of Christ.) the righteousness which is of God
on the basis of faith,
10 (Ro 8:17; 8:29) to know Him, and the power of His resurrection,
and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11 (Ac 26:7) if somehow I might make it to the resurrection of the dead.
Pressing Toward the Mark
12 (1Co 13:10; 1Ti 6:19) Not that I have already attained or have already been
perfected, but I follow after it so that I may lay hold of that for which
I was seized by Christ Jesus.
13 (Lk 9:62; Ps 45:10) Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained,
but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 (Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Co 2:6; Gal 5:10) Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus
minded. And if you think differently in any way,
God will reveal even this to you.
16 (Gal 6:16) Nevertheless, according to what we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
17 (1Co 4:16; 1Pe 5:3) Brothers, become fellow imitators with me
and observe those who walk according to our example.
18 (Gal 6:12) For many are walking in such a way that they are the enemies
of the cross of Christ. I have told you of them often and tell you again,
even weeping.
19 (Ro 16:18; 2Pe 2:3) Their destination is destruction, their god
is their appetite, their glory is in their shame, their minds
are set on earthly things.
20 (Eph 2:19; 1Co 1:7; Ac 1:11) But our citizenship is in heaven, from
where also we await for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 (Col 3:4) who will transform our body of humiliation,
so that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working
of His power even to subdue all things to Himself.
Philippians 4
1 (Php 1:8; 1:27; 1Co 16:13) Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brothers,
my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.
Exhortations
2 (Php 2:2-3) I exhort Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 (Lk 10:20; Php 1:27) I ask you also, true companion, help those women who
labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with my other fellow
laborers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness. The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer
and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 (Ac 6:3; 10:22) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever
things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.
9 (Php 3:17; Ro 15:33; Php 4:7) Do those things which you have both learned
and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Acknowledgment of the Philippians' Gift
10 (2Co 11:9) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived
your concern for me. Regarding this, you did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 (Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:6-9) I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned
in whatever state I am to be content.
12 (2Co 11:27; 11:9) I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to
have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret,
both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because of Christ
who strengthens me.
14 (Php 1:7) Nevertheless you did well having shared in my affliction.
15 (Php 1:5; 2Co 11:8-12) Now you Philippians know also,
that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia,
no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving,
except you alone.
16 (1Th 2:9) Even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for
my necessity,
17 (Titus 3:14) not because I desired a gift, but I desire fruit that
accumulates to your account.
18 (Eph 5:2; Php 2:25-26) But I have everything and abound. I have been
filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you,
like a sweet fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 (Ro 11:36; Gal 1:4-5) Now to God and our Father be glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Final Greetings
21 (Gal 1:2) Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me
greet you.
22 (2Co 13:13; Php 1:13) All the saints greet you,
especially those who are of Caesar's household.
23 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/15/i-am-his-hands
entitled I Am His Hands
1 Corinthians 12:12-21
One Body With Many Members
12 (1Co 12:27; 10:17) For as the body is one and has many parts,
and all the many parts of that one body are one body, so also is Christ.
13 (Jn 7:37-39; Gal 3:28) For by one Spirit we are all baptised
into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are slaves
or free, and we have all been made to drink of one Spirit.
14 The body is not one part, but many.
15 If the foot says, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,"
is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear says, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,"
is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be?
If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
18 (1Co 12:11; 12:28) But now God has established the parts,
every one of them, in the body as it has pleased Him.
19 If they were all one part, where would the body be?
20 So there are many parts, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you,"
nor the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
Jia Haixia lost his sight in the year 2000. His friend Jia Wenqi
lost his arms as a child. But they've found a way around their
disabilities. "I am his hands and he is my eyes," Haixia says.
Together, they're transforming their village in China.
Since 2002 the friends have been on a mission to regenerate
a wasteland near their home. Each day Haixia climbs on Wenqi's
back to cross a river to the site. Wenqi then "hands" Haixia
a shovel with his foot, before Haixia places a pail on a pole
between Wenqi's cheek and shoulder. And as one digs
and the other waters, the two plant trees-more than 10 000 so far.
"Working together, we don't feel disabled at all," Haixia says.
"We're a team."
The apostle Paul likens the church to a body, each part needing
the other to function. If the church were all eyes, there'd be no hearing;
if all ears, there'd be no sense of smell (1 Corinthians 12:14–17).
"The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!'" Paul says (v. 21).
Each of us plays a role in the church based on our spiritual gifts
(vv. 7-11, 18). Like Jia Haixia and Jia Wenqi, when we combine
our strengths, we can bring change to the world.
Two men combining their abilities to regenerate a wasteland.
What a picture of the church in action!
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
Based on your spiritual gifts, what part do you play
in the body of Christ? How are you joining with others
to fulfill His mission?
Holy Spirit, thank You for giving me spiritual gifts
and arranging me in a body where I’m needed.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 4 Under the Mercy
Ps 13:5-6
5 I for my part confide in Your kindness;
may my heart exult in Your salvation!
6 I will sing to the Lord,
because He has dealt bountifully with me.
In Sheldon Vanauken's book "A Severe Mercy", Vanauken faced the "severe mercy"
of the untimely death of his wife. His friend C. S. Lewis , who had endured a
similar grief , comforted him through letters,
encouraging him with the exhotation, "Go under the Mercy".
While God's grace deals with sin and forgiveness,
God's mercy deals with the pain pf human existence. We all experience pain
- sometimes as a natural result of wrongs we have done, sometimes unfairly
as a consequence of living in a fallen world.
But for all who hurt, God provides
mercy - respite from pain, and the assurance of a Lord who cares.
David , in Psalm 13 says " I trust in your mercy, your unfailing love."
God's love never fail us, no matter how much we may have failed him.
David knew the consequences of sin; he knew what it meant to fail God,
to rebel against God's faithfulness. Yet David trusted in God's Goodness
rather than depending upon his own; he focused his attention upon the
mercy of the Lord.
We need, like David, to "Go under the mercy" , even when it is a "severe mercy."
Even when circumstances seem bad; even when things seem out of control; even
when we think God has forsaken us, yet his mercy is at work to bring us
fulfillment and cause us to turn to him
with a song of praise on our lips.
Application
a) How have I experienced the mercy of God?
b) How can these verses help me focus on God's
merciful intervention in my life even when circumstances seem
out of control?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 in the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far Northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness
and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, 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 18
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Wednesday. Third Week of Advent
"The Scotch catechism says that man's end is 'to glorify God and enjoy Him
forever'. But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to
enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us
to enjoy Him." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Reflections on the Psalms, p. 97.)
Enjoying God
When we set aside the flurry of activity that so often comes in December,
we can almost hear the message of the angels. They inÂvited the shepherds
not to be afraid, but to give glory to God. Lewis tells us that when they
did this, the angels were inviting them to enjoy God.
Aren't we, too, being invited in this holy season to give glory to God?
God doesn't really need our praise and glory, but he knows that we need
to lift up our hearts. We need to lift up our eyes unto the hills,
from whence our help comes, and see the glory that will be revealed to us.
Narnia can help us to do that. Narnia contains many pleasures, and they all
come from God. The gifts of Father Christmas to Peter, Susan, and Lucy
are some of those pleasures. The crowning of the four children to be Kings
and Queens of Narnia are another. The arrival of Reepicheep, the talking
mouse, in Aslan's country is a third. God gave Lewis the vision.
In enjoying his vision, we are enjoying God.
Even in the midst of suffering, we need this reminder. St. Paul tells us,
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with
the glory that will be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). When we give glory to God,
it reminds us of the glory that will be revealed to us. And we find joy
in this glory. That's one reason why the message was "good news
of great joy" (Luke 2:10), not only for the shepherds,
but "for all the people"-including us.
Glory to you, 0 Lord. Praise to you, 0 Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.
Luke 2:14
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
The Gift of a Child
Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
-Luke 1:57
Because our culture has basically disregarded God, our society
at large does not appreciate what a colossal treasure
from God a child is! Some women, including me, for mainly medical reasons,
can't bear children and for that reason comprehend much more deeply
how precious such a gift is.
Elizabeth, too, had not been able to bear children earlier in her youth,
and it was incontrovertibly miraculous that she could give birth
now in her older years. Her friends and relatives knew what
an enormous benevolence from God this child was-the text says that
they had "heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to [Elizabeth]"
-so they enthusiastically joined her in rejoicing.
What a splendid celebration they must have had!
What cherished blessing have you received from the Lord lately?
Do you need to prize afresh your spouse or children as treasures from God?
Perhaps your God-given gifts include friends, colleagues
or relatives who bring you mercy and grace.
prayer
Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.
Read Luke 1:57-58.
57 Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,
and they rejoiced with her.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWAITING!
Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. JAMES 5:7
Have you heard the story of Grandma saying to Grandpa, "What are
you doing?" Grandpa slowly responds, "How soon do you need to know?"
Patience, patience, patience.
In the book Power of Pause, Terry Hershey tells the story of a little girl
who says. "Shh, Mom, listen." "What am I listening to?" asks Mom
The girl responds, "If you are quiet and listen, you can hear God talking
to us." Patience, patience, patience.
The AH-HA of awaiting is the call to be patient, and to be quiet in order
to hear the Lord in the big and little events of our lives. "The first duty
of love is to wait," said a patient man named Tillich. Are you ever like I am
when I anxiously wait for someone to stop talking so I can say something
"brilliant" ? As one comic quipped. "No one really listens to anyone else, and
if you ever try to for a while, you'll know why!l" Patience. patience. patience.
Just for today. try to really listen to someone with your entire self.
And then keep going back to re-read James 5 . .. over and over.
Patience, patience, patience.
Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read James 5:7-11
7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early
and late rain.
8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,
lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,
who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be humble and shine your light;
remember, He will strengthen you.
Pray to the Lord "Holy Spirit, thank You for giving me spiritual gifts
and arranging me in a body where I’m needed."
Pray to the Lord and Pray to Him to put order back when
everything feels out of control.
Pray to the Lord and remember He will pour out Blessings.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for being your shield.
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 Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Glory to you, 0 Lord. Praise to you, 0 Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.
Pray: Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that ministries workers in Indonesia will find creative ways to
carry out their ministries.
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.