Day 312 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey - 8 November 2022 reflections
Day 312, 8 November 2022
1)Acts 8-9
Acts 8
1 (Ac 7:58; 5:33)And Saul was consenting to his death.
Saul Persecutes the Church
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.
And they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria,
except the apostles.
2 Devout men carried Stephen to his burial
and made great lamentation over him.
3 (1Co 15:9; Gal 1:13) But Saul ravaged the church, entering house by house
and dragging out both men and women and committing them to prison.
[1] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a
great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were
all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except
the apostles.
[2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation
over him.
[3] As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house,
and haling men and women committed them to prison.
The Gospel Preached in Samaria
4 (Ac 8:1) Therefore those who were scattered
went everywhere preaching the word.
5 (Ac 6:5) Philip went down to the city of Samaria
and preached Christ to them.
6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miracles which he did,
they listened in unity to what he said.
7 (Mk 16:17-18) For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice,
came out of many who were possessed. And many who were paralyzed
or lame were healed.
8 So there was much joy in that city.
[4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the
word.
[5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto
them.
[6] And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip
spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
[7] For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were
possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were
healed.
[8] And there was great joy in that city.
Simon the Sorcerer Believes
9 (Ac 5:36; 13:6) Now a man named Simon was previously in the city practicing
sorcery and astonishing the nation of Samaria, saying he was someone great,
10 (Ac 14:11; 28:6) to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest,
saying, "This man is the great power of God."
11 (Gal 3:1) They listened to him, because for a long time he had astonished
them by his sorceries.
12 (Ac 1:3; 2:38) But when they believed Philip preaching about the kingdom
of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
13 (Ac 8:6-7; 19:11) Even Simon himself believed. And when he was baptized,
he continued with Philip and was amazed as he watched the miracles
and signs which were done.
[9] But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same
city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that
himself was some great one:
[10] To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying,
This man is the great power of God.
[11] And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched
them with sorceries.
[12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the
kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men
and women.
[13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he
continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which
were done.
Samaritans Receive the Holy Spirit
14 (Ac 8:1) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria
had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
15 (Ac 2:38) When they came down, they prayed for them
that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
16 (Mt 28:19; Ac 2:38; 19:2) for still He had come on none of them.
They were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17 (Ac 6:6; 9:17) Then they laid their hands on them,
and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 When Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands
the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19 saying, "Give me also this power, that whomever I lay hands on may
receive the Holy Spirit."
20 (Da 5:17; Ac 2:38) Peter said to him, "May your money perish with you,
because you thought you could purchase the gift of God with money!
21 You have neither part nor share in this matter, for your heart
is not right before God.
22 (Da 4:27) Therefore repent of your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps
the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.
23 (Heb 12:15) For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness
and in the bond of iniquity."
24Ex 8:8; Nu 21:7Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me that nothing
you have spoken may come upon me."
25 When they had testified and preached the word of the Lord,
they returned to Jerusalem and preached the gospel in many villages
of the Samaritans.
[14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
[15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive
the Holy Ghost:
[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
[18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the
Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
[19] Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may
receive the Holy Ghost.
[20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast
thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
[21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not
right in the sight of God.
[22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the
thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
[23] For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond
of iniquity.
[24] Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of
these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
[25] And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord,
returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the
Samaritans.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 (Ac 5:19; 27:23; 12:23) Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,
"Rise up and go toward the south on the way that goes down from Jerusalem
to Gaza." This is desert.
27 (Ps 68:31; 87:4) So he rose up and went. And there was a man of Ethiopia,
a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians,
who was in command of her entire treasury.
He had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28 He was returning, sitting in his chariot
and reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.
29 (Ac 10:19; 11:12) The Spirit said to Philip,
"Go to this chariot and stay with it."
30 Then Philip ran to him, and heard him read the book of Isaiah the prophet,
and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
31 (Ro 10:14) He said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"
So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32 (Isa 53:7-8) The passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:
"He was led as a sheep to slaughter;
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so He opened not His mouth.
33 (Isa 53:8; 53:12) In His humiliation justice was denied Him;
who will speak of His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth."
34 The eunuch said to Philip, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet speak,
of himself or of someone else?"
35 (Lk 24:27; Ac 18:28) Then Philip spoke, beginning with the same Scripture,
and preached Jesus to him.
36 (Ac 10:47) As they went on their way, they came to some water.
And the eunuch said, "Look, here is water.
What hinders me from being baptised?"
37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He answered,
"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
38 And he commanded the chariot to halt. Then both Philip and the eunuch went
down into the water, and he baptized him.
39 (1Ki 18:12; 2Ki 2:16) When they came up out of the water,
the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away. And the eunuch saw him no more,
and he went his way rejoicing.
40 (Ac 10:1; 21:8) But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through,
he preached the gospel in all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
[26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go
toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza,
which is desert.
[27] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of
great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of
all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
[28] Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
[29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this
chariot.
[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,
and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
[31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired
Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
[32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a
sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened
he not his mouth:
[33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare
his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
[34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh
the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
[35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and
preached unto him Jesus.
[36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.
And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
[38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both
into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
[39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord
caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way
rejoicing.
[40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all
the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
Acts 9
The Conversion of Saul
Ac 22:6-16; 26:12-18
1 (Ac 8:3; Ps 27:12) Saul, still breathing out threats and murder
against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
2 (Ac 19:9; 19:23) and requested letters from him to the synagogues
of Damascus, so that if he found any there of the Way, either men or women,
he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 (1Co 15:8; Ac 22:6) As he went he drew near Damascus, and suddenly a light
from heaven shone around him.
4 (Isa 63:9; Zec 2:8) He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him,
"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?"
5 He said, "Who are You, Lord?"
The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you
to kick against the goads."
6 Trembling and astonished, he said, "Lord, what will You have me do?"
The Lord said to him, "Rise up and go into the city,
and you will be told what you must do."
7 (Ac 22:9; Da 10:7; Jn 12:29) The men traveling with him stood speechless,
hearing the voice, but seeing no one.
8 (Ac 22:11; 9:18) Saul rose up from the ground.
And when his eyes were opened,
he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
9 (Est 4:16) For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 (Ac 10:3; 22:12) A disciple named Ananias was in Damascus.
The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias."
He said, "Here I am, Lord."
11 (Ac 21:39; 22:3) The Lord said to him, "Rise and go to Straight Street,
and inquire at Judas' house for someone named Saul of Tarsus,
for he is praying,
12 (Mk 5:23) and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in
and putting his hand on him, so that he may see again."
13 (Ac 8:3; 9:1) Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about
this man, how many evil things he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem.
14 (Ac 9:21; 7:59) And here he has authority from the chief priests
to bind all who call on Your name."
15 (Ac 13:2; Eph 3:7-8) But the Lord said to him, "Go your way.
For this man is a chosen vessel of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles
and their kings, and before the sons of Israel.
16 (Ac 21:11; 2Co 11:23-27) For I will show him how much he must suffer
for My name's sake."
17 (Ac 2:4; 6:6) Then Ananias went his way and entered the house.
Putting his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,
who appeared to you on the way as you came, has sent me so that
you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
18 (Ac 22:16) Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes,
and he could see again. And he rose up and was baptized.
19 (Ac 26:20) When he had eaten, he was strengthened.
[1] And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the
disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
[2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he
found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them
bound unto Jerusalem.
[3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined
round about him a light from heaven:
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me?
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to
do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be
told thee what thou must do.
[7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice,
but seeing no man.
[8] And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no
man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
[9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
[10] And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him
said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
[11] And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is
called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of
Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
[12] And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting
his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
[13] Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much
evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
[14] And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call
on thy name.
[15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto
me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of
Israel:
[16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his
hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto
thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy
sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
[18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he
received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
[19] And when he had received meat, he was strengthened.
Saul Preaches in Damascus
For several days Saul was with the disciples in Damascus.
20 Immediately he preached in the synagogues
that the Christ is the Son of God.
21 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) All who heard him were amazed and said,
"Is not this he who killed those who called on this name in Jerusalem,
and came here with that intent, to bring them bound to the chief priests?"
22 (Ac 18:5) Yet Saul increased all the more with power
and confounded the Jews living in Damascus,
proving that this One is the Christ.
Then was Saul
certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
[20] And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the
Son of God.
[21] But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that
destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for
that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
[22] But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which
dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Saul Escapes from the Jews
23 After many days had passed, the Jews arranged to kill him.
24 (Ac 25:3; 2Co 11:32) But their scheme was known by Saul.
They watched the gates day and night to kill him.
25 (2Co 11:33; Jos 2:15) But the disciples took him by night,
and lowered him in a basket through the wall.
[23] And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill
him:
[24] But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates
day and night to kill him.
[25] Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a
basket.
Saul in Jerusalem
26 (Ac 26:20) When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples.
But they all feared him, not believing he was a disciple.
27 (Ac 4:36; 4:29) But Barnabas took him, and led him to the apostles,
and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord,
and that He had spoken to him, and how he had boldly preached
in Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28 (Ac 1:21) So he stayed with them while coming in
and going out of Jerusalem.
29 (Ac 6:1; 2Co 11:26) And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus
and disputed against the Hellenists. But they tried to kill him.
30 (Ac 8:40; 9:11) When the brothers learned this, they brought him down
to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 (Ac 8:1; Ne 5:9) Then the churches throughout all Judea and Galilee
and Samaria had peace and were built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord
and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
[26] And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the
disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a
disciple.
[27] But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared
unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to
him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
[28] And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
[29] And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against
the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
[30] Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and
sent him forth to Tarsus.
[31] Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and
Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the
comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
The Healing of Aeneas
32 (Ac 9:13; 8:25) As Peter passed through every region,
he came down also to the saints who lived in Lydda.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years
and was paralyzed.
34 (Ac 3:6; 3:16) Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.
Rise up and make your bed." And immediately he rose up.
35 (1Ch 5:16; Ac 11:21) All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him
and turned to the Lord.
[32] And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came
down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
[33] And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed
eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
[34] And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise,
and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
[35] And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
Dorcas Restored to Life
36 (2Ch 2:16; Ezr 3:7) In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha,
which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and almsgiving.
37 (Ac 1:13; 20:8) In those days she became ill and died. And when they had
washed her, they placed her in an upper room.
38 (Ac 9:36) Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter
was there, sent two men to him, pleading, "Do not delay to come to us."
39 Peter rose up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him into
the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping,
and showing the tunics and garments
which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 (Mt 9:25; Ac 7:60) Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed.
And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." She opened her eyes,
and when she saw Peter she sat up.
41 (Ac 6:1) He gave her his hand and lifted her up. And when he had called
the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42 (Jn 11:45; 12:11) It became known throughout all Joppa,
and many believed in the Lord.
43 (Ac 10:6; 10:32) He remained in Joppa for many days with Simon, a tanner.
[36] Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by
interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and
almsdeeds which she did.
[37] And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom
when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
[38] And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard
that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would
not delay to come to them.
[39] Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him
into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing
the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
[40] But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning
him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she
saw Peter, she sat up.
[41] And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the
saints and widows, presented her alive.
[42] And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
[43] And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon
a tanner.
2) Our Daily Bread for 8 November 2022
Entitled "Loving Our Neighbors"
Leviticus 19:15-18
15 (Dt 1:17; Ex 23:2-3; Dt 16:19) You shall do no unrighteousness
in a court. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor
the person who is great, but in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.
16 (Ex 23:1; 23:7; Ps 15:3) You shall not go around as a slanderer
among your people, nor shall you stand by while the life of your
neighbor is in danger: I am the Lord.
17 (Lk 17:3; 1Jn 2:9) You shall not hate your brother in your heart.
You shall surely reason honestly with your neighbor,
and not suffer sin because of him.
18 (Ro 12:19; 13:9; Gal 5:14) You shall not take vengeance,
nor bear any grudge against the children of your people,
but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
[15] Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the
person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in
righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
[16] Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither
shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.
[17] Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise
rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
[18] Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy
people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
In the days of self-isolation and lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic,
words by Martin Luther King Jr. in his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" rang
true. Speaking about injustice, he remarked how he couldn't sit idly in one
city and not be concerned about what happens in another. "We are caught in an
inescapable network of mutuality," he said, "tied in a single garment of
destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects us all indirectly."
Likewise, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted our connectedness as around the
world cities and countries closed to stop the spread of the virus. What
affected one city could soon affect another.
Many centuries ago, God instructed His people how to show concern for others.
Through Moses, He gave the Israelites the law to guide them and help them live
together. He told them to "not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s
life" (Leviticus 19:16); and to not seek revenge or bear a grudge against
others, but to "love your neighbor as yourself" (v. 18). God knew that
communities would start to unravel if people didn't look out for others,
valuing their lives as much as they did their own.
We too can embrace the wisdom of God's instructions. As we go about our daily
activities, we can remember how interconnected we are with others as we ask
Him how to love and serve them well.
By: Amy Boucher Pye
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think Jesus echoed God's law when He told the religious leaders
to love their neighbors as themselves? How could you put this instruction
into action today?
Loving Creator, help me to share Your love and grace today.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 3 - From Darkness to Light
Col 1:13-14
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has transferred us
into the kingdom of His dear Son,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
13 who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Most of us have no real concept of darkness. We live in a world illuminated
not only by sun, moon and start, bit by streetlights and electric lamps and,
when the power goes off, flashlights and candles. We resist the darkness
For the sighted, being in absolute darkness is a frightening experience.
The dark blots out everything; we can see nothing, not even our own bodies,
and we may become disoriented. The dark seems to press in upon us,
with an almost physical weight that oppresses.
Spiritual darkness is like that. Spiritual darkness,
the absence of light in Christ, is oppressive, weighing us down,
distorting our perceptions of realty.
We cannot judge clearly, for we cannot see at all.
Yet God breaks into our darkness, bringing his light - Jesus Christ,
The Light of the World. When the awareness of Christ invades our lives,
our eyes are opened and we can see for the first time. We see our sin,
God's grace, and the Way he has provided for escape from the dark.
And as we continue to walk in his light, we see even more - the need
for changes in our lives, and God's power to work those changes.
Discernment and wisdom come through his light,
and we understand spiritual truths we could never see before.
Paul says that God has 'rescued' us from darkness and brought us
into the light. We cannot, on our own, accomplish this rescue,
but god through Christ's sacrifice brings it about in us.
He is the light who illuminates our darkness.
Application
a) Many different kinds of spiritual darkness invade our lives
and keep us blind to the truth - sin, lack of understanding,
resistance to the Holy Spirit. What kinds of spiritual darkness
have I experienced?
b) What changes took place in me when I first 'came into the light'?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Chr 26:5
5 (2 Ch 24:2; Da 1:17) And he sought after God in the days of Zechariah,
the one who instructed him in the fear of the Lord. And in the days
that he sought after the Lord, God caused him to succeed.
5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah,
who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long
as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Gift of Salvation
Ps 40:1-3,9-11
PSALMS 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord,
and He turned to me, and heard my cry.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
out of the miry clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
and established my steps.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He has put a new song in my mouth,
even praise to our God;
many will see it, and fear,
and will trust in the Lord.
...
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I have proclaimed righteousness
in the great congregation;
I have not held back my lips,
O Lord, You know.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) I have not hidden Your righteousness
within my heart;
I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth
from the great congregation.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not withhold Your compassion from me, O Lord;
may Your lovingkindness and Your truth always guard me.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even
praise unto our God:
Many shall see it, and fear,
And shall trust in the LORD.
...
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation:
Lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart;
I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation:
I have not concealed thy lovingkindness,
And thy truth from the great congregation.
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD:
Let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
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."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
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
8th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God
(
Is 62:6
6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,
who shall never hold their peace day nor night.
You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;
6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold
their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
Ps 5:3
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;
in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Ps 55:17
17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,
and He will hear my voice.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
And he shall hear my voice.
)
b) Pray for the province of Manitoba
I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them
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.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto 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 .
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and Persecutors of the church that they would see Jesus
and pray to effectively pray for all to know Jesus as Messiah and Saviour.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Creator, help me to share Your love
and grace today."
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for getting you out of darkness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him in full.
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him from liberating you from spiritual sin.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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!
Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God.
Pray for Khmu Christians in Loas who are overseeing outreaches to the Hmong,
Bru and Prai people groups.
Pray for expanded evangelistic efforts to unreached people in the Pamir
mountains in Tajikistan.
Pray for church leaders in Malaysia who are forming strategies to engage
unreached people.
Pray that Chinese churches will unite, serving as a collective briiliant
Gospel witness.
Pray for Pastor Galgalo in Kenya, also asking the Lord to raise up more
full-time ministry workers.
Encourage others to join in the International Day of Prayer for
persecuted Christians. Check https://www.idop.ca
Pray that believers in Syria will show compassion to one another and to those
in their communities, and for better unity between churches.
Pray that isolated Christians in Libya will have opportunities to corporately
worship the Lord and enjoy fellowship with other believers.
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)Acts 8-9
Acts 8
1 (Ac 7:58; 5:33)And Saul was consenting to his death.
Saul Persecutes the Church
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.
And they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria,
except the apostles.
2 Devout men carried Stephen to his burial
and made great lamentation over him.
3 (1Co 15:9; Gal 1:13) But Saul ravaged the church, entering house by house
and dragging out both men and women and committing them to prison.
[1] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a
great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were
all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except
the apostles.
[2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation
over him.
[3] As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house,
and haling men and women committed them to prison.
The Gospel Preached in Samaria
4 (Ac 8:1) Therefore those who were scattered
went everywhere preaching the word.
5 (Ac 6:5) Philip went down to the city of Samaria
and preached Christ to them.
6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miracles which he did,
they listened in unity to what he said.
7 (Mk 16:17-18) For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice,
came out of many who were possessed. And many who were paralyzed
or lame were healed.
8 So there was much joy in that city.
[4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the
word.
[5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto
them.
[6] And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip
spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
[7] For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were
possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were
healed.
[8] And there was great joy in that city.
Simon the Sorcerer Believes
9 (Ac 5:36; 13:6) Now a man named Simon was previously in the city practicing
sorcery and astonishing the nation of Samaria, saying he was someone great,
10 (Ac 14:11; 28:6) to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest,
saying, "This man is the great power of God."
11 (Gal 3:1) They listened to him, because for a long time he had astonished
them by his sorceries.
12 (Ac 1:3; 2:38) But when they believed Philip preaching about the kingdom
of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
13 (Ac 8:6-7; 19:11) Even Simon himself believed. And when he was baptized,
he continued with Philip and was amazed as he watched the miracles
and signs which were done.
[9] But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same
city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that
himself was some great one:
[10] To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying,
This man is the great power of God.
[11] And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched
them with sorceries.
[12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the
kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men
and women.
[13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he
continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which
were done.
Samaritans Receive the Holy Spirit
14 (Ac 8:1) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria
had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
15 (Ac 2:38) When they came down, they prayed for them
that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
16 (Mt 28:19; Ac 2:38; 19:2) for still He had come on none of them.
They were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17 (Ac 6:6; 9:17) Then they laid their hands on them,
and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 When Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands
the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19 saying, "Give me also this power, that whomever I lay hands on may
receive the Holy Spirit."
20 (Da 5:17; Ac 2:38) Peter said to him, "May your money perish with you,
because you thought you could purchase the gift of God with money!
21 You have neither part nor share in this matter, for your heart
is not right before God.
22 (Da 4:27) Therefore repent of your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps
the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.
23 (Heb 12:15) For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness
and in the bond of iniquity."
24Ex 8:8; Nu 21:7Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me that nothing
you have spoken may come upon me."
25 When they had testified and preached the word of the Lord,
they returned to Jerusalem and preached the gospel in many villages
of the Samaritans.
[14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
[15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive
the Holy Ghost:
[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
[18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the
Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
[19] Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may
receive the Holy Ghost.
[20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast
thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
[21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not
right in the sight of God.
[22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the
thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
[23] For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond
of iniquity.
[24] Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of
these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
[25] And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord,
returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the
Samaritans.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 (Ac 5:19; 27:23; 12:23) Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,
"Rise up and go toward the south on the way that goes down from Jerusalem
to Gaza." This is desert.
27 (Ps 68:31; 87:4) So he rose up and went. And there was a man of Ethiopia,
a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians,
who was in command of her entire treasury.
He had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28 He was returning, sitting in his chariot
and reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.
29 (Ac 10:19; 11:12) The Spirit said to Philip,
"Go to this chariot and stay with it."
30 Then Philip ran to him, and heard him read the book of Isaiah the prophet,
and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
31 (Ro 10:14) He said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"
So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32 (Isa 53:7-8) The passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:
"He was led as a sheep to slaughter;
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so He opened not His mouth.
33 (Isa 53:8; 53:12) In His humiliation justice was denied Him;
who will speak of His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth."
34 The eunuch said to Philip, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet speak,
of himself or of someone else?"
35 (Lk 24:27; Ac 18:28) Then Philip spoke, beginning with the same Scripture,
and preached Jesus to him.
36 (Ac 10:47) As they went on their way, they came to some water.
And the eunuch said, "Look, here is water.
What hinders me from being baptised?"
37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He answered,
"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
38 And he commanded the chariot to halt. Then both Philip and the eunuch went
down into the water, and he baptized him.
39 (1Ki 18:12; 2Ki 2:16) When they came up out of the water,
the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away. And the eunuch saw him no more,
and he went his way rejoicing.
40 (Ac 10:1; 21:8) But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through,
he preached the gospel in all the cities until he came to Caesarea.
[26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go
toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza,
which is desert.
[27] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of
great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of
all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
[28] Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
[29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this
chariot.
[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias,
and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
[31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired
Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
[32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a
sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened
he not his mouth:
[33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare
his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
[34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh
the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
[35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and
preached unto him Jesus.
[36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.
And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
[38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both
into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
[39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord
caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way
rejoicing.
[40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all
the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
Acts 9
The Conversion of Saul
Ac 22:6-16; 26:12-18
1 (Ac 8:3; Ps 27:12) Saul, still breathing out threats and murder
against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
2 (Ac 19:9; 19:23) and requested letters from him to the synagogues
of Damascus, so that if he found any there of the Way, either men or women,
he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 (1Co 15:8; Ac 22:6) As he went he drew near Damascus, and suddenly a light
from heaven shone around him.
4 (Isa 63:9; Zec 2:8) He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him,
"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?"
5 He said, "Who are You, Lord?"
The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you
to kick against the goads."
6 Trembling and astonished, he said, "Lord, what will You have me do?"
The Lord said to him, "Rise up and go into the city,
and you will be told what you must do."
7 (Ac 22:9; Da 10:7; Jn 12:29) The men traveling with him stood speechless,
hearing the voice, but seeing no one.
8 (Ac 22:11; 9:18) Saul rose up from the ground.
And when his eyes were opened,
he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
9 (Est 4:16) For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 (Ac 10:3; 22:12) A disciple named Ananias was in Damascus.
The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias."
He said, "Here I am, Lord."
11 (Ac 21:39; 22:3) The Lord said to him, "Rise and go to Straight Street,
and inquire at Judas' house for someone named Saul of Tarsus,
for he is praying,
12 (Mk 5:23) and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in
and putting his hand on him, so that he may see again."
13 (Ac 8:3; 9:1) Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about
this man, how many evil things he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem.
14 (Ac 9:21; 7:59) And here he has authority from the chief priests
to bind all who call on Your name."
15 (Ac 13:2; Eph 3:7-8) But the Lord said to him, "Go your way.
For this man is a chosen vessel of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles
and their kings, and before the sons of Israel.
16 (Ac 21:11; 2Co 11:23-27) For I will show him how much he must suffer
for My name's sake."
17 (Ac 2:4; 6:6) Then Ananias went his way and entered the house.
Putting his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,
who appeared to you on the way as you came, has sent me so that
you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
18 (Ac 22:16) Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes,
and he could see again. And he rose up and was baptized.
19 (Ac 26:20) When he had eaten, he was strengthened.
[1] And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the
disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
[2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he
found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them
bound unto Jerusalem.
[3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined
round about him a light from heaven:
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me?
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to
do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be
told thee what thou must do.
[7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice,
but seeing no man.
[8] And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no
man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
[9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
[10] And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him
said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
[11] And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is
called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of
Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
[12] And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting
his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
[13] Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much
evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
[14] And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call
on thy name.
[15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto
me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of
Israel:
[16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his
hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto
thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy
sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
[18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he
received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
[19] And when he had received meat, he was strengthened.
Saul Preaches in Damascus
For several days Saul was with the disciples in Damascus.
20 Immediately he preached in the synagogues
that the Christ is the Son of God.
21 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) All who heard him were amazed and said,
"Is not this he who killed those who called on this name in Jerusalem,
and came here with that intent, to bring them bound to the chief priests?"
22 (Ac 18:5) Yet Saul increased all the more with power
and confounded the Jews living in Damascus,
proving that this One is the Christ.
Then was Saul
certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
[20] And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the
Son of God.
[21] But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that
destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for
that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
[22] But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which
dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Saul Escapes from the Jews
23 After many days had passed, the Jews arranged to kill him.
24 (Ac 25:3; 2Co 11:32) But their scheme was known by Saul.
They watched the gates day and night to kill him.
25 (2Co 11:33; Jos 2:15) But the disciples took him by night,
and lowered him in a basket through the wall.
[23] And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill
him:
[24] But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates
day and night to kill him.
[25] Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a
basket.
Saul in Jerusalem
26 (Ac 26:20) When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples.
But they all feared him, not believing he was a disciple.
27 (Ac 4:36; 4:29) But Barnabas took him, and led him to the apostles,
and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord,
and that He had spoken to him, and how he had boldly preached
in Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28 (Ac 1:21) So he stayed with them while coming in
and going out of Jerusalem.
29 (Ac 6:1; 2Co 11:26) And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus
and disputed against the Hellenists. But they tried to kill him.
30 (Ac 8:40; 9:11) When the brothers learned this, they brought him down
to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 (Ac 8:1; Ne 5:9) Then the churches throughout all Judea and Galilee
and Samaria had peace and were built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord
and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
[26] And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the
disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a
disciple.
[27] But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared
unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to
him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
[28] And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
[29] And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against
the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
[30] Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and
sent him forth to Tarsus.
[31] Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and
Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the
comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
The Healing of Aeneas
32 (Ac 9:13; 8:25) As Peter passed through every region,
he came down also to the saints who lived in Lydda.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years
and was paralyzed.
34 (Ac 3:6; 3:16) Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.
Rise up and make your bed." And immediately he rose up.
35 (1Ch 5:16; Ac 11:21) All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him
and turned to the Lord.
[32] And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came
down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
[33] And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed
eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
[34] And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise,
and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
[35] And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
Dorcas Restored to Life
36 (2Ch 2:16; Ezr 3:7) In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha,
which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and almsgiving.
37 (Ac 1:13; 20:8) In those days she became ill and died. And when they had
washed her, they placed her in an upper room.
38 (Ac 9:36) Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter
was there, sent two men to him, pleading, "Do not delay to come to us."
39 Peter rose up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him into
the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping,
and showing the tunics and garments
which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 (Mt 9:25; Ac 7:60) Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed.
And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." She opened her eyes,
and when she saw Peter she sat up.
41 (Ac 6:1) He gave her his hand and lifted her up. And when he had called
the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42 (Jn 11:45; 12:11) It became known throughout all Joppa,
and many believed in the Lord.
43 (Ac 10:6; 10:32) He remained in Joppa for many days with Simon, a tanner.
[36] Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by
interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and
almsdeeds which she did.
[37] And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom
when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
[38] And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard
that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would
not delay to come to them.
[39] Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him
into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing
the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
[40] But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning
him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she
saw Peter, she sat up.
[41] And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the
saints and widows, presented her alive.
[42] And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
[43] And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon
a tanner.
2) Our Daily Bread for 8 November 2022
Entitled "Loving Our Neighbors"
Leviticus 19:15-18
15 (Dt 1:17; Ex 23:2-3; Dt 16:19) You shall do no unrighteousness
in a court. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor
the person who is great, but in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.
16 (Ex 23:1; 23:7; Ps 15:3) You shall not go around as a slanderer
among your people, nor shall you stand by while the life of your
neighbor is in danger: I am the Lord.
17 (Lk 17:3; 1Jn 2:9) You shall not hate your brother in your heart.
You shall surely reason honestly with your neighbor,
and not suffer sin because of him.
18 (Ro 12:19; 13:9; Gal 5:14) You shall not take vengeance,
nor bear any grudge against the children of your people,
but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
[15] Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the
person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in
righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
[16] Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither
shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.
[17] Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise
rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
[18] Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy
people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
In the days of self-isolation and lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic,
words by Martin Luther King Jr. in his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" rang
true. Speaking about injustice, he remarked how he couldn't sit idly in one
city and not be concerned about what happens in another. "We are caught in an
inescapable network of mutuality," he said, "tied in a single garment of
destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects us all indirectly."
Likewise, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted our connectedness as around the
world cities and countries closed to stop the spread of the virus. What
affected one city could soon affect another.
Many centuries ago, God instructed His people how to show concern for others.
Through Moses, He gave the Israelites the law to guide them and help them live
together. He told them to "not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s
life" (Leviticus 19:16); and to not seek revenge or bear a grudge against
others, but to "love your neighbor as yourself" (v. 18). God knew that
communities would start to unravel if people didn't look out for others,
valuing their lives as much as they did their own.
We too can embrace the wisdom of God's instructions. As we go about our daily
activities, we can remember how interconnected we are with others as we ask
Him how to love and serve them well.
By: Amy Boucher Pye
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think Jesus echoed God's law when He told the religious leaders
to love their neighbors as themselves? How could you put this instruction
into action today?
Loving Creator, help me to share Your love and grace today.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 3 - From Darkness to Light
Col 1:13-14
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has transferred us
into the kingdom of His dear Son,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
13 who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Most of us have no real concept of darkness. We live in a world illuminated
not only by sun, moon and start, bit by streetlights and electric lamps and,
when the power goes off, flashlights and candles. We resist the darkness
For the sighted, being in absolute darkness is a frightening experience.
The dark blots out everything; we can see nothing, not even our own bodies,
and we may become disoriented. The dark seems to press in upon us,
with an almost physical weight that oppresses.
Spiritual darkness is like that. Spiritual darkness,
the absence of light in Christ, is oppressive, weighing us down,
distorting our perceptions of realty.
We cannot judge clearly, for we cannot see at all.
Yet God breaks into our darkness, bringing his light - Jesus Christ,
The Light of the World. When the awareness of Christ invades our lives,
our eyes are opened and we can see for the first time. We see our sin,
God's grace, and the Way he has provided for escape from the dark.
And as we continue to walk in his light, we see even more - the need
for changes in our lives, and God's power to work those changes.
Discernment and wisdom come through his light,
and we understand spiritual truths we could never see before.
Paul says that God has 'rescued' us from darkness and brought us
into the light. We cannot, on our own, accomplish this rescue,
but god through Christ's sacrifice brings it about in us.
He is the light who illuminates our darkness.
Application
a) Many different kinds of spiritual darkness invade our lives
and keep us blind to the truth - sin, lack of understanding,
resistance to the Holy Spirit. What kinds of spiritual darkness
have I experienced?
b) What changes took place in me when I first 'came into the light'?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Chr 26:5
5 (2 Ch 24:2; Da 1:17) And he sought after God in the days of Zechariah,
the one who instructed him in the fear of the Lord. And in the days
that he sought after the Lord, God caused him to succeed.
5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah,
who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long
as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Gift of Salvation
Ps 40:1-3,9-11
PSALMS 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord,
and He turned to me, and heard my cry.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
out of the miry clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
and established my steps.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He has put a new song in my mouth,
even praise to our God;
many will see it, and fear,
and will trust in the Lord.
...
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) I have proclaimed righteousness
in the great congregation;
I have not held back my lips,
O Lord, You know.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) I have not hidden Your righteousness
within my heart;
I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth
from the great congregation.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not withhold Your compassion from me, O Lord;
may Your lovingkindness and Your truth always guard me.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even
praise unto our God:
Many shall see it, and fear,
And shall trust in the LORD.
...
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation:
Lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart;
I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation:
I have not concealed thy lovingkindness,
And thy truth from the great congregation.
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD:
Let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
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."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
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
8th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God
(
Is 62:6
6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,
who shall never hold their peace day nor night.
You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;
6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold
their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
Ps 5:3
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;
in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Ps 55:17
17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,
and He will hear my voice.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
And he shall hear my voice.
)
b) Pray for the province of Manitoba
I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them
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.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto 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 .
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and Persecutors of the church that they would see Jesus
and pray to effectively pray for all to know Jesus as Messiah and Saviour.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Creator, help me to share Your love
and grace today."
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for getting you out of darkness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him in full.
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him from liberating you from spiritual sin.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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!
Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God.
Pray for Khmu Christians in Loas who are overseeing outreaches to the Hmong,
Bru and Prai people groups.
Pray for expanded evangelistic efforts to unreached people in the Pamir
mountains in Tajikistan.
Pray for church leaders in Malaysia who are forming strategies to engage
unreached people.
Pray that Chinese churches will unite, serving as a collective briiliant
Gospel witness.
Pray for Pastor Galgalo in Kenya, also asking the Lord to raise up more
full-time ministry workers.
Encourage others to join in the International Day of Prayer for
persecuted Christians. Check https://www.idop.ca
Pray that believers in Syria will show compassion to one another and to those
in their communities, and for better unity between churches.
Pray that isolated Christians in Libya will have opportunities to corporately
worship the Lord and enjoy fellowship with other believers.
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.