Day 336 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 6th Day of Advent - 2 December 2022 reflections
Day 336, 2 December 2022
1) Acts 24 - 26
Acts 24
The Case Against Paul
1 (Ac 23:2; 24:11) After five days Ananias the high priest arrived with some
of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought before the governor
their charges against Paul.
2 When he was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Since through
you we enjoy much peace, and your foresight is bringing reforms
to this nation,
3 (Ac 23:26; 26:25) with all thankfulness, most excellent Felix,
we always welcome it everywhere.
4 But not to detain you further,
I beg you to briefly hear us in your patience.
5 (Ac 28:22; 24:14; 15:5) "We have found this man a troublemaker, instigating
riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect
of the Nazarenes.
6 He even tried to profane the temple.
So we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law.
7 But the commander, Lysias, came to us and forcefully took him
out of our hands,
8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you
will be able to learn about all these things concerning which we accuse him."
9 The Jews assented, alleging these things to be true.
1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and
with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing
that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done
unto this nation by thy providence,
3 we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all
thankfulness.
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that
thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among
all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the
Nazarenes:
6 who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him
away out of our hands,
8 commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself
mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
Paul's Defense Before Felix
10 After the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Knowing that
for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully defend
myself.
11 (Ac 24:1; 21:18) You may verify that it is no more than twelve days since
I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 (Ac 25:8; 28:17) They did not find me in the temple or in the synagogues
or in the city disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.
13 (Ac 25:7) They cannot prove the things concerning which they now accuse me.
14 (Ac 3:13; 9:2) However, I affirm that in accordance with the Way, which
they call a sect, I worship the God of my fathers and believe everything
written in the Law and in the Prophets.
15 (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28-29) I have hope in God that there will be a resurrection
of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, which they also expect.
16 (Ac 23:1) In this do I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God
and toward men.
17 (Gal 2:10; Ac 11:29-30) "Now after many years I came to bring alms
and offerings to my nation,
18 (Ac 26:21) when some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple,
neither with a crowd nor an uproar.
19 (Ac 23:30) They ought to be here before you to accuse me if they have any
charges.
20 Or let these men say what crime they found in me when I stood before the
Sanhedrin,
21 (Ac 23:6) unless it is concerning this one statement which I cried out
while standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead, I am being judged by you this day.' "
22 When Felix, who had more exact knowledge concerning the Way, had heard
this, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander
arrives, I will decide your case."
23 (Ac 27:3; 28:16) Then he ordered the centurion to guard Paul,
and to let him have liberty, and to forbid none of his own people from
attending to him.
10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,
answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto
this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days
since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither
raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy,
so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written
in the law and in the prophets:
15 and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there
shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of
offence toward God, and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither
with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought
against me.
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me,
while I stood before the council,
21 except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching
the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that
way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come
down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and
that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
Paul Held in Custody
24 (Ac 20:21; Gal 2:16) After several days, when Felix arrived with his wife
Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning
faith in Christ.
25 (Ac 10:42; Gal 5:23) As he lectured about righteousness, self-control,
and the coming judgment, Felix was afraid and answered, "For now, leave!
When time permits, I will send for you."
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he
might release him. So he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
27 (Ac 25:9; 25:14; 12:3) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix.
And Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was
a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,
Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a
convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might
loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix,
willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts 25
Paul Appeals to Caesar
1 (Ac 23:34) Now three days after Festus had come into the province, he went
from Caesarea up to Jerusalem.
2 (Ac 25:15; 24:1) The high priest and the elders of the Jews spoke to him
against Paul. And they begged him,
3 asking as a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem,
plotting to kill him along the way.
4 Festus said that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself
intended to go there shortly.
5 He also said, "Let the men in authority go down
with me. If there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."
6 (Ac 25:17; Mt 27:19) Having stayed among them more than ten days, he went
down to Caesarea. And the next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered
that Paul be brought in.
7 (Ac 24:13; Lk 23:2) When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from
Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges against him
which they could not prove,
8 (Ac 24:12; 28:17) while he defended himself, saying, "Neither against
the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have
I sinned at all."
9 (Ac 24:27; 25:20) Desiring to do the Jews a favor, Festus answered, "Are you
willing to go up to Jerusalem to be judged
concerning these charges before me?"
10 Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought
to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you know very well.
11 (Ac 26:32; 28:19) If I am doing wrong or have done anything worthy
of death, I do not refuse to die. But if these are empty charges of
which these men accuse me, no one may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."
12 When Festus had conferred with the council, he then answered,
"To Caesar you have appealed. To Caesar you shall go."
1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended
from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul,
and besought him,
3 and desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem,
laying wait in the way to kill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cæsarea, and that he
himself would depart shortly thither.
5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me,
and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto
Cæsarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be
brought.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round
about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could
not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither
against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt
thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar's judgment seat, where I ought to be
judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I
refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse
me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered,
Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.
Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice
13 After several days King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea
to welcome Festus.
14 (Ac 24:27) When they had been there many days, Festus stated Paul's case to
the king, saying, "There is a man left as a prisoner by Felix.
15 When I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
informed me about him, asking for a sentence against him.
16 (Ac 25:4-5; Jn 7:51) "I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans
to deliver any man to die before he who is accused meets the accusers face
to face and has the opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge
brought against him.'
17 (Ac 25:6; 25:10) So when they assembled here, without delay I sat
on the judgment seat the next day and ordered that the man be brought in.
18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such
crimes as I had supposed.
19 (Ac 18:15; 23:29) But they had disagreements with him about their own
religion and about a Man named Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted
was alive.
20 (Ac 25:9) Being perplexed about such questions, I asked if he would be
willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning these charges.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be under guard for the decision of Caesar,
I ordered that he be secured until I could send him to Caesar."
22 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man
myself." He said, "Tomorrow you shall hear him."
23 (Ac 25:13; 26:30) The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp,
and they entered the hall with the commanders and the leading men of the city.
When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in.
24 (Ac 22:22; 25:7) Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all the men who are
present with us, you see this man, concerning whom the whole assembly
of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he
ought not to live any longer.
25 (Ac 23:29; Lk 23:4) I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death.
But when he himself appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him.
26 But I have nothing to write to His Majesty concerning him. Therefore
I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,
so that upon examination, I might have something to write.
27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without signifying
the charges against him."
13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cæsarea
to salute Festus.
14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto
the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of
the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man
to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and
have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I
sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of
such things as I supposed:
19 but had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of
one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether
he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus,
I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cæsar.
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself.
To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp,
and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and
principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us,
ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me,
both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that
he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have
brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa,
that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal
to signify the crimes laid against him.
Acts 26
Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
1 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for
yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today I shall make
my defense before you against all the accusations of the Jews,
3 (Ac 6:14) especially because you are an expert in all customs and
controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to patiently listen to me.
4 (Gal 1:13) "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning
in my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
5 (Ac 23:6; 22:3) They knew me from the beginning and could testify,
if they wished, how according to the strictest sect of our religion
I lived as a Pharisee.
6 (Ac 24:15; 28:20) And now I stand on trial for hope in the promise made
by God to our fathers,
7 (Jas 1:1; Ezr 6:17) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they
earnestly serve God day and night. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa,
I am accused by the Jews.
8 Why is it judged incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 (1Ti 1:13; Ac 22:8) "I, too, thought that I must do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,
10 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) which I indeed did in Jerusalem and locked up
many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests.
And when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.
11 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:19) I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled
them to blaspheme. And being extremely enraged against them, I persecuted them
even to foreign cities.
1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.
Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this
day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
3 especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions
which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own
nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
5 which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made
of God unto our fathers:
7 unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night,
hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you,
that God should raise the dead?
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut
up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests;
and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them,
I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16
12 "So I went to Damascus with authority
and a commission from the chief priests.
13 At midday, O King, I saw along the way a light from heaven, brighter than
the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 (Ac 21:40; 9:7) When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice
saying to me in the Hebrew language,
'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 "I said, 'Who are You, Lord?'
"He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
16 (Ac 22:14-15; Eze 2:1) But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared
to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of
what you have seen and of what I will yet reveal to you.
17 (Ac 9:15; Jer 1:8) I will deliver you from your people and from the Gentiles to whom I now send you,
18 (Ac 20:32; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 35:5) to open their eyes and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified
by faith in Me.'
12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the
chief priests,
13 at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the
brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed
with me.
14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto
me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest.
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this
purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which
thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17 delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles,
unto whom now I send thee,
18 to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified
by faith that is in me.
Paul's Testimony to Jews and Gentiles
19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
20 (Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19) but declared first to those at Damascus, then at
Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,
that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance.
21 (Ac 21:30-31; 21:27) For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple
and tried to kill me.
22 (Ac 24:14; Lk 24:27) Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue
to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what
the prophets and Moses said would happen:
23 (Rev 1:5; Lk 2:32; Col 1:18) that the Christ must suffer, that He would be
the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own
people and to the Gentiles."
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20 but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout
all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent
and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple,
and went about to kill me.
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day,
witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those
which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should
rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the
Gentiles.
Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe
24 (1Co 4:10; 2Ki 9:11) So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud
voice, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness."
25 (Ac 23:26; 24:3) Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak
the words of truth and reason.
26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I
am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a
corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."
28 (Ac 11:26) Then Agrippa said to Paul,
"You almost persuade me to be a Christian."
29 (Ac 21:33; 1Co 7:7) Paul said, "I pray to God that not only you,
but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly
and altogether, what I am, except for these chains."
30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor
and Bernice and those who sat with them.
31 (Ac 23:29; 23:9) When they had gone aside, they said to one another,
"This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment."
32 (Ac 28:18) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free
if he had not appealed to Caesar."
24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul,
thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words
of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely:
for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him;
for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear
me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these
bonds.
30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor,
and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
31 and when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying,
This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty,
if he had not appealed unto Cæsar.
2) Our Daily Bread for 2 December 2022
Entitled "Who You Are"
1 Timothy 4:12-16
12 (2Ti 2:22; Titus 2:7) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example
to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,
and in purity.
13 Until I come, give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine.
14 (2Ti 1:6; Ac 6:6; 1Ti 1:18) Do not neglect the gift that is in you,
which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of hands
by the elders.
15 Meditate on these things. Give yourself completely to them,
that your progress may be known to everyone.
16 (Titus 2:7; Ro 11:14) Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.
Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself
and those who hear you.
[12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
[13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
[14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy,
with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
[15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy
profiting may appear to all.
[16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in
doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
In 2011, after a decade of childlessness, my wife and I chose to start afresh
in a new country. Exciting as the move was, it required my leaving a
broadcast career, which I missed. Feeling lost, I asked my friend Liam
for advice.
"I don't know what my calling is anymore," I told Liam dejectedly.
"You're not broadcasting here?" he asked. I said I wasn't.
“And how is your marriage?”
Surprised at his change of topic, I told Liam that Merryn and I were doing
well. We'd faced heartbreak together but emerged closer through the ordeal.
"Commitment is the core of the gospel," he said, smiling. "Oh, how the world
needs to see committed marriages like yours! You may not realize the impact
you're having already, beyond what you do, simply by being who you are."
When a difficult work situation left Timothy dejected, the apostle Paul
didn't give him career goals. Instead, he encouraged Timothy to live a godly
life, setting an example through his speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity
(1 Timothy 4:12-13, 15). He would best impact others by living faithfully.
It's easy to value our lives based on our career success when what matters
most is our character. I had forgotten that. But a word of truth, a gracious
act, even a committed marriage can bring great change-because through them
something of God's own goodness touches the world.
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
Who has touched your life and what qualities did they have?
How can you set an example of faithfulness today?
Dear God, help me to remember that the work I do isn't
as important as the person I become.
Please make me more like You.
Discover more about who you are in Christ.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 6 Humility and Exaltation
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 (Jas 4:10; Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time.
7 (Ps 55:22; 37:5) Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time:
7 casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
"I was so humble I was given an award for humility," the pastor quipped.
"They gave me a humility plaque - but they had to take it back when I hung it
on my office wall."
Humility is rare among 20th Century Christians. Our pride takes two
seemingly contradictory forms: Self-exaltation and self-denial. But both
focus on self, not on God.
Francois Fenelon, 17th century French archbishop, From his
"Letters of Spiritual Counsel" wrote:
"He who so completely forget himself that he never thinks of self ... is
truly humble. If we had the light to discern it, we should see clearly that
when we think we are humbling ourselves we are exalting ourselves;
when we think we are annihilating ourselves we are seeking out own life."
True humility, as Fenelon implies, means recognising who we are in the light
of who God is. Excess of self-importance and low self-esteem are both
self-centered perspectives; true humility is God-centered.
When we humble ourselves, we become intensely aware of God and less
aware of ourselves. We can focus on his face and get our eyes off our own
image. We can stop worrying about how others perceive us. Such humbling
is difficult - as one 70-year-old saint joked, "It ain't the heat that gets
you, it's the humility." But when we submit to him and fell the weight of the
"Mighty hand of God" upon us, we can forget ourselves, abandon
ourselves to his presence, and cast our cares upon him.
Application
a) What form does my pride usually take - self-exaltation or self-degradation?
b) Why must I humble myself in order for the Lord to lift me up?
c) How can today's verse encourage me when times are tough?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ps 37:25-26
25 I have been young, and now am old;
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor their offspring begging bread.
26 The righteous are gracious and lend,
and their offspring are a source of blessing.
25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;
And his seed is blessed.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are ill or injured
Matthew 8:14-17
The Healing of Many People
Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41
14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,
lying sick with a fever.
15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them.
16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many
who were possessed with demons.
And He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all who were sick,
17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,
"He Himself took our infirmities
and bore our sicknesses."
[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother
laid, and sick of a fever.
[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and
ministered unto them.
[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed
with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that
were sick:
[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,
saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
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 2023 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 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facity, 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 notherern 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
2nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians (
Rom 10:14-15 -
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 I And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good
things!"
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!
)
b) Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction. (
Jer 33:3
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things which you do not know.
3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee
great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
)
Advent Day 6
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle - Joel Heck
"The Incarnation was God's 'weak moment':
when Omnipotence becomes a baby in a manger it
has 'weakened' itself....The temptation ...
is precisely a temptation to evade
the self-imposed weaknesses, to be strong, omnipotent,
again- to make stones into bread,
to be emperor of the world, to do 'levitations'.
The weakness was the strength." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, pp. 409ff.)
Strength in Weakness
In this age of professional athletes, health clubs, bodybuilding,
and advances in medical science, nutrition, and natural foods,
we have trouble identifying with the idea of strength in weakness.
The apostle Paul did also, at first, until God spoke to him of
the sufficiency of his grace. Jesus himself showed strength
in weakness at the time he was tempted by the devil, as Lewis
wrote in this letter. More than that, the Incarnation is
the best example of weakness self-imposed weakness.
How can weakness be strength? When I tell my spouse, or even my children,
"I'm sorry," I may seem weak. But they don't think of it as weakness.
Only a strong person can apologize. When I share some of my innermost
thoughts, I am vulnerable. However, when I open myself to another person,
I often find it strengthens the relationship. When I realize my own
strengths and weaknesses, I learn to rely on other people.
That, too, is strength. God put us into the body of Christ to be dependent
on one another. That's strength in weakness,
because it draws on the strengths of others.
So when God says, "My power is made perfect in weakness," we can believe it.
When I learn to rely on God's grace, instead of my own strength, God works
in me. I leave matters in God's hands. I wait upon the Spirit (Acts 1:4).
I trust that God is working out his plan (Rom. 8:28). He is "able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." (Eph. 3:20). God said it.
That should settle it.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to know that our weak moments are so often
the times when your strength is at work in us. Amen.
9 (Php 4:13; 2Co 12:10; Isa 40:29-31) But He said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
Fulfilling Service
... They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple'
-Luke 1:22b
My title is meant to have double meanings.
Zechariah indubitably completed his service in the Temple, and he
certainly found it gratifying as he did so. Subsequently, his wife
and he consummated their marriage, and she praised God for looking
favourably upon her and taking away her disgrace for not yet having borne
a child.
Moreover, those who waited for Zechariah at the Temple discerned
another aspect of the priest's service-that he had seen a vision.
What else could they deduce when he returned later than expected
from offering the incense and reappeared stricken with muteness?
Nevertheless, his face must have displayed great bewilderment
and perhaps bliss at the thought of having a child in his old age.
To what service has God called you? Have you experienced any moments
of fulfillment lately? Have you received from anyone (representing God?)
good news that refreshed you with wonder? Has a member of your family
encountered any situation that nourished him/her with great exhilaration?
prayer
Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Read Luke 1:21-25.
21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited
so long in the temple.
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them
and remained speechless.
23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,
he departed to his own home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months
she hid herself, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
From the Ah-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimmler
FIRST FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADVENTure!
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"(Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!" MATTHEW 21:9
Advent is a great ADVENTure. Just like Christ's adventure into Jerusalem
on Palm Sunday As you read today's Scripture, what is it about this
ADVENTure that stands out for you? If you had beer there as part of the
crowd in the Palm Sunday parade, what would you have been thinking?
I am reminded of the story about the little girl who home from
worship and asked her parents. "Who's Anna?" When neither Mom nor
Dad could understand what she was asking, they queried, ''Why are you
asking that question?" The girl simply responded, "In church we're always
singing, 'Who's Anna? Who's Anna'?l' And I don't even know her!"
Advent reminds us that any time we are in the presence of "he who comes
In the name of the Lord," we are on an extraordinary ADVENTure! In many
ways, the beginning of our Advent journey this week is similar to Christ's
journey on Palm Sunday: from Jerusalem .. . through the streets and
villages . . . to the cross . . . and finally to the empty tomb! Because of His
ADVENTure, we are able to shout. "Hosanna--save us,. Lord!" during our
ADVENTure to Bethlehem. .. and then beyond to Good Friday and 'Easter'!
enjoy your ADVENTure in the Lord today!
PRAYER: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 21:1-11
Matthew 21
The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem
Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:28-38; Jn 12:12-19
1 (Mt 24:3; 26:30) When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage,
on the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
2 saying to them, "Go over into the village opposite you,
and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her.
Untie them and bring them to Me.
3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.'
And he will send them immediately."
4 (Mt 1:22; Jn 12:15) All this was done to fulfill
what was spoken by the prophet, saying:
5 (Isa 62:11; Ge 49:10) "Tell the daughter of Zion,
'Look, your King is coming to you,
humble, and sitting on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'Zec 9:9."
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their garments on them,
and He sat on them.
8 (2Ki 9:13) A very large crowd spread their garments on the road.
Others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' (Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!"
10 When He entered Jerusalem, the entire city was moved,
saying, "Who is He?"
11 (Lk 7:16; Jn 6:14) The crowds said, "This is Jesus,
the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a bold about your testimony for The Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, help me to remember that the work I do isn't
as important as the person I become.
Please make me more like You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to ask The Lord to help you with humbleness.
Pray to the Lord and pray for true righteousness.
Pray to the Lord and pray for healing help that comes from Jesus!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find 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 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 for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians
Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction.
Prayer: Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Pray: Gracious Lord, thank you for including us in your intentions
for the growth of faith. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that the 60 different people groups in Laos will be reached
with the gospel.
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 24 - 26
Acts 24
The Case Against Paul
1 (Ac 23:2; 24:11) After five days Ananias the high priest arrived with some
of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought before the governor
their charges against Paul.
2 When he was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Since through
you we enjoy much peace, and your foresight is bringing reforms
to this nation,
3 (Ac 23:26; 26:25) with all thankfulness, most excellent Felix,
we always welcome it everywhere.
4 But not to detain you further,
I beg you to briefly hear us in your patience.
5 (Ac 28:22; 24:14; 15:5) "We have found this man a troublemaker, instigating
riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect
of the Nazarenes.
6 He even tried to profane the temple.
So we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law.
7 But the commander, Lysias, came to us and forcefully took him
out of our hands,
8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you
will be able to learn about all these things concerning which we accuse him."
9 The Jews assented, alleging these things to be true.
1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and
with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing
that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done
unto this nation by thy providence,
3 we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all
thankfulness.
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that
thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among
all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the
Nazarenes:
6 who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him
away out of our hands,
8 commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself
mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
Paul's Defense Before Felix
10 After the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Knowing that
for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully defend
myself.
11 (Ac 24:1; 21:18) You may verify that it is no more than twelve days since
I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 (Ac 25:8; 28:17) They did not find me in the temple or in the synagogues
or in the city disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.
13 (Ac 25:7) They cannot prove the things concerning which they now accuse me.
14 (Ac 3:13; 9:2) However, I affirm that in accordance with the Way, which
they call a sect, I worship the God of my fathers and believe everything
written in the Law and in the Prophets.
15 (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28-29) I have hope in God that there will be a resurrection
of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, which they also expect.
16 (Ac 23:1) In this do I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God
and toward men.
17 (Gal 2:10; Ac 11:29-30) "Now after many years I came to bring alms
and offerings to my nation,
18 (Ac 26:21) when some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple,
neither with a crowd nor an uproar.
19 (Ac 23:30) They ought to be here before you to accuse me if they have any
charges.
20 Or let these men say what crime they found in me when I stood before the
Sanhedrin,
21 (Ac 23:6) unless it is concerning this one statement which I cried out
while standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead, I am being judged by you this day.' "
22 When Felix, who had more exact knowledge concerning the Way, had heard
this, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander
arrives, I will decide your case."
23 (Ac 27:3; 28:16) Then he ordered the centurion to guard Paul,
and to let him have liberty, and to forbid none of his own people from
attending to him.
10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,
answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto
this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days
since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither
raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy,
so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written
in the law and in the prophets:
15 and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there
shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of
offence toward God, and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither
with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought
against me.
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me,
while I stood before the council,
21 except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching
the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that
way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come
down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and
that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
Paul Held in Custody
24 (Ac 20:21; Gal 2:16) After several days, when Felix arrived with his wife
Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning
faith in Christ.
25 (Ac 10:42; Gal 5:23) As he lectured about righteousness, self-control,
and the coming judgment, Felix was afraid and answered, "For now, leave!
When time permits, I will send for you."
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he
might release him. So he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
27 (Ac 25:9; 25:14; 12:3) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix.
And Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was
a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,
Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a
convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might
loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix,
willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts 25
Paul Appeals to Caesar
1 (Ac 23:34) Now three days after Festus had come into the province, he went
from Caesarea up to Jerusalem.
2 (Ac 25:15; 24:1) The high priest and the elders of the Jews spoke to him
against Paul. And they begged him,
3 asking as a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem,
plotting to kill him along the way.
4 Festus said that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself
intended to go there shortly.
5 He also said, "Let the men in authority go down
with me. If there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."
6 (Ac 25:17; Mt 27:19) Having stayed among them more than ten days, he went
down to Caesarea. And the next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered
that Paul be brought in.
7 (Ac 24:13; Lk 23:2) When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from
Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges against him
which they could not prove,
8 (Ac 24:12; 28:17) while he defended himself, saying, "Neither against
the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have
I sinned at all."
9 (Ac 24:27; 25:20) Desiring to do the Jews a favor, Festus answered, "Are you
willing to go up to Jerusalem to be judged
concerning these charges before me?"
10 Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought
to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you know very well.
11 (Ac 26:32; 28:19) If I am doing wrong or have done anything worthy
of death, I do not refuse to die. But if these are empty charges of
which these men accuse me, no one may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."
12 When Festus had conferred with the council, he then answered,
"To Caesar you have appealed. To Caesar you shall go."
1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended
from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul,
and besought him,
3 and desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem,
laying wait in the way to kill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cæsarea, and that he
himself would depart shortly thither.
5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me,
and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto
Cæsarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be
brought.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round
about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could
not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither
against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt
thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar's judgment seat, where I ought to be
judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I
refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse
me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered,
Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.
Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice
13 After several days King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea
to welcome Festus.
14 (Ac 24:27) When they had been there many days, Festus stated Paul's case to
the king, saying, "There is a man left as a prisoner by Felix.
15 When I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
informed me about him, asking for a sentence against him.
16 (Ac 25:4-5; Jn 7:51) "I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans
to deliver any man to die before he who is accused meets the accusers face
to face and has the opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge
brought against him.'
17 (Ac 25:6; 25:10) So when they assembled here, without delay I sat
on the judgment seat the next day and ordered that the man be brought in.
18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such
crimes as I had supposed.
19 (Ac 18:15; 23:29) But they had disagreements with him about their own
religion and about a Man named Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted
was alive.
20 (Ac 25:9) Being perplexed about such questions, I asked if he would be
willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning these charges.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be under guard for the decision of Caesar,
I ordered that he be secured until I could send him to Caesar."
22 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man
myself." He said, "Tomorrow you shall hear him."
23 (Ac 25:13; 26:30) The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp,
and they entered the hall with the commanders and the leading men of the city.
When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in.
24 (Ac 22:22; 25:7) Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all the men who are
present with us, you see this man, concerning whom the whole assembly
of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he
ought not to live any longer.
25 (Ac 23:29; Lk 23:4) I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death.
But when he himself appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him.
26 But I have nothing to write to His Majesty concerning him. Therefore
I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,
so that upon examination, I might have something to write.
27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without signifying
the charges against him."
13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cæsarea
to salute Festus.
14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto
the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of
the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man
to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and
have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I
sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of
such things as I supposed:
19 but had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of
one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether
he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus,
I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cæsar.
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself.
To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp,
and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and
principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us,
ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me,
both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that
he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have
brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa,
that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal
to signify the crimes laid against him.
Acts 26
Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
1 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for
yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today I shall make
my defense before you against all the accusations of the Jews,
3 (Ac 6:14) especially because you are an expert in all customs and
controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to patiently listen to me.
4 (Gal 1:13) "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning
in my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
5 (Ac 23:6; 22:3) They knew me from the beginning and could testify,
if they wished, how according to the strictest sect of our religion
I lived as a Pharisee.
6 (Ac 24:15; 28:20) And now I stand on trial for hope in the promise made
by God to our fathers,
7 (Jas 1:1; Ezr 6:17) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they
earnestly serve God day and night. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa,
I am accused by the Jews.
8 Why is it judged incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 (1Ti 1:13; Ac 22:8) "I, too, thought that I must do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,
10 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) which I indeed did in Jerusalem and locked up
many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests.
And when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.
11 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:19) I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled
them to blaspheme. And being extremely enraged against them, I persecuted them
even to foreign cities.
1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.
Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this
day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
3 especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions
which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own
nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
5 which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made
of God unto our fathers:
7 unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night,
hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you,
that God should raise the dead?
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut
up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests;
and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them,
I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16
12 "So I went to Damascus with authority
and a commission from the chief priests.
13 At midday, O King, I saw along the way a light from heaven, brighter than
the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 (Ac 21:40; 9:7) When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice
saying to me in the Hebrew language,
'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 "I said, 'Who are You, Lord?'
"He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
16 (Ac 22:14-15; Eze 2:1) But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared
to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of
what you have seen and of what I will yet reveal to you.
17 (Ac 9:15; Jer 1:8) I will deliver you from your people and from the Gentiles to whom I now send you,
18 (Ac 20:32; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 35:5) to open their eyes and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified
by faith in Me.'
12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the
chief priests,
13 at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the
brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed
with me.
14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto
me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest.
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this
purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which
thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17 delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles,
unto whom now I send thee,
18 to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified
by faith that is in me.
Paul's Testimony to Jews and Gentiles
19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
20 (Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19) but declared first to those at Damascus, then at
Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,
that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance.
21 (Ac 21:30-31; 21:27) For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple
and tried to kill me.
22 (Ac 24:14; Lk 24:27) Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue
to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what
the prophets and Moses said would happen:
23 (Rev 1:5; Lk 2:32; Col 1:18) that the Christ must suffer, that He would be
the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own
people and to the Gentiles."
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20 but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout
all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent
and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple,
and went about to kill me.
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day,
witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those
which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should
rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the
Gentiles.
Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe
24 (1Co 4:10; 2Ki 9:11) So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud
voice, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness."
25 (Ac 23:26; 24:3) Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak
the words of truth and reason.
26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I
am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a
corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."
28 (Ac 11:26) Then Agrippa said to Paul,
"You almost persuade me to be a Christian."
29 (Ac 21:33; 1Co 7:7) Paul said, "I pray to God that not only you,
but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly
and altogether, what I am, except for these chains."
30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor
and Bernice and those who sat with them.
31 (Ac 23:29; 23:9) When they had gone aside, they said to one another,
"This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment."
32 (Ac 28:18) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free
if he had not appealed to Caesar."
24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul,
thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words
of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely:
for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him;
for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear
me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these
bonds.
30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor,
and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
31 and when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying,
This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty,
if he had not appealed unto Cæsar.
2) Our Daily Bread for 2 December 2022
Entitled "Who You Are"
1 Timothy 4:12-16
12 (2Ti 2:22; Titus 2:7) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example
to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,
and in purity.
13 Until I come, give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine.
14 (2Ti 1:6; Ac 6:6; 1Ti 1:18) Do not neglect the gift that is in you,
which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of hands
by the elders.
15 Meditate on these things. Give yourself completely to them,
that your progress may be known to everyone.
16 (Titus 2:7; Ro 11:14) Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.
Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself
and those who hear you.
[12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
[13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
[14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy,
with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
[15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy
profiting may appear to all.
[16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in
doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
In 2011, after a decade of childlessness, my wife and I chose to start afresh
in a new country. Exciting as the move was, it required my leaving a
broadcast career, which I missed. Feeling lost, I asked my friend Liam
for advice.
"I don't know what my calling is anymore," I told Liam dejectedly.
"You're not broadcasting here?" he asked. I said I wasn't.
“And how is your marriage?”
Surprised at his change of topic, I told Liam that Merryn and I were doing
well. We'd faced heartbreak together but emerged closer through the ordeal.
"Commitment is the core of the gospel," he said, smiling. "Oh, how the world
needs to see committed marriages like yours! You may not realize the impact
you're having already, beyond what you do, simply by being who you are."
When a difficult work situation left Timothy dejected, the apostle Paul
didn't give him career goals. Instead, he encouraged Timothy to live a godly
life, setting an example through his speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity
(1 Timothy 4:12-13, 15). He would best impact others by living faithfully.
It's easy to value our lives based on our career success when what matters
most is our character. I had forgotten that. But a word of truth, a gracious
act, even a committed marriage can bring great change-because through them
something of God's own goodness touches the world.
By: Sheridan Voysey
Reflect & Pray
Who has touched your life and what qualities did they have?
How can you set an example of faithfulness today?
Dear God, help me to remember that the work I do isn't
as important as the person I become.
Please make me more like You.
Discover more about who you are in Christ.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 6 Humility and Exaltation
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 (Jas 4:10; Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time.
7 (Ps 55:22; 37:5) Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time:
7 casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
"I was so humble I was given an award for humility," the pastor quipped.
"They gave me a humility plaque - but they had to take it back when I hung it
on my office wall."
Humility is rare among 20th Century Christians. Our pride takes two
seemingly contradictory forms: Self-exaltation and self-denial. But both
focus on self, not on God.
Francois Fenelon, 17th century French archbishop, From his
"Letters of Spiritual Counsel" wrote:
"He who so completely forget himself that he never thinks of self ... is
truly humble. If we had the light to discern it, we should see clearly that
when we think we are humbling ourselves we are exalting ourselves;
when we think we are annihilating ourselves we are seeking out own life."
True humility, as Fenelon implies, means recognising who we are in the light
of who God is. Excess of self-importance and low self-esteem are both
self-centered perspectives; true humility is God-centered.
When we humble ourselves, we become intensely aware of God and less
aware of ourselves. We can focus on his face and get our eyes off our own
image. We can stop worrying about how others perceive us. Such humbling
is difficult - as one 70-year-old saint joked, "It ain't the heat that gets
you, it's the humility." But when we submit to him and fell the weight of the
"Mighty hand of God" upon us, we can forget ourselves, abandon
ourselves to his presence, and cast our cares upon him.
Application
a) What form does my pride usually take - self-exaltation or self-degradation?
b) Why must I humble myself in order for the Lord to lift me up?
c) How can today's verse encourage me when times are tough?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ps 37:25-26
25 I have been young, and now am old;
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor their offspring begging bread.
26 The righteous are gracious and lend,
and their offspring are a source of blessing.
25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;
And his seed is blessed.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are ill or injured
Matthew 8:14-17
The Healing of Many People
Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41
14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,
lying sick with a fever.
15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them.
16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many
who were possessed with demons.
And He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all who were sick,
17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,
"He Himself took our infirmities
and bore our sicknesses."
[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother
laid, and sick of a fever.
[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and
ministered unto them.
[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed
with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that
were sick:
[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,
saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
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 2023 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 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facity, 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 notherern 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
2nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians (
Rom 10:14-15 -
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 I And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good
things!"
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!
)
b) Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction. (
Jer 33:3
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things which you do not know.
3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee
great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
)
Advent Day 6
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle - Joel Heck
"The Incarnation was God's 'weak moment':
when Omnipotence becomes a baby in a manger it
has 'weakened' itself....The temptation ...
is precisely a temptation to evade
the self-imposed weaknesses, to be strong, omnipotent,
again- to make stones into bread,
to be emperor of the world, to do 'levitations'.
The weakness was the strength." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, pp. 409ff.)
Strength in Weakness
In this age of professional athletes, health clubs, bodybuilding,
and advances in medical science, nutrition, and natural foods,
we have trouble identifying with the idea of strength in weakness.
The apostle Paul did also, at first, until God spoke to him of
the sufficiency of his grace. Jesus himself showed strength
in weakness at the time he was tempted by the devil, as Lewis
wrote in this letter. More than that, the Incarnation is
the best example of weakness self-imposed weakness.
How can weakness be strength? When I tell my spouse, or even my children,
"I'm sorry," I may seem weak. But they don't think of it as weakness.
Only a strong person can apologize. When I share some of my innermost
thoughts, I am vulnerable. However, when I open myself to another person,
I often find it strengthens the relationship. When I realize my own
strengths and weaknesses, I learn to rely on other people.
That, too, is strength. God put us into the body of Christ to be dependent
on one another. That's strength in weakness,
because it draws on the strengths of others.
So when God says, "My power is made perfect in weakness," we can believe it.
When I learn to rely on God's grace, instead of my own strength, God works
in me. I leave matters in God's hands. I wait upon the Spirit (Acts 1:4).
I trust that God is working out his plan (Rom. 8:28). He is "able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." (Eph. 3:20). God said it.
That should settle it.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to know that our weak moments are so often
the times when your strength is at work in us. Amen.
9 (Php 4:13; 2Co 12:10; Isa 40:29-31) But He said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
Fulfilling Service
... They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple'
-Luke 1:22b
My title is meant to have double meanings.
Zechariah indubitably completed his service in the Temple, and he
certainly found it gratifying as he did so. Subsequently, his wife
and he consummated their marriage, and she praised God for looking
favourably upon her and taking away her disgrace for not yet having borne
a child.
Moreover, those who waited for Zechariah at the Temple discerned
another aspect of the priest's service-that he had seen a vision.
What else could they deduce when he returned later than expected
from offering the incense and reappeared stricken with muteness?
Nevertheless, his face must have displayed great bewilderment
and perhaps bliss at the thought of having a child in his old age.
To what service has God called you? Have you experienced any moments
of fulfillment lately? Have you received from anyone (representing God?)
good news that refreshed you with wonder? Has a member of your family
encountered any situation that nourished him/her with great exhilaration?
prayer
Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Read Luke 1:21-25.
21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited
so long in the temple.
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them
and remained speechless.
23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,
he departed to his own home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months
she hid herself, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
From the Ah-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimmler
FIRST FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADVENTure!
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"(Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!" MATTHEW 21:9
Advent is a great ADVENTure. Just like Christ's adventure into Jerusalem
on Palm Sunday As you read today's Scripture, what is it about this
ADVENTure that stands out for you? If you had beer there as part of the
crowd in the Palm Sunday parade, what would you have been thinking?
I am reminded of the story about the little girl who home from
worship and asked her parents. "Who's Anna?" When neither Mom nor
Dad could understand what she was asking, they queried, ''Why are you
asking that question?" The girl simply responded, "In church we're always
singing, 'Who's Anna? Who's Anna'?l' And I don't even know her!"
Advent reminds us that any time we are in the presence of "he who comes
In the name of the Lord," we are on an extraordinary ADVENTure! In many
ways, the beginning of our Advent journey this week is similar to Christ's
journey on Palm Sunday: from Jerusalem .. . through the streets and
villages . . . to the cross . . . and finally to the empty tomb! Because of His
ADVENTure, we are able to shout. "Hosanna--save us,. Lord!" during our
ADVENTure to Bethlehem. .. and then beyond to Good Friday and 'Easter'!
enjoy your ADVENTure in the Lord today!
PRAYER: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 21:1-11
Matthew 21
The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem
Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:28-38; Jn 12:12-19
1 (Mt 24:3; 26:30) When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage,
on the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
2 saying to them, "Go over into the village opposite you,
and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her.
Untie them and bring them to Me.
3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.'
And he will send them immediately."
4 (Mt 1:22; Jn 12:15) All this was done to fulfill
what was spoken by the prophet, saying:
5 (Isa 62:11; Ge 49:10) "Tell the daughter of Zion,
'Look, your King is coming to you,
humble, and sitting on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'Zec 9:9."
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their garments on them,
and He sat on them.
8 (2Ki 9:13) A very large crowd spread their garments on the road.
Others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' (Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!"
10 When He entered Jerusalem, the entire city was moved,
saying, "Who is He?"
11 (Lk 7:16; Jn 6:14) The crowds said, "This is Jesus,
the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a bold about your testimony for The Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, help me to remember that the work I do isn't
as important as the person I become.
Please make me more like You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to ask The Lord to help you with humbleness.
Pray to the Lord and pray for true righteousness.
Pray to the Lord and pray for healing help that comes from Jesus!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find 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 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 for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians
Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction.
Prayer: Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Pray: Gracious Lord, thank you for including us in your intentions
for the growth of faith. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that the 60 different people groups in Laos will be reached
with the gospel.
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.