Day 339 of My Second Bible Study Journey 9th Day of Advent - 5 December 2022 reflections
Day 339, 5 December 2022
1) Ephesians 3:1 - 5:14
Ephesians 3
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles
1 (Eph 4:1; Col 1:24) For this reason I, Paul, am the prisoner
of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.
2 (2Ti 1:11; Ro 1:5) You may have heard of the administration of the grace
of God which was given me for you,
3 (Ro 16:25; Ac 22:17) how by revelation He made known to me the mystery,
as I have written briefly already,
4 (2Co 11:6; Col 4:3) by which, when you read it, you may understand
my knowledge of the mystery of Christ,
5 (Ac 10:28; Jn 14:26) which in other generations was not made known
to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to His holy apostles
and prophets by the Spirit,
6 how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members,
and partakers of the promise in Christ by the gospel.
7 (Eph 1:19; 3:2) Of this I was made a minister, according to the gift
of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
8 (1Co 15:9; Ro 11:33) To me, the very least of all saints, this grace
was given, to preach to the Gentiles the incomprehensible riches of Christ,
9 (Col 1:26; 3:3) and to reveal for all people what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden
in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ,
10 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 1:12) so that now the manifold wisdom of God might
be made known by the church to the principalities
and powers in the heavenly places,
11 (Eph 1:11) according to the eternal purpose which He completed
in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 (Eph 2:18) in whom we have boldness and confident access through
faith in Him.
13 (Eph 3:1; 2Co 1:6) Therefore I ask you not to lose heart
at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given
me to youward:
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote
afore in few words,
[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of
Christ)
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is
now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and
partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God
given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which
from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things
by Jesus Christ:
[10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly
places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
[11] According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our
Lord:
[12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of
him.
[13] Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which
is your glory.
To Know the Love of Christ
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 (Eph 1:10; 1:21) from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 (Ro 7:22; Col 1:11) that He would give you, according to the riches of His
glory, power to be strengthened by His Spirit in the inner man,
17 (Col 1:23; Jn 14:23) and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through
faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 (Eph 1:15) may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth
and length and depth and height,
19 (Eph 1:23) and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 (Ro 16:25; Eph 3:7) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly
beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us,
21 (Ro 11:36; 1Pe 5:11_ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
[14] For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
[15] Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
[16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
[17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted
and grounded in love,
[18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and
length, and depth, and height;
[19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might
be filled with all the fulness of God.
[20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
[21] Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 4
Unity of the Body
1 (Eph 3:1; Col 1:10) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, exhort you to
walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called.
2 (Col 3:12-13; Ac 20:19) With all humility, meekness, and patience,
bearing with one another in love,
3 be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 (Eph 1:18; 2:16) There is one body and one Spirit, even as you were called
in one hope of your calling,
5 (1Co 8:6; Mt 28:19) one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 (Ro 11:36; 1Co 12:6) one God and Father of all, who is above all,
and through all, and in you all.
7 (Ro 12:3; Eph 3:2) But grace was given to each one of us according
to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 (Ps 68:18; Col 2:15) Therefore He says:
"When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
and gave gifts to men." (Ps 68:18).
9 (Jn 3:13; 6:33) (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean
but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 (Heb 4:14; 7:26) He who descended is also He who ascended far above
all the heavens that He might fill all things.)
11 (Ac 21:8; 13:1) He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists,
pastors, and teachers,
12 (1Co 12:27; Eph 1:23) for the equipping of the saints, for the work
of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ,
13 (Eph 4:5; 1:23) until we all come into the unity of the faith
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man,
to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
14 (Jas 1:6; 1Co 14:20) so we may no longer be children, tossed here
and there by waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine
by the trickery of men, by craftiness with deceitful scheming.
15 (Eph 1:22; 2:21) But, speaking the truth in love, we may grow up
in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ Himself,
16 (Col 2:19; Eph 1:4) from whom the whole body is joined together
and connected by every joint and ligament, as every part effectively
does its work and grows, building itself up in love.
[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy
of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one
another in love;
[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
[4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of
your calling;
[5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
[6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you
all.
[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the
gift of Christ.
[8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity
captive, and gave gifts unto men.
[9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into
the lower parts of the earth?
[10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all
heavens, that he might fill all things.)
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:
[14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
[15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ:
[16] From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the
measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of
itself in love.
The Old Life and New Life
17 (Ro 1:21; Eph 2:1-3) Therefore this I say and testify in the Lord,
that from now on you walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity
of their minds,
18 (Eph 2:12; Gal 4:8) having their understanding darkened, excluded
from the life of God through the ignorance that is within them,
due to the hardness of their hearts.
19 (1Ti 4:2) Being calloused they have given themselves over to sensuality
for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.
20 But you did not learn about Christ in this manner,
21 (Eph 1:13) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him,
as the truth is in Jesus:
22 (Ro 6:6; Heb 3:13) that you put off the former way of life in the old
nature, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23 (Ro 12:2; Col 3:10) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 (Ro 6:4; Eph 2:10) and that you put on the new nature,
which was created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.
[17] This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk
not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
[18] Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their
heart:
[19] Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,
to work all uncleanness with greediness.
[20] But ye have not so learned Christ;
[21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the
truth is in Jesus:
[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which
is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness.
Rules for the New Life
25 (Col 3:9; Zec 8:16; Ro 12:5) Therefore, putting away lying, let every man
speak truthfully with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
26 (Ps 37:8; 4:4) Be angry but do not sin.
Do not let the sun go down on your anger.
27 (Jas 4:7) Do not give place to the devil.
28 (Ex 20:15; 1Th 4:11-12) Let him who steals steal no more. Instead,
let him labour, working with his hands things which are good,
that he may have something to share with him who is in need.
29 (Col 4:6) Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth,
but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace
to the listeners.
30 (1Th 5:19; Isa 63:10; Ro 8:23) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
in whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.
31 (Col 3:8; Ecc 7:9; Col 3:19) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outbursts,
and blasphemies, with all malice, be taken away from you.
32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12-13; Mt 6:12) And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ
also forgave you.
[25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:
for we are members one of another.
[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[27] Neither give place to the devil.
[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working
with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that
needeth.
[29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the
day of redemption.
[31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil
speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 5
1 (Eph 4:32; Mt 5:48) Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children.
2 (Jn 13:34; Col 3:14) Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself
for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.
3 (Col 3:5; 1Co 6:18; Eph 5:5) And do not let sexual immorality, or any
impurity, or greed be named among you, as these are not proper among saints.
4 (Eph 4:29; Ro 1:28) Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talking,
nor coarse joking, which are not fitting. Instead, give thanks.
5 (Col 3:5; Gal 5:21) For this you know, that no sexually immoral
or impure person, or one who is greedy, who is an idolater,
has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself
for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be
once named among you, as becometh saints;
[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous
man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and
of God.
Walk as Children of Light
6 (Ro 1:18; Col 2:8) Let no one deceive you with empty words,
for because of these things
the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
8 (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36) For you were formerly darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-
9 (Ro 15:14) for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness
and righteousness and truth-
10 (1Th 5:21) proving what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 (Ro 13:12; 1Ti 5:20) And do not have fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness; instead, expose them.
12 (Eph 5:3) For it is shameful even to speak of those things
which are done by them in secret.
13 (Jn 3:20-21) But all things are exposed when they are revealed
by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
14 (Isa 60:1; 26:19) Therefore He says:
"Awake, you who sleep,
arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light."
[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things
cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk
as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and
truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather reprove them.
[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them
in secret.
[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for
whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
[14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give thee light.
2) Our Daily Bread for 5 December 2022
Entitled "Daily Dependence"
Matthew 6:6-13
6 (2Ki 4:33; Isa 26:20) But you, when you pray, enter your closet,
and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7 (1Ki 18:26-29; Mt 6:32) But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions,
as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their much
speaking.
8 (Mt 6:32; Ps 38:9 ) Do not be like them, for your Father knows
what things you have need of before you ask Him.
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.
[6] But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast
shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which
seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
[7] But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they
think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
[8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things
ye have need of, before ye ask him.
[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.
One morning our younger kids decided to get up early and fix breakfast for
themselves. Tired from a grueling week, my wife and I were trying to sleep
until at least 7:00 a.m. on that Saturday morning. Suddenly, I heard a loud
crash! I jumped out of bed and raced downstairs to find a shattered bowl,
oatmeal all over the floor, and Jonas-our five-year-old-desperately trying to
sweep (more like smear) the gooey mess off the floor. My children were hungry,
but they chose not to ask for help. Instead of reaching out in dependence,
they chose independence, and the result was definitely not a culinary delight.
In human terms, children are meant to grow from dependence to independence.
But in our relationship with God, maturity means moving from independence to
dependence on Him. Prayer is where we practice such dependent ways. When Jesus
taught His disciples-and all of us who have come to believe in Him-to pray,
"Give us today our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), He was teaching a prayer of
dependence. Bread is a metaphor for sustenance, deliverance,
and guidance (vv. 11-13). We're dependent on God for all that and more.
There are no self-made believers in Jesus, and we'll never graduate
from His grace. Throughout our lives, may we always begin our day by taking
the posture of dependence as we pray to "our Father in heaven" (v. 9).
By: Glenn Packiam
Reflect & Pray
What’s the "bread" you're praying for today?
How do you reveal your trust in God as you call out to Him?
Dear Jesus, You're my Creator and my Sustainer. Please help me to trust in You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 2 - God's purpose: The Image of Christ
Romans 8:28-29
28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for
good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew,
He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed
to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
A baby dies of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the parents are
devastated, plagued with guilt, and Asking "Why?" A 17-year-old plunges
headfirst into a pond and to the surface a quadriplegic. A single mother
of 3, struck down by leukemia, has to release he children to foster homes.
And in all these cases, well-meaning Christians stand by and attempt to
comfort: "All things work together for good, you know," they say blithely,
"just trust God, and praise him for everything."
Such pat answers are often repeated because they do contain an element
of truth; they become "pat", meaningless, and superficial, when they are
used as a panacea for all ills, whether the cure fits or not.
The truth is, God does use everything for the benefit of his people -
even disaster and tragedy. Romans 8:28 says, "Ian all things God works ...."
God foes not cause human suffering. He is not the author of pain
and misery. But what the Enemy of our souls intends for
destruction, God can use for growth.
The key to understanding Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29 . The Lord makes
clear what "his purpose" is: that we be "conformed to the
likeness of his Son." Everything that happens is not good,
but nothing is wasted in the economy of God. Even the sorrow,
misfortune, and calamity that strike all of us cam be used by the Spirit
to transform us into the image of Christ.
Application
a) Have I ever had experiences that made me doubt the
"all things work together for good"?
b) How does Romans 8:29 clarify Romans 8:28?
c) How can these verses help me deal with the struggles I have in my
own life?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 8:18
18 But you must remember the Lord your God,
for it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth,
so that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers,
as it is today.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth
thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant
which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
PSALMS 25:15-21
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for He will lead my feet from the net.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,
for I am isolated and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look on my pain and misery,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!
Let me not suffer shame,
for I seek refuge in You.
21 Truth and integrity will preserve me
while I wait for You.
Ain
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;
For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Pe
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;
For I am desolate and afflicted.
Zade
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:
O bring thou me out of my distresses.
(Qoph)
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;
And forgive all my sins.
Resh
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
Shin
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:
Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
Taw
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
For I wait on thee.
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 facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far nothern 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
5th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
(PS 145:13-18
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
and loving in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,
to all who call upon Him in truth.
)
Mem
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Zade
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
And holy in all his works.
Qoph
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
To all that call upon him in truth.
b) Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,
and lead me in the ancient way. "
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
)
Advent Day 9
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"'When this rich thing goeth about the Round Table shall be
destroyed'--but also redeemed. Judgment is at hand, promise
of judgment and threat of judgment. . ..It is the same sort of
ambivalence which Christians have been taught to recognize in
the season of Advent."
(From The Arthurian Torso, by C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams, p. 157.)
The Day of the Lord
The last devotion spoke about the quest for the Holy Grail beginning
in Advent. In this devotion, we remember both the Good News
and the Bad News of the coming of the Christ. He came that we
might have life; that's the Good News. But he had to come because
we had chosen sin and death; that's the Bad News. Lewis, too. writes
of redemption and judgment. The "rich thing" that goes about the
Round Table of King Arthur is the much-sought Holy Grail. But its
presence will destroy the Round Table.
Our Scripture quotation also speaks of the redemption and
judgment in the coming day of the Lord . That day is near, the
prophet Joel writes. But that day will have a different message for
different people. For the people of God, the day of the LORD is a day
of deliverance. For the enemies of God, the day of the LORD is a day
of judgment. That's both good news and bad news, both law and
gospel. The truth is that we need to hear both messages. It's not that
good news is for good people and bad news for bad people. There
are no truly good people.
Actually, the day of the LoRD is any day when God's plan of salvation
takes a significant step forward. The final day of the Lord will
be the great Day of Judgment. Days of the Lord long-past include
the Babylonian Exile of Israel, the Day of Pentecost, and especially
the birth of Jesus. On those days, God's plan of salvation took an
important step forward. The coming of the Messiah was hastened,
and we are the beneficiaries.
Prayer: Lord, you come in judgment and hope. Be for us the hope,
and light, of the world. Amen.
14 (Isa 34:2-8; Joel 1:15) Multitudes, multitudes,
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
in the valley of the decision.
Joel 3:14
From Follow the Story Marva J. Dawn
MONDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
The Question of Virginity
34 Then Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
-Luke 1:34
For Mary it was a question of procedure: should she marry Joseph,
her fiance so they could have this child? But for
most people today, the question is of biblical truth:
children aren't born of virgins!
Gabriel's answer leaves us with mystery: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you ... " (Luke 1:35).
In other words, this is utterly the work of God.
Consequently, the child will be perfect, unmarred by human sin,
and will be called not the son of human beings, but the Son of God.
My redaction criticism teacher in graduate school
considered this text in wonder.
The Hebrew word in the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14
can be translated "young maiden"
(either married or not) or "virgin," but Matthew 1:23 renders it "virgin."
Thus, he said, the texts are all consistent;
we must accept that Mary was a virgin.
Hallelujah! It was a miracle!
prayer
0 Holy Spirit and Most High, thank you for conceiving Jesus
in Mary's womb! Amen.
Read Luke 1:26-35.
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
From the AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ALLELUIA!
1 (Isa 11:10; 4:2; 53:2) And there shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
ISAIAH 11:1
Alleluia is another word for AH-HA! And how about other alleluia words
like hooray arid wow and even you betcha?
Today's Scripture focuses on the AH-HAs and alleluias that we celebrate
daily, even in the midst of our UH-OHs and ouches. Life is certainly not a
bowl of cherries. But the message of Advent. Christmas, Lent and Easter is
that the Lord has removed the power of the "pits" of sin in our lives so that
we can live as alleluia people!
Check out Isaiah 11:"As hoot will come from the stump of Jesse; a branch
shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him." That's
Jesus! That's the reason for the alleluias and the AH-HAs, even in the
midst of our UH-OHs. Verse 6 says the wolf shall live with the lamb. Can
you imagine that? A professor explained once why pictures of a wolf and
lamb lying down together always appeared to be morning photos. He said
it was because every morning the photographers would have to bring in
a new lamb! Not so. at least to us alleluia people! ln a world where even
carpenters are resurrected. everything is possible!
Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 11:1-10
1 (Isa 11:10; 4:2; 53:2) And there shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 (Isa 61:1; Mt 3:16; Isa 42:1) The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
3 (Jn 7:24) He shall delight in the fear of the Lord,
and he shall not judge by what his eyes see,
nor reprove by what his ears hear;
4 (Mal 4:6; Job 4:9; Ps 2:9) but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and reprove with fairness for the meek of the earth.
He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
5 (Eph 6:14; Isa 25:1) Righteousness shall be the belt of his loins,
and faithfulness the belt about his waist.
6 (Isa 65:25; Hos 2:18) The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young ones shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play by the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den.
9 (Hab 2:14; Job 5:23) They shall not hurt or destroy
in all My holy mountain,
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord,
as the waters cover the sea.
10 (Isa 11:1; Lk 2:32) In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,
who shall stand as a banner to the peoples. For him shall the nations seek.
And his rest shall be glorious.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be in living as Christ would have you live.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, You’re my Creator and my Sustainer.
Please help me to trust in You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to understad predestination and purpose.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His covenant.
Pray to the Lord and pray for integrity and uprightness to preserve you!
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 Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
Pray Lord, you come in judgment and hope. Be for us the hope,
and light, of the world. Amen.
Pray: 0 Holy Spirit and Most High, thank you for conceiving Jesus
in Mary's womb! Amen..
Pray: Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Tanzanian churches will work to reach all 30 unreached people groups
in Tanzania.
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) Ephesians 3:1 - 5:14
Ephesians 3
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles
1 (Eph 4:1; Col 1:24) For this reason I, Paul, am the prisoner
of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.
2 (2Ti 1:11; Ro 1:5) You may have heard of the administration of the grace
of God which was given me for you,
3 (Ro 16:25; Ac 22:17) how by revelation He made known to me the mystery,
as I have written briefly already,
4 (2Co 11:6; Col 4:3) by which, when you read it, you may understand
my knowledge of the mystery of Christ,
5 (Ac 10:28; Jn 14:26) which in other generations was not made known
to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to His holy apostles
and prophets by the Spirit,
6 how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members,
and partakers of the promise in Christ by the gospel.
7 (Eph 1:19; 3:2) Of this I was made a minister, according to the gift
of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
8 (1Co 15:9; Ro 11:33) To me, the very least of all saints, this grace
was given, to preach to the Gentiles the incomprehensible riches of Christ,
9 (Col 1:26; 3:3) and to reveal for all people what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden
in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ,
10 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 1:12) so that now the manifold wisdom of God might
be made known by the church to the principalities
and powers in the heavenly places,
11 (Eph 1:11) according to the eternal purpose which He completed
in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 (Eph 2:18) in whom we have boldness and confident access through
faith in Him.
13 (Eph 3:1; 2Co 1:6) Therefore I ask you not to lose heart
at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given
me to youward:
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote
afore in few words,
[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of
Christ)
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is
now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and
partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God
given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which
from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things
by Jesus Christ:
[10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly
places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
[11] According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our
Lord:
[12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of
him.
[13] Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which
is your glory.
To Know the Love of Christ
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 (Eph 1:10; 1:21) from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 (Ro 7:22; Col 1:11) that He would give you, according to the riches of His
glory, power to be strengthened by His Spirit in the inner man,
17 (Col 1:23; Jn 14:23) and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through
faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 (Eph 1:15) may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth
and length and depth and height,
19 (Eph 1:23) and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 (Ro 16:25; Eph 3:7) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly
beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us,
21 (Ro 11:36; 1Pe 5:11_ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
[14] For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
[15] Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
[16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
[17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted
and grounded in love,
[18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and
length, and depth, and height;
[19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might
be filled with all the fulness of God.
[20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
[21] Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 4
Unity of the Body
1 (Eph 3:1; Col 1:10) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, exhort you to
walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called.
2 (Col 3:12-13; Ac 20:19) With all humility, meekness, and patience,
bearing with one another in love,
3 be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 (Eph 1:18; 2:16) There is one body and one Spirit, even as you were called
in one hope of your calling,
5 (1Co 8:6; Mt 28:19) one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 (Ro 11:36; 1Co 12:6) one God and Father of all, who is above all,
and through all, and in you all.
7 (Ro 12:3; Eph 3:2) But grace was given to each one of us according
to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 (Ps 68:18; Col 2:15) Therefore He says:
"When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
and gave gifts to men." (Ps 68:18).
9 (Jn 3:13; 6:33) (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean
but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 (Heb 4:14; 7:26) He who descended is also He who ascended far above
all the heavens that He might fill all things.)
11 (Ac 21:8; 13:1) He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists,
pastors, and teachers,
12 (1Co 12:27; Eph 1:23) for the equipping of the saints, for the work
of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ,
13 (Eph 4:5; 1:23) until we all come into the unity of the faith
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man,
to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
14 (Jas 1:6; 1Co 14:20) so we may no longer be children, tossed here
and there by waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine
by the trickery of men, by craftiness with deceitful scheming.
15 (Eph 1:22; 2:21) But, speaking the truth in love, we may grow up
in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ Himself,
16 (Col 2:19; Eph 1:4) from whom the whole body is joined together
and connected by every joint and ligament, as every part effectively
does its work and grows, building itself up in love.
[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy
of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one
another in love;
[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
[4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of
your calling;
[5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
[6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you
all.
[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the
gift of Christ.
[8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity
captive, and gave gifts unto men.
[9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into
the lower parts of the earth?
[10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all
heavens, that he might fill all things.)
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:
[14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
[15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ:
[16] From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the
measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of
itself in love.
The Old Life and New Life
17 (Ro 1:21; Eph 2:1-3) Therefore this I say and testify in the Lord,
that from now on you walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity
of their minds,
18 (Eph 2:12; Gal 4:8) having their understanding darkened, excluded
from the life of God through the ignorance that is within them,
due to the hardness of their hearts.
19 (1Ti 4:2) Being calloused they have given themselves over to sensuality
for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.
20 But you did not learn about Christ in this manner,
21 (Eph 1:13) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him,
as the truth is in Jesus:
22 (Ro 6:6; Heb 3:13) that you put off the former way of life in the old
nature, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23 (Ro 12:2; Col 3:10) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 (Ro 6:4; Eph 2:10) and that you put on the new nature,
which was created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.
[17] This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk
not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
[18] Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their
heart:
[19] Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,
to work all uncleanness with greediness.
[20] But ye have not so learned Christ;
[21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the
truth is in Jesus:
[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which
is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness.
Rules for the New Life
25 (Col 3:9; Zec 8:16; Ro 12:5) Therefore, putting away lying, let every man
speak truthfully with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
26 (Ps 37:8; 4:4) Be angry but do not sin.
Do not let the sun go down on your anger.
27 (Jas 4:7) Do not give place to the devil.
28 (Ex 20:15; 1Th 4:11-12) Let him who steals steal no more. Instead,
let him labour, working with his hands things which are good,
that he may have something to share with him who is in need.
29 (Col 4:6) Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth,
but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace
to the listeners.
30 (1Th 5:19; Isa 63:10; Ro 8:23) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
in whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.
31 (Col 3:8; Ecc 7:9; Col 3:19) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outbursts,
and blasphemies, with all malice, be taken away from you.
32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12-13; Mt 6:12) And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ
also forgave you.
[25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:
for we are members one of another.
[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[27] Neither give place to the devil.
[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working
with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that
needeth.
[29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the
day of redemption.
[31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil
speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 5
1 (Eph 4:32; Mt 5:48) Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children.
2 (Jn 13:34; Col 3:14) Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself
for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.
3 (Col 3:5; 1Co 6:18; Eph 5:5) And do not let sexual immorality, or any
impurity, or greed be named among you, as these are not proper among saints.
4 (Eph 4:29; Ro 1:28) Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talking,
nor coarse joking, which are not fitting. Instead, give thanks.
5 (Col 3:5; Gal 5:21) For this you know, that no sexually immoral
or impure person, or one who is greedy, who is an idolater,
has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself
for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be
once named among you, as becometh saints;
[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous
man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and
of God.
Walk as Children of Light
6 (Ro 1:18; Col 2:8) Let no one deceive you with empty words,
for because of these things
the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
8 (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36) For you were formerly darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-
9 (Ro 15:14) for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness
and righteousness and truth-
10 (1Th 5:21) proving what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 (Ro 13:12; 1Ti 5:20) And do not have fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness; instead, expose them.
12 (Eph 5:3) For it is shameful even to speak of those things
which are done by them in secret.
13 (Jn 3:20-21) But all things are exposed when they are revealed
by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
14 (Isa 60:1; 26:19) Therefore He says:
"Awake, you who sleep,
arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light."
[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things
cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk
as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and
truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather reprove them.
[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them
in secret.
[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for
whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
[14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give thee light.
2) Our Daily Bread for 5 December 2022
Entitled "Daily Dependence"
Matthew 6:6-13
6 (2Ki 4:33; Isa 26:20) But you, when you pray, enter your closet,
and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7 (1Ki 18:26-29; Mt 6:32) But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions,
as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their much
speaking.
8 (Mt 6:32; Ps 38:9 ) Do not be like them, for your Father knows
what things you have need of before you ask Him.
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.
[6] But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast
shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which
seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
[7] But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they
think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
[8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things
ye have need of, before ye ask him.
[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.
One morning our younger kids decided to get up early and fix breakfast for
themselves. Tired from a grueling week, my wife and I were trying to sleep
until at least 7:00 a.m. on that Saturday morning. Suddenly, I heard a loud
crash! I jumped out of bed and raced downstairs to find a shattered bowl,
oatmeal all over the floor, and Jonas-our five-year-old-desperately trying to
sweep (more like smear) the gooey mess off the floor. My children were hungry,
but they chose not to ask for help. Instead of reaching out in dependence,
they chose independence, and the result was definitely not a culinary delight.
In human terms, children are meant to grow from dependence to independence.
But in our relationship with God, maturity means moving from independence to
dependence on Him. Prayer is where we practice such dependent ways. When Jesus
taught His disciples-and all of us who have come to believe in Him-to pray,
"Give us today our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), He was teaching a prayer of
dependence. Bread is a metaphor for sustenance, deliverance,
and guidance (vv. 11-13). We're dependent on God for all that and more.
There are no self-made believers in Jesus, and we'll never graduate
from His grace. Throughout our lives, may we always begin our day by taking
the posture of dependence as we pray to "our Father in heaven" (v. 9).
By: Glenn Packiam
Reflect & Pray
What’s the "bread" you're praying for today?
How do you reveal your trust in God as you call out to Him?
Dear Jesus, You're my Creator and my Sustainer. Please help me to trust in You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 2 - God's purpose: The Image of Christ
Romans 8:28-29
28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for
good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew,
He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed
to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
A baby dies of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the parents are
devastated, plagued with guilt, and Asking "Why?" A 17-year-old plunges
headfirst into a pond and to the surface a quadriplegic. A single mother
of 3, struck down by leukemia, has to release he children to foster homes.
And in all these cases, well-meaning Christians stand by and attempt to
comfort: "All things work together for good, you know," they say blithely,
"just trust God, and praise him for everything."
Such pat answers are often repeated because they do contain an element
of truth; they become "pat", meaningless, and superficial, when they are
used as a panacea for all ills, whether the cure fits or not.
The truth is, God does use everything for the benefit of his people -
even disaster and tragedy. Romans 8:28 says, "Ian all things God works ...."
God foes not cause human suffering. He is not the author of pain
and misery. But what the Enemy of our souls intends for
destruction, God can use for growth.
The key to understanding Romans 8:28 is Romans 8:29 . The Lord makes
clear what "his purpose" is: that we be "conformed to the
likeness of his Son." Everything that happens is not good,
but nothing is wasted in the economy of God. Even the sorrow,
misfortune, and calamity that strike all of us cam be used by the Spirit
to transform us into the image of Christ.
Application
a) Have I ever had experiences that made me doubt the
"all things work together for good"?
b) How does Romans 8:29 clarify Romans 8:28?
c) How can these verses help me deal with the struggles I have in my
own life?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 8:18
18 But you must remember the Lord your God,
for it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth,
so that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers,
as it is today.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth
thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant
which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
PSALMS 25:15-21
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for He will lead my feet from the net.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,
for I am isolated and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look on my pain and misery,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!
Let me not suffer shame,
for I seek refuge in You.
21 Truth and integrity will preserve me
while I wait for You.
Ain
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;
For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Pe
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;
For I am desolate and afflicted.
Zade
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:
O bring thou me out of my distresses.
(Qoph)
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;
And forgive all my sins.
Resh
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
Shin
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:
Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
Taw
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
For I wait on thee.
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 facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far nothern 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
5th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
(PS 145:13-18
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
and loving in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,
to all who call upon Him in truth.
)
Mem
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Zade
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
And holy in all his works.
Qoph
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
To all that call upon him in truth.
b) Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,
and lead me in the ancient way. "
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
)
Advent Day 9
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"'When this rich thing goeth about the Round Table shall be
destroyed'--but also redeemed. Judgment is at hand, promise
of judgment and threat of judgment. . ..It is the same sort of
ambivalence which Christians have been taught to recognize in
the season of Advent."
(From The Arthurian Torso, by C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams, p. 157.)
The Day of the Lord
The last devotion spoke about the quest for the Holy Grail beginning
in Advent. In this devotion, we remember both the Good News
and the Bad News of the coming of the Christ. He came that we
might have life; that's the Good News. But he had to come because
we had chosen sin and death; that's the Bad News. Lewis, too. writes
of redemption and judgment. The "rich thing" that goes about the
Round Table of King Arthur is the much-sought Holy Grail. But its
presence will destroy the Round Table.
Our Scripture quotation also speaks of the redemption and
judgment in the coming day of the Lord . That day is near, the
prophet Joel writes. But that day will have a different message for
different people. For the people of God, the day of the LORD is a day
of deliverance. For the enemies of God, the day of the LORD is a day
of judgment. That's both good news and bad news, both law and
gospel. The truth is that we need to hear both messages. It's not that
good news is for good people and bad news for bad people. There
are no truly good people.
Actually, the day of the LoRD is any day when God's plan of salvation
takes a significant step forward. The final day of the Lord will
be the great Day of Judgment. Days of the Lord long-past include
the Babylonian Exile of Israel, the Day of Pentecost, and especially
the birth of Jesus. On those days, God's plan of salvation took an
important step forward. The coming of the Messiah was hastened,
and we are the beneficiaries.
Prayer: Lord, you come in judgment and hope. Be for us the hope,
and light, of the world. Amen.
14 (Isa 34:2-8; Joel 1:15) Multitudes, multitudes,
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
in the valley of the decision.
Joel 3:14
From Follow the Story Marva J. Dawn
MONDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
The Question of Virginity
34 Then Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
-Luke 1:34
For Mary it was a question of procedure: should she marry Joseph,
her fiance so they could have this child? But for
most people today, the question is of biblical truth:
children aren't born of virgins!
Gabriel's answer leaves us with mystery: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you ... " (Luke 1:35).
In other words, this is utterly the work of God.
Consequently, the child will be perfect, unmarred by human sin,
and will be called not the son of human beings, but the Son of God.
My redaction criticism teacher in graduate school
considered this text in wonder.
The Hebrew word in the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14
can be translated "young maiden"
(either married or not) or "virgin," but Matthew 1:23 renders it "virgin."
Thus, he said, the texts are all consistent;
we must accept that Mary was a virgin.
Hallelujah! It was a miracle!
prayer
0 Holy Spirit and Most High, thank you for conceiving Jesus
in Mary's womb! Amen.
Read Luke 1:26-35.
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
From the AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ALLELUIA!
1 (Isa 11:10; 4:2; 53:2) And there shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
ISAIAH 11:1
Alleluia is another word for AH-HA! And how about other alleluia words
like hooray arid wow and even you betcha?
Today's Scripture focuses on the AH-HAs and alleluias that we celebrate
daily, even in the midst of our UH-OHs and ouches. Life is certainly not a
bowl of cherries. But the message of Advent. Christmas, Lent and Easter is
that the Lord has removed the power of the "pits" of sin in our lives so that
we can live as alleluia people!
Check out Isaiah 11:"As hoot will come from the stump of Jesse; a branch
shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him." That's
Jesus! That's the reason for the alleluias and the AH-HAs, even in the
midst of our UH-OHs. Verse 6 says the wolf shall live with the lamb. Can
you imagine that? A professor explained once why pictures of a wolf and
lamb lying down together always appeared to be morning photos. He said
it was because every morning the photographers would have to bring in
a new lamb! Not so. at least to us alleluia people! ln a world where even
carpenters are resurrected. everything is possible!
Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 11:1-10
1 (Isa 11:10; 4:2; 53:2) And there shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 (Isa 61:1; Mt 3:16; Isa 42:1) The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
3 (Jn 7:24) He shall delight in the fear of the Lord,
and he shall not judge by what his eyes see,
nor reprove by what his ears hear;
4 (Mal 4:6; Job 4:9; Ps 2:9) but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and reprove with fairness for the meek of the earth.
He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
5 (Eph 6:14; Isa 25:1) Righteousness shall be the belt of his loins,
and faithfulness the belt about his waist.
6 (Isa 65:25; Hos 2:18) The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young ones shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play by the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den.
9 (Hab 2:14; Job 5:23) They shall not hurt or destroy
in all My holy mountain,
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord,
as the waters cover the sea.
10 (Isa 11:1; Lk 2:32) In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,
who shall stand as a banner to the peoples. For him shall the nations seek.
And his rest shall be glorious.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be in living as Christ would have you live.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, You’re my Creator and my Sustainer.
Please help me to trust in You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to understad predestination and purpose.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His covenant.
Pray to the Lord and pray for integrity and uprightness to preserve you!
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 Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
Pray Lord, you come in judgment and hope. Be for us the hope,
and light, of the world. Amen.
Pray: 0 Holy Spirit and Most High, thank you for conceiving Jesus
in Mary's womb! Amen..
Pray: Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Tanzanian churches will work to reach all 30 unreached people groups
in Tanzania.
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.