Day 342 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 12th Day of Advent - 8 December 2022 reflections
Day 342, 8 December 2022
1) Philemon 1 , Philippians 1, Philippians 2:1-11
Philemon
Philemon 1
Philemon
The epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon was written in Rome
in about AD 62. This story is about a servant named Onesimus
who ran away from Philemon, a Christian of Colosse. Onesimus had departed
from Philemon and fled to Rome, where he then became converted
under Paul's ministry. Paul sent him back to Philemon with this letter
to reconcile their broken relationship, since they were both in Christ.
The letter about Onesimus was included in the canon, in the opinion of some,
due to the authenticity of its authorship. Paul's political astuteness
and personal interaction with the recipient make this letter both warm
and compelling. It is truly a heartfelt plea from one Christian to another.
Salutation
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
1 To Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer,
2 and to beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier,
and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon
our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
[2] And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the
church in thy house:
[3] Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon's Love and Faith
4 I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers,
5 whenever I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus
and for all the saints,
6 that the sharing of your faith may be most effective by the acknowledgment
of every good thing which is in you from Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love,
because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother.
[4] I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
[5] Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus,
and toward all saints;
[6] That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the
acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
[7] For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of
the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Paul Pleads for Onesimus
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you
to do that which is proper,
9 yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you-I, Paul, an old man,
and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-
10 I appeal to you on behalf of my son Onesimus, whose father I have become
in my imprisonment,
11 who in the past was unprofitable to you,
but now he is profitable to you and to me.
12 I have sent him back. Therefore receive him as my own heart.
13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that in your place he might serve me
during my imprisonment for the gospel.
14 But without your consent I would do nothing, so that your goodness
would not be forced, but given willingly.
15 Perhaps this was why he departed for a while,
that you might receive him forever,
16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother,
especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh
and in the Lord.
17 If then you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me.
18 If he wronged you or owes you anything, charge this to my account.
19 I, Paul, have written this with my own hand. I will repay it-not
to mention that you owe me even your own self.
20 Yes, brother, help me rejoice in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Being convinced of your obedience, I write to you,
knowing that you will also do more than I say.
22 But, in addition, prepare also lodging for me,
for I hope that through your prayers I shall be graciously restored to you.
[8] Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that
which is convenient,
[9] Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the
aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
[10] I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
[11] Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee
and to me:
[12] Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own
bowels:
[13] Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have
ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
[14] But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be
as it were of necessity, but willingly.
[15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest
receive him for ever;
[16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially
to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
[17] If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
[18] If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
[19] I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do
not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
[20] Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in
the Lord.
[21] Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou
wilt also do more than I say.
[22] But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your
prayers I shall be given unto you.
Final Greetings
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
[23] There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
[24] Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
[25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Philippians 1
Philippians 1:1-3
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi,
with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians
3 I thank my God for every reminder of you.
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,
to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi,
with the bishops and deacons:
2 grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Heart of the Apostle
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Philippians 1:3-8
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians
A Heart of Gratitude
3 (Ro 1:8-9; 2Ti 1:3) I thank my God for every reminder of you.
[3] I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
A heart of Joyful Prayer
4 (Ro 1:9) In every prayer of mine for you all, I have always made requests
with joy,
[4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
A Heart of Belonging
5 (Ac 16:12-40; Php 1:7) due to your fellowship in the gospel from the first
day until now.
[5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
A heart of Assurance
6 (1Co 1:8; Jn 6:29) I am confident of this very thing, that He who began
a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.
[6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work
in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
A heart of Affection
7 (2Co 7:3; Ac 20:23) It is right for me to think this of you all because
I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonments and in the defense
and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers of my grace.
[7] Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you
in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and
confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
8 (Ro 1:9; 9:1) For God is my witness, how I long after you all with
the affection of Jesus Christ.
[8] For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of
Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:9-11.
A) God's Love is everything
B) God's love gives us strength to stand
God's love to me - God's love through me.
9 (1Th 3:12; Col 1:9; 3:10) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet
more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,
10 (1Th 3:13; Ro 12:2) that you may approve things that are excellent
so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
[9] And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in
knowledge and in all judgment;
[10] That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere
and without offence till the day of Christ;
i) Love is the behaviour that is based on the knowledge, understanding
and the truth of God's word - Mett truth, love's best friend
ii) Love is behaviour that is both pure and blameless - Unselfish love
Phillipians 1:11 (Col 1:6; Jn 15:8) being filled with the fruit of
righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of
God.
[11] Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus
Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
What about self-pity?
Philippians 1:12-18
A) View of circumstances from God's perspective
Philip 1:12-14
12 But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me
have resulted in advancing the gospel,
13 (Php 1:7) so that my imprisonments in Christ have become known throughout
the entire palace guard and to all the rest.
14 And a great many of the brothers in the Lord, having become confident
because of my incarcerations, have dared to speak the word without fear.
[12] But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which
happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
[13] So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all
other places;
[14] And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are
much more bold to speak the word without fear.
B) Don't worry about the motives of others
Philip 1:15-17
15 Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and strife,
and some also from good will.
16 (Php 1:7) The former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely,
intending to add trouble to my circumstance.
17 (Php 1:7; 2:3) But the latter preach out of love, knowing
that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
[15] Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of
good will:
[16] The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add
affliction to my bonds:
[17] But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the
gospel.
Look how the Lord used these circumstances to increase faith.
c) Choose to rejoice
Philip 1:18
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,
Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice.
Indeed, I will rejoice.
[18] What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in
truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
A) Determine to rejoice
Philip 1:18d-19
[18] ... and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
[19] For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer,
and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
18 ... And in this I rejoice.
Indeed, I will rejoice.
19 (2Co 1:11; Ac 16:7) For I know that through your prayer
and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will result
in my deliverance.
B) Connect into Community
Philip 1:20
20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope
that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,
so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life
or by death.
[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I
shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ
shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
c) Seek to honour Christ ... no matter what
Philip 1:20-21
20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope
that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,
so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life
or by death.
21 (Gal 2:20) For to me, to continue living is Christ, and to die is gain.
[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I
shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ
shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philip 1:22-24
22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor to me.
Yet I do not know what I shall choose.
23 (2Co 5:8; 2Ti 4:6; Lk 23:43) I am in a difficult position between the two,
having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
[22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I
shall choose I wot not.
[23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be
with Christ; which is far better:
[24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
D) Live a life of Service to others
Philip 1:25-26
25 (Php 2:24; Ac 20:25) Having this confidence, I know that I shall remain
and continue with you all for your joyful advancement of the faith,
26 (2Co 1:14; 5:12) so that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant
in Jesus Christ when I am in your presence again.
[25] And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with
you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
[26] That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my
coming to you again.
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel
Based on Philippains 1:27-30
27 (Eph 4:1; Jude 1:3) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel
of Christ, that whether or not I come and see you, I may hear of your
activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit, with one mind,
striving together for the faith of the gospel.
28 Do not be frightened by your adversaries. This is a sign to them
of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God.
29 For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe
in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 (Ac 16:19-40; 1Th 2:2) having the same conflict which you saw in me
and now hear is in me.
[27] Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that
whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs,
that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the
faith of the gospel;
[28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an
evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
[29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe
on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
[30] Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel:
a) Standing firm
Philip 1:27b " I may hear of your
activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit,"
b) Standing together
Philip 1:27c
"in one spirit, with one mind,"
c) Striving together
Philip 1:27d "striving together for the faith of the gospel."
Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets who come to you
in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. "
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves.
d) Without fear
Philip 1:28 "Do not be frightened by your adversaries.
This is a sign to them
of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God."
e) 2 Gifts
Philip 1:29-30
"For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe
in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
having the same conflict which you saw in me
and now hear is in me. "
Philippians 2:1-11
Why can't we get along?
What is our foundation?
Philippians 2
Christian Humility and Christ's Humility
1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any
comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,
[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,
if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, being in unity with one mind.
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of
one accord, of one mind.
2 seats of knowledge exist
Cognitive - we learn facts , concepts and priciples.
Experiential - experiencing what is true
Experiential knowledge wins out over cognitive knowledge
Notice the emotionals words
Philippians 2
1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any
comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,
[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,
if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
A sense of confidence and peace
Comfort and cherish
The sensing of the presence of God.
Tenderness/mercy is something created by the Holy
Spirit at the core of who we are.
Compassion toward others is what spills over from the reality of tenderness.
How do you experience the Spirit of the Lord?
Our experience with God inspires us to:
I ) Be like minded
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded ...
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded ...
II) Love sacrificially
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, ...
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, ...
III) Be one in spirit and purpose
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, being in unity with one mind.
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of
one accord, of one mind.
Christian Humility and Christ's Humility
3 (Ro 12:10; Gal 5:26) Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in
humility let each esteem the other better than himself.
4 (Ro 15:1) Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also
to the interests of others.
5 (Mt 11:29; Ro 15:3) Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ
Jesus,
6 (Jn 5:18; 10:33) who, being in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
7 (Mt 20:28; Jn 1:14) But He emptied Himself,
taking upon Himself the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men.
8 (Heb 12:2; Mt 26:39; Jn 10:18) And being found in the form of a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death,
even death on a cross.
9 (Heb 2:9; Mt 28:18) Therefore God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name which is above every name,
10 (Mt 28:18) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 (Jn 13:13; Ro 14:9) and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
[3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
[4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things
of others.
[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
[6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God:
[7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
[8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
[9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which
is above every name:
[10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth, and things under the earth;
[11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.
2) Our Daily Bread for 8 December 2022
Entitled "Fast-Food Encouragement"
Ruth 2:15-20
15 When she got up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men,
"Let her glean even among the bundles, and do not harm her.
16 Also pull out some grain for her from the bundles and leave it
so that she may glean it, and do not rebuke her."
17 So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out
what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah
[Likely about 30 pounds, or 13 kilograms.]
of barley.
18 (Ru 2:14) She took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law
saw what she had gleaned. She drew it out and gave her what she had left,
after she had been satisfied.
19 (Ru 2:10; Ps 41:1) Her mother-in-law said to her,
"Where did you glean today, and where did you work?
May he who took notice of you be blessed."
So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked,
and said, "The name of the man with whom I worked today is Boaz."
20 (2Sa 2:5; Ru 3:9-10) Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law,
"May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn His kindness
to the living and to the dead." Naomi said to her, "This man is
a close relative of ours, one of our redeeming relatives."
[15] And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men,
saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
[16] And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave
them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.
[17] So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had
gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
[18] And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw
what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had
reserved after she was sufficed.
[19] And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day?
and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee.
And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The
man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
[20] And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who
hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said
unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
[21] And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep
Maria carried her fast-food lunch to an empty table. As she bit into her
burger, her eyes locked on those of a young man seated several tables away.
His clothes were soiled, his hair hung limply, and he clutched at an empty
paper cup. Clearly, he was hungry. How could she help? A gift of cash seemed
unwise. If she bought a meal and presented it to him, might he be
embarrassed?
Just then Maria remembered the story of Ruth where Boaz, a wealthy landowner,
invited the impoverished immigrant widow to glean from his fields. He ordered
his men: "And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men,
saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave
them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not." (Ruth 2:1516). In a
culture where women were utterly dependent on their connection to men for
survival, Boaz demonstrated God's loving provision. Eventually,
Boaz married Ruth, redeeming her from her serious need (4:9-10).
As Maria rose to leave, she placed her untouched packet of fries on a nearby
table, meeting the man's eyes as she did so. If he was hungry, he might
glean from her "fast-food field." God's heart is revealed in the stories
of Scripture as they illustrate creative solutions to encourage.
By: Elisa Morgan
Reflect & Pray
Is there someone around you today that you might invite to "glean"
from the abundance in your life? Ask God to reveal the needs around
you that you might respond with His heart.
Dear Father, show me who needs me to extend Your love to them today.
For further study, read
Living Justly, Loving Mercy: A Biblical Response to Our Broken World.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 5 - Waiting for the Wind
Is 40:31
31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4)
but those who wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
31 but they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
High above civilisation, alone on his craggy peak, the eagle waits.
He watches, senses, and then, with effortless grace, he spreads
his wings and soars. He does not flap frantically to gain altitude,
he merely turns his wings into the wind and rises.
Is 40:31 promises that we, too, can be like the eagle,
mounting up on wings, soaring effortlessly,
without weariness. But this is not often our experience.
We usually flap around like invalid pigeons, scratching
for mere existence, flying only when our place in the park is disturbed.
We need to learn to wait on the Lord. Like the wind that raises the eagle
to the heights, the wind of the Spirit will lift us up as well - beyond
the weariness of daily life, beyond the struggle for existence, beyond
the plodding pace of normal interaction.
But the eagle does not rise without plunging for the cliff into the wind.
His ability to stay aloft is based on his understand of wind currents;
when the wind is against him,he rises. He waits on the cliff
until the right moment, then allows the contrary breezes to lift him up.
Most of us are grounded by the winds that are against us. We give up
and never take the first flight. We fear the plunge from the cliff into the
buoyant breath of God, and so we stand fixed, afraid to launch out.
But when we do take the risk, when we wait upon the Lord, and then
give ourselves in obedience to a free-fall from the cliffs of his will,
we discover that there is rest in soaring with him. We do not have to
struggle; we have only to fly, and in flying, to find new strength.
Application
a) Why is "waiting upon the Lord" essential
to "Mounting up with wings as the eagle"?
b) How can this verse help me be more willing to take risks in God's will?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Proverbs 28:13
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:
But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry or Vengeful
Prov 15:1
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but grievous words stir up anger.
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath:
But grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 25:28
28 He who has no rule over his own spirit
is like a city that is broken down and without walls.
28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
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 northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
8th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God
(
Is 62:6
6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,
who shall never hold their peace day nor night.
You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;
6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold
their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
Ps 5:3
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;
in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Ps 55:17
17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,
and He will hear my voice.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
And he shall hear my voice.
)
b) Pray for the province of Manitoba
I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them
to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings
and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus .
Advent Day 12
From C.S.Lewis A Grand miracle by Joel Heck
Thursday, Second Week of Advent
"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.
We do not know... how things would have worked if the
human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy....
You and I are concerned with the way things work now."
- C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 178.)
Why Did He Do It?
Have you ever noticed that children have so many of the same mannerisms as
their parents? They walk, gesture, and even laugh like their parents.
Children also mimic the bad traits of their parents, but it is a great
compliment to parents that their sons and daughters are like them.
Why did the Son of God become one of us? Certainly not for his own benefit.
John says it this way, "But to as many as received him, to them he gave power
to become the sons of God." Lewis says it similarly, "The Son of God became a
man to enable men to become the sons of God." God didn't become a man to
impress anyone, least of all us. God was in the business of raising up us men
and women to become like him, people who walk in his ways, who act like he
acted and do what he did. Jesus became like us so that we might become like
him.
Parents want their children to grow up to be like them. Setting aside our
faults for the moment, it is better for them to become like us than to stay
children. That is also our Father's intent for us. At times, it is painful
when God molds and shapes us to be conformed to the image of his Son. But we
become more ourselves when we become like him.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and
daughters. Amen.
Verses:
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
John 1:12,
10 (Eph 2:10; 4:23-24; Ro 12:2)and have embraced the new nature,
which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,
Col. 3:10
From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
THURSDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Benediction
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
-Luke 1:42
Mary must have had multiple motives. Soon after she had received
the angel Gabriel's proclamation, she hastened
to the town where Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived.
Probably she went to see for herself that Elizabeth, too, was pregnant.
Perhaps she went, with great love for her relative, to give her assistance
in her last months. Maybe she grasped she would need the practice
of helping to deliver a child.
She travelled a long way-from Nazareth of Galilee in the north
to the hill country of the southern province, Judea-so she had ample
time to ponder all the news Gabriel had given. She had accepted
the LORD's will, and now she had time to comprehend more thoroughly
what it all meant.
Elizabeth's greetings were rapturous. The babe leaped, and she was filled
with the Holy Spirit, so she cried out joyously, "Blessed are you ...
and the fruit of your womb." How much that must have emboldened Mary!
Prayer
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Read Luke 1:39-45.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWARENESS!
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
GALATIANS 4:4
It is hard not to be aware that something is happening during these
weeks before Christmas. isn't it? Whether one is a Christian or not, things
are simply different. Take a look around: sparkling, flashing lights on homes
and lawns, halls decked with boughs of holly, a lot of fa-la-la-ing going
on, little kids and bored dads standing in line to see an old fat guy, store
owners singing their favorite carol: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
and on and on and on. I just read of a town that prohibited the Salvation
Army from having their traditional Santa's ringing bells outside of stores,
because of a noise pollution ordinance. o a smart marketing person
made two signs for the Santa's to hold up. One said "Ding" and the other
said "Dong.' Now that's awareness!
So what's the point? The point is that unless we become intentionally
aware of what Advent and Christmas are all about. we will miss the point.!
Today's reading is the point: When it was time, God sent Jesus unto the
world! Perhaps this message has been heard and used so much that it is
hard to keep aware of the meaning of Christmas: God loves us so much
that Jesus was born, died and rose again for us! Sure, go ahead and
wrap gifts. put trees up, bake cookies, say "ho. ho. ho." But as you do so,
continue to be aware that Christ is Christmas ... period! Please do not be
like a friend who says. "Keep Christ in Xmas!" He still doesn't get it!
Prayer
Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Galatians 4:4-5
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
5 (Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12) to redeem those who were under the law,
that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek joy in the Lord and stand firm in Him
and His humility.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, show me who needs me to extend Your love to them today."
Pray to the Lord and pray to wait upon the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to confess every sins you have committed and
for forgiveness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be less angry in your life!
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 that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and daughters. Amen.
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Pray: Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that those forced to flee their homes in Burkina Faso will remain
faithful to Christ.
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) Philemon 1 , Philippians 1, Philippians 2:1-11
Philemon
Philemon 1
Philemon
The epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon was written in Rome
in about AD 62. This story is about a servant named Onesimus
who ran away from Philemon, a Christian of Colosse. Onesimus had departed
from Philemon and fled to Rome, where he then became converted
under Paul's ministry. Paul sent him back to Philemon with this letter
to reconcile their broken relationship, since they were both in Christ.
The letter about Onesimus was included in the canon, in the opinion of some,
due to the authenticity of its authorship. Paul's political astuteness
and personal interaction with the recipient make this letter both warm
and compelling. It is truly a heartfelt plea from one Christian to another.
Salutation
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
1 To Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer,
2 and to beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier,
and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon
our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
[2] And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the
church in thy house:
[3] Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon's Love and Faith
4 I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers,
5 whenever I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus
and for all the saints,
6 that the sharing of your faith may be most effective by the acknowledgment
of every good thing which is in you from Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love,
because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother.
[4] I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
[5] Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus,
and toward all saints;
[6] That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the
acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
[7] For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of
the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Paul Pleads for Onesimus
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you
to do that which is proper,
9 yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you-I, Paul, an old man,
and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-
10 I appeal to you on behalf of my son Onesimus, whose father I have become
in my imprisonment,
11 who in the past was unprofitable to you,
but now he is profitable to you and to me.
12 I have sent him back. Therefore receive him as my own heart.
13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that in your place he might serve me
during my imprisonment for the gospel.
14 But without your consent I would do nothing, so that your goodness
would not be forced, but given willingly.
15 Perhaps this was why he departed for a while,
that you might receive him forever,
16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother,
especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh
and in the Lord.
17 If then you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me.
18 If he wronged you or owes you anything, charge this to my account.
19 I, Paul, have written this with my own hand. I will repay it-not
to mention that you owe me even your own self.
20 Yes, brother, help me rejoice in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Being convinced of your obedience, I write to you,
knowing that you will also do more than I say.
22 But, in addition, prepare also lodging for me,
for I hope that through your prayers I shall be graciously restored to you.
[8] Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that
which is convenient,
[9] Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the
aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
[10] I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
[11] Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee
and to me:
[12] Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own
bowels:
[13] Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have
ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
[14] But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be
as it were of necessity, but willingly.
[15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest
receive him for ever;
[16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially
to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
[17] If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
[18] If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
[19] I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do
not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
[20] Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in
the Lord.
[21] Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou
wilt also do more than I say.
[22] But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your
prayers I shall be given unto you.
Final Greetings
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
[23] There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
[24] Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
[25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Philippians 1
Philippians 1:1-3
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi,
with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians
3 I thank my God for every reminder of you.
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,
to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi,
with the bishops and deacons:
2 grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Heart of the Apostle
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Philippians 1:3-8
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians
A Heart of Gratitude
3 (Ro 1:8-9; 2Ti 1:3) I thank my God for every reminder of you.
[3] I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
A heart of Joyful Prayer
4 (Ro 1:9) In every prayer of mine for you all, I have always made requests
with joy,
[4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
A Heart of Belonging
5 (Ac 16:12-40; Php 1:7) due to your fellowship in the gospel from the first
day until now.
[5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
A heart of Assurance
6 (1Co 1:8; Jn 6:29) I am confident of this very thing, that He who began
a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.
[6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work
in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
A heart of Affection
7 (2Co 7:3; Ac 20:23) It is right for me to think this of you all because
I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonments and in the defense
and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers of my grace.
[7] Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you
in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and
confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
8 (Ro 1:9; 9:1) For God is my witness, how I long after you all with
the affection of Jesus Christ.
[8] For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of
Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:9-11.
A) God's Love is everything
B) God's love gives us strength to stand
God's love to me - God's love through me.
9 (1Th 3:12; Col 1:9; 3:10) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet
more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,
10 (1Th 3:13; Ro 12:2) that you may approve things that are excellent
so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
[9] And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in
knowledge and in all judgment;
[10] That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere
and without offence till the day of Christ;
i) Love is the behaviour that is based on the knowledge, understanding
and the truth of God's word - Mett truth, love's best friend
ii) Love is behaviour that is both pure and blameless - Unselfish love
Phillipians 1:11 (Col 1:6; Jn 15:8) being filled with the fruit of
righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of
God.
[11] Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus
Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
What about self-pity?
Philippians 1:12-18
A) View of circumstances from God's perspective
Philip 1:12-14
12 But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me
have resulted in advancing the gospel,
13 (Php 1:7) so that my imprisonments in Christ have become known throughout
the entire palace guard and to all the rest.
14 And a great many of the brothers in the Lord, having become confident
because of my incarcerations, have dared to speak the word without fear.
[12] But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which
happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
[13] So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all
other places;
[14] And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are
much more bold to speak the word without fear.
B) Don't worry about the motives of others
Philip 1:15-17
15 Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and strife,
and some also from good will.
16 (Php 1:7) The former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely,
intending to add trouble to my circumstance.
17 (Php 1:7; 2:3) But the latter preach out of love, knowing
that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
[15] Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of
good will:
[16] The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add
affliction to my bonds:
[17] But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the
gospel.
Look how the Lord used these circumstances to increase faith.
c) Choose to rejoice
Philip 1:18
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,
Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice.
Indeed, I will rejoice.
[18] What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in
truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
A) Determine to rejoice
Philip 1:18d-19
[18] ... and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
[19] For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer,
and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
18 ... And in this I rejoice.
Indeed, I will rejoice.
19 (2Co 1:11; Ac 16:7) For I know that through your prayer
and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will result
in my deliverance.
B) Connect into Community
Philip 1:20
20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope
that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,
so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life
or by death.
[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I
shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ
shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
c) Seek to honour Christ ... no matter what
Philip 1:20-21
20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope
that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,
so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life
or by death.
21 (Gal 2:20) For to me, to continue living is Christ, and to die is gain.
[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I
shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ
shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philip 1:22-24
22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor to me.
Yet I do not know what I shall choose.
23 (2Co 5:8; 2Ti 4:6; Lk 23:43) I am in a difficult position between the two,
having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
[22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I
shall choose I wot not.
[23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be
with Christ; which is far better:
[24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
D) Live a life of Service to others
Philip 1:25-26
25 (Php 2:24; Ac 20:25) Having this confidence, I know that I shall remain
and continue with you all for your joyful advancement of the faith,
26 (2Co 1:14; 5:12) so that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant
in Jesus Christ when I am in your presence again.
[25] And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with
you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
[26] That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my
coming to you again.
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel
Based on Philippains 1:27-30
27 (Eph 4:1; Jude 1:3) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel
of Christ, that whether or not I come and see you, I may hear of your
activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit, with one mind,
striving together for the faith of the gospel.
28 Do not be frightened by your adversaries. This is a sign to them
of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God.
29 For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe
in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 (Ac 16:19-40; 1Th 2:2) having the same conflict which you saw in me
and now hear is in me.
[27] Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that
whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs,
that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the
faith of the gospel;
[28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an
evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
[29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe
on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
[30] Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel:
a) Standing firm
Philip 1:27b " I may hear of your
activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit,"
b) Standing together
Philip 1:27c
"in one spirit, with one mind,"
c) Striving together
Philip 1:27d "striving together for the faith of the gospel."
Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets who come to you
in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. "
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves.
d) Without fear
Philip 1:28 "Do not be frightened by your adversaries.
This is a sign to them
of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God."
e) 2 Gifts
Philip 1:29-30
"For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe
in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
having the same conflict which you saw in me
and now hear is in me. "
Philippians 2:1-11
Why can't we get along?
What is our foundation?
Philippians 2
Christian Humility and Christ's Humility
1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any
comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,
[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,
if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, being in unity with one mind.
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of
one accord, of one mind.
2 seats of knowledge exist
Cognitive - we learn facts , concepts and priciples.
Experiential - experiencing what is true
Experiential knowledge wins out over cognitive knowledge
Notice the emotionals words
Philippians 2
1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any
comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,
[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,
if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
A sense of confidence and peace
Comfort and cherish
The sensing of the presence of God.
Tenderness/mercy is something created by the Holy
Spirit at the core of who we are.
Compassion toward others is what spills over from the reality of tenderness.
How do you experience the Spirit of the Lord?
Our experience with God inspires us to:
I ) Be like minded
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded ...
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded ...
II) Love sacrificially
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, ...
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, ...
III) Be one in spirit and purpose
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, being in unity with one mind.
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of
one accord, of one mind.
Christian Humility and Christ's Humility
3 (Ro 12:10; Gal 5:26) Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in
humility let each esteem the other better than himself.
4 (Ro 15:1) Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also
to the interests of others.
5 (Mt 11:29; Ro 15:3) Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ
Jesus,
6 (Jn 5:18; 10:33) who, being in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
7 (Mt 20:28; Jn 1:14) But He emptied Himself,
taking upon Himself the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men.
8 (Heb 12:2; Mt 26:39; Jn 10:18) And being found in the form of a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death,
even death on a cross.
9 (Heb 2:9; Mt 28:18) Therefore God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name which is above every name,
10 (Mt 28:18) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 (Jn 13:13; Ro 14:9) and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
[3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
[4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things
of others.
[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
[6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God:
[7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
[8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
[9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which
is above every name:
[10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth, and things under the earth;
[11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.
2) Our Daily Bread for 8 December 2022
Entitled "Fast-Food Encouragement"
Ruth 2:15-20
15 When she got up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men,
"Let her glean even among the bundles, and do not harm her.
16 Also pull out some grain for her from the bundles and leave it
so that she may glean it, and do not rebuke her."
17 So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out
what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah
[Likely about 30 pounds, or 13 kilograms.]
of barley.
18 (Ru 2:14) She took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law
saw what she had gleaned. She drew it out and gave her what she had left,
after she had been satisfied.
19 (Ru 2:10; Ps 41:1) Her mother-in-law said to her,
"Where did you glean today, and where did you work?
May he who took notice of you be blessed."
So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked,
and said, "The name of the man with whom I worked today is Boaz."
20 (2Sa 2:5; Ru 3:9-10) Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law,
"May he be blessed of the Lord who has not withdrawn His kindness
to the living and to the dead." Naomi said to her, "This man is
a close relative of ours, one of our redeeming relatives."
[15] And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men,
saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
[16] And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave
them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.
[17] So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had
gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
[18] And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw
what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had
reserved after she was sufficed.
[19] And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day?
and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee.
And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The
man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
[20] And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who
hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said
unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.
[21] And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep
Maria carried her fast-food lunch to an empty table. As she bit into her
burger, her eyes locked on those of a young man seated several tables away.
His clothes were soiled, his hair hung limply, and he clutched at an empty
paper cup. Clearly, he was hungry. How could she help? A gift of cash seemed
unwise. If she bought a meal and presented it to him, might he be
embarrassed?
Just then Maria remembered the story of Ruth where Boaz, a wealthy landowner,
invited the impoverished immigrant widow to glean from his fields. He ordered
his men: "And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men,
saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:
And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave
them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not." (Ruth 2:1516). In a
culture where women were utterly dependent on their connection to men for
survival, Boaz demonstrated God's loving provision. Eventually,
Boaz married Ruth, redeeming her from her serious need (4:9-10).
As Maria rose to leave, she placed her untouched packet of fries on a nearby
table, meeting the man's eyes as she did so. If he was hungry, he might
glean from her "fast-food field." God's heart is revealed in the stories
of Scripture as they illustrate creative solutions to encourage.
By: Elisa Morgan
Reflect & Pray
Is there someone around you today that you might invite to "glean"
from the abundance in your life? Ask God to reveal the needs around
you that you might respond with His heart.
Dear Father, show me who needs me to extend Your love to them today.
For further study, read
Living Justly, Loving Mercy: A Biblical Response to Our Broken World.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 8 Guided by Grace Day 5 - Waiting for the Wind
Is 40:31
31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4)
but those who wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
31 but they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
High above civilisation, alone on his craggy peak, the eagle waits.
He watches, senses, and then, with effortless grace, he spreads
his wings and soars. He does not flap frantically to gain altitude,
he merely turns his wings into the wind and rises.
Is 40:31 promises that we, too, can be like the eagle,
mounting up on wings, soaring effortlessly,
without weariness. But this is not often our experience.
We usually flap around like invalid pigeons, scratching
for mere existence, flying only when our place in the park is disturbed.
We need to learn to wait on the Lord. Like the wind that raises the eagle
to the heights, the wind of the Spirit will lift us up as well - beyond
the weariness of daily life, beyond the struggle for existence, beyond
the plodding pace of normal interaction.
But the eagle does not rise without plunging for the cliff into the wind.
His ability to stay aloft is based on his understand of wind currents;
when the wind is against him,he rises. He waits on the cliff
until the right moment, then allows the contrary breezes to lift him up.
Most of us are grounded by the winds that are against us. We give up
and never take the first flight. We fear the plunge from the cliff into the
buoyant breath of God, and so we stand fixed, afraid to launch out.
But when we do take the risk, when we wait upon the Lord, and then
give ourselves in obedience to a free-fall from the cliffs of his will,
we discover that there is rest in soaring with him. We do not have to
struggle; we have only to fly, and in flying, to find new strength.
Application
a) Why is "waiting upon the Lord" essential
to "Mounting up with wings as the eagle"?
b) How can this verse help me be more willing to take risks in God's will?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Proverbs 28:13
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:
But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry or Vengeful
Prov 15:1
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but grievous words stir up anger.
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath:
But grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 25:28
28 He who has no rule over his own spirit
is like a city that is broken down and without walls.
28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
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 northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
8th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God
(
Is 62:6
6 (Isa 52:8; Ps 74:2) I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem,
who shall never hold their peace day nor night.
You who remind the Lord, do not keep silent;
6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold
their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
Ps 5:3
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;
in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will watch expectantly.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Ps 55:17
17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will make my complaint and murmur,
and He will hear my voice.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
And he shall hear my voice.
)
b) Pray for the province of Manitoba
I) Pray for the leaders of Manitoba, that God's Spirit would influence them
to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings
and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus .
Advent Day 12
From C.S.Lewis A Grand miracle by Joel Heck
Thursday, Second Week of Advent
"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.
We do not know... how things would have worked if the
human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy....
You and I are concerned with the way things work now."
- C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 178.)
Why Did He Do It?
Have you ever noticed that children have so many of the same mannerisms as
their parents? They walk, gesture, and even laugh like their parents.
Children also mimic the bad traits of their parents, but it is a great
compliment to parents that their sons and daughters are like them.
Why did the Son of God become one of us? Certainly not for his own benefit.
John says it this way, "But to as many as received him, to them he gave power
to become the sons of God." Lewis says it similarly, "The Son of God became a
man to enable men to become the sons of God." God didn't become a man to
impress anyone, least of all us. God was in the business of raising up us men
and women to become like him, people who walk in his ways, who act like he
acted and do what he did. Jesus became like us so that we might become like
him.
Parents want their children to grow up to be like them. Setting aside our
faults for the moment, it is better for them to become like us than to stay
children. That is also our Father's intent for us. At times, it is painful
when God molds and shapes us to be conformed to the image of his Son. But we
become more ourselves when we become like him.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and
daughters. Amen.
Verses:
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
John 1:12,
10 (Eph 2:10; 4:23-24; Ro 12:2)and have embraced the new nature,
which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,
Col. 3:10
From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
THURSDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Benediction
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
-Luke 1:42
Mary must have had multiple motives. Soon after she had received
the angel Gabriel's proclamation, she hastened
to the town where Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived.
Probably she went to see for herself that Elizabeth, too, was pregnant.
Perhaps she went, with great love for her relative, to give her assistance
in her last months. Maybe she grasped she would need the practice
of helping to deliver a child.
She travelled a long way-from Nazareth of Galilee in the north
to the hill country of the southern province, Judea-so she had ample
time to ponder all the news Gabriel had given. She had accepted
the LORD's will, and now she had time to comprehend more thoroughly
what it all meant.
Elizabeth's greetings were rapturous. The babe leaped, and she was filled
with the Holy Spirit, so she cried out joyously, "Blessed are you ...
and the fruit of your womb." How much that must have emboldened Mary!
Prayer
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Read Luke 1:39-45.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWARENESS!
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
GALATIANS 4:4
It is hard not to be aware that something is happening during these
weeks before Christmas. isn't it? Whether one is a Christian or not, things
are simply different. Take a look around: sparkling, flashing lights on homes
and lawns, halls decked with boughs of holly, a lot of fa-la-la-ing going
on, little kids and bored dads standing in line to see an old fat guy, store
owners singing their favorite carol: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
and on and on and on. I just read of a town that prohibited the Salvation
Army from having their traditional Santa's ringing bells outside of stores,
because of a noise pollution ordinance. o a smart marketing person
made two signs for the Santa's to hold up. One said "Ding" and the other
said "Dong.' Now that's awareness!
So what's the point? The point is that unless we become intentionally
aware of what Advent and Christmas are all about. we will miss the point.!
Today's reading is the point: When it was time, God sent Jesus unto the
world! Perhaps this message has been heard and used so much that it is
hard to keep aware of the meaning of Christmas: God loves us so much
that Jesus was born, died and rose again for us! Sure, go ahead and
wrap gifts. put trees up, bake cookies, say "ho. ho. ho." But as you do so,
continue to be aware that Christ is Christmas ... period! Please do not be
like a friend who says. "Keep Christ in Xmas!" He still doesn't get it!
Prayer
Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Galatians 4:4-5
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
5 (Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12) to redeem those who were under the law,
that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek joy in the Lord and stand firm in Him
and His humility.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, show me who needs me to extend Your love to them today."
Pray to the Lord and pray to wait upon the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to confess every sins you have committed and
for forgiveness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be less angry in your life!
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 that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer
and never cease to call upon God.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and daughters. Amen.
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Pray: Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that those forced to flee their homes in Burkina Faso will remain
faithful to Christ.
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.