Day 345 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 15th Day of Advent - 11 December 2022 reflections
Day 345, 11 December 2022
Today at Calvary Community Church
Paster Barry Regier talked about Address the Mess.
Philipians 2:3
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.
[3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
A) Reject selfish ambition
B) Relinquish vain conceit (Noted Lucifer in Isaiah 14)
C) Choose Humility
1 Peter 5:5-6
5 (Jas 4:6; Eph 5:21) Likewise you younger ones, submit yourselves
to the elders. Yes, all of you be submissive one to another
and clothe yourselves with humility, because
"God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."(Pr 3:34.)
6 (Jas 4:10; Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time.
[5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you
be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth
the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may
exalt you in due time:
Philipians 2:4
4 (Ro 15:1) Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also
to the interests of others.
[4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things
of others.
D) Be attentive to pur own interests
E) Give special consideration to the interests in others
1) James 4,5 1 Timothy 1,2
James 4
Friendship With the World
1 (Ro 7:23; 1Pe 2:11) Where do wars and fights among you come from?
Do they not come from your lusts that war in your body?
2 You lust and do not have, so you kill.
You desire to have and cannot obtain. You fight and war.
Yet you do not have, because you do not ask.
3 (1Jn 5:14; 3:22) You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss,
that you may spend it on your passions.
4 (Jn 15:19; Ro 8:7) You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know
that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore
will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
5 Do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "He yearns jealously
for the spirit that lives in us"(The source of this quotation is uncertain.)?
6 (Pr 3:34; 1Pe 5:5) But He gives more grace. For this reason it says:
"God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."(Pr 3:34.)
7 (Eph 4:27; 1Pe 5:8-9) Therefore submit yourselves to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 (2Ch 15:2; Jas 1:8) Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 (Lk 6:25; Pr 14:13) Grieve and mourn and weep.
Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to dejection.
10 (Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,
and He will lift you up.
[1] From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even
of your lusts that war in your members?
[2] Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:
ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
[3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it
upon your lusts.
[4] Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the
world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world
is the enemy of God.
[5] Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth
in us lusteth to envy?
[6] But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud,
but giveth grace unto the humble.
[7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you.
[8] Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye
sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
[9] Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to
mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
[10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Judging a Brother
11 (1Pe 2:1; Jas 5:9) Do not speak evil of one another, brothers.
He who speaks evil of his brother and judges his brother speaks
evil of the law and judges the law. If you judge the law,
you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12 (Mt 10:28; Ro 14:4; Isa 33:22) There is one Lawgiver who is able
to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
[11] Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his
brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the
law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
[12] There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou
that judgest another?
Warning Against Boasting
13 (Pr 27:1; Jas 5:1) Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow
we will go into this city, spend a year there, buy and sell,
and make a profit,"
14 (Ps 102:3; 39:5) whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life? It is just a vapor that appears for a little while
and then vanishes away.
15 (Ac 18:21) Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills,
we shall live and do this or that."
16 (1Co 5:6) But now you are rejoicing in your boastings.
All such rejoicing is evil.
17 (Jn 9:41; Lk 12:47-48) Therefore, to him who knows to do good
and does not do it, it is sin.
[13] Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a
city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
[14] Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life?
It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth
away.
[15] For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this,
or that.
[16] But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
[17] Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it
is sin.
James 5
Warning to the Rich
1 (Pr 11:28; Isa 13:6) Come now, you rich men, weep and howl
for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2 (Job 13:28; Isa 50:9) Your riches are corrupted
and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 (Ro 2:5) Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be
a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have stored
up treasures for the last days.
4 (Lev 19:13; Ro 9:29) Indeed the wages that you kept back by fraud
from the laborers who harvested your fields are crying,
and the cries of those who harvested have entered
into the ears of the Lord of Hosts.
5 (Lk 16:19; 1Ti 5:6) You have lived in pleasure on the earth
and have been wayward.
You have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
6 You have condemned and killed the righteous man who does not resist you.
[1] Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come
upon you.
[2] Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
[3] Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a
witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have
heaped treasure together for the last days.
[4] Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields,
which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have
reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
[5] Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have
nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
[6] Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
Patience and Prayer
7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early
and late rain.
8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,
lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,
who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
12 But above all things, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven
or by the earth or by any other oath. But let your "Yes" be "Yes"
and your "No" be "No," that you do not fall into condemnation.
13 (Ps 50:15; Eph 5:19) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.
Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.
14 (Mk 6:13; 16:18; Ac 14:23) Is anyone sick among you? Let him call
for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him,
anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 (Isa 33:24; Jas 1:6) And the prayer of faith will save the sick,
and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed any sins,
he will be forgiven.
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
17 (1Ki 17:1; Lk 4:25) Elijah was a man subject to natural passions
as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain,
and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.
18 (1Ki 18:42-45) And he prayed again, and the sky gave rain,
and the earth brought forth its fruit.
19 (Mt 18:15; Gal 6:1) Brothers, if any one of you strays from the truth
and someone corrects him,
20 (Ro 11:14; 1Pe 4:8) let him know that he who converts the sinner
from the error of his way will save a soul from death
and will cover a multitude of sins.
7] Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long
patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
[8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord
draweth nigh.
[9] Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold,
the judge standeth before the door.
[10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
[11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful,
and of tender mercy.
[12] But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven,
neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea;
and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
[13] Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing
psalms.
[14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and
let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
[15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise
him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
[16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much.
[17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed
earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the
space of three years and six months.
[18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought
forth her fruit.
[19] Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
[20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his
way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
1 Timothy 1
Salutation
1 (Titus 1:3; Col 1:27; Lk 1:47) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by
the command of God our Savior, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
2 (2Ti 1:2; Titus 1:4; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour,
and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
[2] Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God
our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Warning Against False Doctrine
3 (Gal 1:6-7; 1Ti 6:3) As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,
continue to remain at Ephesus so that you might command some to teach
no other doctrine,
4 (1Ti 4:7; Titus 1:14) nor pay attention to fables and endless genealogies,
which cause debates rather than godly edifying, which is in faith.
5 (2Ti 1:5; 2:22) Now the goal of this command is love from a pure heart,
and from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.
6 (Titus 1:10) From this, some have lost their way and turned aside
to empty talk,
7 (1Ti 6:4) desiring to be teachers of the law, and understanding
neither what they say nor what they affirm.
8 (Ro 7:16) But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully.
9 (Gal 5:23; 3:19) And we know that the law is not given for a righteous
person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners,
for the unholy and the profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers,
for murderers,
10 (2Ti 4:3; Lev 18:22) for the sexually immoral, for sodomites, for slave
traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anything else that is contrary
to sound doctrine,
11 (Gal 2:7; 2Co 4:4) according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God,
which was committed to my trust.
[3] As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into
Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
[4] Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister
questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
[5] Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a
good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
[6] From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
[7] Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say,
nor whereof they affirm.
[8] But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
[9] Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the
lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and
profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
[10] For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for
menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other
thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
[11] According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was
committed to my trust.
Thankfulness for Mercy
12 (Php 4:13; Ac 9:15) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me,
because He counted me faithful and appointed me to the ministry.
13 (Ac 8:3; 3:17) I was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an
insolent man. But I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 (2Ti 1:13) The grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Ti 3:1; 2Ti 2:11) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
16 (1Ti 1:13; Eph 2:7) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me,
first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were
to believe in Him for eternal life.
17 (Col 1:15; Mt 6:13) Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only
wise God, be honor and glory forever. Amen.
18 (1Ti 4:14; 1:2) This command I commit to you, my son Timothy, according
to the prophecies that were previously given to you, that by them you might
fight a good fight,
19 (1Ti 1:5; 3:9) keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have
rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
20 (2Ti 2:17; Ac 13:45) Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have
delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he
counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I
obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love
which is in Christ Jesus.
[15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
[16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ
might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should
hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
[17] Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be
honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
[18] This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the
prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good
warfare;
[19] Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away
concerning faith have made shipwreck:
[20] Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan,
that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 2
Instructions Concerning Prayer
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 Saviour,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God
and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.
This was the testimony given at the proper time.
7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle
(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles
in faith and truth.
8 (Ps 134:2; Jn 4:21) Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting
up holy hands, without wrath or contentiousness.
9 In like manner also, that women clothe themselves in modest clothing, with
decency and self-control, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive
clothing,
10 but with good works, which is proper for women professing godliness.
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all obedience.
12 (1Co 14:34) I do not permit a woman to teach or to usurp authority
over a man, but to be silent.
13 (Ge 2:22; 2:7) For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 (Ge 3:6; 2Co 11:3) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being
deceived, fell into sin.
15 (1Ti 1:14) Yet she will be saved in childbearing if they continue
in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
[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.
[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man
Christ Jesus;
[6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
[7] Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth
in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
[8] I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting.
[9] In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with
shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or
costly array;
[10] But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
[11] Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
[12] But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,
but to be in silence.
[13] For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
[14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the
transgression.
[15] Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in
faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2022
Entitled "Clinging to What's Good"
Romans 12:9-13
Rules of the Christian Life
9 (1Ti 1:5; 2Co 6:6)Let love be without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil.
Cleave to what is good.
10 (Php 2:3; Heb 13:1) Be devoted to one another with brotherly love;
prefer one another in honor,
11 (Ac 18:25) do not be lazy in diligence, be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord,
12 (Heb 10:36; Ac 1:14) rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering,
persevere in prayer,
13 (2Co 9:1; 1Ti 3:2) contribute to the needs of the saints,
practice hospitality.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in
prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
When we park our car near an open field and walk across it to get to our
house, we almost always get some sticky cockleburs on our clothes-especially
in the fall. These tiny "hitchhikers" attach to clothing, shoes, or whatever
is passing by and ride to their next destination. It’s nature's way of
spreading cocklebur seeds in my local field and around the world.
As I try to carefully remove clinging cockleburs, I've often thought about the
message that admonishes believers in Jesus to "cleave to
that which is good." (Romans 12:9). When we're trying to love others, it can
be challenging. However, as the Holy Spirit helps us hold on to what's good
with all we have, we can repel evil and be "sincere" in our love as He guides
us (v. 9).
Cocklebur seeds don't fall off with a mere brush of the hand, they hang on to
you. And when we focus on what's good, keeping our mind on God's mercy,
compassion, and commands, we too-in His strength-can hang on tightly to those
we love. He helps us stay "devoted to one another in love," remembering to
place other's needs before our own (v. 10).
Yes, those cockleburs can be challenging, but they also remind me to cling to
others in love and by God's power to grip tightly "what is good" (v. 9; see
also Philippians 4:8-9).
By: Katara Patton
Reflect & Pray
How can clinging to what's good help you love a challenging friend
or family member? How is sincere love also a tenacious love?
Remind me to cling with all my might to what's good,
Jesus. I desire to reflect Your love to others.
For further study, read
What Do You Do with a Broken Relationship?
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 1 - God's Perspective
Philip 4:13
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because
of Christ who strengthens me.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Many of us live out self-fulfilling prophecies. We believe
what we tell ourselves - or what we have been told by others:
"You're stupid", "You're ugly", "You'll never amount to anything,"
"You can't do anything right."
We programme ourselves for spiritual failure as well.
"I just can't memorise Scripture," we say. "It comes and goes,
and I can't seem to get it to stay." Yet daily we memorise
volumes of information that is less significant than the
Scriptures - telephone numbers, identification codes,
songs lyrics, advertising jingles.
The answer to the dilemma of negativism is not positive
thinking, but right thinking - biblical thinking, according
to what the Bible reveals of God's perspective. God says,
"You are worthwhile. You are valued. You are loved. I created you
just as you are, and whatever I call you to do,
I will give you the strength to do it.
The context of Phillipians 4:13 shows that Paul had learned
this important secret of spiritual strength. Paul had known
poverty and plenty, trouble and victory. But he also knew
he did not have to let circumstances determine his response to God's will.
We need not be controlled by the negative messages life throws in our paths
- even those self-defeating pronouncements we make to ourselves.
Rather, we can respond according to God's perspective, with the
conviction that God has given us strength we need to meet the
challenges we face.
Application
a) What challenges do I face that make me realise my own insufficiencies?
IS memorising Scripture one of those challenges for me?
b) How does today's memory verse help me face those challenges?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:19
19 But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,
and it proves unfruitful.
19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,
and it becometh unfruitful.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
James 1:2 to 8
Faith and Wisdom
2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.
4 But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men
liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect
and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth
is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
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
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Advent Day 15
From C.S.Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Third Sunday of Advent
"Dear Hida (is that right?) Newman,
Thank you so much for your lovely letter and pictures As to
Asian's other name, well I want you to guess. Has there never
been anyone in this world who (1.) arrived at the same time as
Father Christmas. (2.) Said he was the son of the Great Emperor.
(3.) Gave himself up for someone else's fault to be jeered at
and killed by wicked people. (4.) Came to life again. (5.)
Is sometimes spoken of as a Lamb....Don't you really know His
name in this world? Think it over and let me know your answer."
- C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Hilo Newman," June 3, 1953,
Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, p. 334.)
Christ's Other Name
C. S. Lewis loved children. Every letter he ever received from a child, he answered. In a collection of them, Letters to Children, Lewis responded to a question about the identity of Aslan, the Christ-figure t of Narnia. Eleven-year-old Hila Newman had sent Lewis some drawings of the characters in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, along with some questions. Apparently she could not identify Aslan with any biblical character.
Lewis wrote back with not-too-subtle hints about a character
on our world who "arrived at the same time as Father Christmas." The hints that followed reveal how clearly Asian represented the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. 5:5) whom we know as Jesus, who had given himself up to be killed by wicked people and come to life again, and was sometimes called a Lamb. Lewis didn't give her the answer, because he wanted her to discover the truth for herself.
Instead of saying that Jesus is Asian's other name, we could say
that Aslan is Jesus' other name-at least in Narnia.
Thank you, Jesus, that your name is the name above all other
names. Thank you, Jesus, that your name saves us. Amen.
There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Upside Down
He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
-Luke 1:52
This verse near the end of Mary's reflection seems like an appropriate
theme verse for her whole song. God likes to
reverse our expectations!
We have seen this happen many times in history. Those of us who are older remember well the downfall of the Marcos
regime in the Philippines, and probably the photograph of the
lone protester in front of a tank stands out in our minds.
We might recall various pictures of the Berlin Wall's fall
and the breakdown of Communism in Europe.
Younger readers might be more familiar with the Arab Spring and the bright hopes it aroused (though the revolutions might not be successfully maintained later). When tyrants are crushed, the people rejoice.
So Mary sings of God's work to bring down the powerful while elevating the abject; feeding the hungry while dismissing
with nothing the affluent; and showing vigorous power while scattering the arrogant in their deliberations. Verily, God acts in the world to inaugurate justice!
prayer
Omnipotent God of fairness and truth, enable us to participate
in your establishment of righteousness. Amen.
Read Luke 1:45-55.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
From the AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ASTOUNDING!
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
"Be strong, fear not.
Your God will come
with vengeance,
even God with a recompense;
He will come and save you."ISAIAH 35:4
There is no better word for it God's love is astounding! Check out Isaiah
35: "the blind shall see, the lame shall leap, the tongues of the speechless
shall sing for joy"--that's astounding! It's like the comment an 8-year-old
made when he saw the Grand Canyon for the first time: "Wow, something
big must have happened here!"
Isaiah's words are comforting and hopeful for each of us. In a world
where there is so little hope. where there is so much pain. so many
disappointments. this prophecy of God's action in the world is ... well
simply astounding!
It is the Lord who brings us joy that last s a lifetime and beyond. We have
already obtained "Joy and gladness" as "sorrow and sighing shall flee
away." And now e each get a chance to bring this astounding news to
others. That's what Advent is all about. This Advent, why not have this as
your mission: Give fewer gifts but more presence. Like Isaiah, bring your
presence to others by simply doing this: "Say to those who are of a fearful
heart, 'Be strong, do not fear!"
To whom will you proclaim astounding message today?
Lord. you astound us every day--first, by loving us completely and then by
blessing us through our Good Fridays and our Easters -- through our AH-
HAs and our UH-OHs. Fill us with your AH-HAs as we seek to bring hope to
the UH-OHs in our lives . In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 35:1-10
Isaiah 35
The Future Glory of Zion
1 (Isa 51:3; 55:12-13) The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad,
and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 (Isa 60:13; 25:9) it shall blossom abundantly
and rejoice even with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord
and the excellency of our God.
3 (Heb 12:12; Job 4:3-4) Strengthen the weak hands,
and support the feeble knees.
4 Isa 34:8; 28:16 Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
"Be strong, fear not.
Your God will come
with vengeance,
even God with a recompense;
He will come and save you."
5 (Isa 29:18; 32:3-4) Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 (Lk 11:14; Jn 5:8-9) Then the lame man shall leap as a deer,
and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For in the wilderness waters shall break out
and streams in the desert.
7 (Isa 13:22; 34:13) The parched ground shall become a pool,
and the thirsty land springs of water;
in the habitation of jackals where each lay,
there shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8 (Isa 52:1; 11:16) A highway shall be there, a roadway,
and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean shall not pass on it,
but it shall be for the wayfaring men,
and fools shall not wander on it.
9 (Isa 62:12) No lion shall be there,
nor any ravenous beast shall go up on it;
these shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there,
10 (Rev 21:4; Isa 25:8) and the ransomed of the Lord shall return
and come to Zion with songs
and everlasting joy upon their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him in prayer and not be choked
by the lusts of the world.
Pray to the Lord: "Remind me to cling with all my might to what's good,
Jesus. I desire to reflect Your love to others."
Pray to the Lord and pray fo0r His help to commit to knowing the word.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be by the lusts of the world.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His wisdom!
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 God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
Thank you, Jesus, that your name is the name above all other
names. Thank you, Jesus, that your name saves us. Amen.
Pray: Omnipotent God of fairness and truth, enable us to participate
in your establishment of righteousness. Amen.
Pray: Lord. you astound us every day--first, by loving us completely
and then by blessing us through our Good Fridays and our Easters
-- through our AH-HAs and our UH-OHs. Fill us with your AH-HAs
as we seek to bring hope to the UH-OHs in our lives .
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for more leaders who can disciple the increasing number oh Christian
converts from Islam uin Uganda.
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.
Today at Calvary Community Church
Paster Barry Regier talked about Address the Mess.
Philipians 2:3
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.
[3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
A) Reject selfish ambition
B) Relinquish vain conceit (Noted Lucifer in Isaiah 14)
C) Choose Humility
1 Peter 5:5-6
5 (Jas 4:6; Eph 5:21) Likewise you younger ones, submit yourselves
to the elders. Yes, all of you be submissive one to another
and clothe yourselves with humility, because
"God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."(Pr 3:34.)
6 (Jas 4:10; Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time.
[5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you
be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth
the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may
exalt you in due time:
Philipians 2:4
4 (Ro 15:1) Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also
to the interests of others.
[4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things
of others.
D) Be attentive to pur own interests
E) Give special consideration to the interests in others
1) James 4,5 1 Timothy 1,2
James 4
Friendship With the World
1 (Ro 7:23; 1Pe 2:11) Where do wars and fights among you come from?
Do they not come from your lusts that war in your body?
2 You lust and do not have, so you kill.
You desire to have and cannot obtain. You fight and war.
Yet you do not have, because you do not ask.
3 (1Jn 5:14; 3:22) You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss,
that you may spend it on your passions.
4 (Jn 15:19; Ro 8:7) You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know
that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore
will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
5 Do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "He yearns jealously
for the spirit that lives in us"(The source of this quotation is uncertain.)?
6 (Pr 3:34; 1Pe 5:5) But He gives more grace. For this reason it says:
"God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."(Pr 3:34.)
7 (Eph 4:27; 1Pe 5:8-9) Therefore submit yourselves to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 (2Ch 15:2; Jas 1:8) Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 (Lk 6:25; Pr 14:13) Grieve and mourn and weep.
Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to dejection.
10 (Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,
and He will lift you up.
[1] From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even
of your lusts that war in your members?
[2] Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:
ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
[3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it
upon your lusts.
[4] Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the
world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world
is the enemy of God.
[5] Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth
in us lusteth to envy?
[6] But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud,
but giveth grace unto the humble.
[7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you.
[8] Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye
sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
[9] Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to
mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
[10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Judging a Brother
11 (1Pe 2:1; Jas 5:9) Do not speak evil of one another, brothers.
He who speaks evil of his brother and judges his brother speaks
evil of the law and judges the law. If you judge the law,
you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12 (Mt 10:28; Ro 14:4; Isa 33:22) There is one Lawgiver who is able
to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
[11] Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his
brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the
law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
[12] There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou
that judgest another?
Warning Against Boasting
13 (Pr 27:1; Jas 5:1) Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow
we will go into this city, spend a year there, buy and sell,
and make a profit,"
14 (Ps 102:3; 39:5) whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life? It is just a vapor that appears for a little while
and then vanishes away.
15 (Ac 18:21) Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills,
we shall live and do this or that."
16 (1Co 5:6) But now you are rejoicing in your boastings.
All such rejoicing is evil.
17 (Jn 9:41; Lk 12:47-48) Therefore, to him who knows to do good
and does not do it, it is sin.
[13] Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a
city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
[14] Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life?
It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth
away.
[15] For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this,
or that.
[16] But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
[17] Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it
is sin.
James 5
Warning to the Rich
1 (Pr 11:28; Isa 13:6) Come now, you rich men, weep and howl
for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2 (Job 13:28; Isa 50:9) Your riches are corrupted
and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 (Ro 2:5) Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be
a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have stored
up treasures for the last days.
4 (Lev 19:13; Ro 9:29) Indeed the wages that you kept back by fraud
from the laborers who harvested your fields are crying,
and the cries of those who harvested have entered
into the ears of the Lord of Hosts.
5 (Lk 16:19; 1Ti 5:6) You have lived in pleasure on the earth
and have been wayward.
You have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
6 You have condemned and killed the righteous man who does not resist you.
[1] Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come
upon you.
[2] Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
[3] Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a
witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have
heaped treasure together for the last days.
[4] Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields,
which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have
reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
[5] Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have
nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
[6] Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
Patience and Prayer
7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early
and late rain.
8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,
lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,
who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
12 But above all things, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven
or by the earth or by any other oath. But let your "Yes" be "Yes"
and your "No" be "No," that you do not fall into condemnation.
13 (Ps 50:15; Eph 5:19) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.
Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.
14 (Mk 6:13; 16:18; Ac 14:23) Is anyone sick among you? Let him call
for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him,
anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 (Isa 33:24; Jas 1:6) And the prayer of faith will save the sick,
and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed any sins,
he will be forgiven.
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
17 (1Ki 17:1; Lk 4:25) Elijah was a man subject to natural passions
as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain,
and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.
18 (1Ki 18:42-45) And he prayed again, and the sky gave rain,
and the earth brought forth its fruit.
19 (Mt 18:15; Gal 6:1) Brothers, if any one of you strays from the truth
and someone corrects him,
20 (Ro 11:14; 1Pe 4:8) let him know that he who converts the sinner
from the error of his way will save a soul from death
and will cover a multitude of sins.
7] Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long
patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
[8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord
draweth nigh.
[9] Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold,
the judge standeth before the door.
[10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
[11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful,
and of tender mercy.
[12] But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven,
neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea;
and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
[13] Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing
psalms.
[14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and
let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
[15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise
him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
[16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much.
[17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed
earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the
space of three years and six months.
[18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought
forth her fruit.
[19] Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
[20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his
way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
1 Timothy 1
Salutation
1 (Titus 1:3; Col 1:27; Lk 1:47) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by
the command of God our Savior, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
2 (2Ti 1:2; Titus 1:4; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour,
and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
[2] Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God
our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Warning Against False Doctrine
3 (Gal 1:6-7; 1Ti 6:3) As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,
continue to remain at Ephesus so that you might command some to teach
no other doctrine,
4 (1Ti 4:7; Titus 1:14) nor pay attention to fables and endless genealogies,
which cause debates rather than godly edifying, which is in faith.
5 (2Ti 1:5; 2:22) Now the goal of this command is love from a pure heart,
and from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.
6 (Titus 1:10) From this, some have lost their way and turned aside
to empty talk,
7 (1Ti 6:4) desiring to be teachers of the law, and understanding
neither what they say nor what they affirm.
8 (Ro 7:16) But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully.
9 (Gal 5:23; 3:19) And we know that the law is not given for a righteous
person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners,
for the unholy and the profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers,
for murderers,
10 (2Ti 4:3; Lev 18:22) for the sexually immoral, for sodomites, for slave
traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anything else that is contrary
to sound doctrine,
11 (Gal 2:7; 2Co 4:4) according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God,
which was committed to my trust.
[3] As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into
Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
[4] Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister
questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
[5] Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a
good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
[6] From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
[7] Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say,
nor whereof they affirm.
[8] But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
[9] Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the
lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and
profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
[10] For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for
menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other
thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
[11] According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was
committed to my trust.
Thankfulness for Mercy
12 (Php 4:13; Ac 9:15) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me,
because He counted me faithful and appointed me to the ministry.
13 (Ac 8:3; 3:17) I was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an
insolent man. But I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 (2Ti 1:13) The grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Ti 3:1; 2Ti 2:11) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
16 (1Ti 1:13; Eph 2:7) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me,
first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were
to believe in Him for eternal life.
17 (Col 1:15; Mt 6:13) Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only
wise God, be honor and glory forever. Amen.
18 (1Ti 4:14; 1:2) This command I commit to you, my son Timothy, according
to the prophecies that were previously given to you, that by them you might
fight a good fight,
19 (1Ti 1:5; 3:9) keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have
rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
20 (2Ti 2:17; Ac 13:45) Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have
delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he
counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I
obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love
which is in Christ Jesus.
[15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
[16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ
might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should
hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
[17] Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be
honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
[18] This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the
prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good
warfare;
[19] Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away
concerning faith have made shipwreck:
[20] Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan,
that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 2
Instructions Concerning Prayer
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 Saviour,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God
and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.
This was the testimony given at the proper time.
7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle
(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles
in faith and truth.
8 (Ps 134:2; Jn 4:21) Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting
up holy hands, without wrath or contentiousness.
9 In like manner also, that women clothe themselves in modest clothing, with
decency and self-control, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive
clothing,
10 but with good works, which is proper for women professing godliness.
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all obedience.
12 (1Co 14:34) I do not permit a woman to teach or to usurp authority
over a man, but to be silent.
13 (Ge 2:22; 2:7) For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 (Ge 3:6; 2Co 11:3) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being
deceived, fell into sin.
15 (1Ti 1:14) Yet she will be saved in childbearing if they continue
in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
[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.
[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man
Christ Jesus;
[6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
[7] Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth
in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
[8] I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting.
[9] In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with
shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or
costly array;
[10] But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
[11] Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
[12] But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,
but to be in silence.
[13] For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
[14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the
transgression.
[15] Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in
faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2022
Entitled "Clinging to What's Good"
Romans 12:9-13
Rules of the Christian Life
9 (1Ti 1:5; 2Co 6:6)Let love be without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil.
Cleave to what is good.
10 (Php 2:3; Heb 13:1) Be devoted to one another with brotherly love;
prefer one another in honor,
11 (Ac 18:25) do not be lazy in diligence, be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord,
12 (Heb 10:36; Ac 1:14) rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering,
persevere in prayer,
13 (2Co 9:1; 1Ti 3:2) contribute to the needs of the saints,
practice hospitality.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in
prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
When we park our car near an open field and walk across it to get to our
house, we almost always get some sticky cockleburs on our clothes-especially
in the fall. These tiny "hitchhikers" attach to clothing, shoes, or whatever
is passing by and ride to their next destination. It’s nature's way of
spreading cocklebur seeds in my local field and around the world.
As I try to carefully remove clinging cockleburs, I've often thought about the
message that admonishes believers in Jesus to "cleave to
that which is good." (Romans 12:9). When we're trying to love others, it can
be challenging. However, as the Holy Spirit helps us hold on to what's good
with all we have, we can repel evil and be "sincere" in our love as He guides
us (v. 9).
Cocklebur seeds don't fall off with a mere brush of the hand, they hang on to
you. And when we focus on what's good, keeping our mind on God's mercy,
compassion, and commands, we too-in His strength-can hang on tightly to those
we love. He helps us stay "devoted to one another in love," remembering to
place other's needs before our own (v. 10).
Yes, those cockleburs can be challenging, but they also remind me to cling to
others in love and by God's power to grip tightly "what is good" (v. 9; see
also Philippians 4:8-9).
By: Katara Patton
Reflect & Pray
How can clinging to what's good help you love a challenging friend
or family member? How is sincere love also a tenacious love?
Remind me to cling with all my might to what's good,
Jesus. I desire to reflect Your love to others.
For further study, read
What Do You Do with a Broken Relationship?
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 1 - God's Perspective
Philip 4:13
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because
of Christ who strengthens me.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Many of us live out self-fulfilling prophecies. We believe
what we tell ourselves - or what we have been told by others:
"You're stupid", "You're ugly", "You'll never amount to anything,"
"You can't do anything right."
We programme ourselves for spiritual failure as well.
"I just can't memorise Scripture," we say. "It comes and goes,
and I can't seem to get it to stay." Yet daily we memorise
volumes of information that is less significant than the
Scriptures - telephone numbers, identification codes,
songs lyrics, advertising jingles.
The answer to the dilemma of negativism is not positive
thinking, but right thinking - biblical thinking, according
to what the Bible reveals of God's perspective. God says,
"You are worthwhile. You are valued. You are loved. I created you
just as you are, and whatever I call you to do,
I will give you the strength to do it.
The context of Phillipians 4:13 shows that Paul had learned
this important secret of spiritual strength. Paul had known
poverty and plenty, trouble and victory. But he also knew
he did not have to let circumstances determine his response to God's will.
We need not be controlled by the negative messages life throws in our paths
- even those self-defeating pronouncements we make to ourselves.
Rather, we can respond according to God's perspective, with the
conviction that God has given us strength we need to meet the
challenges we face.
Application
a) What challenges do I face that make me realise my own insufficiencies?
IS memorising Scripture one of those challenges for me?
b) How does today's memory verse help me face those challenges?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:19
19 But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,
and it proves unfruitful.
19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,
and it becometh unfruitful.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
James 1:2 to 8
Faith and Wisdom
2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.
4 But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men
liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect
and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth
is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
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
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Advent Day 15
From C.S.Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Third Sunday of Advent
"Dear Hida (is that right?) Newman,
Thank you so much for your lovely letter and pictures As to
Asian's other name, well I want you to guess. Has there never
been anyone in this world who (1.) arrived at the same time as
Father Christmas. (2.) Said he was the son of the Great Emperor.
(3.) Gave himself up for someone else's fault to be jeered at
and killed by wicked people. (4.) Came to life again. (5.)
Is sometimes spoken of as a Lamb....Don't you really know His
name in this world? Think it over and let me know your answer."
- C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Hilo Newman," June 3, 1953,
Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, p. 334.)
Christ's Other Name
C. S. Lewis loved children. Every letter he ever received from a child, he answered. In a collection of them, Letters to Children, Lewis responded to a question about the identity of Aslan, the Christ-figure t of Narnia. Eleven-year-old Hila Newman had sent Lewis some drawings of the characters in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, along with some questions. Apparently she could not identify Aslan with any biblical character.
Lewis wrote back with not-too-subtle hints about a character
on our world who "arrived at the same time as Father Christmas." The hints that followed reveal how clearly Asian represented the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. 5:5) whom we know as Jesus, who had given himself up to be killed by wicked people and come to life again, and was sometimes called a Lamb. Lewis didn't give her the answer, because he wanted her to discover the truth for herself.
Instead of saying that Jesus is Asian's other name, we could say
that Aslan is Jesus' other name-at least in Narnia.
Thank you, Jesus, that your name is the name above all other
names. Thank you, Jesus, that your name saves us. Amen.
There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Upside Down
He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
-Luke 1:52
This verse near the end of Mary's reflection seems like an appropriate
theme verse for her whole song. God likes to
reverse our expectations!
We have seen this happen many times in history. Those of us who are older remember well the downfall of the Marcos
regime in the Philippines, and probably the photograph of the
lone protester in front of a tank stands out in our minds.
We might recall various pictures of the Berlin Wall's fall
and the breakdown of Communism in Europe.
Younger readers might be more familiar with the Arab Spring and the bright hopes it aroused (though the revolutions might not be successfully maintained later). When tyrants are crushed, the people rejoice.
So Mary sings of God's work to bring down the powerful while elevating the abject; feeding the hungry while dismissing
with nothing the affluent; and showing vigorous power while scattering the arrogant in their deliberations. Verily, God acts in the world to inaugurate justice!
prayer
Omnipotent God of fairness and truth, enable us to participate
in your establishment of righteousness. Amen.
Read Luke 1:45-55.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
From the AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ASTOUNDING!
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
"Be strong, fear not.
Your God will come
with vengeance,
even God with a recompense;
He will come and save you."ISAIAH 35:4
There is no better word for it God's love is astounding! Check out Isaiah
35: "the blind shall see, the lame shall leap, the tongues of the speechless
shall sing for joy"--that's astounding! It's like the comment an 8-year-old
made when he saw the Grand Canyon for the first time: "Wow, something
big must have happened here!"
Isaiah's words are comforting and hopeful for each of us. In a world
where there is so little hope. where there is so much pain. so many
disappointments. this prophecy of God's action in the world is ... well
simply astounding!
It is the Lord who brings us joy that last s a lifetime and beyond. We have
already obtained "Joy and gladness" as "sorrow and sighing shall flee
away." And now e each get a chance to bring this astounding news to
others. That's what Advent is all about. This Advent, why not have this as
your mission: Give fewer gifts but more presence. Like Isaiah, bring your
presence to others by simply doing this: "Say to those who are of a fearful
heart, 'Be strong, do not fear!"
To whom will you proclaim astounding message today?
Lord. you astound us every day--first, by loving us completely and then by
blessing us through our Good Fridays and our Easters -- through our AH-
HAs and our UH-OHs. Fill us with your AH-HAs as we seek to bring hope to
the UH-OHs in our lives . In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 35:1-10
Isaiah 35
The Future Glory of Zion
1 (Isa 51:3; 55:12-13) The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad,
and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 (Isa 60:13; 25:9) it shall blossom abundantly
and rejoice even with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord
and the excellency of our God.
3 (Heb 12:12; Job 4:3-4) Strengthen the weak hands,
and support the feeble knees.
4 Isa 34:8; 28:16 Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
"Be strong, fear not.
Your God will come
with vengeance,
even God with a recompense;
He will come and save you."
5 (Isa 29:18; 32:3-4) Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 (Lk 11:14; Jn 5:8-9) Then the lame man shall leap as a deer,
and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For in the wilderness waters shall break out
and streams in the desert.
7 (Isa 13:22; 34:13) The parched ground shall become a pool,
and the thirsty land springs of water;
in the habitation of jackals where each lay,
there shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8 (Isa 52:1; 11:16) A highway shall be there, a roadway,
and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean shall not pass on it,
but it shall be for the wayfaring men,
and fools shall not wander on it.
9 (Isa 62:12) No lion shall be there,
nor any ravenous beast shall go up on it;
these shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there,
10 (Rev 21:4; Isa 25:8) and the ransomed of the Lord shall return
and come to Zion with songs
and everlasting joy upon their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him in prayer and not be choked
by the lusts of the world.
Pray to the Lord: "Remind me to cling with all my might to what's good,
Jesus. I desire to reflect Your love to others."
Pray to the Lord and pray fo0r His help to commit to knowing the word.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be by the lusts of the world.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His wisdom!
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 God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
Thank you, Jesus, that your name is the name above all other
names. Thank you, Jesus, that your name saves us. Amen.
Pray: Omnipotent God of fairness and truth, enable us to participate
in your establishment of righteousness. Amen.
Pray: Lord. you astound us every day--first, by loving us completely
and then by blessing us through our Good Fridays and our Easters
-- through our AH-HAs and our UH-OHs. Fill us with your AH-HAs
as we seek to bring hope to the UH-OHs in our lives .
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for more leaders who can disciple the increasing number oh Christian
converts from Islam uin Uganda.
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.