Day 349 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 19th Day of Advent - 15 December 2022 reflections
Day 349, 15 December 2022
1) Hebrews 1 - 4
Hebrews 1
God Has Spoken by His Son
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways spoke
long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom
He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express image
of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had
by Himself purged our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty
on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels as He has inherited
a more excellent name than they.
[1] God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto
the fathers by the prophets,
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath
appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
[3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his
person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by
himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
[4] Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance
obtained a more excellent name than they.
The Son Superior to Angels
5 (2Sa 7:14; Ps 2:7) For to which of the angels did He at any time say:
"You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father"(-6 Pr 3:11-12.)?
Or again,
"I will be a Father to Him,
and He shall be a Son to Me"(-7 Ps 40:18.)?
6 (Ps 97:7; Dt 32:43) And again, when He brings the firstborn
into the world, He says:
"Let all the angels of God worship Him."(Ps 110:4.)
7 (Ps 104:4) Of the angels He says:
"He makes His angels spirits,
and His servants a flame of fire."(-11 Ps 95:7-11.)
8 (Ps 45:6-7; Isa 7:14) But to the Son He says:
"Your throne, O God, lasts forever and ever;
a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.(Ps 45:6.)
9 (Isa 61:1; 61:3) You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."(Ps 45:7; Isa 61:1, 3.)
10 (Ps 102:25-27) And,
"You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the works of Your hands.
11 (Isa 34:4; 51:6) They will perish, but You remain;
and they all will wear out like a garment;
12 (Heb 13:8) as a cloak You will fold them up,
and they will be changed.
But You are the same,
and Your years will not end."
13 (Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44) But to which of the angels did He at any time say:
"Sit at My right hand,
until I make Your enemies
Your footstool"(Ps 110:1.)?
14 (Ps 34:7; Mt 18:10) Are they not all ministering spirits sent out
to minister to those who will inherit salvation?
[5] For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this
day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall
be to me a Son?
[6] And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he
saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
[7] And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his
ministers a flame of fire.
[8] But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a
sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
[9] Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even
thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
[10] And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the
earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
[11] They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as
doth a garment;
[12] And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed:
but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
[13] But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand,
until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
[14] Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them
who shall be heirs of salvation?
Hebrews 2
The Great Salvation
1 (Pr 3:21) Therefore we should be more attentive to what we have heard,
lest we drift away.
2 (Ac 7:53; Heb 10:28; 10:35) For if the word spoken by angels was true,
and every sin and disobedience received a just recompense,
3 (Lk 1:2; Heb 1:2) how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation,
which was first declared by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who
heard Him?
4 (Eph 1:5) God also bore them witness with signs and wonders and diverse
miracles and with gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His own
will.
[1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we
have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression
and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that
heard him;
[4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
The Pioneer of Salvation
5 (Heb 6:5) For it was not to the angels that He has subjected
the world to come, of which we are speaking.
6 (Heb 4:4) But someone in a certain place testified, saying:
"What is man that You are mindful of him,
or the son of man that You care for him?
7 You made him a little lower than the angels;
You crowned him with glory and honor,
and set him over the works of Your hands.
8 (1Co 15:27) You have put all things in subjection under his feet."
For in subjecting all things under him, He left nothing that is not
subjected to him. Yet now we do not see all things subject to him.
9 (Jn 3:16; Ac 2:33) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than
the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He,
by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.
10 (Lk 24:26; Ro 11:36; Lk 24:46) For it was fitting for Him, for whom
and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make
the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
11 (Heb 10:10; Mt 25:40) For both He who sanctifies and those who are
sanctified are all of One. For this reason He is not ashamed to call
them brothers,
12 (Ps 22:22) saying:
"I will declare Your name to My brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to You."(Ps 22:22.)
13 (Ps 18:2; Isa 8:17-18) And again:
"I will put My trust in Him." (Isa 12:2.)
And again:
"Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."(Isa 8:18.)
14 (Jn 1:14; 2Ti 1:10; Ge 3:15) So then, as the children share in flesh
and blood, He likewise took part in these, so that through death He might
destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) and deliver those who through fear of death were
throughout their lives subject to bondage.
16 For surely He does not help the angels, but He helps the seed of Abraham.
17 (Da 9:24; Heb 2:14) Therefore, in all things it was necessary for Him
to be made like His brothers, so that He might be a merciful
and faithful High Priest in the things pertaining to God,
to make atonement for the sins of the people.
18 For since He Himself suffered while being tempted, He is able to help
those who are being tempted.
[5] For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come,
whereof we speak.
[6] But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art
mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
[7] Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with
glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
[8] Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he
put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.
But now we see not yet all things put under him.
[9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of
God should taste death for every man.
[10] For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,
in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation
perfect through sufferings.
[11] For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of
one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
[12] Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the
church will I sing praise unto thee.
[13] And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the
children which God hath given me.
[14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
[15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime
subject to bondage.
[16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him
the seed of Abraham.
[17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his
brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
[18] For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to
succour them that are tempted.
Hebrews 3
Jesus Superior to Moses
1 (Php 3:14; 2Ti 1:9) Therefore, holy brothers, partakers in a heavenly
calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Jesus Christ,
2 (Nu 12:7) who was faithful to Him who appointed Him,
as Moses was faithful in all His house.
3 For the One was counted worthy of more glory than Moses,
in that He who builds the house has more honor than the house itself.
4 For every house is built by someone, but the One who builds all things
is God.
5 (Nu 12:7; Ex 14:31; Heb 3:2) Moses was faithful in all God's house
as a servant, testifying about those things that were to be spoken later.
6 (1Co 3:16; Heb 1:2) But Christ is faithful over God's house as a Son,
whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing
of our hope firm to the end.
[1] Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider
the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
[2] Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful
in all his house.
[3] For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he
who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
[4] For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is
God.
[5] And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a
testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
[6] But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold
fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
A Rest for God's People
7 (Heb 3:15; 4:7) Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you hear His voice,
8 do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion,
on the day of temptation in the wilderness,
9 (Ac 7:36) where your fathers tested Me and tried Me
and saw My works for forty years.
10 (Ps 95:10) Therefore I was angry with that generation,
and said, 'They always go astray in their heart,
and they have not known My ways.'
11 (Heb 4:3; 4:5) So I swore in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "
12 (Heb 12:25) Be attentive, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil,
unbelieving heart, and you depart from the living God.
13 (Eph 4:22; Heb 10:24-25) But exhort one another daily, while it is called
"Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 (Heb 3:6) For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning
of our confidence firmly to the end,
15 (Heb 3:7-8) while it is said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion."(Ps 95:7-8.)
16 (Nu 14:2; 14:30) For who were they who heard and rebelled? Was it not
all of those who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?
17 (Nu 14:29; Jude 1:5) And with whom was He grieved for forty years?
Was it not with those who had sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?
18 (Dt 1:34-35) And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest,
but to those who disobeyed?
19 (Jn 3:36; 3:18) So we see that they could not enter because of unbelief.
[7] Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
[8] Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation
in the wilderness:
[9] When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
[10] Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway
err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
[11] So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
[12] Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God.
[13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of
you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
[14] For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confidence stedfast unto the end;
[15] While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts, as in the provocation.
[16] For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came
out of Egypt by Moses.
[17] But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had
sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
[18] And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to
them that believed not?
[19] So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews 4
1 (Heb 12:15) Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest remains,
let us fear lest any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 (1Th 2:13) For the gospel was preached to us as well as to them.
But the word preached did not benefit them, because it was not mixed
with faith in those who heard it.
3 (Ps 95:11; Heb 3:11) For we who have believed have entered this rest,
as He has said,
"As I have sworn in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "(Ps 95:11.)
However, His works have been finished since the creation of the world.
4 (Ex 20:11; 31:17) For He spoke somewhere about the seventh day like this:
"And God rested on the seventh day from all His works."(Ge 2:2.)
5 (Heb 3:11; 4:3) And again in the present passage He said,
"They shall not enter My rest."(Ps 95:11.)
6 (Heb 3:18-19) Since therefore it remains for some to enter it,
and they to whom it was first preached did not enter due to unbelief,
7 (Ps 95:7; Heb 3:7-8) again He establishes a certain day,
"Today," saying through David, after so long a time, as it has been said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts."(Ps 95:7-8.)
8 (Jos 22:4) For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have later
spoken of another day.
9 Therefore a rest remains for the people of God.
10 (Rev 14:13) For whoever enters His rest will also cease from his own works,
as God did from His.
11 (Heb 3:12) Let us labor therefore to enter that rest, lest anyone fall
by the same pattern of unbelief.
12 (Eph 6:17; Isa 49:2; Jer 23:29) For the word of God is alive, and active,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul
and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
13 (Ps 33:13-15; Job 26:6) There is no creature that is not revealed
in His sight, for all things are bare and exposed to the eyes of Him
to whom we must give account.
[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into
his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word
preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard
it.
[3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have
sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were
finished from the foundation of the world.
[4] For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God
did rest the seventh day from all his works.
[5] And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
[6] Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to
whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
[7] Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long
a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts.
[8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have
spoken of another day.
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own
works, as God did from his.
[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall
after the same example of unbelief.
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
[13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but
all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to
do.
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 (Heb 6:20; 1:2-3) Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed
into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to our confession.
15 (2Co 5:21; Jn 8:46) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise
with our weaknesses, but One who was in every sense tempted like we are,
yet without sin.
16 (Eph 3:12; Php 4:6-7) Let us then come with confidence
to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
[14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
[15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin.
[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 December 2022
Entitled "Friends for Life"
1 Samuel 20:26-34
26 (Lev 15:5; 11:24) Nevertheless Saul did not say anything that day.
For he thought, "Something has happened. He is not clean;
surely he is not clean."
27 It happened on the following day, which was the second day of the month,
that David's place remained empty. So Saul said to Jonathan his son,
"Why has the son of Jesse not come to eat food either yesterday or today?"
28 (1Sa 20:6) And Jonathan answered Saul, "David earnestly asked leave
from me to go to Bethlehem.
29 And he said, 'Please let me go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city
and my brother has commanded me to come. Now, if I have found favor
in your sight, please let me leave and see my brothers.'
This is why he has not come to the king's table."
30 (Pr 21:24) Then Saul was angry with Jonathan and he said to him,
"You son of a perverse rebellious woman, do I not know that you are
choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame
of your mother's nakedness?
31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you
nor your kingdom will be established. Now, send and bring him to me,
for he is a dead man."
32 (1Sa 19:5; Mt 27:23) Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him,
"Why should he be killed? What has he done?"
33 (1Sa 18:11; 20:7) So Saul cast a spear at him to strike him.
Therefore Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.
34 And Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger and did not eat food
on the second day of the month. For he was grieved for David,
because his father had dishonored him.
[26] Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought,
Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.
[27] And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the
month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son,
Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to
day?
[28] And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to
Bethlehem:
[29] And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in
the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I
have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my
brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.
[30] Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him,
Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast
chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of
thy mother's nakedness?
[31] For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not
be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me,
for he shall surely die.
[32] And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore
shall he be slain? what hath he done?
[33] And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that
it was determined of his father to slay David.
[34] So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat
the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his
father had done him shame.
William Cowper (1731-1800), the English poet, found a friend in his pastor,
John Newton (1725-1807), the former slave trader. Cowper suffered from
depression and anxiety, attempting to die by suicide more than once. When
Newton visited him, they'd go on long walks together and talk about God.
Thinking that Cowper would benefit from engaging creatively and having a
reason to write his poetry, the minister had the idea to compile a hymnal.
Cowper contributed many songs, including "God Moves in a Mysterious Way."
When Newton moved to another church, he and Cowper remained strong friends
and corresponded regularly for the rest of Cowper's life.
I see parallels between the strong friendship of Cowper and Newton with that
of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. After David defeated Goliath,
"Jonathan became one in spirit with David," loving him as himself (1 Samuel
18:1). Although Jonathan was the son of King Saul, he defended David against
the king's jealousy and anger, asking his father why David should be put to
death. In response, "Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him" (20:33).
Jonathan dodged the weapon and was grieved at this shameful
treatment of his friend (v. 34).
For both sets of friends, their bond was life-giving as they spurred
each other on to serve and love God. How might you similarly encourage
a friend today?
By: Amy Boucher Pye
Reflect & Pray
What role does friendship play in your sense of well-being?
How could you show God's love to someone and build them up?
Jesus, help me to enjoy Your friendship and fellowship.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 5 - Learning by Heart
Ps 119:9,11
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) How shall a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
That I might not sin against thee.
"His heart is not just in it," a gifted musician commented about the
pianist onstage. "He's here at the Orchestra Hall, playing for
thousands of people, an his technique is flawless, but something
is missing - his heart is just not in it."
The psalmist , in Psalm 119, draws a similar parallel. We "Keep our
way pure" through obedience of his Word, by ordering our lives according
to the commands of the Scriptures. But outward behaviour is not the only
essential factor in purity of life. The changes in our behaviour need to
come from the heart, from the inside out. Our "technique" for living
the Christian life may be flawless, but our obediance is founded
in heart motivation, something is certainly missing.
"I seek you with all my heart," the psalmist declares in verse 10.
Thus he can say in verse 11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You."
Often we refer to memorisation as "learning by heart" - and indeed
"by heart" is the biblical mandate for assimilating God's truth
into our daily lives. "By rote" or "By Mind" leaves us
intellectually overstuffed, yet spiritually starving.
When we try to apply the Word outwardly to our behaviour,
we end up in a tangle of legalism, a log "do list" by which
we hope to please God. But when we set our hearts toward God first,
then changes in our behaviour grow out of love for God and a deep
desire to serve him. Then we are truly loving and obeying God with
our whole hearts.
Application
a) In what ways have I tried to apply God's word to my behaviour
without having the truth firmly in my heart? What was the result?
b) How can I set my heart toward God and give myself more fully
to his Word?
c) What areas of my life need "purifying"? How can these verses
help me to "make my way pure"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Malachi 3:10-12
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in
My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not
open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing,
that there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 I will rebuke the devourer
for your sakes, so that it will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
and the vines in your field will not fail to bear fruit,
says the Lord of Hosts.
12 Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be
a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in
mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not
open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall
not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy
the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit
before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be
a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
Matt 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
Lk 12:33-34
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth
and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20 But store up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy
and where thieves do not break in nor steal,
21 for where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth
nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
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
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, 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.
)
Advent Day 19
From C.S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
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.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons
and daughters. Amen.
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,
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, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
His name is John.
He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
-Luke 1:63a
All the friends and relatives wanted to name the child Zechariah
after his father. However, Elizabeth and Zechariah were adamant
that he was to be called John. The people were amazed-this was not
a family name, they cried. But it was the name the angel Gabriel
had given to Zechariah in the Temple, so it was God's
ordinance that he should be so designated.
If the people were astounded by the couple's unusual unanimity
about this unique name, they were even more surprised on this
circumcision day by the opening of Zechariah's mouth.
He spoke clearly-his tongue was free! and, most important,
he acclaimed God!
Zechariah had had more than nine months to contemplate things.
He was overwhelmed with Joy that he and Elizabeth had borne
a child in their old age, and he was awed that even before
birth John had been filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, Zechariah
burst out with praise at God's working.
Prayer
Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Amen.
Read Luke 1:59-64.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.
And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.
60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.”
61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives
who is called by this name."
62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.
63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
And they all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,
and he spoke and praised God.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ABSOLUTES!
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according
to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you, 1 PETER 1:3-4
Joy to the World is a hymn that should be sung all year long!
We boldly proclaim that there is joy in this world because the Lord HAS
come! Have you ever sung a stanza that goes. "Joy to the world, the Lord
might come," or "the Lord is thinking of coming." or "shape up and he will
come"? Me neither!
Absolutes is a big AH-HA of Advent. It affirms that Advent is not a time
to pretend that the Lord is coming, but that he has indeed come to
us already! And with this absolute truth of the Gospel we also receive
absolution of our sins--again because (he Lord has come to live, suffer,
die and rise for us! We are forgiven . . . absolutely!
Think of other absolutes in your life. l think of love for family although
mess that up at times; and of life being a gift from God,. although
sometimes do not live like it is; and, of course, it is an absolute that
the Chicago Cubs will never win another World Series
but that's another story!
1 Peter 1 affirms in us that the absolute of Advent is that the Lord has given us
"a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"!
So enjoy the day, absolutely, in the Lord. Sit back. relax. enjoy--there is
nothing left for us to do. Soren Kierkegaard once said, "Laughter is a type
of prayer." Perhaps he meant that laughter, like prayer, allows us to give up
our need to control or manage. Just receive the Christ of Christmas!
Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read 1 Peter 1:3-9
3 (1Co 15:20; 2Co 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living
hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 4:8) to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you,
5 (Eph 2:8) who are protected by the power of God through faith for
a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 (Jas 1:2; Isa 61:3; Ro 5:2) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now,
if for a little while, you have had to suffer various trials,
7 (Job 23:10; Pr 17:3; Isa 48:10) in order that the genuineness of your faith,
which is more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried by fire,
may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation
of Jesus Christ,
8 (Jn 20:29; Heb 11:27) whom, having not seen, you love; and in whom,
though you do not see Him now, you believe and you rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory,
9 (Ro 6:22) receiving as the result of your faith the salvation of your souls.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for being the Supreme Spiritual Leader.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, You rule this world
and all that lies beyond. I trust Your powerful love."
Pray to the Lord and pray to hide His Word in your Heart.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour Him with your first fruits.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become
your sons and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Pray: Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that the Gospel will continue to spread among the Afar people
of Djibuoti.
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) Hebrews 1 - 4
Hebrews 1
God Has Spoken by His Son
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways spoke
long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom
He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express image
of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had
by Himself purged our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty
on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels as He has inherited
a more excellent name than they.
[1] God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto
the fathers by the prophets,
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath
appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
[3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his
person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by
himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
[4] Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance
obtained a more excellent name than they.
The Son Superior to Angels
5 (2Sa 7:14; Ps 2:7) For to which of the angels did He at any time say:
"You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father"(-6 Pr 3:11-12.)?
Or again,
"I will be a Father to Him,
and He shall be a Son to Me"(-7 Ps 40:18.)?
6 (Ps 97:7; Dt 32:43) And again, when He brings the firstborn
into the world, He says:
"Let all the angels of God worship Him."(Ps 110:4.)
7 (Ps 104:4) Of the angels He says:
"He makes His angels spirits,
and His servants a flame of fire."(-11 Ps 95:7-11.)
8 (Ps 45:6-7; Isa 7:14) But to the Son He says:
"Your throne, O God, lasts forever and ever;
a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.(Ps 45:6.)
9 (Isa 61:1; 61:3) You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."(Ps 45:7; Isa 61:1, 3.)
10 (Ps 102:25-27) And,
"You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the works of Your hands.
11 (Isa 34:4; 51:6) They will perish, but You remain;
and they all will wear out like a garment;
12 (Heb 13:8) as a cloak You will fold them up,
and they will be changed.
But You are the same,
and Your years will not end."
13 (Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44) But to which of the angels did He at any time say:
"Sit at My right hand,
until I make Your enemies
Your footstool"(Ps 110:1.)?
14 (Ps 34:7; Mt 18:10) Are they not all ministering spirits sent out
to minister to those who will inherit salvation?
[5] For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this
day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall
be to me a Son?
[6] And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he
saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
[7] And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his
ministers a flame of fire.
[8] But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a
sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
[9] Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even
thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
[10] And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the
earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
[11] They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as
doth a garment;
[12] And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed:
but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
[13] But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand,
until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
[14] Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them
who shall be heirs of salvation?
Hebrews 2
The Great Salvation
1 (Pr 3:21) Therefore we should be more attentive to what we have heard,
lest we drift away.
2 (Ac 7:53; Heb 10:28; 10:35) For if the word spoken by angels was true,
and every sin and disobedience received a just recompense,
3 (Lk 1:2; Heb 1:2) how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation,
which was first declared by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who
heard Him?
4 (Eph 1:5) God also bore them witness with signs and wonders and diverse
miracles and with gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His own
will.
[1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we
have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression
and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that
heard him;
[4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
The Pioneer of Salvation
5 (Heb 6:5) For it was not to the angels that He has subjected
the world to come, of which we are speaking.
6 (Heb 4:4) But someone in a certain place testified, saying:
"What is man that You are mindful of him,
or the son of man that You care for him?
7 You made him a little lower than the angels;
You crowned him with glory and honor,
and set him over the works of Your hands.
8 (1Co 15:27) You have put all things in subjection under his feet."
For in subjecting all things under him, He left nothing that is not
subjected to him. Yet now we do not see all things subject to him.
9 (Jn 3:16; Ac 2:33) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than
the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He,
by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.
10 (Lk 24:26; Ro 11:36; Lk 24:46) For it was fitting for Him, for whom
and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make
the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
11 (Heb 10:10; Mt 25:40) For both He who sanctifies and those who are
sanctified are all of One. For this reason He is not ashamed to call
them brothers,
12 (Ps 22:22) saying:
"I will declare Your name to My brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to You."(Ps 22:22.)
13 (Ps 18:2; Isa 8:17-18) And again:
"I will put My trust in Him." (Isa 12:2.)
And again:
"Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."(Isa 8:18.)
14 (Jn 1:14; 2Ti 1:10; Ge 3:15) So then, as the children share in flesh
and blood, He likewise took part in these, so that through death He might
destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) and deliver those who through fear of death were
throughout their lives subject to bondage.
16 For surely He does not help the angels, but He helps the seed of Abraham.
17 (Da 9:24; Heb 2:14) Therefore, in all things it was necessary for Him
to be made like His brothers, so that He might be a merciful
and faithful High Priest in the things pertaining to God,
to make atonement for the sins of the people.
18 For since He Himself suffered while being tempted, He is able to help
those who are being tempted.
[5] For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come,
whereof we speak.
[6] But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art
mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
[7] Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with
glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
[8] Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he
put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.
But now we see not yet all things put under him.
[9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of
God should taste death for every man.
[10] For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,
in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation
perfect through sufferings.
[11] For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of
one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
[12] Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the
church will I sing praise unto thee.
[13] And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the
children which God hath given me.
[14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
[15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime
subject to bondage.
[16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him
the seed of Abraham.
[17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his
brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
[18] For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to
succour them that are tempted.
Hebrews 3
Jesus Superior to Moses
1 (Php 3:14; 2Ti 1:9) Therefore, holy brothers, partakers in a heavenly
calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Jesus Christ,
2 (Nu 12:7) who was faithful to Him who appointed Him,
as Moses was faithful in all His house.
3 For the One was counted worthy of more glory than Moses,
in that He who builds the house has more honor than the house itself.
4 For every house is built by someone, but the One who builds all things
is God.
5 (Nu 12:7; Ex 14:31; Heb 3:2) Moses was faithful in all God's house
as a servant, testifying about those things that were to be spoken later.
6 (1Co 3:16; Heb 1:2) But Christ is faithful over God's house as a Son,
whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing
of our hope firm to the end.
[1] Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider
the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
[2] Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful
in all his house.
[3] For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he
who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
[4] For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is
God.
[5] And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a
testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
[6] But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold
fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
A Rest for God's People
7 (Heb 3:15; 4:7) Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you hear His voice,
8 do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion,
on the day of temptation in the wilderness,
9 (Ac 7:36) where your fathers tested Me and tried Me
and saw My works for forty years.
10 (Ps 95:10) Therefore I was angry with that generation,
and said, 'They always go astray in their heart,
and they have not known My ways.'
11 (Heb 4:3; 4:5) So I swore in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "
12 (Heb 12:25) Be attentive, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil,
unbelieving heart, and you depart from the living God.
13 (Eph 4:22; Heb 10:24-25) But exhort one another daily, while it is called
"Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 (Heb 3:6) For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning
of our confidence firmly to the end,
15 (Heb 3:7-8) while it is said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion."(Ps 95:7-8.)
16 (Nu 14:2; 14:30) For who were they who heard and rebelled? Was it not
all of those who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?
17 (Nu 14:29; Jude 1:5) And with whom was He grieved for forty years?
Was it not with those who had sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?
18 (Dt 1:34-35) And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest,
but to those who disobeyed?
19 (Jn 3:36; 3:18) So we see that they could not enter because of unbelief.
[7] Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
[8] Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation
in the wilderness:
[9] When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
[10] Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway
err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
[11] So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
[12] Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God.
[13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of
you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
[14] For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confidence stedfast unto the end;
[15] While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts, as in the provocation.
[16] For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came
out of Egypt by Moses.
[17] But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had
sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
[18] And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to
them that believed not?
[19] So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews 4
1 (Heb 12:15) Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest remains,
let us fear lest any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 (1Th 2:13) For the gospel was preached to us as well as to them.
But the word preached did not benefit them, because it was not mixed
with faith in those who heard it.
3 (Ps 95:11; Heb 3:11) For we who have believed have entered this rest,
as He has said,
"As I have sworn in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "(Ps 95:11.)
However, His works have been finished since the creation of the world.
4 (Ex 20:11; 31:17) For He spoke somewhere about the seventh day like this:
"And God rested on the seventh day from all His works."(Ge 2:2.)
5 (Heb 3:11; 4:3) And again in the present passage He said,
"They shall not enter My rest."(Ps 95:11.)
6 (Heb 3:18-19) Since therefore it remains for some to enter it,
and they to whom it was first preached did not enter due to unbelief,
7 (Ps 95:7; Heb 3:7-8) again He establishes a certain day,
"Today," saying through David, after so long a time, as it has been said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts."(Ps 95:7-8.)
8 (Jos 22:4) For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have later
spoken of another day.
9 Therefore a rest remains for the people of God.
10 (Rev 14:13) For whoever enters His rest will also cease from his own works,
as God did from His.
11 (Heb 3:12) Let us labor therefore to enter that rest, lest anyone fall
by the same pattern of unbelief.
12 (Eph 6:17; Isa 49:2; Jer 23:29) For the word of God is alive, and active,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul
and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
13 (Ps 33:13-15; Job 26:6) There is no creature that is not revealed
in His sight, for all things are bare and exposed to the eyes of Him
to whom we must give account.
[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into
his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word
preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard
it.
[3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have
sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were
finished from the foundation of the world.
[4] For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God
did rest the seventh day from all his works.
[5] And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
[6] Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to
whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
[7] Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long
a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts.
[8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have
spoken of another day.
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own
works, as God did from his.
[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall
after the same example of unbelief.
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
[13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but
all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to
do.
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 (Heb 6:20; 1:2-3) Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed
into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to our confession.
15 (2Co 5:21; Jn 8:46) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise
with our weaknesses, but One who was in every sense tempted like we are,
yet without sin.
16 (Eph 3:12; Php 4:6-7) Let us then come with confidence
to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
[14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
[15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin.
[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 December 2022
Entitled "Friends for Life"
1 Samuel 20:26-34
26 (Lev 15:5; 11:24) Nevertheless Saul did not say anything that day.
For he thought, "Something has happened. He is not clean;
surely he is not clean."
27 It happened on the following day, which was the second day of the month,
that David's place remained empty. So Saul said to Jonathan his son,
"Why has the son of Jesse not come to eat food either yesterday or today?"
28 (1Sa 20:6) And Jonathan answered Saul, "David earnestly asked leave
from me to go to Bethlehem.
29 And he said, 'Please let me go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city
and my brother has commanded me to come. Now, if I have found favor
in your sight, please let me leave and see my brothers.'
This is why he has not come to the king's table."
30 (Pr 21:24) Then Saul was angry with Jonathan and he said to him,
"You son of a perverse rebellious woman, do I not know that you are
choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame
of your mother's nakedness?
31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you
nor your kingdom will be established. Now, send and bring him to me,
for he is a dead man."
32 (1Sa 19:5; Mt 27:23) Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him,
"Why should he be killed? What has he done?"
33 (1Sa 18:11; 20:7) So Saul cast a spear at him to strike him.
Therefore Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David.
34 And Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger and did not eat food
on the second day of the month. For he was grieved for David,
because his father had dishonored him.
[26] Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that day: for he thought,
Something hath befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not clean.
[27] And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the
month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son,
Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to
day?
[28] And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to
Bethlehem:
[29] And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in
the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I
have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my
brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.
[30] Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him,
Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast
chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of
thy mother's nakedness?
[31] For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not
be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me,
for he shall surely die.
[32] And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore
shall he be slain? what hath he done?
[33] And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that
it was determined of his father to slay David.
[34] So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat
the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his
father had done him shame.
William Cowper (1731-1800), the English poet, found a friend in his pastor,
John Newton (1725-1807), the former slave trader. Cowper suffered from
depression and anxiety, attempting to die by suicide more than once. When
Newton visited him, they'd go on long walks together and talk about God.
Thinking that Cowper would benefit from engaging creatively and having a
reason to write his poetry, the minister had the idea to compile a hymnal.
Cowper contributed many songs, including "God Moves in a Mysterious Way."
When Newton moved to another church, he and Cowper remained strong friends
and corresponded regularly for the rest of Cowper's life.
I see parallels between the strong friendship of Cowper and Newton with that
of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. After David defeated Goliath,
"Jonathan became one in spirit with David," loving him as himself (1 Samuel
18:1). Although Jonathan was the son of King Saul, he defended David against
the king's jealousy and anger, asking his father why David should be put to
death. In response, "Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him" (20:33).
Jonathan dodged the weapon and was grieved at this shameful
treatment of his friend (v. 34).
For both sets of friends, their bond was life-giving as they spurred
each other on to serve and love God. How might you similarly encourage
a friend today?
By: Amy Boucher Pye
Reflect & Pray
What role does friendship play in your sense of well-being?
How could you show God's love to someone and build them up?
Jesus, help me to enjoy Your friendship and fellowship.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 5 - Learning by Heart
Ps 119:9,11
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) How shall a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
That I might not sin against thee.
"His heart is not just in it," a gifted musician commented about the
pianist onstage. "He's here at the Orchestra Hall, playing for
thousands of people, an his technique is flawless, but something
is missing - his heart is just not in it."
The psalmist , in Psalm 119, draws a similar parallel. We "Keep our
way pure" through obedience of his Word, by ordering our lives according
to the commands of the Scriptures. But outward behaviour is not the only
essential factor in purity of life. The changes in our behaviour need to
come from the heart, from the inside out. Our "technique" for living
the Christian life may be flawless, but our obediance is founded
in heart motivation, something is certainly missing.
"I seek you with all my heart," the psalmist declares in verse 10.
Thus he can say in verse 11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You."
Often we refer to memorisation as "learning by heart" - and indeed
"by heart" is the biblical mandate for assimilating God's truth
into our daily lives. "By rote" or "By Mind" leaves us
intellectually overstuffed, yet spiritually starving.
When we try to apply the Word outwardly to our behaviour,
we end up in a tangle of legalism, a log "do list" by which
we hope to please God. But when we set our hearts toward God first,
then changes in our behaviour grow out of love for God and a deep
desire to serve him. Then we are truly loving and obeying God with
our whole hearts.
Application
a) In what ways have I tried to apply God's word to my behaviour
without having the truth firmly in my heart? What was the result?
b) How can I set my heart toward God and give myself more fully
to his Word?
c) What areas of my life need "purifying"? How can these verses
help me to "make my way pure"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Malachi 3:10-12
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in
My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not
open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing,
that there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 I will rebuke the devourer
for your sakes, so that it will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
and the vines in your field will not fail to bear fruit,
says the Lord of Hosts.
12 Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be
a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in
mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not
open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall
not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy
the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit
before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be
a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
Matt 6:19-21
Treasures in Heaven
Lk 12:33-34
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth
and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20 But store up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy
and where thieves do not break in nor steal,
21 for where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth
nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
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
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, 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.
)
Advent Day 19
From C.S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
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.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons
and daughters. Amen.
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,
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, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
His name is John.
He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
-Luke 1:63a
All the friends and relatives wanted to name the child Zechariah
after his father. However, Elizabeth and Zechariah were adamant
that he was to be called John. The people were amazed-this was not
a family name, they cried. But it was the name the angel Gabriel
had given to Zechariah in the Temple, so it was God's
ordinance that he should be so designated.
If the people were astounded by the couple's unusual unanimity
about this unique name, they were even more surprised on this
circumcision day by the opening of Zechariah's mouth.
He spoke clearly-his tongue was free! and, most important,
he acclaimed God!
Zechariah had had more than nine months to contemplate things.
He was overwhelmed with Joy that he and Elizabeth had borne
a child in their old age, and he was awed that even before
birth John had been filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, Zechariah
burst out with praise at God's working.
Prayer
Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Amen.
Read Luke 1:59-64.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.
And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.
60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.”
61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives
who is called by this name."
62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.
63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
And they all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,
and he spoke and praised God.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ABSOLUTES!
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according
to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you, 1 PETER 1:3-4
Joy to the World is a hymn that should be sung all year long!
We boldly proclaim that there is joy in this world because the Lord HAS
come! Have you ever sung a stanza that goes. "Joy to the world, the Lord
might come," or "the Lord is thinking of coming." or "shape up and he will
come"? Me neither!
Absolutes is a big AH-HA of Advent. It affirms that Advent is not a time
to pretend that the Lord is coming, but that he has indeed come to
us already! And with this absolute truth of the Gospel we also receive
absolution of our sins--again because (he Lord has come to live, suffer,
die and rise for us! We are forgiven . . . absolutely!
Think of other absolutes in your life. l think of love for family although
mess that up at times; and of life being a gift from God,. although
sometimes do not live like it is; and, of course, it is an absolute that
the Chicago Cubs will never win another World Series
but that's another story!
1 Peter 1 affirms in us that the absolute of Advent is that the Lord has given us
"a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"!
So enjoy the day, absolutely, in the Lord. Sit back. relax. enjoy--there is
nothing left for us to do. Soren Kierkegaard once said, "Laughter is a type
of prayer." Perhaps he meant that laughter, like prayer, allows us to give up
our need to control or manage. Just receive the Christ of Christmas!
Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read 1 Peter 1:3-9
3 (1Co 15:20; 2Co 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living
hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 4:8) to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you,
5 (Eph 2:8) who are protected by the power of God through faith for
a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 (Jas 1:2; Isa 61:3; Ro 5:2) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now,
if for a little while, you have had to suffer various trials,
7 (Job 23:10; Pr 17:3; Isa 48:10) in order that the genuineness of your faith,
which is more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried by fire,
may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation
of Jesus Christ,
8 (Jn 20:29; Heb 11:27) whom, having not seen, you love; and in whom,
though you do not see Him now, you believe and you rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory,
9 (Ro 6:22) receiving as the result of your faith the salvation of your souls.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for being the Supreme Spiritual Leader.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, You rule this world
and all that lies beyond. I trust Your powerful love."
Pray to the Lord and pray to hide His Word in your Heart.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour Him with your first fruits.
Pray to the Lord and pray to lay treasure in Heaven!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become
your sons and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Pray: Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that the Gospel will continue to spread among the Afar people
of Djibuoti.
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.