Day 273 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 30 September 2023 reflections
Day 273, 30 September 2022
1) Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 2:1-40
Matthew 2
Luke 2:39-52
Mark 1:2-8
Matthew 3:1-12
Luke 3:1-18
Mark 1:9-11
Matthew 3:13-17
Luke 3:19-20
Luke 3:21-22
John 1:19-34
Matthew 1:18-25
The Birth of Jesus Christ
Lk 2:1-7
18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6-7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
had commanded him, and remained with his wife,
25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth
to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary
was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child
of the Holy Ghost.
[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her
a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
[20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to
take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost.
[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.
[22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet, saying,
[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and
they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
[24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had
bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he
called his name JESUS.
Luke 2:1-38
The Birth of Jesus
Mt 1:18-25
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company
of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men."
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said
to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened,
which the Lord has made known to us."
16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,
and the Baby lying in a manger.
17 When they had seen Him, they made widely known the word
which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them.
19 (Lk 2:51; Ge 37:11) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them
in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
21 (Lk 1:31; 1:59) When eight days had passed and the Child was circumcised,
He was named JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived
in the womb.
22 When the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses
were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
23 (Ex 13:2; Nu 3:13)(as it is written in the law of the Lord,
"Every firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord"
Ex 13:2, 12; Nu 3:13; 8:17.)
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord,
"a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Lev 5:11; 12:8.
25 (Lk 1:6; 2:38) Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon,
and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 (Jn 8:51; Heb 11:5) It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 (Lk 2:41; 2:48) Led by the Spirit, he came into the temple. And when
the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according
to the custom of the law,
28 (Lk 1:64) he received Him in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 (Ge 15:15; Lk 2:26) "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace,
according to Your word;
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 which You have prepared in the sight of all people,
32 (Isa 49:6; 9:2; 60:19) a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel."
33 Joseph and His mother were amazed at those things which were spoken
about Him.
34 (1Co 1:23; Mt 21:44; Ac 28:22) Then Simeon blessed them
and said to Mary His mother, "Listen, this Child is destined to cause the fall
and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign which will be spoken against,
35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
And a sword will pierce through your own soul also."
36 (Ac 21:9; Ex 15:20) And there was Anna a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel,
of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived
with her husband seven years from her virginity.
37 (1Ti 5:5; Ac 14:23) And she was a widow of about 84 years of age
who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting
and prayer night and day.
38 (Lk 2:25; 1:68) Coming at that moment she gave thanks to the Lord
and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.
[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into
Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was
of the house and lineage of David:)
[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered.
[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the
inn.
[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord
shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord.
[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
[15] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into
heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath
made known unto us.
[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe
lying in a manger.
[17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was
told them concerning this child.
[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told
them by the shepherds.
[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
[20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the
things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
[21] And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the
child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he
was conceived in the womb.
[22] And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses
were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the
Lord;
[23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the
womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
[24] And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of
the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and
the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and
the Holy Ghost was upon him.
[26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see
death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought
in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
[28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
[29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy
word:
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
[31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
[32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
[33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken
of him.
[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this
child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign
which shall be spoken against;
[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the
thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven
years from her virginity;
[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed
not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and
spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Matthew 2
The Visit of the Wise Men
1 (Lk 2:4-7; Mic 5:2) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea
in the days of Herod the king, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem,
2 (Nu 24:17; Jer 23:5; Zec 9:9) saying, "Where is He who was born King
of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come
to worship Him."
3 When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people
together, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.
5 (Ge 35:19) They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is
what the prophet wrote:
6 (Mic 5:2; Jn 7:42) 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are no longer least among the princes of Judah;
for out of you shall come a Governor,
who will shepherd My people Israel.'[Ps 91:11-12.]"
7 Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men,
carefully inquired of them what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said,
"Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him,
bring me word again, so that I may come and worship Him also."
9 When they heard the king, they departed. And the star which they saw
in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young
Child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great excitement.
11 (Ps 72:10; Mt 14:33) And when they came into the house,
they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down
and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures,
they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 (Mt 2:22; 27:19) But being warned in a dream that they should
not return to Herod, they returned to their own country
by another route.
The Escape to Egypt
13 (Ac 5:19; Mt 1:20) Now when they departed, the angel of the Lord
appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying,
"Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and escape to Egypt,
and stay there until I bring you word.
For Herod will seek the young Child to kill Him."
14 When he rose, he took the young Child and His mother by night,
and departed into Egypt,
15 (Hos 11:1; Ex 4:22) and remained there until the death of Herod,
to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet,
"Out of Egypt I have called My Son."
A talent was worth several hundred pounds.
The Killing of the Infants
16 (Isa 59:7) Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked
by the wise men, was utterly furious and sent forth and killed
all the male children who were in Bethlehem and the surrounding region,
from two years old and under, based on the time which he had diligently
inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet:
18 (Jer 31:15; Ge 42:36) "In Ramah a voice was heard,
grieving and weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be comforted,
because they are no more."[-21 Isa 42:1–4].
The Return From Egypt
19 (Mt 1:20) But when Herod was dead, an angel of the Lord appeared
in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 (Ex 4:19) saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother,
and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought
the young Child's life are dead."
21 And he rose, took the young Child and His mother,
and came into the land of Israel.
22 (Lk 2:39) But when he heard that Archelaus reigned in Judea
instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Nevertheless,
being warned by God in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee.
23 (Jn 1:45-46; Jdg 13:5) And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth,
that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled,
"He shall be called a Nazarene."
[1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the
king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his
star in the east, and are come to worship him.
[3] When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him.
[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people
together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
[5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written
by the prophet,
[6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the
princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my
people Israel.
[7] Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them
diligently what time the star appeared.
[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for
the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may
come and worship him also.
[9] When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which
they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where
the young child was.
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with
Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened
their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and
myrrh.
[12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to
Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
[13] And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to
Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother,
and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod
will seek the young child to destroy him.
[14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and
departed into Egypt:
[15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I
called my son.
[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was
exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,
according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
[17] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great
mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted,
because they are not.
[19] But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a
dream to Joseph in Egypt,
[20] Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the
land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
[21] And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into
the land of Israel.
[22] But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his
father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of
God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
[23] And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be
fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Luke 2:39-52
The Return to Nazareth
39 (Lk 2:4) When they had performed everything according to the law
of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.
40 (Lk 2:52; 1:80) And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,
filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41 (Dt 16:1-8; 1Sa 1:3) Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year
at the Feast of the Passover.
42 When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according
to the custom of the feast.
43 When the days of the feast were complete, as they returned,
the Child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem.
And Joseph and His mother did not know of it.
44 But supposing Him to be in their company, they went a day's journey.
Then they searched for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him.
46 (Lk 5:17) After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting
in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47 (Mt 7:28; Mk 1:22) All who heard Him were astonished
at His understanding and His answers.
48 When they saw Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him,
"Son, why have You dealt with us like this?
Look, Your father and I have anxiously searched for You."
49 (Jn 4:34) He said to them, "How is it that you searched for Me? Did you
not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
50 (Lk 18:34; Mk 9:32) But they did not understand the word which
He spoke to them.
51 (Lk 2:19; Mk 6:3) Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth
and was obedient to them. But His mother kept all these words in her heart.
52 (1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:40) And Jesus increased in wisdom
and in stature and in favor with God and men.
[39] And when they had performed all things according to the law of the
Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
[40] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and
the grace of God was upon him.
[41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the
passover.
[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the
custom of the feast.
[43] And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus
tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
[44] But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's
journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
[45] And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem,
seeking him.
[46] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the
temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking
them questions.
[47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and
answers.
[48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him,
Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought
thee sorrowing.
[49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I
must be about my Father's business?
[50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
[51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto
them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
[52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and
man.
Mark 1:2-8
2 (Mal 3:1; Mt 11:10; Lk 1:76) As it is written in the Prophets:
"Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face,
who will prepare Your way before You." [Mal 3:1].
3 (Mt 3:3) "The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].
4 (Lk 1:77) John came baptizing in the wilderness
and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
5 (Ac 19:18) The whole region of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem
went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River,
confessing their sins.
6 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) John was clothed with camel's hair
and with a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 (Ac 13:25; Jn 1:27) He preached saying, "After me is coming One mightier
than I, the straps of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
8 (Ac 1:5; Isa 44:3) I indeed have baptized you with water,
but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
[2] As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before
thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
[3] The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the
Lord, make his paths straight.
[4] John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of
repentance for the remission of sins.
[5] And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of
Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan,
confessing their sins.
[6] And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin
about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
[7] And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the
latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
[8] I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with
the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 3:1-12
The Preaching of John the Baptist
Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-9, 15-17; Jn 1:19-28
1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching
in the wilderness of Judea,
2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand."
3 (Isa 40:3; Lk 1:76) For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah,
saying:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord;
make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].
4 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) This same John had clothing made of camel's hair,
a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
5 (Mk 1:5) Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region
around the Jordan went out to him,
6 (Ac 19:18; Mt 3:11) and were baptized by him in the Jordan,
confessing their sins.
7 (Mt 12:34; 23:33) But when he saw many of the Pharisees
and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them,
"O generation of vipers, who has warned you to escape from the wrath to come?
8 (Ac 26:20; Jer 36:3) Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance,
9 (Lk 3:8; 16:24) and do not think to say within yourselves,
'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you that God is able
from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
10 (Mt 7:19; Jn 15:2) Even now the axe is put to the tree roots.
Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down
and thrown into the fire.
11 (Ac 1:5; Lk 3:16; Isa 4:4) "I indeed baptize you with water to repentance,
but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy
to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
12 (Mal 4:1; Mt 13:30) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly
clean His floor and gather His wheat into the granary,
but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
[1] In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of
Judaea,
[2] And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
[3] For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The
voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make
his paths straight.
[4] And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle
about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
[5] Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round
about Jordan,
[6] And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
[7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism,
he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from
the wrath to come?
[8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
[9] And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father:
for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children
unto Abraham.
[10] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore
every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
the fire.
[11] I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh
after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall
baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
[12] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and
gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with
unquenchable fire.
Luke 3:1-18
The Preaching of John the Baptist
Mt 3:1-12; Mk 1:1-8; Jn 1:19-28
1 (Mt 14:1; 27:2) In the fifteenth year of the reign of Caesar Tiberius,
Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee,
his brother Philip was tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Traconitis,
and Lysanias was the tetrarch of Abilene.
2 (Ac 4:6; Jn 18:24) Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests,
the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
3 (Lk 1:77) He came into the region surrounding the Jordan,
preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
4 (Isa 40:3-5; Jn 1:23) As it is written in the book of the words
of Isaiah the prophet, saying:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord;
make His paths straight.
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
[Gk. 2 assaria. An assarion was worth 1/16 of a denarius,
which was a day's wage.]
7 (Mt 23:33; 12:34) Then he said to the crowds that came out to be baptized
by him, "You children of vipers! Who warned you
to flee from the wrath to come?
8 (Jn 8:33; Ac 26:20) Therefore bear fruit worthy of repentance,
and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.'
For I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children
for Abraham.
9 (Mt 7:19; Lk 13:7) Even now the axe is put to the root of the trees.
Every tree therefore which does not bear good fruit is cut down
and thrown into the fire."
10 (Ac 2:37; 16:30) The people asked him, "What then must we do?"
11 (Da 4:27; Lk 18:22) John answered, "He who has two tunics, let him give
to him who has none. And he who has food, let him do likewise."
12 (Lk 7:29) Then tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him,
"Teacher, what must we do?"
13 (Lk 19:8) He said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed you."
14 (Ex 23:1; 20:16) Then the soldiers likewise demanded of him,
"And what must we do?"
He said to them, "Do no violence to anyone nor accuse any falsely,
and be content with your wages."
15 As the people were in expectation, and everyone reflected in their hearts
upon John, whether he might be the Christ or not,
16 (Ac 1:5; Mt 3:11) John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you
with water. But One mightier than I is coming, the strings of whose shoes
I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit
and with fire.
17 (Mt 13:30; Isa 30:24) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly
cleanse His threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into His granary.
But He will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire."
18 Then he preached many other things in his exhortation to the people.
[1] Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius
Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and
his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and
Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
[2] Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto
John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
[3] And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of
repentance for the remission of sins;
[4] As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying,
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
[5] Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be
brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways
shall be made smooth;
[6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
[7] Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O
generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
[8] Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say
within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That
God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
[9] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree
therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
the fire.
[10] And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
[11] He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him
impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
[12] Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master,
what shall we do?
[13] And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
[14] And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we
do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any
falsely; and be content with your wages.
[15] And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their
hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
[16] John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water;
but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy
to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
[17] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and
will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire
unquenchable.
[18] And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
Mark 1:9-11
The Baptism of Jesus
Mt 3:13-17; Lk 3:21-22
9 (Mt 2:23) In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee
and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 (Isa 64:1; Mt 3:16) Coming up out of the water,
He immediately saw the heavens opened and the Spirit
descending on Him like a dove.
11 (Ps 2:7; Isa 42:1) And a voice came from heaven, saying,
"You are My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
[9] And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of
Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
[10] And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens
opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
[11] And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved
Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:13-17
The Baptism of Jesus
Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22
13 (Mt 2:22) Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan
to be baptised by him.
14 But John prohibited Him, saying,
"I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?"
15 (Ps 40:7-8; Jn 4:34) But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now,
for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted Him.
16 (Isa 11:2; 42:1) And when Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately
out of the water. And suddenly the heavens were opened to Him,
and He saw the Spirit of God descending on Him like a dove.
17 (Ps 2:7; Mt 17:5; Isa 42:1) And a voice came from heaven, saying,
"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
[13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of
him.
[14] But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and
comest thou to me?
[15] And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it
becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
[16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:
and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
[17] And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I
am well pleased.
Luke 3:19-20
19 (Mk 6:17-18; Lk 3:1) But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him
because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils
which Herod had done,
20 added also this above them all: He locked John up in prison.
[19] But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother
Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
[20] Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
Luke 3:21-22
The Baptism of Jesus
Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11
21 (Jn 1:32-34; Mt 3:13-17) Now when all the people were baptized,
and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
the heavens were opened,
22 (Ps 2:7; Isa 42:1) and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form
like a dove on Him, and a voice came from heaven which said,
"You are My beloved Son. In You I am well pleased."
[21] Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also
being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
[22] And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him,
and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I
am well pleased.
John 1:19-34
The Testimony of John the Baptist
Mt 3:1-12; Mk 1:2-8; Lk 3:15-17
19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests
and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"
20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."
21 They asked him, "Who then? Are you Elijah?"
He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."
22 They said to him then, "Who are you? Tell us so that we may give
an answer to those who sent us. What do you say concerning yourself?"
23 John said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
'Make straight the way of the Lord,' just as the prophet Isaiah said."
24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.
25 They asked him, "Why do you baptise then, if you are not the Christ,
nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but One stands among you,
whom you do not know.
27 This is He who comes after me, who is preferred before me,
the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."
28 These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.
The Lamb of God
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb
of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
30 This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who is preferred
before me, for He was before me.'
31 I did not know Him, but for this reason I came baptizing with water:
so that He might be revealed to Israel."
32 Then John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending
from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him.
33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me,
'The One on whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining,
this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
34 I have seen and have borne witness that He is the Son of God."
[19] And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites
from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
[20] And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
[21] And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not.
Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
[22] Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to
them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
[23] He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight
the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
[24] And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
[25] And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou
be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
[26] John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth
one among you, whom ye know not;
[27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's
latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
[28] These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was
baptizing.
[29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
[30] This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred
before me: for he was before me.
[31] And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel,
therefore am I come baptizing with water.
[32] And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven
like a dove, and it abode upon him.
[33] And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same
said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining
on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
[34] And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
2) Our Daily Bread for 30 September 2023 titled
Least Likely
Joshua 2:1-4,9-14
Rahab and the Spies
1 (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25; Nu 25:1) Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men out
from Shittim to spy, saying, "Go see the land, especially Jericho."
So they went, and they came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab.
They spent the night there.
2 The king of Jericho was told, "Israelite men came here tonight to spy
out the land."
3 So the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab, "Bring out the men who
came to you, who have entered your house, for they came to spy out
the whole land."
4 (2Sa 17:19-20) Now the woman had taken the two men and had hidden
them. She said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they
were from.
9 (Ex 23:27; Dt 2:25) She said to the men, "I know that the Lord has given
you the land, for dread from you has fallen upon us, and all the inhabitants
of the land melt in terror before you.
10 (Nu 21:21-35) For we heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the
Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon
and Og, the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of
the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.
11 (Dt 4:39; Jos 5:1) Our hearts melted when we heard these things,
and no man had any breath in him because of you, for the Lord your God
is God in heaven above and on earth below.
12 (Jos 2:18) "So now, since I have acted faithfully toward you,
please swear to me by the Lord that you will also act faithfully
toward my father's house. Please give me a firm pledge
13 that you will spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters,
and all whom they own, and that you will deliver our lives from death."
14 (Ge 24:49; Jdg 1:24-25) The men said to her, "Our lives for yours;
if you do not report us, then when the Lord gives us the land,
we will act faithfully and kindly with you."
[1] And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly,
saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an
harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
[2] And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in
hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
[3] And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men
that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come
to search out all the country.
[4] And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came
men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
[9] And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land,
and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the
land faint because of you.
[10] For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for
you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the
Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly
destroyed.
[11] And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither
did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD
your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
[12] Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have
shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house,
and give me a true token:
[13] And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren,
and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
[14] And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our
business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we
will deal kindly and truly with thee.
Hollywood gives us larger-than-life spies who are dashing drivers of flashy
Aston-Martins and other luxury sports cars. But Jonna Mendez, a former CIA
chief, paints an opposite picture of the real thing. An agent must be "the
little gray man," she says, someone nondescript, not flashy. "You want them to
be forgettable." The best agents are those least likely to appear like agents.
When two of Israel's spies slipped into Jericho, it was Rahab who hid them
from the king's soldiers (Joshua 2:4). She was seemingly the least likely
person for God to employ as an espionage agent, for she had three strikes
against her: she was a Canaanite, a woman, and a prostitute. Yet Rahab had
started to believe in the God of the Israelites: "Your God is God in
heaven" (v. 11). She hid God's spies under flax on the roof, assisting in
their daring escape. God rewarded her faith: "Joshua spared Rahab the
prostitute, with her family" (6:25).
Sometimes we might feel we're the least likely to be used by God. Perhaps we
have physical limitations, don’t feel "flashy" enough to lead, or have a
tarnished past. But history is filled with "nondescript" believers redeemed
by God, people like Rahab who were given a special mission for His kingdom.
Be assured: He has divine purposes for even the least likely of us.
By: Kenneth Petersen
Reflect & Pray
In what ways do you feel “in the background”?
What do you think might be the mission God has for you?
Dear God, please help me be ready for Your calling,
for the mission You might have for me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 7 - Oh, Freedom!
Rom 8:1-2
Life in the Spirit
1 (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:17) There is therefore now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 (1Co 15:45; Ro 6:18; Jn 8:32) For the law of the Spirit of life
in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.
The Spirit of God Within You
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free
from the law of sin and death.
In the classic movie, I want to live! actress Susan Hayward
plays a woman convicted of murder and sentenced to be executed.
The suspense builds; the execution is delayed as the officials
wait for a word of pardon. Finally, the woman in executed;
the call comes, and the pardon has been granted, but it is too late.
When no pardon is granted, condemnation leads to death. Our sin
marks us as "guilty" before God, and we deserve the wages of sin,
which is death. But in Jesus Christ, the pardon does come - and
it comes in time. Our sin deserves condemnation by God, and yet
he forgives us because Christ paid the penalty for us,
But we face other kinds of condemnation as well - self-condemnation,
that internal accusation that we still, somehow, must pay the price
of our own sin. Others often condemn us as well, offering much less
forgiveness and mercy than God does. And the Enemy of our souls condemns
us, trying to convince us that we don't, after all, have real freedom
from sin.
Yet Paul tells us in Romans 8, "There is therefore now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus". God has forgiven us freely; he has
granted his pardon. And in light of his forgiveness, how can we live
under the condemnation of others - or even of ourselves?
We are free, Paul says - free from the "law of sin and death,"
free to live in the liberty of the Spirit. The stay of execution
has come: the pardon has been granted. Never again can we tried
for the same crimes: never again must we live under the burden
of condemnation.
Application
a) Have I ever lived under the burden of condemnation from myself
or others? Why?
b) How can Romans 8:1-2 help me live in freedom of such condemnation?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
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 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
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
Day 30 of the Month
a) Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout
Canadian society, as it is in Heaven
( Matt 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.
)
b) Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city
or community, and across our nation. (
Rom 2:4
4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness,
tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God
leads you to repentance?
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance
and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth
thee to repentance?
)
Pray to the Lord and pray to be thankful for coming into this world
ans his humble example.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me be ready for Your calling,
for the mission You might have for me."
Pray to the Lord and pray a prayer of thanks for he set us free
from condemnation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be generous.
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the purity of the Word.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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 will to be done where you live and throughout
Canadian society, as it is in Heaven
Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city
or community, and across our nation.
Pray for the protection of Christian children in Columbia who are
targeted by guerilla groups.
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) Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 2:1-40
Matthew 2
Luke 2:39-52
Mark 1:2-8
Matthew 3:1-12
Luke 3:1-18
Mark 1:9-11
Matthew 3:13-17
Luke 3:19-20
Luke 3:21-22
John 1:19-34
Matthew 1:18-25
The Birth of Jesus Christ
Lk 2:1-7
18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6-7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
had commanded him, and remained with his wife,
25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth
to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary
was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child
of the Holy Ghost.
[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her
a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
[20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to
take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost.
[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.
[22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of
the Lord by the prophet, saying,
[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and
they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
[24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had
bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he
called his name JESUS.
Luke 2:1-38
The Birth of Jesus
Mt 1:18-25
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company
of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men."
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said
to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened,
which the Lord has made known to us."
16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,
and the Baby lying in a manger.
17 When they had seen Him, they made widely known the word
which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them.
19 (Lk 2:51; Ge 37:11) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them
in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
21 (Lk 1:31; 1:59) When eight days had passed and the Child was circumcised,
He was named JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived
in the womb.
22 When the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses
were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
23 (Ex 13:2; Nu 3:13)(as it is written in the law of the Lord,
"Every firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord"
Ex 13:2, 12; Nu 3:13; 8:17.)
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord,
"a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Lev 5:11; 12:8.
25 (Lk 1:6; 2:38) Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon,
and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 (Jn 8:51; Heb 11:5) It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 (Lk 2:41; 2:48) Led by the Spirit, he came into the temple. And when
the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according
to the custom of the law,
28 (Lk 1:64) he received Him in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 (Ge 15:15; Lk 2:26) "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace,
according to Your word;
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 which You have prepared in the sight of all people,
32 (Isa 49:6; 9:2; 60:19) a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel."
33 Joseph and His mother were amazed at those things which were spoken
about Him.
34 (1Co 1:23; Mt 21:44; Ac 28:22) Then Simeon blessed them
and said to Mary His mother, "Listen, this Child is destined to cause the fall
and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign which will be spoken against,
35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
And a sword will pierce through your own soul also."
36 (Ac 21:9; Ex 15:20) And there was Anna a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel,
of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived
with her husband seven years from her virginity.
37 (1Ti 5:5; Ac 14:23) And she was a widow of about 84 years of age
who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting
and prayer night and day.
38 (Lk 2:25; 1:68) Coming at that moment she gave thanks to the Lord
and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.
[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into
Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was
of the house and lineage of David:)
[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered.
[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the
inn.
[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord
shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord.
[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying,
[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
[15] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into
heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath
made known unto us.
[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe
lying in a manger.
[17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was
told them concerning this child.
[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told
them by the shepherds.
[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
[20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the
things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
[21] And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the
child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he
was conceived in the womb.
[22] And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses
were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the
Lord;
[23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the
womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
[24] And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of
the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and
the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and
the Holy Ghost was upon him.
[26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see
death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought
in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
[28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
[29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy
word:
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
[31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
[32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
[33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken
of him.
[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this
child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign
which shall be spoken against;
[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the
thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven
years from her virginity;
[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed
not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and
spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Matthew 2
The Visit of the Wise Men
1 (Lk 2:4-7; Mic 5:2) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea
in the days of Herod the king, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem,
2 (Nu 24:17; Jer 23:5; Zec 9:9) saying, "Where is He who was born King
of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come
to worship Him."
3 When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people
together, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.
5 (Ge 35:19) They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is
what the prophet wrote:
6 (Mic 5:2; Jn 7:42) 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are no longer least among the princes of Judah;
for out of you shall come a Governor,
who will shepherd My people Israel.'[Ps 91:11-12.]"
7 Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men,
carefully inquired of them what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said,
"Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him,
bring me word again, so that I may come and worship Him also."
9 When they heard the king, they departed. And the star which they saw
in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young
Child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great excitement.
11 (Ps 72:10; Mt 14:33) And when they came into the house,
they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down
and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures,
they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
12 (Mt 2:22; 27:19) But being warned in a dream that they should
not return to Herod, they returned to their own country
by another route.
The Escape to Egypt
13 (Ac 5:19; Mt 1:20) Now when they departed, the angel of the Lord
appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying,
"Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and escape to Egypt,
and stay there until I bring you word.
For Herod will seek the young Child to kill Him."
14 When he rose, he took the young Child and His mother by night,
and departed into Egypt,
15 (Hos 11:1; Ex 4:22) and remained there until the death of Herod,
to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet,
"Out of Egypt I have called My Son."
A talent was worth several hundred pounds.
The Killing of the Infants
16 (Isa 59:7) Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked
by the wise men, was utterly furious and sent forth and killed
all the male children who were in Bethlehem and the surrounding region,
from two years old and under, based on the time which he had diligently
inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet:
18 (Jer 31:15; Ge 42:36) "In Ramah a voice was heard,
grieving and weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be comforted,
because they are no more."[-21 Isa 42:1–4].
The Return From Egypt
19 (Mt 1:20) But when Herod was dead, an angel of the Lord appeared
in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 (Ex 4:19) saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother,
and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought
the young Child's life are dead."
21 And he rose, took the young Child and His mother,
and came into the land of Israel.
22 (Lk 2:39) But when he heard that Archelaus reigned in Judea
instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Nevertheless,
being warned by God in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee.
23 (Jn 1:45-46; Jdg 13:5) And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth,
that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled,
"He shall be called a Nazarene."
[1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the
king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his
star in the east, and are come to worship him.
[3] When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him.
[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people
together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
[5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written
by the prophet,
[6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the
princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my
people Israel.
[7] Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them
diligently what time the star appeared.
[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for
the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may
come and worship him also.
[9] When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which
they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where
the young child was.
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with
Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened
their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and
myrrh.
[12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to
Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
[13] And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to
Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother,
and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod
will seek the young child to destroy him.
[14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and
departed into Egypt:
[15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled
which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I
called my son.
[16] Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was
exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in
Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under,
according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
[17] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great
mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted,
because they are not.
[19] But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a
dream to Joseph in Egypt,
[20] Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the
land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
[21] And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into
the land of Israel.
[22] But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his
father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of
God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
[23] And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be
fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Luke 2:39-52
The Return to Nazareth
39 (Lk 2:4) When they had performed everything according to the law
of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.
40 (Lk 2:52; 1:80) And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,
filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41 (Dt 16:1-8; 1Sa 1:3) Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year
at the Feast of the Passover.
42 When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according
to the custom of the feast.
43 When the days of the feast were complete, as they returned,
the Child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem.
And Joseph and His mother did not know of it.
44 But supposing Him to be in their company, they went a day's journey.
Then they searched for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for Him.
46 (Lk 5:17) After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting
in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47 (Mt 7:28; Mk 1:22) All who heard Him were astonished
at His understanding and His answers.
48 When they saw Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him,
"Son, why have You dealt with us like this?
Look, Your father and I have anxiously searched for You."
49 (Jn 4:34) He said to them, "How is it that you searched for Me? Did you
not know that I must be about My Father's business?"
50 (Lk 18:34; Mk 9:32) But they did not understand the word which
He spoke to them.
51 (Lk 2:19; Mk 6:3) Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth
and was obedient to them. But His mother kept all these words in her heart.
52 (1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:40) And Jesus increased in wisdom
and in stature and in favor with God and men.
[39] And when they had performed all things according to the law of the
Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
[40] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and
the grace of God was upon him.
[41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the
passover.
[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the
custom of the feast.
[43] And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus
tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
[44] But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's
journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
[45] And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem,
seeking him.
[46] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the
temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking
them questions.
[47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and
answers.
[48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him,
Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought
thee sorrowing.
[49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I
must be about my Father's business?
[50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
[51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto
them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
[52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and
man.
Mark 1:2-8
2 (Mal 3:1; Mt 11:10; Lk 1:76) As it is written in the Prophets:
"Look, I am sending My messenger before Your face,
who will prepare Your way before You." [Mal 3:1].
3 (Mt 3:3) "The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].
4 (Lk 1:77) John came baptizing in the wilderness
and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
5 (Ac 19:18) The whole region of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem
went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River,
confessing their sins.
6 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) John was clothed with camel's hair
and with a leather belt around his waist. And he ate locusts and wild honey.
7 (Ac 13:25; Jn 1:27) He preached saying, "After me is coming One mightier
than I, the straps of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
8 (Ac 1:5; Isa 44:3) I indeed have baptized you with water,
but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
[2] As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before
thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
[3] The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the
Lord, make his paths straight.
[4] John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of
repentance for the remission of sins.
[5] And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of
Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan,
confessing their sins.
[6] And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin
about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
[7] And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the
latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
[8] I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with
the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 3:1-12
The Preaching of John the Baptist
Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-9, 15-17; Jn 1:19-28
1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching
in the wilderness of Judea,
2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand."
3 (Isa 40:3; Lk 1:76) For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah,
saying:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord;
make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].
4 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) This same John had clothing made of camel's hair,
a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
5 (Mk 1:5) Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region
around the Jordan went out to him,
6 (Ac 19:18; Mt 3:11) and were baptized by him in the Jordan,
confessing their sins.
7 (Mt 12:34; 23:33) But when he saw many of the Pharisees
and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them,
"O generation of vipers, who has warned you to escape from the wrath to come?
8 (Ac 26:20; Jer 36:3) Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance,
9 (Lk 3:8; 16:24) and do not think to say within yourselves,
'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you that God is able
from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
10 (Mt 7:19; Jn 15:2) Even now the axe is put to the tree roots.
Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down
and thrown into the fire.
11 (Ac 1:5; Lk 3:16; Isa 4:4) "I indeed baptize you with water to repentance,
but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy
to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
12 (Mal 4:1; Mt 13:30) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly
clean His floor and gather His wheat into the granary,
but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
[1] In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of
Judaea,
[2] And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
[3] For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The
voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make
his paths straight.
[4] And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle
about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
[5] Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round
about Jordan,
[6] And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
[7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism,
he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from
the wrath to come?
[8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
[9] And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father:
for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children
unto Abraham.
[10] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore
every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
the fire.
[11] I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh
after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall
baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
[12] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and
gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with
unquenchable fire.
Luke 3:1-18
The Preaching of John the Baptist
Mt 3:1-12; Mk 1:1-8; Jn 1:19-28
1 (Mt 14:1; 27:2) In the fifteenth year of the reign of Caesar Tiberius,
Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee,
his brother Philip was tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Traconitis,
and Lysanias was the tetrarch of Abilene.
2 (Ac 4:6; Jn 18:24) Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests,
the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
3 (Lk 1:77) He came into the region surrounding the Jordan,
preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
4 (Isa 40:3-5; Jn 1:23) As it is written in the book of the words
of Isaiah the prophet, saying:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord;
make His paths straight.
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
[Gk. 2 assaria. An assarion was worth 1/16 of a denarius,
which was a day's wage.]
7 (Mt 23:33; 12:34) Then he said to the crowds that came out to be baptized
by him, "You children of vipers! Who warned you
to flee from the wrath to come?
8 (Jn 8:33; Ac 26:20) Therefore bear fruit worthy of repentance,
and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.'
For I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children
for Abraham.
9 (Mt 7:19; Lk 13:7) Even now the axe is put to the root of the trees.
Every tree therefore which does not bear good fruit is cut down
and thrown into the fire."
10 (Ac 2:37; 16:30) The people asked him, "What then must we do?"
11 (Da 4:27; Lk 18:22) John answered, "He who has two tunics, let him give
to him who has none. And he who has food, let him do likewise."
12 (Lk 7:29) Then tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him,
"Teacher, what must we do?"
13 (Lk 19:8) He said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed you."
14 (Ex 23:1; 20:16) Then the soldiers likewise demanded of him,
"And what must we do?"
He said to them, "Do no violence to anyone nor accuse any falsely,
and be content with your wages."
15 As the people were in expectation, and everyone reflected in their hearts
upon John, whether he might be the Christ or not,
16 (Ac 1:5; Mt 3:11) John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you
with water. But One mightier than I is coming, the strings of whose shoes
I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit
and with fire.
17 (Mt 13:30; Isa 30:24) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly
cleanse His threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into His granary.
But He will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire."
18 Then he preached many other things in his exhortation to the people.
[1] Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius
Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and
his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and
Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
[2] Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto
John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
[3] And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of
repentance for the remission of sins;
[4] As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying,
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
[5] Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be
brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways
shall be made smooth;
[6] And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
[7] Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O
generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
[8] Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say
within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That
God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
[9] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree
therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
the fire.
[10] And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
[11] He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him
impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
[12] Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master,
what shall we do?
[13] And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
[14] And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we
do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any
falsely; and be content with your wages.
[15] And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their
hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
[16] John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water;
but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy
to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
[17] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and
will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire
unquenchable.
[18] And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
Mark 1:9-11
The Baptism of Jesus
Mt 3:13-17; Lk 3:21-22
9 (Mt 2:23) In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee
and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 (Isa 64:1; Mt 3:16) Coming up out of the water,
He immediately saw the heavens opened and the Spirit
descending on Him like a dove.
11 (Ps 2:7; Isa 42:1) And a voice came from heaven, saying,
"You are My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
[9] And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of
Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
[10] And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens
opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
[11] And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved
Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:13-17
The Baptism of Jesus
Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22
13 (Mt 2:22) Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan
to be baptised by him.
14 But John prohibited Him, saying,
"I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?"
15 (Ps 40:7-8; Jn 4:34) But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now,
for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted Him.
16 (Isa 11:2; 42:1) And when Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately
out of the water. And suddenly the heavens were opened to Him,
and He saw the Spirit of God descending on Him like a dove.
17 (Ps 2:7; Mt 17:5; Isa 42:1) And a voice came from heaven, saying,
"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
[13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of
him.
[14] But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and
comest thou to me?
[15] And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it
becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
[16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:
and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
[17] And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I
am well pleased.
Luke 3:19-20
19 (Mk 6:17-18; Lk 3:1) But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him
because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils
which Herod had done,
20 added also this above them all: He locked John up in prison.
[19] But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother
Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
[20] Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
Luke 3:21-22
The Baptism of Jesus
Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11
21 (Jn 1:32-34; Mt 3:13-17) Now when all the people were baptized,
and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,
the heavens were opened,
22 (Ps 2:7; Isa 42:1) and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form
like a dove on Him, and a voice came from heaven which said,
"You are My beloved Son. In You I am well pleased."
[21] Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also
being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
[22] And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him,
and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I
am well pleased.
John 1:19-34
The Testimony of John the Baptist
Mt 3:1-12; Mk 1:2-8; Lk 3:15-17
19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests
and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"
20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."
21 They asked him, "Who then? Are you Elijah?"
He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."
22 They said to him then, "Who are you? Tell us so that we may give
an answer to those who sent us. What do you say concerning yourself?"
23 John said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
'Make straight the way of the Lord,' just as the prophet Isaiah said."
24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.
25 They asked him, "Why do you baptise then, if you are not the Christ,
nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but One stands among you,
whom you do not know.
27 This is He who comes after me, who is preferred before me,
the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."
28 These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.
The Lamb of God
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb
of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
30 This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who is preferred
before me, for He was before me.'
31 I did not know Him, but for this reason I came baptizing with water:
so that He might be revealed to Israel."
32 Then John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending
from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him.
33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me,
'The One on whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining,
this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
34 I have seen and have borne witness that He is the Son of God."
[19] And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites
from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
[20] And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
[21] And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not.
Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
[22] Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to
them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
[23] He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight
the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
[24] And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
[25] And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou
be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
[26] John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth
one among you, whom ye know not;
[27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's
latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
[28] These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was
baptizing.
[29] The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
[30] This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred
before me: for he was before me.
[31] And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel,
therefore am I come baptizing with water.
[32] And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven
like a dove, and it abode upon him.
[33] And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same
said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining
on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
[34] And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
2) Our Daily Bread for 30 September 2023 titled
Least Likely
Joshua 2:1-4,9-14
Rahab and the Spies
1 (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25; Nu 25:1) Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men out
from Shittim to spy, saying, "Go see the land, especially Jericho."
So they went, and they came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab.
They spent the night there.
2 The king of Jericho was told, "Israelite men came here tonight to spy
out the land."
3 So the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab, "Bring out the men who
came to you, who have entered your house, for they came to spy out
the whole land."
4 (2Sa 17:19-20) Now the woman had taken the two men and had hidden
them. She said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they
were from.
9 (Ex 23:27; Dt 2:25) She said to the men, "I know that the Lord has given
you the land, for dread from you has fallen upon us, and all the inhabitants
of the land melt in terror before you.
10 (Nu 21:21-35) For we heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the
Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon
and Og, the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of
the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.
11 (Dt 4:39; Jos 5:1) Our hearts melted when we heard these things,
and no man had any breath in him because of you, for the Lord your God
is God in heaven above and on earth below.
12 (Jos 2:18) "So now, since I have acted faithfully toward you,
please swear to me by the Lord that you will also act faithfully
toward my father's house. Please give me a firm pledge
13 that you will spare my father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters,
and all whom they own, and that you will deliver our lives from death."
14 (Ge 24:49; Jdg 1:24-25) The men said to her, "Our lives for yours;
if you do not report us, then when the Lord gives us the land,
we will act faithfully and kindly with you."
[1] And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly,
saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an
harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
[2] And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in
hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
[3] And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men
that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come
to search out all the country.
[4] And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came
men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
[9] And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land,
and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the
land faint because of you.
[10] For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for
you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the
Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly
destroyed.
[11] And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither
did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD
your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
[12] Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have
shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house,
and give me a true token:
[13] And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren,
and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
[14] And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our
business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we
will deal kindly and truly with thee.
Hollywood gives us larger-than-life spies who are dashing drivers of flashy
Aston-Martins and other luxury sports cars. But Jonna Mendez, a former CIA
chief, paints an opposite picture of the real thing. An agent must be "the
little gray man," she says, someone nondescript, not flashy. "You want them to
be forgettable." The best agents are those least likely to appear like agents.
When two of Israel's spies slipped into Jericho, it was Rahab who hid them
from the king's soldiers (Joshua 2:4). She was seemingly the least likely
person for God to employ as an espionage agent, for she had three strikes
against her: she was a Canaanite, a woman, and a prostitute. Yet Rahab had
started to believe in the God of the Israelites: "Your God is God in
heaven" (v. 11). She hid God's spies under flax on the roof, assisting in
their daring escape. God rewarded her faith: "Joshua spared Rahab the
prostitute, with her family" (6:25).
Sometimes we might feel we're the least likely to be used by God. Perhaps we
have physical limitations, don’t feel "flashy" enough to lead, or have a
tarnished past. But history is filled with "nondescript" believers redeemed
by God, people like Rahab who were given a special mission for His kingdom.
Be assured: He has divine purposes for even the least likely of us.
By: Kenneth Petersen
Reflect & Pray
In what ways do you feel “in the background”?
What do you think might be the mission God has for you?
Dear God, please help me be ready for Your calling,
for the mission You might have for me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 7 - Oh, Freedom!
Rom 8:1-2
Life in the Spirit
1 (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:17) There is therefore now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 (1Co 15:45; Ro 6:18; Jn 8:32) For the law of the Spirit of life
in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.
The Spirit of God Within You
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free
from the law of sin and death.
In the classic movie, I want to live! actress Susan Hayward
plays a woman convicted of murder and sentenced to be executed.
The suspense builds; the execution is delayed as the officials
wait for a word of pardon. Finally, the woman in executed;
the call comes, and the pardon has been granted, but it is too late.
When no pardon is granted, condemnation leads to death. Our sin
marks us as "guilty" before God, and we deserve the wages of sin,
which is death. But in Jesus Christ, the pardon does come - and
it comes in time. Our sin deserves condemnation by God, and yet
he forgives us because Christ paid the penalty for us,
But we face other kinds of condemnation as well - self-condemnation,
that internal accusation that we still, somehow, must pay the price
of our own sin. Others often condemn us as well, offering much less
forgiveness and mercy than God does. And the Enemy of our souls condemns
us, trying to convince us that we don't, after all, have real freedom
from sin.
Yet Paul tells us in Romans 8, "There is therefore now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus". God has forgiven us freely; he has
granted his pardon. And in light of his forgiveness, how can we live
under the condemnation of others - or even of ourselves?
We are free, Paul says - free from the "law of sin and death,"
free to live in the liberty of the Spirit. The stay of execution
has come: the pardon has been granted. Never again can we tried
for the same crimes: never again must we live under the burden
of condemnation.
Application
a) Have I ever lived under the burden of condemnation from myself
or others? Why?
b) How can Romans 8:1-2 help me live in freedom of such condemnation?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 6:38
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."
38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For
with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
Proverbs 30:5
5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
5 Every word of God is pure:
He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
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 2022 edition?)
Nova Scotia
Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629
With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques
in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.
Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration
has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.
while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population
somewhere between 25000 to 30000.
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
Day 30 of the Month
a) Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout
Canadian society, as it is in Heaven
( Matt 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.
)
b) Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city
or community, and across our nation. (
Rom 2:4
4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness,
tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God
leads you to repentance?
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance
and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth
thee to repentance?
)
Pray to the Lord and pray to be thankful for coming into this world
ans his humble example.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me be ready for Your calling,
for the mission You might have for me."
Pray to the Lord and pray a prayer of thanks for he set us free
from condemnation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be generous.
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the purity of the Word.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations
- in and around Halifax and other cities
- on university campuses
- for new workers among Muslims
- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.
- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them
- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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 will to be done where you live and throughout
Canadian society, as it is in Heaven
Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city
or community, and across our nation.
Pray for the protection of Christian children in Columbia who are
targeted by guerilla groups.
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.
.