Day 272 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 29 September 2023 reflections
Day 272, 29 September 2022
1) Mark 1:1,Luke 1:1-4,John 1:1-18,Matthew 1:1-17,Luke 1:5-38,Luke 1:5-38
Mark 1:1
1 (Mt 14:33) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
[1] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
Luke 1:1-4
The Prologue
1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things
which are most surely believed among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things
from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,
most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.
[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration
of those things which are most surely believed among us,
[2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all
things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent
Theophilus,
[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast
been instructed.
John 1:1-18
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing
was created that was created.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.
5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
7 This man came as a witness in order to testify concerning the Light,
that all men through Him might believe.
8 He was not this Light, but was sent in order to testify
concerning the Light.
9 The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was created through Him,
yet the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,
the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, "This was He of whom I said,
'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' "
16 We have all received from His fullness grace upon grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has seen God at any time. The only Son, who is at the Father's side,
has made Him known.
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made
that was made.
[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all
men through him might believe.
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into
the world.
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not.
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God.
[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth.
[15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I
spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
[16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
[17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus
Christ.
[18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in
the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Matthew 1:1-17
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Lk 3:23-38
1 (Ge 22:18; Isa 11:1; Ro 1:3) The book of the genealogy
of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham:
2 (Ge 25:26; Ac 7:8) Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.
3 (Ge 46:12; 38:29-30) Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
and Hezron the father of Ram.
4 Ram was the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
and Nahshon the father of Salmon.
5 (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25) Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth,
and Obed the father of Jesse.
6 (1Sa 16:1; 17:12) Jesse was the father of David the king.
David the king was the father of Solomon,
by her who had been the wife of Uriah.
7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
and Abijah the father of Asa.
8 (1Ch 3:11) Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,
and Joram the father of Uzziah.
9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.
10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amon,
and Amon the father of Josiah.
11 (Jer 27:20; Da 1:2) Josiah was the father of Jeconiah
and his brothers about the time they were exiled to Babylon.
12 (1Ch 3:17; Ezr 3:2) And after they were brought to Babylon,
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,
and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.
13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud,
Abiud the father of Eliakim,
and Eliakim the father of Azor.
14 Azor was the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Akim,
and Akim the father of Eliud.
15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar,
Eleazar the father of Matthan,
and Matthan the father of Jacob.
16 (Mt 27:17; Lk 3:23) And Jacob was the father of Joseph,
the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations,
from David until the exile to Babylon are fourteen generations,
and from the exile in Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations.
[1] The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the
son of Abraham.
[2] Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas
and his brethren;
[3] And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom;
and Esrom begat Aram;
[4] And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson
begat Salmon;
[5] And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and
Obed begat Jesse;
[6] And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of
her that had been the wife of Urias;
[7] And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
[8] And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
[9] And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat
Ezekias;
[10] And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat
Josias;
[11] And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they
were carried away to Babylon:
[12] And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel;
and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
[13] And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim
begat Azor;
[14] And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
[15] And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat
Jacob;
[16] And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who
is called Christ.
[17] So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations;
and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen
generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are
fourteen generations.
Luke 1:5-38
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest
named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And his wife was
of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6 They were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments
and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.
7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren,
and they both were now well advanced in years.
8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,
9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side
of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer
has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall call his name John.
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even from his mother's womb.
16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready
a people prepared for the Lord."
18 Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this?
For I am an old man and my wife well advanced in years."
19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.
And I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
20 And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day
that these things happen, because you did not believe my words,
which will be fulfilled in their season."
21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited
so long in the temple.
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them
and remained speechless.
23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,
he departed to his own home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months
she hid herself, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
[5] There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest
named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of
Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
[6] And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments
and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
[7] And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both
were now well stricken in years.
[8] And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before
God in the order of his course,
[9] According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
[10] And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time
of incense.
[11] And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right
side of the altar of incense.
[12] And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
[13] But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is
heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his
name John.
[14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his
birth.
[15] For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither
wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from
his mother's womb.
[16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
[17] And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn
the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom
of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
[18] And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am
an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
[19] And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the
presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad
tidings.
[20] And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day
that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words,
which shall be fulfilled in their season.
[21] And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so
long in the temple.
[22] And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and
remained speechless.
[23] And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were
accomplished, he departed to his own house.
[24] And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five
months, saying,
[25] Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men.
[26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city
of Galilee, named Nazareth,
[27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of
David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
[28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly
favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
[29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her
mind what manner of salutation this should be.
[30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour
with God.
[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name JESUS.
[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the
Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom
there shall be no end.
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a
man?
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come
upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore
also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of
God.
[36] And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her
old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
[37] For with God nothing shall be impossible.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according
to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:39-80
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56 Mary remained with her about three months
and returned to her own house.
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,
and they rejoiced with her.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.
And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.
60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.”
61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives
who is called by this name."
62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.
63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
And they all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,
and he spoke and praised God.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts
were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,
"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us,
72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant,
73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,
74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
might serve Him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he remained in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.
[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with
haste, into a city of Juda;
[40] And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,
the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
[42] And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among
women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
[43] And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
[44] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears,
the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of
those things which were told her from the Lord.
[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
[48] For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold,
from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
[49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his
name.
[50] And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
[51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in
the imagination of their hearts.
[52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low
degree.
[53] He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent
empty away.
[54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
[55] As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
[56] And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own
house.
[57] Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she
brought forth a son.
[58] And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great
mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
[59] And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the
child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
[60] And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
[61] And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by
this name.
[62] And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
[63] And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John.
And they marvelled all.
[64] And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he
spake, and praised God.
[65] And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings
were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
[66] And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What
manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
[67] And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and
prophesied, saying,
[68] Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his
people,
[69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his
servant David;
[70] As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since
the world began:
[71] That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that
hate us;
[72] To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy
covenant;
[73] The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
[74] That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of
our enemies might serve him without fear,
[75] In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
[76] And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou
shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
[77] To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of
their sins,
[78] Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high
hath visited us,
[79] To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
[80] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts
till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
2) Our Daily Bread for 29 September 2023 titled
A Giver's Heart
Proverbs 11:15-25
15 (Pr 17:18) He who puts up a pledge for a stranger will suffer for it,
and he who hates being a pledge is secure.
16 (Pr 31:30-31) A gracious woman retains honor,
but ruthless men retain riches.
17 (Mt 5:7; 25:34-40) The merciful man does good to his own soul,
but he who is cruel troubles his own body.
18 (Gal 6:8-9; Jas 3:18) The wicked works a deceitful work,
but to him who sows righteousness will be a sure reward.
19 (Pr 10:16; 19:23) As righteousness tends to life,
so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.
20 (1Ch 29:17; Ps 119:1) Those who are of a perverse heart
are abomination to the Lord,
but such as are upright in their way are His delight.
21 (Pr 16:5) Though be assured, the wicked will not be unpunished,
but the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout,
so is a fair woman who is without discretion.
23 (Ro 2:8-9; Pr 10:28) The desire of the righteous is only good,
but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 (Ps 112:9; Pr 19:17) There is one who scatters, yet increases;
and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.
25 (Mt 5:7) The generous soul will be made rich,
and he who waters will be watered also himself.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:
But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour:
But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets:
But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall:
But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it:
And he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour:
And strong men retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul:
But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work:
But to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life:
So he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD:
But such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished:
But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout,
So is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good:
But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth;
And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat:
And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
On our last day in Wisconsin, my friend brought her four-year-old daughter
Kinslee to say goodbye. "I don't want you to move," said Kinslee. I hugged her
and gave her a canvas, hand-painted fan from my collection. "When you miss me,
use this fan and remember that I love you." Kinslee asked if she could have a
different fan-a paper one from my bag. "That one's broken," I said. "I want
you to have my best fan." I didn't regret giving Kinslee my favorite fan.
Seeing her happy made me happier. Later, Kinslee told her mother she was sad
because I kept the broken fan. They sent me a brand-new, fancy purple fan.
After giving generously to me, Kinslee felt happy again. So did I.
In a world that promotes self-gratification and self-preservation, we can be
tempted to hoard instead of living with giving hearts. However, the Bible says
that a person who "gives freely . . . gains even more" (Proverbs 11:24). Our
culture defines prosperity as having more and more and more, but the Bible says
that "a generous person will prosper" and "whoever refreshes others will be
refreshed" (v. 25).
God's unlimited and unconditional love and generosity continually recharge us.
We can each have a giver's heart and create unending giving cycles because we
know God-the Giver of all good things-never gets tired of providing abundantly.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
How has the generosity of others helped you get closer to Jesus?
How can you put someone else’s needs above your own this week?
Dear God, help me give as generously as You’ve given to me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 6 - It is Finished
John 5:24
24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears
My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life
and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. "
[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth
on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
"PLEASE BE PATIENT - GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET,"
the sweatshirt read. In this case, the message was an ironic one,
for the occupant of the shirt was a snaggle-toothed, freckle-faced six year
old!
In one sense, God is not finished with the work he has to do in each of us.
Life in Christ is an ongoing process of change and growth as we become
more like him. Certainly, the more we see of ourselves, the more we hope
he isn't finished with us!
Yet whatever plans God has for making us into the men and women he created
us to be, certain aspects of our life in Christ are finished, finalised.
Jesus declares with absolute assurance, "whoever hears
My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life
and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. "
Because we do not have to earn or deserve God's grace, because we are not
called to prove ourselves worthy of Salvation, we can have immediate
and total assurance of the security of life in Jesus Christ. The one who
put his trust in the Lord has eternal life; he will not be condemned;
he has crossed over from death to life.
This "crossing over" into life happens in the split second when we acknowledge
our dependence upon Christ alone. And the rest of our lives is given over to
the development of his image in us.
God is not finished with us yet.
But his work of salvation is finished - complete,
fully dependable an accomplished fact.
Application
a) Have I ever doubted the "accomplished fact" of my own salvation? Why?
b) How can today's verse help me realise that, although I may have a lot of
growing yet to do, my salvation in Jesus Christ is secure?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:19
19 But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,
and it proves unfruitful.
19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,
and it becometh unfruitful.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
James 1:2 to 8
Faith and Wisdom
2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.
4 But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men
liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect
and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth
is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 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 29 of the Month
a) Pray that God will enlighten those in medicine and health care
to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true
integrity and compassion (
Ps 139:13-16
13 You brought my inner parts into being;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise you, for You made me with fear and wonder;
marvelous are Your works,
and You know me completely.
15 My frame was not hidden from You
when I was made in secret,
and intricately put together in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw me unformed,
yet in Your book
all my days were written,
before any of them came into being.
13 For thou hast possessed my reins:
Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee,
When I was made in secret, and curiously wrought
in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;
And in thy book all my members were written,
Which in continuance were fashioned,
When as yet there was none of them.
)
b) Pray that the Church in Canada will remember the poor
and compassionately respond to their plight (
Gal 2:10
10 (Ac 24:17) Only they requested that we should remember the poor,
which I also was eager to do.
10 Only they would that we should remember the poor;
the same which I also was forward to do.
)
Pray to the Lord and pray never to doubt the Lord's Word.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, help me give as generously as
You’'ve given to me."
Pray to the Lord and pray not to doubt your salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be deceived by the riches of this world.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek him in Faith and Wisdom.
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 that God will enlighten those in medicine and health care
to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true
integrity and compassion
Pray that the Church in Canada will remember the poor
and compassionately respond to their plight
Pray that new believers in Malaysia will stand strong as they encounter
persecution for the first time.
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) Mark 1:1,Luke 1:1-4,John 1:1-18,Matthew 1:1-17,Luke 1:5-38,Luke 1:5-38
Mark 1:1
1 (Mt 14:33) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
[1] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
Luke 1:1-4
The Prologue
1 Whereas many have undertaken to write a narrative of those things
which are most surely believed among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things
from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,
most excellent Theophilus,
4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.
[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration
of those things which are most surely believed among us,
[2] Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all
things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent
Theophilus,
[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast
been instructed.
John 1:1-18
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing
was created that was created.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.
5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
7 This man came as a witness in order to testify concerning the Light,
that all men through Him might believe.
8 He was not this Light, but was sent in order to testify
concerning the Light.
9 The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was created through Him,
yet the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory,
the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, "This was He of whom I said,
'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' "
16 We have all received from His fullness grace upon grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came
through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has seen God at any time. The only Son, who is at the Father's side,
has made Him known.
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made
that was made.
[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all
men through him might believe.
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into
the world.
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not.
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God.
[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth.
[15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I
spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
[16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
[17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus
Christ.
[18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in
the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Matthew 1:1-17
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
Lk 3:23-38
1 (Ge 22:18; Isa 11:1; Ro 1:3) The book of the genealogy
of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham:
2 (Ge 25:26; Ac 7:8) Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.
3 (Ge 46:12; 38:29-30) Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
and Hezron the father of Ram.
4 Ram was the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
and Nahshon the father of Salmon.
5 (Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25) Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth,
and Obed the father of Jesse.
6 (1Sa 16:1; 17:12) Jesse was the father of David the king.
David the king was the father of Solomon,
by her who had been the wife of Uriah.
7 Solomon was the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
and Abijah the father of Asa.
8 (1Ch 3:11) Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,
and Joram the father of Uzziah.
9 Uzziah was the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.
10 Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amon,
and Amon the father of Josiah.
11 (Jer 27:20; Da 1:2) Josiah was the father of Jeconiah
and his brothers about the time they were exiled to Babylon.
12 (1Ch 3:17; Ezr 3:2) And after they were brought to Babylon,
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,
and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.
13 Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud,
Abiud the father of Eliakim,
and Eliakim the father of Azor.
14 Azor was the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Akim,
and Akim the father of Eliud.
15 Eliud was the father of Eleazar,
Eleazar the father of Matthan,
and Matthan the father of Jacob.
16 (Mt 27:17; Lk 3:23) And Jacob was the father of Joseph,
the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations,
from David until the exile to Babylon are fourteen generations,
and from the exile in Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations.
[1] The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the
son of Abraham.
[2] Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas
and his brethren;
[3] And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom;
and Esrom begat Aram;
[4] And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson
begat Salmon;
[5] And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and
Obed begat Jesse;
[6] And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of
her that had been the wife of Urias;
[7] And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
[8] And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
[9] And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat
Ezekias;
[10] And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat
Josias;
[11] And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they
were carried away to Babylon:
[12] And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel;
and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
[13] And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim
begat Azor;
[14] And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
[15] And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat
Jacob;
[16] And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who
is called Christ.
[17] So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations;
and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen
generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are
fourteen generations.
Luke 1:5-38
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest
named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And his wife was
of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6 They were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments
and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.
7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren,
and they both were now well advanced in years.
8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,
9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side
of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer
has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall call his name John.
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even from his mother's womb.
16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready
a people prepared for the Lord."
18 Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this?
For I am an old man and my wife well advanced in years."
19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.
And I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
20 And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day
that these things happen, because you did not believe my words,
which will be fulfilled in their season."
21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited
so long in the temple.
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them
and remained speechless.
23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,
he departed to his own home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months
she hid herself, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
[5] There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest
named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of
Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
[6] And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments
and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
[7] And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both
were now well stricken in years.
[8] And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before
God in the order of his course,
[9] According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
[10] And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time
of incense.
[11] And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right
side of the altar of incense.
[12] And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
[13] But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is
heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his
name John.
[14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his
birth.
[15] For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither
wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from
his mother's womb.
[16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
[17] And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn
the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom
of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
[18] And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am
an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
[19] And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the
presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad
tidings.
[20] And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day
that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words,
which shall be fulfilled in their season.
[21] And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so
long in the temple.
[22] And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and
remained speechless.
[23] And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were
accomplished, he departed to his own house.
[24] And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five
months, saying,
[25] Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men.
[26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city
of Galilee, named Nazareth,
[27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of
David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
[28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly
favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
[29] And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her
mind what manner of salutation this should be.
[30] And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour
with God.
[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name JESUS.
[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the
Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom
there shall be no end.
[34] Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a
man?
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come
upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore
also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of
God.
[36] And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her
old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
[37] For with God nothing shall be impossible.
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according
to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:39-80
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56 Mary remained with her about three months
and returned to her own house.
The Birth of John the Baptist
57 Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,
and they rejoiced with her.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.
And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.
60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.”
61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives
who is called by this name."
62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.
63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
And they all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,
and he spoke and praised God.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts
were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,
"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us,
72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant,
73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,
74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
might serve Him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he remained in the wilderness until the day of his appearance to Israel.
[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with
haste, into a city of Juda;
[40] And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,
the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
[42] And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among
women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
[43] And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
[44] For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears,
the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of
those things which were told her from the Lord.
[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
[48] For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold,
from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
[49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his
name.
[50] And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
[51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in
the imagination of their hearts.
[52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low
degree.
[53] He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent
empty away.
[54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
[55] As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
[56] And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own
house.
[57] Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she
brought forth a son.
[58] And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great
mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
[59] And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the
child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
[60] And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
[61] And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by
this name.
[62] And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
[63] And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John.
And they marvelled all.
[64] And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he
spake, and praised God.
[65] And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings
were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
[66] And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What
manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
[67] And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and
prophesied, saying,
[68] Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his
people,
[69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his
servant David;
[70] As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since
the world began:
[71] That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that
hate us;
[72] To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy
covenant;
[73] The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
[74] That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of
our enemies might serve him without fear,
[75] In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
[76] And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou
shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
[77] To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of
their sins,
[78] Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high
hath visited us,
[79] To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
[80] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts
till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
2) Our Daily Bread for 29 September 2023 titled
A Giver's Heart
Proverbs 11:15-25
15 (Pr 17:18) He who puts up a pledge for a stranger will suffer for it,
and he who hates being a pledge is secure.
16 (Pr 31:30-31) A gracious woman retains honor,
but ruthless men retain riches.
17 (Mt 5:7; 25:34-40) The merciful man does good to his own soul,
but he who is cruel troubles his own body.
18 (Gal 6:8-9; Jas 3:18) The wicked works a deceitful work,
but to him who sows righteousness will be a sure reward.
19 (Pr 10:16; 19:23) As righteousness tends to life,
so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death.
20 (1Ch 29:17; Ps 119:1) Those who are of a perverse heart
are abomination to the Lord,
but such as are upright in their way are His delight.
21 (Pr 16:5) Though be assured, the wicked will not be unpunished,
but the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout,
so is a fair woman who is without discretion.
23 (Ro 2:8-9; Pr 10:28) The desire of the righteous is only good,
but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 (Ps 112:9; Pr 19:17) There is one who scatters, yet increases;
and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.
25 (Mt 5:7) The generous soul will be made rich,
and he who waters will be watered also himself.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:
But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour:
But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets:
But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall:
But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it:
And he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour:
And strong men retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul:
But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work:
But to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life:
So he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD:
But such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished:
But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout,
So is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good:
But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth;
And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat:
And he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
On our last day in Wisconsin, my friend brought her four-year-old daughter
Kinslee to say goodbye. "I don't want you to move," said Kinslee. I hugged her
and gave her a canvas, hand-painted fan from my collection. "When you miss me,
use this fan and remember that I love you." Kinslee asked if she could have a
different fan-a paper one from my bag. "That one's broken," I said. "I want
you to have my best fan." I didn't regret giving Kinslee my favorite fan.
Seeing her happy made me happier. Later, Kinslee told her mother she was sad
because I kept the broken fan. They sent me a brand-new, fancy purple fan.
After giving generously to me, Kinslee felt happy again. So did I.
In a world that promotes self-gratification and self-preservation, we can be
tempted to hoard instead of living with giving hearts. However, the Bible says
that a person who "gives freely . . . gains even more" (Proverbs 11:24). Our
culture defines prosperity as having more and more and more, but the Bible says
that "a generous person will prosper" and "whoever refreshes others will be
refreshed" (v. 25).
God's unlimited and unconditional love and generosity continually recharge us.
We can each have a giver's heart and create unending giving cycles because we
know God-the Giver of all good things-never gets tired of providing abundantly.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
How has the generosity of others helped you get closer to Jesus?
How can you put someone else’s needs above your own this week?
Dear God, help me give as generously as You’ve given to me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 6 - It is Finished
John 5:24
24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears
My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life
and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. "
[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth
on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
"PLEASE BE PATIENT - GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET,"
the sweatshirt read. In this case, the message was an ironic one,
for the occupant of the shirt was a snaggle-toothed, freckle-faced six year
old!
In one sense, God is not finished with the work he has to do in each of us.
Life in Christ is an ongoing process of change and growth as we become
more like him. Certainly, the more we see of ourselves, the more we hope
he isn't finished with us!
Yet whatever plans God has for making us into the men and women he created
us to be, certain aspects of our life in Christ are finished, finalised.
Jesus declares with absolute assurance, "whoever hears
My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life
and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. "
Because we do not have to earn or deserve God's grace, because we are not
called to prove ourselves worthy of Salvation, we can have immediate
and total assurance of the security of life in Jesus Christ. The one who
put his trust in the Lord has eternal life; he will not be condemned;
he has crossed over from death to life.
This "crossing over" into life happens in the split second when we acknowledge
our dependence upon Christ alone. And the rest of our lives is given over to
the development of his image in us.
God is not finished with us yet.
But his work of salvation is finished - complete,
fully dependable an accomplished fact.
Application
a) Have I ever doubted the "accomplished fact" of my own salvation? Why?
b) How can today's verse help me realise that, although I may have a lot of
growing yet to do, my salvation in Jesus Christ is secure?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:19
19 But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,
and it proves unfruitful.
19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,
and it becometh unfruitful.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Burdened by Doubt
James 1:2 to 8
Faith and Wisdom
2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.
4 But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men
liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers
is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.
7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.
8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect
and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth
is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 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 29 of the Month
a) Pray that God will enlighten those in medicine and health care
to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true
integrity and compassion (
Ps 139:13-16
13 You brought my inner parts into being;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise you, for You made me with fear and wonder;
marvelous are Your works,
and You know me completely.
15 My frame was not hidden from You
when I was made in secret,
and intricately put together in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw me unformed,
yet in Your book
all my days were written,
before any of them came into being.
13 For thou hast possessed my reins:
Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee,
When I was made in secret, and curiously wrought
in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;
And in thy book all my members were written,
Which in continuance were fashioned,
When as yet there was none of them.
)
b) Pray that the Church in Canada will remember the poor
and compassionately respond to their plight (
Gal 2:10
10 (Ac 24:17) Only they requested that we should remember the poor,
which I also was eager to do.
10 Only they would that we should remember the poor;
the same which I also was forward to do.
)
Pray to the Lord and pray never to doubt the Lord's Word.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, help me give as generously as
You’'ve given to me."
Pray to the Lord and pray not to doubt your salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be deceived by the riches of this world.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek him in Faith and Wisdom.
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 that God will enlighten those in medicine and health care
to acknowledge the sanctity of life and server with true
integrity and compassion
Pray that the Church in Canada will remember the poor
and compassionately respond to their plight
Pray that new believers in Malaysia will stand strong as they encounter
persecution for the first time.
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.