Day 318 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 14 November 2023 reflections
Day 318, 14 November 2023
1)1)Acts 10
Acts 11
Acts 12:1-5
Acts 10
Peter and Cornelius
1 (Ac 27:1; 8:40) In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, the centurion
[Commander with the rank of captain over 100 soldiers.] of a band of soldiers
called the Italian Detachment,
2 (Ac 10:22; 13:16; 13:26) a devout man and one who feared God with
all his household, who gave many alms to the people and continually
prayed to God.
3 (Ac 3:1; 5:19) About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision
an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius."
4 (Heb 6:10; Ps 141:2) When he looked at him he was afraid, and said,
"What is it, Lord?"
He said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up as a memorial
before God.
5 Now send men to Joppa, and bring back Simon whose surname is Peter.
6 (Ac 9:43) He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.
He will tell you what you must do."
7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed,
Cornelius called two of his household servants
and a devout soldier from among those who continually waited on him.
8 When he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
9 (Ps 55:17; Zep 1:5) The next day as they went on their journey a
nd drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray
about the sixth hour.
10 (Ac 22:17) He became very hungry and desired to eat.
But while they prepared a meal, he fell into a trance
11 (Jn 1:51) and saw heaven opened, and a vessel like a great sheet,
tied at the four corners, descending to him, and let down to the earth.
12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth and wild beasts
and reptiles and birds of the air.
13 Then a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
14 (Eze 4:14; Lev 20:25) Peter said, "Not at all, Lord.
For I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."
15 (Mt 15:11; 1Co 10:25) The voice spoke to him a second time:
"What God has cleansed, do not call common."
16 This happened three times. And again the vessel was taken up into heaven.
[1] There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of
the band called the Italian band,
[2] A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave
much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
[3] He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an
angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
[4] And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it,
Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a
memorial before God.
[5] And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is
Peter:
[6] He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea
side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
[7] And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he
called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that
waited on him continually;
[8] And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to
Joppa.
[9] On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the
city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
[10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they
made ready, he fell into a trance,
[11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as
it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the
earth:
[12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild
beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
[13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
[14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is
common or unclean.
[15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath
cleansed, that call not thou common.
[16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
[ his vision is about Peter accepting Gentiles as Christ followers and
not about unclean foods being clean]
17 Now while Peter wondered what this vision which he had seen might mean,
the men who were sent by Cornelius had inquired for Simon's house
and stood at the gate,
18 and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter,
was lodging there.
19 (Ac 8:29) While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him,
"Three men are looking for you.
20 (Ac 15:7-9) So rise and go down, and go with them, doubting nothing.
For I have sent them."
21 Then Peter went down to the men who were sent to him by Cornelius
and said, "Here I am, the one you are seeking. Why have you come?"
22 (Ac 11:14; 10:2) They said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a man who
is righteous and fears God and is of good report throughout the nation
of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house
to hear your words."
23 (Ac 10:45; 11:12) Then he invited them in and gave them lodging.
The next day Peter went with them,
and some brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
24 And the next day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them
and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25 (Mt 8:2; Da 2:46) As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him
and fell down at his feet and worshipped him.
26 (Rev 19:10) But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up. I myself am a man."
27 (Ac 10:24) As he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come
together.
28 (Jn 4:9; 18:28) He said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jew
to visit or approach a foreigner. But God has shown me not to call any man
common or unclean.
29 So when I was sent for, I came without question.
Therefore I ask why you have sent for me."
30 (Ac 10:3; 1:10) Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until
this hour. At the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and suddenly a man
stood before me in bright clothing,
31 (Ac 10:4) and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard,
and your alms are remembered before God.
32 Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, whose surname is Peter.
He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.
When he comes, he will speak to you.'
33 So immediately I sent for you, and you have done well to come.
Now therefore we are all here, present before God,
to hear everything the Lord has commanded you."
[17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen
should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry
for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
[18] And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were
lodged there.
[19] While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold,
three men seek thee.
[20] Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing:
for I have sent them.
[21] Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from
Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause
wherefore ye are come?
[22] And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that
feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned
from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words
of thee.
[23] Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went
away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
[24] And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited
for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
[25] And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his
feet, and worshipped him.
[26] But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
[27] And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come
together.
[28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a
man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but
God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
[29] Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent
for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
[30] And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at
the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in
bright clothing,
[31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in
remembrance in the sight of God.
[32] Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter;
he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when
he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
[33] Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou
art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all
things that are commanded thee of God.
Peter Speaks in Cornelius' House
34 (Dt 10:17; 2Ch 19:7) Then Peter began to speak, saying,
"Truthfully, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.
35 (Ac 10:2; 15:9) But in every nation he who fears Him
and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
36 (Mt 28:18; Ac 2:36) The word which He sent to the children of Israel,
preaching peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
37 the word, which you know, that was proclaimed throughout all Judea,
beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:
38 (Lk 4:18; Jn 3:2) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit
and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed
by the devil, for God was with Him.
39 (Lk 24:48; Ac 10:41) "We are witnesses of all that He did both in the land
of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.
40 (Ac 2:24) But God raised Him on the third day and presented Him publicly,
41 (Jn 14:22; Ac 10:39) not to all the people,
but to witnesses previously chosen by God,
to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.
42 (Ac 17:31; 2Ti 4:1) He commanded us to preach to the people
and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be the
Judge of the living and the dead.
43 (Ac 15:9; Isa 53:11) To Him all the prophets bear witness that whoever
believes in Him will receive remission of sins through His name."
[34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God
is no respecter of persons:
[35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is
accepted with him.
[36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by
Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
[37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea,
and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:
who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;
for God was with him.
[39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the
Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
[40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to
us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it
is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever
believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
44 (Ac 11:15; 15:8) While Peter was still speaking these words,
the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.
45 (Ac 10:23; 2:38) All the believers of the circumcision who had come
with Peter were astonished, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been
poured out even on the Gentiles.
46 (Ac 2:4; 19:6) For they heard them speaking in other tongues
and magnifying God.
Then Peter continued,
47 (Ac 8:36) "Can anyone forbid water for baptizing these,
who have received the Holy Spirit as we have?"
48 (Ac 2:38; 8:16; 1Co 1:13-17) So he commanded them to be baptized
in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them
which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as
came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift
of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered
Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have
received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then
prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 11
Peter's Report to the Church in Jerusalem
1 The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles
also had received the word of God.
2 (Ac 10:45) So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those who were circumcised
disputed with him,
3 (Ac 10:28; Lk 15:2) saying, "You went in and ate with uncircumcised men!"
4 (Lk 1:3) Peter began explaining it to them in order, saying,
5 (Ac 10:9-32) "I was in the city of Joppa praying. And in a trance
I saw a vision: A vessel like a great sheet was descending, let down
from heaven by four corners, and it came to me.
6 I considered what I had observed and saw four-footed creatures
and wild beasts and reptiles and birds of the air.
7 Then I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.'
8 (Ro 14:14) "I said, 'Not at all, Lord. For nothing common
or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.'
9 "The voice answered from heaven a second time,
'What God has cleansed, do not call common.'
10 This happened three times. And again everything was taken up into heaven.
11 "And immediately three men sent from Caesarea to me came to the house
where I was.
12 (Ac 8:29; 10:23) The Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation.
Moreover these six brothers came with me, and we entered the man's house.
13 He told us how he had seen an angel in his house, who stood and said
to him, 'Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter.
14 (Ac 16:15; 10:22) He will speak words to you by which you
and all your household will be saved.'
15 "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them,
as He fell on us at the beginning.
16 (Ac 1:5; Mt 3:11) Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said,
'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptised
with the Holy Spirit.' (Am 9:11; Jer 12:15.)
17 (Ac 10:47) If then God gave them the same gift as He gave us
when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ,
who was I to be able to hinder God?"
18 (Ro 10:12-13; 2Co 7:10) When they heard these things, they were silent.
And they glorified God, saying, "Then God has granted to the Gentiles
also repentance unto life."
[1] And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the
Gentiles had also received the word of God.
[2] And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the
circumcision contended with him,
[3] Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
[4] But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by
order unto them, saying,
[5] I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A
certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven
by four corners; and it came even to me:
[6] Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw
fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and
fowls of the air.
[7] And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
[8] But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time
entered into my mouth.
[9] But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed,
that call not thou common.
[10] And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
[11] And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the
house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
[12] And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these
six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
[13] And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and
said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is
Peter;
[14] Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be
saved.
[15] And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the
beginning.
[16] Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed
baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
[17] Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who
believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
[18] When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God,
saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
The Church in Antioch
19 (Ac 4:36; 15:3) Now those who were scattered by the persecution
that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch,
preaching the word to no one except Jews.
20 (Mt 27:32; Ac 13:1) Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene,
who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists,
preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 (Lk 1:66; Ac 2:47) The hand of the Lord was with them,
and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of these things came to the ears of the church which was
in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23 (Ac 13:43; 14:22) When he arrived and saw the grace of God,
he rejoiced and exhorted them all to remain with the Lord with a loyal heart.
24 (Ac 5:14; 11:21) For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit
and of faith. And many people were added to the Lord.
25 (Ac 9:11; 9:30) Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.
26 (Ac 26:28; 1Pe 4:16) When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.
For a whole year they met with the church and taught a considerable crowd.
And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
27 (Ac 13:1; 1Co 12:28; Ac 2:17) In these days prophets came down
from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28 (Ac 21:10; 18:2) One of them, named Agabus, stood up and prophesied
by the Spirit that there would be a great famine throughout all the world,
which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29 Then every disciple, according to his ability, determined to send relief
to the brothers who lived in Judea.
30 (Ac 12:25; 14:23) Indeed they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands
of Barnabas and Saul.
[19] Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose
about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
[20] And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were
come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
[21] And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed,
and turned unto the Lord.
[22] Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was
in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as
Antioch.
[23] Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and
exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the
Lord.
[24] For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and
much people was added unto the Lord.
[25] Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
[26] And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to
pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and
taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in
Antioch.
[27] And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
[28] And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the
spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which
came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
[29] Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to
send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
[30] Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas
and Saul.
Acts 12:1-5
Acts 12
James Killed and Peter Imprisoned
1 About that time King Herod extended his hands
to harm certain ones from the church.
2 (Mt 20:23; Heb 11:37) He killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 (Ex 23:15; Ac 24:27) Seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further
to arrest Peter also. This happened during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
4 (Lk 21:12) When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him
over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him
before the people after the Passover.
5 (2Co 1:11) So Peter was kept in prison. But the church prayed to God
without ceasing for him.
[1] Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex
certain of the church.
[2] And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
[3] And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take
Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
[4] And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him
to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring
him forth to the people.
[5] Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing
of the church unto God for him.
2) Our Daily Bread for 14 November 2022 Titled
Sins Remembered No More
Jeremiah 31:27-34
27 (Hos 2:23; Eze 36:9) Surely, the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah
with the seed of man and with the seed of beast.
28 (Jer 1:10; 44:27) It shall come to pass that as I have watched
over them to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down,
and to destroy, and to afflict, so I will watch over them, to build,
and to plant, says the Lord.
29 (La 5:7; Eze 18:2-3) In those days they will say no more:
"The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
and the children's teeth are set on edge."
30 (Isa 3:11; Eze 18:4) But everyone will die for his own iniquity.
Every man that eats the sour grape, his teeth will be set on edge.
A New Covenant
31 (Lk 22:20; Jer 32:40 ) Surely, the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
32 (Dt 1:31; 5:3) It will not be according to the covenant
that I made with their fathers
in the day that I took them by the hand
to bring them out of the land of Egypt,
because they broke My covenant,
although I was a husband to them,
says the Lord.
33 (2Co 3:3; Heb 10:16) But this shall be the covenant
that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My law within them
and write it in their hearts;
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people.
34 (Isa 54:13; Jer 33:8) They shall teach no more every man his neighbor
and every man his brother, saying, "Know the Lord,"
for they all shall know Me,
from the least of them to the greatest of them,
says the Lord,
for I will forgive their iniquity,
and I will remember their sin no more.
[27] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of
Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of
beast.
[28] And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to
pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to
afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.
[29] In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour
grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
[30] But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth
the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.
[31] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
[32] Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day
that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which
my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
[33] But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of
Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward
parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall
be my people.
[34] And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his
brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least
of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD; for I will forgive their
iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
I never saw the ice. But I felt it. The back end of the pickup I was driving-
my grandfather's-fishtailed. One swerve, two, three-and I was airborne, flying
off a fifteen-foot embankment. I remember thinking, This would be awesome if I
wasn't going to die. A moment later, the truck crunched into the steep slope
and rolled to the bottom. I crawled out of the crushed cab, unscathed.
The truck was utterly totaled that December morning in 1992. God had spared
me. But what about my grandfather? What would he say? In fact, he never said
a single word about the truck. Not one. There was no scolding, no repayment
plan, nothing. Just forgiveness. And a grandfather's smile that I was okay.
My grandfather's grace reminds me of God's grace in Jeremiah 31. There,
despite their tremendous failings, God promises a restored relationship with
His people, saying, "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their
sins no more" (v. 34).
I'm sure my grandfather never forgot that I'd wrecked his truck. But he acted
just like God does here, not remembering it, not shaming me, not making me
work to repay the debt I rightfully owed. Just as God says He'll do, my
grandfather chose to remember it no more, as if the destructive thing
I'd done had never happened.
By: Adam Holz
Reflect & Pray
How should God's forgiveness affect how you see your failures?
How can you show others grace?
Father, thank You for Your forgiveness.
When I cling to my shame, help me to recall that,
in Christ, You remember my sins no more.
Learn more about the importance of offering forgiveness to others.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 3 - Let the Word Dwell in You
Col 3:16
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Every day, whether we are aware of it or not, our minds are
bombarded by 20th Century values: "Dress for success!" "Get ahead!"
"You deserve a break today ...." Television, radio, and the incessant
voices that surround us distract our attention and keep us from
focusing on what is really important in our lives.
Paul's instruction to the Colossian Church brings us back to God's
value system: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."
When we give attention to the Word of God, we put ourselves in a position
to hear a higher truth the clamour of immediate demands
and the expectations of the world around us. We can experience peace
in the midst of struggle and rest in a restless environment.
God's Word is a powerful force for good in our lives - not merely
an attractive philosophy, but true power to overcome the pressures
of daily life.
Dwelling on the Word of God, and letting it indwell us, takes many forms.
Scripture memory, music, meditation, talking with others about the
goodness of God all help us keep our attention focused on Christ rather
than on the values of the world around us.
We can choose to listen to Christian radio or tapes. We can take time
daily for quiet meditation on his Word. We can commit the Word to memory
and draw on its power during the day. And as we listen to the voice
of the Spirit rather than the noise around us, we can enter into
his peace and live in communion with him.
Application
a) What pressures do I face that tend to distract me from the reality
of Christ's presence?
b) How can I "let the word of Christ dwell richly" in me, so that I
an regain my focus on him?
c) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus
my attention on Jesus and his word?
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 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
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
14th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation ( Matt 6:10
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be accepting of all peoplre groups so that
they can be Lead to Jesus Christ the living Saviour.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, I am facing difficult matters, but I am
reminded of Your love for me and Your provision throughout my life.
Thank You."
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Holy Word to dwell in you richly.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be deceived by the lusts of this word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seeing his wisdom daily!
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
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 kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation
Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
Pray that Saudi Arabians Christians who are persecuted by their families
will connect with the family of God.
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)1)Acts 10
Acts 11
Acts 12:1-5
Acts 10
Peter and Cornelius
1 (Ac 27:1; 8:40) In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, the centurion
[Commander with the rank of captain over 100 soldiers.] of a band of soldiers
called the Italian Detachment,
2 (Ac 10:22; 13:16; 13:26) a devout man and one who feared God with
all his household, who gave many alms to the people and continually
prayed to God.
3 (Ac 3:1; 5:19) About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision
an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius."
4 (Heb 6:10; Ps 141:2) When he looked at him he was afraid, and said,
"What is it, Lord?"
He said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up as a memorial
before God.
5 Now send men to Joppa, and bring back Simon whose surname is Peter.
6 (Ac 9:43) He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.
He will tell you what you must do."
7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed,
Cornelius called two of his household servants
and a devout soldier from among those who continually waited on him.
8 When he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
9 (Ps 55:17; Zep 1:5) The next day as they went on their journey a
nd drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray
about the sixth hour.
10 (Ac 22:17) He became very hungry and desired to eat.
But while they prepared a meal, he fell into a trance
11 (Jn 1:51) and saw heaven opened, and a vessel like a great sheet,
tied at the four corners, descending to him, and let down to the earth.
12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth and wild beasts
and reptiles and birds of the air.
13 Then a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
14 (Eze 4:14; Lev 20:25) Peter said, "Not at all, Lord.
For I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."
15 (Mt 15:11; 1Co 10:25) The voice spoke to him a second time:
"What God has cleansed, do not call common."
16 This happened three times. And again the vessel was taken up into heaven.
[1] There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of
the band called the Italian band,
[2] A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave
much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
[3] He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an
angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
[4] And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it,
Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a
memorial before God.
[5] And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is
Peter:
[6] He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea
side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
[7] And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he
called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that
waited on him continually;
[8] And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to
Joppa.
[9] On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the
city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
[10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they
made ready, he fell into a trance,
[11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as
it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the
earth:
[12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild
beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
[13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
[14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is
common or unclean.
[15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath
cleansed, that call not thou common.
[16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
[ his vision is about Peter accepting Gentiles as Christ followers and
not about unclean foods being clean]
17 Now while Peter wondered what this vision which he had seen might mean,
the men who were sent by Cornelius had inquired for Simon's house
and stood at the gate,
18 and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter,
was lodging there.
19 (Ac 8:29) While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him,
"Three men are looking for you.
20 (Ac 15:7-9) So rise and go down, and go with them, doubting nothing.
For I have sent them."
21 Then Peter went down to the men who were sent to him by Cornelius
and said, "Here I am, the one you are seeking. Why have you come?"
22 (Ac 11:14; 10:2) They said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a man who
is righteous and fears God and is of good report throughout the nation
of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house
to hear your words."
23 (Ac 10:45; 11:12) Then he invited them in and gave them lodging.
The next day Peter went with them,
and some brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
24 And the next day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them
and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25 (Mt 8:2; Da 2:46) As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him
and fell down at his feet and worshipped him.
26 (Rev 19:10) But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up. I myself am a man."
27 (Ac 10:24) As he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come
together.
28 (Jn 4:9; 18:28) He said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jew
to visit or approach a foreigner. But God has shown me not to call any man
common or unclean.
29 So when I was sent for, I came without question.
Therefore I ask why you have sent for me."
30 (Ac 10:3; 1:10) Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until
this hour. At the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and suddenly a man
stood before me in bright clothing,
31 (Ac 10:4) and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard,
and your alms are remembered before God.
32 Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, whose surname is Peter.
He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.
When he comes, he will speak to you.'
33 So immediately I sent for you, and you have done well to come.
Now therefore we are all here, present before God,
to hear everything the Lord has commanded you."
[17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen
should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry
for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
[18] And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were
lodged there.
[19] While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold,
three men seek thee.
[20] Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing:
for I have sent them.
[21] Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from
Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause
wherefore ye are come?
[22] And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that
feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned
from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words
of thee.
[23] Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went
away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
[24] And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited
for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
[25] And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his
feet, and worshipped him.
[26] But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
[27] And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come
together.
[28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a
man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but
God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
[29] Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent
for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
[30] And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at
the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in
bright clothing,
[31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in
remembrance in the sight of God.
[32] Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter;
he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when
he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
[33] Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou
art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all
things that are commanded thee of God.
Peter Speaks in Cornelius' House
34 (Dt 10:17; 2Ch 19:7) Then Peter began to speak, saying,
"Truthfully, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.
35 (Ac 10:2; 15:9) But in every nation he who fears Him
and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
36 (Mt 28:18; Ac 2:36) The word which He sent to the children of Israel,
preaching peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
37 the word, which you know, that was proclaimed throughout all Judea,
beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:
38 (Lk 4:18; Jn 3:2) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit
and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed
by the devil, for God was with Him.
39 (Lk 24:48; Ac 10:41) "We are witnesses of all that He did both in the land
of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.
40 (Ac 2:24) But God raised Him on the third day and presented Him publicly,
41 (Jn 14:22; Ac 10:39) not to all the people,
but to witnesses previously chosen by God,
to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.
42 (Ac 17:31; 2Ti 4:1) He commanded us to preach to the people
and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be the
Judge of the living and the dead.
43 (Ac 15:9; Isa 53:11) To Him all the prophets bear witness that whoever
believes in Him will receive remission of sins through His name."
[34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God
is no respecter of persons:
[35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is
accepted with him.
[36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by
Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
[37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea,
and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:
who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;
for God was with him.
[39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the
Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
[40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to
us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it
is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever
believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
44 (Ac 11:15; 15:8) While Peter was still speaking these words,
the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.
45 (Ac 10:23; 2:38) All the believers of the circumcision who had come
with Peter were astonished, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been
poured out even on the Gentiles.
46 (Ac 2:4; 19:6) For they heard them speaking in other tongues
and magnifying God.
Then Peter continued,
47 (Ac 8:36) "Can anyone forbid water for baptizing these,
who have received the Holy Spirit as we have?"
48 (Ac 2:38; 8:16; 1Co 1:13-17) So he commanded them to be baptized
in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them
which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as
came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift
of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered
Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have
received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then
prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 11
Peter's Report to the Church in Jerusalem
1 The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles
also had received the word of God.
2 (Ac 10:45) So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those who were circumcised
disputed with him,
3 (Ac 10:28; Lk 15:2) saying, "You went in and ate with uncircumcised men!"
4 (Lk 1:3) Peter began explaining it to them in order, saying,
5 (Ac 10:9-32) "I was in the city of Joppa praying. And in a trance
I saw a vision: A vessel like a great sheet was descending, let down
from heaven by four corners, and it came to me.
6 I considered what I had observed and saw four-footed creatures
and wild beasts and reptiles and birds of the air.
7 Then I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.'
8 (Ro 14:14) "I said, 'Not at all, Lord. For nothing common
or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.'
9 "The voice answered from heaven a second time,
'What God has cleansed, do not call common.'
10 This happened three times. And again everything was taken up into heaven.
11 "And immediately three men sent from Caesarea to me came to the house
where I was.
12 (Ac 8:29; 10:23) The Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation.
Moreover these six brothers came with me, and we entered the man's house.
13 He told us how he had seen an angel in his house, who stood and said
to him, 'Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter.
14 (Ac 16:15; 10:22) He will speak words to you by which you
and all your household will be saved.'
15 "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them,
as He fell on us at the beginning.
16 (Ac 1:5; Mt 3:11) Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said,
'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptised
with the Holy Spirit.' (Am 9:11; Jer 12:15.)
17 (Ac 10:47) If then God gave them the same gift as He gave us
when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ,
who was I to be able to hinder God?"
18 (Ro 10:12-13; 2Co 7:10) When they heard these things, they were silent.
And they glorified God, saying, "Then God has granted to the Gentiles
also repentance unto life."
[1] And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the
Gentiles had also received the word of God.
[2] And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the
circumcision contended with him,
[3] Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
[4] But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by
order unto them, saying,
[5] I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A
certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven
by four corners; and it came even to me:
[6] Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw
fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and
fowls of the air.
[7] And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
[8] But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time
entered into my mouth.
[9] But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed,
that call not thou common.
[10] And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
[11] And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the
house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
[12] And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these
six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
[13] And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and
said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is
Peter;
[14] Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be
saved.
[15] And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the
beginning.
[16] Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed
baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
[17] Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who
believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
[18] When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God,
saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
The Church in Antioch
19 (Ac 4:36; 15:3) Now those who were scattered by the persecution
that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch,
preaching the word to no one except Jews.
20 (Mt 27:32; Ac 13:1) Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene,
who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists,
preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 (Lk 1:66; Ac 2:47) The hand of the Lord was with them,
and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of these things came to the ears of the church which was
in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
23 (Ac 13:43; 14:22) When he arrived and saw the grace of God,
he rejoiced and exhorted them all to remain with the Lord with a loyal heart.
24 (Ac 5:14; 11:21) For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit
and of faith. And many people were added to the Lord.
25 (Ac 9:11; 9:30) Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.
26 (Ac 26:28; 1Pe 4:16) When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.
For a whole year they met with the church and taught a considerable crowd.
And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
27 (Ac 13:1; 1Co 12:28; Ac 2:17) In these days prophets came down
from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28 (Ac 21:10; 18:2) One of them, named Agabus, stood up and prophesied
by the Spirit that there would be a great famine throughout all the world,
which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29 Then every disciple, according to his ability, determined to send relief
to the brothers who lived in Judea.
30 (Ac 12:25; 14:23) Indeed they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands
of Barnabas and Saul.
[19] Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose
about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
[20] And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were
come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
[21] And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed,
and turned unto the Lord.
[22] Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was
in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as
Antioch.
[23] Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and
exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the
Lord.
[24] For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and
much people was added unto the Lord.
[25] Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
[26] And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to
pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and
taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in
Antioch.
[27] And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
[28] And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the
spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which
came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
[29] Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to
send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
[30] Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas
and Saul.
Acts 12:1-5
Acts 12
James Killed and Peter Imprisoned
1 About that time King Herod extended his hands
to harm certain ones from the church.
2 (Mt 20:23; Heb 11:37) He killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 (Ex 23:15; Ac 24:27) Seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further
to arrest Peter also. This happened during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
4 (Lk 21:12) When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him
over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him
before the people after the Passover.
5 (2Co 1:11) So Peter was kept in prison. But the church prayed to God
without ceasing for him.
[1] Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex
certain of the church.
[2] And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
[3] And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take
Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
[4] And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him
to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring
him forth to the people.
[5] Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing
of the church unto God for him.
2) Our Daily Bread for 14 November 2022 Titled
Sins Remembered No More
Jeremiah 31:27-34
27 (Hos 2:23; Eze 36:9) Surely, the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah
with the seed of man and with the seed of beast.
28 (Jer 1:10; 44:27) It shall come to pass that as I have watched
over them to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down,
and to destroy, and to afflict, so I will watch over them, to build,
and to plant, says the Lord.
29 (La 5:7; Eze 18:2-3) In those days they will say no more:
"The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
and the children's teeth are set on edge."
30 (Isa 3:11; Eze 18:4) But everyone will die for his own iniquity.
Every man that eats the sour grape, his teeth will be set on edge.
A New Covenant
31 (Lk 22:20; Jer 32:40 ) Surely, the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
32 (Dt 1:31; 5:3) It will not be according to the covenant
that I made with their fathers
in the day that I took them by the hand
to bring them out of the land of Egypt,
because they broke My covenant,
although I was a husband to them,
says the Lord.
33 (2Co 3:3; Heb 10:16) But this shall be the covenant
that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My law within them
and write it in their hearts;
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people.
34 (Isa 54:13; Jer 33:8) They shall teach no more every man his neighbor
and every man his brother, saying, "Know the Lord,"
for they all shall know Me,
from the least of them to the greatest of them,
says the Lord,
for I will forgive their iniquity,
and I will remember their sin no more.
[27] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of
Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of
beast.
[28] And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to
pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to
afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.
[29] In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour
grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge.
[30] But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth
the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.
[31] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
[32] Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day
that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which
my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
[33] But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of
Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward
parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall
be my people.
[34] And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his
brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least
of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD; for I will forgive their
iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
I never saw the ice. But I felt it. The back end of the pickup I was driving-
my grandfather's-fishtailed. One swerve, two, three-and I was airborne, flying
off a fifteen-foot embankment. I remember thinking, This would be awesome if I
wasn't going to die. A moment later, the truck crunched into the steep slope
and rolled to the bottom. I crawled out of the crushed cab, unscathed.
The truck was utterly totaled that December morning in 1992. God had spared
me. But what about my grandfather? What would he say? In fact, he never said
a single word about the truck. Not one. There was no scolding, no repayment
plan, nothing. Just forgiveness. And a grandfather's smile that I was okay.
My grandfather's grace reminds me of God's grace in Jeremiah 31. There,
despite their tremendous failings, God promises a restored relationship with
His people, saying, "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their
sins no more" (v. 34).
I'm sure my grandfather never forgot that I'd wrecked his truck. But he acted
just like God does here, not remembering it, not shaming me, not making me
work to repay the debt I rightfully owed. Just as God says He'll do, my
grandfather chose to remember it no more, as if the destructive thing
I'd done had never happened.
By: Adam Holz
Reflect & Pray
How should God's forgiveness affect how you see your failures?
How can you show others grace?
Father, thank You for Your forgiveness.
When I cling to my shame, help me to recall that,
in Christ, You remember my sins no more.
Learn more about the importance of offering forgiveness to others.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 3 - Let the Word Dwell in You
Col 3:16
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Every day, whether we are aware of it or not, our minds are
bombarded by 20th Century values: "Dress for success!" "Get ahead!"
"You deserve a break today ...." Television, radio, and the incessant
voices that surround us distract our attention and keep us from
focusing on what is really important in our lives.
Paul's instruction to the Colossian Church brings us back to God's
value system: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."
When we give attention to the Word of God, we put ourselves in a position
to hear a higher truth the clamour of immediate demands
and the expectations of the world around us. We can experience peace
in the midst of struggle and rest in a restless environment.
God's Word is a powerful force for good in our lives - not merely
an attractive philosophy, but true power to overcome the pressures
of daily life.
Dwelling on the Word of God, and letting it indwell us, takes many forms.
Scripture memory, music, meditation, talking with others about the
goodness of God all help us keep our attention focused on Christ rather
than on the values of the world around us.
We can choose to listen to Christian radio or tapes. We can take time
daily for quiet meditation on his Word. We can commit the Word to memory
and draw on its power during the day. And as we listen to the voice
of the Spirit rather than the noise around us, we can enter into
his peace and live in communion with him.
Application
a) What pressures do I face that tend to distract me from the reality
of Christ's presence?
b) How can I "let the word of Christ dwell richly" in me, so that I
an regain my focus on him?
c) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus
my attention on Jesus and his word?
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 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
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
14th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation ( Matt 6:10
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be accepting of all peoplre groups so that
they can be Lead to Jesus Christ the living Saviour.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, I am facing difficult matters, but I am
reminded of Your love for me and Your provision throughout my life.
Thank You."
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Holy Word to dwell in you richly.
Pray to the Lord and pray not to be deceived by the lusts of this word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seeing his wisdom daily!
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
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 kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation
Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.
Pray that Saudi Arabians Christians who are persecuted by their families
will connect with the family of God.
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.