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Day 319 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 15 November 2023 reflections

Day 319, 15 November 2023



1) Acts 12:6-25

Acts 13

Acts 14



Acts 12:6-25



Peter Delivered From Prison



6 (Ac 21:33) The very night when Herod would have brought him out,

Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains.

And the guards before the door were securing the prison.

7 (Ac 16:26; 5:19) And suddenly an angel of the Lord approached him,

and a light shone in the prison. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up,

saying, "Rise up, quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.

8 Then the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put your sandals on."

And he did so. Then he said to him,

"Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."

9 (Ps 126:1) He went out and followed him, and did not know that what

was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

10 (Ac 5:19; 16:26) When they had passed the first and the second guards,

they came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened to them

by itself. And they went out and went forward one street.

And immediately the angel left him.

11 (Da 3:28; 6:22) When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I certainly

know that the Lord has sent His angel and delivered me from the hand of Herod

and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."

12 (Ac 12:5; 12:25) Realizing this, he came to the house of Mary,

the mother of John, whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered

together praying.

13 As Peter knocked at the door of the porch,

a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.

14 (Lk 24:41) When she recognized Peter's voice, from joy she did not

open the door, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the door.

15 (Mt 18:10) They said to her, "You are insane."

But she insisted that it was really so. So they said, "It is his angel."

16 But Peter continued knocking. And when they opened the door and saw him,

they were astonished.

17 (Ac 13:16; 15:13) Motioning to them with his hand to be quiet,

he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison.

And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and to the brothers."

Then he departed and went to another place.

18 Now when day came, there was a great disturbance among the soldiers

about what had become of Peter.

19 (Ac 16:27) When Herod had searched for him and did not find him,

he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.

Then he went down from Judea to Caesa­rea, and stayed there.



[6] And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was

sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before

the door kept the prison.

[7] And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in

the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise

up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

[8] And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And

so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow

me.

[9] And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which

was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

[10] When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the

iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own

accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith

the angel departed from him.

[11] And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety,

that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of

Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

[12] And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the

mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together

praying.

[13] And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken,

named Rhoda.

[14] And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness,

but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

[15] And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that

it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

[16] But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and

saw him, they were astonished.

[17] But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared

unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go

shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went

into another place.

[18] Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers,

what was become of Peter.

[19] And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the

keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down

from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.



The Death of Herod



20 (Eze 27:17; Ezr 3:7) Now Herod was very angry with the people

of Tyre and Sidon. But they came to him in unity, and having made Blastus,

the king's personal servant, their friend, they asked for peace,

because their country was fed by the king's country.

21 On an appointed day, Herod, dressed in royal apparel,

sat on his throne and gave a public speech to them.

22 The mob shouted, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man!"

23 (1Sa 25:38; 2Sa 24:16-17) Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him,

because he did not give God the glory. And he was eaten by worms and died.

24 (Ac 6:7; 19:20) But the word of God spread and increased.

25 (Ac 12:12; 4:36) When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their ministry,

they returned from Jerusalem and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.





[20] And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they

came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain

their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the

king's country.

[21] And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his

throne, and made an oration unto them.

[22] And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not

of a man.

[23] And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not

God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

[24] But the word of God grew and multiplied.

[25] And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled

their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.



Acts 13



Barnabas and Saul Commissioned



1 (Ac 11:22-27; 4:36) In the church that was in Antioch there were prophets

and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene,

Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) As they worshipped the Lord and fasted,

the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work

to which I have called them."

3 (Ac 6:6; 14:26) Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands

on them and sent them off.



[1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and

teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of

Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and

Saul.

[2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,

Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

[3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they

sent them away.



The Apostles Preach in Cyprus



4 (Ac 4:36; 13:2) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down

to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

5 (Ac 13:14; 9:20) When they arrived at Sal­amis, they preached

the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John as

an assistant.

6 (Mt 7:15) When they had gone through the whole island to Paphos,

they found a certain sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet,

whose name was Bar-Jesus,

7 (Ac 13:12; 19:38) who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus,

an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul

and sought to hear the word of God.

8 (Ac 13:6-7; 2Ti 3:8) But Elymas the sorcerer (which is his name

by interpretation) opposed them, trying to divert the proconsul

from the faith.

9 (Ac 4:8; 2:4) Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled

with the Holy Spirit, stared at him and said,

10 (Hos 14:9; Mt 13:38) "You son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness,

full of deceit and of all fraud, will you not cease perverting the right

ways of the Lord?

11 (Ex 9:3; Ps 32:4) Now, look! The hand of the Lord is against you,

and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time."

Immediately mist and darkness fell on him, and he went about

seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

12 (Ac 13:7) When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed

and was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.



[4] So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and

from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

[5] And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the

synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

[6] And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a

certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:

[7] Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man;

who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

[8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood

them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

[9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set

his eyes on him,

[10] And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the

devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the

right ways of the Lord?

[11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be

blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a

mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

[12] Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished

at the doctrine of the Lord.



Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia



13 (Ac 2:10; 12:12) Now when Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos,

they came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John departed from them and returned

to Jerusalem.

14 (Ac 16:13; 13:5) But they departed from Perga and came to Antioch

in Pisidia. And they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.

15 (Ac 15:21; Mk 5:22) After the reading from the Law and the Prophets,

the rulers of the synagogue sent word to them, saying,

"Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it."

16 (Ac 12:17; 10:2) Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:

"Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.

17 (Dt 7:6-8; Ps 105:23-24) The God of this people of Israel chose

our fathers, and exalted the people when they lived as foreigners

in the land of Egypt, and with great power He led them out of it.

18 (Ac 7:36; Dt 9:7) For about forty years He endured their conduct

in the desert.

19 (Ps 78:55; Dt 7:1; Jos 14:1) When He had destroyed seven nations

in the land of Canaan, He gave them their land as an inheritance by lot.

20 (Jdg 2:16; 1Sa 3:20) "After about four hundred and fifty years,

God gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

21 (1Sa 10:1) Then they requested a king. And God gave them Saul

the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

22 (1Sa 16:1; 15:23; 15:26) When He had removed him, He raised up David

to be their king, of whom He testified, saying,

'I have found David (Ps 89:20.) the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart,

who will fulfill My entire will.'(1Sa 13:14.)

23 (Mt 1:1; Ps 132:11) "From this man's descendants God has raised a Saviour

for Israel, Jesus, according to His promise.

24 (Ac 1:22) Before His coming John had preached a baptism of repentance

to all the people of Israel.

25 (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:7) As John was fulfilling his course, he said,

'Who do you think I am? I am not He. But look! He is coming after me,

the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'(Jn 1:20, 27.)

26 (Ac 4:12; 13:46) "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham,

and those of you who fear God, the word of this salvation has been sent to us.

27 (Ac 3:17; Lk 24:20) Because those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers,

did not know Him, in condemning Him they have fulfilled the voices

of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath.

28 (Mt 27:22-25) Though they found in Him no cause worthy of death,

yet they asked Pilate to have Him killed.

29 (Lk 23:53; Mt 27:57-60; Mk 15:45-46) When they had fulfilled

all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree

and placed Him in a tomb.

30 (Ac 2:24; Mt 28:6) But God raised Him from the dead,

31 (Lk 24:48; Ac 1:3) and for many days He appeared to those who came up

with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people.

32 (Ac 26:6; Ro 4:13) "We preach to you good news: The promise which was made

to the fathers,

33 (Ps 2:7; Heb 5:5) God has fulfilled to us, their children, raising Jesus.

As it is written in the second Psalm:

'You are My Son;

today I have become Your Father.'(Ps 2:7.)

34 (Isa 55:3; Ro 6:9) That He raised Him from the dead, no more to return

to corruption, He has spoken in this way:

'I will give You the holy and sure blessings of David.'(Isa 55:3.)

35 (Ps 16:10) So He says in another Psalm:

'You will not let Your Holy One see decay.'(Ps 16:10.)

36 (1Ki 2:10; Ac 2:29) "For after David had served by the counsel of God

in his own generation, he fell asleep, was buried with his fathers,

and saw decay.

37 (Ac 13:30; 2:24) But He whom God raised up saw no decay.

38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 2:38) "Therefore, brothers, let it be known to you that

through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,

39 (Ro 8:3; Gal 2:16) and by Him everyone who believes is justified

from everything from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses.

40 Therefore beware, lest what is spoken of in the prophets come upon you:

41 (Hab 1:5) 'Look, you scoffers, marvel and perish!

For I will perform a work in your days

which you will never believe,

even if someone declares it to you.'(Hab 1:5.)"

42 When Paul and Barnabas went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles asked

that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.

43 (Ac 11:23; 6:5) When the congregation was dismissed,

many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas,

who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city assembled

to hear the word of God.

45 (Ac 18:6; 5:17) But when the Jews saw the crowds,

they were filled with jealousy, blaspheming and contradicting

what Paul was saying.

46 (Ac 3:26; 28:28) Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said,

"It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first.

But seeing you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life,

we are turning to the Gentiles.

47 (Isa 49:6; Lk 2:32) For thus has the Lord commanded us:

'I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,

that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'(Isa 42:6; 49:6.)"

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word

of the Lord. And all who were ordained to eternal life believed.

49 The word of the Lord was spread throughout the entire region.

50 (Ac 14:2; 14:19) But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women

and the chief men of the city, and raised up persecution against Paul

and Barnabas, and drove them from their region.

51 (Mt 10:14; Ac 18:6) So they shook off the dust of their feet against them

and went to Iconium.

52 (Ac 2:4; Mt 5:12) And the disciples were filled with joy

and with the Holy Spirit.



[13] Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in

Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

[14] But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and

went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

[15] And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the

synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word

of exhortation for the people, say on.

[16] Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel,

and ye that fear God, give audience.

[17] The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the

people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high

arm brought he them out of it.

[18] And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the

wilderness.

[19] And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he

divided their land to them by lot.

[20] And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred

and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

[21] And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son

of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

[22] And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their

king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son

of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

[23] Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel

a Saviour, Jesus:

[24] When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of

repentance to all the people of Israel.

[25] And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I

am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I

am not worthy to loose.

[26] Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among

you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

[27] For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew

him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath

day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

[28] And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate

that he should be slain.

[29] And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him

down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

[30] But God raised him from the dead:

[31] And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee

to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

[32] And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was

made unto the fathers,

[33] God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath

raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art

my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

[34] And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to

return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies

of David.

[35] Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine

Holy One to see corruption.

[36] For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God,

fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

[37] But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

[38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man

is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

[39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which

ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

[40] Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the

prophets;

[41] Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your

days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto

you.

[42] And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought

that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

[43] Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious

proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them

to continue in the grace of God.

[44] And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear

the word of God.

[45] But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and

spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and

blaspheming.

[46] Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the

word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from

you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the

Gentiles.

[47] For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a

light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of

the earth.

[48] And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the

word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

[49] And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

[50] But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief

men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and

expelled them out of their coasts.

[51] But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto

Iconium.

[52] And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.



Acts 14



Paul and Barnabas in Iconium



1 (Ac 18:4; 13:46) At Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together

and so spoke that a great crowd of both Jews and Greeks believed.

2 (Ac 13:50; 13:45) But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles

and embittered their minds against the brothers.

3 (Heb 2:4; Ac 20:32) So they continued there a long time, speaking boldly

for the Lord, who bore witness to His gracious word, granting signs

and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 (Ac 28:24; 14:14) But the people of the city were divided.

Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.

5 (Ac 14:19) When an assault was planned by both Gentiles and Jews,

with their leaders, to attack them and to stone them,

6 (Mt 10:23; 2Ti 3:11) they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe,

cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.

7 (Ac 14:21) And there they preached the gospel.



[1] And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the

synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews

and also of the Greeks believed.

[2] But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds

evil affected against the brethren.

[3] Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave

testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be

done by their hands.

[4] But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews,

and part with the apostles.

[5] And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the

Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

[6] They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of

Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

[7] And there they preached the gospel.



Paul and Barnabas in Lystra



8 (Ac 3:2) In Lystra there sat a man, crippled in his feet, who had never

walked and was lame from birth.

9 (Mt 9:28-29; Ac 3:4) He heard Paul speaking, who looked intently at him

and perceived that he had faith to be healed

10 (Isa 35:6) and said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet."

And he jumped up and walked.

11 (Ac 8:10; 28:6) When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up

their voices, saying in Lycaonian,

"The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"

12 (Ac 19:35) Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes,

because he was the main speaker.

13 (Da 2:46) The priest of Zeus, who was in front of the city,

brought bulls and garlands to the gates to offer sacrifices with the crowds.

14 (Mt 26:65; Ac 14:4) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this,

they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,

15 (1Sa 12:21; Jer 14:22) "Men, why are you doing this? We also are men,

of like nature with you, preaching to you to turn from these vain things

to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea,

and everything that is in them,

16 (Ac 17:30; Ps 81:12) who in times past allowed all nations to walk

in their own ways.

17 (Dt 11:14; Job 5:10) Yet He did not leave Himself without witness,

for He did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons,

satisfying our hearts with food and gladness."

18 With these words they scarcely restrained the crowds

from sacrificing to them.

19 (Ac 13:45; 2Co 11:25) Then some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there

and persuaded the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,

supposing he was dead.

20 (Ac 14:6) But as the disciples gathered around him, he rose up

and went into the city. The next day he departed with Barnabas for Derbe.



[8] And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a

cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

[9] The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving

that he had faith to be healed,

[10] Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and

walked.

[11] And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their

voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in

the likeness of men.

[12] And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was

the chief speaker.

[13] Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen

and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

[14] Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their

clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

[15] And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like

passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these

vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and

all things that are therein:

[16] Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

[17] Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good,

and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with

food and gladness.

[18] And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had

not done sacrifice unto them.

[19] And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who

persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city,

supposing he had been dead.

[20] Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came

into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.



The Return to Antioch in Syria



21 (Ac 13:51; 14:19) When they had preached the gospel to that city

and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra

and to Iconium and to Antioch,

22 (Jn 16:33; 2Ti 3:12) strengthening the minds of the disciples

and exhorting them to continue in the faith, to go through many afflictions

and thus enter the kingdom of God.

23 (Titus 1:5; Ac 11:30; 20:32) When they had appointed elders for them

in every church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord

in whom they believed.

24 (Ac 13:13-14) Then they passed throughout Pisidia and came to Pamphylia,

25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia.

26 (Ac 15:40; 11:19) From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been

commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

27 (Ac 15:12; 1Co 16:9) When they arrived and had assembled the church,

they reported what God had done through them and how He had opened

the door of faith to the Gentiles.

28 (Ac 11:26) And there they stayed a long time with the disciples.



[21] And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught

many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

[22] Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue

in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the

kingdom of God.

[23] And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed

with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

[24] And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

[25] And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into

Attalia:

[26] And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to

the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

[27] And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they

rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of

faith unto the Gentiles.

[28] And there they abode long time with the disciples.



2) Our Daily Bread for 15 November 2023 Titled

One Thing Needed



Luke 10:38-42



Visiting Martha and Mary



38 As they went, He entered a village. And a woman named Martha

welcomed Him into her house.

39 (Lk 8:35; Ac 22:3) She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus'

feet and listened to His teaching.

40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came to Him and said,

"Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?

Then tell her to help me."

41 (Mt 6:25-34) Jesus answered her,

"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things.

42 (Ps 27:4) But one thing is needed. And Mary has chosen the good part,

which shall not be taken from her."



[38] Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain

village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

[39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and

heard his word.

[40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said,

Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her

therefore that she help me.

[41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful

and troubled about many things:

[42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which

shall not be taken away from her.



One weekend in March, I led a retreat on the theme of Mary and Martha, the

sisters in Bethany whom Jesus loved along with their brother Lazarus (John

11:5). We were in a remote spot along the English coastline. When we were

snowed in unexpectedly, many of the participants remarked how the extra day

together meant they could practice sitting at Christ’s feet as Mary did. They

wanted to pursue the "one thing . . . needed" (Luke 10:42 nkjv) that Jesus

lovingly told Martha she should embrace,

which was choosing to draw close and learn from Him.



When Jesus visited the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, Martha wouldn't have

known He was coming in advance, so we can understand how she could have been

upset with Mary for not helping with the preparations to feed Him and His

friends. But she lost sight of what really mattered-receiving from Jesus as

she learned from Him. Christ wasn't scolding her for wanting to serve Him but

rather reminding her that she was missing the most important thing.



When interruptions make us irritable or we feel overwhelmed about the many

things we want to accomplish, we can stop and remind ourselves what really

matters in life. As we slow ourselves down, picturing ourselves sitting at

the feet of Jesus, we can ask Him to fill us with His love and life. We can

revel in being His beloved disciple.



By: Amy Boucher Pye



Reflect & Pray



What distractions keep you from receiving from Jesus? How can you sit at

His feet today?



Dear Jesus, thank You for loving to instruct me

in Your ways. Help me not to get distracted by my activities,

but to focus on You.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 4 - Arming for Battle



Joshua 1:8



8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.

Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according

to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,

and you will be wise.



8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt

meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according

to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,

and then thou shalt have good success.



When God spoke these words to Joshua, the young leader's prospects for

"prosperity" and "success" were far from promising. Upon Moses' death,

Joshua was appointed to lead Israel into the Promised Land, to claim

the territory and establish a nation under God's rule.

Joshua was afraid, and for good reason. The people were rebellious

and intractable. And "claiming the land" meant battling many strong enemies.

Yet God told Joshua that his strength would come not in preparing for battle,

but in preparing for battle, but in preparing himself by meditating

on and applying God's word to his life.

We, too, face difficult battles as we seek to enter the "Promised Land"

of God's peace and presence. But his promise is the same as it was to Joshua:

through obedience to the Word, we can find prosperity and success.

God's promise does not necessarily mean financial prosperity

or material success. These victories may come as well, but God's primary

purpose for his people is spiritual success - the victory and joy of living

in fellowship with him. We can be enriched in the knowledge of God and

find power to overcome the enemies of sin and self. The way may not be easy

- after all, there is no victory without conflict - but God promises

that we will succeed as we look to him.



Application



a) What image do I have a personal "Promised Land" that I long

to enter and claim as my own?



b) What enemies will I need to battle in order to enter that land?



c) How can meditation on the Word of God and obedience to him bring me

prosperity and success?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Luke 6:38



38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,

shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.

For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."



38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,

and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For

with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are Burdened by Doubt



Proverbs 30:5



5 Every word of God is pure;

He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.



5 Every word of God is pure:

He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.



6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 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



15th Day of the Month



a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous

standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11



8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin

and of righteousness and of judgment:

9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;

10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,

and you will see Me no more;

11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."



8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 of sin, because they believe not on me;

10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

)



b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia



I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, that God's Spirit would influence

them to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.

( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our

Savior,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)

who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet

and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.



)





Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray for your imprisoners for that might be watching you.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, thank You for loving to instruct me

in Your ways. Help me not to get distracted by my activities,

but to focus on You."



Pray to the Lord and pray to claim the Promised Land with the help of the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a joyful giver.



Pray to the Lord and pray to put your trust in Him and His Word!



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 the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous

standards of living



Pray that children's Bibles in Egypt will be distributed to eager readers

who are receptive to the Gospel .



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.