Day 320 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 16 November 2023 reflections
Day 320, 16 November 2023
1) James 1, James 2, James 3, James 4, James 5
James 1
Salutation
1 (Jn 7:35; Ac 12:17) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:
Greetings.
[1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve
tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Faith and Wisdom
2 (Jas 1:12) My brothers, count it all joy
when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 (Heb 10:36; 2Pe 1:6) knowing that the trying
of your faith develops patience.
4 (Mt 5:48; Lk 21:19) But let patience perfect its work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 (Pr 2:3-6; Jn 15:7) 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 (Eph 4:14) 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 (Jas 4:8; 2Pe 2:14) 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.
Poverty and Riches
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted,
10 (1Co 7:31; 1Pe 1:24) but the rich in that he is made low,
because as the flower of the grass he will pass away.
11 (Isa 40:7-8) For the sun rises with a burning heat
and it withers the grass, and its flowers fall, and its beauty perishes.
So will the rich man wither away in his ways.
[9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
[10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the
grass he shall pass away.
[11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth
the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of
it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth
with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits
of His creatures.
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him.
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot
be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and
enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it
is finished, bringeth forth death.
[16] Do not err, my beloved brethren.
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning.
[18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a
kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 (Pr 10:19; 14:29) Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift
to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.
21 (Eph 1:13; 4:22) Therefore lay aside all filthiness
and remaining wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls.
22 (Ro 2:13; Lk 6:46-48) Be doers of the word and not hearers only,
deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer,
he is like a man viewing his natural face in a mirror.
24 He views himself, and goes his way,
and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
25 (Jas 2:12; Jn 13:17) But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty,
and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this man will be blessed in his deeds.
26 (Ps 34:13; 141:3) If anyone among you seems to be religious
and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's
religion is vain.
27 (Isa 1:23; Ro 12:2) Religion that is pure and undefiled before God,
the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
[19] Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath:
[20] For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
[21] Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and
receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
[22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own
selves.
[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a
man beholding his natural face in a glass:
[24] For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth
what manner of man he was.
[25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man
shall be blessed in his deed.
[26] If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,
but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
[27] Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit
the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted
from the world.
James 2
Warning Against Partiality
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly,
and also a poor man in ragged clothing comes in,
3 and you have respect for him who wears the fine clothing and say to him,
"Sit here in a good place," and say to the poor, "Stand there,"
or "Sit here under my footstool,"
4 (Jn 7:24) have you not then become partial among yourselves
and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 (Mt 5:3; Lk 6:20; 12:21) Listen, my beloved brothers. Has God not chosen
the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom
which He has promised to those who love Him?
6 (1Co 11:22; Ac 8:3) But you have despised the poor.
Do not rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seats?
7 (Ac 11:26) Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called?
8 (Lev 19:18) If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself,"(Lev 19:18.) you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted
by the law as sinners.
10 (Gal 3:10) For whoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend
in one point is guilty of breaking the whole law.
11 (Ex 20:13-14; Dt 5:17-18) For He who said,
"Do not commit adultery,"(Ex 20:14; Dt 5:18.)
also said, "Do not kill."(Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17.)
Now if you do not commit adultery, yet you kill,
you have become a lawbreaker.
12 (Jas 1:25) So speak and so do as those who will be judged
by the law of liberty.
13 (Pr 21:13; Mt 5:7) For he who has shown no mercy will
have judgment without mercy, for mercy triumphs over judgment.
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
[3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto
him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there,
or sit here under my footstool:
[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil
thoughts?
[5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world
rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that
love him?
[6] But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you
before the judgment seats?
[7] Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
[8] If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
[9] But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of
the law as transgressors.
[10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he
is guilty of all.
[11] For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now
if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor
of the law.
[12] So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of
liberty.
[13] For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy;
and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Faith and Works
14 (Jas 1:22-25; Gal 5:6) What does it profit, my brothers,
if a man says he has faith but has no works? Can faith save him?
15 (Lk 3:11) If a brother or sister is naked and lacking daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,"
and yet you give them nothing that the body needs, what does it profit?
17 (Jas 2:14; 2:26) So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
18 (Gal 5:6; Jas 3:13) But a man may say, "You have faith and I have works."
Show me your faith without your works,
and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 (Dt 6:4; Mt 8:29) You believe that there is one God; you do well.
The demons also believe and tremble.
20 (Jas 2:26) But do you want to be shown, O foolish man,
that faith without works is dead?
21 (Ge 22:16-18) Was not Abraham our father justified by works
when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 (1Th 1:3) Do you see how faith worked with his works,
and by works faith was made perfect?
23 (Ge 15:6; 2Ch 20:7) The Scripture was fulfilled which says,
"Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,"
(Ge 15:6.) and he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then how by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 (Heb 11:31; Jos 2:1; 2:19-21) Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute
justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out
another way?
26 (Jas 2:20; 2:17) As the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead.
[14] What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and
have not works? can faith save him?
[15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
[16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;
notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body;
what doth it profit?
[17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
[18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy
faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
[19] Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also
believe, and tremble.
[20] But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
[21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered
Isaac his son upon the altar?
[22] Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith
made perfect?
[23] And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and
it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of
God.
[24] Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith
only.
[25] Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had
received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
[26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is
dead also.
James 3
The Tongue
1 (Mt 23:13; Ro 2:20-21) My brothers, not many of you should become teachers,
knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment.
2 (Mt 12:37; Jas 1:26) We all err in many ways. But if any man does not err
in word, he is a perfect man and able also to control the whole body.
3 (Ps 32:9) See how we put bits in the mouths of horses that they may obey
us, and we control their whole bodies.
4 And observe ships. Though they are so great and are driven by fierce winds,
yet they are directed with a very small rudder wherever the captain pleases.
5 (Ps 73:8-9) Even so, the tongue is a little part of the body
and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.
6 (Pr 16:27) The tongue is a fire, a world of evil. The tongue is among
the parts of the body, defiling the whole body,
and setting the course of nature on fire, and it is set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of beasts, and birds, and serpents, and things in the sea
are tamed or have been tamed by mankind.
8 (Ps 140:3; Ro 3:13) But no man can tame the tongue.
It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 (1Co 11:7; Ge 1:26-27) With it we bless the Lord and Father,
and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.
My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring yield at the same opening sweet and bitter water?
12 Can the fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a vine, figs?
So no spring can yield both salt water and fresh water.
[1] My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the
greater condemnation.
[2] For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the
same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
[3] Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we
turn about their whole body.
[4] Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of
fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm,
whithersoever the governor listeth.
[5] Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
[6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among
our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course
of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
[7] For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things
in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
[8] But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly
poison.
[9] Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men,
which are made after the similitude of God.
[10] Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren,
these things ought not so to be.
[11] Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
[12] Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?
so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
The Wisdom From Above
13 (Jas 2:18; 1:21) Who is wise and understanding among you?
Let him show his works by his good life in the meekness of wisdom.
14 (Jas 3:16; 2Co 12:20) But if you have bitter envying and strife
in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth.
15 (Jas 1:17; Jude 1:19) This wisdom descends not from above,
but is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish.
16 (1Co 3:3; Jas 3:14) For where there is envying and strife,
there is confusion and every evil work.
17 (Ro 12:9; Jas 2:4) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 (Pr 11:18; Mt 5:9) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.
[13] Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out
of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
[14] But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and
lie not against the truth.
[15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual,
devilish.
[16] For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil
work.
[17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
[18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make
peace.
James 4
Friendship With the World
1 (Ro 7:23; 1Pe 2:11) Where do wars and fights among you come from?
Do they not come from your lusts that war in your body?
2 You lust and do not have, so you kill.
You desire to have and cannot obtain. You fight and war.
Yet you do not have, because you do not ask.
3 (1Jn 5:14; 3:22) You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss,
that you may spend it on your passions.
4 (Jn 15:19; Ro 8:7) You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know
that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore
will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
5 Do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "He yearns jealously
for the spirit that lives in us"(The source of this quotation is uncertain.)?
6 (Pr 3:34; 1Pe 5:5) But He gives more grace. For this reason it says:
"God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."(Pr 3:34.)
7 (Eph 4:27; 1Pe 5:8-9) Therefore submit yourselves to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 (2Ch 15:2; Jas 1:8) Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 (Lk 6:25; Pr 14:13) Grieve and mourn and weep.
Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to dejection.
10 (Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,
and He will lift you up.
[1] From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even
of your lusts that war in your members?
[2] Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:
ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
[3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it
upon your lusts.
[4] Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the
world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world
is the enemy of God.
[5] Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth
in us lusteth to envy?
[6] But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud,
but giveth grace unto the humble.
[7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you.
[8] Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye
sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
[9] Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to
mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
[10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Judging a Brother
11 (1Pe 2:1; Jas 5:9) Do not speak evil of one another, brothers.
He who speaks evil of his brother and judges his brother speaks
evil of the law and judges the law. If you judge the law,
you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12 (Mt 10:28; Ro 14:4; Isa 33:22) There is one Lawgiver who is able
to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
[11] Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his
brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the
law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
[12] There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou
that judgest another?
Warning Against Boasting
13 (Pr 27:1; Jas 5:1) Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow
we will go into this city, spend a year there, buy and sell,
and make a profit,"
14 (Ps 102:3; 39:5) whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life? It is just a vapor that appears for a little while
and then vanishes away.
15 (Ac 18:21) Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills,
we shall live and do this or that."
16 (1Co 5:6) But now you are rejoicing in your boastings.
All such rejoicing is evil.
17 (Jn 9:41; Lk 12:47-48) Therefore, to him who knows to do good
and does not do it, it is sin.
[13] Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a
city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
[14] Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life?
It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth
away.
[15] For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this,
or that.
[16] But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
[17] Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it
is sin.
James 5
Warning to the Rich
1 (Pr 11:28; Isa 13:6) Come now, you rich men, weep and howl
for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2 (Job 13:28; Isa 50:9) Your riches are corrupted
and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 (Ro 2:5) Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be
a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have stored
up treasures for the last days.
4 (Lev 19:13; Ro 9:29) Indeed the wages that you kept back by fraud
from the laborers who harvested your fields are crying,
and the cries of those who harvested have entered
into the ears of the Lord of Hosts.
5 (Lk 16:19; 1Ti 5:6) You have lived in pleasure on the earth
and have been wayward.
You have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
6 You have condemned and killed the righteous man who does not resist you.
[1] Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come
upon you.
[2] Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
[3] Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a
witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have
heaped treasure together for the last days.
[4] Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields,
which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have
reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
[5] Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have
nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
[6] Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
Patience and Prayer
7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early
and late rain.
8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,
lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,
who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
12 But above all things, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven
or by the earth or by any other oath. But let your "Yes" be "Yes"
and your "No" be "No," that you do not fall into condemnation.
13 (Ps 50:15; Eph 5:19) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.
Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.
14 (Mk 6:13; 16:18; Ac 14:23) Is anyone sick among you? Let him call
for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him,
anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 (Isa 33:24; Jas 1:6) And the prayer of faith will save the sick,
and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed any sins,
he will be forgiven.
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
17 (1Ki 17:1; Lk 4:25) Elijah was a man subject to natural passions
as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain,
and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.
18 (1Ki 18:42-45) And he prayed again, and the sky gave rain,
and the earth brought forth its fruit.
19 (Mt 18:15; Gal 6:1) Brothers, if any one of you strays from the truth
and someone corrects him,
20 (Ro 11:14; 1Pe 4:8) let him know that he who converts the sinner
from the error of his way will save a soul from death
and will cover a multitude of sins.
[7] Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long
patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
[8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord
draweth nigh.
[9] Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold,
the judge standeth before the door.
[10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
[11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful,
and of tender mercy.
[12] But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven,
neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea;
and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
[13] Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing
psalms.
[14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and
let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
[15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise
him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
[16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much.
[17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed
earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the
space of three years and six months.
[18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought
forth her fruit.
[19] Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
[20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his
way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 November 2023 titled
Tell of God's Goodness
Psalms 66:5-12,16-20
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Come and see the works of God;
He is awesome in His doings toward mankind.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) He turned the sea into dry land;
they crossed the river on foot;
there we rejoiced in Him.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He rules by His power forever;
His eyes keep watch on the nations;
do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Oh, bless our God, you people,
and make the voice of His praise to be heard,
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) who keeps our soul among the living,
and does not allow our feet to slip.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) For You, O God, have proved us;
You have refined us, as silver is refined.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) You brought us into the net;
You placed distress on our backs.
12 You have allowed people to ride over our heads;
we went through fire and through water;
but You brought us out into a well-watered place.
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will declare what He has done for my soul.
17 I cried to Him with my mouth,
and He was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart,
the Lord will not hear me;
19 but certainly God has heard me;
He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God,
who has not turned away my prayer,
nor His mercy from me.
[5] Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the
children of men.
[6] He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot:
there did we rejoice in him.
[7] He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not
the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
[8] O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be
heard:
[9] Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
[10] For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is
tried.
[11] Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
[12] Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and
through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
[16] Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath
done for my soul.
[17] I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
[18] If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
[19] But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my
prayer.
[20] Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy
from me.
Testimony time was the segment in our church service when people shared how
God had been at work in their lives. Auntie-or Sister Langford as she was
known by others in our church family-was known for packing lots of praise into
her testimonies. On the occasions when she shared her personal conversion
story, one could expect her to take up a good bit of the service. Her heart
gushed with praise to God who'd graciously changed her life!
Similarly, the testimony of the writer of Psalm 66 is packed with praise as he
testifies about what God had done for His people. "Come and see what God has
done, his awesome deeds for mankind!" (v. 5). His deeds included miraculous
rescue (v. 6), preservation (v. 9), and testing and discipline that resulted
in His people being brought to a better place (vv. 10-12). While there are
God-experiences that we have in common with other believers in Jesus, there
are also things unique to our individual journeys. Have there been times in
your life when God has particularly made Himself known to you? Those are worth
sharing with others who need to hear how He's worked in your life. "Come and
hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me" (v. 16).
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
How can you more readily share your experiences of God's goodness with others?
How have you been inspired to trust Him more when you've heard others
share His awesome deeds?
Heavenly Father, I rejoice in the varied expressions
of Your kindness to me. Help me not to keep these things to myself.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 5 - Learning by Heart
Ps 119:9,11
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) How shall a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
That I might not sin against thee.
"His heart is not just in it," a gifted musician commented about the
pianist onstage. "He's here at the Orchestra Hall, playing for
thousands of people, an his technique is flawless, but something
is missing - his heart is just not in it."
The psalmist , in Psalm 119, draws a similar parallel. We "Keep our
way pure" through obedience of his Word, by ordering our lives according
to the commands of the Scriptures. But outward behaviour is not the only
essential factor in purity of life. The changes in our behaviour need to
come from the heart, from the inside out. Our "technique" for living
the Christian life may be flawless, but our obediance is founded
in heart motivation, something is certainly missing.
"I seek you with all my heart," the psalmist declares in verse 10.
Thus he can say in verse 11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You."
Often we refer to memorisation as "learning by heart" - and indeed
"by heart" is the biblical mandate for assimilating God's truth
into our daily lives. "By rote" or "By Mind" leaves us
intellectually overstuffed, yet spiritually starving.
When we try to apply the Word outwardly to our behaviour,
we end up in a tangle of legalism, a log "do list" by which
we hope to please God. But when we set our hearts toward God first,
then changes in our behaviour grow out of love for God and a deep
desire to serve him. Then we are truly loving and obeying God with
our whole hearts.
Application
a) In what ways have I tried to apply God's word to my behaviour
without having the truth firmly in my heart? What was the result?
b) How can I set my heart toward God and give myself more fully
to his Word?
c) What areas of my life need "purifying"? How can these verses
help me to "make my way pure"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:6
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;
and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
1 Tim 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
that we can carry nothing out.
8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things.
9 But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will
be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His Word in His Wisdom and to know
Him forthright.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, I rejoice in the varied expressions
of Your kindness to me. Help me not to keep these things to myself."
Pray to the Lord and pray to learn His Word by Heart.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a boutifuly sower and reaper.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give your money worries over to Him!
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 that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Pray that attempts by North Korean governing officials to interrupt
Christian radio broadcasts will not prevail .
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) James 1, James 2, James 3, James 4, James 5
James 1
Salutation
1 (Jn 7:35; Ac 12:17) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:
Greetings.
[1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve
tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Faith and Wisdom
2 (Jas 1:12) My brothers, count it all joy
when you fall into diverse temptations,
3 (Heb 10:36; 2Pe 1:6) knowing that the trying
of your faith develops patience.
4 (Mt 5:48; Lk 21:19) But let patience perfect its work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 (Pr 2:3-6; Jn 15:7) 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 (Eph 4:14) 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 (Jas 4:8; 2Pe 2:14) 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.
Poverty and Riches
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted,
10 (1Co 7:31; 1Pe 1:24) but the rich in that he is made low,
because as the flower of the grass he will pass away.
11 (Isa 40:7-8) For the sun rises with a burning heat
and it withers the grass, and its flowers fall, and its beauty perishes.
So will the rich man wither away in his ways.
[9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
[10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the
grass he shall pass away.
[11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth
the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of
it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth
with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits
of His creatures.
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that
love him.
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot
be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and
enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it
is finished, bringeth forth death.
[16] Do not err, my beloved brethren.
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning.
[18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a
kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 (Pr 10:19; 14:29) Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift
to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.
21 (Eph 1:13; 4:22) Therefore lay aside all filthiness
and remaining wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls.
22 (Ro 2:13; Lk 6:46-48) Be doers of the word and not hearers only,
deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer,
he is like a man viewing his natural face in a mirror.
24 He views himself, and goes his way,
and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
25 (Jas 2:12; Jn 13:17) But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty,
and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this man will be blessed in his deeds.
26 (Ps 34:13; 141:3) If anyone among you seems to be religious
and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's
religion is vain.
27 (Isa 1:23; Ro 12:2) Religion that is pure and undefiled before God,
the Father, is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
[19] Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath:
[20] For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
[21] Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and
receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
[22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own
selves.
[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a
man beholding his natural face in a glass:
[24] For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth
what manner of man he was.
[25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man
shall be blessed in his deed.
[26] If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,
but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
[27] Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit
the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted
from the world.
James 2
Warning Against Partiality
1 (1Co 2:8; Lev 19:15) My brothers, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Lord of glory, without partiality.
2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly,
and also a poor man in ragged clothing comes in,
3 and you have respect for him who wears the fine clothing and say to him,
"Sit here in a good place," and say to the poor, "Stand there,"
or "Sit here under my footstool,"
4 (Jn 7:24) have you not then become partial among yourselves
and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 (Mt 5:3; Lk 6:20; 12:21) Listen, my beloved brothers. Has God not chosen
the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom
which He has promised to those who love Him?
6 (1Co 11:22; Ac 8:3) But you have despised the poor.
Do not rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seats?
7 (Ac 11:26) Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called?
8 (Lev 19:18) If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself,"(Lev 19:18.) you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted
by the law as sinners.
10 (Gal 3:10) For whoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend
in one point is guilty of breaking the whole law.
11 (Ex 20:13-14; Dt 5:17-18) For He who said,
"Do not commit adultery,"(Ex 20:14; Dt 5:18.)
also said, "Do not kill."(Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17.)
Now if you do not commit adultery, yet you kill,
you have become a lawbreaker.
12 (Jas 1:25) So speak and so do as those who will be judged
by the law of liberty.
13 (Pr 21:13; Mt 5:7) For he who has shown no mercy will
have judgment without mercy, for mercy triumphs over judgment.
[1] My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of
glory, with respect of persons.
[2] For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly
apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
[3] And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto
him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there,
or sit here under my footstool:
[4] Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil
thoughts?
[5] Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world
rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that
love him?
[6] But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you
before the judgment seats?
[7] Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
[8] If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
[9] But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of
the law as transgressors.
[10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he
is guilty of all.
[11] For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now
if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor
of the law.
[12] So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of
liberty.
[13] For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy;
and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Faith and Works
14 (Jas 1:22-25; Gal 5:6) What does it profit, my brothers,
if a man says he has faith but has no works? Can faith save him?
15 (Lk 3:11) If a brother or sister is naked and lacking daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,"
and yet you give them nothing that the body needs, what does it profit?
17 (Jas 2:14; 2:26) So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
18 (Gal 5:6; Jas 3:13) But a man may say, "You have faith and I have works."
Show me your faith without your works,
and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 (Dt 6:4; Mt 8:29) You believe that there is one God; you do well.
The demons also believe and tremble.
20 (Jas 2:26) But do you want to be shown, O foolish man,
that faith without works is dead?
21 (Ge 22:16-18) Was not Abraham our father justified by works
when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 (1Th 1:3) Do you see how faith worked with his works,
and by works faith was made perfect?
23 (Ge 15:6; 2Ch 20:7) The Scripture was fulfilled which says,
"Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,"
(Ge 15:6.) and he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then how by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 (Heb 11:31; Jos 2:1; 2:19-21) Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute
justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out
another way?
26 (Jas 2:20; 2:17) As the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead.
[14] What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and
have not works? can faith save him?
[15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
[16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled;
notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body;
what doth it profit?
[17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
[18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy
faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
[19] Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also
believe, and tremble.
[20] But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
[21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered
Isaac his son upon the altar?
[22] Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith
made perfect?
[23] And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and
it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of
God.
[24] Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith
only.
[25] Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had
received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
[26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is
dead also.
James 3
The Tongue
1 (Mt 23:13; Ro 2:20-21) My brothers, not many of you should become teachers,
knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment.
2 (Mt 12:37; Jas 1:26) We all err in many ways. But if any man does not err
in word, he is a perfect man and able also to control the whole body.
3 (Ps 32:9) See how we put bits in the mouths of horses that they may obey
us, and we control their whole bodies.
4 And observe ships. Though they are so great and are driven by fierce winds,
yet they are directed with a very small rudder wherever the captain pleases.
5 (Ps 73:8-9) Even so, the tongue is a little part of the body
and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.
6 (Pr 16:27) The tongue is a fire, a world of evil. The tongue is among
the parts of the body, defiling the whole body,
and setting the course of nature on fire, and it is set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of beasts, and birds, and serpents, and things in the sea
are tamed or have been tamed by mankind.
8 (Ps 140:3; Ro 3:13) But no man can tame the tongue.
It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 (1Co 11:7; Ge 1:26-27) With it we bless the Lord and Father,
and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.
My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring yield at the same opening sweet and bitter water?
12 Can the fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a vine, figs?
So no spring can yield both salt water and fresh water.
[1] My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the
greater condemnation.
[2] For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the
same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
[3] Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we
turn about their whole body.
[4] Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of
fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm,
whithersoever the governor listeth.
[5] Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
[6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among
our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course
of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
[7] For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things
in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
[8] But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly
poison.
[9] Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men,
which are made after the similitude of God.
[10] Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren,
these things ought not so to be.
[11] Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
[12] Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?
so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
The Wisdom From Above
13 (Jas 2:18; 1:21) Who is wise and understanding among you?
Let him show his works by his good life in the meekness of wisdom.
14 (Jas 3:16; 2Co 12:20) But if you have bitter envying and strife
in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth.
15 (Jas 1:17; Jude 1:19) This wisdom descends not from above,
but is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish.
16 (1Co 3:3; Jas 3:14) For where there is envying and strife,
there is confusion and every evil work.
17 (Ro 12:9; Jas 2:4) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 (Pr 11:18; Mt 5:9) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.
[13] Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out
of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
[14] But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and
lie not against the truth.
[15] This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual,
devilish.
[16] For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil
work.
[17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
[18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make
peace.
James 4
Friendship With the World
1 (Ro 7:23; 1Pe 2:11) Where do wars and fights among you come from?
Do they not come from your lusts that war in your body?
2 You lust and do not have, so you kill.
You desire to have and cannot obtain. You fight and war.
Yet you do not have, because you do not ask.
3 (1Jn 5:14; 3:22) You ask, and do not receive, because you ask amiss,
that you may spend it on your passions.
4 (Jn 15:19; Ro 8:7) You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know
that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore
will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
5 Do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "He yearns jealously
for the spirit that lives in us"(The source of this quotation is uncertain.)?
6 (Pr 3:34; 1Pe 5:5) But He gives more grace. For this reason it says:
"God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."(Pr 3:34.)
7 (Eph 4:27; 1Pe 5:8-9) Therefore submit yourselves to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 (2Ch 15:2; Jas 1:8) Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 (Lk 6:25; Pr 14:13) Grieve and mourn and weep.
Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to dejection.
10 (Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,
and He will lift you up.
[1] From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even
of your lusts that war in your members?
[2] Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:
ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
[3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it
upon your lusts.
[4] Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the
world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world
is the enemy of God.
[5] Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth
in us lusteth to envy?
[6] But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud,
but giveth grace unto the humble.
[7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you.
[8] Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye
sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
[9] Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to
mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
[10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Judging a Brother
11 (1Pe 2:1; Jas 5:9) Do not speak evil of one another, brothers.
He who speaks evil of his brother and judges his brother speaks
evil of the law and judges the law. If you judge the law,
you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12 (Mt 10:28; Ro 14:4; Isa 33:22) There is one Lawgiver who is able
to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?
[11] Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his
brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the
law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
[12] There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou
that judgest another?
Warning Against Boasting
13 (Pr 27:1; Jas 5:1) Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow
we will go into this city, spend a year there, buy and sell,
and make a profit,"
14 (Ps 102:3; 39:5) whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life? It is just a vapor that appears for a little while
and then vanishes away.
15 (Ac 18:21) Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills,
we shall live and do this or that."
16 (1Co 5:6) But now you are rejoicing in your boastings.
All such rejoicing is evil.
17 (Jn 9:41; Lk 12:47-48) Therefore, to him who knows to do good
and does not do it, it is sin.
[13] Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a
city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
[14] Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life?
It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth
away.
[15] For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this,
or that.
[16] But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
[17] Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it
is sin.
James 5
Warning to the Rich
1 (Pr 11:28; Isa 13:6) Come now, you rich men, weep and howl
for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2 (Job 13:28; Isa 50:9) Your riches are corrupted
and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 (Ro 2:5) Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be
a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have stored
up treasures for the last days.
4 (Lev 19:13; Ro 9:29) Indeed the wages that you kept back by fraud
from the laborers who harvested your fields are crying,
and the cries of those who harvested have entered
into the ears of the Lord of Hosts.
5 (Lk 16:19; 1Ti 5:6) You have lived in pleasure on the earth
and have been wayward.
You have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
6 You have condemned and killed the righteous man who does not resist you.
[1] Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come
upon you.
[2] Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
[3] Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a
witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have
heaped treasure together for the last days.
[4] Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields,
which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have
reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
[5] Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have
nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
[6] Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
Patience and Prayer
7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early
and late rain.
8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,
lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,
who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
12 But above all things, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven
or by the earth or by any other oath. But let your "Yes" be "Yes"
and your "No" be "No," that you do not fall into condemnation.
13 (Ps 50:15; Eph 5:19) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.
Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms.
14 (Mk 6:13; 16:18; Ac 14:23) Is anyone sick among you? Let him call
for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him,
anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 (Isa 33:24; Jas 1:6) And the prayer of faith will save the sick,
and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed any sins,
he will be forgiven.
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
17 (1Ki 17:1; Lk 4:25) Elijah was a man subject to natural passions
as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain,
and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.
18 (1Ki 18:42-45) And he prayed again, and the sky gave rain,
and the earth brought forth its fruit.
19 (Mt 18:15; Gal 6:1) Brothers, if any one of you strays from the truth
and someone corrects him,
20 (Ro 11:14; 1Pe 4:8) let him know that he who converts the sinner
from the error of his way will save a soul from death
and will cover a multitude of sins.
[7] Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long
patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
[8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord
draweth nigh.
[9] Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold,
the judge standeth before the door.
[10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
[11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful,
and of tender mercy.
[12] But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven,
neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea;
and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
[13] Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing
psalms.
[14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and
let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
[15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise
him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
[16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much.
[17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed
earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the
space of three years and six months.
[18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought
forth her fruit.
[19] Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
[20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his
way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
2) Our Daily Bread for 16 November 2023 titled
Tell of God's Goodness
Psalms 66:5-12,16-20
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Come and see the works of God;
He is awesome in His doings toward mankind.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) He turned the sea into dry land;
they crossed the river on foot;
there we rejoiced in Him.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He rules by His power forever;
His eyes keep watch on the nations;
do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Oh, bless our God, you people,
and make the voice of His praise to be heard,
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) who keeps our soul among the living,
and does not allow our feet to slip.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) For You, O God, have proved us;
You have refined us, as silver is refined.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) You brought us into the net;
You placed distress on our backs.
12 You have allowed people to ride over our heads;
we went through fire and through water;
but You brought us out into a well-watered place.
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will declare what He has done for my soul.
17 I cried to Him with my mouth,
and He was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart,
the Lord will not hear me;
19 but certainly God has heard me;
He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God,
who has not turned away my prayer,
nor His mercy from me.
[5] Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the
children of men.
[6] He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot:
there did we rejoice in him.
[7] He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not
the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
[8] O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be
heard:
[9] Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
[10] For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is
tried.
[11] Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
[12] Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and
through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
[16] Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath
done for my soul.
[17] I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
[18] If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
[19] But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my
prayer.
[20] Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy
from me.
Testimony time was the segment in our church service when people shared how
God had been at work in their lives. Auntie-or Sister Langford as she was
known by others in our church family-was known for packing lots of praise into
her testimonies. On the occasions when she shared her personal conversion
story, one could expect her to take up a good bit of the service. Her heart
gushed with praise to God who'd graciously changed her life!
Similarly, the testimony of the writer of Psalm 66 is packed with praise as he
testifies about what God had done for His people. "Come and see what God has
done, his awesome deeds for mankind!" (v. 5). His deeds included miraculous
rescue (v. 6), preservation (v. 9), and testing and discipline that resulted
in His people being brought to a better place (vv. 10-12). While there are
God-experiences that we have in common with other believers in Jesus, there
are also things unique to our individual journeys. Have there been times in
your life when God has particularly made Himself known to you? Those are worth
sharing with others who need to hear how He's worked in your life. "Come and
hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me" (v. 16).
By: Arthur Jackson
Reflect & Pray
How can you more readily share your experiences of God's goodness with others?
How have you been inspired to trust Him more when you've heard others
share His awesome deeds?
Heavenly Father, I rejoice in the varied expressions
of Your kindness to me. Help me not to keep these things to myself.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 5 - Learning by Heart
Ps 119:9,11
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) How shall a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
That I might not sin against thee.
"His heart is not just in it," a gifted musician commented about the
pianist onstage. "He's here at the Orchestra Hall, playing for
thousands of people, an his technique is flawless, but something
is missing - his heart is just not in it."
The psalmist , in Psalm 119, draws a similar parallel. We "Keep our
way pure" through obedience of his Word, by ordering our lives according
to the commands of the Scriptures. But outward behaviour is not the only
essential factor in purity of life. The changes in our behaviour need to
come from the heart, from the inside out. Our "technique" for living
the Christian life may be flawless, but our obediance is founded
in heart motivation, something is certainly missing.
"I seek you with all my heart," the psalmist declares in verse 10.
Thus he can say in verse 11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You."
Often we refer to memorisation as "learning by heart" - and indeed
"by heart" is the biblical mandate for assimilating God's truth
into our daily lives. "By rote" or "By Mind" leaves us
intellectually overstuffed, yet spiritually starving.
When we try to apply the Word outwardly to our behaviour,
we end up in a tangle of legalism, a log "do list" by which
we hope to please God. But when we set our hearts toward God first,
then changes in our behaviour grow out of love for God and a deep
desire to serve him. Then we are truly loving and obeying God with
our whole hearts.
Application
a) In what ways have I tried to apply God's word to my behaviour
without having the truth firmly in my heart? What was the result?
b) How can I set my heart toward God and give myself more fully
to his Word?
c) What areas of my life need "purifying"? How can these verses
help me to "make my way pure"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:6
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;
and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Worried Over Money
1 Tim 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
that we can carry nothing out.
8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things.
9 But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will
be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
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
16th Day of the Month
a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8
7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
(
John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Rom 3:19-20
19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
2 Cor 5:10
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
2 Cor 10:5
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His Word in His Wisdom and to know
Him forthright.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, I rejoice in the varied expressions
of Your kindness to me. Help me not to keep these things to myself."
Pray to the Lord and pray to learn His Word by Heart.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a boutifuly sower and reaper.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give your money worries over to Him!
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 that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy
Pray that attempts by North Korean governing officials to interrupt
Christian radio broadcasts will not prevail .
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.