Day 324 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 20 November 2023 reflections
Day 324, 20 November 2023
1) Acts 17, Acts 18:1-23
Acts 17:1-15
The Uproar in Thessalonica
1 (Php 4:16; 1Th 1:1) When they had traveled through Amphipolis
and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was
a synagogue of the Jews.
2 (Ac 9:20; Lk 4:16) According to his custom, Paul went in,
and on three Sabbaths he lectured to them from the Scriptures,
3 (Ac 9:22; 18:28) explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer
and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I preach to you,
is the Christ."
4 (Ac 14:4; 15:22) Some of them were persuaded and joined with Paul and Silas,
including a great crowd of devout Greeks and many leading women.
5 (Ac 17:13; Ro 16:21) But the Jews who did not believe became jealous
and, taking some evil men from the marketplace, gathered a crowd,
stirred up the city, and attacked the house of Jason,
trying to bring them out to the mob.
6 (Ac 24:5; 28:22) But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason
and some brothers to the city officials, crying out, "These men who have
turned the world upside down have come here also,
7 (Lk 23:2; Jn 19:12) and Jason has received them. They are all acting
contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."
8 They troubled the crowd and the city officials
when they heard these things.
9 When they had taken a bail payment from Jason and the rest,
they released them.
[1] Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to
Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
[2] And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days
reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
[3] Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen
again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
[4] And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the
devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
[5] But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain
lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city
on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out
to the people.
[6] And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto
the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down
are come hither also;
[7] Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of
Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
[8] And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard
these things.
[9] And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let
them go.
The Apostles in Berea
10 (Ac 17:13-14; 20:4) The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas
away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into
the synagogue of the Jews.
11 (Jn 5:39; Isa 34:16) These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
for they received the word with all eagerness,
daily examining the Scriptures, to find out if these things were so.
12 (Ac 13:50) Therefore many of them believed,
including honorable Greek women and many Greek men.
13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that the word of God
was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also, stirring up the crowds.
14 (Ac 17:10; Mt 10:23) The brothers immediately sent Paul away to the sea.
But Silas and Timothy remained there.
15 (Ac 18:1; 18:5) Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens
and departed with instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him quickly.
[10] And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto
Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
[11] These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received
the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,
whether those things were so.
[12] Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were
Greeks, and of men, not a few.
[13] But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God
was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the
people.
[14] And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to
the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
[15] And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a
commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they
departed.
Paul in Athens
16 While Paul waited for them in Athens, his spirit was provoked within him
as he saw that the city was full of idols.
17 Therefore he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout
persons, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to there.
18 (Ac 4:2) Then some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him.
And some said, "What will this babbler say?" Others said,
"He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,"
because he preached Jesus and the resurrection to them.
19 (Mk 1:27; Ac 17:22) They took hold of him and led him to the Areopagus,
saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?
20 (Hos 8:12; 1Pe 4:4) For you are bringing strange things to our ears.
Therefore we want to know what these things mean."
21 For all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time
in nothing else, but either telling or hearing something new.
22 (Ac 25:19) Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said:
"Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious.
23 (Jn 4:22; Ac 17:30) For as I passed by and looked up at your objects
of worship, I found an altar with this inscription:
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
Whom you therefore unknowingly worship, Him I proclaim to you.
24 (Mt 11:25; Ac 7:48) "God who made the world and all things in it,
being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands.
25 (Job 22:2; Ge 2:7) Nor is He served by men's hands,
as though He needed anything, since He gives all men life and breath
and all things.
26 (Mal 2:10; Ge 3:20) He has made from one blood every nation of men
to live on the entire face of the earth, having appointed fixed times
and the boundaries of their habitation,
27 (Ac 14:17; Jer 23:23-24) that they should seek the Lord so perhaps
they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each
one of us.
28 (Job 12:10; Da 5:23) 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.'
As some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.'
29 "Therefore since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose
that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art
or an image of the reflection of man.
30 (Lk 24:47; Ac 14:16) God overlooked the times of ignorance,
but now He commands all men everywhere to repent.
31 (Ps 9:8; 96:13) For He has appointed a day on which He will judge
the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed,
having given assurance of this to all men by raising Him from the dead."
32 (Ac 17:18; 2:13) When they heard of the resurrection of the dead,
some scoffed. But others said, "We will hear you again concerning this matter."
33 So Paul departed from them.
34 (Ac 17:19; 17:22) However, some men joined him and believed.
Among them were Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris,
and others with them.
[16] Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in
him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
[17] Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the
devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
[18] Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks,
encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He
seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them
Jesus, and the resurrection.
[19] And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know
what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
[20] For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know
therefore what these things mean.
[21] (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time
in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens,
I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
[23] For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with
this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship,
him declare I unto you.
[24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord
of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
[25] Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing,
seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
[26] And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the
face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the
bounds of their habitation;
[27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and
find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
[28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of
your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
[29] Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think
that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and
man's device.
[30] And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all
men every where to repent:
[31] Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world
in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given
assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
[32] And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and
others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
[33] So Paul departed from among them.
[34] Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was
Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Acts 18:1-18
Paul in Corinth
1 (Ac 19:1; 1Co 1:2) After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
2 (1Co 16:19; 2Ti 4:19; Ac 11:28) He found a Jew named Aquila, a native
of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla,
because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome.
And he went to them.
3 (1Co 4:12; 1Th 2:9) And because he was of the same trade,
he remained with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
[1] After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
[2] And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from
Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all
Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
[3] And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought:
for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
4 (Ac 17:17) He lectured in the synagogue every Sabbath
and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
5 (Ac 17:3; 18:28) When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia,
Paul was pressed by the Spirit and testified to the Jews
that Jesus was the Christ.
6 (2Sa 1:16; Eze 18:13) But when they opposed him and blasphemed,
he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your heads.
I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
7 (Ac 16:14; Col 4:11) Then he departed from there and entered the house
of a man named Justus, one who worshipped God, whose house was next door
to the synagogue.
8 (Ac 8:12; 11:14) Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue,
believed in the Lord with his entire household.
And many of the Corinthians, who heard, believed and were baptized.
9 (Ac 23:11; 2Co 12:1-3) The Lord spoke to Paul in the night through
a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent.
10 (Mt 28:20; Lk 21:18) For I am with you, and no one shall attack you
and hurt you, for I have many people in this city."
11 So for a year and six months he sat among them,
teaching the word of God.
12 (Ac 13:7; 18:27) When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia,
the Jews in unity attacked Paul and brought him to court,
13 saying, "This man is persuading men to worship God contrary to the law."
14 When Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "O Jews,
if it were a matter of a misdemeanor or serious crime,
I would rightly bear with you.
15 (Ac 23:29; 25:19) But if it is a question of words and names and your law,
look into it yourselves. For I do not intend to be a judge of these matters."
16 So he drove them out of court.
17 (1Co 1:1) Then all the Greeks seized Sosthenes,
the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat.
But none of these things mattered to Gallio.
[4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews
and the Greeks.
[5] And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed
in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
[6] And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment,
and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from
henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
[7] And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named
Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
[8] And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with
all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were
baptized.
[9] Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but
speak, and hold not thy peace:
[10] For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I
have much people in this city.
[11] And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God
among them.
[12] And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection
with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
[13] Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
[14] And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the
Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason
would that I should bear with you:
[15] But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to
it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
[16] And he drave them from the judgment seat.
[17] Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue,
and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those
things.
Paul's Return to Antioch
18 (Nu 6:18; Ac 21:24) Yet Paul remained many days. He had his hair cut
in Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Then, bidding farewell to the brothers,
he sailed to Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him.
19 (Ac 18:4; 18:24) He arrived at Ephesus and left them there.
But he himself went into the synagogue and lectured the Jews.
20 When they asked him to remain for a while longer, he did not consent,
21 (1Co 4:19; Jas 4:15) but, bidding farewell, said, "I must by all means
attend this upcoming feast in Jerusalem,
but I will return to you if God wills." And he set sail from Ephesus.
22 (Ac 8:40) When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church
and then went down to Antioch.
23 (Ac 16:6; 14:22) After spending some time there, he departed
and passed through the entire region of Galatia and Phrygia in sequence,
strengthening all the disciples.
[18] And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his
leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla
and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
[19] And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered
into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
[20] When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
[21] But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast
that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And
he sailed from Ephesus.
[22] And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the
church, he went down to Antioch.
[23] And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all
the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the
disciples.
2) Our Daily Bread for 20 November 2023 Titled
Priceless Results
Proverbs 17:12-22
12 (2Sa 17:8; Hos 13:8) Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs
rather than a fool in his folly.
13 (Ps 35:12 )Whoever rewards evil for good,
evil will not depart from his house.
14 (Pr 20:3; 25:8) The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water;
therefore abandon contention before a quarrel starts.
15 (Ex 23:7; Isa 5:23) He who justifies the wicked,
and he who condemns the just,
both of them are abomination to the Lord.
16 (Pr 23:23) Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom,
seeing he has no heart for it?
17 (Pr 18:24; Ru 1:16 ) A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
18 (Pr 11:15; 6:1-5 ) A man void of understanding shakes hands,
and becomes a pledge in the presence of his friend.
19 (Pr 16:18) He loves transgression who loves strife,
and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.
20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,
and he who has a perverse tongue falls into mischief.
21 (Pr 10:1; 19:13) He who fathers a fool does it to his sorrow,
and the father of a fool has no joy.
22 (Pr 15:13; Ps 22:15; Pr 12:25) A merry heart does good like a medicine,
but a broken spirit dries the bones.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man,
Rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good,
Evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water:
Therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just,
Even they both are abomination to the LORD.
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom,
Seeing he hath no heart to it?
17 A friend loveth at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands,
And becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife:
And he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good:
And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow:
And the father of a fool hath no joy.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:
But a broken spirit drieth the bones.
On every school day for three years, Colleen has been dressing up in a
different costume or mask to greet her children as they exit the school bus
each afternoon. It brightens the day of everyone on the bus-including the bus
driver: "[She] bring[s] so much joy to the kids on my bus, it's amazing. I
love that." Colleen's children agree.
It all started when Colleen began fostering children. Knowing how difficult it
was to be separated from parents and to attend a new school, she began
greeting the kids in a costume. After three days of doing so, the kids didn't
want her to stop. So Colleen continued. It was an investment of time and money
at thrift shops, but, as reporter Meredith TerHaar describes, it brought a
"priceless result: happiness."
One little verse amid a book of wise and witty advice, largely by King Solomon
to his son, sums up the results of this mom's antics: "A merry heart doeth
good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones. " (Proverbs
17:22). By bringing cheer to all her kids (biological, adopted, and foster),
she hoped to prevent crushed spirits.
The source of true and lasting joy is God through the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21;
Galatians 5:22). The Spirit enables us to shine God's light as we strive to
bring joy to others, a joy that offers hope and strength to face trials.
By: Alyson Kieda
Reflect & Pray
When has someone done something to bring you joy? What was the result?
Dear Father, thank You for giving me joy. Help me to spread it to others.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 2 - Earning Death
Romans 6:23
23 (Ro 5:12; Ge 2:17; Ro 2:7) For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"I only want my rights," declares the belligerent Big Ghost, one of the
characters in C. S. Lewis's classic, The Great Divorce. "I'm not asking
for anybody's bleeding charity."
"Then do. At once," his angelic friend Len urges. "Ask for the Bleeding
Charity. Everything is here for the asking and nothing can be bought."
Often we are much like the Ghost in Lewis's tale of heaven and hell.
We want "What we deserve," and being blind to our own sin, we think
we deserve praise, or al least mercy. But Paul is very clear on what
we have coming: "The wages of sin is death".
We work for our wages - we've earned our paycheque, and we deserve it.
We don't have to thank anyone for paying us - it's our due, not a gift.
Similarly, the paycheque issued to us in renumeration for our sin is
what we deserve: death.
Yet, if we are willing to lay aside our pride and accept God's gift,
we can live. "The gift of God is eternal life." Nothing we can do or say
can make us worthy of the gift of life. We are sinners by nature and we
rebel against God in our choices. Yet God, in Christ, offers grace to us,
freedom from sin, liberty from the burden of trying to earn his favour.
Ironically, freedom and peace in the Christian life come not through
justifying ourselves and making ourselves look good, but through
acknowledging the depth of our sin ad our ability to do anything about it.
When we realise that we are trapped in out sinful selves and only
Christ can free us, then we are ready to journey toward grace and freedom.
Application
a) In what way's have I tried to "earn" the gift of eternal life?
b) What can I do to focus on God's grace and realise
that I cannot accomplish my own salvation?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:8,11
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you,
so that you, always having enough of everything,
may abound to every good work.
11 So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness,
which makes us give thanks to God.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
11 being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through
us thanksgiving to God.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Ps 9:9-12
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
Waw
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:
For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Zain
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:
Declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
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
20th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
( Matthew 19:14
14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
)
b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
(
Eph 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to let the Spirit move you in speaking His Word.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, thank You for giving me joy.
Help me to spread it to others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as your source of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His graces and Blessings.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as liberator!
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 children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
Pray for our suffering Indian brothers and sisters using Romans 5:3-5
as a guide.
3 (Jas 1:2-3; 1:12) Not only so, but we also boast in tribulation,
knowing that tribulation produces patience,
4 (Jas 1:12) patience produces character, and character produces hope.
5 (Gal 4:6; Php 1:20) And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God
is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that
tribulation worketh patience;
[4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in
our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
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) Acts 17, Acts 18:1-23
Acts 17:1-15
The Uproar in Thessalonica
1 (Php 4:16; 1Th 1:1) When they had traveled through Amphipolis
and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was
a synagogue of the Jews.
2 (Ac 9:20; Lk 4:16) According to his custom, Paul went in,
and on three Sabbaths he lectured to them from the Scriptures,
3 (Ac 9:22; 18:28) explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer
and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I preach to you,
is the Christ."
4 (Ac 14:4; 15:22) Some of them were persuaded and joined with Paul and Silas,
including a great crowd of devout Greeks and many leading women.
5 (Ac 17:13; Ro 16:21) But the Jews who did not believe became jealous
and, taking some evil men from the marketplace, gathered a crowd,
stirred up the city, and attacked the house of Jason,
trying to bring them out to the mob.
6 (Ac 24:5; 28:22) But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason
and some brothers to the city officials, crying out, "These men who have
turned the world upside down have come here also,
7 (Lk 23:2; Jn 19:12) and Jason has received them. They are all acting
contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."
8 They troubled the crowd and the city officials
when they heard these things.
9 When they had taken a bail payment from Jason and the rest,
they released them.
[1] Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to
Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
[2] And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days
reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
[3] Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen
again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
[4] And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the
devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
[5] But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain
lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city
on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out
to the people.
[6] And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto
the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down
are come hither also;
[7] Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of
Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
[8] And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard
these things.
[9] And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let
them go.
The Apostles in Berea
10 (Ac 17:13-14; 20:4) The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas
away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into
the synagogue of the Jews.
11 (Jn 5:39; Isa 34:16) These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
for they received the word with all eagerness,
daily examining the Scriptures, to find out if these things were so.
12 (Ac 13:50) Therefore many of them believed,
including honorable Greek women and many Greek men.
13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that the word of God
was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also, stirring up the crowds.
14 (Ac 17:10; Mt 10:23) The brothers immediately sent Paul away to the sea.
But Silas and Timothy remained there.
15 (Ac 18:1; 18:5) Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens
and departed with instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him quickly.
[10] And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto
Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
[11] These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received
the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,
whether those things were so.
[12] Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were
Greeks, and of men, not a few.
[13] But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God
was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the
people.
[14] And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to
the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
[15] And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a
commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they
departed.
Paul in Athens
16 While Paul waited for them in Athens, his spirit was provoked within him
as he saw that the city was full of idols.
17 Therefore he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout
persons, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to there.
18 (Ac 4:2) Then some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him.
And some said, "What will this babbler say?" Others said,
"He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,"
because he preached Jesus and the resurrection to them.
19 (Mk 1:27; Ac 17:22) They took hold of him and led him to the Areopagus,
saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?
20 (Hos 8:12; 1Pe 4:4) For you are bringing strange things to our ears.
Therefore we want to know what these things mean."
21 For all the Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time
in nothing else, but either telling or hearing something new.
22 (Ac 25:19) Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said:
"Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious.
23 (Jn 4:22; Ac 17:30) For as I passed by and looked up at your objects
of worship, I found an altar with this inscription:
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
Whom you therefore unknowingly worship, Him I proclaim to you.
24 (Mt 11:25; Ac 7:48) "God who made the world and all things in it,
being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hands.
25 (Job 22:2; Ge 2:7) Nor is He served by men's hands,
as though He needed anything, since He gives all men life and breath
and all things.
26 (Mal 2:10; Ge 3:20) He has made from one blood every nation of men
to live on the entire face of the earth, having appointed fixed times
and the boundaries of their habitation,
27 (Ac 14:17; Jer 23:23-24) that they should seek the Lord so perhaps
they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each
one of us.
28 (Job 12:10; Da 5:23) 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.'
As some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.'
29 "Therefore since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose
that the Deity is like gold or silver or stone or an engraved work of art
or an image of the reflection of man.
30 (Lk 24:47; Ac 14:16) God overlooked the times of ignorance,
but now He commands all men everywhere to repent.
31 (Ps 9:8; 96:13) For He has appointed a day on which He will judge
the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed,
having given assurance of this to all men by raising Him from the dead."
32 (Ac 17:18; 2:13) When they heard of the resurrection of the dead,
some scoffed. But others said, "We will hear you again concerning this matter."
33 So Paul departed from them.
34 (Ac 17:19; 17:22) However, some men joined him and believed.
Among them were Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris,
and others with them.
[16] Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in
him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
[17] Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the
devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
[18] Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks,
encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He
seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them
Jesus, and the resurrection.
[19] And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know
what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
[20] For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know
therefore what these things mean.
[21] (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time
in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens,
I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
[23] For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with
this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship,
him declare I unto you.
[24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord
of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
[25] Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing,
seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
[26] And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the
face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the
bounds of their habitation;
[27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and
find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
[28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of
your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
[29] Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think
that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and
man's device.
[30] And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all
men every where to repent:
[31] Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world
in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given
assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
[32] And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and
others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
[33] So Paul departed from among them.
[34] Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was
Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Acts 18:1-18
Paul in Corinth
1 (Ac 19:1; 1Co 1:2) After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
2 (1Co 16:19; 2Ti 4:19; Ac 11:28) He found a Jew named Aquila, a native
of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla,
because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome.
And he went to them.
3 (1Co 4:12; 1Th 2:9) And because he was of the same trade,
he remained with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
[1] After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
[2] And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from
Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all
Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
[3] And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought:
for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
4 (Ac 17:17) He lectured in the synagogue every Sabbath
and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
5 (Ac 17:3; 18:28) When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia,
Paul was pressed by the Spirit and testified to the Jews
that Jesus was the Christ.
6 (2Sa 1:16; Eze 18:13) But when they opposed him and blasphemed,
he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your heads.
I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
7 (Ac 16:14; Col 4:11) Then he departed from there and entered the house
of a man named Justus, one who worshipped God, whose house was next door
to the synagogue.
8 (Ac 8:12; 11:14) Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue,
believed in the Lord with his entire household.
And many of the Corinthians, who heard, believed and were baptized.
9 (Ac 23:11; 2Co 12:1-3) The Lord spoke to Paul in the night through
a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent.
10 (Mt 28:20; Lk 21:18) For I am with you, and no one shall attack you
and hurt you, for I have many people in this city."
11 So for a year and six months he sat among them,
teaching the word of God.
12 (Ac 13:7; 18:27) When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia,
the Jews in unity attacked Paul and brought him to court,
13 saying, "This man is persuading men to worship God contrary to the law."
14 When Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "O Jews,
if it were a matter of a misdemeanor or serious crime,
I would rightly bear with you.
15 (Ac 23:29; 25:19) But if it is a question of words and names and your law,
look into it yourselves. For I do not intend to be a judge of these matters."
16 So he drove them out of court.
17 (1Co 1:1) Then all the Greeks seized Sosthenes,
the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat.
But none of these things mattered to Gallio.
[4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews
and the Greeks.
[5] And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed
in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
[6] And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment,
and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from
henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
[7] And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named
Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
[8] And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with
all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were
baptized.
[9] Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but
speak, and hold not thy peace:
[10] For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I
have much people in this city.
[11] And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God
among them.
[12] And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection
with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
[13] Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
[14] And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the
Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason
would that I should bear with you:
[15] But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to
it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
[16] And he drave them from the judgment seat.
[17] Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue,
and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those
things.
Paul's Return to Antioch
18 (Nu 6:18; Ac 21:24) Yet Paul remained many days. He had his hair cut
in Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. Then, bidding farewell to the brothers,
he sailed to Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him.
19 (Ac 18:4; 18:24) He arrived at Ephesus and left them there.
But he himself went into the synagogue and lectured the Jews.
20 When they asked him to remain for a while longer, he did not consent,
21 (1Co 4:19; Jas 4:15) but, bidding farewell, said, "I must by all means
attend this upcoming feast in Jerusalem,
but I will return to you if God wills." And he set sail from Ephesus.
22 (Ac 8:40) When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church
and then went down to Antioch.
23 (Ac 16:6; 14:22) After spending some time there, he departed
and passed through the entire region of Galatia and Phrygia in sequence,
strengthening all the disciples.
[18] And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his
leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla
and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
[19] And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered
into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
[20] When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
[21] But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast
that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And
he sailed from Ephesus.
[22] And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the
church, he went down to Antioch.
[23] And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all
the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the
disciples.
2) Our Daily Bread for 20 November 2023 Titled
Priceless Results
Proverbs 17:12-22
12 (2Sa 17:8; Hos 13:8) Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs
rather than a fool in his folly.
13 (Ps 35:12 )Whoever rewards evil for good,
evil will not depart from his house.
14 (Pr 20:3; 25:8) The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water;
therefore abandon contention before a quarrel starts.
15 (Ex 23:7; Isa 5:23) He who justifies the wicked,
and he who condemns the just,
both of them are abomination to the Lord.
16 (Pr 23:23) Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom,
seeing he has no heart for it?
17 (Pr 18:24; Ru 1:16 ) A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
18 (Pr 11:15; 6:1-5 ) A man void of understanding shakes hands,
and becomes a pledge in the presence of his friend.
19 (Pr 16:18) He loves transgression who loves strife,
and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.
20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,
and he who has a perverse tongue falls into mischief.
21 (Pr 10:1; 19:13) He who fathers a fool does it to his sorrow,
and the father of a fool has no joy.
22 (Pr 15:13; Ps 22:15; Pr 12:25) A merry heart does good like a medicine,
but a broken spirit dries the bones.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man,
Rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good,
Evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water:
Therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just,
Even they both are abomination to the LORD.
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom,
Seeing he hath no heart to it?
17 A friend loveth at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands,
And becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife:
And he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good:
And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow:
And the father of a fool hath no joy.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:
But a broken spirit drieth the bones.
On every school day for three years, Colleen has been dressing up in a
different costume or mask to greet her children as they exit the school bus
each afternoon. It brightens the day of everyone on the bus-including the bus
driver: "[She] bring[s] so much joy to the kids on my bus, it's amazing. I
love that." Colleen's children agree.
It all started when Colleen began fostering children. Knowing how difficult it
was to be separated from parents and to attend a new school, she began
greeting the kids in a costume. After three days of doing so, the kids didn't
want her to stop. So Colleen continued. It was an investment of time and money
at thrift shops, but, as reporter Meredith TerHaar describes, it brought a
"priceless result: happiness."
One little verse amid a book of wise and witty advice, largely by King Solomon
to his son, sums up the results of this mom's antics: "A merry heart doeth
good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones. " (Proverbs
17:22). By bringing cheer to all her kids (biological, adopted, and foster),
she hoped to prevent crushed spirits.
The source of true and lasting joy is God through the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21;
Galatians 5:22). The Spirit enables us to shine God's light as we strive to
bring joy to others, a joy that offers hope and strength to face trials.
By: Alyson Kieda
Reflect & Pray
When has someone done something to bring you joy? What was the result?
Dear Father, thank You for giving me joy. Help me to spread it to others.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 2 - Earning Death
Romans 6:23
23 (Ro 5:12; Ge 2:17; Ro 2:7) For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"I only want my rights," declares the belligerent Big Ghost, one of the
characters in C. S. Lewis's classic, The Great Divorce. "I'm not asking
for anybody's bleeding charity."
"Then do. At once," his angelic friend Len urges. "Ask for the Bleeding
Charity. Everything is here for the asking and nothing can be bought."
Often we are much like the Ghost in Lewis's tale of heaven and hell.
We want "What we deserve," and being blind to our own sin, we think
we deserve praise, or al least mercy. But Paul is very clear on what
we have coming: "The wages of sin is death".
We work for our wages - we've earned our paycheque, and we deserve it.
We don't have to thank anyone for paying us - it's our due, not a gift.
Similarly, the paycheque issued to us in renumeration for our sin is
what we deserve: death.
Yet, if we are willing to lay aside our pride and accept God's gift,
we can live. "The gift of God is eternal life." Nothing we can do or say
can make us worthy of the gift of life. We are sinners by nature and we
rebel against God in our choices. Yet God, in Christ, offers grace to us,
freedom from sin, liberty from the burden of trying to earn his favour.
Ironically, freedom and peace in the Christian life come not through
justifying ourselves and making ourselves look good, but through
acknowledging the depth of our sin ad our ability to do anything about it.
When we realise that we are trapped in out sinful selves and only
Christ can free us, then we are ready to journey toward grace and freedom.
Application
a) In what way's have I tried to "earn" the gift of eternal life?
b) What can I do to focus on God's grace and realise
that I cannot accomplish my own salvation?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:8,11
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you,
so that you, always having enough of everything,
may abound to every good work.
11 So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness,
which makes us give thanks to God.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
11 being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through
us thanksgiving to God.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Ps 9:9-12
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
Waw
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:
For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Zain
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:
Declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
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
20th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
( Matthew 19:14
14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,
to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
)
b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
(
Eph 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to let the Spirit move you in speaking His Word.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, thank You for giving me joy.
Help me to spread it to others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as your source of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His graces and Blessings.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as liberator!
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 children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
Pray for our suffering Indian brothers and sisters using Romans 5:3-5
as a guide.
3 (Jas 1:2-3; 1:12) Not only so, but we also boast in tribulation,
knowing that tribulation produces patience,
4 (Jas 1:12) patience produces character, and character produces hope.
5 (Gal 4:6; Php 1:20) And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God
is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that
tribulation worketh patience;
[4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in
our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
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.