Day 327 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 23 November 2023 reflections
Day 327, 23 November 2023
1) 1 Corinthians 1, 1 Corinthians 2, 1 Corinthians 3, 1 Corinthians 4
1 Corinthians 1
Greeting and Thanksgiving
1 (Ro 1:1; Ac 18:17) Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ
through the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother,
2 (Ro 1:7; Ac 18:1) To the church of God which is at Corinth,
to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,
with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,
both their Lord and ours:
3 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 (Ro 1:8) I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God
which has been given to you through Jesus Christ.
5 (2Co 8:7; 9:11; Ro 15:14) By Him you are enriched in everything,
in all speech and in all knowledge,
6 (Rev 1:2; 1Ti 2:6) even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you,
7 (Php 3:20; 2Pe 3:12) so that you are not lacking in any gift while waiting
for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
8 (1Th 3:13; Php 1:6; 1:10) He will strengthen you to the end,
so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 (1Jn 1:3; Isa 49:7; Dt 7:9) God is faithful, and by Him you were called
to the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
[1] Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God,
and Sosthenes our brother,
[2] Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified
in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon
the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
[3] Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord
Jesus Christ.
[4] I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is
given you by Jesus Christ;
[5] That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all
knowledge;
[6] Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
[7] So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ:
[8] Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the
day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[9] God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Divisions in the Church
10 (1Co 11:18; Php 1:27) Now I ask you, brothers, by the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that you all speak in agreement and that there be no divisions
among you. But be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same
judgment.
11 (1Co 3:3) For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brothers,
by those who are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 (Jn 1:42; 1Co 9:5) Now this is what I mean: Every one of you is saying,
"I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos,"
or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."
13 (Mt 28:19; Ac 2:38) Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?
Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 (Ac 18:8; Ro 16:23) I thank God that I baptized none of you
except Crispus and Gaius,
15 lest any should say that I had baptised in my own name.
16 (1Co 16:15; 16:17) I also baptized the household of Stephanas.
Besides them, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
17 (1Co 2:1; 2:13) For Christ did not send me to baptize,
but to preach the gospel, not with eloquent words,
lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
[10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but
that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same
judgment.
[11] For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which
are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
[12] Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of
Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
[13] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in
the name of Paul?
[14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not
whether I baptized any other.
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with
wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
18 (Ro 1:16; 1Co 1:21) For to those who are perishing,
the preaching of the cross is foolishness,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 (Isa 29:14; Job 5:12-13) For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." (Isa 29:14.)
20 (Ro 1:22; Job 12:17) Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?
Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made the wisdom
of this world foolish?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom
did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of preaching
to save those who believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.
23 (Gal 5:11; Lk 2:34) But we preach Christ crucified,
a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks.
24 (1Co 1:30; 1:18) But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks,
we preach Christ as the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 (1Co 1:18) For the foolishness of God is wiser than men,
and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 (1Co 1:20)For observe your calling, brothers. Among you,
not many wise men according to the flesh, not many mighty men,
and not many noble men were called.
27 (Ps 8:2; 1Co 1:20) But God has chosen the foolish things
of the world to confound the wise. God has chosen the weak things of
the world to confound the things which are mighty.
28 (Ro 4:17; 1Co 2:6) And God has chosen the base things of the world
and things which are despised. Yes, and He chose things which did not
exist to bring to nothing things that do,
29 (Eph 2:9) so that no flesh should boast in His presence.
30 (Jer 23:5–6; 1Co 1:2 ) But because of Him you are in Christ Jesus,
whom God made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
31 (2Co 10:17; Jer 9:23-24) Therefore, as it is written, "
Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." (Jer 9:24.)
[18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but
unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
[19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will
bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
[20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this
world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
[21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God,
it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
[22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
[23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and
unto the Greeks foolishness;
[24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power
of God, and the wisdom of God.
[25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of
God is stronger than men.
[26] For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the
flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
[27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the
wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the
things which are mighty;
[28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God
chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
[29] That no flesh should glory in his presence.
[30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom,
and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
[31] That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in
the Lord.
1 Corinthians 2
Proclaiming Christ Crucified
1 (1Co 1:17; 2:4) Brothers, when I came to you, I did not come with
superiority of speech or wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.
2 (Gal 6:14) For I determined not to know anything among you
except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
3 (2Co 13:4) I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.
4 (Ro 15:19; 1Co 4:20) My speech and my preaching was not with enticing
words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
5 (2Co 4:7; 6:7) so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,
but in the power of God.
[1] And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech
or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
[2] For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and
him crucified.
[3] And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
[4] And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
[5] That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power
of God.
The Revelation by God's Spirit
6 (1Co 1:28; Heb 5:14) Yet we speak wisdom among those who are mature,
although not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age,
who are coming to nothing.
7 (Ro 16:25-26; 2Ti 1:9) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery,
the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages for our glory.
8 (Ac 7:2; Jas 2:1) None of the rulers of this age knew it.
For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 (Isa 64:4; Mt 25:34) But as it is written,
"Eye has not seen,
nor ear heard,
nor has it entered into the heart of man
the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (Isa 64:4.)
10 (Jn 14:26; Eph 3:3) But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit.
For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
11 (Pr 20:27; Jer 17:9) For what man knows the things of a man,
except the spirit of man which is in him? Likewise,
no one knows the things of God, except the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world,
but the Spirit which is of God, so that we might know the things
that are freely given to us by God.
13 (1Co 1:17; 2:4) These things also we proclaim, not in the words
which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches,
comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 (1Co 1:18; Jude 1:19) But the natural man does not receive
the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;
nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 (1Co 3:1; 14:37) But he who is spiritual judges all things.
Yet he himself is not judged by anyone.
16 (Jn 15:15; Ro 11:34) For
"who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct Him?"(Isa 40:13.)
But we have the mind of Christ.
[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom
of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
[7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom,
which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
[8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it,
they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
[9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them
that love him.
[10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
[11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which
is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
[12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which
is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
[13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom
teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with
spiritual.
[14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for
they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned.
[15] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged
of no man.
[16] For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But
we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3
Fellow Servants of God
1 (Ro 7:14; 1Co 2:14-15) Brothers, I could not speak to you as
to spiritual men, but as to worldly, even as to babes in Christ.
2 (Jn 16:12; 1Pe 2:2) I have fed you with milk and not with solid food.
For to this day you were not able to endure it. Nor are you able now,
3 (1Co 1:11; 11:18) for you are still worldly. Since there is envy,
strife, and divisions among you, are you not worldly and behaving as mere men?
4 (1Co 1:12) For while one says, "I am of Paul," and another,
"I am of Apollos," are you not worldly?
5 (2Co 6:4; 1Co 3:10) Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos,
but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to each one?
6 (Ac 18:4-11; 1Co 9:1) I have planted, Apollos watered,
but God gave the increase.
7 (Gal 6:3) So then neither is he who plants nor he who waters anything,
but God who gives the increase.
8 (Ps 62:12; Mt 16:27) Now he who plants and he who waters are one,
and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 (2Co 6:1; Eph 2:20-22) For we are laborers together with God:
You are God's vineyard; you are God's building.
10 (Ro 12:3; 15:20) According to the grace of God which has been given to me,
as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, but another builds
on it. Now let each one take heed how he builds on it.
11 (Eph 2:20; Isa 28:16; Mt 16:18) For no one can lay another foundation
than that which was laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver,
precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble,
13 (1Co 4:5; 2Th 1:7-10) each one's work will be revealed.
For the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire,
and the fire will test what sort of work each has done.
14 (1Co 3:8; 4:5) If anyone's work which he has built on the foundation
endures, he will receive a reward.
15 (Jude 1:23) If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss.
But he himself will be saved, still going through the fire.
16 (1Co 6:19; 2Co 6:16) Do you not know that you are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.
For the temple of God is holy. And you are His temple.
18 (Isa 5:21; Gal 6:3) Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems
to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise.
19 (Job 5:13) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness,"(Job 5:13.)
20 (Ps 94:11) and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,
that they are vain."(Ps 94:11.)
21(1Co 4:6; Ro 8:32) Therefore let no one boast in men.
For all things are yours:
22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life
or death or things present or things to come, all are yours,
23 (2Co 10:7; Gal 3:29) and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
[1] And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto
carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
[2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not
able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
[3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and
strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
[4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye
not carnal?
[5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed,
even as the Lord gave to every man?
[6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
[7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth;
but God that giveth the increase.
[8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall
receive his own reward according to his own labour.
[9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are
God's building.
[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise
masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But
let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ.
[12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious
stones, wood, hay, stubble;
[13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it,
because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's
work of what sort it is.
[14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive
a reward.
[15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself
shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
[16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?
[17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the
temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
[18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in
this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
[19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is
written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
[20] And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are
vain.
[21] Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
[22] Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death,
or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
[23] And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
1 Corinthians 4
The Ministry of the Apostles
1 (Ro 16:25; Titus 1:7) Let a man so regard us as the ministers of Christ
and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you
or by man's judgment. I do not even judge myself.
4 (Ps 143:2; 130:3) For I know nothing against myself.
Yet I am not justified by this. But He who judges me is the Lord.
5 (Ro 2:16; 2:1; 2:29) Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time
until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness
and will reveal the purposes of the hearts. Then everyone will have
commendation from God.
6 (1Co 1:12; 13:4) Brothers, I have figuratively applied these things
to myself and to Apollos for your sakes, so that you may learn from us
not to think of men above that which is written, and that not one of you
would be arrogant for one against another.
7 (Jn 3:27; Ro 12:6) For who makes you differ from another?
And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you received it,
why do you boast as if you had not received it?
8 (Rev 3:17) Now you are full, now you are rich; you have begun reigning
as kings without us, and I wish to God you reigned, so that we also might
reign with you.
9 (Ro 8:36; Heb 10:33) For I think that God has exhibited us, the apostles,
last, as if we were sentenced to death. For we have been made a spectacle
to the world, to angels and to men.
10 (1Co 2:3; Ac 17:18; 26:24) We are fools for Christ's sake,
but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong.
You are honorable, but we are despised.
11 (Ro 8:35; 2Co 11:23-27) Even to this present hour we both hunger
and thirst, and are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless.
12 (1Pe 3:9; Ac 18:3; Mt 5:11) We labor, working with our own hands.
Being reviled, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.
13 (La 3:45) Being slandered, we encourage. We are made as the filth
of the world, and are the refuse of all things to this day.
14 (1Th 2:11; 1Co 4:15) I do not write these things to shame you,
but as my beloved sons I warn you.
15 (Gal 4:19; 1Co 3:10) For if you were to have ten thousand instructors
in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. In Christ Jesus
I have become a father to you through the gospel.
16 (1Co 11:1; Php 3:17) So I implore you, be followers of me.
17 (1Co 7:17; 1Ti 1:2) Therefore I have sent Timothy to you.
He is my beloved son and is faithful in the Lord.
He will remind you of my ways which are in Christ,
as I teach everywhere in every church.
18 Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
19 (Ac 18:21; 19:21) But I will come to you shortly if the Lord wills.
And I will know not only what those who are arrogant are saying,
but also their power.
20 (1Co 2:4) For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
21 (2Co 13:2; 1:23) What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod,
or in love and in the spirit of meekness?
[1] Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards
of the mysteries of God.
[2] Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
[3] But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or
of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
[4] For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that
judgeth me is the Lord.
[5] Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both
will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest
the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
[6] And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and
to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men
above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against
another.
[7] For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou
didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if
thou hadst not received it?
[8] Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us:
and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
[9] For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were
appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to
angels, and to men.
[10] We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak,
but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
[11] Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked,
and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
[12] And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being
persecuted, we suffer it:
[13] Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and
are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
[14] I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn
you.
[15] For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not
many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
[16] Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
[17] For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son,
and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways
which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
[18] Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
[19] But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not
the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
[20] For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
[21] What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the
spirit of meekness?
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 November 2023 titled
A Thanksgiving Blessing
Luke 14:12-14
12 Then He said also to the one who invited Him, "When you prepare a dinner
or a supper, do not call your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen
or your rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return,
and you be repaid.
13 (Lk 14:21; Ne 8:10) But when you prepare a banquet, call the poor,
the maimed, the lame, the blind,
14 (Ac 24:15; Jn 5:29) and you will be blessed, for they cannot repay you.
You shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
[12] Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a
supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy
rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made
thee.
[13] But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the
blind:
[14] And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou
shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
In 2016, Wanda Dench sent a text inviting her grandson to Thanksgiving dinner,
not knowing he'd recently changed his phone number. The text instead went to
a stranger, Jamal. Jamal didn't have plans, and so, after clarifying who he
was, asked if he could still come to dinner. Wanda said, "Of course you can." Jamal joined the family dinner in what has since become a yearly tradition
for him. A mistaken invitation became an annual blessing.
Wanda's kindness in inviting a stranger to dinner reminds me of Jesus' encouragement in Luke's gospel. During a dinner party at a "prominent" Pharisee's house (Luke 14:1), Jesus noticed who was invited and how the
guests jostled for the best seats (v. 7). Jesus told His host that inviting
people based on what they could do for him in return (v. 12) meant the
blessing would be limited. Instead, Jesus told the host that extending
hospitality to people without the resources to repay him would bring even
greater blessing (v. 14).
For Wanda, inviting Jamal to join her family for Thanksgiving dinner resulted
in the unexpected blessing of a lasting friendship that was a great
encouragement to her after her husband's death. When we reach out to others,
not because of what we might receive, but because of God's love flowing
through us, we receive far greater blessing and encouragement.
By: Lisa M. Samra
Reflect & Pray
When has an unexpected invitation encouraged you?
What blessings did you experience?
Heavenly Father, may my invitations reflect
a heart that wants to bless others as You lead me.
For further study, read Giving It Away.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 5 - Starting Over
2 Cor 5:17
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away.
Look, all things have become new.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
"The trouble with turning over a new leaf," Gordon sighed,
"is that once you've done it twice, you're right back where
you started." Gordon, in his mid-fifties, had his job
"canceled" by a company wanting to cut back on retirement payments.
Out of work, with few prospects, he said wistfully,
"I wish I had the chance to start over again."
Many of us would echo Gordon's sentiments. Whether we have lost a job,
gone through a divorce, moved to another part of the country, or
experienced some lesser crisis, we often long for the chance to
begin again, fresh, without the shadow of past mistakes following us.
God's word offers just such an opportunity. Anyone who is in Christ,
Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17, is a "new creation". For the Christian, the past
is truly past - "all things are become new". In the forgiveness
and restoration of God's grace we can leave the past behind,
with all its mistakes, and enter into new life.
And the promise is not just for the newly saved. Those of us who
have been Christians for years need to hear the truth of 2 Cor 5:17 again,
for we accumulated some "new mistakes" since we came to Christ. Anyone who
is in Christ is a new creation; the freedom of forgiveness, of
"starting over" is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
We cannot every really "start over" simply by establishing New Year's
resolutions or turning over a new leaf. Only God gives us that opportunity;
his grace allows us to clear away the rubble of the past and begin again.
Everything becomes new in God's loving forgiveness.
Application
a) What "resolutions" have I made in an attempt to "start over"
in some area of struggle or failure in my life? Did my resolutions work?
b) What does 2 Cor 5:17 mean for me at this point in my Christian Life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Romans 13:7-8
7 (Mt 17:25; 22:21) Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes
are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due,
and honor to whom honour is due.
8 (Ro 13:10; Mt 7:12) Owe no one anything, except to love one another,
for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
Ps 117
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations! Exalt Him, all you peoples!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
1 O praise the LORD,
All ye nations: Praise him, all ye people.
2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us:
And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.
Praise ye the LORD.
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
Day 23 of the Month
a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
(
John 13:34-35
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another."
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another;
Heb 10:24
24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,
and be kind.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1 John 3:23
23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name
of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name
of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord Jesus Christ as head of
the Church Universal and to chew on the meat of the Word.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, may my invitations reflect
a heart that wants to bless others as You lead me."
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for a new spiritual start each day.
Pray to the Lord and pray render money to those you owe.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him a prayer of thanksgiving!
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 genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
Pray for greater unity and trust among leaders of the Somali church.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) 1 Corinthians 1, 1 Corinthians 2, 1 Corinthians 3, 1 Corinthians 4
1 Corinthians 1
Greeting and Thanksgiving
1 (Ro 1:1; Ac 18:17) Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ
through the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother,
2 (Ro 1:7; Ac 18:1) To the church of God which is at Corinth,
to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,
with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,
both their Lord and ours:
3 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 (Ro 1:8) I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God
which has been given to you through Jesus Christ.
5 (2Co 8:7; 9:11; Ro 15:14) By Him you are enriched in everything,
in all speech and in all knowledge,
6 (Rev 1:2; 1Ti 2:6) even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you,
7 (Php 3:20; 2Pe 3:12) so that you are not lacking in any gift while waiting
for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
8 (1Th 3:13; Php 1:6; 1:10) He will strengthen you to the end,
so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 (1Jn 1:3; Isa 49:7; Dt 7:9) God is faithful, and by Him you were called
to the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
[1] Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God,
and Sosthenes our brother,
[2] Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified
in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon
the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
[3] Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord
Jesus Christ.
[4] I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is
given you by Jesus Christ;
[5] That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all
knowledge;
[6] Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
[7] So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ:
[8] Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the
day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[9] God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Divisions in the Church
10 (1Co 11:18; Php 1:27) Now I ask you, brothers, by the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that you all speak in agreement and that there be no divisions
among you. But be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same
judgment.
11 (1Co 3:3) For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brothers,
by those who are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 (Jn 1:42; 1Co 9:5) Now this is what I mean: Every one of you is saying,
"I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos,"
or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."
13 (Mt 28:19; Ac 2:38) Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?
Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 (Ac 18:8; Ro 16:23) I thank God that I baptized none of you
except Crispus and Gaius,
15 lest any should say that I had baptised in my own name.
16 (1Co 16:15; 16:17) I also baptized the household of Stephanas.
Besides them, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
17 (1Co 2:1; 2:13) For Christ did not send me to baptize,
but to preach the gospel, not with eloquent words,
lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
[10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but
that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same
judgment.
[11] For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which
are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
[12] Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of
Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
[13] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in
the name of Paul?
[14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not
whether I baptized any other.
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with
wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
18 (Ro 1:16; 1Co 1:21) For to those who are perishing,
the preaching of the cross is foolishness,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 (Isa 29:14; Job 5:12-13) For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." (Isa 29:14.)
20 (Ro 1:22; Job 12:17) Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?
Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made the wisdom
of this world foolish?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom
did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of preaching
to save those who believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.
23 (Gal 5:11; Lk 2:34) But we preach Christ crucified,
a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks.
24 (1Co 1:30; 1:18) But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks,
we preach Christ as the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 (1Co 1:18) For the foolishness of God is wiser than men,
and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 (1Co 1:20)For observe your calling, brothers. Among you,
not many wise men according to the flesh, not many mighty men,
and not many noble men were called.
27 (Ps 8:2; 1Co 1:20) But God has chosen the foolish things
of the world to confound the wise. God has chosen the weak things of
the world to confound the things which are mighty.
28 (Ro 4:17; 1Co 2:6) And God has chosen the base things of the world
and things which are despised. Yes, and He chose things which did not
exist to bring to nothing things that do,
29 (Eph 2:9) so that no flesh should boast in His presence.
30 (Jer 23:5–6; 1Co 1:2 ) But because of Him you are in Christ Jesus,
whom God made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
31 (2Co 10:17; Jer 9:23-24) Therefore, as it is written, "
Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." (Jer 9:24.)
[18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but
unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
[19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will
bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
[20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this
world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
[21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God,
it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
[22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
[23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and
unto the Greeks foolishness;
[24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power
of God, and the wisdom of God.
[25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of
God is stronger than men.
[26] For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the
flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
[27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the
wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the
things which are mighty;
[28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God
chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
[29] That no flesh should glory in his presence.
[30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom,
and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
[31] That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in
the Lord.
1 Corinthians 2
Proclaiming Christ Crucified
1 (1Co 1:17; 2:4) Brothers, when I came to you, I did not come with
superiority of speech or wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.
2 (Gal 6:14) For I determined not to know anything among you
except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
3 (2Co 13:4) I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.
4 (Ro 15:19; 1Co 4:20) My speech and my preaching was not with enticing
words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
5 (2Co 4:7; 6:7) so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,
but in the power of God.
[1] And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech
or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
[2] For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and
him crucified.
[3] And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
[4] And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's
wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
[5] That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power
of God.
The Revelation by God's Spirit
6 (1Co 1:28; Heb 5:14) Yet we speak wisdom among those who are mature,
although not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age,
who are coming to nothing.
7 (Ro 16:25-26; 2Ti 1:9) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery,
the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages for our glory.
8 (Ac 7:2; Jas 2:1) None of the rulers of this age knew it.
For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 (Isa 64:4; Mt 25:34) But as it is written,
"Eye has not seen,
nor ear heard,
nor has it entered into the heart of man
the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (Isa 64:4.)
10 (Jn 14:26; Eph 3:3) But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit.
For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
11 (Pr 20:27; Jer 17:9) For what man knows the things of a man,
except the spirit of man which is in him? Likewise,
no one knows the things of God, except the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world,
but the Spirit which is of God, so that we might know the things
that are freely given to us by God.
13 (1Co 1:17; 2:4) These things also we proclaim, not in the words
which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches,
comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 (1Co 1:18; Jude 1:19) But the natural man does not receive
the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;
nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 (1Co 3:1; 14:37) But he who is spiritual judges all things.
Yet he himself is not judged by anyone.
16 (Jn 15:15; Ro 11:34) For
"who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct Him?"(Isa 40:13.)
But we have the mind of Christ.
[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom
of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
[7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom,
which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
[8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it,
they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
[9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them
that love him.
[10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
[11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which
is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
[12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which
is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
[13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom
teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with
spiritual.
[14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for
they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned.
[15] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged
of no man.
[16] For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But
we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3
Fellow Servants of God
1 (Ro 7:14; 1Co 2:14-15) Brothers, I could not speak to you as
to spiritual men, but as to worldly, even as to babes in Christ.
2 (Jn 16:12; 1Pe 2:2) I have fed you with milk and not with solid food.
For to this day you were not able to endure it. Nor are you able now,
3 (1Co 1:11; 11:18) for you are still worldly. Since there is envy,
strife, and divisions among you, are you not worldly and behaving as mere men?
4 (1Co 1:12) For while one says, "I am of Paul," and another,
"I am of Apollos," are you not worldly?
5 (2Co 6:4; 1Co 3:10) Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos,
but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to each one?
6 (Ac 18:4-11; 1Co 9:1) I have planted, Apollos watered,
but God gave the increase.
7 (Gal 6:3) So then neither is he who plants nor he who waters anything,
but God who gives the increase.
8 (Ps 62:12; Mt 16:27) Now he who plants and he who waters are one,
and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 (2Co 6:1; Eph 2:20-22) For we are laborers together with God:
You are God's vineyard; you are God's building.
10 (Ro 12:3; 15:20) According to the grace of God which has been given to me,
as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, but another builds
on it. Now let each one take heed how he builds on it.
11 (Eph 2:20; Isa 28:16; Mt 16:18) For no one can lay another foundation
than that which was laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver,
precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble,
13 (1Co 4:5; 2Th 1:7-10) each one's work will be revealed.
For the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire,
and the fire will test what sort of work each has done.
14 (1Co 3:8; 4:5) If anyone's work which he has built on the foundation
endures, he will receive a reward.
15 (Jude 1:23) If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss.
But he himself will be saved, still going through the fire.
16 (1Co 6:19; 2Co 6:16) Do you not know that you are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.
For the temple of God is holy. And you are His temple.
18 (Isa 5:21; Gal 6:3) Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems
to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise.
19 (Job 5:13) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness,"(Job 5:13.)
20 (Ps 94:11) and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,
that they are vain."(Ps 94:11.)
21(1Co 4:6; Ro 8:32) Therefore let no one boast in men.
For all things are yours:
22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life
or death or things present or things to come, all are yours,
23 (2Co 10:7; Gal 3:29) and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
[1] And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto
carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
[2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not
able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
[3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and
strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
[4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye
not carnal?
[5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed,
even as the Lord gave to every man?
[6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
[7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth;
but God that giveth the increase.
[8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall
receive his own reward according to his own labour.
[9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are
God's building.
[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise
masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But
let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ.
[12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious
stones, wood, hay, stubble;
[13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it,
because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's
work of what sort it is.
[14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive
a reward.
[15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself
shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
[16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?
[17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the
temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
[18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in
this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
[19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is
written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
[20] And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are
vain.
[21] Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
[22] Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death,
or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
[23] And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
1 Corinthians 4
The Ministry of the Apostles
1 (Ro 16:25; Titus 1:7) Let a man so regard us as the ministers of Christ
and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you
or by man's judgment. I do not even judge myself.
4 (Ps 143:2; 130:3) For I know nothing against myself.
Yet I am not justified by this. But He who judges me is the Lord.
5 (Ro 2:16; 2:1; 2:29) Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time
until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness
and will reveal the purposes of the hearts. Then everyone will have
commendation from God.
6 (1Co 1:12; 13:4) Brothers, I have figuratively applied these things
to myself and to Apollos for your sakes, so that you may learn from us
not to think of men above that which is written, and that not one of you
would be arrogant for one against another.
7 (Jn 3:27; Ro 12:6) For who makes you differ from another?
And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you received it,
why do you boast as if you had not received it?
8 (Rev 3:17) Now you are full, now you are rich; you have begun reigning
as kings without us, and I wish to God you reigned, so that we also might
reign with you.
9 (Ro 8:36; Heb 10:33) For I think that God has exhibited us, the apostles,
last, as if we were sentenced to death. For we have been made a spectacle
to the world, to angels and to men.
10 (1Co 2:3; Ac 17:18; 26:24) We are fools for Christ's sake,
but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong.
You are honorable, but we are despised.
11 (Ro 8:35; 2Co 11:23-27) Even to this present hour we both hunger
and thirst, and are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless.
12 (1Pe 3:9; Ac 18:3; Mt 5:11) We labor, working with our own hands.
Being reviled, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.
13 (La 3:45) Being slandered, we encourage. We are made as the filth
of the world, and are the refuse of all things to this day.
14 (1Th 2:11; 1Co 4:15) I do not write these things to shame you,
but as my beloved sons I warn you.
15 (Gal 4:19; 1Co 3:10) For if you were to have ten thousand instructors
in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. In Christ Jesus
I have become a father to you through the gospel.
16 (1Co 11:1; Php 3:17) So I implore you, be followers of me.
17 (1Co 7:17; 1Ti 1:2) Therefore I have sent Timothy to you.
He is my beloved son and is faithful in the Lord.
He will remind you of my ways which are in Christ,
as I teach everywhere in every church.
18 Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
19 (Ac 18:21; 19:21) But I will come to you shortly if the Lord wills.
And I will know not only what those who are arrogant are saying,
but also their power.
20 (1Co 2:4) For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
21 (2Co 13:2; 1:23) What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod,
or in love and in the spirit of meekness?
[1] Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards
of the mysteries of God.
[2] Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
[3] But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or
of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
[4] For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that
judgeth me is the Lord.
[5] Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both
will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest
the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
[6] And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and
to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men
above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against
another.
[7] For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou
didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if
thou hadst not received it?
[8] Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us:
and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
[9] For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were
appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to
angels, and to men.
[10] We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak,
but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
[11] Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked,
and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
[12] And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being
persecuted, we suffer it:
[13] Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and
are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
[14] I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn
you.
[15] For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not
many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
[16] Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
[17] For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son,
and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways
which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
[18] Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
[19] But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not
the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
[20] For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
[21] What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the
spirit of meekness?
2) Our Daily Bread for 23 November 2023 titled
A Thanksgiving Blessing
Luke 14:12-14
12 Then He said also to the one who invited Him, "When you prepare a dinner
or a supper, do not call your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen
or your rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return,
and you be repaid.
13 (Lk 14:21; Ne 8:10) But when you prepare a banquet, call the poor,
the maimed, the lame, the blind,
14 (Ac 24:15; Jn 5:29) and you will be blessed, for they cannot repay you.
You shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
[12] Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a
supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy
rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made
thee.
[13] But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the
blind:
[14] And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou
shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
In 2016, Wanda Dench sent a text inviting her grandson to Thanksgiving dinner,
not knowing he'd recently changed his phone number. The text instead went to
a stranger, Jamal. Jamal didn't have plans, and so, after clarifying who he
was, asked if he could still come to dinner. Wanda said, "Of course you can." Jamal joined the family dinner in what has since become a yearly tradition
for him. A mistaken invitation became an annual blessing.
Wanda's kindness in inviting a stranger to dinner reminds me of Jesus' encouragement in Luke's gospel. During a dinner party at a "prominent" Pharisee's house (Luke 14:1), Jesus noticed who was invited and how the
guests jostled for the best seats (v. 7). Jesus told His host that inviting
people based on what they could do for him in return (v. 12) meant the
blessing would be limited. Instead, Jesus told the host that extending
hospitality to people without the resources to repay him would bring even
greater blessing (v. 14).
For Wanda, inviting Jamal to join her family for Thanksgiving dinner resulted
in the unexpected blessing of a lasting friendship that was a great
encouragement to her after her husband's death. When we reach out to others,
not because of what we might receive, but because of God's love flowing
through us, we receive far greater blessing and encouragement.
By: Lisa M. Samra
Reflect & Pray
When has an unexpected invitation encouraged you?
What blessings did you experience?
Heavenly Father, may my invitations reflect
a heart that wants to bless others as You lead me.
For further study, read Giving It Away.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 5 - Starting Over
2 Cor 5:17
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away.
Look, all things have become new.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
"The trouble with turning over a new leaf," Gordon sighed,
"is that once you've done it twice, you're right back where
you started." Gordon, in his mid-fifties, had his job
"canceled" by a company wanting to cut back on retirement payments.
Out of work, with few prospects, he said wistfully,
"I wish I had the chance to start over again."
Many of us would echo Gordon's sentiments. Whether we have lost a job,
gone through a divorce, moved to another part of the country, or
experienced some lesser crisis, we often long for the chance to
begin again, fresh, without the shadow of past mistakes following us.
God's word offers just such an opportunity. Anyone who is in Christ,
Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17, is a "new creation". For the Christian, the past
is truly past - "all things are become new". In the forgiveness
and restoration of God's grace we can leave the past behind,
with all its mistakes, and enter into new life.
And the promise is not just for the newly saved. Those of us who
have been Christians for years need to hear the truth of 2 Cor 5:17 again,
for we accumulated some "new mistakes" since we came to Christ. Anyone who
is in Christ is a new creation; the freedom of forgiveness, of
"starting over" is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
We cannot every really "start over" simply by establishing New Year's
resolutions or turning over a new leaf. Only God gives us that opportunity;
his grace allows us to clear away the rubble of the past and begin again.
Everything becomes new in God's loving forgiveness.
Application
a) What "resolutions" have I made in an attempt to "start over"
in some area of struggle or failure in my life? Did my resolutions work?
b) What does 2 Cor 5:17 mean for me at this point in my Christian Life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Romans 13:7-8
7 (Mt 17:25; 22:21) Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes
are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due,
and honor to whom honour is due.
8 (Ro 13:10; Mt 7:12) Owe no one anything, except to love one another,
for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Eternal Faithfulness
Ps 117
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations! Exalt Him, all you peoples!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
1 O praise the LORD,
All ye nations: Praise him, all ye people.
2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us:
And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.
Praise ye the LORD.
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
Day 23 of the Month
a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
(
John 13:34-35
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another."
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;
in honour preferring one another;
Heb 10:24
24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.
24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1 Peter 3:8
8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,
and be kind.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1 John 3:23
23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name
of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name
of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord Jesus Christ as head of
the Church Universal and to chew on the meat of the Word.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, may my invitations reflect
a heart that wants to bless others as You lead me."
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for a new spiritual start each day.
Pray to the Lord and pray render money to those you owe.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give Him a prayer of thanksgiving!
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 genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those
who have committed crimes.
Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ
across Canada.
Pray for greater unity and trust among leaders of the Somali church.
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.