Day 332 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 28 November 2023 reflections - 3nd Day of Advent
Day 332, 28 November 2023 - 3rd Day of Advent
1) Acts 20:1-6, Romans 1 , Romans 2, Romans 3
Acts 20:1-6
Paul's Journey to Macedonia and Greece
1 (Ac 19:21) After the uproar ceased, Paul summoned the disciples
and embraced them and departed for Macedonia.
2 When he had gone through that region and had greatly exhorted them,
he arrived in Greece,
3 (Ac 20:19; 9:23-24) and stayed there three months. When the Jews
plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria,
he decided to return through Macedonia.
4 (Ac 19:29; 16:1; 21:29) Accompanying him to Asia were Sopater of Berea,
and Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy,
and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
5 (Ac 16:8; 16:10-11) These men went forward and waited for us at Troas.
6 (Ac 12:3; 16:12) But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days
of Unleavened Bread, and after five days we came to them at Troas,
where we stayed for seven days.
[1] And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and
embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
[2] And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much
exhortation, he came into Greece,
[3] And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he
was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
[4] And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the
Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus;
and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
[5] These going before tarried for us at Troas.
[6] And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and
came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
Romans 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 15:16; 1Co 1:1) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,
called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God,
2 (Ro 3:21; Titus 1:2) which He promised beforehand through
His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
3 (Gal 4:4; Mt 1:1; Jn 1:14) concerning His Son, Jesus Christ
our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh
4 (2Co 13:4) and declared to be the Son of God with power,
according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
5 (Ac 6:7; 1:25) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship
for the obedience of faith among all nations for His name,
6 (Rev 17:14) among whom you also are called by Jesus Christ:
7 (Col 1:2; 2Co 13:14) To all who are in Rome, beloved of God,
called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto
the gospel of God,
[2] (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
[3] Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of
David according to the flesh;
[4] And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of
holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
[5] By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the
faith among all nations, for his name:
[6] Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
[7] To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to
you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's Desire to Visit Rome
8 (Ro 16:19; 6:17) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all,
because your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
9 (2Ti 1:3; Ro 9:1; 2Co 1:23) For God is my witness, whom I serve
with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing,
I mention you always in my prayers,
10 (Ac 18:21) making request if, by any means, now at last I might
find a way in the will of God to come to you.
11 (Ro 15:23) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some
spiritual gift, so that you may be strengthened.
12 (2Pe 1:1) This is so that I may be encouraged together
with you by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
13 (Jn 4:36; Ac 19:21) Now I would not have you unaware, brothers,
that I often intended to come to you (but was prevented until now),
that I might have a harvest among you also, even as among the other Gentiles.
14 I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians,
both to the wise and to the unwise.
15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel
to you also who are in Rome.
[8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith
is spoken of throughout the whole world.
[9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his
Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
[10] Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous
journey by the will of God to come unto you.
[11] For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift,
to the end ye may be established;
[12] That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith
both of you and me.
[13] Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed
to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among
you also, even as among other Gentiles.
[14] I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the
wise, and to the unwise.
[15] So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that
are at Rome also.
The Definition of the Gospel
16 (Ro 2:9; Mk 8:38) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
For it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 (Hab 2:4; Gal 3:11; Ro 3:21) For in it the righteousness of God
is revealed from faith to faith. As it is written,
"The just shall live by faith." Hab 2:4.
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also
to the Greek.
[17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The Guilt of Mankind
18 (Eph 5:6; Col 3:6) The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against
all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth
through unrighteousness.
19 (Ro 1:20) For what may be known about God is clear to them since
God has shown it to them.
20 (1Ti 1:17; Ps 19:1-6) The invisible things about Him-His eternal power
and deity-have been clearly seen since the creation of the world
and are understood by the things that are made, so that they are
without excuse.
21 (Jer 2:5; 2Ki 17:15) Because, although they knew God, they did not
glorify Him or give thanks to Him as God,
but became futile in their imaginations,
and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 (Jer 10:14) Claiming to be wise, they became fools.
23 (Ps 106:20; Jer 2:11) They changed the glory of the incorruptible God
into an image made like corruptible man, birds, four-footed beasts,
and creeping things.
24 (1Th 4:4) Therefore God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts
of their hearts, to dishonor their own bodies among themselves.
25 (Isa 44:20; Ro 9:5) They turned the truth of God into a lie
and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator,
who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 (Ro 1:24; Ge 19:5) For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable
passions. Their women exchanged the natural function for what is against
nature.
27 (Lev 18:22; 20:13) Likewise the men, leaving the natural function
of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men with men
doing that which is shameful, and receiving in themselves
the due penalty of their error.
[A warning for homosexuals and lesbians from the lord about
their ungodly lifestyle]
28 (Jer 6:30; Ro 1:24) And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God,
God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not proper.
29 (2Co 12:20) They were filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,
wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife,
deceit. They are gossips,
30 (2Ti 3:2) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, proud, boastful, inventors
of evil things, and disobedient toward parents,
31 (2Ti 3:3) without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural
affection, calloused, and unmerciful,
32 (Ro 6:21; Ps 50:18) who know the righteous requirement of God,
that those who commit such things are worthy of death.
They not only do them, but also give hearty approval
to those who practice them.
[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
[19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God
hath shewed it unto them.
[20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal
power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
[21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their
foolish heart was darkened.
[22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
[23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like
to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping
things.
[24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
[25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
[26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their
women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
[27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned
in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which
was meet.
[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God
gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not
convenient;
[29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit,
malignity; whisperers,
[30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of
evil things, disobedient to parents,
[31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful:
[32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are
worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do
them.
Romans 2
The Righteous Judgment of God
1 (2Sa 12:5-7; Ro 2:3) Therefore you are without excuse, Oman,
whoever you are who judges, for when you judge another,
you condemn yourself, for you who judge do the same things.
2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth
against those who commit such things.
3 (Lk 12:14) Do you think, O man, who judges those who do such things,
and who does the same thing, that you will escape the judgment of God?
4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance,
and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
5 (Dt 32:34; Jas 5:3) But because of your hardness and impenitent heart,
you are storing up treasures of wrath against yourself on the day of wrath
when the righteous judgment of God will be revealed,
6 (Ps 62:12; Mt 16:27) and He "will render to every man according
to his deeds."(Ps 62:12; Pr 24:12.)
7 (Lk 8:15; 2Ti 1:10) To those who by patiently doing good seek for glory
and honor and immortality will be eternal life.
8 But to those who are contentious and do not obey the truth,
but obey unrighteousness, indignation, and wrath,
9 (1Pe 4:17; Ac 3:26) will be tribulation and anguish, upon every
soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile.
10 (Isa 32:17; 57:19) But glory, honor, and peace will be to every man
who does good work-to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile,
11 (Ac 10:34; Dt 10:17; 2Ch 19:7) for there is no partiality with God.
12 (1Co 9:21) As many as have sinned without the law will also perish
without the law, and as many as have sinned under the law will be judged
by the law,
13 for the hearers of the law are not justified before God, but the doers
of the law will be justified.
14 (Ro 2:12) For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature
the things contained in the law, these, not having the law, are a law
unto themselves,
15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience
also bearing witness, while their conflicting thoughts accuse
or even excuse them,
16 (Ro 16:25; Ac 10:42; 1Ti 1:11) in the day when, according to my gospel,
God will judge the secrets of men through Jesus Christ.
[1] Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest:
for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that
judgest doest the same things.
[2] But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against
them which commit such things.
[3] And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things,
and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
[4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance?
[5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself
wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of
God;
[6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
[7] To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and
honour and immortality, eternal life:
[8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
[9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the
Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
[10] But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the
Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
[11] For there is no respect of persons with God.
[12] For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law:
and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
[13] (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of
the law shall be justified.
[14] For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things
contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
[15] Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their
conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing
or else excusing one another;)
[16] In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
according to my gospel.
The Jews and the Law
17 (Mic 3:11; Ro 2:23) Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest in the law,
and make your boast in God.
18 (Php 1:10) You know His will and approve the things that are more
excellent, because you are instructed in the law.
19 (Mt 15:14; Jn 9:40-41) You are confident that you are a guide
to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
20 (2Ti 1:13; 3:5) an instructor of the foolish, and a teacher of babes,
who have the full content of knowledge and truth in the law:
21 (Ps 50:16-21) You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach
yourself? You who preach not to steal, do you steal?
22 (Mal 3:8; Ac 19:37) You who say not to commit adultery,
do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23 (Ro 2:17; Jn 5:45) You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God
through breaking the law?
24 (Isa 52:5; 2Sa 12:14) As it is written, "The name of God
is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."(Isa 52:5; Eze 36:22.)
25 (Jer 4:4) Circumcision indeed has merit, if you keep the law,
but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision becomes
uncircumcision.
26 (Ro 8:4) Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteousness
of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?
27 (Mt 12:41-42; Ro 2:29) Will the uncircumcised one who is righteous
by nature, if he fulfills the law, not judge you who,
by the letter of the law and circumcision, violate the law?
28 (Gal 6:15; Mt 3:9) He is not a Jew who is one outwardly,
nor is circumcision that which is external in the flesh.
29 (1Pe 3:4; Php 3:3; 2Co 10:18) But he is a Jew who is one inwardly.
And circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, and not by the letter.
His praise is not from men, but from God.
[17] Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy
boast of God,
[18] And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent,
being instructed out of the law;
[19] And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light
of them which are in darkness,
[20] An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form
of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
[21] Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou
that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
[22] Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit
adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
[23] Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law
dishonourest thou God?
[24] For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it
is written.
[25] For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be
a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
[26] Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law,
shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
[27] And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law,
judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
[28] For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that
circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
[29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the
heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but
of God.
Romans 3
1 What advantage then does the Jew have?
Or what profit is there in circumcision?
2 (Ac 7:38; Ps 147:19-20) Much in every way!
Chiefly because the oracles of God were entrusted to them.
3 (Heb 4:2; Ro 10:16) What if some did not believe?
Would their unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God?
4 (Ps 51:4; 116:11) God forbid! Let God be true, and every man a liar.
As it is written:
"That You may be justified in Your words,
and may prevail in Your judging."(Ps 51:4.)
5 (Ro 6:19; Gal 3:15) But if our unrighteousness demonstrates
the righteousness of God, what shall we say?
Is God unrighteous in taking vengeance? (I am speaking in human terms.)
6 (Ge 18:25; Job 8:3) God forbid! For then how could God judge the world?
7 If through my lie the truth of God has abounded more to His glory,
why am I still being judged as a sinner?
8 (Ro 6:1; 6:15) Why not rather say, "Let us do evil that good may come,"
as we are slanderously accused and as some claim that we say?
Their condemnation is just.
[1] What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of
circumcision?
[2] Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the
oracles of God.
[3] For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of
God without effect?
[4] God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is
written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest
overcome when thou art judged.
[5] But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall
we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
[6] God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
[7] For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his
glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
[8] And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that
we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
There Is None Righteous
9 (Gal 3:22; Ro 3:19) What then? Are we better than they? No, not at all.
For we have already charged that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin.
10 (Ps 14:1-3; 53:1-3) As it is written:
"There is none righteous, no, not one; (Ps 14:1; 53:1.)
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks after God.(Ps 14:2; 53:2.)
12 (Ps 14:3) They have all turned aside;
together they have become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
no, not one."(Ps 14:3; 53:3.)
13 (Ps 5:9; 140:3; Jer 5:16) "Their throats are an open grave;
with their tongues they have used deceit";
"the poison of vipers is under their lips";(Ps 5:9; 140:3.)
14 (Ps 10:7) "their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."(Ps 10:7.)
15 (Pr 1:16; Isa 59:7-8) "Their feet are swift to shed blood;
(Pr 1:16; Isa 59:7.)
16 destruction and misery are in their paths;(Isa 59:7.)
17 (Lk 1:79) and they do not know the way of peace."(Isa 59:8.)
18 (Ps 36:1) "There is no fear of God before their eyes."(Ps 36:1.)
19 (Ro 3:9; Job 5:16) Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 (Ac 13:39; Gal 2:16) Therefore by the works of the law NO flesh
will be justified in His sight, for through the law comes
the knowledge of sin.
[9] What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before
proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
[10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
[11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
[12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become
unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
[13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used
deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
[14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
[15] Their feet are swift to shed blood:
[16] Destruction and misery are in their ways:
[17] And the way of peace have they not known:
[18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.
[19] Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who
are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may
become guilty before God.
[20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in
his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Righteousness Through Faith
21 (Ac 10:43; Ro 1:17) But now, apart from the law, the righteousness
of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.
22 (Ro 10:12; Gal 3:28) This righteousness of God comes through faith
in Jesus Christ (Or through the faith of Jesus Christ.) to all
and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction.
23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
24 (Ro 4:16; Col 1:14) being justified freely by His grace through
the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 (Ac 17:30; 1Jn 2:2) whom God has set forth to be a propitiation
through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness,
because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously
committed,
26 to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might
be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
27 (Ro 2:17; 2:23) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law?
Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith
without the works of the law.
29 Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles?
Yes, of the Gentiles also,
30 (Gal 3:8; 3:20) seeing it is one God, who shall justify the circumcised
by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.
31 (Mt 5:17; Ro 8:4) Do we then make the law void through faith? God forbid!
Instead, we establish the law.
[21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets;
[22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto
all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus:
[25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God;
[26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be
just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
[27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but
by the law of faith.
[28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the
deeds of the law.
[29] Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of
the Gentiles also:
[30] Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith,
and uncircumcision through faith.
[31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we
establish the law.
2) Our Daily Bread for 28 November 2023 Titled
The Skill of Compassion
Romans 12:9-12
Rules of the Christian Life
9 (1Ti 1:5; 2Co 6:6)Let love be without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil.
Cleave to what is good.
10 (Php 2:3; Heb 13:1) Be devoted to one another with brotherly love;
prefer one another in honour,
11 (Ac 18:25) do not be lazy in diligence, be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord,
12 (Heb 10:36; Ac 1:14) rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering,
persevere in prayer,
13 (2Co 9:1; 1Ti 3:2) contribute to the needs of the saints,
practice hospitality.
14 (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28) Bless those who persecute you; bless,
and do not curse.
15 (Heb 13:3; Job 30:25) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep
with those who weep.
16 (Ro 11:25; 15:5) Be of the same mind toward one another.
Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
Do not pretend to be wiser than you are.
17 (Pr 20:22; Mt 5:39) Repay no one evil for evil. Commend what is
honest in the sight of all men.
18 (Mk 9:50; Ro 14:19; Mt 5:9) If it is possible, as much as it depends
on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 (Dt 32:35; Pr 24:29) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to God's wrath, for it is written:
"Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,"(Dt 32:35.) says the Lord.
20 (Pr 25:21-22; Mt 5:44) Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head."(Pr 25:21-22.)
21 (1Pe 3:9) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in
prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
[15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
[16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight
of all men.
[18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all
men.
[19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto
wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
[20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him
drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
[21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
"A thorn has entered your foot-that is why you weep at times at night," wrote
Catherine of Sienna in the fourteenth century. She continued, "There are some
in this world who can pull it out. The skill that takes they have learned from
[God]." Catherine devoted her life to cultivating that "skill," and is still
remembered today for her remarkable capacity for empathy and compassion for
others in their pain.
That image of pain as a deeply embedded thorn that requires tenderness and
skill to remove lingers with me. It's a vivid reminder of how complex and
wounded we are, and of our need to dig deeper to develop true compassion
for others and ourselves.
Or, as the apostle Paul describes it, it's an image that reminds us that
loving others like Jesus does requires more than good intentions and
well-wishes - it requires being "devoted to one another" (Romans 12:10),
"joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (v. 12). It
requires being willing to not only "rejoice with those who rejoice" but to
"mourn with those who mourn" (v. 15). It requires all of us.
In a broken world, none of us escape unwounded-hurt and scars are deeply
embedded in each of us. But deeper still is the love we find in Christ; love
tender enough to draw out those thorns with the balm of compassion, willing
to embrace both friend and enemy (v. 14) to find healing together.
By: Monica La Rose
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced the healing power of compassion?
How can you cultivate a community of healing?
Loving God, thank You for Your compassion.
Help me to love others like that.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 3 - Inseparable From God's Love
Romans 8:38-39
38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present
nor things to come,
39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Separation is a fact of human life. Relationships disintegrate,
children grow up, loved ones die, husbands and wives divorce,
friends changes and drift apart. We may resist change and separation,
but we must deal with them nevertheless.
Separation sometimes is a natural result of growth and development;
sometimes it is a violent, cataclysmic shaking of an individual's life.
2 lifelong friends go separate ways to college or into future careers;
a church splits over doctrinal differences; a wife finds out a hidden
secret in her husband's past.
But with God, there is no separation, no death, no breaking of vows,
no growing beyond the relationship. Nothing, says Paul, can separate
us from the love of God. A skeleton in my closet, once revealed, may
cost me the trust of those I thought were my friends. But God knows
all my past, all my sin; he forgives, and it cannot separate me from him.
My present personal struggles may cause trouble in my job and result in
the loss of that income, but God understands what I'm going through,
and even when I'm angry at him, he can take it without drawing away
or striking back. My present problems cannot separate me from the Lord.
And God knows, too, the plan he has established for my future. I cannot
walk away from him, grow beyond my need for him, or outrun him into
tomorrow.
She may separate me from my awareness of God's presence in my life,
but it cannot set me beyond his reach. There is no power that is greater
than God's love, and no place I can go that will separate me
from that love.
Application
a) Have I ever felt separated from the love of God? Under what circumstances?
b) How can today's verse free me from anxiety about the past,
the present or the future?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Philip 4:19
19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according
to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Ps 85:8-13
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I will hear what God the Lord will speak,
for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints,
but let them not turn again to folly.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Surely His salvation is near to them who fear Him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Mercy and truth have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Truth springs from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12 Yes, the Lord gives that which is good,
and our land shall yield its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before Him
and prepare a way for His footsteps.
8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak:
For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints:
But let them not turn again to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him;
That glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth are met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth;
And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good;
And our land shall yield her increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him;
And shall set us in the way of his steps.
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 28 of the Month
a) Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
(
John 5:24
24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever
hears My word and believes in Him who sent
Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation,
but has passed from death into life."
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word,
and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,
and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
)
b) Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today . (
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.
)
Advent Day 3
From C. S. Lewis A grand Miracle Joel Heck
"He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him.
One has the picture of a strong man stooping lower and lower to get himself
underneath some great complicated burden. He must stoop in order to lift, he
must almost disappear under the load before he in credibly straightens his
back and marches off with the whole mass swaying on his shoulders." - C. S.
Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 148.)
Down and Up
God came down in the person of Jesus to bring the world up. Abraham was
humbled when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac and, in the process, learned to
trust God fully. Peter refused to have his feet washed by Jesus but changed
his mind when Jesus said, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me" (John
13:8). Perhaps that's why Peter later wrote, "Humble yourselves, therefore,
under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time" (1 Pet. 5:6).
Where did he get that idea? From Jesus, the one who humbled himself and was
later exalted, but in his case without sin. Jesus told a dinner host, "For
everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will
be exalted" (Luke 14:11).
God the Son came down to live among us, and then he went up. He enjoyed the
glory and majesty of heaven, but decided, for our benefit, to humble himself.
In doing that, Jesus set a pattern that works for everyone. Lift yourself up,
and you will be put down. Lower yourself, and you will be lifted up.
Jesus didn't do this just to set an example for us to follow. He did it to
save us. By coming down, he became a man, able to die. By going up, he
overcame everything he met when he went down, including whatever problems you
face at this very moment. Hold on to his hand! In that going up, God has
exalted him to the highest place and promises to bring you up in the same
way.
Jesus, help me down so that you can bring me up to you. Amen.
Philippians 2:9-11
9 (Heb 2:9; Mt 28:18) Therefore God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name which is above every name,
10 (Mt 28:18) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 (Jn 13:13; Ro 14:9) and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
TUESDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
-Luke 1:9
Time for Zechariah to be serving in the Temple-
his greatest ecstasy as a priest! The various orders rotated terms taking
care of the Temple, and now was the time for the order of Abijah.
Zechariah was thrilled because there was
nothing better than serving directly in God's own house!
Even more inspiring, Zechariah had been chosen by lot,
according to the custom of the priesthood, to be the precise
person given the great privilege of entering the Lord's sanctuary
to present daily incense. This dispensation was accorded a person rarely,
if ever, so he was undoubtedly elated and a bit fearful to be granted such an honor.
Recognizing what filled Zechariah's spirit is valuable
before we consider what took place,
because it heightens our understanding of his reactions.
Also, let us see God's hand behind the lot,
God's design in the appointment, because the Lord has
a momentous message and purpose for aged Zechariah.
Prayer
Lord, what special assignment do you have for us today? Fill us with Joy to be serving you! Amen.
Read Luke 1:8-17.
8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,
9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side
of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer
has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall call his name John.
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even from his mother's womb.
16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready
a people prepared for the Lord."
The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FIRST TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATONEMENT!
Read Isaiah 2:1-5.
1 (Isa 1:1) The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw
concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 (Isa 27:13; Mic 4:1-3) In the last days,
the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established
on the top of the mountains,
and shall be exalted above the hills,
and all nations shall flow to it.
3 (Lk 24:47; Isa 51:4-5) Many people shall go and say,
"Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
and He will teach us of His ways,
and we will walk in His paths."
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 (Hos 2:18; Joel 3:10) He shall judge among the nations,
and shall rebuke many peoples;
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
nor shall they learn war any more.
5 (Eph 5:8; 1Jn 1:7) O house of Jacob, come,
and let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Pastor Mitri Raheb, Bethlehem,Palestine, is an AH-HA person or God!
He lives with hope in the Lord in that little town of Bethlehem,
where there is so little peace. He often has said
"The world does not need more peace-talkers:
the world needs more peace-doers!"
Atonement is a great Advert word of AH-HA! Christ came at Christmas
in order to die and rise tor us to make us at one with each other!
His action of atoning for our sins is what enables us to be AH-HA
people even, in the midst of a peaceless society Pastor Raheb insists that
"the world does not need another saviour to come to Make peace in the world.
We already have a Saviour who has done this'·
Isaiah 2:3 Many people shall go and say,
"Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
and He will teach us of His ways,
and we will walk in His paths."
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Today seek ways. to walk as a peace-doer in the Lord.
Worship this week on 1 of the "mountains" the Lord provides for you.
Bring a peaceful word of greeting to a lonely friend.
Find a way to be at one with someone with whom you disagree
We all do not need to go to Bethlehem to bring the people there God's
peace Instead, thank the Lord that he was born in Bethlehem
in order that peace in him may flow to all the world.
Lord, we are AH-Ha people because you have atoned for our sins.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
From On Eagle's wings
Day 3 Titled Worth Waiting for by Susan Weber (Lutheran) Media, Penns, USA
Ps 27:14
14 Wait on the Lord; be strong, and may your heart be stout;
wait on the Lord.
[14] Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine
heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
It's a familiar scene. Big, brown eyes peering over windowsill, giggles,
whispers about who will be the one to ring the doorbell. The hours leading to
start of Bible Camp are an insurmountable amount of time for the children to wait.
Looking back through the screen, I said to Allie that she still had 30 minutes
to wait. She replied "Then I will wait right here for you". True to her word,
she was the first face I saw when the door opened - a face filled with
hopefulness and anticipation.
Advent is a time of waiting. Like the Israelites waiting for their Messiah,
we find comfort and peace in the knowledge that what is soon to arrive
is worth waiting for.
How are we using this time to prepare ourselves for what's to come? In our
waiting time, are we open to seeing God's face in those we meet?
Are we open to the joy and peace that believing in God will bring?
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that the Gospel is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth for we are all sinners.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, thank You for Your compassion.
Help me to love others like that."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that He will not separate from you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as supplier.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His mercies and love!
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 newcomers to your country, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today .
Pray Jesus, help me down so that you can bring me up to you. Amen.
Pray Lord, what special assignment do you have for us today?
Fill us with Joy to be serving you! Amen.
Pray Lord, we are AH-Ha people because you have atoned for our sins. Amen
Heavenly father, thank you that you fill our lives with anticipation and
belief in what's to come. Thank you for giving us your Son who continues to
provide us with hope in this Advent season. Remind us to accept and appreciate
the joy of this season of waiting. Amen.
Pray for those endeavouring to effectively distribute copies of the
Bible in Turkmenistan.
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 20:1-6, Romans 1 , Romans 2, Romans 3
Acts 20:1-6
Paul's Journey to Macedonia and Greece
1 (Ac 19:21) After the uproar ceased, Paul summoned the disciples
and embraced them and departed for Macedonia.
2 When he had gone through that region and had greatly exhorted them,
he arrived in Greece,
3 (Ac 20:19; 9:23-24) and stayed there three months. When the Jews
plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria,
he decided to return through Macedonia.
4 (Ac 19:29; 16:1; 21:29) Accompanying him to Asia were Sopater of Berea,
and Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy,
and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
5 (Ac 16:8; 16:10-11) These men went forward and waited for us at Troas.
6 (Ac 12:3; 16:12) But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days
of Unleavened Bread, and after five days we came to them at Troas,
where we stayed for seven days.
[1] And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and
embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
[2] And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much
exhortation, he came into Greece,
[3] And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he
was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
[4] And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the
Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus;
and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
[5] These going before tarried for us at Troas.
[6] And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and
came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
Romans 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 15:16; 1Co 1:1) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,
called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God,
2 (Ro 3:21; Titus 1:2) which He promised beforehand through
His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
3 (Gal 4:4; Mt 1:1; Jn 1:14) concerning His Son, Jesus Christ
our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh
4 (2Co 13:4) and declared to be the Son of God with power,
according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
5 (Ac 6:7; 1:25) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship
for the obedience of faith among all nations for His name,
6 (Rev 17:14) among whom you also are called by Jesus Christ:
7 (Col 1:2; 2Co 13:14) To all who are in Rome, beloved of God,
called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto
the gospel of God,
[2] (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
[3] Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of
David according to the flesh;
[4] And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of
holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
[5] By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the
faith among all nations, for his name:
[6] Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
[7] To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to
you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's Desire to Visit Rome
8 (Ro 16:19; 6:17) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all,
because your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
9 (2Ti 1:3; Ro 9:1; 2Co 1:23) For God is my witness, whom I serve
with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing,
I mention you always in my prayers,
10 (Ac 18:21) making request if, by any means, now at last I might
find a way in the will of God to come to you.
11 (Ro 15:23) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some
spiritual gift, so that you may be strengthened.
12 (2Pe 1:1) This is so that I may be encouraged together
with you by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
13 (Jn 4:36; Ac 19:21) Now I would not have you unaware, brothers,
that I often intended to come to you (but was prevented until now),
that I might have a harvest among you also, even as among the other Gentiles.
14 I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians,
both to the wise and to the unwise.
15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel
to you also who are in Rome.
[8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith
is spoken of throughout the whole world.
[9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his
Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
[10] Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous
journey by the will of God to come unto you.
[11] For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift,
to the end ye may be established;
[12] That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith
both of you and me.
[13] Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed
to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among
you also, even as among other Gentiles.
[14] I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the
wise, and to the unwise.
[15] So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that
are at Rome also.
The Definition of the Gospel
16 (Ro 2:9; Mk 8:38) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
For it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 (Hab 2:4; Gal 3:11; Ro 3:21) For in it the righteousness of God
is revealed from faith to faith. As it is written,
"The just shall live by faith." Hab 2:4.
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also
to the Greek.
[17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The Guilt of Mankind
18 (Eph 5:6; Col 3:6) The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against
all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth
through unrighteousness.
19 (Ro 1:20) For what may be known about God is clear to them since
God has shown it to them.
20 (1Ti 1:17; Ps 19:1-6) The invisible things about Him-His eternal power
and deity-have been clearly seen since the creation of the world
and are understood by the things that are made, so that they are
without excuse.
21 (Jer 2:5; 2Ki 17:15) Because, although they knew God, they did not
glorify Him or give thanks to Him as God,
but became futile in their imaginations,
and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 (Jer 10:14) Claiming to be wise, they became fools.
23 (Ps 106:20; Jer 2:11) They changed the glory of the incorruptible God
into an image made like corruptible man, birds, four-footed beasts,
and creeping things.
24 (1Th 4:4) Therefore God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts
of their hearts, to dishonor their own bodies among themselves.
25 (Isa 44:20; Ro 9:5) They turned the truth of God into a lie
and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator,
who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 (Ro 1:24; Ge 19:5) For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable
passions. Their women exchanged the natural function for what is against
nature.
27 (Lev 18:22; 20:13) Likewise the men, leaving the natural function
of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men with men
doing that which is shameful, and receiving in themselves
the due penalty of their error.
[A warning for homosexuals and lesbians from the lord about
their ungodly lifestyle]
28 (Jer 6:30; Ro 1:24) And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God,
God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not proper.
29 (2Co 12:20) They were filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,
wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife,
deceit. They are gossips,
30 (2Ti 3:2) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, proud, boastful, inventors
of evil things, and disobedient toward parents,
31 (2Ti 3:3) without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural
affection, calloused, and unmerciful,
32 (Ro 6:21; Ps 50:18) who know the righteous requirement of God,
that those who commit such things are worthy of death.
They not only do them, but also give hearty approval
to those who practice them.
[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
[19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God
hath shewed it unto them.
[20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal
power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
[21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their
foolish heart was darkened.
[22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
[23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like
to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping
things.
[24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
[25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
[26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their
women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
[27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned
in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which
was meet.
[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God
gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not
convenient;
[29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit,
malignity; whisperers,
[30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of
evil things, disobedient to parents,
[31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful:
[32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are
worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do
them.
Romans 2
The Righteous Judgment of God
1 (2Sa 12:5-7; Ro 2:3) Therefore you are without excuse, Oman,
whoever you are who judges, for when you judge another,
you condemn yourself, for you who judge do the same things.
2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth
against those who commit such things.
3 (Lk 12:14) Do you think, O man, who judges those who do such things,
and who does the same thing, that you will escape the judgment of God?
4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance,
and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
5 (Dt 32:34; Jas 5:3) But because of your hardness and impenitent heart,
you are storing up treasures of wrath against yourself on the day of wrath
when the righteous judgment of God will be revealed,
6 (Ps 62:12; Mt 16:27) and He "will render to every man according
to his deeds."(Ps 62:12; Pr 24:12.)
7 (Lk 8:15; 2Ti 1:10) To those who by patiently doing good seek for glory
and honor and immortality will be eternal life.
8 But to those who are contentious and do not obey the truth,
but obey unrighteousness, indignation, and wrath,
9 (1Pe 4:17; Ac 3:26) will be tribulation and anguish, upon every
soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile.
10 (Isa 32:17; 57:19) But glory, honor, and peace will be to every man
who does good work-to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile,
11 (Ac 10:34; Dt 10:17; 2Ch 19:7) for there is no partiality with God.
12 (1Co 9:21) As many as have sinned without the law will also perish
without the law, and as many as have sinned under the law will be judged
by the law,
13 for the hearers of the law are not justified before God, but the doers
of the law will be justified.
14 (Ro 2:12) For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature
the things contained in the law, these, not having the law, are a law
unto themselves,
15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience
also bearing witness, while their conflicting thoughts accuse
or even excuse them,
16 (Ro 16:25; Ac 10:42; 1Ti 1:11) in the day when, according to my gospel,
God will judge the secrets of men through Jesus Christ.
[1] Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest:
for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that
judgest doest the same things.
[2] But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against
them which commit such things.
[3] And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things,
and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
[4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance?
[5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself
wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of
God;
[6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
[7] To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and
honour and immortality, eternal life:
[8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
[9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the
Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
[10] But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the
Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
[11] For there is no respect of persons with God.
[12] For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law:
and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
[13] (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of
the law shall be justified.
[14] For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things
contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
[15] Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their
conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing
or else excusing one another;)
[16] In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
according to my gospel.
The Jews and the Law
17 (Mic 3:11; Ro 2:23) Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest in the law,
and make your boast in God.
18 (Php 1:10) You know His will and approve the things that are more
excellent, because you are instructed in the law.
19 (Mt 15:14; Jn 9:40-41) You are confident that you are a guide
to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
20 (2Ti 1:13; 3:5) an instructor of the foolish, and a teacher of babes,
who have the full content of knowledge and truth in the law:
21 (Ps 50:16-21) You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach
yourself? You who preach not to steal, do you steal?
22 (Mal 3:8; Ac 19:37) You who say not to commit adultery,
do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23 (Ro 2:17; Jn 5:45) You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God
through breaking the law?
24 (Isa 52:5; 2Sa 12:14) As it is written, "The name of God
is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."(Isa 52:5; Eze 36:22.)
25 (Jer 4:4) Circumcision indeed has merit, if you keep the law,
but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision becomes
uncircumcision.
26 (Ro 8:4) Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteousness
of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?
27 (Mt 12:41-42; Ro 2:29) Will the uncircumcised one who is righteous
by nature, if he fulfills the law, not judge you who,
by the letter of the law and circumcision, violate the law?
28 (Gal 6:15; Mt 3:9) He is not a Jew who is one outwardly,
nor is circumcision that which is external in the flesh.
29 (1Pe 3:4; Php 3:3; 2Co 10:18) But he is a Jew who is one inwardly.
And circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, and not by the letter.
His praise is not from men, but from God.
[17] Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy
boast of God,
[18] And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent,
being instructed out of the law;
[19] And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light
of them which are in darkness,
[20] An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form
of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
[21] Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou
that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
[22] Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit
adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
[23] Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law
dishonourest thou God?
[24] For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it
is written.
[25] For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be
a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
[26] Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law,
shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
[27] And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law,
judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
[28] For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that
circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
[29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the
heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but
of God.
Romans 3
1 What advantage then does the Jew have?
Or what profit is there in circumcision?
2 (Ac 7:38; Ps 147:19-20) Much in every way!
Chiefly because the oracles of God were entrusted to them.
3 (Heb 4:2; Ro 10:16) What if some did not believe?
Would their unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God?
4 (Ps 51:4; 116:11) God forbid! Let God be true, and every man a liar.
As it is written:
"That You may be justified in Your words,
and may prevail in Your judging."(Ps 51:4.)
5 (Ro 6:19; Gal 3:15) But if our unrighteousness demonstrates
the righteousness of God, what shall we say?
Is God unrighteous in taking vengeance? (I am speaking in human terms.)
6 (Ge 18:25; Job 8:3) God forbid! For then how could God judge the world?
7 If through my lie the truth of God has abounded more to His glory,
why am I still being judged as a sinner?
8 (Ro 6:1; 6:15) Why not rather say, "Let us do evil that good may come,"
as we are slanderously accused and as some claim that we say?
Their condemnation is just.
[1] What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of
circumcision?
[2] Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the
oracles of God.
[3] For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of
God without effect?
[4] God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is
written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest
overcome when thou art judged.
[5] But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall
we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
[6] God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
[7] For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his
glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
[8] And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that
we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
There Is None Righteous
9 (Gal 3:22; Ro 3:19) What then? Are we better than they? No, not at all.
For we have already charged that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin.
10 (Ps 14:1-3; 53:1-3) As it is written:
"There is none righteous, no, not one; (Ps 14:1; 53:1.)
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks after God.(Ps 14:2; 53:2.)
12 (Ps 14:3) They have all turned aside;
together they have become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
no, not one."(Ps 14:3; 53:3.)
13 (Ps 5:9; 140:3; Jer 5:16) "Their throats are an open grave;
with their tongues they have used deceit";
"the poison of vipers is under their lips";(Ps 5:9; 140:3.)
14 (Ps 10:7) "their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."(Ps 10:7.)
15 (Pr 1:16; Isa 59:7-8) "Their feet are swift to shed blood;
(Pr 1:16; Isa 59:7.)
16 destruction and misery are in their paths;(Isa 59:7.)
17 (Lk 1:79) and they do not know the way of peace."(Isa 59:8.)
18 (Ps 36:1) "There is no fear of God before their eyes."(Ps 36:1.)
19 (Ro 3:9; Job 5:16) Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 (Ac 13:39; Gal 2:16) Therefore by the works of the law NO flesh
will be justified in His sight, for through the law comes
the knowledge of sin.
[9] What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before
proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
[10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
[11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
[12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become
unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
[13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used
deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
[14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
[15] Their feet are swift to shed blood:
[16] Destruction and misery are in their ways:
[17] And the way of peace have they not known:
[18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.
[19] Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who
are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may
become guilty before God.
[20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in
his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Righteousness Through Faith
21 (Ac 10:43; Ro 1:17) But now, apart from the law, the righteousness
of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.
22 (Ro 10:12; Gal 3:28) This righteousness of God comes through faith
in Jesus Christ (Or through the faith of Jesus Christ.) to all
and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction.
23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
24 (Ro 4:16; Col 1:14) being justified freely by His grace through
the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 (Ac 17:30; 1Jn 2:2) whom God has set forth to be a propitiation
through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness,
because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously
committed,
26 to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might
be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
27 (Ro 2:17; 2:23) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law?
Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith
without the works of the law.
29 Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles?
Yes, of the Gentiles also,
30 (Gal 3:8; 3:20) seeing it is one God, who shall justify the circumcised
by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.
31 (Mt 5:17; Ro 8:4) Do we then make the law void through faith? God forbid!
Instead, we establish the law.
[21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets;
[22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto
all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus:
[25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God;
[26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be
just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
[27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but
by the law of faith.
[28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the
deeds of the law.
[29] Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of
the Gentiles also:
[30] Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith,
and uncircumcision through faith.
[31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we
establish the law.
2) Our Daily Bread for 28 November 2023 Titled
The Skill of Compassion
Romans 12:9-12
Rules of the Christian Life
9 (1Ti 1:5; 2Co 6:6)Let love be without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil.
Cleave to what is good.
10 (Php 2:3; Heb 13:1) Be devoted to one another with brotherly love;
prefer one another in honour,
11 (Ac 18:25) do not be lazy in diligence, be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord,
12 (Heb 10:36; Ac 1:14) rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering,
persevere in prayer,
13 (2Co 9:1; 1Ti 3:2) contribute to the needs of the saints,
practice hospitality.
14 (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28) Bless those who persecute you; bless,
and do not curse.
15 (Heb 13:3; Job 30:25) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep
with those who weep.
16 (Ro 11:25; 15:5) Be of the same mind toward one another.
Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
Do not pretend to be wiser than you are.
17 (Pr 20:22; Mt 5:39) Repay no one evil for evil. Commend what is
honest in the sight of all men.
18 (Mk 9:50; Ro 14:19; Mt 5:9) If it is possible, as much as it depends
on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 (Dt 32:35; Pr 24:29) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to God's wrath, for it is written:
"Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,"(Dt 32:35.) says the Lord.
20 (Pr 25:21-22; Mt 5:44) Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head."(Pr 25:21-22.)
21 (1Pe 3:9) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in
prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
[15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
[16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight
of all men.
[18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all
men.
[19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto
wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
[20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him
drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
[21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
"A thorn has entered your foot-that is why you weep at times at night," wrote
Catherine of Sienna in the fourteenth century. She continued, "There are some
in this world who can pull it out. The skill that takes they have learned from
[God]." Catherine devoted her life to cultivating that "skill," and is still
remembered today for her remarkable capacity for empathy and compassion for
others in their pain.
That image of pain as a deeply embedded thorn that requires tenderness and
skill to remove lingers with me. It's a vivid reminder of how complex and
wounded we are, and of our need to dig deeper to develop true compassion
for others and ourselves.
Or, as the apostle Paul describes it, it's an image that reminds us that
loving others like Jesus does requires more than good intentions and
well-wishes - it requires being "devoted to one another" (Romans 12:10),
"joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (v. 12). It
requires being willing to not only "rejoice with those who rejoice" but to
"mourn with those who mourn" (v. 15). It requires all of us.
In a broken world, none of us escape unwounded-hurt and scars are deeply
embedded in each of us. But deeper still is the love we find in Christ; love
tender enough to draw out those thorns with the balm of compassion, willing
to embrace both friend and enemy (v. 14) to find healing together.
By: Monica La Rose
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced the healing power of compassion?
How can you cultivate a community of healing?
Loving God, thank You for Your compassion.
Help me to love others like that.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 3 - Inseparable From God's Love
Romans 8:38-39
38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present
nor things to come,
39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Separation is a fact of human life. Relationships disintegrate,
children grow up, loved ones die, husbands and wives divorce,
friends changes and drift apart. We may resist change and separation,
but we must deal with them nevertheless.
Separation sometimes is a natural result of growth and development;
sometimes it is a violent, cataclysmic shaking of an individual's life.
2 lifelong friends go separate ways to college or into future careers;
a church splits over doctrinal differences; a wife finds out a hidden
secret in her husband's past.
But with God, there is no separation, no death, no breaking of vows,
no growing beyond the relationship. Nothing, says Paul, can separate
us from the love of God. A skeleton in my closet, once revealed, may
cost me the trust of those I thought were my friends. But God knows
all my past, all my sin; he forgives, and it cannot separate me from him.
My present personal struggles may cause trouble in my job and result in
the loss of that income, but God understands what I'm going through,
and even when I'm angry at him, he can take it without drawing away
or striking back. My present problems cannot separate me from the Lord.
And God knows, too, the plan he has established for my future. I cannot
walk away from him, grow beyond my need for him, or outrun him into
tomorrow.
She may separate me from my awareness of God's presence in my life,
but it cannot set me beyond his reach. There is no power that is greater
than God's love, and no place I can go that will separate me
from that love.
Application
a) Have I ever felt separated from the love of God? Under what circumstances?
b) How can today's verse free me from anxiety about the past,
the present or the future?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Philip 4:19
19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according
to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Ps 85:8-13
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) I will hear what God the Lord will speak,
for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints,
but let them not turn again to folly.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Surely His salvation is near to them who fear Him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Mercy and truth have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Truth springs from the ground,
and righteousness looks down from the sky.
12 Yes, the Lord gives that which is good,
and our land shall yield its increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before Him
and prepare a way for His footsteps.
8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak:
For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints:
But let them not turn again to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him;
That glory may dwell in our land.
10 Mercy and truth are met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11 Truth shall spring out of the earth;
And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good;
And our land shall yield her increase.
13 Righteousness shall go before him;
And shall set us in the way of his steps.
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 28 of the Month
a) Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
(
John 5:24
24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever
hears My word and believes in Him who sent
Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation,
but has passed from death into life."
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word,
and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,
and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
)
b) Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today . (
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.
)
Advent Day 3
From C. S. Lewis A grand Miracle Joel Heck
"He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him.
One has the picture of a strong man stooping lower and lower to get himself
underneath some great complicated burden. He must stoop in order to lift, he
must almost disappear under the load before he in credibly straightens his
back and marches off with the whole mass swaying on his shoulders." - C. S.
Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 148.)
Down and Up
God came down in the person of Jesus to bring the world up. Abraham was
humbled when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac and, in the process, learned to
trust God fully. Peter refused to have his feet washed by Jesus but changed
his mind when Jesus said, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me" (John
13:8). Perhaps that's why Peter later wrote, "Humble yourselves, therefore,
under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time" (1 Pet. 5:6).
Where did he get that idea? From Jesus, the one who humbled himself and was
later exalted, but in his case without sin. Jesus told a dinner host, "For
everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will
be exalted" (Luke 14:11).
God the Son came down to live among us, and then he went up. He enjoyed the
glory and majesty of heaven, but decided, for our benefit, to humble himself.
In doing that, Jesus set a pattern that works for everyone. Lift yourself up,
and you will be put down. Lower yourself, and you will be lifted up.
Jesus didn't do this just to set an example for us to follow. He did it to
save us. By coming down, he became a man, able to die. By going up, he
overcame everything he met when he went down, including whatever problems you
face at this very moment. Hold on to his hand! In that going up, God has
exalted him to the highest place and promises to bring you up in the same
way.
Jesus, help me down so that you can bring me up to you. Amen.
Philippians 2:9-11
9 (Heb 2:9; Mt 28:18) Therefore God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name which is above every name,
10 (Mt 28:18) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 (Jn 13:13; Ro 14:9) and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
TUESDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
-Luke 1:9
Time for Zechariah to be serving in the Temple-
his greatest ecstasy as a priest! The various orders rotated terms taking
care of the Temple, and now was the time for the order of Abijah.
Zechariah was thrilled because there was
nothing better than serving directly in God's own house!
Even more inspiring, Zechariah had been chosen by lot,
according to the custom of the priesthood, to be the precise
person given the great privilege of entering the Lord's sanctuary
to present daily incense. This dispensation was accorded a person rarely,
if ever, so he was undoubtedly elated and a bit fearful to be granted such an honor.
Recognizing what filled Zechariah's spirit is valuable
before we consider what took place,
because it heightens our understanding of his reactions.
Also, let us see God's hand behind the lot,
God's design in the appointment, because the Lord has
a momentous message and purpose for aged Zechariah.
Prayer
Lord, what special assignment do you have for us today? Fill us with Joy to be serving you! Amen.
Read Luke 1:8-17.
8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,
9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side
of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer
has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall call his name John.
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even from his mother's womb.
16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready
a people prepared for the Lord."
The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FIRST TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATONEMENT!
Read Isaiah 2:1-5.
1 (Isa 1:1) The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw
concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 (Isa 27:13; Mic 4:1-3) In the last days,
the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established
on the top of the mountains,
and shall be exalted above the hills,
and all nations shall flow to it.
3 (Lk 24:47; Isa 51:4-5) Many people shall go and say,
"Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
and He will teach us of His ways,
and we will walk in His paths."
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 (Hos 2:18; Joel 3:10) He shall judge among the nations,
and shall rebuke many peoples;
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
nor shall they learn war any more.
5 (Eph 5:8; 1Jn 1:7) O house of Jacob, come,
and let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Pastor Mitri Raheb, Bethlehem,Palestine, is an AH-HA person or God!
He lives with hope in the Lord in that little town of Bethlehem,
where there is so little peace. He often has said
"The world does not need more peace-talkers:
the world needs more peace-doers!"
Atonement is a great Advert word of AH-HA! Christ came at Christmas
in order to die and rise tor us to make us at one with each other!
His action of atoning for our sins is what enables us to be AH-HA
people even, in the midst of a peaceless society Pastor Raheb insists that
"the world does not need another saviour to come to Make peace in the world.
We already have a Saviour who has done this'·
Isaiah 2:3 Many people shall go and say,
"Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
and He will teach us of His ways,
and we will walk in His paths."
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Today seek ways. to walk as a peace-doer in the Lord.
Worship this week on 1 of the "mountains" the Lord provides for you.
Bring a peaceful word of greeting to a lonely friend.
Find a way to be at one with someone with whom you disagree
We all do not need to go to Bethlehem to bring the people there God's
peace Instead, thank the Lord that he was born in Bethlehem
in order that peace in him may flow to all the world.
Lord, we are AH-Ha people because you have atoned for our sins.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
From On Eagle's wings
Day 3 Titled Worth Waiting for by Susan Weber (Lutheran) Media, Penns, USA
Ps 27:14
14 Wait on the Lord; be strong, and may your heart be stout;
wait on the Lord.
[14] Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine
heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
It's a familiar scene. Big, brown eyes peering over windowsill, giggles,
whispers about who will be the one to ring the doorbell. The hours leading to
start of Bible Camp are an insurmountable amount of time for the children to wait.
Looking back through the screen, I said to Allie that she still had 30 minutes
to wait. She replied "Then I will wait right here for you". True to her word,
she was the first face I saw when the door opened - a face filled with
hopefulness and anticipation.
Advent is a time of waiting. Like the Israelites waiting for their Messiah,
we find comfort and peace in the knowledge that what is soon to arrive
is worth waiting for.
How are we using this time to prepare ourselves for what's to come? In our
waiting time, are we open to seeing God's face in those we meet?
Are we open to the joy and peace that believing in God will bring?
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that the Gospel is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth for we are all sinners.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, thank You for Your compassion.
Help me to love others like that."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that He will not separate from you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as supplier.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His mercies and love!
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 newcomers to your country, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today .
Pray Jesus, help me down so that you can bring me up to you. Amen.
Pray Lord, what special assignment do you have for us today?
Fill us with Joy to be serving you! Amen.
Pray Lord, we are AH-Ha people because you have atoned for our sins. Amen
Heavenly father, thank you that you fill our lives with anticipation and
belief in what's to come. Thank you for giving us your Son who continues to
provide us with hope in this Advent season. Remind us to accept and appreciate
the joy of this season of waiting. Amen.
Pray for those endeavouring to effectively distribute copies of the
Bible in Turkmenistan.
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.