Day 336, 2 December 2023 - 7th Day of Advent
1) Romans 14, Romans 15, Romans 16
Romans 14
Do Not Judge Your Brother
1 (Ro 15:1; 15:7) Welcome him who is weak in faith, but not
for the purpose of arguing over opinions.
2 (Ro 14:14) For one has faith to eat all things,
but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
3 (Lk 18:9; Ro 14:10) Do not let him who eats despise him who does
not eat, and do not let him who does not eat judge him who eats,
for God has welcomed him.
4 (Ro 9:20) Who are you to judge another man's servant? To his
own master he stands or falls. And he will stand,
for God is able to make him stand.
5 (Ro 14:23) One man judges one day above another;
another judges every day alike. Let each one be fully persuaded
in his own mind.
6 (Mt 14:19; 15:36) He who observes the day observes it for the Lord,
and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.
He who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, for he gives thanks to God;
and the one who does not eat, in honour of the Lord he does not eat,
and gives thanks to God.
7 (2Co 5:15; 1Th 5:10) For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies
for himself.
8 (Php 1:20; 1Th 5:10) For if we live, we live for the Lord. And if we die,
we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
9 (Rev 1:18; Mt 28:18; Lk 24:26) For to this end Christ died and rose
and lived again, so that He might be Lord of both the dead and living.
10 (2Co 5:10; Ro 2:16; 1Co 4:5) So why do you judge your brother? Or why do
you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat
of Christ.
11 For it is written:
"As I live, says the Lord,
every knee shall bow to Me,
and every tongue shall confess to God."(Isa 45:23.)
12 (Mt 12:36; 1Pe 4:5) So then each of us shall give
an account of himself to God.
[1] Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful
disputations.
[2] For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak,
eateth herbs.
[3] Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him
which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
[4] Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he
standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him
stand.
[5] One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day
alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
[6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that
regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth,
eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the
Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
[7] For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
[8] For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die
unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
[9] For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might
be Lord both of the dead and living.
[10] But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy
brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
[11] For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to
me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
[12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Do Not Make Your Brother Stumble
13 (Mt 7:1) Therefore let us no longer pass judgment on one another,
but rather determine not to put a stumbling block
or an obstacle in a brother's way.
14 (1Co 8:7; Ro 14:2) I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus
that nothing is unclean in itself, but to him who considers anything to be
unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 (Eph 5:2) If your brother is grieved because of your food, you are
no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food one
for whom Christ died.
16 (Ro 12:17; 1Co 10:29-30) So do not let what is good to you be spoken
of as evil.
17 (Ro 15:13; 1Co 8:8; Gal 5:22) For the kingdom of God does not mean
eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy
Spirit.
18 (2Co 8:21; Ro 16:18) For he who serves Christ in these things
is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 (Ps 34:14; Ro 15:2) Therefore let us pursue the things which
produce peace and the things that build up one another.
20 (Ro 14:14-15; Ac 10:15) Do not destroy the work of God for the
sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but it is evil for the man
who causes someone to fall by what he eats.
21 (1Co 8:13) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine,
nor do anything whereby your brother stumbles or is offended
or is made weak.
22 (1Jn 3:21) The faith that you have, have as your own conviction
before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats,
because it is not from faith, for whatever is not from faith is sin.
[13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather,
that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's
way.
[14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing
unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him
it is unclean.
[15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not
charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
[16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
[17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
[18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and
approved of men.
[19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and
things wherewith one may edify another.
[20] For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but
it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
[21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing
whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
[22] Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that
condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
[23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of
faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Romans 15
Please Others, Not Yourself
1 (Ro 14:1; 1Th 5:14) We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses
of the weak and not please ourselves.
2 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 10:24) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,
leading to edification.
3 (Ps 69:9; Jn 5:30) For even Christ did not please Himself.
But as it is written, "The insults of those who insulted You fell on Me."
(Ps 69:9).
4 (Ro 4:23-24) For whatever was previously written was written
for our instruction, so that through perseverance and encouragement
of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 (Ro 12:16; 1Co 1:10) Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement
grant you to live in harmony with one another in accordance with Christ
Jesus,
6 (Eph 1:3; Jn 20:17) so that together you may with one voice glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves.
[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
[3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The
reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have
hope.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one
toward another according to Christ Jesus:
[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us,
for the glory of God.
8 (Mt 15:24; 2Co 1:20) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become
a servant to the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God,
to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
9 (2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49) and that the Gentiles might glorify God
for His mercy, as it is written:
"For this reason I will acknowledge You among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to Your name."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Dt 32:43) He also says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"(Dt 32:43.)
11 (Ps 117:1) And again:
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise Him."(Ps 117:1.)
12 (Isa 11:10; Mt 12:21) And again Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in Him shall the Gentiles hope."(Isa 11:10.)
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[7] Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the
glory of God.
[8] Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the
truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
[9] And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written,
For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy
name.
[10] And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
[11] And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye
people.
[12] And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that
shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Paul's Missionary Commission
14 (1Co 8:1; 8:7) Now I myself am persuaded concerning you, my brothers,
that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and also
able to instruct one another.
15 (Ro 12:3; 1:5) Nevertheless, brothers, I have written even more boldly
to you on some points, to remind you, because of the grace that is given to
me from God,
16 (Php 2:17; Ro 11:13; Ac 9:15) that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ
to the Gentiles, in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that
the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified
by the Holy Spirit.
17 (Heb 5:1; Php 3:3) In Christ Jesus therefore I have reason to boast
in my service to God.
18 (Ac 15:12; 21:19) For I will not dare to speak of anything except
what Christ has accomplished through me, to make the Gentiles obedient,
by word and deed,
19 (Ac 22:17-21; 2Co 12:12) by the power of signs and wonders,
by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem
and as far around as Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel
of Christ.
20 (2Co 10:13-16) So I have strived to preach the gospel,
not where Christ was named, so that I should not build on another man's
foundation.
21 (Isa 52:15) But as it is written:
"To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
and those who have not heard shall understand."(Isa 52:15.)
[14] And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are
full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one
another.
[15] Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some
sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of
God,
[16] That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,
ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be
acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
[17] I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those
things which pertain to God.
[18] For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath
not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
[19] Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so
that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached
the gospel of Christ.
[20] Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was
named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
[21] But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and
they that have not heard shall understand.
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
22 (Ro 1:13) For this reason also I was often hindered from coming to you.
23 (Ro 15:32; Ac 19:21) But now, no longer having a place in these regions,
and having a great desire for many years to come to you,
24 (Ro 15:28; Ac 15:3) whenever I go to Spain, I shall come to you,
for I hope to see you when I pass through and to be helped on my way
there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a little while.
25 (Ac 19:21; 24:17) But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the
saints.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make some contribution
for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
27 (1Co 9:11; Gal 6:6) It has pleased them indeed, and they are their
debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things,
they also ought to minister to them in material things.
28 (Ro 15:24) Therefore, when I have completed this and have given this
blessing to them, I shall come by way of you to Spain,
29 and I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 (2Co 1:11; Col 4:12) Now I ask you, brothers, through the Lord Jesus
Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in
your prayers to God on my behalf,
31 (2Th 3:2; 2Co 8:4) that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in
Judea, and that my ministry for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:18) so that I may come to you with joy by the will
of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33 (2Co 13:11; Ro 16:20; Php 4:9) Now the God of peace be with you all.
Amen.
[22] For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
[23] But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire
these many years to come unto you;
[24] Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I
trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by
you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
[25] But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
[26] For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
[27] It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the
Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is
also to minister unto them in carnal things.
[28] When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this
fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
[29] And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
[30] Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for
the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to
God for me;
[31] That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and
that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
[32] That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you
be refreshed.
[33] Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 16
Personal Greetings
1 (Ac 18:18; 2Co 3:1) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is
a servant (Or deacon.) of the church at Cenchrea,
2 (Php 2:29) that you welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy
of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter
she may have need of you, for she has been a helper of many
and of myself as well.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I,
but also all the churches of the Gentiles, give thanks.
5 (1Co 16:15; 16:19) Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first convert of Achaia for Christ.
6 (Ro 16:12) Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
7 (Ro 16:11; 16:21) Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen
and fellow prisoners, who are noteworthy among the apostles,
who also came to Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.
Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman.
Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.
Greet the beloved Persis, who also labored much in the Lord.
13 (Mk 15:21) Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother,
who is like a mother to me.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas,
and the brothers who are with them.
15 (Ro 16:2) Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 (1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12) Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The churches of Christ greet you.
17 (2Th 3:6; 1Ti 1:3) Now I urge you, brothers, to closely watch those
who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the teaching which
you have learned, and avoid them.
18 (Php 3:19; Col 2:4) For such people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ,
but their own appetites, and through smooth talk and flattery they deceive
the hearts of the unsuspecting.
19 (Mt 10:16; Ro 1:8) Your obedience has become known to all men.
Therefore I am glad on your behalf. Yet I want you to be wise to that
which is good, and innocent to that which is evil.
20 (Ge 3:15; Ro 15:33) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 (Ac 20:4; 13:1) Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason,
and Sosipater, my kinsmen, greet you.
22 (Gal 6:11) I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 (Ac 19:22; 1Co 1:14) Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church,
greets you.
Erastus, who is the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
[1] I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church
which is at Cenchrea:
[2] That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist
her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a
succourer of many, and of myself also.
[3] Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
[4] Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I
give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
[5] Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved
Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
[6] Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
[7] Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are
of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
[8] Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
[9] Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
[10] Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of
Aristobulus' household.
[11] Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of
Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
[12] Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the
beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
[13] Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
[14] Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren
which are with them.
[15] Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and
all the saints which are with them.
[16] Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute
you.
[17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
[18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own
belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
[19] For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on
your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and
simple concerning evil.
[20] And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
[21] Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my
kinsmen, salute you.
[22] I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
[23] Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the
chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
[24] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Doxology
25 (Ro 2:16; Eph 1:9) Now to Him who has power to establish you according
to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past,
26 (Ro 1:5; 1:2) but now is revealed by the prophetic Scriptures according
to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all the Gentiles
for the obedience of faith,
27 (Ro 11:36; 1Ti 1:17) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever. Amen.
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and
the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery,
which was kept secret since the world began,
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets,
according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all
nations for the obedience of faith:
[27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 2 December 2023 Titled
Building Up Goodwill
Ephesians 4:15-16,22-32
15 (Eph 1:22; 2:21) But, speaking the truth in love, we may grow up
in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ Himself,
16 (Col 2:19; Eph 1:4) from whom the whole body is joined together
and connected by every joint and ligament, as every part effectively
does its work and grows, building itself up in love.
[15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ:
[16] From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the
measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of
itself in love.
22 (Ro 6:6; Heb 3:13) that you put off the former way of life in the old
nature, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23 (Ro 12:2; Col 3:10) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 (Ro 6:4; Eph 2:10) and that you put on the new nature,
which was created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.
[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which
is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness.
Rules for the New Life
25 (Col 3:9; Zec 8:16; Ro 12:5) Therefore, putting away lying, let every man
speak truthfully with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
26 (Ps 37:8; 4:4) Be angry but do not sin.
Do not let the sun go down on your anger.
27 (Jas 4:7) Do not give place to the devil.
28 (Ex 20:15; 1Th 4:11-12) Let him who steals steal no more. Instead,
let him labour, working with his hands things which are good,
that he may have something to share with him who is in need.
29 (Col 4:6) Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth,
but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace
to the listeners.
30 (1Th 5:19; Isa 63:10; Ro 8:23) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
in whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.
31 (Col 3:8; Ecc 7:9; Col 3:19) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outbursts,
and blasphemies, with all malice, be taken away from you.
32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12-13; Mt 6:12) And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ
also forgave you.
[25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:
for we are members one of another.
[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[27] Neither give place to the devil.
[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working
with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that
needeth.
[29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the
day of redemption.
[31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil
speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
When we think of best business practices, what first comes to mind probably
aren't qualities like kindness and generosity. But according to entrepreneur
James Rhee, they should. In Rhee's experience as CEO at a company on the brink
of financial ruin, prioritizing what he calls "goodwill"-a "culture of
kindness" and a spirit of giving-saved the company and led to its flourishing.
Putting these qualities central gave people the hope and motivation they
needed to unify, innovate, and problem-solve. Rhee explains that
"goodwill . . . is a real asset that can compound and be amplified."
In daily life too, it's easy to think of qualities like kindness as vague
and intangible, afterthoughts to our other priorities. But, as the apostle
Paul taught, such qualities matter most of all.
Writing to new believers, Paul emphasized that the purpose of believers' lives
is transformation through the Spirit into mature members of the body of Christ
(Ephesians 4:15). To that end, every word and every action has value only if
it builds up and benefits others (v. 29). Transformation in Jesus can only
happen through daily prioritizing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness
(v. 32).
When the Holy Spirit draws us to other believers in Christ,
we grow and mature as we learn from one another.
By: Monica La Rose
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think we often fail to see the tangible impact of "goodwill"?
How can you grow in prioritizing kindness?
Dear God, teach me daily what truly
matters-the love poured out through Your Son.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 7 - The Great Exchange
2 Cor 5:21 - God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,
that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
People were talking ; the gossip lines were busy day and night.
Andrea, a Bible study leader and pillar of the church, had been
accused of indiscretion with a married man, another member
of the congregation. The rumours were proven untrue,
but that hardly mattered anymore. The damage was done.
"It's just not far," Andrea said. " It was all so unnecessary.
And now, even though I've done nothing wrong, my relationship
with that church will never be the same again."
We all know what pain is caused by undeserved accusation,
rejection, and misunderstanding. Sometimes, when the smoke clears,
irreparable damage has been done, even when no sin has occurred.
We can understand the torment that comes when we've sinned,
but when we've done nothing wrong, the injustice seem unbearable.
Jesus knew what it was to suffer unjustly. He had never sinned at all,
yet he 'became sin' for us. He gave himself in an outrageous exchange:
he took our sin and gave us his righteousness.
Living in this exchange does not mean, of course, that we will be exempt
from pain, that we will never again suffer unjustly or be subject
to rejection. But in Christ, we are declared righteous before God,
just as Jesus himself is righteous. And as we submit
to the Holy Spirit's work in us, we become righteous ,
obeying him and growing in grace. Christ endured rejection
for us so that we might live in him.
Application
a) Have I ever suffered unjustly or been rejected by someone without cause?
b) How can this verse, coupled with my own experience give me a greater
depth of appreciation of what Christ suffered for me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Is 48:15,17
15 I, even I, have spoken, and I have called him;
I have brought him, and his way will prosper.
17 (Ps 32:8; Isa 43:14) Thus says the Lord,
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit,
who leads you in the way you should go.
15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him:
I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.
17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel;
I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit,
which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Protection in Times of Trouble
Ps 91
PSALMS 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust."
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He shall cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you shall find protection;
His faithfulness shall be your shield and wall.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) nor of the pestilence that pursues in darkness,
nor of the destruction that strikes at noonday.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) A thousand may fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
but it shall not come near you.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Only with your eyes shall you behold
and see the reward of the wicked.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
even the Most High, your dwelling,
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) there shall be no evil befall you,
neither shall any plague come near your tent;
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) for He shall give His angels charge over you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 They shall bear you up in their hands,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder;
the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
and I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him My salvation.
Psalm 91
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:
My God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,
And from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:
His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;
Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;
Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand;
But it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge,
Even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee,
Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee,
To keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands,
Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:
The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:
I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him,
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for MUslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facity, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far notherern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
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
2nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians (
Rom 10:14-15 -
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 I And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good
things!"
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!
)
b) Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction. (
Jer 33:3
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things which you do not know.
3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee
great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
)
Advent Day 7
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"No woman ever conceived a child, no mare a foal, without
Him. But once, and for a special purpose, He dispensed with
that long line which is His instrument: once His life-giving
finger touched a woman without passing through the ages of
interlocked events." C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles,p . 182.)
Every Birth a Miracle
I have never met parents who did not think that the birth of each
of their children was one of the most amazing things they had ever
experienced. And rightly so. We talk about the miracle of birth, and
so we should. The obstetrician might tell us how normal child birth
is, but we who have become parents know better. We might forget
as the years pass and the trials of raising teenagers take their toll.
But when we sit back and remember, we know better once again.
The birth of a child is a miracle. The "birth-days" of our children
remind us
No childbirth in history has received more attention in art, music,
literature, stained glass, and even on the postage stamp, than
the birth of Jesus. That was a one-of-a-kind birth, but Lewis points
out that God is at work in every pregnancy and in every birth. The
same God who brought about the pregnancy of Mary by the power
of the Holy Spirit is also at work to bring about every pregnancy.
We might stand back at the thought that even a mare conceiving
a foal, as Lewis writes, is done by the power of God, but could it be
otherwise? He is the creator of all things, and he upholds all things
by his powerful word(Heb- 1:3)- He must be involved in every birth,
your birth, my birth, even our rebirth by the power of the Holy Spirit,
but especially in the birth of Jesus
This is not to say that the birth of Jesus was ordinary. Far from
it. But Jesus' birth and my birth both had the blessing of God. That
gives me assurance that new birth is available in him also.
Prayer : Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are at work,
giving life. Grant us new life in your Son. Amen.
Luke 1:35
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
From Follow The Story - Marva J. Dawn
SATURDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Baffling Salutations
When she saw him, she was troubled by his words,...
-Luke 1:29a
To greet another person with the phrase "The LORD be with you"
was a common custom in those days. Compare how Boaz greets
the reapers in his barley field and how they answer back (Ruth 2:4).
Even today many churches use the expression
in their liturgies to underscore that we are a community together
as worshipers and leaders in God's presence.
Consequently, this part of Gabriel's address must not have been too confusing,
unless the angel notably accentuated the present tense, "The LORD is with you,"
in anticipation of how the Trinity would be operative in Mary.
Probably Mary was stunned by Gabriel's calling her a "favoured one"
since she was merely a small-town youth, and the
angel was the magnificent messenger of God. She was totally unprepared
for the extraordinary disclosure Gabriel would reveal to her, though some
Jewish mothers gingerly harbored the hope that they might be mother
to the promised Messiah. Ponder with Mary what being "favoured"
by God could mean.
prayer
Thank you, LORD, that Mary was simple-hearted with Gabriel.
Amen.
Read Luke 1:26-38.
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favoured.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATTENTION!
11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.
JEREMIAH 29:11
Advent comes to us just when we need it. Not only is it the time to begin
a new Church Year, but it also allows us to stop and ponder anew what
"the Almighty can do" and what he has already done! In other words,
Advent gets our attention to ponder what life is all about!
What is it that is getting your attention these days?
There's plenty of options, aren't there ?
Is it working or shopping, or preparing, or Juggling,
or decorating, or baking or all of the above?
Me too! How good are you at multi-tasking?
We live in a CPA society ... which means Continuous Partial Attention.
Check it out: Have you encountered folks who are texting, listening talking,
studying, thinking, eating .. all at the same time? Me, too! And it drives me
crazy! You too?
Advent sneaks up on our CPA society and simply, gently calms us. Advent
coos to us what today's Scripture says: The Lord has plans to give us
a hope and future. That is a promise that
really gets our attention as ambassadors
of health and hope!
God in Christ attends us with his love
and forgiveness to empower us to turn our attention
outward. We can turn from our own CPA existence to sharing
his hope for all people. NO partial attention from the Lord. God's
CPA is his Continuous Promise Attention ... for all of us!
And that's good enough for me! You too?
Prayer
Lord, calm us, settle us and point us to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Jeremiah 29:11-14.
11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.
12 (Jer 33:3; Ps 50:15) Then you shall call upon Me, and you shall come
and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13 (Jer 24:7; 2Ch 22:9) You shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search
for Me with all your heart.
14 (Jer 30:3; Ps 32:6) I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will turn
away your captivity and gather you from all the nations
and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord,
and I will bring you back into the place from
where I caused you to be carried away captive.
From
On Eagle's wings Day 7
Title Light in the Darkness by Larry Ofner (RC) Edmonton AB
John 8:12
12 (Jn 12:35; Job 33:28; Isa 49:6) Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me shall not walk
in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."
[12] Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of
life.
This year's theme verse is so appropriate for the Indigenous people in
Northern Canada. During winter there is almost no sun - then miraculously
the summer sun shines up to 24 hours each day.
With the long summer daylight, plants flourish and fill the yards with flowers
and vegetable crops. I was amazed to see the vegetable crops growing in
Yellowknife and Inuvik.
I compare this occurrence to the light of God coming to the earth with the
birth of Jesus, a light fr the world. The Children participating in Bible
Camp could identify with waiting for Jesus, the light of the world, as they
themselves wait each year for the winter darkness to burst into summer
sunlight.
Just as the people in the north must be patient and prepare for the summer
months, we too must show patience in waiting for the return of Christ.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that Salvation is for all.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, teach me daily what truly
matters-the love poured out through Your Son."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord's sacrifice on the cross.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as the Teacher of true profit.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as refuge from Dark Times!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all !
Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction.
Prayer : Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are at work,
giving life. Grant us new life in your Son. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, LORD, that Mary was simple-hearted with Gabriel.
Pray: Lord, calm us, settle us and point us
to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending Jesus as the light of the
world to save us. Give us strength to persevere and not give up hope during
the dark days. Help us prepare our hearts for your coming this Christmas.
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.