Day 337 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 3 December 2023 reflections - 8th Day of Advent
Day 337, 3 December 2023 - 8th Day of Advent
Today at Calvary Community Church
, Pastor Barry Reiger spoke on Spirit-Filled Community reflects The Power of
God.
Acts 2:42-47
Life Among the Believers
42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46) They continued steadfastly in the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
43 Fear came to every soul. And many wonders and signs were done through
the apostles.
44 (Ac 4:32) All who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 They sold their property and goods and distributed them to all,
according to their need.
46 (Ac 5:42; 20:7) And continuing daily with one mind in the temple,
and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness
and simplicity of heart,
47 (Ac 11:24; 2:41) praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
[43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by
the apostles.
[44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
[45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as
every man had need.
[46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness
of heart,
[47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added
to the church daily such as should be saved.
Spirit-filled community reflects the power of God by..
A) Walking in awe of God.
Acts 2:43a
Fear came to every soul.
And fear came upon every soul
Ephesians 2:6-7
6 (Eph 1:3) and He raised us up and seated us together in the heavenly places
in Christ Jesus,
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly
places in Christ Jesus:
7 (Titus 3:4; Eph 2:4) so that in the coming ages He might show
the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace
in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:1-4
1 (Ps 110:1; Mk 16:19) If you then were raised with Christ, desire those
things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
2 (Mt 16:23) Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth.
3 (Ro 6:2; Col 2:20) For you are dead,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 (1Jn 3:2; Jn 11:25) When Christ who is our life shall appear, then you also
shall appear with Him in glory.
[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
[3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
[4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear
with him in glory.
B) Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:43b
And many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
2 Corinthians 12:12
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were performed among you in all patience,
in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.
[12] Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience,
in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
1 Corinthians 12:7,11; 14:1
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to everyone for the common good.
11 (1Co 12:4; 2Co 10:13) But that one and very same Spirit works all these,
dividing to each one individually as He will.
[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal.
[11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to
every man severally as he will.
1 (1Co 12:1; 14:39) Follow after love and desire spiritual gifts,
but especially that you may prophesy.
[1] Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.
Matthew 6:10
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
[10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Ephesians 1:19-22
19 (Col 1:29; Eph 3:7) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power
toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power,
20 (Mk 16:19; Ps 110:1) which He performed in Christ when He raised Him
from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 (Col 2:10; Heb 1:4) far above all principalities, and power, and might,
and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age
but also in that which is to come.
22 (1Co 11:3; Mt 16:18) And He put all things in subjection under His feet
and made Him the head over all things for the church,
[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power,
[20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set
him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
[21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is
to come:
[22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head
over all things to the church,
John 14:12-14
12 (Mt 21:21; Jn 14:28) Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in Me
will do the works that I do also. And he will do greater works than these,
because I am going to My Father.
13 (Mt 7:7; Jn 13:31) I will do whatever you ask in My name, that the Father
may be glorified in the Son.
14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
[12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works
that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do;
because I go unto my Father.
[13] And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father
may be glorified in the Son.
[14] If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Mark 16:15,17-18
15 (Mt 28:19; Ac 1:8) He said to them, "Go into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.
17 (Ac 5:16; 8:7) These signs will accompany those who believe:
In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
18 (Lk 10:19; Ac 3:16) they will take up serpents; if they drink
any deadly thing, it will not hurt them;
they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
[15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel
to every creature.
[17] And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
[18] They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it
shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall
recover.
Romans 15:19
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.
[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.
1) 2 Corinthians 1 , 2 Corinthians 2 , 2 Corinthians 3 , 2 Corinthians 4
2 Corinthians 1
Salutation
1 (Eph 1:1; 2Ti 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ
by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God which is at Corinth,
with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our
brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints
which are in all Achaia:
[2] Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ.
Paul's Thanksgiving After Affliction
3 (Eph 1:3; 1Pe 1:3; Ro 15:5-6) Blessed be God, the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort,
4 (Isa 51:12; 2Co 7:6-7) who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble
by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 (Col 1:24; Php 3:10) As the sufferings of Christ abound in us,
so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
6 (2Ti 2:10) If we are afflicted, it is for your consolation
and salvation, which is effective in enduring the same
sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted,
it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that as you partake
in the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
8 (1Co 15:32) For we would not, brothers, have you ignorant
of our troubles which came to us in Asia. We were pressured
beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even
of life.
9 (Lk 18:9) We had the sentence of death in ourselves,
so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God
who raises the dead.
10 (Ro 15:31) He delivered us from so great a death
and does deliver us. In Him we trust that He will
still deliver us,
11 (2Co 4:15; Php 1:19) as you help together by praying
for us, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf
for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many persons.
[3] Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort;
[4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort
them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God.
[5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ.
[6] And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also
suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and
salvation.
[7] And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of
the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
[8] For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came
to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch
that we despaired even of life:
[9] But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust
in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
[10] Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we
trust that he will yet deliver us;
[11] Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed
upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our
behalf.
Paul's Travel Plans Change
12 (2Co 2:17; 1Co 2:13) For our rejoicing is this:
The testimony of our conscience is that we conducted
ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you,
in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom,
but by the grace of God.
13 For we write nothing else to you than what you read
or understand. And I trust you will understand even to the end,
14 (1Co 1:8; 2Co 2:5) as you have understood us in part,
that we are yours, boasting even as you are ours
on the day of the Lord Jesus.
15 (Ro 1:11; 1Co 4:19) In this confidence I planned
to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit:
16 (1Co 16:5-7) to visit you while going to Macedonia,
and to come again to you from Macedonia, and then be sent by you
on my way to Judea.
17 (2Co 10:2-3) Therefore, when I was planning this,
did I do this lightly? Or the things that I plan,
do I plan according to the flesh, so that I would tell you
"Yes, yes" and "No, no"?
18 (1Co 1:9) But as God is true, we did not tell you "Yes" and "No."
19 (Heb 13:8; Ac 18:5) For the Son of God, Jesus Christ,
who was preached among you by us, even by Silas, Timothy,
and me, was not "Yes" and "No." In Him it was "Yes."
20 (Rev 3:14; 1Co 14:16) For all the promises of God
in Him are "Yes," and in Him "Amen," to the glory of God through us.
21 (1Jn 2:20; 2:27) Now He who establishes us with you in Christ
and has anointed us is God,
22 (2Co 5:5; Eph 1:13-14) who also has sealed us
and established the guarantee with the Spirit in our hearts.
23 (Ro 1:9; 1Co 4:21) Moreover I call God as a witness
upon my soul, that it is to spare you that
I have not yet gone to Corinth.
24 (Ro 11:20; 1Co 15:1) Not that we have dominion over your faith,
but we are fellow workers for your joy, for by faith you stand.
2 Corinthians 1
[12] For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in
simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of
God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to
you-ward.
[13] For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or
acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
[14] As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing,
even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
[15] And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye
might have a second benefit;
[16] And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia
unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
[17] When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things
that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there
should be yea yea, and nay nay?
[18] But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
[19] For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us,
even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was
yea.
[20] For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the
glory of God by us.
[21] Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us,
is God;
[22] Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our
hearts.
[23] Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came
not as yet unto Corinth.
[24] Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your
joy: for by faith ye stand.
2 Corinthians 2
1 (2Co 1:23; 1Co 4:21) But I determined this for myself,
that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2 (2Co 7:8) For if I make you sorrowful, who then will there be
to make me rejoice, but the one whom I have made sorrowful?
3 (Gal 5:10; 2Co 8:22) I wrote concerning this matter to you,
so that when I came, I would not be grieved by those in whom
I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all,
that my joy is your joy.
4 (2Co 7:12) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart
I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved,
but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.
[1] But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in
heaviness.
[2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the
same which is made sorry by me?
[3] And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow
from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my
joy is the joy of you all.
[4] For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with
many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love
which I have more abundantly unto you.
Forgiveness for the Offender
5 (Gal 4:12) But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me,
but to some extent all of you, not to put it too severely.
6 (1Co 5:4-5)This punishment which was inflicted by many
on such a man is sufficient.
7 (Eph 4:32) So on the contrary, you ought to forgive him
and comfort him, lest perhaps he might be swallowed up
with excessive sorrow.
8 Therefore I ask you to confirm your love toward him.
9 (2Co 10:6; Php 2:22) For to this end I also wrote,
so that I might know that you are proving yourselves
by whether you are being obedient in all things.
10 (1Co 5:4) Whomever you forgive anything, I also forgive.
For if I forgave someone anything, for your sakes I forgave
it in Christ,
11 (1Pe 5:8; Lk 22:31) lest Satan should take advantage of us.
For we are not ignorant of his devices.
[5] But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that
I may not overcharge you all.
[6] Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of
many.
[7] So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him,
lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
[8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
[9] For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you,
whether ye be obedient in all things.
[10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any
thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of
Christ;
[11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of
his devices.
Paul's Anxiety in Troas
12 (Ac 14:27; 16:8) Furthermore, when I came to Troas
to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
13 (2Co 7:5-6; 12:18) I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find
Titus my brother. So taking my leave of them, I went from there
into Macedonia.
14 (SS 1:3; 2Co 8:16) Now thanks be to God who always causes
us to triumph in Christ and through us reveals the fragrance
of His knowledge in every place.
15 (1Co 1:18; Eze 20:41) For we are to God a sweet fragrance
of Christ among those who are saved and among those who perish.
16 (Lk 2:34; Jn 9:39) To the one we are the fragrance of death,
which brings death, and to the other the fragrance of life,
which brings life. Who is sufficient for these things?
17 (2Co 4:2; 1:12) For we are not as many are who peddle
the word of God. Instead, being sent by God, we sincerely speak
in Christ in the sight of God.
[12] Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door
was opened unto me of the Lord,
[13] I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but
taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
[14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
[15] For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved,
and in them that perish:
[16] To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the
savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
[17] For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of
sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3
Ministers of the New Covenant
1 (Ac 18:27; 2Co 5:12) Do we begin again to commend ourselves?
Or do we need, as some others, letters of commendation to you,
or letters of commendation from you?
2 You are our letter written in our hearts, known and read by all men.
3 (Ex 24:12; Jer 31:33) For you are prominently declared to be
the letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink
but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone
but on human tablets of the heart.
4 (Eph 3:12) We have such trust through Christ toward God,
5 (1Co 15:10) not that we are sufficient in ourselves to take credit
for anything of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
6 (Lk 22:20; Jn 6:63) who has made us able ministers of the new covenant,
not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills,
but the Spirit gives life.
7 (Ex 24:12; 31:18) If the ministry that brought death, written
and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel
could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory
of his countenance, the glory which was to fade away,
8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
9 (Heb 12:18-21; Ro 3:21-22) For if the ministry of condemnation
is glorious, the ministry of righteousness much more exceeds
it in glory.
10 Even that which was made glorious had no glory in comparison
to the glory that excels.
11 For if that which fades was glorious, that which remains
is much more glorious.
12 (2Co 7:4; Ac 4:13) Seeing then that we have such hope,
we speak with great boldness,
13 (Ex 34:33-35; 2Co 3:7) not as Moses, who put a veil over his face,
so that the children of Israel could not look intently at the end
of what was fading away.
14 (Ac 13:15; Ro 11:25) Instead, their minds were blinded.
For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the
reading of the old covenant, the veil which was done away
with in Christ.
15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is in their hearts.
16 (Ex 34:34; Isa 25:7) Nevertheless when anyone turns to the Lord,
the veil is removed.
17 (Gal 4:6; Jn 8:32) Now the Lord is the Spirit.
And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 (Ro 8:29; 1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:4) But we all, seeing the glory
of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror,
are being transformed into the same image from glory
to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.
[1] Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others,
epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
[2] Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
[3] Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ
ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living
God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
[4] And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
[5] Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
[6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the
letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth
life.
[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was
glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the
face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done
away:
[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the
ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by
reason of the glory that excelleth.
[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which
remaineth is glorious.
[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
[13] And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of
Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
[14] But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same
vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done
away in Christ.
[15] But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their
heart.
[16] Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken
away.
[17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there
is liberty.
[18] But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the
Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4
Treasure in Earthen Vessels
1 (1Co 7:25; 2Co 3:6) Therefore, since we have this ministry
through the mercy we have received, we do not lose heart.
2 (2Co 2:17; 5:11) But we have renounced the secret things of shame,
not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully,
but by expressing the truth and commending ourselves to every man's
conscience in the sight of God.
3 (1Co 1:18; 2Co 3:14) But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden
to those who are lost.
4 (2Co 4:6; Jn 12:31; Heb 1:3) The god of this world has blinded
the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
5 (1Co 1:23; 2Co 1:24) For we do not preach ourselves,
but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants
for Jesus' sake.
6 (Ge 1:3; 2Pe 1:19) For God, who commanded the light to shine
out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 (2Co 5:1; La 4:2) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
the excellency of the power being from God and not from ourselves.
8 (2Co 7:5) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;
we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 (Heb 13:5) persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 (Ro 6:5; 2Co 1:5) and always carrying around in the body the death
of the Lord Jesus, that also the life of Jesus might be expressed
in our bodies.
11 (Ro 8:36) For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake,
that also the life of Jesus might be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12 (2Co 13:9) So then, death works in us, but life in you.
13 (Ps 116:10; 1Co 12:9) We have the same spirit of faith.
As it is written, "I believed, and therefore I have spoken."
(Ps 116:10, LXX (Septuagint).) So we also believe and therefore speak,
14 (1Th 4:14; Eph 5:27) knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus
will also raise us through Jesus and will present us with you.
15 (2Co 1:11; Ro 8:28) All these things are for your sakes,
so that the abundant grace through the thanksgiving
of many might overflow to the glory of God.
[1] Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we
faint not;
[2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in
craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation
of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of
God.
[3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which
believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the
image of God, should shine unto them.
[5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves
your servants for Jesus' sake.
[6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined
in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ.
[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, and not of us.
[8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but
not in despair;
[9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
[10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the
life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
[11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that
the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
[12] So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
[13] We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I
believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
[14] Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also
by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
[15] For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might
through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Living by Faith
16 (Ro 7:22; Isa 40:31) For this reason we do not lose heart:
Even though our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man
is being renewed day by day.
17 (Ro 8:18; 1Pe 5:10) Our light affliction, which lasts
but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory,
18 (Heb 11:1; 2Co 5:7) while we do not look at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.
For the things which are seen are temporal,
but the things which are not seen are eternal.
[16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet
the inward man is renewed day by day.
[17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
[18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which
are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things
which are not seen are eternal.
2) Our Daily Bread for 3 December 2023 titled
Surrendering to Jesus
Jeremiah 38:17-23
17 (Jer 27:12; 38:2) Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "Thus says the Lord,
the God of Hosts, the God of Israel: If you will surrender to the officers
of the king of Babylon, then your soul will live and this city will not be
burned with fire. Thus you and your household will live.
18 (Jer 38:3; 2Ki 25:4-10) But if you do not surrender to the king
of Babylon's officials, then this city will be given into the hand
of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it with fire, and you will not escape
out of their hand."
19 (Jn 12:42; Isa 51:12-13) Then Zedekiah the king said to Jeremiah,
"I am afraid of the Jews who have fallen over to the Chaldeans, l
est they deliver me into their hand and mock me."
20 (Isa 55:3; 2Ch 20:20) But Jeremiah said, "They will not deliver you.
Please obey the voice of the Lord which I speak to you, so it will be
well with you and your soul will live.
21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word
that the Lord has shown me:
22 (Jer 20:10; 43:6) Then all the women who are left in the house
of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officers of the king
of Babylon; and those women shall say:
'Your friends have misled
and prevailed against you;
while your feet were sunk in the mud,
they turned back.'
23 (Jer 41:10; 38:18) "So they will bring out all your wives
and your children to the Chaldeans. And you will not escape out of their hand,
but will be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon; and you will cause this
city to be burned with fire."
[17] Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of
hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of
Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be
burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:
[18] But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then
shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn
it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.
[19] And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that
are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they
mock me.
[20] But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee,
the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto
thee, and thy soul shall live.
[21] But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath
shewed me:
[22] And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house
shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women
shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee:
thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back.
[23] So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the
Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken
by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be
burned with fire.
In 1951, Joseph Stalin's doctor advised him to reduce his workload in order
to preserve his health. The ruler of the Soviet Union accused the physician
of spying and had him arrested. The tyrant who had oppressed so many with
lies couldn't abide the truth, and-as he had done so many times-he removed
the one who told him the facts. Truth won anyway. Stalin died in 1953.
The prophet Jeremiah, arrested for his dire prophecies and kept in chains
(Jeremiah 38:1-6; 40:1), told the king of Judah exactly what would happen to
Jerusalem. "Obey the Lord by doing what I tell you," he said to King Zedekiah
(38:20). Failure to surrender to the army surrounding the city would only
make matters worse. "All your wives and children will be brought out to the
Babylonians," Jeremiah warned. "You yourself will not escape from their
hands" (v. 23).
Zedekiah failed to act on that truth. Eventually the Babylonians caught the
king, killed all his sons, and burned the city (ch. 39).
In a sense, every human being faces Zedekiah's dilemma. We're trapped inside
the walls of our own lives of sin and poor choices. Often, we make things
worse by avoiding those who tell us the truth about ourselves. All we need to
do is surrender to the will of the One who said, "I am the way and the truth
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
By: Tim Gustafson
Reflect & Pray
How do your life choices line up with the claims of Jesus?
What's keeping you from surrendering to Him?
Compassionate God, please forgive me of the pride that keeps me from You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 1 - The Joy of Confessing Christ
Romans 10:9-10
9 (Lk 12:8; Php 2:11)that if you confess with your mouth
Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead, you will be saved,
10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness,
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation
[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.
Teena, a college freshman, has just committed her life to Christ,
but she was apprehensive about telling anyone - until Bill appeared
on the scene. He plunked his coffee cup down on the table and smiled.
"I heard something exciting happened to you yesterday, Teena"
"Yeah", Teena paused and looked around, as if seeking an escape route.
"I , uh, well, I did it"
"Did what?"
"Well, I, ah, gave my life to God."
"That's wonderful!" Bill exclaimed.
He was still talking with Teena and encouraging he in her decision
when Maria walked by.
"Maria!" Bill called. "Teena wants to tell you something!"
Teena gasped , open-mouthed, then stammered,
" I - I committed my life to Christ."
Maria , similarly enthuasiatic, encouraged Teena in her commitment,
and within half an hour Teena was stopping her friends to tell them,
"Guess what? I've become a Christian! I belng to Jesus now!"
Teena had already surrendered her heart to Christ.
But when she confessed her decision aloud to others,
the truth of that transformation was confirmed by her.
Many of us have been raised to believe that 'faith is a private matter',
not to be discussed in polite company. Yet Paul makes clear the connection
between heart commitment and verbal confession. Just as my love for family
and friends deepens as I tell them I love them, so a person's love
for Christ is confirmed and stabilised
by speaking of that commitment to others.
Application
a) Have I been reluctant to tell others of my faith in Christ? Why?
b) What happens within me when I do tell others of my love for the Lord?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Deut 30:19-20
19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Ps 103:1-14
PSALMS 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:
And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
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
3nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the province of Alberta as follows:
I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, that God's Spirit would influence then to
act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards. (
1 Tim 2:1-4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in
the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
b) Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
( John 16:8 - When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
Advent Day 8
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"When the year dies in preparation for the birth/Of other seasons, not the same,
on the same earth,
Then saving and calamity together make/The Advent gospel,
telling how the heart will break....
Therefore it was in Advent that the Quest began; in wail of wind
the flower of the Britons all/Went out, and desolation was
in Arthur's hall." - C. S. Lewis
(From C. S. Lewis' "Launcelot," in Narrative Poems, p. 95.)
The Quest
The quest for the Holy Grail in the King Arthur story has captivated millions of people
over the centuries. Launcelot, the Christ figure of the Arthurian legend, is the noble
knight who begins a search for the cup that Christ used at the Last Supper.
This cup has appeared in many places in literature, theater, and the movies.
In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, for example, Indiana Jones finds his way
down a passageway and comes into a room full of chalices. He must select one
and drink from it. If he selects the wrong cup, he dies.
An ancient figure in the room tells him, "Choose wisely."
Legend has it that the cup was carried by Joseph of Arimathea to a castle
in Great Britain. The court of King Arthur believed that the Grail would be
rediscovered by a descendant of Joseph. Of the Knights of the Round Table,
only Galahad, Lancelot's son, was able to find and enter the castle with
the Grail. When he finally gazed upon the cup, the story goes, grail
and man were lifted up to heaven together.
What's the point of this story for us? Lancelot's quest began in Advent,
and our quest, our preparation for Christmas, likewise begins in Advent.
And like the Wise Men preparing for their quest, we need to set out to find
our King, the Christ Child. When we begin our Advent season with Scripture
and seek the Holy Christ rather than the Holy Grail, we are choosing wisely.
God, grant us wisdom to choose thoughtfully our preparation
for your coming in Jesus. Amen.
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
Matthew 2:2
From Follow the Story Marva J. Dawn
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
-Luke 1:32a
It is fitting that on this second Sunday of Advent we have before us
the actual words of annunciation for Mary. I was going to entitle this
meditation "The Annunciation to Mary," but was prevented by the actual
content of the angel's message. Conspicuously, Gabriel's words are much
more about Jesus than about practical matters for Mary. She is a servant,
absolutely, but the child that will be born of her is so great that all
consideration should be placed upon him.
Not only will he be great, but he will be called the Son of the Most High.
The LORD God (which uses the two most prominent names in the Hebrew
Scriptures, Yahweh and Elohim) will give him the throne over all of lsrael,
which his ancestor David once ruled, and of his kingdom there will be no end.
Unquestionably, this is the child for which all lsrael has been waiting.
prayer
LORD God, how can we ever thank you for sending us, Jesus,
the Son of the Most High? Amen.
Read Luke 1:25-33.
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
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."
From the AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACTION!
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous deeds.
PSALM 72:18
The AH-HAs of Advent provides us a time to reflect, refocus
and remember who we are in Jesus Christ So, enjoy refreshing
yourself through his Word and hrs people. And as we find time
to enjoy the "power of pause" we can also recall that the Lord
provide us opportunities to not only be his people but also
the chance to do a his people
Psalm 72 helps us to focus on being both be-ers and do-ers
in the world The good news in Christ is that we are motivated
to be active in serving others, not because we "gotta do it"
but because we ·get to do it"! Today's Psalm is an affirmatiion
of God at work in the world-our world. Right here and now-through us!
Isn't it great that one of the books of the Bible is titled the Acts of the
Apostles instead of the Resolutions of the Apostles'
There must be a message there somewhere!
So, what are you going to do today to show the glory, might and
love of the Lord? For starters pause to remember the promise
of your Baptism. Then look around you at your needs and your
gifts, take a deep breath. and announce your action plan at
least to yourself). Do not worry about getting everything correct
today or doing everything you want to do.
Just "Get ready! Fire!"... and then aim later when
you rethink all of the possibilities for a ministry of action!
Look out world, here I come!
Lord thanks for being active in the world both in little
and big ways. Help me today to be active
in big ways and little ways as well,
not because I "gotta do it" but because I" want to do it."
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Psalm 72·1-7. 18-19
1 Give the king Your judgments, O God,
and Your righteousness to the king’s son.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) May he judge Your people with righteousness,
and Your poor with justice.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) May the mountains bring well-being to the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) May he judge the poor of the people,
may he save the children of the needy,
and crush the oppressor.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) May they fear You as long as the sun endures,
and the moon, throughout all generations.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) May he descend like rain on the mown grass,
as showers dripping on the earth.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) In his days may the righteous flourish,
and abundance of peace until the moon is no more.
18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous deeds.
19 Blessed be His glorious name forever;
and may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen, and Amen.
From On Eagle's wings Day 8
Title A Willing Guide by Anglican Rev Lesley Hand of Spruce Grove
Isaiah 42:16
16 (Isa 29:18; 32:3 ) I will bring the blind by a way that they did not know;
I will lead them in paths that they have not known.
I will make darkness light before them
and crooked things straight.
These things I will do for them
and not forsake them.
[16] And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead
them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before
them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not
forsake them.
The map ended about an hour's drive short of our destination. We had been on
the road for over ten hours. Now it was dark. We stopped at a restaurant
and shared our story with the waitress: we fad been invited to a remote
community in northern Quebec ti teach Bible Camp. Now, with no map or GPS, we
would be travelling blind.
"Are you going to Mistissini?" asked a voice from beside a truck in the
parking lot. :I'm going there too; follow me. I'll help you."
We gratefully accepted the offer. Sometimes we pulled over and our guide dave
directions for the next leg of the journey. We followed his taillights and
reached our destination safely.
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth, let's pull up beside the road in
prayer ti listen to his directions, to follow Jesus' light, and find hope in
God's promise to the exiled people.
Conclusion:
Pray: Holy Spirit, please show me
A) Where You have demonstrated Your Power in and through ny life?
B) Where do I limit Your power through me?
C) What can this look like in our small group?
Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving and bountiful of joy.
Pray to the Lord: "Compassionate God, please forgive me of the pride
that keeps me from You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to joyful confess Him as Saviour.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His mercies and justice.
Pray to the Lord and pray to that Him for the upcoming Rapture of the Church!
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 Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
Prayer : God, grant us wisdom to choose thoughtfully our preparation for your coming in Jesus. Amen.
Pray: LORD God, how can we ever thank you for sending us, Jesus,
the Son of the Most High? Amen.
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!
Faithful Father, thank you that you will never leave us nor forsake us.
Prompt us to pause along the way to listen so we can hold fast to your promise
of guidance through all of life's circumstances. Amen.
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.
Today at Calvary Community Church
, Pastor Barry Reiger spoke on Spirit-Filled Community reflects The Power of
God.
Acts 2:42-47
Life Among the Believers
42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46) They continued steadfastly in the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
43 Fear came to every soul. And many wonders and signs were done through
the apostles.
44 (Ac 4:32) All who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 They sold their property and goods and distributed them to all,
according to their need.
46 (Ac 5:42; 20:7) And continuing daily with one mind in the temple,
and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness
and simplicity of heart,
47 (Ac 11:24; 2:41) praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
[43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by
the apostles.
[44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
[45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as
every man had need.
[46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness
of heart,
[47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added
to the church daily such as should be saved.
Spirit-filled community reflects the power of God by..
A) Walking in awe of God.
Acts 2:43a
Fear came to every soul.
And fear came upon every soul
Ephesians 2:6-7
6 (Eph 1:3) and He raised us up and seated us together in the heavenly places
in Christ Jesus,
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly
places in Christ Jesus:
7 (Titus 3:4; Eph 2:4) so that in the coming ages He might show
the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace
in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:1-4
1 (Ps 110:1; Mk 16:19) If you then were raised with Christ, desire those
things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
2 (Mt 16:23) Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth.
3 (Ro 6:2; Col 2:20) For you are dead,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 (1Jn 3:2; Jn 11:25) When Christ who is our life shall appear, then you also
shall appear with Him in glory.
[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
[3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
[4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear
with him in glory.
B) Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:43b
And many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
2 Corinthians 12:12
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were performed among you in all patience,
in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.
[12] Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience,
in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
1 Corinthians 12:7,11; 14:1
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to everyone for the common good.
11 (1Co 12:4; 2Co 10:13) But that one and very same Spirit works all these,
dividing to each one individually as He will.
[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal.
[11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to
every man severally as he will.
1 (1Co 12:1; 14:39) Follow after love and desire spiritual gifts,
but especially that you may prophesy.
[1] Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.
Matthew 6:10
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
[10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Ephesians 1:19-22
19 (Col 1:29; Eph 3:7) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power
toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power,
20 (Mk 16:19; Ps 110:1) which He performed in Christ when He raised Him
from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 (Col 2:10; Heb 1:4) far above all principalities, and power, and might,
and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age
but also in that which is to come.
22 (1Co 11:3; Mt 16:18) And He put all things in subjection under His feet
and made Him the head over all things for the church,
[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power,
[20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set
him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
[21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is
to come:
[22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head
over all things to the church,
John 14:12-14
12 (Mt 21:21; Jn 14:28) Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in Me
will do the works that I do also. And he will do greater works than these,
because I am going to My Father.
13 (Mt 7:7; Jn 13:31) I will do whatever you ask in My name, that the Father
may be glorified in the Son.
14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
[12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works
that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do;
because I go unto my Father.
[13] And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father
may be glorified in the Son.
[14] If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Mark 16:15,17-18
15 (Mt 28:19; Ac 1:8) He said to them, "Go into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.
17 (Ac 5:16; 8:7) These signs will accompany those who believe:
In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
18 (Lk 10:19; Ac 3:16) they will take up serpents; if they drink
any deadly thing, it will not hurt them;
they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
[15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel
to every creature.
[17] And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
[18] They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it
shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall
recover.
Romans 15:19
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.
[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.
1) 2 Corinthians 1 , 2 Corinthians 2 , 2 Corinthians 3 , 2 Corinthians 4
2 Corinthians 1
Salutation
1 (Eph 1:1; 2Ti 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ
by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God which is at Corinth,
with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our
brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints
which are in all Achaia:
[2] Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ.
Paul's Thanksgiving After Affliction
3 (Eph 1:3; 1Pe 1:3; Ro 15:5-6) Blessed be God, the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort,
4 (Isa 51:12; 2Co 7:6-7) who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble
by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 (Col 1:24; Php 3:10) As the sufferings of Christ abound in us,
so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
6 (2Ti 2:10) If we are afflicted, it is for your consolation
and salvation, which is effective in enduring the same
sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted,
it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that as you partake
in the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
8 (1Co 15:32) For we would not, brothers, have you ignorant
of our troubles which came to us in Asia. We were pressured
beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even
of life.
9 (Lk 18:9) We had the sentence of death in ourselves,
so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God
who raises the dead.
10 (Ro 15:31) He delivered us from so great a death
and does deliver us. In Him we trust that He will
still deliver us,
11 (2Co 4:15; Php 1:19) as you help together by praying
for us, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf
for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many persons.
[3] Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort;
[4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort
them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God.
[5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ.
[6] And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also
suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and
salvation.
[7] And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of
the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
[8] For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came
to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch
that we despaired even of life:
[9] But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust
in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
[10] Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we
trust that he will yet deliver us;
[11] Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed
upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our
behalf.
Paul's Travel Plans Change
12 (2Co 2:17; 1Co 2:13) For our rejoicing is this:
The testimony of our conscience is that we conducted
ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you,
in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom,
but by the grace of God.
13 For we write nothing else to you than what you read
or understand. And I trust you will understand even to the end,
14 (1Co 1:8; 2Co 2:5) as you have understood us in part,
that we are yours, boasting even as you are ours
on the day of the Lord Jesus.
15 (Ro 1:11; 1Co 4:19) In this confidence I planned
to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit:
16 (1Co 16:5-7) to visit you while going to Macedonia,
and to come again to you from Macedonia, and then be sent by you
on my way to Judea.
17 (2Co 10:2-3) Therefore, when I was planning this,
did I do this lightly? Or the things that I plan,
do I plan according to the flesh, so that I would tell you
"Yes, yes" and "No, no"?
18 (1Co 1:9) But as God is true, we did not tell you "Yes" and "No."
19 (Heb 13:8; Ac 18:5) For the Son of God, Jesus Christ,
who was preached among you by us, even by Silas, Timothy,
and me, was not "Yes" and "No." In Him it was "Yes."
20 (Rev 3:14; 1Co 14:16) For all the promises of God
in Him are "Yes," and in Him "Amen," to the glory of God through us.
21 (1Jn 2:20; 2:27) Now He who establishes us with you in Christ
and has anointed us is God,
22 (2Co 5:5; Eph 1:13-14) who also has sealed us
and established the guarantee with the Spirit in our hearts.
23 (Ro 1:9; 1Co 4:21) Moreover I call God as a witness
upon my soul, that it is to spare you that
I have not yet gone to Corinth.
24 (Ro 11:20; 1Co 15:1) Not that we have dominion over your faith,
but we are fellow workers for your joy, for by faith you stand.
2 Corinthians 1
[12] For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in
simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of
God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to
you-ward.
[13] For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or
acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
[14] As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing,
even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
[15] And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye
might have a second benefit;
[16] And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia
unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
[17] When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things
that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there
should be yea yea, and nay nay?
[18] But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
[19] For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us,
even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was
yea.
[20] For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the
glory of God by us.
[21] Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us,
is God;
[22] Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our
hearts.
[23] Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came
not as yet unto Corinth.
[24] Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your
joy: for by faith ye stand.
2 Corinthians 2
1 (2Co 1:23; 1Co 4:21) But I determined this for myself,
that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2 (2Co 7:8) For if I make you sorrowful, who then will there be
to make me rejoice, but the one whom I have made sorrowful?
3 (Gal 5:10; 2Co 8:22) I wrote concerning this matter to you,
so that when I came, I would not be grieved by those in whom
I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all,
that my joy is your joy.
4 (2Co 7:12) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart
I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved,
but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.
[1] But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in
heaviness.
[2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the
same which is made sorry by me?
[3] And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow
from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my
joy is the joy of you all.
[4] For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with
many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love
which I have more abundantly unto you.
Forgiveness for the Offender
5 (Gal 4:12) But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me,
but to some extent all of you, not to put it too severely.
6 (1Co 5:4-5)This punishment which was inflicted by many
on such a man is sufficient.
7 (Eph 4:32) So on the contrary, you ought to forgive him
and comfort him, lest perhaps he might be swallowed up
with excessive sorrow.
8 Therefore I ask you to confirm your love toward him.
9 (2Co 10:6; Php 2:22) For to this end I also wrote,
so that I might know that you are proving yourselves
by whether you are being obedient in all things.
10 (1Co 5:4) Whomever you forgive anything, I also forgive.
For if I forgave someone anything, for your sakes I forgave
it in Christ,
11 (1Pe 5:8; Lk 22:31) lest Satan should take advantage of us.
For we are not ignorant of his devices.
[5] But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that
I may not overcharge you all.
[6] Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of
many.
[7] So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him,
lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
[8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
[9] For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you,
whether ye be obedient in all things.
[10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any
thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of
Christ;
[11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of
his devices.
Paul's Anxiety in Troas
12 (Ac 14:27; 16:8) Furthermore, when I came to Troas
to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
13 (2Co 7:5-6; 12:18) I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find
Titus my brother. So taking my leave of them, I went from there
into Macedonia.
14 (SS 1:3; 2Co 8:16) Now thanks be to God who always causes
us to triumph in Christ and through us reveals the fragrance
of His knowledge in every place.
15 (1Co 1:18; Eze 20:41) For we are to God a sweet fragrance
of Christ among those who are saved and among those who perish.
16 (Lk 2:34; Jn 9:39) To the one we are the fragrance of death,
which brings death, and to the other the fragrance of life,
which brings life. Who is sufficient for these things?
17 (2Co 4:2; 1:12) For we are not as many are who peddle
the word of God. Instead, being sent by God, we sincerely speak
in Christ in the sight of God.
[12] Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door
was opened unto me of the Lord,
[13] I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but
taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
[14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
[15] For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved,
and in them that perish:
[16] To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the
savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
[17] For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of
sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3
Ministers of the New Covenant
1 (Ac 18:27; 2Co 5:12) Do we begin again to commend ourselves?
Or do we need, as some others, letters of commendation to you,
or letters of commendation from you?
2 You are our letter written in our hearts, known and read by all men.
3 (Ex 24:12; Jer 31:33) For you are prominently declared to be
the letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink
but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone
but on human tablets of the heart.
4 (Eph 3:12) We have such trust through Christ toward God,
5 (1Co 15:10) not that we are sufficient in ourselves to take credit
for anything of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
6 (Lk 22:20; Jn 6:63) who has made us able ministers of the new covenant,
not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills,
but the Spirit gives life.
7 (Ex 24:12; 31:18) If the ministry that brought death, written
and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel
could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory
of his countenance, the glory which was to fade away,
8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
9 (Heb 12:18-21; Ro 3:21-22) For if the ministry of condemnation
is glorious, the ministry of righteousness much more exceeds
it in glory.
10 Even that which was made glorious had no glory in comparison
to the glory that excels.
11 For if that which fades was glorious, that which remains
is much more glorious.
12 (2Co 7:4; Ac 4:13) Seeing then that we have such hope,
we speak with great boldness,
13 (Ex 34:33-35; 2Co 3:7) not as Moses, who put a veil over his face,
so that the children of Israel could not look intently at the end
of what was fading away.
14 (Ac 13:15; Ro 11:25) Instead, their minds were blinded.
For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the
reading of the old covenant, the veil which was done away
with in Christ.
15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is in their hearts.
16 (Ex 34:34; Isa 25:7) Nevertheless when anyone turns to the Lord,
the veil is removed.
17 (Gal 4:6; Jn 8:32) Now the Lord is the Spirit.
And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 (Ro 8:29; 1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:4) But we all, seeing the glory
of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror,
are being transformed into the same image from glory
to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.
[1] Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others,
epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
[2] Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
[3] Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ
ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living
God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
[4] And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
[5] Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
[6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the
letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth
life.
[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was
glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the
face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done
away:
[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the
ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by
reason of the glory that excelleth.
[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which
remaineth is glorious.
[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
[13] And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of
Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
[14] But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same
vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done
away in Christ.
[15] But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their
heart.
[16] Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken
away.
[17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there
is liberty.
[18] But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the
Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4
Treasure in Earthen Vessels
1 (1Co 7:25; 2Co 3:6) Therefore, since we have this ministry
through the mercy we have received, we do not lose heart.
2 (2Co 2:17; 5:11) But we have renounced the secret things of shame,
not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully,
but by expressing the truth and commending ourselves to every man's
conscience in the sight of God.
3 (1Co 1:18; 2Co 3:14) But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden
to those who are lost.
4 (2Co 4:6; Jn 12:31; Heb 1:3) The god of this world has blinded
the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
5 (1Co 1:23; 2Co 1:24) For we do not preach ourselves,
but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants
for Jesus' sake.
6 (Ge 1:3; 2Pe 1:19) For God, who commanded the light to shine
out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 (2Co 5:1; La 4:2) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
the excellency of the power being from God and not from ourselves.
8 (2Co 7:5) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;
we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 (Heb 13:5) persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 (Ro 6:5; 2Co 1:5) and always carrying around in the body the death
of the Lord Jesus, that also the life of Jesus might be expressed
in our bodies.
11 (Ro 8:36) For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake,
that also the life of Jesus might be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12 (2Co 13:9) So then, death works in us, but life in you.
13 (Ps 116:10; 1Co 12:9) We have the same spirit of faith.
As it is written, "I believed, and therefore I have spoken."
(Ps 116:10, LXX (Septuagint).) So we also believe and therefore speak,
14 (1Th 4:14; Eph 5:27) knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus
will also raise us through Jesus and will present us with you.
15 (2Co 1:11; Ro 8:28) All these things are for your sakes,
so that the abundant grace through the thanksgiving
of many might overflow to the glory of God.
[1] Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we
faint not;
[2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in
craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation
of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of
God.
[3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which
believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the
image of God, should shine unto them.
[5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves
your servants for Jesus' sake.
[6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined
in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ.
[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, and not of us.
[8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but
not in despair;
[9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
[10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the
life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
[11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that
the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
[12] So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
[13] We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I
believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
[14] Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also
by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
[15] For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might
through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Living by Faith
16 (Ro 7:22; Isa 40:31) For this reason we do not lose heart:
Even though our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man
is being renewed day by day.
17 (Ro 8:18; 1Pe 5:10) Our light affliction, which lasts
but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory,
18 (Heb 11:1; 2Co 5:7) while we do not look at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.
For the things which are seen are temporal,
but the things which are not seen are eternal.
[16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet
the inward man is renewed day by day.
[17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
[18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which
are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things
which are not seen are eternal.
2) Our Daily Bread for 3 December 2023 titled
Surrendering to Jesus
Jeremiah 38:17-23
17 (Jer 27:12; 38:2) Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, "Thus says the Lord,
the God of Hosts, the God of Israel: If you will surrender to the officers
of the king of Babylon, then your soul will live and this city will not be
burned with fire. Thus you and your household will live.
18 (Jer 38:3; 2Ki 25:4-10) But if you do not surrender to the king
of Babylon's officials, then this city will be given into the hand
of the Chaldeans, and they will burn it with fire, and you will not escape
out of their hand."
19 (Jn 12:42; Isa 51:12-13) Then Zedekiah the king said to Jeremiah,
"I am afraid of the Jews who have fallen over to the Chaldeans, l
est they deliver me into their hand and mock me."
20 (Isa 55:3; 2Ch 20:20) But Jeremiah said, "They will not deliver you.
Please obey the voice of the Lord which I speak to you, so it will be
well with you and your soul will live.
21 But if you refuse to surrender, this is the word
that the Lord has shown me:
22 (Jer 20:10; 43:6) Then all the women who are left in the house
of the king of Judah will be brought out to the officers of the king
of Babylon; and those women shall say:
'Your friends have misled
and prevailed against you;
while your feet were sunk in the mud,
they turned back.'
23 (Jer 41:10; 38:18) "So they will bring out all your wives
and your children to the Chaldeans. And you will not escape out of their hand,
but will be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon; and you will cause this
city to be burned with fire."
[17] Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of
hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of
Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be
burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:
[18] But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then
shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn
it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.
[19] And Zedekiah the king said unto Jeremiah, I am afraid of the Jews that
are fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they
mock me.
[20] But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee,
the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto
thee, and thy soul shall live.
[21] But if thou refuse to go forth, this is the word that the LORD hath
shewed me:
[22] And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house
shall be brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those women
shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee:
thy feet are sunk in the mire, and they are turned away back.
[23] So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the
Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken
by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be
burned with fire.
In 1951, Joseph Stalin's doctor advised him to reduce his workload in order
to preserve his health. The ruler of the Soviet Union accused the physician
of spying and had him arrested. The tyrant who had oppressed so many with
lies couldn't abide the truth, and-as he had done so many times-he removed
the one who told him the facts. Truth won anyway. Stalin died in 1953.
The prophet Jeremiah, arrested for his dire prophecies and kept in chains
(Jeremiah 38:1-6; 40:1), told the king of Judah exactly what would happen to
Jerusalem. "Obey the Lord by doing what I tell you," he said to King Zedekiah
(38:20). Failure to surrender to the army surrounding the city would only
make matters worse. "All your wives and children will be brought out to the
Babylonians," Jeremiah warned. "You yourself will not escape from their
hands" (v. 23).
Zedekiah failed to act on that truth. Eventually the Babylonians caught the
king, killed all his sons, and burned the city (ch. 39).
In a sense, every human being faces Zedekiah's dilemma. We're trapped inside
the walls of our own lives of sin and poor choices. Often, we make things
worse by avoiding those who tell us the truth about ourselves. All we need to
do is surrender to the will of the One who said, "I am the way and the truth
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
By: Tim Gustafson
Reflect & Pray
How do your life choices line up with the claims of Jesus?
What's keeping you from surrendering to Him?
Compassionate God, please forgive me of the pride that keeps me from You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 1 - The Joy of Confessing Christ
Romans 10:9-10
9 (Lk 12:8; Php 2:11)that if you confess with your mouth
Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from
the dead, you will be saved,
10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness,
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation
[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.
Teena, a college freshman, has just committed her life to Christ,
but she was apprehensive about telling anyone - until Bill appeared
on the scene. He plunked his coffee cup down on the table and smiled.
"I heard something exciting happened to you yesterday, Teena"
"Yeah", Teena paused and looked around, as if seeking an escape route.
"I , uh, well, I did it"
"Did what?"
"Well, I, ah, gave my life to God."
"That's wonderful!" Bill exclaimed.
He was still talking with Teena and encouraging he in her decision
when Maria walked by.
"Maria!" Bill called. "Teena wants to tell you something!"
Teena gasped , open-mouthed, then stammered,
" I - I committed my life to Christ."
Maria , similarly enthuasiatic, encouraged Teena in her commitment,
and within half an hour Teena was stopping her friends to tell them,
"Guess what? I've become a Christian! I belng to Jesus now!"
Teena had already surrendered her heart to Christ.
But when she confessed her decision aloud to others,
the truth of that transformation was confirmed by her.
Many of us have been raised to believe that 'faith is a private matter',
not to be discussed in polite company. Yet Paul makes clear the connection
between heart commitment and verbal confession. Just as my love for family
and friends deepens as I tell them I love them, so a person's love
for Christ is confirmed and stabilised
by speaking of that commitment to others.
Application
a) Have I been reluctant to tell others of my faith in Christ? Why?
b) What happens within me when I do tell others of my love for the Lord?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Deut 30:19-20
19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Ps 103:1-14
PSALMS 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:
And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
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
3nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the province of Alberta as follows:
I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, that God's Spirit would influence then to
act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards. (
1 Tim 2:1-4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in
the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
b) Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
( John 16:8 - When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
Advent Day 8
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"When the year dies in preparation for the birth/Of other seasons, not the same,
on the same earth,
Then saving and calamity together make/The Advent gospel,
telling how the heart will break....
Therefore it was in Advent that the Quest began; in wail of wind
the flower of the Britons all/Went out, and desolation was
in Arthur's hall." - C. S. Lewis
(From C. S. Lewis' "Launcelot," in Narrative Poems, p. 95.)
The Quest
The quest for the Holy Grail in the King Arthur story has captivated millions of people
over the centuries. Launcelot, the Christ figure of the Arthurian legend, is the noble
knight who begins a search for the cup that Christ used at the Last Supper.
This cup has appeared in many places in literature, theater, and the movies.
In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, for example, Indiana Jones finds his way
down a passageway and comes into a room full of chalices. He must select one
and drink from it. If he selects the wrong cup, he dies.
An ancient figure in the room tells him, "Choose wisely."
Legend has it that the cup was carried by Joseph of Arimathea to a castle
in Great Britain. The court of King Arthur believed that the Grail would be
rediscovered by a descendant of Joseph. Of the Knights of the Round Table,
only Galahad, Lancelot's son, was able to find and enter the castle with
the Grail. When he finally gazed upon the cup, the story goes, grail
and man were lifted up to heaven together.
What's the point of this story for us? Lancelot's quest began in Advent,
and our quest, our preparation for Christmas, likewise begins in Advent.
And like the Wise Men preparing for their quest, we need to set out to find
our King, the Christ Child. When we begin our Advent season with Scripture
and seek the Holy Christ rather than the Holy Grail, we are choosing wisely.
God, grant us wisdom to choose thoughtfully our preparation
for your coming in Jesus. Amen.
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
Matthew 2:2
From Follow the Story Marva J. Dawn
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
-Luke 1:32a
It is fitting that on this second Sunday of Advent we have before us
the actual words of annunciation for Mary. I was going to entitle this
meditation "The Annunciation to Mary," but was prevented by the actual
content of the angel's message. Conspicuously, Gabriel's words are much
more about Jesus than about practical matters for Mary. She is a servant,
absolutely, but the child that will be born of her is so great that all
consideration should be placed upon him.
Not only will he be great, but he will be called the Son of the Most High.
The LORD God (which uses the two most prominent names in the Hebrew
Scriptures, Yahweh and Elohim) will give him the throne over all of lsrael,
which his ancestor David once ruled, and of his kingdom there will be no end.
Unquestionably, this is the child for which all lsrael has been waiting.
prayer
LORD God, how can we ever thank you for sending us, Jesus,
the Son of the Most High? Amen.
Read Luke 1:25-33.
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
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."
From the AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACTION!
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous deeds.
PSALM 72:18
The AH-HAs of Advent provides us a time to reflect, refocus
and remember who we are in Jesus Christ So, enjoy refreshing
yourself through his Word and hrs people. And as we find time
to enjoy the "power of pause" we can also recall that the Lord
provide us opportunities to not only be his people but also
the chance to do a his people
Psalm 72 helps us to focus on being both be-ers and do-ers
in the world The good news in Christ is that we are motivated
to be active in serving others, not because we "gotta do it"
but because we ·get to do it"! Today's Psalm is an affirmatiion
of God at work in the world-our world. Right here and now-through us!
Isn't it great that one of the books of the Bible is titled the Acts of the
Apostles instead of the Resolutions of the Apostles'
There must be a message there somewhere!
So, what are you going to do today to show the glory, might and
love of the Lord? For starters pause to remember the promise
of your Baptism. Then look around you at your needs and your
gifts, take a deep breath. and announce your action plan at
least to yourself). Do not worry about getting everything correct
today or doing everything you want to do.
Just "Get ready! Fire!"... and then aim later when
you rethink all of the possibilities for a ministry of action!
Look out world, here I come!
Lord thanks for being active in the world both in little
and big ways. Help me today to be active
in big ways and little ways as well,
not because I "gotta do it" but because I" want to do it."
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Psalm 72·1-7. 18-19
1 Give the king Your judgments, O God,
and Your righteousness to the king’s son.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) May he judge Your people with righteousness,
and Your poor with justice.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) May the mountains bring well-being to the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) May he judge the poor of the people,
may he save the children of the needy,
and crush the oppressor.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) May they fear You as long as the sun endures,
and the moon, throughout all generations.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) May he descend like rain on the mown grass,
as showers dripping on the earth.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) In his days may the righteous flourish,
and abundance of peace until the moon is no more.
18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous deeds.
19 Blessed be His glorious name forever;
and may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen, and Amen.
From On Eagle's wings Day 8
Title A Willing Guide by Anglican Rev Lesley Hand of Spruce Grove
Isaiah 42:16
16 (Isa 29:18; 32:3 ) I will bring the blind by a way that they did not know;
I will lead them in paths that they have not known.
I will make darkness light before them
and crooked things straight.
These things I will do for them
and not forsake them.
[16] And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead
them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before
them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not
forsake them.
The map ended about an hour's drive short of our destination. We had been on
the road for over ten hours. Now it was dark. We stopped at a restaurant
and shared our story with the waitress: we fad been invited to a remote
community in northern Quebec ti teach Bible Camp. Now, with no map or GPS, we
would be travelling blind.
"Are you going to Mistissini?" asked a voice from beside a truck in the
parking lot. :I'm going there too; follow me. I'll help you."
We gratefully accepted the offer. Sometimes we pulled over and our guide dave
directions for the next leg of the journey. We followed his taillights and
reached our destination safely.
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth, let's pull up beside the road in
prayer ti listen to his directions, to follow Jesus' light, and find hope in
God's promise to the exiled people.
Conclusion:
Pray: Holy Spirit, please show me
A) Where You have demonstrated Your Power in and through ny life?
B) Where do I limit Your power through me?
C) What can this look like in our small group?
Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving and bountiful of joy.
Pray to the Lord: "Compassionate God, please forgive me of the pride
that keeps me from You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to joyful confess Him as Saviour.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His mercies and justice.
Pray to the Lord and pray to that Him for the upcoming Rapture of the Church!
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 Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
Prayer : God, grant us wisdom to choose thoughtfully our preparation for your coming in Jesus. Amen.
Pray: LORD God, how can we ever thank you for sending us, Jesus,
the Son of the Most High? Amen.
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!
Faithful Father, thank you that you will never leave us nor forsake us.
Prompt us to pause along the way to listen so we can hold fast to your promise
of guidance through all of life's circumstances. Amen.
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.