Day 339 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 5 December 2023 reflections - 10th Day of Advent
Day 339, 5 December 2023 - 10th Day of Advent
1) 2 Corinthians 10 , 2 Corinthians 11 , 2 Corinthians 12 , 2 Corinthians 13
2 Corinthians 10
Paul Defends His Ministry
1 (Mt 11:29; 2Co 10:10) Now I, Paul, who am lowly in presence among you but
bold toward you while absent, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness
of Christ.
2 (2Co 13:2; 13:10) I beg you that when I am present, I might not have to be
bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who
think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 (Jer 1:10; 2Co 6:7) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but
mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,
5 (Isa 2:11-12; 1Co 1:19) casting down imaginations and every high thing that
exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
6 (2Co 2:9; 7:15) and being ready to punish all disobedience
when your obedience is complete.
7 (2Co 5:12; Jn 7:24; 1Co 14:37) Do you look at things from the outward
appearance? If any man trusts that he is Christ's, let him consider again
that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
8 (2Co 13:10) For even if I should boast somewhat more of our authority,
which the Lord has given us for edification and not for your destruction,
I shall not be ashamed,
9 lest I appear to frighten you by my letters.
10 (1Co 1:17; 2Co 11:6) "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and
powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."
11 Let such a person consider this: that as we are in word by letters
when we are absent, we will also be in deed when we are present.
12 (2Co 3:1; Pr 26:12) For we dare not count or compare ourselves with those
who commend themselves. They who measure themselves by one another
and compare themselves with one another are not wise.
13 (Ro 15:20) But we will not boast beyond measure, but within the boundaries
which God has appointed us, which reach even you.
14 (1Co 4:15) For we are not overextending ourselves as though we did not
reach you, since we have come to you, preaching the gospel of Christ.
15 (Ro 15:20; 2Co 10:13) We are not boasting of things beyond our measure
in other men's labors. But we have hope that when your faith is increased,
our region shall be greatly enlarged by you,
16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you and not to boast in another
man's accomplishments.
17 (1Co 1:31; Jer 9:23-24) But, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
(Jer 9:24.)
18 (Ro 2:29; 1Co 4:5) For it is not he who commends himself who is approved,
but he whom the Lord commends.
[1] Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ,
who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
[2] But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that
confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as
if we walked according to the flesh.
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
[4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;)
[5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to
the obedience of Christ;
[6] And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your
obedience is fulfilled.
[7] Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to
himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as
he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
[8] For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord
hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be
ashamed:
[9] That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
[10] For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily
presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
[11] Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters
when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
[12] For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with
some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves,
and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
[13] But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to
the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach
even unto you.
[14] For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached
not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel
of Christ:
[15] Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's
labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be
enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
[16] To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in
another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
[17] But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
[18] For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord
commendeth.
2 Corinthians 11
Paul and the False Apostles
1 (2Co 5:13; 11:4) I would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly.
Indeed, bear with me.
2 (Isa 54:5; Hos 2:19-20) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For
I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin
to Christ.
3 (Rev 12:9; Ge 3:4; Jn 8:44) But I fear that somehow, as the serpent
deceived Eve through his trickery, so your minds might be led astray
from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 (1Co 3:11; Gal 1:6-8) For if he who comes preaches another Jesus,
whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which
you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted,
you might submit to it readily enough.
5 For I think I am not in any way inferior to the most eminent
of the apostles.
6 (1Co 1:17; Eph 3:4) Even though I am unpolished in speech, yet I am not
in knowledge. All things about us have been thoroughly revealed to you.
7 (2Co 12:13) Did I commit a sin in abasing myself that you might be exalted,
because I preached to you the gospel of God free of charge?
8 I robbed other churches by accepting wages from them to serve you.
9 (1Th 2:6) Furthermore, when I was present with you and was lacking,
I was a burden to no one. For the brothers who came from Macedonia
supplied what I lacked. In all things I have kept myself from being
burdensome to you, and so will I keep myself.
10 (Ro 9:1; Ac 18:12) As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop
me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11 (2Co 12:15; 12:2-3) Why? Because I do not love you? God knows.
12 (1Co 9:12) And I will continue doing what I am doing, that I may cut off
the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be found equal to us
in what they boast about.
13 (Rev 2:2; Gal 1:7) For such are false apostles and deceitful workers,
disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
14 (Gal 1:8) And no wonder! For even Satan disguises himself as an angel
of light.
15 (Php 3:19; 2Co 3:9) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also
disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be
according to their works.
[1] Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear
with me.
[2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you
to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his
subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in
Christ.
[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not
preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or
another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
[5] For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
[6] But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been
throughly made manifest among you in all things.
[7] Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted,
because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
[8] I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
[9] And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man:
for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia
supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto
you, and so will I keep myself.
[10] As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting
in the regions of Achaia.
[11] Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
[12] But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them
which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as
we.
[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves
into the apostles of Christ.
[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as
the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle
16 (2Co 11:1; 12:6) I say again, let no one think that I am a fool.
Otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, so that I also may boast a little.
17 (1Co 7:12; 2Co 9:4) What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but
as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast.
19 (1Co 4:10) For you tolerate fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.
20 (Gal 2:4; 4:3) For you permit it if a man brings you into bondage, if a
man devours you, if a man takes from you, if a man exalts himself, or if a
man strikes you on the face.
21 (2Co 10:10; 10:1-2) I say to my reproach that we were too weak for that.
But whenever anyone is bold (I speak foolishly), I am bold also.
22 (Php 3:5; Ro 11:1) Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites?
So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
23 (1Co 15:10; 2Co 6:4-5) Are they servants of Christ? I speak as a fool.
I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure,
in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one.
25 (Ac 14:19) Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned;
three times I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 (Ac 14:5; 13:50; 17:5) in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils
of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in
perils among false brothers;
27 (2Co 6:5; Php 4:12; 1Th 2:9) in weariness and painfulness, in
sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold
and nakedness.
28 Beside the external things, the care of all the churches pressures
me daily.
29 (1Co 8:13; 9:22) Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin,
and I am not distressed?
30 (1Co 2:3) If I must boast, I will boast of the things which concern
my weakness.
31 (Ro 9:5; Jn 10:30) The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is blessed forevermore, knows that I am not lying.
32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas secured
the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me.
33 (Ac 9:25) But I was let down by the wall through a window in a basket
and escaped his hands.
[16] I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool
receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
[17] That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were
foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
[18] Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
[19] For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
[20] For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if
a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
[21] I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit
whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
[22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the
seed of Abraham? so am I.
[23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours
more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths
oft.
[24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
[25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered
shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
[26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in
perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the
city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among
false brethren;
[27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst,
in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
[28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily,
the care of all the churches.
[29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine
infirmities.
[31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for
evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
[32] In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the
Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
[33] And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and
escaped his hands.
2 Corinthians 12
Visions and Revelations
1 (Gal 1:12; 2:2) Doubtless it is not profitable for me to boast.
So I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 (2Co 11:11; Ac 22:17) I knew a man in Christ over fourteen years ag
-whether in the body or out of the body I cannot tell, God knows-such
a one was caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew that such a man-whether in the body or out of the body I cannot
tell, God knows-
4 (Lk 23:43; Rev 2:7) was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible
words not permitted for a man to say.
5 Of such a person, I will boast. Yet of myself I will not boast, except in
my weaknesses.
6 (2Co 11:16) For if I desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be
speaking the truth. But now I resist, lest anyone should think of me above
that which he sees me to be or hears from me.
7 (Nu 33:55; Eze 28:24) And lest I should be exalted above measure
by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh,
a messenger of Satan, to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
9 (Php 4:13; 2Co 12:10; Isa 40:29-31) But He said to me, "My grace is
sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ
may rest upon me.
10 (Ro 5:3; 2Co 13:4) So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in
hardships, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake. For when
I am weak, then I am strong.
[1] It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions
and revelations of the Lord.
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I
cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such
an one caught up to the third heaven.
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I
cannot tell: God knoweth;)
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words,
which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine
infirmities.
[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will
say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that
which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the
revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of
Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am
weak, then am I strong.
Paul's Concern for the Corinthian Church
11 (2Co 11:5; 11:1) I have become a fool in boasting. You have compelled me,
for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior
to the leading apostles, though I am nothing.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were performed among you in all patience,
in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13 (1Co 9:12; 2Co 12:14) For in what respect were you inferior to other
churches, unless it be that I myself was not burdensome to you?
Forgive me this wrong!
14 (Pr 19:14; 1Co 4:14-15) I am ready to come to you this third time.
And I will not be burdensome to you, for I do not seek what is yours,
but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but
the parents for the children.
15 (Php 2:17; 1Th 2:8) And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.
If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16 But be that as it may. I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty,
I caught you with deceit.
17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?
18 (2Co 8:6; Ro 4:12) I urged Titus to go, and with him I sent a brother.
Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit?
Did we not walk in the same steps?
19 (Ro 9:1; 2Co 10:8) Again, do you think that we are defending ourselves
to you? We speak before God in Christ. We do all things, beloved, for your
edifying.
20 (Ro 1:29; 1Co 1:11) For I fear that when I come, I shall not find you
such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish.
I fear there are debates, envying, wrath, strife, backbiting, whispering,
arrogance, and disorder.
21 (2Co 13:2; 1Co 5:1) And I fear that when I come again, my God will
humble me among you, and that I shall mourn for many who have sinned already,
who have not repented of uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lasciviousness
which they have committed.
[11] I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to
have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest
apostles, though I be nothing.
[12] Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience,
in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
[13] For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be
that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
[14] Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be
burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not
to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
[15] And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more
abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
[16] But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I
caught you with guile.
[17] Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
[18] I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain
of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
[19] Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God
in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
[20] For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would,
and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be
debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings,
tumults:
[21] And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that
I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the
uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
2 Corinthians 13
Final Warnings and Greetings
1 (Dt 19:15; 2Co 12:14) This is the third time I am coming to you. "In the
mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (Dt 19:15.)
2 (2Co 1:23) I told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second
time. And being absent now, I write to those who have sinned before, and to
all the others, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone,
3 (Mt 10:20) since you seek proof of Christ speaking through me, who toward
you is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4 (1Pe 3:18; Ro 6:4; 1:4) For though He was crucified through weakness, yet
He lives by the power of God. So also we are weak in Him, but we shall live
with Him by the power of God serving you.
5 (1Co 11:28; Ro 8:10) Examine yourselves, seeing whether you are in the
faith; test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless
indeed you are disqualified.
6 I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved,
but that you should do that which is honorable, whether or not we may seem
disqualified.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 (2Co 13:11; 1Th 3:10) For we are glad when we are weak, and you are strong.
We wish even your perfection.
10 (2Co 10:8; 2:3) Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being
present I should be sharp, according to the authority which the Lord has
given me for edification and not for destruction.
11 (Ro 15:33; Mk 9:50; Ro 12:16) Finally, brothers, farewell. Be perfect,
be of good comfort, be of one mind, and live in peace, and the God of love
and peace will be with you.
12 (Ro 16:16) Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you.
14 (Ro 16:20; Php 2:1; Jude 1:21) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Amen.
[1] This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three
witnesses shall every word be established.
[2] I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second
time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and
to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
[3] Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not
weak, but is mighty in you.
[4] For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power
of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power
of God toward you.
[5] Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be
reprobates?
[6] But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
[7] Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear
approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as
reprobates.
[8] For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
[9] For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we
wish, even your perfection.
[10] Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I
should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to
edification, and not to destruction.
[11] Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
[12] Greet one another with an holy kiss.
[13] All the saints salute you.
[14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 5 December 2023 Titled
God's Comforting Commitment
Joshua 1:1-9
The Lord Commissions Joshua
1 (Ex 24:13; Dt 1:38) Now after the death of Moses
the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun,
the assistant of Moses:
2 "Moses My servant is dead, so now get up and cross over the Jordan
-you and all this people-to the land that I am giving
to the children of Israel.
3 (Dt 11:24; Jos 14:9) I have given you every place
that the sole of your foot shall tread, as I said to Moses.
4 (Ex 23:31) From the wilderness and this Lebanon,
as far as the great river, the River Euphrates,
all the land of the Hittites,
and to the Mediterranean Sea toward the setting of the sun
will be your territory.
5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6-8) No man will be able to stand against you
all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, I will be with you.
I will not abandon you. I will not leave you.
6 (Jos 1:7; 1:9) "Be strong and courageous, for you shall provide
the land that I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance
for this people.
7 (Dt 5:32; 28:14) Be strong and very courageous, in order to act
carefully in accordance with all the law that My servant Moses
commanded you. Do not turn aside from it to the right or the left,
so that you may succeed wherever you go.
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart
from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may act
carefully according to all that is written in it. For then you will make
your way successful, and you will be wise.
9 (Ge 28:15; Dt 31:7-8) Have not I commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord
your God is with you wherever you go."
[1] Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass,
that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
[2] Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan,
thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even
to the children of Israel.
[3] Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I
given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
[4] From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the
river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward
the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
[5] There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy
life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee,
nor forsake thee.
[6] Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide
for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
[7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not
from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper
whithersoever thou goest.
[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.
Years ago, our family visited Four Corners, the only place in the United States
where four states meet at one location. My husband stood in the section marked
Arizona. Our oldest son, A.J., hopped into Utah. Our youngest son, Xavier, held
my hand as we stepped into Colorado. When I scooted into New Mexico, Xavier said,
"Mom, I can't believe you left me in Colorado!" We were together and apart as our
laughter was heard in four different states. Now that our grown sons have left
home, I have a deeper appreciation of God's promise to be near all His people
wherever they go.
After Moses died, God called Joshua into leadership and guaranteed His
presence as He expanded the Israelite's territory (Joshua 1:1-4). God said,
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor
forsake you" (v. 5). Knowing that Joshua would struggle with doubt and fear
as the new leader of His people, God built a foundation of hope on these words:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not
be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (v. 9).
No matter where God leads us or our loved ones, even through difficult times,
His most comforting commitment assures us that He's always present.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
How has God recently comforted you with His constant presence? How does His
commitment to be present help when you’re far from loved ones?
Ever-present God, thank You for comforting me
with the promise of Your constant presence.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 3 - From Darkness to Light
Col 1:13-14
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has transferred us
into the kingdom of His dear Son,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of
sins:
Most of us have no real concept of darkness. We live in a world illuminated
not only by sun, moon and start, bit by streetlights and electric lamps and,
when the power goes off, flashlights and candles. We resist the darkness
For the sighted, being in absolute darkness is a frightening experience.
The dark blots out everything; we can see nothing, not even our own bodies,
and we may become disoriented. The dark seems to press in upon us,
with an almost physical weight that oppresses.
Spiritual darkness is like that. Spiritual darkness,
the absence of light in Christ, is oppressive, weighing us down,
distorting our perceptions of realty.
We cannot judge clearly, for we cannot see at all.
Yet God breaks into our darkness, bringing his light - Jesus Christ,
The Light of the World. When the awareness of Christ invades our lives,
our eyes are opened and we can see for the first time. We see our sin,
God's grace, and the Way he has provided for escape from the dark.
And as we continue to walk in his light, we see even more - the need
for changes in our lives, and God's power to work those changes.
Discernment and wisdom come through his light,
and we understand spiritual truths we could never see before.
Paul says that God has 'rescued' us from darkness and brought us
into the light. We cannot, on our own, accomplish this rescue,
but god through Christ's sacrifice brings it about in us.
He is the light who illuminates our darkness.
Application
a) Many different kinds of spiritual darkness invade our lives
and keep us blind to the truth - sin, lack of understanding,
resistance to the Holy Spirit. What kinds of spiritual darkness
have I experienced?
b) What changes took place in me when I first 'came into the light'?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 8:18
18 But you must remember the Lord your God,
for it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth,
so that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers,
as it is today.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth
thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant
which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Guiding Presence
Ps 119:105-112
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,
that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am greatly afflicted;
revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept the freewill offerings of my praise, O Lord,
and teach me Your judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand,
yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a trap for me,
yet I do not depart from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my inheritance forever,
for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes always,
even unto the end.
Nun
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
And a light unto my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,
That I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much:
Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,
And teach me thy judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand:
Yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me:
Yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever:
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes
Alway, even unto the end.
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 facility, 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 nothern 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
5th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
(PS 145:13-18
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
and loving in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,
to all who call upon Him in truth.
)
Mem
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Zade
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
And holy in all his works.
Qoph
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
To all that call upon him in truth.
b) Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,
and lead me in the ancient way. "
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
)
Advent Day 10
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered
time after time. He shatters it Himself. He is the great iconoclast.
Could we not almost say that this shattering is one of the marks of
His presence? The incarnation is the supreme example; it leaves
all previous ideas of the Messiah in ruins. And most are 'offended'
by iconoclasm; and blessed are those who are not. But the same
thing happens in our private prayers" - C.S. Lewis
(read this and more in A Grief Observed, p.78)
Immanuel the Iconoclast
When Lewis wrote these words about iconoclasm, he was going through
a very difficult period of his life. His wife Joy Davidman had died recently.
God wasn't acting the way Lewis thought he should under those circumstances.
God didn't seem to be hearing his prayers, even though he was.
Likewise, everyone in 1st Century Judaism had an idea of what the Messiah
would look like when he came. Some thought of the Messiah as a conquering
king, but only few thought of him as a suffering servant. Pilate, too,
had an idea of the kind of leader Jesus was alleged to be when he asked,
"Are you king of the Jews?" (John 18:33) . That's when Jesus, the Iconoclast,
said, "My Kingdom is not of this world"
An iconoclast breaks the mold, ignores tradition, does things very
differently. Lewis calls God "the great iconoclast" because one of the
molds that Jesus broke was the kingdom mold. Pilate thought Jesus
was a political leader. and even some of Jesus' followers thought that
he had come to drive out the Roman occupiers and bring political
freedom to Israel. But Jesus told Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this
world." Too often we think like Pilate, looking for political solutions
when we should be thinking of spiritual solutions.
What icons, images, or molds is God breaking in your life? What
expectations do you have that God does not seem to meet? Perhaps
that is his plan. It usually is.
God, give us patience to await your blessing and the faith to
believe that it is coming. Amen.
My kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
TUESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
The Sign
For nothing will be impossible with God.
-Luke 1:37
Perhaps Mary still had confusions and fears.
Absolutely the angel's message quite overwhelmed her.
Knowingly, Gabriel
gave her a sign to reassure her that his message was trustworthy. Her
relative Elizabeth, in spite of her old age, was also expecting a child
and was six months along. Indeed, this sign was as much a miracle
as Mary would soon sustain.
The motif of this story is true for all of us:
"Nothing will be impossible with God." This statement is true for
so many of the biblical stories; we can read about God doing
all kinds of astounding things in the Scriptures. Martin Luther
said that Mary's acceptance of God's arrangement for her
was as much a miracle as for God to produce a child in a virgin.
How have we seen that nothing is impossible with God?
What miracles have happened in our lives or in the life of someone we know?
Are we bothered by the word miracles? Or shall we name them God's wonders?
prayer
Thank you, God, for your radiant creations! Amen.
Read Luke 1:30-37.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AFFIRMATION!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.
so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ROMANS 15:13
Did you know that it takes at least nine words of affirmation and
encouragement to overcome one word of criticism and hatred? How often
do you or your family or your congregation share encouraging words with
each other? when was the last time you said "Way to go!" to someone, or
gave a "You Done Good" award? Why is it that the deer and the antelope
seldom hear a discouraging word ... yet we hear them all the time?
Advent is a time for affirmation of other because we know gow life will
turn out- in the Lord! We can praise and thank and hug others because
the Lord is doing that each day to us - through his Word and sacraments,
and through others who hug and care for us. Hope in the Lord Jesus is to
know that even when there is no hope... there is hope in Chirst.
We Advent ambassadors abound in hope and affirmation because, as
St . Paul states, the Lord fills us "with all joy and peace in believing".
What a Christmas gift the Lord gives to us each day! And we do not even have
to wrap it before we give it to others!
Affirmation (aka, hope) means Hooray Opportunities Proclaiming Easter!
And why wait until Easter, or even Christmas for that matter?
Let us see how we can bring hope and affirmation to the people around us, right
now! The AH-HA of affirmation is contagious. Let's pray for an epidemic!
Lord, bring hope to us today so that we can bring hope to others in this
often hopeless world. We are firm in our faith in you. Help us
to be firm as we share love and hope with others, right now.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Romans 15:7-13
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us, for the
glory of God.
8 (Mt 15:24; 2Co 1:20) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to
the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises made
to the patriarchs,
9 (2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49) and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His
mercy, as it is written:
“For this reason I will acknowledge You among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to Your name."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Dt 32:43) He also says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"(Dt 32:43.)
11 (Ps 117:1) And again:
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise Him." (Ps 117:1.)
12 (Isa 11:10; Mt 12:21) And again Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in Him shall the Gentiles hope." (Isa 11:10.)
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy
Spirit.
From On Eagle's wings Day 10
Titled by Building God's Kingdom While Longing for Home
by Jim Stauffer (Ecumenical)
Former Missionary and Retired Educator
Whati, Northwest Territories
Luke 2:30-31
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 which You have prepared in the sight of all people,
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
[31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
One of my favorite Advent hymns begins:
"O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here"
In the time before Jesus was born, the Jewish people longed for
relief. They suffered under a brutal Roman military
occupation. When Jesus finally arrived, he didn't overthrow
the oppressors as people expected. Instead, Jesus invited
people back to their creation purpose, to partner with God and
bring life and flourishing into the world. All over that brutal
Roman Empire, his followers created the kingdom of God
around themselves, serving the needs of others instead of
grabbing power.
As I write this at the end of August, tens of thousands of
people have fled NWT wildfires. The hot dry weather
continues, and their campers and hotels are beginning to feel
like an exile with no end in sight. Jesus did not send heavy
rains to drown the fires as people prayed. But all across
western Canada, people responded with food and kindness to
the evacuees in their area. Like the early Jesus followers, they
created little islands of the kingdom of God in a time of fear
and uncertainty.
Dear Lord, teach us to build your kingdom of peace and
flourishing in our communities. Amen.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the spiritual battle around you and
for discernment.
Pray to the Lord: "Ever-present God, thank You for comforting me
with the promise of Your constant presence."
Pray to the Lord and pray to resist spiritual darkness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the power of the Lord in His generosity.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His Word as lamp upon your feet and
a light to your path.
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 Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
Pray God, give us patience to await your blessing and the faith to
believe that it is coming. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, God, for your radiant creations! Amen
Pray: Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Pray : Dear Lord, teach us to build your kingdom of peace and
flourishing in our communities. Amen.
Pray that those who relocate from more restricted nations to the United Arab
Emirates will learn of the Gospel.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) 2 Corinthians 10 , 2 Corinthians 11 , 2 Corinthians 12 , 2 Corinthians 13
2 Corinthians 10
Paul Defends His Ministry
1 (Mt 11:29; 2Co 10:10) Now I, Paul, who am lowly in presence among you but
bold toward you while absent, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness
of Christ.
2 (2Co 13:2; 13:10) I beg you that when I am present, I might not have to be
bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who
think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 (Jer 1:10; 2Co 6:7) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but
mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,
5 (Isa 2:11-12; 1Co 1:19) casting down imaginations and every high thing that
exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
6 (2Co 2:9; 7:15) and being ready to punish all disobedience
when your obedience is complete.
7 (2Co 5:12; Jn 7:24; 1Co 14:37) Do you look at things from the outward
appearance? If any man trusts that he is Christ's, let him consider again
that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
8 (2Co 13:10) For even if I should boast somewhat more of our authority,
which the Lord has given us for edification and not for your destruction,
I shall not be ashamed,
9 lest I appear to frighten you by my letters.
10 (1Co 1:17; 2Co 11:6) "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and
powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."
11 Let such a person consider this: that as we are in word by letters
when we are absent, we will also be in deed when we are present.
12 (2Co 3:1; Pr 26:12) For we dare not count or compare ourselves with those
who commend themselves. They who measure themselves by one another
and compare themselves with one another are not wise.
13 (Ro 15:20) But we will not boast beyond measure, but within the boundaries
which God has appointed us, which reach even you.
14 (1Co 4:15) For we are not overextending ourselves as though we did not
reach you, since we have come to you, preaching the gospel of Christ.
15 (Ro 15:20; 2Co 10:13) We are not boasting of things beyond our measure
in other men's labors. But we have hope that when your faith is increased,
our region shall be greatly enlarged by you,
16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you and not to boast in another
man's accomplishments.
17 (1Co 1:31; Jer 9:23-24) But, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
(Jer 9:24.)
18 (Ro 2:29; 1Co 4:5) For it is not he who commends himself who is approved,
but he whom the Lord commends.
[1] Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ,
who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
[2] But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that
confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as
if we walked according to the flesh.
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
[4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;)
[5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to
the obedience of Christ;
[6] And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your
obedience is fulfilled.
[7] Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to
himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as
he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
[8] For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord
hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be
ashamed:
[9] That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
[10] For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily
presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
[11] Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters
when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
[12] For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with
some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves,
and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
[13] But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to
the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach
even unto you.
[14] For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached
not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel
of Christ:
[15] Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's
labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be
enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
[16] To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in
another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
[17] But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
[18] For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord
commendeth.
2 Corinthians 11
Paul and the False Apostles
1 (2Co 5:13; 11:4) I would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly.
Indeed, bear with me.
2 (Isa 54:5; Hos 2:19-20) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For
I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin
to Christ.
3 (Rev 12:9; Ge 3:4; Jn 8:44) But I fear that somehow, as the serpent
deceived Eve through his trickery, so your minds might be led astray
from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 (1Co 3:11; Gal 1:6-8) For if he who comes preaches another Jesus,
whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which
you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted,
you might submit to it readily enough.
5 For I think I am not in any way inferior to the most eminent
of the apostles.
6 (1Co 1:17; Eph 3:4) Even though I am unpolished in speech, yet I am not
in knowledge. All things about us have been thoroughly revealed to you.
7 (2Co 12:13) Did I commit a sin in abasing myself that you might be exalted,
because I preached to you the gospel of God free of charge?
8 I robbed other churches by accepting wages from them to serve you.
9 (1Th 2:6) Furthermore, when I was present with you and was lacking,
I was a burden to no one. For the brothers who came from Macedonia
supplied what I lacked. In all things I have kept myself from being
burdensome to you, and so will I keep myself.
10 (Ro 9:1; Ac 18:12) As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop
me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11 (2Co 12:15; 12:2-3) Why? Because I do not love you? God knows.
12 (1Co 9:12) And I will continue doing what I am doing, that I may cut off
the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be found equal to us
in what they boast about.
13 (Rev 2:2; Gal 1:7) For such are false apostles and deceitful workers,
disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
14 (Gal 1:8) And no wonder! For even Satan disguises himself as an angel
of light.
15 (Php 3:19; 2Co 3:9) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also
disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be
according to their works.
[1] Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear
with me.
[2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you
to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his
subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in
Christ.
[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not
preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or
another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
[5] For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
[6] But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been
throughly made manifest among you in all things.
[7] Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted,
because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
[8] I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
[9] And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man:
for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia
supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto
you, and so will I keep myself.
[10] As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting
in the regions of Achaia.
[11] Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
[12] But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them
which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as
we.
[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves
into the apostles of Christ.
[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as
the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle
16 (2Co 11:1; 12:6) I say again, let no one think that I am a fool.
Otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, so that I also may boast a little.
17 (1Co 7:12; 2Co 9:4) What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but
as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast.
19 (1Co 4:10) For you tolerate fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.
20 (Gal 2:4; 4:3) For you permit it if a man brings you into bondage, if a
man devours you, if a man takes from you, if a man exalts himself, or if a
man strikes you on the face.
21 (2Co 10:10; 10:1-2) I say to my reproach that we were too weak for that.
But whenever anyone is bold (I speak foolishly), I am bold also.
22 (Php 3:5; Ro 11:1) Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites?
So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
23 (1Co 15:10; 2Co 6:4-5) Are they servants of Christ? I speak as a fool.
I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure,
in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one.
25 (Ac 14:19) Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned;
three times I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 (Ac 14:5; 13:50; 17:5) in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils
of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in
perils among false brothers;
27 (2Co 6:5; Php 4:12; 1Th 2:9) in weariness and painfulness, in
sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold
and nakedness.
28 Beside the external things, the care of all the churches pressures
me daily.
29 (1Co 8:13; 9:22) Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin,
and I am not distressed?
30 (1Co 2:3) If I must boast, I will boast of the things which concern
my weakness.
31 (Ro 9:5; Jn 10:30) The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is blessed forevermore, knows that I am not lying.
32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas secured
the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me.
33 (Ac 9:25) But I was let down by the wall through a window in a basket
and escaped his hands.
[16] I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool
receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
[17] That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were
foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
[18] Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
[19] For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
[20] For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if
a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
[21] I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit
whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
[22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the
seed of Abraham? so am I.
[23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours
more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths
oft.
[24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
[25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered
shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
[26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in
perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the
city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among
false brethren;
[27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst,
in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
[28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily,
the care of all the churches.
[29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine
infirmities.
[31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for
evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
[32] In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the
Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
[33] And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and
escaped his hands.
2 Corinthians 12
Visions and Revelations
1 (Gal 1:12; 2:2) Doubtless it is not profitable for me to boast.
So I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 (2Co 11:11; Ac 22:17) I knew a man in Christ over fourteen years ag
-whether in the body or out of the body I cannot tell, God knows-such
a one was caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew that such a man-whether in the body or out of the body I cannot
tell, God knows-
4 (Lk 23:43; Rev 2:7) was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible
words not permitted for a man to say.
5 Of such a person, I will boast. Yet of myself I will not boast, except in
my weaknesses.
6 (2Co 11:16) For if I desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be
speaking the truth. But now I resist, lest anyone should think of me above
that which he sees me to be or hears from me.
7 (Nu 33:55; Eze 28:24) And lest I should be exalted above measure
by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh,
a messenger of Satan, to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
9 (Php 4:13; 2Co 12:10; Isa 40:29-31) But He said to me, "My grace is
sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ
may rest upon me.
10 (Ro 5:3; 2Co 13:4) So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in
hardships, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake. For when
I am weak, then I am strong.
[1] It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions
and revelations of the Lord.
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I
cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such
an one caught up to the third heaven.
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I
cannot tell: God knoweth;)
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words,
which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine
infirmities.
[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will
say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that
which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the
revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of
Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am
weak, then am I strong.
Paul's Concern for the Corinthian Church
11 (2Co 11:5; 11:1) I have become a fool in boasting. You have compelled me,
for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior
to the leading apostles, though I am nothing.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were performed among you in all patience,
in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13 (1Co 9:12; 2Co 12:14) For in what respect were you inferior to other
churches, unless it be that I myself was not burdensome to you?
Forgive me this wrong!
14 (Pr 19:14; 1Co 4:14-15) I am ready to come to you this third time.
And I will not be burdensome to you, for I do not seek what is yours,
but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but
the parents for the children.
15 (Php 2:17; 1Th 2:8) And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.
If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16 But be that as it may. I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty,
I caught you with deceit.
17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?
18 (2Co 8:6; Ro 4:12) I urged Titus to go, and with him I sent a brother.
Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit?
Did we not walk in the same steps?
19 (Ro 9:1; 2Co 10:8) Again, do you think that we are defending ourselves
to you? We speak before God in Christ. We do all things, beloved, for your
edifying.
20 (Ro 1:29; 1Co 1:11) For I fear that when I come, I shall not find you
such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish.
I fear there are debates, envying, wrath, strife, backbiting, whispering,
arrogance, and disorder.
21 (2Co 13:2; 1Co 5:1) And I fear that when I come again, my God will
humble me among you, and that I shall mourn for many who have sinned already,
who have not repented of uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lasciviousness
which they have committed.
[11] I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to
have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest
apostles, though I be nothing.
[12] Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience,
in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
[13] For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be
that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
[14] Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be
burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not
to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
[15] And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more
abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
[16] But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I
caught you with guile.
[17] Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
[18] I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain
of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
[19] Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God
in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
[20] For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would,
and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be
debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings,
tumults:
[21] And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that
I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the
uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
2 Corinthians 13
Final Warnings and Greetings
1 (Dt 19:15; 2Co 12:14) This is the third time I am coming to you. "In the
mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (Dt 19:15.)
2 (2Co 1:23) I told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second
time. And being absent now, I write to those who have sinned before, and to
all the others, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone,
3 (Mt 10:20) since you seek proof of Christ speaking through me, who toward
you is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4 (1Pe 3:18; Ro 6:4; 1:4) For though He was crucified through weakness, yet
He lives by the power of God. So also we are weak in Him, but we shall live
with Him by the power of God serving you.
5 (1Co 11:28; Ro 8:10) Examine yourselves, seeing whether you are in the
faith; test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless
indeed you are disqualified.
6 I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved,
but that you should do that which is honorable, whether or not we may seem
disqualified.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 (2Co 13:11; 1Th 3:10) For we are glad when we are weak, and you are strong.
We wish even your perfection.
10 (2Co 10:8; 2:3) Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being
present I should be sharp, according to the authority which the Lord has
given me for edification and not for destruction.
11 (Ro 15:33; Mk 9:50; Ro 12:16) Finally, brothers, farewell. Be perfect,
be of good comfort, be of one mind, and live in peace, and the God of love
and peace will be with you.
12 (Ro 16:16) Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you.
14 (Ro 16:20; Php 2:1; Jude 1:21) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Amen.
[1] This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three
witnesses shall every word be established.
[2] I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second
time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and
to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
[3] Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not
weak, but is mighty in you.
[4] For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power
of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power
of God toward you.
[5] Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be
reprobates?
[6] But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
[7] Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear
approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as
reprobates.
[8] For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
[9] For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we
wish, even your perfection.
[10] Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I
should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to
edification, and not to destruction.
[11] Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
[12] Greet one another with an holy kiss.
[13] All the saints salute you.
[14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 5 December 2023 Titled
God's Comforting Commitment
Joshua 1:1-9
The Lord Commissions Joshua
1 (Ex 24:13; Dt 1:38) Now after the death of Moses
the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun,
the assistant of Moses:
2 "Moses My servant is dead, so now get up and cross over the Jordan
-you and all this people-to the land that I am giving
to the children of Israel.
3 (Dt 11:24; Jos 14:9) I have given you every place
that the sole of your foot shall tread, as I said to Moses.
4 (Ex 23:31) From the wilderness and this Lebanon,
as far as the great river, the River Euphrates,
all the land of the Hittites,
and to the Mediterranean Sea toward the setting of the sun
will be your territory.
5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6-8) No man will be able to stand against you
all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, I will be with you.
I will not abandon you. I will not leave you.
6 (Jos 1:7; 1:9) "Be strong and courageous, for you shall provide
the land that I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance
for this people.
7 (Dt 5:32; 28:14) Be strong and very courageous, in order to act
carefully in accordance with all the law that My servant Moses
commanded you. Do not turn aside from it to the right or the left,
so that you may succeed wherever you go.
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart
from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may act
carefully according to all that is written in it. For then you will make
your way successful, and you will be wise.
9 (Ge 28:15; Dt 31:7-8) Have not I commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord
your God is with you wherever you go."
[1] Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass,
that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
[2] Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan,
thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even
to the children of Israel.
[3] Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I
given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
[4] From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the
river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward
the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
[5] There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy
life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee,
nor forsake thee.
[6] Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide
for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
[7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do
according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not
from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper
whithersoever thou goest.
[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.
Years ago, our family visited Four Corners, the only place in the United States
where four states meet at one location. My husband stood in the section marked
Arizona. Our oldest son, A.J., hopped into Utah. Our youngest son, Xavier, held
my hand as we stepped into Colorado. When I scooted into New Mexico, Xavier said,
"Mom, I can't believe you left me in Colorado!" We were together and apart as our
laughter was heard in four different states. Now that our grown sons have left
home, I have a deeper appreciation of God's promise to be near all His people
wherever they go.
After Moses died, God called Joshua into leadership and guaranteed His
presence as He expanded the Israelite's territory (Joshua 1:1-4). God said,
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor
forsake you" (v. 5). Knowing that Joshua would struggle with doubt and fear
as the new leader of His people, God built a foundation of hope on these words:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not
be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (v. 9).
No matter where God leads us or our loved ones, even through difficult times,
His most comforting commitment assures us that He's always present.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
How has God recently comforted you with His constant presence? How does His
commitment to be present help when you’re far from loved ones?
Ever-present God, thank You for comforting me
with the promise of Your constant presence.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 3 - From Darkness to Light
Col 1:13-14
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has transferred us
into the kingdom of His dear Son,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of
sins:
Most of us have no real concept of darkness. We live in a world illuminated
not only by sun, moon and start, bit by streetlights and electric lamps and,
when the power goes off, flashlights and candles. We resist the darkness
For the sighted, being in absolute darkness is a frightening experience.
The dark blots out everything; we can see nothing, not even our own bodies,
and we may become disoriented. The dark seems to press in upon us,
with an almost physical weight that oppresses.
Spiritual darkness is like that. Spiritual darkness,
the absence of light in Christ, is oppressive, weighing us down,
distorting our perceptions of realty.
We cannot judge clearly, for we cannot see at all.
Yet God breaks into our darkness, bringing his light - Jesus Christ,
The Light of the World. When the awareness of Christ invades our lives,
our eyes are opened and we can see for the first time. We see our sin,
God's grace, and the Way he has provided for escape from the dark.
And as we continue to walk in his light, we see even more - the need
for changes in our lives, and God's power to work those changes.
Discernment and wisdom come through his light,
and we understand spiritual truths we could never see before.
Paul says that God has 'rescued' us from darkness and brought us
into the light. We cannot, on our own, accomplish this rescue,
but god through Christ's sacrifice brings it about in us.
He is the light who illuminates our darkness.
Application
a) Many different kinds of spiritual darkness invade our lives
and keep us blind to the truth - sin, lack of understanding,
resistance to the Holy Spirit. What kinds of spiritual darkness
have I experienced?
b) What changes took place in me when I first 'came into the light'?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 8:18
18 But you must remember the Lord your God,
for it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth,
so that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers,
as it is today.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth
thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant
which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Guiding Presence
Ps 119:105-112
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,
that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am greatly afflicted;
revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept the freewill offerings of my praise, O Lord,
and teach me Your judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand,
yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a trap for me,
yet I do not depart from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my inheritance forever,
for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes always,
even unto the end.
Nun
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
And a light unto my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,
That I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much:
Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,
And teach me thy judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand:
Yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me:
Yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever:
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes
Alway, even unto the end.
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 facility, 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 nothern 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
5th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
(PS 145:13-18
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
and loving in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,
to all who call upon Him in truth.
)
Mem
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Zade
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
And holy in all his works.
Qoph
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
To all that call upon him in truth.
b) Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,
and lead me in the ancient way. "
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
)
Advent Day 10
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered
time after time. He shatters it Himself. He is the great iconoclast.
Could we not almost say that this shattering is one of the marks of
His presence? The incarnation is the supreme example; it leaves
all previous ideas of the Messiah in ruins. And most are 'offended'
by iconoclasm; and blessed are those who are not. But the same
thing happens in our private prayers" - C.S. Lewis
(read this and more in A Grief Observed, p.78)
Immanuel the Iconoclast
When Lewis wrote these words about iconoclasm, he was going through
a very difficult period of his life. His wife Joy Davidman had died recently.
God wasn't acting the way Lewis thought he should under those circumstances.
God didn't seem to be hearing his prayers, even though he was.
Likewise, everyone in 1st Century Judaism had an idea of what the Messiah
would look like when he came. Some thought of the Messiah as a conquering
king, but only few thought of him as a suffering servant. Pilate, too,
had an idea of the kind of leader Jesus was alleged to be when he asked,
"Are you king of the Jews?" (John 18:33) . That's when Jesus, the Iconoclast,
said, "My Kingdom is not of this world"
An iconoclast breaks the mold, ignores tradition, does things very
differently. Lewis calls God "the great iconoclast" because one of the
molds that Jesus broke was the kingdom mold. Pilate thought Jesus
was a political leader. and even some of Jesus' followers thought that
he had come to drive out the Roman occupiers and bring political
freedom to Israel. But Jesus told Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this
world." Too often we think like Pilate, looking for political solutions
when we should be thinking of spiritual solutions.
What icons, images, or molds is God breaking in your life? What
expectations do you have that God does not seem to meet? Perhaps
that is his plan. It usually is.
God, give us patience to await your blessing and the faith to
believe that it is coming. Amen.
My kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
TUESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
The Sign
For nothing will be impossible with God.
-Luke 1:37
Perhaps Mary still had confusions and fears.
Absolutely the angel's message quite overwhelmed her.
Knowingly, Gabriel
gave her a sign to reassure her that his message was trustworthy. Her
relative Elizabeth, in spite of her old age, was also expecting a child
and was six months along. Indeed, this sign was as much a miracle
as Mary would soon sustain.
The motif of this story is true for all of us:
"Nothing will be impossible with God." This statement is true for
so many of the biblical stories; we can read about God doing
all kinds of astounding things in the Scriptures. Martin Luther
said that Mary's acceptance of God's arrangement for her
was as much a miracle as for God to produce a child in a virgin.
How have we seen that nothing is impossible with God?
What miracles have happened in our lives or in the life of someone we know?
Are we bothered by the word miracles? Or shall we name them God's wonders?
prayer
Thank you, God, for your radiant creations! Amen.
Read Luke 1:30-37.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AFFIRMATION!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.
so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ROMANS 15:13
Did you know that it takes at least nine words of affirmation and
encouragement to overcome one word of criticism and hatred? How often
do you or your family or your congregation share encouraging words with
each other? when was the last time you said "Way to go!" to someone, or
gave a "You Done Good" award? Why is it that the deer and the antelope
seldom hear a discouraging word ... yet we hear them all the time?
Advent is a time for affirmation of other because we know gow life will
turn out- in the Lord! We can praise and thank and hug others because
the Lord is doing that each day to us - through his Word and sacraments,
and through others who hug and care for us. Hope in the Lord Jesus is to
know that even when there is no hope... there is hope in Chirst.
We Advent ambassadors abound in hope and affirmation because, as
St . Paul states, the Lord fills us "with all joy and peace in believing".
What a Christmas gift the Lord gives to us each day! And we do not even have
to wrap it before we give it to others!
Affirmation (aka, hope) means Hooray Opportunities Proclaiming Easter!
And why wait until Easter, or even Christmas for that matter?
Let us see how we can bring hope and affirmation to the people around us, right
now! The AH-HA of affirmation is contagious. Let's pray for an epidemic!
Lord, bring hope to us today so that we can bring hope to others in this
often hopeless world. We are firm in our faith in you. Help us
to be firm as we share love and hope with others, right now.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Romans 15:7-13
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us, for the
glory of God.
8 (Mt 15:24; 2Co 1:20) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to
the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises made
to the patriarchs,
9 (2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49) and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His
mercy, as it is written:
“For this reason I will acknowledge You among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to Your name."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Dt 32:43) He also says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"(Dt 32:43.)
11 (Ps 117:1) And again:
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise Him." (Ps 117:1.)
12 (Isa 11:10; Mt 12:21) And again Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in Him shall the Gentiles hope." (Isa 11:10.)
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy
Spirit.
From On Eagle's wings Day 10
Titled by Building God's Kingdom While Longing for Home
by Jim Stauffer (Ecumenical)
Former Missionary and Retired Educator
Whati, Northwest Territories
Luke 2:30-31
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 which You have prepared in the sight of all people,
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
[31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
One of my favorite Advent hymns begins:
"O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here"
In the time before Jesus was born, the Jewish people longed for
relief. They suffered under a brutal Roman military
occupation. When Jesus finally arrived, he didn't overthrow
the oppressors as people expected. Instead, Jesus invited
people back to their creation purpose, to partner with God and
bring life and flourishing into the world. All over that brutal
Roman Empire, his followers created the kingdom of God
around themselves, serving the needs of others instead of
grabbing power.
As I write this at the end of August, tens of thousands of
people have fled NWT wildfires. The hot dry weather
continues, and their campers and hotels are beginning to feel
like an exile with no end in sight. Jesus did not send heavy
rains to drown the fires as people prayed. But all across
western Canada, people responded with food and kindness to
the evacuees in their area. Like the early Jesus followers, they
created little islands of the kingdom of God in a time of fear
and uncertainty.
Dear Lord, teach us to build your kingdom of peace and
flourishing in our communities. Amen.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the spiritual battle around you and
for discernment.
Pray to the Lord: "Ever-present God, thank You for comforting me
with the promise of Your constant presence."
Pray to the Lord and pray to resist spiritual darkness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the power of the Lord in His generosity.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His Word as lamp upon your feet and
a light to your path.
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 Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
Pray God, give us patience to await your blessing and the faith to
believe that it is coming. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, God, for your radiant creations! Amen
Pray: Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Pray : Dear Lord, teach us to build your kingdom of peace and
flourishing in our communities. Amen.
Pray that those who relocate from more restricted nations to the United Arab
Emirates will learn of the Gospel.
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.