Day 341 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 7 December 2023 reflections - 12th Day of Advent
Day 341, 7 December 2023, - 12th Day of Advent
1) Acts 24, Acts 25, Acts 26
Acts 24
The Case Against Paul
1 (Ac 23:2; 24:11) After five days Ananias the high priest arrived with some
of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought before the governor
their charges against Paul.
2 When he was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Since through
you we enjoy much peace, and your foresight is bringing reforms
to this nation,
3 (Ac 23:26; 26:25) with all thankfulness, most excellent Felix,
we always welcome it everywhere.
4 But not to detain you further,
I beg you to briefly hear us in your patience.
5 (Ac 28:22; 24:14; 15:5) "We have found this man a troublemaker, instigating
riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect
of the Nazarenes.
6 He even tried to profane the temple.
So we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law.
7 But the commander, Lysias, came to us and forcefully took him
out of our hands,
8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you
will be able to learn about all these things concerning which we accuse him."
9 The Jews assented, alleging these things to be true.
1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and
with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing
that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done
unto this nation by thy providence,
3 we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all
thankfulness.
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that
thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among
all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the
Nazarenes:
6 who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took,
and would have judged according to our law.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him
away out of our hands,
8 commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself
mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
Paul's Defense Before Felix
10 After the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Knowing that
for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully defend
myself.
11 (Ac 24:1; 21:18) You may verify that it is no more than twelve days since
I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 (Ac 25:8; 28:17) They did not find me in the temple or in the synagogues
or in the city disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.
13 (Ac 25:7) They cannot prove the things concerning which they now accuse me.
14 (Ac 3:13; 9:2) However, I affirm that in accordance with the Way, which
they call a sect, I worship the God of my fathers and believe everything
written in the Law and in the Prophets.
15 (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28-29) I have hope in God that there will be a resurrection
of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, which they also expect.
16 (Ac 23:1) In this do I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God
and toward men.
17 (Gal 2:10; Ac 11:29-30) "Now after many years I came to bring alms
and offerings to my nation,
18 (Ac 26:21) when some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple,
neither with a crowd nor an uproar.
19 (Ac 23:30) They ought to be here before you to accuse me if they have any
charges.
20 Or let these men say what crime they found in me when I stood before the
Sanhedrin,
21 (Ac 23:6) unless it is concerning this one statement which I cried out
while standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead,
I am being judged by you this day.' "
22 When Felix, who had more exact knowledge concerning the Way, had heard
this, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander
arrives, I will decide your case."
23 (Ac 27:3; 28:16) Then he ordered the centurion to guard Paul,
and to let him have liberty, and to forbid none of his own people from
attending to him.
10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,
answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto
this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days
since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither
raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy,
so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written
in the law and in the prophets:
15 and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there
shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of
offence toward God, and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither
with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought
against me.
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me,
while I stood before the council,
21 except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching
the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that
way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come
down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and
that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
Paul Held in Custody
24 (Ac 20:21; Gal 2:16) After several days, when Felix arrived with his wife
Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning
faith in Christ.
25 (Ac 10:42; Gal 5:23) As he lectured about righteousness, self-control,
and the coming judgment, Felix was afraid and answered, "For now, leave!
When time permits, I will send for you."
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he
might release him. So he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
27 (Ac 25:9; 25:14; 12:3) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix.
And Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was
a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,
Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a
convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might
loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix,
willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts 25
Paul Appeals to Caesar
1 (Ac 23:34) Now three days after Festus had come into the province, he went
from Caesarea up to Jerusalem.
2 (Ac 25:15; 24:1) The high priest and the elders of the Jews spoke to him
against Paul. And they begged him,
3 asking as a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem,
plotting to kill him along the way.
4 Festus said that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself
intended to go there shortly.
5 He also said, "Let the men in authority go down
with me. If there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."
6 (Ac 25:17; Mt 27:19) Having stayed among them more than ten days, he went
down to Caesarea. And the next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered
that Paul be brought in.
7 (Ac 24:13; Lk 23:2) When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from
Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges against him
which they could not prove,
8 (Ac 24:12; 28:17) while he defended himself, saying, "Neither against
the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have
I sinned at all."
9 (Ac 24:27; 25:20) Desiring to do the Jews a favor, Festus answered, "Are you
willing to go up to Jerusalem to be judged
concerning these charges before me?"
10 Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought
to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you know very well.
11 (Ac 26:32; 28:19) If I am doing wrong or have done anything worthy
of death, I do not refuse to die. But if these are empty charges of
which these men accuse me, no one may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."
12 When Festus had conferred with the council, he then answered,
"To Caesar you have appealed. To Caesar you shall go."
1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended
from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul,
and besought him,
3 and desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem,
laying wait in the way to kill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cæsarea, and that he
himself would depart shortly thither.
5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me,
and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto
Cæsarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be
brought.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round
about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could
not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither
against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt
thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar's judgment seat, where I ought to be
judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I
refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse
me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered,
Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.
Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice
13 After several days King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea
to welcome Festus.
14 (Ac 24:27) When they had been there many days, Festus stated Paul's case to
the king, saying, "There is a man left as a prisoner by Felix.
15 When I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
informed me about him, asking for a sentence against him.
16 (Ac 25:4-5; Jn 7:51) "I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans
to deliver any man to die before he who is accused meets the accusers face
to face and has the opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge
brought against him.'
17 (Ac 25:6; 25:10) So when they assembled here, without delay I sat
on the judgment seat the next day and ordered that the man be brought in.
18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such
crimes as I had supposed.
19 (Ac 18:15; 23:29) But they had disagreements with him about their own
religion and about a Man named Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted
was alive.
20 (Ac 25:9) Being perplexed about such questions, I asked if he would be
willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning these charges.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be under guard for the decision of Caesar,
I ordered that he be secured until I could send him to Caesar."
22 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man
myself." He said, "Tomorrow you shall hear him."
23 (Ac 25:13; 26:30) The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp,
and they entered the hall with the commanders and the leading men of the city.
When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in.
24 (Ac 22:22; 25:7) Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all the men who are
present with us, you see this man, concerning whom the whole assembly
of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he
ought not to live any longer.
25 (Ac 23:29; Lk 23:4) I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death.
But when he himself appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him.
26 But I have nothing to write to His Majesty concerning him. Therefore
I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,
so that upon examination, I might have something to write.
27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without signifying
the charges against him."
13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cæsarea
to salute Festus.
14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto
the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of
the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man
to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and
have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I
sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of
such things as I supposed:
19 but had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of
one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether
he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus,
I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cæsar.
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself.
To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp,
and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and
principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us,
ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me,
both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that
he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have
brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa,
that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal
to signify the crimes laid against him.
Acts 26
Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
1 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for
yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today I shall make
my defense before you against all the accusations of the Jews,
3 (Ac 6:14) especially because you are an expert in all customs and
controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to patiently listen to me.
4 (Gal 1:13) "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning
in my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
5 (Ac 23:6; 22:3) They knew me from the beginning and could testify,
if they wished, how according to the strictest sect of our religion
I lived as a Pharisee.
6 (Ac 24:15; 28:20) And now I stand on trial for hope in the promise made
by God to our fathers,
7 (Jas 1:1; Ezr 6:17) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they
earnestly serve God day and night. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa,
I am accused by the Jews.
8 Why is it judged incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 (1Ti 1:13; Ac 22:8) "I, too, thought that I must do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,
10 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) which I indeed did in Jerusalem and locked up
many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests.
And when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.
11 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:19) I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled
them to blaspheme. And being extremely enraged against them, I persecuted them
even to foreign cities.
1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.
Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this
day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
3 especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions
which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own
nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
5 which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify,
that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made
of God unto our fathers:
7 unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night,
hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you,
that God should raise the dead?
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut
up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests;
and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme;
and being exceedingly mad against them,
I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16
12 "So I went to Damascus with authority
and a commission from the chief priests.
13 At midday, O King, I saw along the way a light from heaven, brighter than
the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 (Ac 21:40; 9:7) When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice
saying to me in the Hebrew language,
'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 "I said, 'Who are You, Lord?'
"He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
16 (Ac 22:14-15; Eze 2:1) But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared
to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of
what you have seen and of what I will yet reveal to you.
17 (Ac 9:15; Jer 1:8) I will deliver you from your people
and from the Gentiles to whom I now send you,
18 (Ac 20:32; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 35:5) to open their eyes and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified
by faith in Me.'
12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the
chief priests,
13 at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the
brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed
with me.
14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto
me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest.
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this
purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which
thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17 delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles,
unto whom now I send thee,
18 to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified
by faith that is in me.
Paul's Testimony to Jews and Gentiles
19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
20 (Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19) but declared first to those at Damascus, then at
Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,
that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance.
21 (Ac 21:30-31; 21:27) For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple
and tried to kill me.
22 (Ac 24:14; Lk 24:27) Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue
to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what
the prophets and Moses said would happen:
23 (Rev 1:5; Lk 2:32; Col 1:18) that the Christ must suffer, that He would be
the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own
people and to the Gentiles."
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20 but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout
all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent
and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple,
and went about to kill me.
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day,
witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those
which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should
rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the
Gentiles.
Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe
24 (1Co 4:10; 2Ki 9:11) So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud
voice, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness."
25 (Ac 23:26; 24:3) Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak
the words of truth and reason.
26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I
am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a
corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."
28 (Ac 11:26) Then Agrippa said to Paul,
"You almost persuade me to be a Christian."
29 (Ac 21:33; 1Co 7:7) Paul said, "I pray to God that not only you,
but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly
and altogether, what I am, except for these chains."
30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor
and Bernice and those who sat with them.
31 (Ac 23:29; 23:9) When they had gone aside, they said to one another,
"This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment."
32 (Ac 28:18) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free
if he had not appealed to Caesar."
24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul,
thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words
of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely:
for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him;
for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear
me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these
bonds.
30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor,
and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
31 and when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying,
This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty,
if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
2) Our Daily Bread for 7 December 2023 Titled
Giving like Christ
Romans 12:1-3
A Psalm of David.
The New Life in Christ
1 (1Pe 2:5; Ro 6:13; 6:16) I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies
of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy,
and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship.
2 (Ro 12:1; 1Pe 1:14) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good
and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3 (Ro 1:5; 11:20) For I say, through the grace given to me,
to everyone among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought
to think, but to think with sound judgment, according to the measure
of faith God has distributed to every man.
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among
you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to
think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
When American author O. Henry wrote his beloved 1905 Christmas story "The Gift
of the Magi," he was struggling to rebound from personal troubles. Still, he
penned an inspiring story that highlights a beautiful, Christlike character
trait-sacrifice. In the story, an impoverished wife sells her beautiful long
hair on Christmas Eve to buy a gold pocket watch chain for her husband. As she
learns later, however, her husband had sold his pocket watch to buy a set of
combs for her beautiful hair.
Their greatest gift to each other? Sacrifice.
From each, the gesture showed great love.
In that way, the story represents the loving gifts the magi (wise men) gave to
the Christ child after His holy birth (see Matthew 2:1, 11). More than those
gifts, however, the Child Jesus would grow up and one day give His life
for the whole world.
In our daily lives, believers in Christ can highlight His great gift by
offering to others the sacrifice of our time, treasures, and a temperament
that all speak of love. As the apostle Paul wrote, "I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1).
There's no better gift than sacrificing for others through Jesus' love.
By: Patricia Raybon
Reflect & Pray
What sacrificial gift have you received from someone that showed Christ's
love? What sacrificial gift can you give to others in return?
In my daily life, dear God, may I show others
Jesus by sacrificing my needs for theirs.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 5 - 1 John 1:9
9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) 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.
"If God already knows everything about me, everything I've done,
then why do I need to confess it?" Grant struggled with a common
dilemma for many Christians. Indeed, God, knew all his sin - much
better than Grant did himself. But Grant needed to confess,
not for God's benefit, but for his own. Grant needed to agree with God
that his sin was wrong, and put himself in a position to receive God's
grace in forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 make the process quit clear. We confess,
and God forgives and cleanses. Many of us, however, want to take on
God's part as well. We confess, agreeing with God that our sin is wrong.
But then we proceed to try to 'clean up our act,'bargaining with God,
promising that if he will forgive us just this once,
we won't ever to it again.
The problem is, we can never keep such a promise.
We probably will do it again, and then we are back where we started,
begging for forgiveness, and trying once more to cleanse
ourselves for our unrighteousness.
God offers freedom from such futile performance. He says, "Just confess.
Agree that you sinned. Submit yourself to me. Then I'll take over from there."
God's grace does not give us freedom to keep on sinning, of course - we need
to cooperate with the work of his Spirit in our lives and do all we can
to avoid sin. But we do not have to beg God for forgiveness - forgiveness
is offered to us freely.
We do not have to clean up out act before God will accept us; God can make
the necessary changes in our lives. When we confess, submit ourselves to God,
and allow him to work within us, he is able both to forgive us and to cleanse
us from unrighteousness.
Application
a) In what ways have I bartered with God and tried to "Clean up my act"
in order to deserve his forgiveness?
b) What is my part in confession? What is God's response?
Why it is important for me to recognize God's part in my
confession and forgiveness?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Deut 30:19-20
19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Ps 103:1-14
PSALMS 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8–9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:
And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate 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 northern 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
7th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
(
Ps 34:18 - The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the contrite of spirit.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ps 145: 14 - 16
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.
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.
)
b) Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
(
Romans 12:4-8
4 (1Co 12:12-14)For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5(1Co 10:17; 12:20)so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6(Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2)We have diverse gifts according to the grace that
is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11)if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with
generosity; he who rules, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
4 For as we have many members in one body,
and all members have not the same office:
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that
is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according
to the proportion of faith;
7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth,
on teaching;
8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let
him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Col 3:17
17(1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20)And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
)
Advent Day 12
From C.S.Lewis A Grand miracle by Joel Heck
Thursday, Second Week of Advent
"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.
We do not know... how things would have worked if the
human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy....
You and I are concerned with the way things work now."
- C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 178.)
Why Did He Do It?
Have you ever noticed that children have so many of the same mannerisms as
their parents? They walk, gesture, and even laugh like their parents.
Children also mimic the bad traits of their parents, but it is a great
compliment to parents that their sons and daughters are like them.
Why did the Son of God become one of us? Certainly not for his own benefit.
John says it this way, "But to as many as received him, to them he gave power
to become the sons of God." Lewis says it similarly, "The Son of God became a
man to enable men to become the sons of God." God didn't become a man to
impress anyone, least of all us. God was in the business of raising up us men
and women to become like him, people who walk in his ways, who act like he
acted and do what he did. Jesus became like us so that we might become like
him.
Parents want their children to grow up to be like them. Setting aside our
faults for the moment, it is better for them to become like us than to stay
children. That is also our Father's intent for us. At times, it is painful
when God molds and shapes us to be conformed to the image of his Son. But we
become more ourselves when we become like him.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and
daughters. Amen.
Verses:
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
John 1:12,
10 (Eph 2:10; 4:23-24; Ro 12:2)and have embraced the new nature,
which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,
Col. 3:10
From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
THURSDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Benediction
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
-Luke 1:42
Mary must have had multiple motives. Soon after she had received
the angel Gabriel's proclamation, she hastened
to the town where Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived.
Probably she went to see for herself that Elizabeth, too, was pregnant.
Perhaps she went, with great love for her relative, to give her assistance
in her last months. Maybe she grasped she would need the practice
of helping to deliver a child.
She travelled a long way-from Nazareth of Galilee in the north
to the hill country of the southern province, Judea-so she had ample
time to ponder all the news Gabriel had given. She had accepted
the LORD's will, and now she had time to comprehend more thoroughly
what it all meant.
Elizabeth's greetings were rapturous. The babe leaped, and she was filled
with the Holy Spirit, so she cried out joyously, "Blessed are you ...
and the fruit of your womb." How much that must have emboldened Mary!
Prayer
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Read Luke 1:39-45.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWARENESS!
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
GALATIANS 4:4
It is hard not to be aware that something is happening during these
weeks before Christmas. isn't it? Whether one is a Christian or not, things
are simply different. Take a look around: sparkling, flashing lights on homes
and lawns, halls decked with boughs of holly, a lot of fa-la-la-ing going
on, little kids and bored dads standing in line to see an old fat guy, store
owners singing their favorite carol: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
and on and on and on. I just read of a town that prohibited the Salvation
Army from having their traditional Santa's ringing bells outside of stores,
because of a noise pollution ordinance. o a smart marketing person
made two signs for the Santa's to hold up. One said "Ding" and the other
said "Dong.' Now that's awareness!
So what's the point? The point is that unless we become intentionally
aware of what Advent and Christmas are all about. we will miss the point!
Today's reading is the point: When it was time, God sent Jesus unto the
world! Perhaps this message has been heard and used so much that it is
hard to keep aware of the meaning of Christmas: God loves us so much
that Jesus was born, died and rose again for us! Sure, go ahead and
wrap gifts. put trees up, bake cookies, say "ho. ho. ho." But as you do so,
continue to be aware that Christ is Christmas ... period! Please do not be
like a friend who says. "Keep Christ in Xmas!" He still doesn't get it!
Prayer
Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Galatians 4:4-5
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
5 (Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12) to redeem those who were under the law,
that we might receive the adoption as sons.
From On Eagle's wings Day 12
Titled Shaken Up! by Very Rev. Chris Dow (Anglican) Diocese of the Arctic
Iqaluit, Nunavut
29 (Isa 13:10; Joel 2:10) "Immediately after the tribulation of those days,
'the sun will be darkened,
the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from heaven,
and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.' (Joel 2:10.)"
[29] Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall
from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Matthew 24:29
In Canada's north the sun is darkened for months at a time,
completely disappearing from view. During these times, verses
like this hit home. It sounds like Jesus is saying that the whole
world is about to end!
But the prophets before him used similar language to speak
about the fall of empires (Isaiah 13:10). In the Bible, the sun,
moon and stars are symbols of human political authority and
the way the world is ordered. So, Jesus is saying that the world
as we know it is going to be shaken up.
Our world will face the judgment of the great King. Jesus will
come and make our world right. He will rule for the sake of the
poor, the humble, the victims of the unjust structures of this
world, and for sinners who turn from their sinful ways to serve
him as King in obedience to his Law of love.
Come, Lord Jesus, and rule the nations as the Prince of
Peace. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may love
others as you love us, extending your kingdom throughout
the earth. Amen.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be strong in Christ with your testimony.
Pray to the Lord: "In my daily life, dear God, may I show others
Jesus by sacrificing my needs for theirs."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the only the Lord can cleanse us of
unrighteousness when we confess our sins.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Love the Lord with all of your Heart.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as the all merciful!
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 that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and daughters. Amen.
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Pray: Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray:Come, Lord Jesus, and rule the nations as the Prince of
Peace. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may love
others as you love us, extending your kingdom throughout
the earth. Amen.
Pray that God will raise up Christians leaders in Cameroon who are rooted in
Biblical knowledge and wisdom.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Acts 24, Acts 25, Acts 26
Acts 24
The Case Against Paul
1 (Ac 23:2; 24:11) After five days Ananias the high priest arrived with some
of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought before the governor
their charges against Paul.
2 When he was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Since through
you we enjoy much peace, and your foresight is bringing reforms
to this nation,
3 (Ac 23:26; 26:25) with all thankfulness, most excellent Felix,
we always welcome it everywhere.
4 But not to detain you further,
I beg you to briefly hear us in your patience.
5 (Ac 28:22; 24:14; 15:5) "We have found this man a troublemaker, instigating
riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect
of the Nazarenes.
6 He even tried to profane the temple.
So we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law.
7 But the commander, Lysias, came to us and forcefully took him
out of our hands,
8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you
will be able to learn about all these things concerning which we accuse him."
9 The Jews assented, alleging these things to be true.
1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and
with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing
that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done
unto this nation by thy providence,
3 we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all
thankfulness.
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that
thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among
all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the
Nazarenes:
6 who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took,
and would have judged according to our law.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him
away out of our hands,
8 commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself
mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
Paul's Defense Before Felix
10 After the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Knowing that
for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully defend
myself.
11 (Ac 24:1; 21:18) You may verify that it is no more than twelve days since
I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 (Ac 25:8; 28:17) They did not find me in the temple or in the synagogues
or in the city disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.
13 (Ac 25:7) They cannot prove the things concerning which they now accuse me.
14 (Ac 3:13; 9:2) However, I affirm that in accordance with the Way, which
they call a sect, I worship the God of my fathers and believe everything
written in the Law and in the Prophets.
15 (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28-29) I have hope in God that there will be a resurrection
of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, which they also expect.
16 (Ac 23:1) In this do I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God
and toward men.
17 (Gal 2:10; Ac 11:29-30) "Now after many years I came to bring alms
and offerings to my nation,
18 (Ac 26:21) when some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple,
neither with a crowd nor an uproar.
19 (Ac 23:30) They ought to be here before you to accuse me if they have any
charges.
20 Or let these men say what crime they found in me when I stood before the
Sanhedrin,
21 (Ac 23:6) unless it is concerning this one statement which I cried out
while standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead,
I am being judged by you this day.' "
22 When Felix, who had more exact knowledge concerning the Way, had heard
this, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander
arrives, I will decide your case."
23 (Ac 27:3; 28:16) Then he ordered the centurion to guard Paul,
and to let him have liberty, and to forbid none of his own people from
attending to him.
10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,
answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto
this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days
since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither
raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy,
so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written
in the law and in the prophets:
15 and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there
shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of
offence toward God, and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither
with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought
against me.
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me,
while I stood before the council,
21 except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching
the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that
way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come
down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and
that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
Paul Held in Custody
24 (Ac 20:21; Gal 2:16) After several days, when Felix arrived with his wife
Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning
faith in Christ.
25 (Ac 10:42; Gal 5:23) As he lectured about righteousness, self-control,
and the coming judgment, Felix was afraid and answered, "For now, leave!
When time permits, I will send for you."
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he
might release him. So he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
27 (Ac 25:9; 25:14; 12:3) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix.
And Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was
a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,
Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a
convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might
loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix,
willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts 25
Paul Appeals to Caesar
1 (Ac 23:34) Now three days after Festus had come into the province, he went
from Caesarea up to Jerusalem.
2 (Ac 25:15; 24:1) The high priest and the elders of the Jews spoke to him
against Paul. And they begged him,
3 asking as a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem,
plotting to kill him along the way.
4 Festus said that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself
intended to go there shortly.
5 He also said, "Let the men in authority go down
with me. If there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."
6 (Ac 25:17; Mt 27:19) Having stayed among them more than ten days, he went
down to Caesarea. And the next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered
that Paul be brought in.
7 (Ac 24:13; Lk 23:2) When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from
Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges against him
which they could not prove,
8 (Ac 24:12; 28:17) while he defended himself, saying, "Neither against
the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have
I sinned at all."
9 (Ac 24:27; 25:20) Desiring to do the Jews a favor, Festus answered, "Are you
willing to go up to Jerusalem to be judged
concerning these charges before me?"
10 Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought
to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you know very well.
11 (Ac 26:32; 28:19) If I am doing wrong or have done anything worthy
of death, I do not refuse to die. But if these are empty charges of
which these men accuse me, no one may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."
12 When Festus had conferred with the council, he then answered,
"To Caesar you have appealed. To Caesar you shall go."
1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended
from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul,
and besought him,
3 and desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem,
laying wait in the way to kill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cæsarea, and that he
himself would depart shortly thither.
5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me,
and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto
Cæsarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be
brought.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round
about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could
not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither
against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt
thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar's judgment seat, where I ought to be
judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I
refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse
me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered,
Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.
Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice
13 After several days King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea
to welcome Festus.
14 (Ac 24:27) When they had been there many days, Festus stated Paul's case to
the king, saying, "There is a man left as a prisoner by Felix.
15 When I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
informed me about him, asking for a sentence against him.
16 (Ac 25:4-5; Jn 7:51) "I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans
to deliver any man to die before he who is accused meets the accusers face
to face and has the opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge
brought against him.'
17 (Ac 25:6; 25:10) So when they assembled here, without delay I sat
on the judgment seat the next day and ordered that the man be brought in.
18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such
crimes as I had supposed.
19 (Ac 18:15; 23:29) But they had disagreements with him about their own
religion and about a Man named Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted
was alive.
20 (Ac 25:9) Being perplexed about such questions, I asked if he would be
willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning these charges.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be under guard for the decision of Caesar,
I ordered that he be secured until I could send him to Caesar."
22 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man
myself." He said, "Tomorrow you shall hear him."
23 (Ac 25:13; 26:30) The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp,
and they entered the hall with the commanders and the leading men of the city.
When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in.
24 (Ac 22:22; 25:7) Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all the men who are
present with us, you see this man, concerning whom the whole assembly
of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he
ought not to live any longer.
25 (Ac 23:29; Lk 23:4) I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death.
But when he himself appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him.
26 But I have nothing to write to His Majesty concerning him. Therefore
I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,
so that upon examination, I might have something to write.
27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without signifying
the charges against him."
13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cæsarea
to salute Festus.
14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto
the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of
the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man
to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and
have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I
sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of
such things as I supposed:
19 but had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of
one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether
he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus,
I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cæsar.
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself.
To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp,
and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and
principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us,
ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me,
both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that
he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have
brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa,
that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal
to signify the crimes laid against him.
Acts 26
Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
1 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for
yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today I shall make
my defense before you against all the accusations of the Jews,
3 (Ac 6:14) especially because you are an expert in all customs and
controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to patiently listen to me.
4 (Gal 1:13) "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning
in my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
5 (Ac 23:6; 22:3) They knew me from the beginning and could testify,
if they wished, how according to the strictest sect of our religion
I lived as a Pharisee.
6 (Ac 24:15; 28:20) And now I stand on trial for hope in the promise made
by God to our fathers,
7 (Jas 1:1; Ezr 6:17) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they
earnestly serve God day and night. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa,
I am accused by the Jews.
8 Why is it judged incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 (1Ti 1:13; Ac 22:8) "I, too, thought that I must do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,
10 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) which I indeed did in Jerusalem and locked up
many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests.
And when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.
11 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:19) I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled
them to blaspheme. And being extremely enraged against them, I persecuted them
even to foreign cities.
1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.
Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this
day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
3 especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions
which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own
nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
5 which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify,
that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made
of God unto our fathers:
7 unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night,
hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you,
that God should raise the dead?
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut
up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests;
and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme;
and being exceedingly mad against them,
I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16
12 "So I went to Damascus with authority
and a commission from the chief priests.
13 At midday, O King, I saw along the way a light from heaven, brighter than
the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 (Ac 21:40; 9:7) When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice
saying to me in the Hebrew language,
'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 "I said, 'Who are You, Lord?'
"He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
16 (Ac 22:14-15; Eze 2:1) But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared
to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of
what you have seen and of what I will yet reveal to you.
17 (Ac 9:15; Jer 1:8) I will deliver you from your people
and from the Gentiles to whom I now send you,
18 (Ac 20:32; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 35:5) to open their eyes and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified
by faith in Me.'
12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the
chief priests,
13 at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the
brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed
with me.
14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto
me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest.
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this
purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which
thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17 delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles,
unto whom now I send thee,
18 to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified
by faith that is in me.
Paul's Testimony to Jews and Gentiles
19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
20 (Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19) but declared first to those at Damascus, then at
Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,
that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance.
21 (Ac 21:30-31; 21:27) For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple
and tried to kill me.
22 (Ac 24:14; Lk 24:27) Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue
to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what
the prophets and Moses said would happen:
23 (Rev 1:5; Lk 2:32; Col 1:18) that the Christ must suffer, that He would be
the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own
people and to the Gentiles."
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20 but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout
all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent
and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple,
and went about to kill me.
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day,
witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those
which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should
rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the
Gentiles.
Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe
24 (1Co 4:10; 2Ki 9:11) So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud
voice, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness."
25 (Ac 23:26; 24:3) Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak
the words of truth and reason.
26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I
am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a
corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."
28 (Ac 11:26) Then Agrippa said to Paul,
"You almost persuade me to be a Christian."
29 (Ac 21:33; 1Co 7:7) Paul said, "I pray to God that not only you,
but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly
and altogether, what I am, except for these chains."
30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor
and Bernice and those who sat with them.
31 (Ac 23:29; 23:9) When they had gone aside, they said to one another,
"This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment."
32 (Ac 28:18) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free
if he had not appealed to Caesar."
24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul,
thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words
of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely:
for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him;
for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear
me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these
bonds.
30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor,
and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
31 and when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying,
This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty,
if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
2) Our Daily Bread for 7 December 2023 Titled
Giving like Christ
Romans 12:1-3
A Psalm of David.
The New Life in Christ
1 (1Pe 2:5; Ro 6:13; 6:16) I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies
of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy,
and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship.
2 (Ro 12:1; 1Pe 1:14) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good
and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3 (Ro 1:5; 11:20) For I say, through the grace given to me,
to everyone among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought
to think, but to think with sound judgment, according to the measure
of faith God has distributed to every man.
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among
you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to
think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
When American author O. Henry wrote his beloved 1905 Christmas story "The Gift
of the Magi," he was struggling to rebound from personal troubles. Still, he
penned an inspiring story that highlights a beautiful, Christlike character
trait-sacrifice. In the story, an impoverished wife sells her beautiful long
hair on Christmas Eve to buy a gold pocket watch chain for her husband. As she
learns later, however, her husband had sold his pocket watch to buy a set of
combs for her beautiful hair.
Their greatest gift to each other? Sacrifice.
From each, the gesture showed great love.
In that way, the story represents the loving gifts the magi (wise men) gave to
the Christ child after His holy birth (see Matthew 2:1, 11). More than those
gifts, however, the Child Jesus would grow up and one day give His life
for the whole world.
In our daily lives, believers in Christ can highlight His great gift by
offering to others the sacrifice of our time, treasures, and a temperament
that all speak of love. As the apostle Paul wrote, "I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1).
There's no better gift than sacrificing for others through Jesus' love.
By: Patricia Raybon
Reflect & Pray
What sacrificial gift have you received from someone that showed Christ's
love? What sacrificial gift can you give to others in return?
In my daily life, dear God, may I show others
Jesus by sacrificing my needs for theirs.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 5 - 1 John 1:9
9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) 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.
"If God already knows everything about me, everything I've done,
then why do I need to confess it?" Grant struggled with a common
dilemma for many Christians. Indeed, God, knew all his sin - much
better than Grant did himself. But Grant needed to confess,
not for God's benefit, but for his own. Grant needed to agree with God
that his sin was wrong, and put himself in a position to receive God's
grace in forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 make the process quit clear. We confess,
and God forgives and cleanses. Many of us, however, want to take on
God's part as well. We confess, agreeing with God that our sin is wrong.
But then we proceed to try to 'clean up our act,'bargaining with God,
promising that if he will forgive us just this once,
we won't ever to it again.
The problem is, we can never keep such a promise.
We probably will do it again, and then we are back where we started,
begging for forgiveness, and trying once more to cleanse
ourselves for our unrighteousness.
God offers freedom from such futile performance. He says, "Just confess.
Agree that you sinned. Submit yourself to me. Then I'll take over from there."
God's grace does not give us freedom to keep on sinning, of course - we need
to cooperate with the work of his Spirit in our lives and do all we can
to avoid sin. But we do not have to beg God for forgiveness - forgiveness
is offered to us freely.
We do not have to clean up out act before God will accept us; God can make
the necessary changes in our lives. When we confess, submit ourselves to God,
and allow him to work within us, he is able both to forgive us and to cleanse
us from unrighteousness.
Application
a) In what ways have I bartered with God and tried to "Clean up my act"
in order to deserve his forgiveness?
b) What is my part in confession? What is God's response?
Why it is important for me to recognize God's part in my
confession and forgiveness?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Deut 30:19-20
19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Ps 103:1-14
PSALMS 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8–9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:
And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate 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 northern 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
7th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
(
Ps 34:18 - The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the contrite of spirit.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Ps 145: 14 - 16
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.
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.
)
b) Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
(
Romans 12:4-8
4 (1Co 12:12-14)For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5(1Co 10:17; 12:20)so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6(Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2)We have diverse gifts according to the grace that
is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11)if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with
generosity; he who rules, with diligence;
he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
4 For as we have many members in one body,
and all members have not the same office:
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that
is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according
to the proportion of faith;
7 or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth,
on teaching;
8 or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let
him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Col 3:17
17(1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20)And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
)
Advent Day 12
From C.S.Lewis A Grand miracle by Joel Heck
Thursday, Second Week of Advent
"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.
We do not know... how things would have worked if the
human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy....
You and I are concerned with the way things work now."
- C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 178.)
Why Did He Do It?
Have you ever noticed that children have so many of the same mannerisms as
their parents? They walk, gesture, and even laugh like their parents.
Children also mimic the bad traits of their parents, but it is a great
compliment to parents that their sons and daughters are like them.
Why did the Son of God become one of us? Certainly not for his own benefit.
John says it this way, "But to as many as received him, to them he gave power
to become the sons of God." Lewis says it similarly, "The Son of God became a
man to enable men to become the sons of God." God didn't become a man to
impress anyone, least of all us. God was in the business of raising up us men
and women to become like him, people who walk in his ways, who act like he
acted and do what he did. Jesus became like us so that we might become like
him.
Parents want their children to grow up to be like them. Setting aside our
faults for the moment, it is better for them to become like us than to stay
children. That is also our Father's intent for us. At times, it is painful
when God molds and shapes us to be conformed to the image of his Son. But we
become more ourselves when we become like him.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and
daughters. Amen.
Verses:
12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name,
John 1:12,
10 (Eph 2:10; 4:23-24; Ro 12:2)and have embraced the new nature,
which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,
Col. 3:10
From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn
THURSDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Benediction
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
-Luke 1:42
Mary must have had multiple motives. Soon after she had received
the angel Gabriel's proclamation, she hastened
to the town where Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived.
Probably she went to see for herself that Elizabeth, too, was pregnant.
Perhaps she went, with great love for her relative, to give her assistance
in her last months. Maybe she grasped she would need the practice
of helping to deliver a child.
She travelled a long way-from Nazareth of Galilee in the north
to the hill country of the southern province, Judea-so she had ample
time to ponder all the news Gabriel had given. She had accepted
the LORD's will, and now she had time to comprehend more thoroughly
what it all meant.
Elizabeth's greetings were rapturous. The babe leaped, and she was filled
with the Holy Spirit, so she cried out joyously, "Blessed are you ...
and the fruit of your womb." How much that must have emboldened Mary!
Prayer
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Read Luke 1:39-45.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWARENESS!
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
GALATIANS 4:4
It is hard not to be aware that something is happening during these
weeks before Christmas. isn't it? Whether one is a Christian or not, things
are simply different. Take a look around: sparkling, flashing lights on homes
and lawns, halls decked with boughs of holly, a lot of fa-la-la-ing going
on, little kids and bored dads standing in line to see an old fat guy, store
owners singing their favorite carol: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
and on and on and on. I just read of a town that prohibited the Salvation
Army from having their traditional Santa's ringing bells outside of stores,
because of a noise pollution ordinance. o a smart marketing person
made two signs for the Santa's to hold up. One said "Ding" and the other
said "Dong.' Now that's awareness!
So what's the point? The point is that unless we become intentionally
aware of what Advent and Christmas are all about. we will miss the point!
Today's reading is the point: When it was time, God sent Jesus unto the
world! Perhaps this message has been heard and used so much that it is
hard to keep aware of the meaning of Christmas: God loves us so much
that Jesus was born, died and rose again for us! Sure, go ahead and
wrap gifts. put trees up, bake cookies, say "ho. ho. ho." But as you do so,
continue to be aware that Christ is Christmas ... period! Please do not be
like a friend who says. "Keep Christ in Xmas!" He still doesn't get it!
Prayer
Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Galatians 4:4-5
4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,
God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,
5 (Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12) to redeem those who were under the law,
that we might receive the adoption as sons.
From On Eagle's wings Day 12
Titled Shaken Up! by Very Rev. Chris Dow (Anglican) Diocese of the Arctic
Iqaluit, Nunavut
29 (Isa 13:10; Joel 2:10) "Immediately after the tribulation of those days,
'the sun will be darkened,
the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from heaven,
and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.' (Joel 2:10.)"
[29] Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall
from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Matthew 24:29
In Canada's north the sun is darkened for months at a time,
completely disappearing from view. During these times, verses
like this hit home. It sounds like Jesus is saying that the whole
world is about to end!
But the prophets before him used similar language to speak
about the fall of empires (Isaiah 13:10). In the Bible, the sun,
moon and stars are symbols of human political authority and
the way the world is ordered. So, Jesus is saying that the world
as we know it is going to be shaken up.
Our world will face the judgment of the great King. Jesus will
come and make our world right. He will rule for the sake of the
poor, the humble, the victims of the unjust structures of this
world, and for sinners who turn from their sinful ways to serve
him as King in obedience to his Law of love.
Come, Lord Jesus, and rule the nations as the Prince of
Peace. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may love
others as you love us, extending your kingdom throughout
the earth. Amen.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be strong in Christ with your testimony.
Pray to the Lord: "In my daily life, dear God, may I show others
Jesus by sacrificing my needs for theirs."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the only the Lord can cleanse us of
unrighteousness when we confess our sins.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Love the Lord with all of your Heart.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as the all merciful!
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 that the Lord will be close to the brokenhearted in our society
and be their help
Pray for the staff and volunteers that serve in local churches in your
city or community, that the Lord will anoint them for effective service.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and daughters. Amen.
Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.
Pray: Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent
season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil
and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your
awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray:Come, Lord Jesus, and rule the nations as the Prince of
Peace. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may love
others as you love us, extending your kingdom throughout
the earth. Amen.
Pray that God will raise up Christians leaders in Cameroon who are rooted in
Biblical knowledge and wisdom.
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.