Day 343, 9 December 2023 - 14th Day of Advent
1) Colossians 1, Colossians 2, Colossians 3, Colossians 4, Philemon
Colossians 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; 1Co 1:1; Php 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
by the will of God,and Timothy our brother,
2 (Ro 1:7; Eph 1:1) To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ who are
at Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our
brother,
[2] To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse:
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thankfulness for the Colossians
3 (Eph 1:15) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you.
4 (Gal 5:6; Eph 1:15) For we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love
for all the saints,
5 (Ac 23:6; Eph 1:13) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,
of which you have already heard in the word of the truth of the gospel,
6 (Jn 15:16; Ps 98:3) which has come to you, as it has in all the world,
and brings forth fruit, as it has also in you, since the day you heard it
and knew the grace of God in truth.
7 (Col 4:12; Phm 1:23) And you also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow
servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you,
8 (Ro 15:30) who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
[3] We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying
always for you,
[4] Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye
have to all the saints,
[5] For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before
in the word of the truth of the gospel;
[6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth
fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the
grace of God in truth:
[7] As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a
faithful minister of Christ;
[8] Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
The Person and Work of Christ
9 (Eph 1:8; 5:17) For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not
cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge
of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 (Eph 4:1; 1Th 4:1) that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,
pleasing to all, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing
in the knowledge of God,
11 (Eph 4:2; 3:16) strengthened with all might according to His glorious
power, enduring everything with perseverance and patience joyfully,
12 (Ac 20:32; 26:18) giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled us to be
partakers in the inheritance of the saints in light.
13 (Eph 6:12; 1:6) He has delivered us from the power of darkness
and has transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son,
14 (Eph 1:7) in whom we have redemption through His blood,
the forgiveness of sins.
15 (2Co 4:4; Jn 1:18) He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn
of every creature.
16 (Jn 1:3; Ro 11:36) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him
and for Him.
17 (Jn 8:58; Heb 1:3) He is before all things,
and in Him all things hold together.
18 (Ac 26:23; Eph 1:22-23) He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things
He may have the preeminence.
19 (Jn 1:16; Col 2:9) For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness
should dwell,
20 (Eph 1:10; Ro 5:1) and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him,
having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say-whether
they are things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies
in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,
23 (Eph 3:17; Mk 16:15) if you continue in the faith, grounded and settled,
and are not removed from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard,
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven,
and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
[9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray
for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his
will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful
in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
[11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all
patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers
of the inheritance of the saints in light:
[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of
sins:
[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
[17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
[18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to
reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in
earth, or things in heaven.
[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by
wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
[22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and
unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away
from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to
every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Paul's Ministry to the Church
24 (2Ti 1:8; 2Co 7:4) Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake
and fill up in my flesh that which is lacking in the afflictions of Christ,
for the sake of His body, which is the church.
25 (Eph 3:2; Col 1:23) I have been made a servant of it according
to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you,
to fulfill the word of God,
26 (Ro 16:25-26) even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages
and generations, but now is revealed to His saints.
27 (1Ti 1:1; Ro 8:10) To them God would make known what is the glorious
riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you,
the hope of glory,
28 (1Co 2:6; Col 1:22) whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone
in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.
29 (1Co 15:10; Eph 1:19) In this I labor, striving according to His power,
which effectively works in me.
[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is
behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which
is the church:
[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God
which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
[26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,
but now is made manifest to his saints:
[27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this
mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
[28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all
wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
[29] Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which
worketh in me mightily.
Colossians 2
1 (Col 1:29; Rev 1:11) I would like you to know what a great struggle
I am having for you, and for those at Laodicea,
and for everyone who has not seen my face in the flesh,
2 (Col 4:8; Ro 16:25) that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together
in love, and receive all the riches and assurance of full understanding,
and knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
3 (Ro 11:33; 1Co 1:24) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge.
4 (Eph 5:6) Now this I say lest anyone beguile you with enticing words.
5 (1Co 14:40; 1Pe 5:9) For though I am absent in the flesh,
yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your orderliness
and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
[1] For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for
them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
[2] That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and
unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the
acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
[3] In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
[4] And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
[5] For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit,
joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in
Christ.
Fullness of Life in Christ
6 (Col 1:10; 1Th 4:1) As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk in Him,
7 (Eph 3:17; 2:20-22) rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,
as you have been taught, and abounding with thanksgiving.
8 (1Ti 6:20; Gal 4:3) Beware lest anyone captivate you through philosophy
and vain deceit, in the tradition of men and the elementary principles
of the world, and not after Christ.
9 (Col 1:19; Jn 1:14) For in Him lives all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all authority and power.
11 (Ro 2:29; 6:6) In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision
made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh,
by the circumcision of Christ,
12 (Ac 2:24; Ro 4:24) buried with Him in baptism, in which also you were
raised with Him through the faith of the power of God, who has raised Him
from the dead.
13 (Eph 2:1; Jas 2:26) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision
of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all
sins.
14 (Ac 3:19; Col 2:20) He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was
against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to
the cross.
15 (Eph 4:8; Lk 10:18) And having disarmed authorities and powers,
He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.
16 (Heb 9:10; 1Ch 23:31) Therefore let no one judge you regarding food,
or drink, or in respect of a holy day or new moon or sabbath days.
17 (Heb 8:5; 10:1) These are shadows of things to come, but the substance
belongs to Christ.
18 (Col 2:23; 2:8) Do not let anyone cheat you of your reward by delighting
in false humility and the worship of angels, dwelling on those things which
he has not seen, vainly arrogant due to his unspiritual mind,
19 (Eph 4:15-16) and not supporting the head, from which the entire body,
nourished and knit together by joints and sinews, grows as God gives
the increase.
[6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
[7] Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been
taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
[8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after
the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after
Christ.
[9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and
power:
[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without
hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision
of Christ:
[12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through
the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
[13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which
was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
[15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them
openly, triumphing over them in it.
[16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of
an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
[18] Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and
worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen,
vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
[19] And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands
having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the
increase of God.
The New Life in Christ
20 (Col 2:8; 2:14) Therefore, if you died with Christ to the elementary
principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world,
do you subject yourself to legalistic rules?
21 (1Ti 4:3) "Do not touch! Do not taste! Do not handle!"
22 (Isa 29:13; 1Co 6:13) These all are to perish with use and are aligned
with the commandments and doctrines of men.
23 (Col 2:18; 1Ti 4:8) These things have indeed a show of wisdom in
self-imposed worship and humility and neglecting of the body,
but are worthless against the indulgence of the flesh.
[20] Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world,
why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
[21] (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
[22] Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and
doctrines of men?
[23] Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and
humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of
the flesh.
Colossians 3
1 (Ps 110:1; Mk 16:19) If you then were raised with Christ, desire those
things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
2 (Mt 16:23) Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth.
3 (Ro 6:2; Col 2:20) For you are dead,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 (1Jn 3:2; Jn 11:25) When Christ who is our life shall appear, then you also
shall appear with Him in glory.
5 (Ro 8:13; 1Co 6:18) Therefore put to death the parts of your earthly nature:
sexual immorality, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire,
and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 (Ro 1:18; Eph 5:6) Because of these things, the wrath of God comes
on the sons of disobedience.
7 (Eph 2:2) You also once walked in these, when you lived in them.
8 (Eph 4:22; 4:29) But now you must also put away all these: anger, wrath,
malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of your mouth.
9 (Eph 4:22; 4:25) Do not lie one to another, since you have put off
the old nature with its deeds,
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,
11 (Ro 10:12; Eph 1:23) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor
uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free,
but Christ is all and in all.
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another and forgive one
another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you,
so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God, to which also you are called
in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
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.
[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
[3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
[4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear
with him in glory.
[5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness,
which is idolatry:
[6] For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of
disobedience:
[7] In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
[8] But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy,
filthy communication out of your mouth.
[9] Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his
deeds;
[10] And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the
image of him that created him:
[11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision,
Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
[12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
[13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a
quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
[14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness.
[15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are
called in one body; and be ye thankful.
[16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
[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.
Social Duties of the New Life
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands,
as it is fitting in the Lord.
19 (Eph 5:25; 1Pe 3:7) Husbands, love your wives,
and do not be bitter toward them.
20 (Ex 20:12; Eph 5:24) Children, obey your parents in all things,
for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
21 (Eph 6:4) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
lest they be discouraged.
22 (Col 3:20) Servants, obey your masters in all things according
to the flesh, serving not only when they are watching, as the servants
of men, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
23 (Col 3:17) And whatever you do, do it heartily,
as for the Lord and not for men,
24 (1Co 7:22; Eph 6:8) knowing that from the Lord you will receive
the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ.
25 (Ac 10:34; Dt 10:17) But he who does wrong will receive
for the wrong which he has done, and there is no partiality.
[18] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the
Lord.
[19] Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
[20] Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing
unto the Lord.
[21] Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
[22] Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not
with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
[23] And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
[24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the
inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
[25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done:
and there is no respect of persons.
Colossians 4
1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and fair,
knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
[1] Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing
that ye also have a Master in heaven.
Exhortations
2 (Lk 18:1; Eph 6:18) Continue in prayer, and be watchful with thanksgiving,
3 (Eph 6:19-20; Ac 14:27) while praying also for us, that God would open
to us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am
also in chains,
4 (Eph 6:20) that I may reveal it clearly, as I ought to speak.
5 (Mk 4:11; Eph 5:15-17) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside,
wisely using the opportunity.
6 (Mk 9:50; 1Pe 3:15) Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned
with salt, that you may know how you should answer everyone.
[2] Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
[3] Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of
utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
[4] That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
[5] Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
[6] Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may
know how ye ought to answer every man.
Final Greetings
7 (Ac 20:4; Col 4:9) Tychicus, who is a beloved brother and a faithful
minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
8 (Eph 6:22; Col 2:2) I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that he
might know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
They will make known to you everything which is happening here.
10 (Ac 19:29; 27:2) Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark,
the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions:
If he comes to you, receive him),
11 (Ac 11:2) and Jesus, who is called Justus. These are my only fellow
workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision.
They have been a comfort to me.
12 (Ro 15:30; Col 1:7) Epaphras greets you. He is one of you, a servant
of Christ, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may
stand mature and complete in the entire will of God.
13 (Col 2:1) I bear witness of him, that he has a great zeal for you,
those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
14 (Phm 1:24; 2Ti 4:10-11) Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
15 (Ro 16:5) Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nympha,
and the church which is in his house.
16 (1Th 5:27; 2Th 3:14) When this epistle is read among you, ensure that it is
read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you, likewise,
read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 (Phm 1:2) Tell Archippus, "Make sure that you fulfill the ministry
which you have received in the Lord."
18 (1Co 16:21; 1Ti 6:21) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
[7] All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother,
and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
[8] Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your
estate, and comfort your hearts;
[9] With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They
shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
[10] Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to
Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you,
receive him;)
[11] And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These
only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort
unto me.
[12] Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always
labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and
complete in all the will of God.
[13] For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that
are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
[14] Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
[15] Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church
which is in his house.
[16] And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in
the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from
Laodicea.
[17] And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast
received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
[18] The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with
you. Amen.
Philemon
The epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon was written in Rome
in about AD 62. This story is about a servant named Onesimus
who ran away from Philemon, a Christian of Colosse. Onesimus had departed
from Philemon and fled to Rome, where he then became converted
under Paul's ministry. Paul sent him back to Philemon with this letter
to reconcile their broken relationship, since they were both in Christ.
The letter about Onesimus was included in the canon, in the opinion of some,
due to the authenticity of its authorship. Paul's political astuteness
and personal interaction with the recipient make this letter both warm
and compelling. It is truly a heartfelt plea from one Christian to another.
Salutation
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
1 To Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer,
2 and to beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier,
and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon
our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
[2] And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the
church in thy house:
[3] Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon's Love and Faith
4 I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers,
5 whenever I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus
and for all the saints,
6 that the sharing of your faith may be most effective by the acknowledgment
of every good thing which is in you from Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love,
because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother.
[4] I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
[5] Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus,
and toward all saints;
[6] That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the
acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
[7] For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of
the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Paul Pleads for Onesimus
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you
to do that which is proper,
9 yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you-I, Paul, an old man,
and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-
10 I appeal to you on behalf of my son Onesimus, whose father I have become
in my imprisonment,
11 who in the past was unprofitable to you,
but now he is profitable to you and to me.
12 I have sent him back. Therefore receive him as my own heart.
13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that in your place he might serve me
during my imprisonment for the gospel.
14 But without your consent I would do nothing, so that your goodness
would not be forced, but given willingly.
15 Perhaps this was why he departed for a while,
that you might receive him forever,
16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother,
especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh
and in the Lord.
17 If then you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me.
18 If he wronged you or owes you anything, charge this to my account.
19 I, Paul, have written this with my own hand. I will repay it-not
to mention that you owe me even your own self.
20 Yes, brother, help me rejoice in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Being convinced of your obedience, I write to you,
knowing that you will also do more than I say.
22 But, in addition, prepare also lodging for me,
for I hope that through your prayers I shall be graciously restored to you.
[8] Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that
which is convenient,
[9] Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the
aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
[10] I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
[11] Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee
and to me:
[12] Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own
bowels:
[13] Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have
ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
[14] But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be
as it were of necessity, but willingly.
[15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest
receive him for ever;
[16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially
to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
[17] If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
[18] If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
[19] I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do
not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
[20] Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in
the Lord.
[21] Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou
wilt also do more than I say.
[22] But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your
prayers I shall be given unto you.
Final Greetings
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
[23] There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
[24] Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
[25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 9 December 2023 Titled
Be the Church
Hebrews 10:19-25
Exhortation and Warning
19 (Eph 2:18; Heb 4:16) Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter
the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 (Heb 9:3; Jn 10:9) by a new and living way that He has opened for us
through the veil, that is to say, His flesh,
21 (Heb 2:17; 1Ti 3:15) and since we have a High Priest over the house
of God,
22 (Eze 36:25; 1Co 6:11; Heb 7:19) let us draw near with a true heart
in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them
from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 (1Co 1:9; Heb 3:6) Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith
without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 (Titus 3:8; Heb 13:1) And let us consider how to spur one another
to love and to good works.
25 (Ac 2:42; Heb 3:13) Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another,
especially as you see the Day approaching.
[19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the
blood of Jesus,
[20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the
veil, that is to say, his flesh;
[21] And having an high priest over the house of God;
[22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having
our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with
pure water.
[23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he
is faithful that promised;)
[24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dave and Carla spent months looking for a church
home. Following health guidelines, which limited various in-person
experiences, made it even more difficult. They longed for connection to a body
of believers in Jesus. "It's a hard time to find a church," Carla emailed me.
Within me rose a realisation from my own longing to be reunited with my church
family. "It's a hard time to be the church," I responded. In that season, our
church had "pivoted," offering food in surrounding neighbourhoods, creating
online services, and phoning every member with support and prayer. My husband
and I participated and yet wondered what else we could do to "be the church"
in our changed world.
In Hebrews 10:25, the writer exhorts readers not to neglect "meeting together,
as some are in the habit of doing, but [encourage] one another." Perhaps due
to persecution (vv. 32-34) or maybe as a result of simply growing weary
(12:3), the struggling early believers needed a nudge to keep being the
church.
And today, I need a nudge too. Do you? When circumstances change how we
experience church, will we continue to be the church? Let's creatively
encourage one another and build each other up as God guides us. Share our
resources. Send a text of support. Gather as we're able. Pray for one another.
Let's be the church.
By: Elisa Morgan
Reflect & Pray
How can you be a help to those today who can't gather in a church building?
How does the church fill your need to be a part of a much larger purpose?
Dear God, please show me how to be the church.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
And every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
And the crooked shall be made straight,
And the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.
Application
a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?
b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?
c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work
God still want to do in me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:20-25
20 (Mk 4:8; Jn 15:4-5) "Still others are seed sown on good ground,
those who hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit:
thirty, sixty, or a hundred times as much."
A Light Under a Basket
Lk 8:16-18
21 (Mt 5:15; Lk 8:16) He said to them, "Is a candle brought to be put
under a basket or under a bed and not to be set on a candlestick?
22 (Lk 8:17) For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed;
neither is anything kept secret except to be proclaimed.
23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15)If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.
The measure you give will be measured for you,
and to you who hear will more be given.
25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.
And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."
20 And these are they which are sown on good ground;
such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit,
some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put
under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested;
neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete,
it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given:
and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 (Heb 6:20; 1:2-3) Since then we have a great High Priest
Who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold firmly to our confession.
15 (2Co 5:21; Jn 8:46) For we do not have a High Priest
who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses,
but One who was in every sense tempted like we are, yet without sin.
16 (Eph 3:12; Php 4:6-7) Let us then come with confidence
to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help in time of need.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,
that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need.
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
9th Day of the Month
a) Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,
faithfulness and provision.
(
Ps 100
A Psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;
it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise;
be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100
A Psalm of praise.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God:
It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise:
Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;
And his truth endureth to all generations.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways
to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.
(
1 Chr 12:32
32 (Est 1:13) From the sons of Issachar,
those having understanding of times
and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains
with all their brothers at their command.
32 And of the children of Issachar,
which were men that had understanding of the times,
to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred;
and all their brethren were at their commandment
)
Advent Day 14
FRom C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle
Saturday, Second Week of Advent
"I have read [your book} Treasure on Earth and I don't believe you have any notion how good it is I've never seen the
hushed internal excitement of a child on Christmas Eve better done. That is something we can all recognise." - C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Mrs. Phyllis Sandeman," Dec. 10, 1952,
Lewis' Collected Letters, III, pp. 26 lff.)
Hushed Excitement
Christmas is especially for children, whether young children, old children,
or very old children. Simeon is an example of the third category.
We'll come back to him later.
In a letter written to Phyllis Sandeman during Advent, Lewis comments
favorably about a book that she had written that year, Treasure on Earth.
Subtitled A Country House Christmas, it tells of the approach of Christmas Day
in an Elizabethan mansion in northern England in 1906. An excited child, the
ten-year-old author herself, awaits Christmas morning, the gifts and all the
festivities that would come with the day.
"There was not long to wait now before the drama would begin-the
curtain was trembling to its rise. The twilight of the early winter morning,
the piercing sweetness of the voices rising in the still air, the tune and
the words she loved so well, 'Christians, awake, salute the happy mom!'
Then heaven would open."
Simeon had been waiting for the Savior for a long time. God had told him that
he would see the Christ, the promised Messiah, before he died. When the moment
arrived, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, probably with a
"hushed internal excitement." His eyes were full of anticipation, as he saw
the salvation of lsrael in his arms. He amazed Mary and Joseph by predicting
the future of this child. We, who know him, know that these predictions came
true.
Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming, at your presence,
and make it truly internal. Amen.
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
Luke 2:30
From Follow the Story from Marva J. Dawn
SATURDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Proper Amplification
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
-Luke 1:47
This meditation asks you to read the complete Magnificat of Mary so you can
see that almost the entire song is
about God, but we will concentrate now on only its first three verses. Mary is
filled with exuberance. Not only has God given her miraculous promises, but
also her relative Elizabeth has confirmed those assurances with lofty Joy.
Mary begins her inspired song magnifying God with her soul. That word soul in
Hebrew (from which came her Aramaic) means "one's whole being or true self."
Everything in her resounded with praise and adoration. No wonder her spirit
rejoices exceedingly!
Though she was unremarkable, God had beheld her benevolently. She wanted
everyone to know, though all generations would acclaim her, that the glory was
God's, that he was the Stupendous One, and that he was to be hallowed. She was
the humble recipient of God's exalted treasures, and she ached for everyone to
share in her ecstasy.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.
Read Luke 1:46-55.
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND SATURDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AGING!
One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts. PSALM 145:4
Advent helps us to affirm that aging is a gift from God! Our society too
often sees aging as a burden rather than as a blessing. l am convinced
that God really, really loves old people. You know how can tell? Because
he continues to make more and more of us!
A favourite banner of mine states: 'Aging is the ONLY way to live!" How true,
how true!
Today's Scriptures catch the joy and the responsibilities of aging. In Mary's
song of praise. she rejoices in the fact that God had chosen her to bring
Jesus to the world. And she proclaims that his mercy is for everyone,
through all generations.
Psalm 145:4 the psalmist again picks up the fact that "one generation
shall laud your works to another!" We ambassadors of aging (and we ALL
are, regardless of our age. because the one thing we are all doing at the
same time is aging!) are called to share the same message that Mary
shared--Christ Jesus is for all people!
That is why Advent arid Christmas are not just for the little children but
-ether for all of God's children! That is why the Lord put us together in
families and congregations and communities where we can rub ministry
shoulders with those younger than us and also those older than us.
Perhaps during Advent or on Christmas Eve, if your congregation has a
children's message, you should also have an old folks' message. Invite a
the 80+ people to shuffle up to the front . . . and lie down,
lust like the little
kids do! Someone will help them up! (Just a suggestion, but no need to
tell your pastor l suggested it!)
Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Luke 1:46-56 and Psalm 145:4-7.
Luke 1
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56 Mary remained with her about three months
and returned to her own house.
Psalm 145
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty
and of Your wondrous works.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) They shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
and I will declare Your greatness.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) They shall abundantly declare the fame of Your great
goodness and shall sing of Your righteousness.
From
On Eagle's wings Day 13
Titled I Am the Light of the World by Barbara Kriebel (Lutheran)
On Eagle’s Wings US Mailing Coordinator
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
12 (Jn 12:35; Job 33:28; Isa 49:6) Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me shall not walk
in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."
[12] Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of
life.
John 8:12
This verse seems so appropriate for the communities of the far
North. They spend so many months in literal darkness.
During the years I went north in the summer to teach Bible
Camp, our team encountered the exact opposite - very few
hours of darkness. Many children took advantage by staying
out "half the night" to play.
We ran our Bible Camps in the afternoon because most of the
children would sleep in all morning, and we wanted to be sure
we could get every possible child to come! We did not want to
miss a chance to bring the love of Jesus – the light of the world
– to each of them and let them know that Jesus loves each of
them just the way they are.
Children in the North are eager to learn about God and Jesus.
It is so delightful to see their faces light up when we tell a
story with puppets, or do a fun craft.
Creator God, we thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to
light our world with your love. May all the children, and us
adults too, be comforted by your love this holiday season
and always. Amen.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for discernment for the Devil wants to falsify
the Gospel.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please show me how to be the church."
Pray to the Lord and pray to yield to the Lord to do the needed construction
work in your life.
Pray to the Lord and pray to sow the Good Word in many.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as a High Priest of Grace!
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 a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,
faithfulness and provision.
Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways
to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.
Pray: Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming,
at your presence, and make it truly internal. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.
Pray: Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray: Creator God, we thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to
light our world with your love. May all the children, and us
adults too, be comforted by your love this holiday season
and always. Amen.
Pray for a Christian in China who runs a discipleship centre for trafficked
North Korean women.
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.