Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Day 345, 11 December 2023 - 16 Day of Advent



1) Phillipians 1, Phillipians 2, Phillipians 3, Phillipians 4



Philippians 1



Philippians 1:1-3



1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi,

with the overseers and deacons:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul's Prayer for the Philippians

3 I thank my God for every reminder of you.



1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,

to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi,

with the bishops and deacons:

2 grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father,

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Heart of the Apostle

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,



Philippians 1:3-8



Paul's Prayer for the Philippians



A Heart of Gratitude



3 (Ro 1:8-9; 2Ti 1:3) I thank my God for every reminder of you.

[3] I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,



A heart of Joyful Prayer



4 (Ro 1:9) In every prayer of mine for you all, I have always made requests

with joy,

[4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,



A Heart of Belonging



5 (Ac 16:12-40; Php 1:7) due to your fellowship in the gospel from the first

day until now.

[5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;



A heart of Assurance



6 (1Co 1:8; Jn 6:29) I am confident of this very thing, that He who began

a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.

[6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work

in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:



A heart of Affection



7 (2Co 7:3; Ac 20:23) It is right for me to think this of you all because

I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonments and in the defense

and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers of my grace.

[7] Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you

in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and

confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.



8 (Ro 1:9; 9:1) For God is my witness, how I long after you all with

the affection of Jesus Christ.

[8] For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of

Jesus Christ.





Philippians 1:9-11.



A) God's Love is everything

B) God's love gives us strength to stand



God's love to me - God's love through me.



9 (1Th 3:12; Col 1:9; 3:10) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet

more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,

10 (1Th 3:13; Ro 12:2) that you may approve things that are excellent

so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,



[9] And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in

knowledge and in all judgment;

[10] That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere

and without offence till the day of Christ;



i) Love is the behaviour that is based on the knowledge, understanding

and the truth of God's word - Meet truth, love's best friend

ii) Love is behaviour that is both pure and blameless - Unselfish love



Phillipians 1:11 (Col 1:6; Jn 15:8) being filled with the fruit of

righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of

God.



[11] Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus

Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.



What about self-pity?

Philippians 1:12-18



A) View of circumstances from God's perspective



Philippians 1:12-14



12 But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me

have resulted in advancing the gospel,

13 (Php 1:7) so that my imprisonments in Christ have become known throughout

the entire palace guard and to all the rest.

14 And a great many of the brothers in the Lord, having become confident

because of my incarcerations, have dared to speak the word without fear.



[12] But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which

happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

[13] So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all

other places;

[14] And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are

much more bold to speak the word without fear.



B) Don't worry about the motives of others



Philippians 1:15-17



15 Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and strife,

and some also from good will.

16 (Php 1:7) The former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely,

intending to add trouble to my circumstance.

17 (Php 1:7; 2:3) But the latter preach out of love, knowing

that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.



[15] Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of

good will:

[16] The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add

affliction to my bonds:

[17] But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the

gospel.



Look how the Lord used these circumstances to increase faith.



c) Choose to rejoice



Philippians 1:18



18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,

Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice.

Indeed, I will rejoice.



[18] What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in

truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.



A) Determine to rejoice



Philippians 1:18d-19



[18] ... and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

[19] For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer,

and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,



18 ... And in this I rejoice.

Indeed, I will rejoice.

19 (2Co 1:11; Ac 16:7) For I know that through your prayer

and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will result

in my deliverance.



B) Connect into Community



Philippians 1:20



20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope

that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,

so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life

or by death.



[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I

shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ

shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.



c) Seek to honour Christ ... no matter what



Philippians 1:20-21



20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope

that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,

so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life

or by death.

21 (Gal 2:20) For to me, to continue living is Christ, and to die is gain.



[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I

shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ

shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.



Philippians 1:22-24



22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor to me.

Yet I do not know what I shall choose.

23 (2Co 5:8; 2Ti 4:6; Lk 23:43) I am in a difficult position between the two,

having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better.

24 Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.



[22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I

shall choose I wot not.

[23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be

with Christ; which is far better:

[24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.



D) Live a life of Service to others



Philippians 1:25-26



25 (Php 2:24; Ac 20:25) Having this confidence, I know that I shall remain

and continue with you all for your joyful advancement of the faith,

26 (2Co 1:14; 5:12) so that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant

in Jesus Christ when I am in your presence again.



[25] And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with

you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

[26] That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my

coming to you again.



Conduct Worthy of the Gospel



Based on Philippains 1:27-30



27 (Eph 4:1; Jude 1:3) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel

of Christ, that whether or not I come and see you, I may hear of your

activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit, with one mind,

striving together for the faith of the gospel.

28 Do not be frightened by your adversaries. This is a sign to them

of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God.

29 For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe

in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

30 (Ac 16:19-40; 1Th 2:2) having the same conflict which you saw in me

and now hear is in me.



[27] Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that

whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs,

that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the

faith of the gospel;

[28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an

evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

[29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe

on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

[30] Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.



Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel:



a) Standing firm



Philippians 1:27b " I may hear of your

activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit,"



b) Standing together



Philippians 1:27c



"in one spirit, with one mind,"



c) Striving together



Philippians 1:27d "striving together for the faith of the gospel."



Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets who come to you

in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. "



Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but

inwardly they are ravening wolves.



d) Without fear



Philippians 1:28 "Do not be frightened by your adversaries.

This is a sign to them

of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God."



e) 2 Gifts



Philippians 1:29-30



"For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe

in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

having the same conflict which you saw in me

and now hear is in me. "





Philippians 2:1-11



Why can't we get along?



What is our foundation?



Philippians 2



Christian Humility and Christ's Humility



1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any

comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,

[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,

if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same

love, being in unity with one mind.

[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of

one accord, of one mind.



2 seats of knowledge exist



Cognitive - we learn facts , concepts and priciples.

Experiential - experiencing what is true



Experiential knowledge wins out over cognitive knowledge



Notice the emotionals words



Philippians 2



1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any

comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,

[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,

if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,



A sense of confidence and peace



Comfort and cherish



The sensing of the presence of God.



Tenderness/mercy is something created by the Holy

Spirit at the core of who we are.



Compassion toward others is what spills over from the reality of tenderness.



How do you experience the Spirit of the Lord?



Our experience with God inspires us to:



I ) Be like minded



2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded ...

[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded ...



II) Love sacrificially



2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same

love, ...

[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, ...



III) Be one in spirit and purpose



2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same

love, being in unity with one mind.

[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of

one accord, of one mind.



Christian Humility and Christ's Humility



3 (Ro 12:10; Gal 5:26) Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in

humility let each esteem the other better than himself.

4 (Ro 15:1) Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also

to the interests of others.

5 (Mt 11:29; Ro 15:3) Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ

Jesus,

6 (Jn 5:18; 10:33) who, being in the form of God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.

7 (Mt 20:28; Jn 1:14) But He emptied Himself,

taking upon Himself the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men.

8 (Heb 12:2; Mt 26:39; Jn 10:18) And being found in the form of a man,

He humbled Himself

and became obedient to death,

even death on a cross.

9 (Heb 2:9; Mt 28:18) Therefore God highly exalted Him

and gave Him the name which is above every name,

10 (Mt 28:18) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 (Jn 13:13; Ro 14:9) and every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.



[3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of

mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

[4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things

of others.

[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

[6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with

God:

[7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a

servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

[8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became

obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

[9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which

is above every name:

[10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,

and things in earth, and things under the earth;

[11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the

glory of God the Father.



Shining as Lights in the World



12 (2Co 7:15; Php 1:5) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed,

not only in my presence, but so much more in my absence, work out your

own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 (Heb 13:21; Ezr 1:5) For God is the One working in you, both to will

and to do His good pleasure.

14 (1Pe 4:9; 1Co 10:10) Do all things without murmuring and disputing,

15 (Mt 5:45; Dt 32:5) that you may be blameless and harmless, sons of God,

without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which

you shine as lights in the world.

16 (Gal 2:2; 4:11) Hold forth the word of life that I may rejoice

on the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 (Ro 15:16; 2Co 12:15) Yes, and even if I am offered upon the sacrifice

and service of your faith, I take delight and rejoice with you all.

18 For this reason you also take delight and rejoice with me.



[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence

only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear

and trembling.

[13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good

pleasure.

[14] Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

[15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,

in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights

in the world;

[16] Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of

Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

[17] Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith,

I joy, and rejoice with you all.

[18] For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.



Timothy and Epaphroditus



19 (1Co 4:17; Php 1:1) I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly

to you, that I also may be of good comfort when I get word concerning you.

20 (1Co 16:10) For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care

for your welfare.

21 (1Co 10:24; 13:5) For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Jesus.

22 (1Co 4:17; 1Ti 1:2) But you know of his proven worth, that as a son with

a father, he has served with me in the gospel.

23 Therefore I hope to send him soon after my situation is resolved.

24 (Phm 1:22) But I trust in the Lord that I, myself, shall also come shortly.

25 (Php 4:18; Phm 1:1-2; Php 4:3) Yet I thought it necessary to send to you

Epaphroditus, who is my brother and companion in labor, fellow soldier,

your messenger, and he who ministered to my necessity.

26 (Php 1:8) For he longed after you all and was filled with heaviness,

because you heard that he was sick.

27 Indeed he was sick, near death. But God had mercy on him,

and not only on him, but also on me,

lest I should have had sorrow upon sorrow.

28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again,

you may rejoice and I may be less sorrowful.

29 (1Co 16:18; Ro 16:2) So receive him in the Lord with all joy.

And hold such ones in high regard,

30 (1Co 16:17; Ac 20:24) because for the work of Christ he was near death,

not regarding his life, endeavouring to make up for your lack of service

toward me.



[19] But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that

I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

[20] For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

[21] For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

[22] But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath

served with me in the gospel.

[23] Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it

will go with me.

[24] But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

[25] Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother,

and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that

ministered to my wants.

[26] For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye

had heard that he had been sick.

[27] For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and

not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

[28] I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again,

ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

[29] Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in

reputation:

[30] Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding

his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.



Philippians 3



The True Righteousness



1 (Php 4:4; 1Th 5:16) Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write

the same things to you is no trouble to me, and it is reassuring for you.

2 (2Co 11:13; Gal 5:15) Watch out for dogs, watch out for evil workers,

watch out for those who practice mutilation.

3 (Col 2:11; Jude 1:20) For we are the circumcision who worship

God in the Spirit, and boast in Christ Jesus, and place no trust in the flesh,

4 though I also have confidence in the flesh.

If any other man thinks that he has reason to trust in the flesh, I have more:

5 (2Co 11:22; Ro 11:1; Ac 23:6) I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock

of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew of Hebrews; as concerning

the law, a Pharisee;

6 (Ac 8:3; 22:3-4) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; and concerning

the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 (Lk 14:33) But what things were gain to me, I have counted these things

to be loss for the sake of Christ.

8 (Jn 17:3; 2Pe 1:3) Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss

for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom

I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that

I may gain Christ,

9 (1Co 1:30; Php 3:6; Isa 53:11) and be found in Him, not having my own

righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith

in Christ, (Or through the faith of Christ.) the righteousness which is of God

on the basis of faith,

10 (Ro 8:17; 8:29) to know Him, and the power of His resurrection,

and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

11 (Ac 26:7) if somehow I might make it to the resurrection of the dead.



[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to

you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

[3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and

rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

[4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man

thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

[5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of

Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

[6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness

which is in the law, blameless.

[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the

knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all

things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the

law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which

is of God by faith:

[10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the

fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

[11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.



Pressing Toward the Mark



12 (1Co 13:10; 1Ti 6:19) Not that I have already attained or have already been

perfected, but I follow after it so that I may lay hold of that for which

I was seized by Christ Jesus.

13 (Lk 9:62; Ps 45:10) Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained,

but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind

and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

14 (Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high

calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 (1Co 2:6; Gal 5:10) Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus

minded. And if you think differently in any way,

God will reveal even this to you.

16 (Gal 6:16) Nevertheless, according to what we have already attained,

let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

17 (1Co 4:16; 1Pe 5:3) Brothers, become fellow imitators with me

and observe those who walk according to our example.

18 (Gal 6:12) For many are walking in such a way that they are the enemies

of the cross of Christ. I have told you of them often and tell you again,

even weeping.

19 (Ro 16:18; 2Pe 2:3) Their destination is destruction, their god

is their appetite, their glory is in their shame, their minds

are set on earthly things.

20 (Eph 2:19; 1Co 1:7; Ac 1:11) But our citizenship is in heaven, from

where also we await for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

21 (Col 3:4) who will transform our body of humiliation,

so that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working

of His power even to subdue all things to Himself.



[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but

I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended

of Christ Jesus.

[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I

do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those

things which are before,

[14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in

Christ Jesus.

[15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any

thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

[16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same

rule, let us mind the same thing.

[17] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as

ye have us for an ensample.

[18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even

weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

[19] Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is

in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the

Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

[21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his

glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue

all things unto himself.



Philippians 4



1 (Php 1:8; 1:27; 1Co 16:13) Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brothers,

my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.



[1] Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,

so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.



Exhortations



2 (Php 2:2-3) I exhort Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 (Lk 10:20; Php 1:27) I ask you also, true companion, help those women who

labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with my other fellow

laborers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness. The Lord is at hand.

6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer

and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God.

7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses all

understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 (Ac 6:3; 10:22) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever

things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.

9 (Php 3:17; Ro 15:33; Php 4:7) Do those things which you have both learned

and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.



[2] I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind

in the Lord.

[3] And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which

laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my

fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

[4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

[5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your

hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are

honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever

things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any

virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

[9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and

seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.



Acknowledgment of the Philippians' Gift



10 (2Co 11:9) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived

your concern for me. Regarding this, you did care, but you lacked opportunity.

11 (Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:6-9) I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned

in whatever state I am to be content.

12 (2Co 11:27; 11:9) I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to

have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret,

both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because of Christ

who strengthens me.

14 (Php 1:7) Nevertheless you did well having shared in my affliction.

15 (Php 1:5; 2Co 11:8-12) Now you Philippians know also,

that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia,

no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving,

except you alone.

16 (1Th 2:9) Even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for

my necessity,

17 (Titus 3:14) not because I desired a gift, but I desire fruit that

accumulates to your account.

18 (Eph 5:2; Php 2:25-26) But I have everything and abound. I have been

filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you,

like a sweet fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according

to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 (Ro 11:36; Gal 1:4-5) Now to God and our Father be glory forever and ever.

Amen.



[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of

me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked

opportunity.

[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever

state I am, therewith to be content.

[12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and

in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to

abound and to suffer need.

[13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

[14] Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my

affliction.

[15] Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when

I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning

giving and receiving, but ye only.

[16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

[17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your

account.

[18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus

the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice

acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.

[20] Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.



Final Greetings



21 (Gal 1:2) Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me

greet you.

22 (2Co 13:13; Php 1:13) All the saints greet you,

especially those who are of Caesar's household.

23 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.



[21] Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me

greet you.

[22] All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

[23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.



2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2023



Entitled "God Is More than Enough"



Ruth 4:9-17



9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "You are witnesses today

that I have bought everything that belonged to Elimelek, Kilion,

and Mahlon from Naomi.

10 (Dt 25:6) Moreover I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess,

the wife of Mahlon, to be my wife, in order to preserve the name

of the deceased man for his inheritance, so that his name will not be

cut off from among his brothers or from his town.

You are witnesses this day."

11 (Dt 25:9; Ge 29:32-30:24) Then all the people who were at the gate,

along with the elders, said, "We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman

who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, who together built up

the house of Israel. May you do well in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem!

12 (Ge 38:29; 46:12) May your house be like the house of Perez,

whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring

that the Lord will give you by this young woman."

13 (Ge 29:31; 33:5) So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife.

When they came together, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she bore a son.

14 (Lk 1:58) Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not

left you without a redeemer. May he become famous in Israel!

15 (1Sa 1:8) He will be a comfort for your soul and support you in your

old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better

to you than seven sons, has given birth to him."

16 Then Naomi took the child, laid him on her lap, and became his nurse.

17 The neighbor women gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi!"

And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.



[9] And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses

this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was

Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

[10] Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be

my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the

name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate

of his place: ye are witnesses this day.

[11] And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are

witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel

and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily

in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

[12] And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto

Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman.

[13] So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her,

the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.

[14] And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left

thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

[15] And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of

thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better

to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

[16] And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse

unto it.

[17] And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son

born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the

father of David.



Ellen was on a tight budget, so she was glad to receive a Christmas bonus.

That would have been enough, but when she deposited the money, she received

another surprise. The teller said that as a Christmas present the bank had

deposited her January mortgage payment into her chequing account. Now she and

Trey could pay other bills and bless someone else with a Christmas surprise!



God has a way of blessing us beyond what we expect. Naomi was bitter and

broken by the death of her husband and sons (Ruth 1:20-21). Her desperate

situation was rescued by Boaz, a relative who married her daughter-in-law

Ruth and provided a home for her and Naomi (4:10).



That might have been all Naomi could hope for. But then God blessed Ruth and

Boaz with a son. Now Naomi had a grandson to "And he shall be unto thee a

restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter

in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath

born him." (v. 15). That would have been enough. As the women of Bethlehem

put it, "There is a son born to Naomi" (v. 17). Then little Obed grew-and

became "the father of Jesse, the father of David" (v. 17). Naomi's family

belonged to Israel's royal line, the most important dynasty in history!

That would have been enough. David, however, became the ancestor of ... Jesus.



If we believe in Christ, we're in a similar position to Naomi. We had nothing

until He redeemed us. Now we're fully accepted by our Father, who blesses us

to bless others. That's so much more than enough.



By: Mike Wittmer



Reflect & Pray



When has God blessed you beyond what you imagined?

How has He shown you that He's more than enough?



Jesus, You're more than enough for me.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 2 The Wardrobe of Joy Isaiah 61:10



10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God;

for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.



10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God;

for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me

with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself

with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.



On her wedding day, the bride dresses carefully for the ceremony

that is about to take place. Never before has she spent so much

time in preparation for one relatively brief event. When she

looks in the mirror and rejoices in her happiness, she responds not

out of vanity, but for sheer joy as she anticipates the coming ceremony.

God wants his people, lie that bride to be joyful, to rejoice in the Lord,

the Bridegroom. And he gives, through his grace,

the garments of joy to his beloved ones.

He clothes us, Isaiah says, with salvation, and covers us with

the robe of righteousness. The wardrobe that God provides is not merely

a utility garment, a coverall that hides our sin from his eyes.

It is his own righteousness in Christ, given to us as a free gift, so that

we might be united with him. And God himself, Isaiah says,

is filled with joy, adorning himself like a bridegroom.

When we truly see God's immeasurable gift in accepting us as him own,

we also will "greatly rejoice" in the Lord. He, the eternal god,

Creator of the universe, desires to be united with us, as a husband

desires his wife! God does not simply accept us grudgingly,

reminding us of our unworthiness to be with him. Rather, he celebrates

with unrestrained joy his oneness in Spirit with those he calls his own.

And we, having been fully forgiven

and set free from sin, can rejoice unashamedly as well.



Application



a) Have I ever felt ashamed to draw close to God? Why?



b) What does this verse tell me about God's attitude towards me?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Ps 35:27



27 May those who favour my righteous cause shout for joy and be glad;

may they say continually, "The Lord be magnified,

who delights in the peace of His servant."



27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause:

Yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified,

which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Generous Provision



Matthew 6:24-34



God and Money



24 (Lk 16:13; 16:11; 16:9) "No one can serve two masters.

For either he will hate the one and love the other,

or else he will hold to the one and despise the other.

You cannot serve God and money."



Care and Anxiety



Lk 12:22-34



25 (Mt 6:31; 6:34; Php 4:6) "Therefore, I say to you,

take no thought about your life, what you will eat,

or what you will drink, nor about your body,

what you will put on. Is not life more than

and the body than clothing?

26 (Job 38:41; Ps 147:9) Look at the birds of the air,

for they do not sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns.

Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?

27 Who among you by taking thought can add a cubit

(A cubit is about half a meter.) to his stature?

28 (Mt 6:25; 6:31) "Why take thought about clothing?

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow:

They neither work, nor do they spin.

29 (1Ki 10:4-7; 2Ch 9:4-6) Yet I say to you that even Solomon

in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.

30 (Mt 8:26; 14:31) Therefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field,

which today is here and tomorrow is thrown into the oven,

will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 (1Pe 5:7) Therefore, take no thought, saying, 'What shall we eat?'

or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 (Mt 6:8; Lk 12:30) (For the Gentiles seek after all these things.)

For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.

33 (1Ti 4:8; 1Ki 3:11-13) But seek first the kingdom of God

and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you.

34 (Mt 6:25) Therefore, take no thought about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will take thought about the things of itself.

Sufficient to the day is the trouble thereof.



True Wisdom



24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one,

and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat,

or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not

the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor

gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much

better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field,

how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed

like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is,

and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you,

O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



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



11th Day of the Month



a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,

city or community, and in Canada.



(



Ps 86:12



12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,

and I will glorify Your name forever.



12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:

And I will glorify thy name for evermore.



John 12:28



28 "Father, glorify Your name."

Then a voice came from heaven, saying,

"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."



28 Father, glorify thy name.

Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,

I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.



)



b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick



I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence

then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.

( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of

God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses beaming forth

the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding

the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



)



Advent Day 16



C.S.Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck



"My brother and I took a day off last week, put sandwiches

in our pockets, and tramped sixteen miles... from Dorchester Abbey

to Oxford....You would be surprised if you could see the unspoilt

beauty and charm which can still be found I hope to send you

the autographed children's book by Christmas, but will probably

know more about its progress this afternoon,

as I am going out to lunch with my publisher." - C. S. Lewis



(From "Letter to Miss Vera Mathews," Sept. 20, 1950,

Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, p. 54.)



The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe



Advertisers will call their product "the perfect gift"

or "the gift for any occasion." Many people love books,

and books are among the favourite Christmas gifts to give or receive.

You can purchase a book on almost every imaginable subject. Books last.

Books can be read over and over again.



The book about which Lewis writes in this letter to Vera Mathews

is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It was released by Geoffrey Bles

Publishers on October 16, 1950, in time for the Christmas season.

In fact, most of the original Chronicles of Narnia books

were released in time for Christmas.



Christians are a "people of the book." Our word "Bible" comes

from a Greek word meaning "book." And as Jesus was the Word made flesh,

to tell his story God arranged for the writing of a book of books,

so constructed that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ.

Lewis once wrote, tongue in cheek, that God was an unscru­pulous author,

leaving traps, nets, and stratagems everywhere in his book to snare

its readers (Surprised by Joy, p. 191). Indeed! God "wants all men

to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4).



Thank you, Lord, for books, especially the Book, with its

testimony to Jesus as the Christ. Amen.



These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.



John 20:31



Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn



MONDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT



The Recipients



His mercy is on those who fear Him

from generation to generation.



-Luke 1:50



It was fitting yesterday on the Third Sunday of Advent

to begin this week focusing on God's righting of injustice in the

world since we are preparing for the coming of Jesus, who spent

his life, contrary to the religious leaders, ministering to the poor

and the ill, the humble and the outcast. Consequently,

today we accentuate again (see Wednesday, First Week of Advent)

that significant word fear.



We have seen that God towers above us all, that his prodigious

power could (if he chose) do away with every one of us,

that we are inconsequential to his purposes, that our efforts are meager

in his sight. It is appropriate that we always remember this and properly

fear, for then we never take it for granted that God loves us,

that his grace floods over us, that his mercy endures forever!

What elation overwhelms us then, for we are awed that the Glorious One

stoops to select us! What lavish gratitude inhabits our souls!



Prayer



Bounteous God, how can I ever thank you sufficiently for

choosing me to be yours? Amen.



Read Luke 1:45-55.



45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion

to those things which were told her by the Lord."



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.”



The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler



THIRD MONDAY

AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATTITUDE!



Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,

whose hope is in the Lord his God, PSALM 146:5



Notice the strong, positive attitude of the psalmist. He is "praising the Lord

not because everything is going well, but because of what the Lord has

clone . . . for all of us!

Hows your attitude today? Or, do you have an attitude about

your attitude? A friend of mine likes to say. "In case of an accident

I'm not surprised!" Great attitude, eh? Years ago I received a coffee cup

as a gift from a so-called friend which read. "Life is hard and then you die.

A great way to start each morning. don't you thinks

The AH-HAs of Advent help us to grasp that the Lord has given us

everything to change our UH-OH attitudes into AH-HA affirmations.

No wonder the psalmist can proclaim that "happy are those whose help is

the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God." The joy of Advent

is that we proclaim tile exact same message.

And more good news: even when we do not have a very positive attitude--

when we are dull and tired and dragging--the Lord continues to love us,

to prop us up, and to show us the way from the AH-HAs of Advent, through

the UH-OHs of Good Friday, and on to the Greatest AH-HA of them all--

EASTER! Advent is not a "let's pretend" game of thinking that Easter

has not happened No way! Easter is the real thing, right now. today!

What an attitude!

Lord. thanks for setting people free---for lifting us up and opening our

blind eyes to see the needs and hopes of others. Keep giving us an

attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Psalm 146



Psalms 146



1 Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) While I live I will praise the Lord;

I will sing praises unto my God while I have my life.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Do not put your trust in princes,

nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) His breath leaves him, and he returns to the earth;

on that very day his plans perish.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,

whose hope is in the Lord his God,

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) who made heaven, and earth,

the sea, and all that is in them,

who keeps faithfulness forever,

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) who executes justice for the oppressed,

who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord releases the prisoners.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;

the Lord raises those who are brought down;

the Lord loves the righteous.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) The Lord preserves the sojourners;

He lifts up the fatherless and widow,

but on the way of the wicked He brings disaster.

10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) The Lord shall reign forever,

your God, O Zion, unto all generations.

Praise you the Lord!



From On Eagle's wings Day 14

Titled A Bright Morning Star by Deacon Jan Davis (Lutheran)

On Eagle’s Wings Curriculum Writer Hanover, Pennsylvania



16 (Rev 1:1; 5:5; Mt 2:2) "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to you

with this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring

of David, the Bright and Morning Star."

[16] I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the

churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and

morning star.



Revelation 22:16



I live in the South, and it is difficult to imagine living days

with little to no sunlight. Here in Pennsylvania, even on the

shortest day of the year, we still get over nine hours of daylight.

During a recent June flight to Alaska, I experienced sunlight to

darkness and back to sunlight all in the span of about eight

hours. As I boarded the plane in Seattle, the sun was setting,

and I saw the dark night-time sky as we flew north. But soon, I

looked ahead and noticed it was getting lighter towards the

horizon. Then the morning star appeared. It was like a beacon

guiding us forward. Soon the sky filled with light, and I could

clearly see the snow-capped mountains below although it was

after midnight.

As I reflected on the sky it reminded me of times when things

go wrong and all we can see is darkness. However, as

followers of Christ, we can always look to the horizon with

hope, our eyes open and ready to see the bright morning star

known as Jesus.



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to love the Lord with all your heart and all your mind.



Pray to the Lord: "Jesus, You're more than enough for me."



Pray to the Lord and pray thank Him for you can draw near to Him.



Pray to the Lord and pray to favour His righteous Cause.



Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him first and His Kingdom for all these

things shall be given onto you!



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,

city or community, and in Canada.



Thank you, Lord, for books, especially the Book, with its

testimony to Jesus as the Christ. Amen.



Pray: Bounteous God, how can I ever thank you sufficiently for

choosing me to be yours? Amen.



Pray: Lord. thanks for setting people free---for lifting us up and opening our

blind eyes to see the needs and hopes of others. Keep giving us an

attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Pray: Jesus, bring your light to our darkness. Guide our way in

all times and places. Thank you for being our morning

star, always shining with your love for us. Amen.



Pray for Christian ministries that are reaching Afghans who

have taken refuge in Pakistan.



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.