Day 347 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 13 December 2023 reflections - 18th Day of Advent
Day 347, 13 December 2023 - 18th Day of Advent
1) Titus 1, Titus 2, Titus 3
Titus 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 1:1; 1Ti 6:3) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth
which leads to godliness,
2 (2Ti 1:1; 1:9; Titus 2:13) in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot
lie, promised before the world began,
3 (1Ti 1:1; 1:1) 1and has in due time revealed His word through preaching,
with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,
4 (2Ti 1:2; 2Co 2:13) To Titus, my own son in the common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.
[1] Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the
faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after
godliness;
[2] In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the
world began;
[3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is
committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
[4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Titus' Work in Crete
5 (Ac 14:23; 27:7) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should
set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city,
as I commanded you:
6 (1Ti 3:2-7; 3:12) any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife,
having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly.
7 (Lk 12:42; 2Pe 2:10) For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward
of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness,
not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain,
8 (1Ti 3:2) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled,
just, holy, temperate,
9 (1Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:15) holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in
accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with
sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.
10 (1Ti 1:6; Ac 11:2) For there are many unruly men, empty talkers
and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 (2Ti 3:6; 1Ti 6:5) who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses
by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach.
12 (Ac 17:28) One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are
always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!"
13 (2Co 13:10; Titus 2:2) This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply
that they may be sound in the faith,
14 (Col 2:22; 2Ti 4:4) not paying attention to Jewish myths
and commandments of men who reject the truth.
15 (Ro 14:20; 14:23) To the pure, all things are pure.
But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.
Even their minds and consciences are defiled.
16 (1Jn 2:4; Rev 21:8) They profess that they know God,
but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient,
and worthless for every good work.
[5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order
the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had
appointed thee:
[6] If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children
not accused of riot or unruly.
[7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,
not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
[8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy,
temperate;
[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be
able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially
they of the circumcision:
[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things
which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
[12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are
alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be
sound in the faith;
[14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth.
[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and
unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being
abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 2
The Teaching of Sound Doctrine
1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you,
teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:
2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,
sound in faith, in love, in patience.
3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,
and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers
of good things,
4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children,
5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured.
6 (1Ti 5:1) Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled,
7 (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good
works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility,
8 (1Pe 2:12; Ne 5:9) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that
the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well
in everything, not answering back,
10 (Mt 5:16; Titus 1:3) or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that
they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
11 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 11:23) For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men,
12 (Lk 1:75; Ro 6:19) teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously,
and in godliness in this present world,
13 (2Ti 4:8; Titus 1:2) as we await the blessed hope and the appearing
of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 (Eph 2:10; Heb 9:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people,
zealous of good works.
15 (2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 5:20) Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise you.
[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
[2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in
charity, in patience.
[3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,
to love their children,
[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
[6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
[7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
[8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary
part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
[9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please
them well in all things; not answering again;
[10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
[15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no
man despise thee.
Titus 3
Maintain Good Deeds
1 (2Ti 2:21; Ecc 10:4) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to obey them, to be ready for every good work,
2 (1Ti 3:3; 2Ti 2:24-25) to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious,
but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
3 (Col 3:7) We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred
and hating each other.
4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone.
9 (2Ti 2:14; 2:23) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions,
and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 (Ro 16:17; 2Jn 1:10) Reject a divisive man after a first and second
admonition,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
[1] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
[2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all
meekness unto all men.
[3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and
hating one another.
[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared,
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to
the hope of eternal life.
[8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
[9] But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and
strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
[10] A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
[11] Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned
of himself.
Personal Instructions and Greetings
12 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:9) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent
to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 (Ac 18:24; Mt 22:35) Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
on their journey. See that they lack nothing.
14 (Php 1:11; Col 1:10) And let our people also learn to continue doing good
works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.
15 (Col 4:18) All who are with me greet you.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
[12] When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come
unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
[13] Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that
nothing be wanting unto them.
[14] And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that
they be not unfruitful.
[15] All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 13 December 2023
Overcoming Trials
Genesis 50:15-21
Joseph Reassures His Brothers
15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead,
they said, "Perhaps Joseph will hate us and will certainly
pay us back for all the wrong we did to him."
16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying,
"Your father gave this command before he died:
17 (Ge 49:25)'Say to Joseph,
"I beg you, forgive the transgressions of your brothers
and their sin. For they did evil to you." '
Now, please forgive the transgressions of the servants
of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face and said,
"We are your servants."
19 (Ge 30:2; 2Ki 5:7) Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
20 (Ro 8:28) But as for you, you intended to harm me,
but God intended it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day,
to save many lives.
21(Ge 47:12)So now, do not fear. I will provide for you
and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
[15] And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said,
Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil
which we did unto him.
[16] And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command
before he died, saying,
[17] So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of
thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray
thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And
Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
[18] And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they
said, Behold, we be thy servants.
[19] And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
[20] But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good,
to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
[21] Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones.
And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Anne grew up in poverty and pain. Two of her siblings died in infancy. At
five, an eye disease left her partially blind and unable to read or write.
When Anne was eight, her mother died from tuberculosis. Shortly after, her
abusive father abandoned his three surviving children. The youngest was sent
to live with relatives, but Anne and her brother, Jimmie, went to Tewksbury
Almshouse, a dilapidated, overcrowded poorhouse. A few months later, Jimmie
died.
At age fourteen, Anne's circumstances brightened. She was sent to a school for
the blind, where she underwent surgery to improve her vision and learned to
read and write. Though she struggled to fit in, she excelled academically and
graduated valedictorian. Today we know her best as Anne Sullivan, Helen
Keller's teacher and companion. Through effort, patience, and love, Anne
taught blind and deaf Helen to speak, to read Braille, and to graduate from
college.
Joseph too had to overcome extreme trials: at seventeen, he was sold into
slavery by his jealous brothers and was later wrongly imprisoned (Genesis 37;
39–-41). Yet God used him to save Egypt and his family from famine (50:20).
We all face trials and troubles. But just as God helped Joseph and Anne to
overcome and to deeply impact the lives of others, He can help and use us.
Seek Him for help and guidance. He sees and hears.
By: Alyson Kieda
Reflect & Pray
How has God helped you through a trial?
How have you been able to help another in their struggle?
Dear God, thank You! You helped me come through a trial.
Please help me to be a helper to others.
Learn more about suffering in the Christian life.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 4 Under the Mercy
Ps 13:5-6
5 I for my part confide in Your kindness;may my heart exult in Your salvation!
6 I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
In Sheldon Vanauken's book "A Severe Mercy", Vanauken faced the "severe mercy"
of the untimely death of his wife. His friend C. S. Lewis , who had endured a
similar grief , comforted him through letters,
encouraging him with the exhotation, "Go under the Mercy".
While God's grace deals with sin and forgiveness,
God's mercy deals with the pain pf human existence. We all experience pain
- sometimes as a natural result of wrongs we have done, sometimes unfairly
as a consequence of living in a fallen world.
But for all who hurt, God provides
mercy - respite from pain, and the assurance of a Lord who cares.
David , in Psalm 13 says " I trust in your mercy, your unfailing love."
God's love never fail us, no matter how much we may have failed him.
David knew the consequences of sin; he knew what it meant to fail God,
to rebel against God's faithfulness. Yet David trusted in God's Goodness
rather than depending upon his own; he focused his attention upon the
mercy of the Lord.
We need, like David, to "Go under the mercy", even when it is a
"severe mercy."
Even when circumstances seem bad; even when things seem out of control; even
when we think God has forsaken us, yet his mercy is at work to bring us
fulfillment and cause us to turn to him
with a song of praise on our lips.
Application
a) How have I experienced the mercy of God?
b) How can these verses help me focus on God's
merciful intervention in my life even when circumstances seem
out of control?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Haggai 2:7-9
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,
and they will come with the wealth of all nations,
and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater
than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place
I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.
7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,
saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,
saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place
will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
James 1:12-18
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth with
the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust,
and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth,
that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
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
13th Day of the Month
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, 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 18
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Wednesday. Third Week of Advent
"The Scotch catechism says that man's end is 'to glorify God and enjoy Him
forever'. But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to
enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us
to enjoy Him." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Reflections on the Psalms, p. 97.)
Enjoying God
When we set aside the flurry of activity that so often comes in December,
we can almost hear the message of the angels. They invited the shepherds
not to be afraid, but to give glory to God. Lewis tells us that when they
did this, the angels were inviting them to enjoy God.
Aren't we, too, being invited in this holy season to give glory to God?
God doesn't really need our praise and glory, but he knows that we need
to lift up our hearts. We need to lift up our eyes unto the hills,
from whence our help comes, and see the glory that will be revealed to us.
Narnia can help us to do that. Narnia contains many pleasures, and they all
come from God. The gifts of Father Christmas to Peter, Susan, and Lucy
are some of those pleasures. The crowning of the four children to be Kings
and Queens of Narnia are another. The arrival of Reepicheep, the talking
mouse, in Aslan's country is a third. God gave Lewis the vision.
In enjoying his vision, we are enjoying God.
Even in the midst of suffering, we need this reminder. St. Paul tells us,
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with
the glory that will be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). When we give glory to God,
it reminds us of the glory that will be revealed to us. And we find joy
in this glory. That's one reason why the message was "good news
of great joy" (Luke 2:10), not only for the shepherds,
but "for all the people"-including us.
Glory to you, 0 Lord. Praise to you, 0 Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.
Luke 2:14
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
The Gift of a Child
Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
-Luke 1:57
Because our culture has basically disregarded God, our society
at large does not appreciate what a colossal treasure
from God a child is! Some women, including me, for mainly medical reasons,
can't bear children and for that reason comprehend much more deeply
how precious such a gift is.
Elizabeth, too, had not been able to bear children earlier in her youth,
and it was incontrovertibly miraculous that she could give birth
now in her older years. Her friends and relatives knew what
an enormous benevolence from God this child was-the text says that
they had "heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to [Elizabeth]"
-so they enthusiastically joined her in rejoicing.
What a splendid celebration they must have had!
What cherished blessing have you received from the Lord lately?
Do you need to prize afresh your spouse or children as treasures from God?
Perhaps your God-given gifts include friends, colleagues
or relatives who bring you mercy and grace.
prayer
Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.
Read Luke 1:57-58.
57 Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,
and they rejoiced with her.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWAITING!
Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. JAMES 5:7
Have you heard the story of Grandma saying to Grandpa, "What are
you doing?" Grandpa slowly responds, "How soon do you need to know?"
Patience, patience, patience.
In the book Power of Pause, Terry Hershey tells the story of a little girl
who says. "Shh, Mom, listen." "What am I listening to?" asks Mom
The girl responds, "If you are quiet and listen, you can hear God talking
to us." Patience, patience, patience.
The AH-HA of awaiting is the call to be patient, and to be quiet in order
to hear the Lord in the big and little events of our lives. "The first duty
of love is to wait," said a patient man named Tillich. Are you ever like I am
when I anxiously wait for someone to stop talking so I can say something
"brilliant" ? As one comic quipped. "No one really listens to anyone else, and
if you ever try to for a while, you'll know why!" Patience. patience. patience.
Just for today. try to really listen to someone with your entire self.
And then keep going back to re-read James 5 . .. over and over.
Patience, patience, patience.
Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read James 5:7-11
7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early
and late rain.
8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,
lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,
who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
From On Eagle's wings Day 18
On Whom Light Has Shined by Rev Terry C Tomlinson (United Methodist)
Former On Eagle’s Wings Governing Board Member
Papillion, Nebraska
9 (Dt 7:6; 10:15) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may declare the
goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1 Peter 2:9
Last year I didn't write a reflection; I was in hospital trauma care. I was
working on the treehouse I built for my grandchildren during the pandemic.
I was fourteen feet up a
ladder, anchored from every imaginable point. But the primary
beam that anchored my ladder had rotted at ground level. It
held just long enough for me to get too high and reach too far.
Surprise!
When I hit the ground, I knew I was badly injured. Nine ribs
fractured in eleven places. Concussion, punctured lung,
seriously damaged knee. I reached for my phone, but the
LIGHT started to fade. I thought, "O Lord, please not now. I
don't want the grandkids to find me like this!"
Then NOTHING but darkness -- And finally a new LIGHT.
The surgeon said, "You could have died from this accident!
You're lucky."
I saw the darkness, and the darkness overwhelmed me. But
there is more for me to do, a light within me that the world
needs to see. You have this LIGHT too!
Heavenly Father, the darkness of this world is real and
overwhelming at times. Have mercy upon us. Lead us out
of darkness and into your glorious light. Amen
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You! You helped me come through a trial.
Please help me to be a helper to others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for His mercies.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as creator of all wealth.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give all your temptations to Him!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
Glory to you, O Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.
Pray: Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Heavenly Father, the darkness of this world is real and
overwhelming at times. Have mercy upon us. Lead us out
of darkness and into your glorious light. Amen
Pray for Christian ministry workers like Mina and Mehfri in Indonesia
as they proclaim the message of Christ to non-believers.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Titus 1, Titus 2, Titus 3
Titus 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 1:1; 1Ti 6:3) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth
which leads to godliness,
2 (2Ti 1:1; 1:9; Titus 2:13) in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot
lie, promised before the world began,
3 (1Ti 1:1; 1:1) 1and has in due time revealed His word through preaching,
with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,
4 (2Ti 1:2; 2Co 2:13) To Titus, my own son in the common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.
[1] Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the
faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after
godliness;
[2] In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the
world began;
[3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is
committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
[4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Titus' Work in Crete
5 (Ac 14:23; 27:7) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should
set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city,
as I commanded you:
6 (1Ti 3:2-7; 3:12) any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife,
having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly.
7 (Lk 12:42; 2Pe 2:10) For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward
of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness,
not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain,
8 (1Ti 3:2) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled,
just, holy, temperate,
9 (1Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:15) holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in
accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with
sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.
10 (1Ti 1:6; Ac 11:2) For there are many unruly men, empty talkers
and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 (2Ti 3:6; 1Ti 6:5) who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses
by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach.
12 (Ac 17:28) One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are
always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!"
13 (2Co 13:10; Titus 2:2) This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply
that they may be sound in the faith,
14 (Col 2:22; 2Ti 4:4) not paying attention to Jewish myths
and commandments of men who reject the truth.
15 (Ro 14:20; 14:23) To the pure, all things are pure.
But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.
Even their minds and consciences are defiled.
16 (1Jn 2:4; Rev 21:8) They profess that they know God,
but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient,
and worthless for every good work.
[5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order
the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had
appointed thee:
[6] If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children
not accused of riot or unruly.
[7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,
not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
[8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy,
temperate;
[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be
able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially
they of the circumcision:
[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things
which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
[12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are
alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be
sound in the faith;
[14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth.
[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and
unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being
abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 2
The Teaching of Sound Doctrine
1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you,
teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:
2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,
sound in faith, in love, in patience.
3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,
and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers
of good things,
4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children,
5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured.
6 (1Ti 5:1) Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled,
7 (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good
works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility,
8 (1Pe 2:12; Ne 5:9) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that
the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well
in everything, not answering back,
10 (Mt 5:16; Titus 1:3) or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that
they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
11 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 11:23) For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men,
12 (Lk 1:75; Ro 6:19) teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously,
and in godliness in this present world,
13 (2Ti 4:8; Titus 1:2) as we await the blessed hope and the appearing
of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 (Eph 2:10; Heb 9:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people,
zealous of good works.
15 (2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 5:20) Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise you.
[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
[2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in
charity, in patience.
[3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,
to love their children,
[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
[6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
[7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
[8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary
part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
[9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please
them well in all things; not answering again;
[10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
[15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no
man despise thee.
Titus 3
Maintain Good Deeds
1 (2Ti 2:21; Ecc 10:4) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to obey them, to be ready for every good work,
2 (1Ti 3:3; 2Ti 2:24-25) to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious,
but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
3 (Col 3:7) We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred
and hating each other.
4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone.
9 (2Ti 2:14; 2:23) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions,
and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 (Ro 16:17; 2Jn 1:10) Reject a divisive man after a first and second
admonition,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
[1] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
[2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all
meekness unto all men.
[3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and
hating one another.
[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared,
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to
the hope of eternal life.
[8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
[9] But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and
strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
[10] A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
[11] Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned
of himself.
Personal Instructions and Greetings
12 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:9) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent
to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 (Ac 18:24; Mt 22:35) Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
on their journey. See that they lack nothing.
14 (Php 1:11; Col 1:10) And let our people also learn to continue doing good
works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.
15 (Col 4:18) All who are with me greet you.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
[12] When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come
unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
[13] Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that
nothing be wanting unto them.
[14] And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that
they be not unfruitful.
[15] All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 13 December 2023
Overcoming Trials
Genesis 50:15-21
Joseph Reassures His Brothers
15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead,
they said, "Perhaps Joseph will hate us and will certainly
pay us back for all the wrong we did to him."
16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying,
"Your father gave this command before he died:
17 (Ge 49:25)'Say to Joseph,
"I beg you, forgive the transgressions of your brothers
and their sin. For they did evil to you." '
Now, please forgive the transgressions of the servants
of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face and said,
"We are your servants."
19 (Ge 30:2; 2Ki 5:7) Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
20 (Ro 8:28) But as for you, you intended to harm me,
but God intended it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day,
to save many lives.
21(Ge 47:12)So now, do not fear. I will provide for you
and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
[15] And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said,
Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil
which we did unto him.
[16] And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command
before he died, saying,
[17] So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of
thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray
thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And
Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
[18] And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they
said, Behold, we be thy servants.
[19] And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
[20] But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good,
to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
[21] Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones.
And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
Anne grew up in poverty and pain. Two of her siblings died in infancy. At
five, an eye disease left her partially blind and unable to read or write.
When Anne was eight, her mother died from tuberculosis. Shortly after, her
abusive father abandoned his three surviving children. The youngest was sent
to live with relatives, but Anne and her brother, Jimmie, went to Tewksbury
Almshouse, a dilapidated, overcrowded poorhouse. A few months later, Jimmie
died.
At age fourteen, Anne's circumstances brightened. She was sent to a school for
the blind, where she underwent surgery to improve her vision and learned to
read and write. Though she struggled to fit in, she excelled academically and
graduated valedictorian. Today we know her best as Anne Sullivan, Helen
Keller's teacher and companion. Through effort, patience, and love, Anne
taught blind and deaf Helen to speak, to read Braille, and to graduate from
college.
Joseph too had to overcome extreme trials: at seventeen, he was sold into
slavery by his jealous brothers and was later wrongly imprisoned (Genesis 37;
39–-41). Yet God used him to save Egypt and his family from famine (50:20).
We all face trials and troubles. But just as God helped Joseph and Anne to
overcome and to deeply impact the lives of others, He can help and use us.
Seek Him for help and guidance. He sees and hears.
By: Alyson Kieda
Reflect & Pray
How has God helped you through a trial?
How have you been able to help another in their struggle?
Dear God, thank You! You helped me come through a trial.
Please help me to be a helper to others.
Learn more about suffering in the Christian life.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 4 Under the Mercy
Ps 13:5-6
5 I for my part confide in Your kindness;may my heart exult in Your salvation!
6 I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
In Sheldon Vanauken's book "A Severe Mercy", Vanauken faced the "severe mercy"
of the untimely death of his wife. His friend C. S. Lewis , who had endured a
similar grief , comforted him through letters,
encouraging him with the exhotation, "Go under the Mercy".
While God's grace deals with sin and forgiveness,
God's mercy deals with the pain pf human existence. We all experience pain
- sometimes as a natural result of wrongs we have done, sometimes unfairly
as a consequence of living in a fallen world.
But for all who hurt, God provides
mercy - respite from pain, and the assurance of a Lord who cares.
David , in Psalm 13 says " I trust in your mercy, your unfailing love."
God's love never fail us, no matter how much we may have failed him.
David knew the consequences of sin; he knew what it meant to fail God,
to rebel against God's faithfulness. Yet David trusted in God's Goodness
rather than depending upon his own; he focused his attention upon the
mercy of the Lord.
We need, like David, to "Go under the mercy", even when it is a
"severe mercy."
Even when circumstances seem bad; even when things seem out of control; even
when we think God has forsaken us, yet his mercy is at work to bring us
fulfillment and cause us to turn to him
with a song of praise on our lips.
Application
a) How have I experienced the mercy of God?
b) How can these verses help me focus on God's
merciful intervention in my life even when circumstances seem
out of control?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Haggai 2:7-9
7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,
and they will come with the wealth of all nations,
and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater
than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place
I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.
7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory,
saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,
saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place
will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Help in Times of Temptation
James 1:12-18
Trial and Temptation
12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth with
the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust,
and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth,
that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
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
13th Day of the Month
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, 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 18
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Wednesday. Third Week of Advent
"The Scotch catechism says that man's end is 'to glorify God and enjoy Him
forever'. But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to
enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us
to enjoy Him." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Reflections on the Psalms, p. 97.)
Enjoying God
When we set aside the flurry of activity that so often comes in December,
we can almost hear the message of the angels. They invited the shepherds
not to be afraid, but to give glory to God. Lewis tells us that when they
did this, the angels were inviting them to enjoy God.
Aren't we, too, being invited in this holy season to give glory to God?
God doesn't really need our praise and glory, but he knows that we need
to lift up our hearts. We need to lift up our eyes unto the hills,
from whence our help comes, and see the glory that will be revealed to us.
Narnia can help us to do that. Narnia contains many pleasures, and they all
come from God. The gifts of Father Christmas to Peter, Susan, and Lucy
are some of those pleasures. The crowning of the four children to be Kings
and Queens of Narnia are another. The arrival of Reepicheep, the talking
mouse, in Aslan's country is a third. God gave Lewis the vision.
In enjoying his vision, we are enjoying God.
Even in the midst of suffering, we need this reminder. St. Paul tells us,
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with
the glory that will be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). When we give glory to God,
it reminds us of the glory that will be revealed to us. And we find joy
in this glory. That's one reason why the message was "good news
of great joy" (Luke 2:10), not only for the shepherds,
but "for all the people"-including us.
Glory to you, 0 Lord. Praise to you, 0 Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.
Luke 2:14
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
The Gift of a Child
Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
-Luke 1:57
Because our culture has basically disregarded God, our society
at large does not appreciate what a colossal treasure
from God a child is! Some women, including me, for mainly medical reasons,
can't bear children and for that reason comprehend much more deeply
how precious such a gift is.
Elizabeth, too, had not been able to bear children earlier in her youth,
and it was incontrovertibly miraculous that she could give birth
now in her older years. Her friends and relatives knew what
an enormous benevolence from God this child was-the text says that
they had "heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to [Elizabeth]"
-so they enthusiastically joined her in rejoicing.
What a splendid celebration they must have had!
What cherished blessing have you received from the Lord lately?
Do you need to prize afresh your spouse or children as treasures from God?
Perhaps your God-given gifts include friends, colleagues
or relatives who bring you mercy and grace.
prayer
Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.
Read Luke 1:57-58.
57 Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,
and they rejoiced with her.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWAITING!
Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. JAMES 5:7
Have you heard the story of Grandma saying to Grandpa, "What are
you doing?" Grandpa slowly responds, "How soon do you need to know?"
Patience, patience, patience.
In the book Power of Pause, Terry Hershey tells the story of a little girl
who says. "Shh, Mom, listen." "What am I listening to?" asks Mom
The girl responds, "If you are quiet and listen, you can hear God talking
to us." Patience, patience, patience.
The AH-HA of awaiting is the call to be patient, and to be quiet in order
to hear the Lord in the big and little events of our lives. "The first duty
of love is to wait," said a patient man named Tillich. Are you ever like I am
when I anxiously wait for someone to stop talking so I can say something
"brilliant" ? As one comic quipped. "No one really listens to anyone else, and
if you ever try to for a while, you'll know why!" Patience. patience. patience.
Just for today. try to really listen to someone with your entire self.
And then keep going back to re-read James 5 . .. over and over.
Patience, patience, patience.
Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read James 5:7-11
7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early
and late rain.
8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,
lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,
who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
From On Eagle's wings Day 18
On Whom Light Has Shined by Rev Terry C Tomlinson (United Methodist)
Former On Eagle’s Wings Governing Board Member
Papillion, Nebraska
9 (Dt 7:6; 10:15) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may declare the
goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1 Peter 2:9
Last year I didn't write a reflection; I was in hospital trauma care. I was
working on the treehouse I built for my grandchildren during the pandemic.
I was fourteen feet up a
ladder, anchored from every imaginable point. But the primary
beam that anchored my ladder had rotted at ground level. It
held just long enough for me to get too high and reach too far.
Surprise!
When I hit the ground, I knew I was badly injured. Nine ribs
fractured in eleven places. Concussion, punctured lung,
seriously damaged knee. I reached for my phone, but the
LIGHT started to fade. I thought, "O Lord, please not now. I
don't want the grandkids to find me like this!"
Then NOTHING but darkness -- And finally a new LIGHT.
The surgeon said, "You could have died from this accident!
You're lucky."
I saw the darkness, and the darkness overwhelmed me. But
there is more for me to do, a light within me that the world
needs to see. You have this LIGHT too!
Heavenly Father, the darkness of this world is real and
overwhelming at times. Have mercy upon us. Lead us out
of darkness and into your glorious light. Amen
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You! You helped me come through a trial.
Please help me to be a helper to others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for His mercies.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as creator of all wealth.
Pray to the Lord and pray to give all your temptations to Him!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
Glory to you, O Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.
Pray: Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Heavenly Father, the darkness of this world is real and
overwhelming at times. Have mercy upon us. Lead us out
of darkness and into your glorious light. Amen
Pray for Christian ministry workers like Mina and Mehfri in Indonesia
as they proclaim the message of Christ to non-believers.
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.