Day 349 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 15 December 2023 reflections - 20th Day of Advent
Day 349, 15 December 2023 - 20th Day of Advent
1) Hebrews 1, 2,3,4, 5,6
Hebrews 1
God Has Spoken by His Son
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways spoke
long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom
He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express image
of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had
by Himself purged our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty
on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels as He has inherited
a more excellent name than they.
[1] God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto
the fathers by the prophets,
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath
appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
[3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his
person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by
himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
[4] Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance
obtained a more excellent name than they.
The Son Superior to Angels
5 (2Sa 7:14; Ps 2:7) For to which of the angels did He at any time say:
"You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father"(-6 Pr 3:11-12.)?
Or again,
"I will be a Father to Him,
and He shall be a Son to Me"(-7 Ps 40:18.)?
6 (Ps 97:7; Dt 32:43) And again, when He brings the firstborn
into the world, He says:
"Let all the angels of God worship Him."(Ps 110:4.)
7 (Ps 104:4) Of the angels He says:
"He makes His angels spirits,
and His servants a flame of fire."(-11 Ps 95:7-11.)
8 (Ps 45:6-7; Isa 7:14) But to the Son He says:
"Your throne, O God, lasts forever and ever;
a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.(Ps 45:6.)
9 (Isa 61:1; 61:3) You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."(Ps 45:7; Isa 61:1, 3.)
10 (Ps 102:25-27) And,
"You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the works of Your hands.
11 (Isa 34:4; 51:6) They will perish, but You remain;
and they all will wear out like a garment;
12 (Heb 13:8) as a cloak You will fold them up,
and they will be changed.
But You are the same,
and Your years will not end."
13 (Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44) But to which of the angels did He at any time say:
"Sit at My right hand,
until I make Your enemies
Your footstool"(Ps 110:1.)?
14 (Ps 34:7; Mt 18:10) Are they not all ministering spirits sent out
to minister to those who will inherit salvation?
[5] For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this
day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall
be to me a Son?
[6] And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he
saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
[7] And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his
ministers a flame of fire.
[8] But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a
sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
[9] Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even
thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
[10] And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the
earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
[11] They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as
doth a garment;
[12] And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed:
but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
[13] But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand,
until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
[14] Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them
who shall be heirs of salvation?
Hebrews 2
The Great Salvation
1 (Pr 3:21) Therefore we should be more attentive to what we have heard,
lest we drift away.
2 (Ac 7:53; Heb 10:28; 10:35) For if the word spoken by angels was true,
and every sin and disobedience received a just recompense,
3 (Lk 1:2; Heb 1:2) how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation,
which was first declared by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who
heard Him?
4 (Eph 1:5) God also bore them witness with signs and wonders and diverse
miracles and with gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His own
will.
[1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we
have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression
and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that
heard him;
[4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
The Pioneer of Salvation
5 (Heb 6:5) For it was not to the angels that He has subjected
the world to come, of which we are speaking.
6 (Heb 4:4) But someone in a certain place testified, saying:
"What is man that You are mindful of him,
or the son of man that You care for him?
7 You made him a little lower than the angels;
You crowned him with glory and honor,
and set him over the works of Your hands.
8 (1Co 15:27) You have put all things in subjection under his feet."
For in subjecting all things under him, He left nothing that is not
subjected to him. Yet now we do not see all things subject to him.
9 (Jn 3:16; Ac 2:33) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than
the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He,
by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.
10 (Lk 24:26; Ro 11:36; Lk 24:46) For it was fitting for Him, for whom
and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make
the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
11 (Heb 10:10; Mt 25:40) For both He who sanctifies and those who are
sanctified are all of One. For this reason He is not ashamed to call
them brothers,
12 (Ps 22:22) saying:
"I will declare Your name to My brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to You."(Ps 22:22.)
13 (Ps 18:2; Isa 8:17-18) And again:
"I will put My trust in Him." (Isa 12:2.)
And again:
"Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."(Isa 8:18.)
14 (Jn 1:14; 2Ti 1:10; Ge 3:15) So then, as the children share in flesh
and blood, He likewise took part in these, so that through death He might
destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) and deliver those who through fear of death were
throughout their lives subject to bondage.
16 For surely He does not help the angels, but He helps the seed of Abraham.
17 (Da 9:24; Heb 2:14) Therefore, in all things it was necessary for Him
to be made like His brothers, so that He might be a merciful
and faithful High Priest in the things pertaining to God,
to make atonement for the sins of the people.
18 For since He Himself suffered while being tempted, He is able to help
those who are being tempted.
[5] For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come,
whereof we speak.
[6] But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art
mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
[7] Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with
glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
[8] Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he
put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.
But now we see not yet all things put under him.
[9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of
God should taste death for every man.
[10] For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,
in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation
perfect through sufferings.
[11] For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of
one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
[12] Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the
church will I sing praise unto thee.
[13] And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the
children which God hath given me.
[14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
[15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime
subject to bondage.
[16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him
the seed of Abraham.
[17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his
brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
[18] For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to
succour them that are tempted.
Hebrews 3
Jesus Superior to Moses
1 (Php 3:14; 2Ti 1:9) Therefore, holy brothers, partakers in a heavenly
calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Jesus Christ,
2 (Nu 12:7) who was faithful to Him who appointed Him,
as Moses was faithful in all His house.
3 For the One was counted worthy of more glory than Moses,
in that He who builds the house has more honor than the house itself.
4 For every house is built by someone, but the One who builds all things
is God.
5 (Nu 12:7; Ex 14:31; Heb 3:2) Moses was faithful in all God's house
as a servant, testifying about those things that were to be spoken later.
6 (1Co 3:16; Heb 1:2) But Christ is faithful over God's house as a Son,
whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing
of our hope firm to the end.
[1] Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider
the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
[2] Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful
in all his house.
[3] For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he
who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
[4] For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is
God.
[5] And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a
testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
[6] But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold
fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
A Rest for God's People
7 (Heb 3:15; 4:7) Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you hear His voice,
8 do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion,
on the day of temptation in the wilderness,
9 (Ac 7:36) where your fathers tested Me and tried Me
and saw My works for forty years.
10 (Ps 95:10) Therefore I was angry with that generation,
and said, 'They always go astray in their heart,
and they have not known My ways.'
11 (Heb 4:3; 4:5) So I swore in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "
12 (Heb 12:25) Be attentive, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil,
unbelieving heart, and you depart from the living God.
13 (Eph 4:22; Heb 10:24-25) But exhort one another daily, while it is called
"Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 (Heb 3:6) For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning
of our confidence firmly to the end,
15 (Heb 3:7-8) while it is said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion."(Ps 95:7-8.)
16 (Nu 14:2; 14:30) For who were they who heard and rebelled? Was it not
all of those who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?
17 (Nu 14:29; Jude 1:5) And with whom was He grieved for forty years?
Was it not with those who had sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?
18 (Dt 1:34-35) And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest,
but to those who disobeyed?
19 (Jn 3:36; 3:18) So we see that they could not enter because of unbelief.
[7] Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
[8] Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation
in the wilderness:
[9] When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
[10] Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway
err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
[11] So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
[12] Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God.
[13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of
you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
[14] For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confidence stedfast unto the end;
[15] While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts, as in the provocation.
[16] For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came
out of Egypt by Moses.
[17] But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had
sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
[18] And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to
them that believed not?
[19] So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews 4
1 (Heb 12:15) Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest remains,
let us fear lest any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 (1Th 2:13) For the gospel was preached to us as well as to them.
But the word preached did not benefit them, because it was not mixed
with faith in those who heard it.
3 (Ps 95:11; Heb 3:11) For we who have believed have entered this rest,
as He has said,
"As I have sworn in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "(Ps 95:11.)
However, His works have been finished since the creation of the world.
4 (Ex 20:11; 31:17) For He spoke somewhere about the seventh day like this:
"And God rested on the seventh day from all His works."(Ge 2:2.)
5 (Heb 3:11; 4:3) And again in the present passage He said,
"They shall not enter My rest."(Ps 95:11.)
6 (Heb 3:18-19) Since therefore it remains for some to enter it,
and they to whom it was first preached did not enter due to unbelief,
7 (Ps 95:7; Heb 3:7-8) again He establishes a certain day,
"Today," saying through David, after so long a time, as it has been said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts."(Ps 95:7-8.)
8 (Jos 22:4) For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have later
spoken of another day.
9 Therefore a rest remains for the people of God.
10 (Rev 14:13) For whoever enters His rest will also cease from his own works,
as God did from His.
11 (Heb 3:12) Let us labor therefore to enter that rest, lest anyone fall
by the same pattern of unbelief.
12 (Eph 6:17; Isa 49:2; Jer 23:29) For the word of God is alive, and active,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul
and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
13 (Ps 33:13-15; Job 26:6) There is no creature that is not revealed
in His sight, for all things are bare and exposed to the eyes of Him
to whom we must give account.
[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into
his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word
preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard
it.
[3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have
sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were
finished from the foundation of the world.
[4] For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God
did rest the seventh day from all his works.
[5] And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
[6] Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to
whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
[7] Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long
a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts.
[8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have
spoken of another day.
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own
works, as God did from his.
[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall
after the same example of unbelief.
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
[13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but
all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to
do.
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 (Heb 6:20; 1:2-3) Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed
into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to our confession.
15 (2Co 5:21; Jn 8:46) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise
with our weaknesses, but One who was in every sense tempted like we are,
yet without sin.
16 (Eph 3:12; Php 4:6-7) Let us then come with confidence
to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
[14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
[15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin.
[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 5
1 (Heb 8:3; 10:11; 2:17) For every high priest chosen from among men
is appointed to represent men in things pertaining to God,
that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 (Heb 2:18; 7:28) He is able to have compassion on the ignorant
and on those who are wayward, for he himself is also subject to weakness.
3 (Heb 7:27; 9:7; Lev 9:7) Because of this he must offer sacrifices
for his own sins, just as he does for the people.
4 (Ex 28:1; Nu 16:40) No man takes this honor for himself,
but he who is called by God receives it, just as Aaron did.
5 (Jn 8:54; Ps 2:7) So also Christ did not glorify Himself to be made
a High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:
"You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father."–7 (Ps 40:6–8.)
6 (Heb 7:17; Ps 110:4; Heb 7:21) As He also says in another place:
"You are a priest forever
in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)
7 (Mt 27:46; 27:50) In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers
and supplications with loud cries and tears to Him who was able to save
Him from death. He was heard because of His godly fear.
8 (Php 2:8) Though He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things
that He suffered,
9 (Heb 2:10) and being made perfect, He became the source of eternal
salvation for all those who obey Him,
10 (Heb 5:5-6; 6:20) being designated by God a High Priest according
to the order of Melchizedek.
[1] For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things
pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
[2] Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the
way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
[3] And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself,
to offer for sins.
[4] And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of
God, as was Aaron.
[5] So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he
that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
[6] As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the
order of Melchisedec.
[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and
supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save
him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he
suffered;
[9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him;
[10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Warning Against Apostasy
11 (2Pe 3:16) Concerning this we have much to say that is hard to explain,
since you have become hard of hearing.
12 (Heb 6:1; Ac 7:38) For though by now you should be teachers, you need
someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God
and have come to need milk rather than solid food.
13 (1Co 14:20; 1Pe 2:2) Everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word
of righteousness, for he is a baby.
14 (Isa 7:15; 1Co 2:6) But solid food belongs to those who are mature,
for those who through practice have powers of discernment that are trained
to distinguish good from evil.
[11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye
are dull of hearing.
[12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one
teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are
become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
[13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of
righteousness: for he is a babe.
[14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who
by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 6
1 (Heb 9:14) Therefore, leaving the elementary principles of the doctrine
of Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation
of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
2 (Ac 6:6; 17:31-32) of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands,
the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:7)This we will do if God permits.
4 (Gal 3:2; Eph 2:8) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 (Heb 2:5; 1Pe 2:3) and have tasted the good word of God and the powers
of the age to come,
6 (Heb 10:29; 1Jn 5:16) if they fall away,
to be renewed once more to repentance,
since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God
and subject Him to public shame.
7 For land that drinks in the rain that often falls upon it
and bears a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives
a blessing from God.
8 (Ge 3:17-18; Dt 29:28) But land that bears thorns and thistles
is rejected and near to being cursed. Its destiny is to be burned.
9 But though we speak in this manner, we are persuaded of better things
for you, things that accompany salvation,
10 (Mt 10:42; 1Th 1:3; Pr 14:31) for God is not unjust so as to forget
your work and labor of love that you have shown for His name, in that
you have ministered to the saints and continue ministering.
11 (Heb 3:6; 3:14; Ro 5:2-5) We desire that every one of you show
the same diligence for the full assurance of hope to the end,
12 (Heb 10:36; 13:7; Rev 13:10) so that you may not be lazy, but imitators
of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
[1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on
unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead
works, and of faith toward God,
[2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of
resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
[3] And this will we do, if God permit.
[4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
[5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to
come,
[6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing
they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open
shame.
[7] For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and
bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing
from God:
[8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto
cursing; whose end is to be burned.
[9] But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that
accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
[10] For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love,
which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the
saints, and do minister.
[11] And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the
full assurance of hope unto the end:
[12] That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and
patience inherit the promises.
Sure Promise of God
13 (Lk 1:73) For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could vow
by no one greater, He vowed by Himself,
14 (Ge 22:17) saying, "Surely I will bless you, and surely I will
multiply you."(Ge 22:17.)
15 (Heb 6:12) So after Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 (Ex 22:11) For men indeed swear by a greater authority than themselves,
and for them an oath of confirmation ends all dispute.
17 (Heb 11:9; Pr 19:21) So God, wanting to show more abundantly
the immutability of His counsel to the heirs of promise, confirmed it
by an oath.
18 (Titus 1:2; Nu 23:19; Heb 12:1-2) So that by two immutable things,
in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge
might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
19 (Heb 9:7; Lev 16:2) We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor
of the soul, which enters the Inner Place behind the veil.
20 (Heb 4:14; 5:6; 1:3) This is where Jesus has entered for us as
a forerunner, since He has become the everlasting High Priest in
the order of Melchizedek.
[13] For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no
greater, he sware by himself,
[14] Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will
multiply thee.
[15] And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
[16] For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to
them an end of all strife.
[17] Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise
the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
[18] That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to
lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay
hold upon the hope set before us:
[19] Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast,
and which entereth into that within the veil;
[20] Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 December 2023
Entitled "Equal before God"
Romans 3:21-26
21 (Ac 10:43; Ro 1:17) But now, apart from the law, the righteousness
of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.
22 (Ro 10:12; Gal 3:28) This righteousness of God comes through faith
in Jesus Christ (Or through the faith of Jesus Christ.) to all
and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction.
23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
24 (Ro 4:16; Col 1:14) being justified freely by His grace through
the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 (Ac 17:30; 1Jn 2:2) whom God has set forth to be a propitiation
through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness,
because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously
committed,
26 to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might
be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
[21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets;
[22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto
all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus:
[25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God;
[26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be
just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Proverbs 22:2
2 (Job 31:15; Pr 14:31) The rich and poor have this in common,
the Lord is the maker of them all.
2 The rich and poor meet together: The LORD is the maker of them all.
While on vacation, my wife and I enjoyed some early morning bike rides. One
route took us through a neighbourhood of multi-million-dollar homes. We saw a
variety of people-residents walking their dogs, fellow bike riders, and
numerous workers building new homes or tending well-kept landscapes. It was a
mixture of people from all walks of life, and I was reminded of a valuable
reality. There was no true distinction among us. Rich or poor. Wealthy or
working-class. Known or unknown. All of us on that street that morning were
the same. "The rich and poor meet together: The LORD is the maker of them
all" (Proverbs 22:2). Regardless of differences, we were all made in God's image (Genesis 1:27).
But there's more. Being equal before God also means that no matter our
economic, social, or ethnic situation, we're all born with a sin condition:
"all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We're all
disobedient and equally guilty before Him, and we need Jesus.
We often divide people into groups for a variety of reasons. But, in reality,
we're all part of the human race. And though we're all in the same situation-
sinners in need of a Saviour-we can be "justified freely" (made right with
God) by His grace (v. 24).
By: Dave Branon
Reflect & Pray
How does it help you to love others better by recognizing we're all equal
before God? How has Jesus met your deepest need?
Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to earth to live
a perfect life and to willingly give His life as a sacrifice for my sins.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 6 God Works!
Phil 2:12-13
12 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 For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.
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.
"I just can't do it!" Marlys, a career woman in her 30s, was struggling to fit
her new Christian principles into the business world. Accustomed to the
cutthroat tactics of the corporate hierarchy, she has a hard time knowing
Jesus' examples of grace and mercy applied.
Marlys was right. She couldn't do it. In our own strength, none of us is able
to "live the Christian life." Someone has said, " The Christian life isn't
difficult -- it's impossible!" Only the power of the Holy Spirit is
effective to work the needed changes in our priorities and behaviour;
only God can accomplish what he calls us to do.
In Phillippians 2:12, Paul says "work it out." If we stop there,
we are likely to throw up our hands in despair.
But the good news appears in verse 13:
" For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure."
WE are not left on our own to figure out how to live the Christian life.
God gives us both the will and the ability to obey him, to live in a way
that will please him.
The key to a God-pleasing life is not performance, but obedience. God does not
expect us to "do great things" for him, to deserve his love and grace.
Our part in the process of salvation is to respond in obedience to the Lord,
to say "yes" to what he asks of us. We cannot change ourselves;
we cannot even know ourselves apart from the Spirit's insight. But
as we cooperate with him, as we agree to be obedient, the Spirit changes us
within, and those changes are "worked out" into our lives.
Application
a) Have I ever tried to "Live the Christian life" on my own strength?
What was the result?
b) In what practical ways is Paul's declaration that "God works in me"
good new in my life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Genesis 30:43
The man became exceedingly prosperous and had many sheep
and female servants and male servants and camels and donkeys.
And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle,
and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are anxious
Phil 4:4-7
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.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: 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.
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
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, that God's Spirit would influence
them 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.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
)
Advent Day 20
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Friday, Third Week of Advent
"From the waist upwards he was like a man, but his legs were shaped like a goat's....One of his hands...held the umbrella:
in the other arm he carried several brown paper parcels. What with the parcels
and the snow it looked just as if he had been doing his Christmas shopping. He
was a Faun. And when he saw Lucy he gave such a start of surprise that he
dropped all his parcels." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, p. 8.)
Christmas Shopping
Some families begin their Christmas shopping the day after Christmas, so far
in advance that they have more than 300shop ping days to complete that task.
Early in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Tumnus the Faun looked as if he
had been Christmas shopping. Then he met Lucy, dropped his parcels in
surprise, and the adventures in Narnia began. Those gifts are never again
mentioned in the Chronicles of Narnia.
God's plans started much earlier than our plan sdo. At one point in Israel's
history, their plans began seventy years before the end of the Babylonian
Exile. For us they began even earlier than that. "For he chose us in him
before the creation of the world" (Eph. 1:4). If God chose us before the
creation of the world, then he also planned to send his Son before the
creation of the world. Those plans even began before the first sin. Now that's
planning!
In Christ God loved us with the riches of his grace that "he lavished on us
with all wisdom and understanding" (Eph. 1:8). He planned that we "be adopted
as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and
will" (Eph. 1:5). That lavishment was God's shopping, so to speak, wrapping
up gifts of grace in advance for us to enjoy in the coming of Jesus. The gifts
of the Wise Men were planned to be gifts fit for a king. God's gifts were
planned to be gifts fit for the children of the King.
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world to be your
sons and daughters. Amen.
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
Ephesians 1:4
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Pondering and Prophesying
... For the hand of the Lord was with him..
-Luke 1:66b
Fear of God came over everyone, and everything was discussed throughout
Judea's hill country. There were two other dominant reactions to the
astonishing events that took place with John's circumcision. On one hand,
people were pondering and asking, "What then will this child become?" On the
other hand, Zechariah was compelled by the Holy Spirit to prophesy.
All of these responses are appropriate when we perceive that God has created a
wonder. Not only will we want to tell all our neighbors and friends throughout
the world, but also we will yearn to mull over the circumstances ourselves.
Moreover, we may be overpowered by the Holy Spirit ourselves and may give
witness to God's glorious accomplishments in other ways.
Are we open to the workings of the Holy Spirit through us? Has it ever
happened that you have prophesied? (I mean not necessarily foretelling the
future, but clarifying the meaning of the present.) Have we instead sometimes
quenched the Spirit when God would have used us to give witness to his deeds?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Read Luke 1:65-67.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts
were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,
"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AD LIBS!
God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, HEBREWS 1:1-2
How is your journey to the manger going so far? We're almost
to Bethlehem!
I like to look for different "twists" in the Christmas message each year. Not
that l change the story, but I do look for creative ways to ad lib along the
way. This is called the AH-HA of ad libs!
For instance. l imagine what would have happened if, when Mary and
Joseph came to the innkeeper, instead of turning them away. he would
have said, "Hey. no problem, come on in and hake a drink!" Or l wonder
what if when the angels came to the old shepherds in the field, the senior
adult shepherds would have responded, "Huh?"
We'd better just stick to the old, old story of Jesus and his love, don't you
think?--just the way today's Scripture lays it out. Hebrews reminds us that
years ago God spoke to his people through the prophets, but now he
speaks to us through his Son. That's the story we never want to change!
Author David Grayson once wrote. "Sometimes we expect too much of
Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and
humanity of the whole year. I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all
through the year." Not a bad way to ad lib our way, each day, in the Lord!
Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Hebrews 1:1-4
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,
whom He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express
image of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power.
When He had by Himself purged our sins,
He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels
as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
From On Eagle's wings Day 19
Titled The Dark Season by Will Brander (Baptist)
Former On Eagle’s Wings Volunteer Pilot
Leduc, Alberta
The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:5
Flying in the north has challenges: short runways covered in
snow, remote alternates, blowing snow and darkness. Pilots
call those winter months "the dark season." Nearly 24 hours of
darkness are combined with the harsh conditions of the Arctic
winter. For centuries, the Inuit people have survived and
thrived in the sharp contrast of beauty and harshness, a world
that few of us can truly appreciate and respect.
God's people were living in a state of spiritual darkness and
gloom, a state of ignorance of their condition, under the power
of sin and unbelief. They desperately needed the light.
The promise of God to his people was that they would see a
great light. A light so powerful that it would completely defeat
the darkness. God loved humanity so intensely that he sent his
son Jesus to redeem and save.
This same great light is available to us as well. The baby Jesus,
born in a manger on Christmas morning, continues to shine
with brilliant intensity. When we open our hearts, he is eager to
enter in and restore.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for being the Supreme Spiritual Leader.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to earth to live
a perfect life and to willingly give His life as a sacrifice for my sins."
Pray to the Lord and pray to work with the Lord to live in His Glory.
Pray to the Lord and pray to count your Blessings.
Pray to the Lord and pray to rejoice in the Lord!
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 the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world
to be your sons and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Pray: Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus to
redeem and save. Thank you for this great light that
replaces the darkness of sin in our lives.
Pray for the pastors and evangelists in Tanzania who are receiving resources
to help them carry out their ministry work.
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) Hebrews 1, 2,3,4, 5,6
Hebrews 1
God Has Spoken by His Son
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways spoke
long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom
He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express image
of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had
by Himself purged our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty
on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels as He has inherited
a more excellent name than they.
[1] God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto
the fathers by the prophets,
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath
appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
[3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his
person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by
himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
[4] Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance
obtained a more excellent name than they.
The Son Superior to Angels
5 (2Sa 7:14; Ps 2:7) For to which of the angels did He at any time say:
"You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father"(-6 Pr 3:11-12.)?
Or again,
"I will be a Father to Him,
and He shall be a Son to Me"(-7 Ps 40:18.)?
6 (Ps 97:7; Dt 32:43) And again, when He brings the firstborn
into the world, He says:
"Let all the angels of God worship Him."(Ps 110:4.)
7 (Ps 104:4) Of the angels He says:
"He makes His angels spirits,
and His servants a flame of fire."(-11 Ps 95:7-11.)
8 (Ps 45:6-7; Isa 7:14) But to the Son He says:
"Your throne, O God, lasts forever and ever;
a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.(Ps 45:6.)
9 (Isa 61:1; 61:3) You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."(Ps 45:7; Isa 61:1, 3.)
10 (Ps 102:25-27) And,
"You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the works of Your hands.
11 (Isa 34:4; 51:6) They will perish, but You remain;
and they all will wear out like a garment;
12 (Heb 13:8) as a cloak You will fold them up,
and they will be changed.
But You are the same,
and Your years will not end."
13 (Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44) But to which of the angels did He at any time say:
"Sit at My right hand,
until I make Your enemies
Your footstool"(Ps 110:1.)?
14 (Ps 34:7; Mt 18:10) Are they not all ministering spirits sent out
to minister to those who will inherit salvation?
[5] For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this
day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall
be to me a Son?
[6] And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he
saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
[7] And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his
ministers a flame of fire.
[8] But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a
sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
[9] Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even
thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
[10] And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the
earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
[11] They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as
doth a garment;
[12] And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed:
but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
[13] But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand,
until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
[14] Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them
who shall be heirs of salvation?
Hebrews 2
The Great Salvation
1 (Pr 3:21) Therefore we should be more attentive to what we have heard,
lest we drift away.
2 (Ac 7:53; Heb 10:28; 10:35) For if the word spoken by angels was true,
and every sin and disobedience received a just recompense,
3 (Lk 1:2; Heb 1:2) how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation,
which was first declared by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who
heard Him?
4 (Eph 1:5) God also bore them witness with signs and wonders and diverse
miracles and with gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His own
will.
[1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we
have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression
and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that
heard him;
[4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
The Pioneer of Salvation
5 (Heb 6:5) For it was not to the angels that He has subjected
the world to come, of which we are speaking.
6 (Heb 4:4) But someone in a certain place testified, saying:
"What is man that You are mindful of him,
or the son of man that You care for him?
7 You made him a little lower than the angels;
You crowned him with glory and honor,
and set him over the works of Your hands.
8 (1Co 15:27) You have put all things in subjection under his feet."
For in subjecting all things under him, He left nothing that is not
subjected to him. Yet now we do not see all things subject to him.
9 (Jn 3:16; Ac 2:33) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than
the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He,
by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.
10 (Lk 24:26; Ro 11:36; Lk 24:46) For it was fitting for Him, for whom
and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make
the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
11 (Heb 10:10; Mt 25:40) For both He who sanctifies and those who are
sanctified are all of One. For this reason He is not ashamed to call
them brothers,
12 (Ps 22:22) saying:
"I will declare Your name to My brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to You."(Ps 22:22.)
13 (Ps 18:2; Isa 8:17-18) And again:
"I will put My trust in Him." (Isa 12:2.)
And again:
"Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."(Isa 8:18.)
14 (Jn 1:14; 2Ti 1:10; Ge 3:15) So then, as the children share in flesh
and blood, He likewise took part in these, so that through death He might
destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) and deliver those who through fear of death were
throughout their lives subject to bondage.
16 For surely He does not help the angels, but He helps the seed of Abraham.
17 (Da 9:24; Heb 2:14) Therefore, in all things it was necessary for Him
to be made like His brothers, so that He might be a merciful
and faithful High Priest in the things pertaining to God,
to make atonement for the sins of the people.
18 For since He Himself suffered while being tempted, He is able to help
those who are being tempted.
[5] For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come,
whereof we speak.
[6] But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art
mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
[7] Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with
glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
[8] Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he
put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.
But now we see not yet all things put under him.
[9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of
God should taste death for every man.
[10] For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,
in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation
perfect through sufferings.
[11] For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of
one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
[12] Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the
church will I sing praise unto thee.
[13] And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the
children which God hath given me.
[14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
[15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime
subject to bondage.
[16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him
the seed of Abraham.
[17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his
brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
[18] For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to
succour them that are tempted.
Hebrews 3
Jesus Superior to Moses
1 (Php 3:14; 2Ti 1:9) Therefore, holy brothers, partakers in a heavenly
calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Jesus Christ,
2 (Nu 12:7) who was faithful to Him who appointed Him,
as Moses was faithful in all His house.
3 For the One was counted worthy of more glory than Moses,
in that He who builds the house has more honor than the house itself.
4 For every house is built by someone, but the One who builds all things
is God.
5 (Nu 12:7; Ex 14:31; Heb 3:2) Moses was faithful in all God's house
as a servant, testifying about those things that were to be spoken later.
6 (1Co 3:16; Heb 1:2) But Christ is faithful over God's house as a Son,
whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing
of our hope firm to the end.
[1] Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider
the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
[2] Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful
in all his house.
[3] For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he
who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
[4] For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is
God.
[5] And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a
testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
[6] But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold
fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
A Rest for God's People
7 (Heb 3:15; 4:7) Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you hear His voice,
8 do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion,
on the day of temptation in the wilderness,
9 (Ac 7:36) where your fathers tested Me and tried Me
and saw My works for forty years.
10 (Ps 95:10) Therefore I was angry with that generation,
and said, 'They always go astray in their heart,
and they have not known My ways.'
11 (Heb 4:3; 4:5) So I swore in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "
12 (Heb 12:25) Be attentive, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil,
unbelieving heart, and you depart from the living God.
13 (Eph 4:22; Heb 10:24-25) But exhort one another daily, while it is called
"Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 (Heb 3:6) For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning
of our confidence firmly to the end,
15 (Heb 3:7-8) while it is said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion."(Ps 95:7-8.)
16 (Nu 14:2; 14:30) For who were they who heard and rebelled? Was it not
all of those who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?
17 (Nu 14:29; Jude 1:5) And with whom was He grieved for forty years?
Was it not with those who had sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?
18 (Dt 1:34-35) And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest,
but to those who disobeyed?
19 (Jn 3:36; 3:18) So we see that they could not enter because of unbelief.
[7] Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
[8] Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation
in the wilderness:
[9] When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
[10] Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway
err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
[11] So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
[12] Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God.
[13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of
you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
[14] For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confidence stedfast unto the end;
[15] While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts, as in the provocation.
[16] For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came
out of Egypt by Moses.
[17] But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had
sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
[18] And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to
them that believed not?
[19] So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews 4
1 (Heb 12:15) Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest remains,
let us fear lest any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 (1Th 2:13) For the gospel was preached to us as well as to them.
But the word preached did not benefit them, because it was not mixed
with faith in those who heard it.
3 (Ps 95:11; Heb 3:11) For we who have believed have entered this rest,
as He has said,
"As I have sworn in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "(Ps 95:11.)
However, His works have been finished since the creation of the world.
4 (Ex 20:11; 31:17) For He spoke somewhere about the seventh day like this:
"And God rested on the seventh day from all His works."(Ge 2:2.)
5 (Heb 3:11; 4:3) And again in the present passage He said,
"They shall not enter My rest."(Ps 95:11.)
6 (Heb 3:18-19) Since therefore it remains for some to enter it,
and they to whom it was first preached did not enter due to unbelief,
7 (Ps 95:7; Heb 3:7-8) again He establishes a certain day,
"Today," saying through David, after so long a time, as it has been said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts."(Ps 95:7-8.)
8 (Jos 22:4) For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have later
spoken of another day.
9 Therefore a rest remains for the people of God.
10 (Rev 14:13) For whoever enters His rest will also cease from his own works,
as God did from His.
11 (Heb 3:12) Let us labor therefore to enter that rest, lest anyone fall
by the same pattern of unbelief.
12 (Eph 6:17; Isa 49:2; Jer 23:29) For the word of God is alive, and active,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul
and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
13 (Ps 33:13-15; Job 26:6) There is no creature that is not revealed
in His sight, for all things are bare and exposed to the eyes of Him
to whom we must give account.
[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into
his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word
preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard
it.
[3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have
sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were
finished from the foundation of the world.
[4] For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God
did rest the seventh day from all his works.
[5] And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
[6] Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to
whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
[7] Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long
a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts.
[8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have
spoken of another day.
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own
works, as God did from his.
[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall
after the same example of unbelief.
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
[13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but
all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to
do.
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 (Heb 6:20; 1:2-3) Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed
into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to our confession.
15 (2Co 5:21; Jn 8:46) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise
with our weaknesses, but One who was in every sense tempted like we are,
yet without sin.
16 (Eph 3:12; Php 4:6-7) Let us then come with confidence
to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
[14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
[15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin.
[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 5
1 (Heb 8:3; 10:11; 2:17) For every high priest chosen from among men
is appointed to represent men in things pertaining to God,
that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 (Heb 2:18; 7:28) He is able to have compassion on the ignorant
and on those who are wayward, for he himself is also subject to weakness.
3 (Heb 7:27; 9:7; Lev 9:7) Because of this he must offer sacrifices
for his own sins, just as he does for the people.
4 (Ex 28:1; Nu 16:40) No man takes this honor for himself,
but he who is called by God receives it, just as Aaron did.
5 (Jn 8:54; Ps 2:7) So also Christ did not glorify Himself to be made
a High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:
"You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father."–7 (Ps 40:6–8.)
6 (Heb 7:17; Ps 110:4; Heb 7:21) As He also says in another place:
"You are a priest forever
in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)
7 (Mt 27:46; 27:50) In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers
and supplications with loud cries and tears to Him who was able to save
Him from death. He was heard because of His godly fear.
8 (Php 2:8) Though He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things
that He suffered,
9 (Heb 2:10) and being made perfect, He became the source of eternal
salvation for all those who obey Him,
10 (Heb 5:5-6; 6:20) being designated by God a High Priest according
to the order of Melchizedek.
[1] For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things
pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
[2] Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the
way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
[3] And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself,
to offer for sins.
[4] And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of
God, as was Aaron.
[5] So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he
that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
[6] As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the
order of Melchisedec.
[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and
supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save
him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he
suffered;
[9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him;
[10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Warning Against Apostasy
11 (2Pe 3:16) Concerning this we have much to say that is hard to explain,
since you have become hard of hearing.
12 (Heb 6:1; Ac 7:38) For though by now you should be teachers, you need
someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God
and have come to need milk rather than solid food.
13 (1Co 14:20; 1Pe 2:2) Everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word
of righteousness, for he is a baby.
14 (Isa 7:15; 1Co 2:6) But solid food belongs to those who are mature,
for those who through practice have powers of discernment that are trained
to distinguish good from evil.
[11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye
are dull of hearing.
[12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one
teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are
become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
[13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of
righteousness: for he is a babe.
[14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who
by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 6
1 (Heb 9:14) Therefore, leaving the elementary principles of the doctrine
of Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation
of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
2 (Ac 6:6; 17:31-32) of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands,
the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:7)This we will do if God permits.
4 (Gal 3:2; Eph 2:8) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 (Heb 2:5; 1Pe 2:3) and have tasted the good word of God and the powers
of the age to come,
6 (Heb 10:29; 1Jn 5:16) if they fall away,
to be renewed once more to repentance,
since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God
and subject Him to public shame.
7 For land that drinks in the rain that often falls upon it
and bears a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives
a blessing from God.
8 (Ge 3:17-18; Dt 29:28) But land that bears thorns and thistles
is rejected and near to being cursed. Its destiny is to be burned.
9 But though we speak in this manner, we are persuaded of better things
for you, things that accompany salvation,
10 (Mt 10:42; 1Th 1:3; Pr 14:31) for God is not unjust so as to forget
your work and labor of love that you have shown for His name, in that
you have ministered to the saints and continue ministering.
11 (Heb 3:6; 3:14; Ro 5:2-5) We desire that every one of you show
the same diligence for the full assurance of hope to the end,
12 (Heb 10:36; 13:7; Rev 13:10) so that you may not be lazy, but imitators
of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
[1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on
unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead
works, and of faith toward God,
[2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of
resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
[3] And this will we do, if God permit.
[4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
[5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to
come,
[6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing
they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open
shame.
[7] For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and
bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing
from God:
[8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto
cursing; whose end is to be burned.
[9] But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that
accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
[10] For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love,
which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the
saints, and do minister.
[11] And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the
full assurance of hope unto the end:
[12] That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and
patience inherit the promises.
Sure Promise of God
13 (Lk 1:73) For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could vow
by no one greater, He vowed by Himself,
14 (Ge 22:17) saying, "Surely I will bless you, and surely I will
multiply you."(Ge 22:17.)
15 (Heb 6:12) So after Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 (Ex 22:11) For men indeed swear by a greater authority than themselves,
and for them an oath of confirmation ends all dispute.
17 (Heb 11:9; Pr 19:21) So God, wanting to show more abundantly
the immutability of His counsel to the heirs of promise, confirmed it
by an oath.
18 (Titus 1:2; Nu 23:19; Heb 12:1-2) So that by two immutable things,
in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge
might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
19 (Heb 9:7; Lev 16:2) We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor
of the soul, which enters the Inner Place behind the veil.
20 (Heb 4:14; 5:6; 1:3) This is where Jesus has entered for us as
a forerunner, since He has become the everlasting High Priest in
the order of Melchizedek.
[13] For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no
greater, he sware by himself,
[14] Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will
multiply thee.
[15] And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
[16] For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to
them an end of all strife.
[17] Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise
the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
[18] That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to
lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay
hold upon the hope set before us:
[19] Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast,
and which entereth into that within the veil;
[20] Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 December 2023
Entitled "Equal before God"
Romans 3:21-26
21 (Ac 10:43; Ro 1:17) But now, apart from the law, the righteousness
of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.
22 (Ro 10:12; Gal 3:28) This righteousness of God comes through faith
in Jesus Christ (Or through the faith of Jesus Christ.) to all
and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction.
23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
24 (Ro 4:16; Col 1:14) being justified freely by His grace through
the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 (Ac 17:30; 1Jn 2:2) whom God has set forth to be a propitiation
through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness,
because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously
committed,
26 to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might
be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
[21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets;
[22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto
all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus:
[25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God;
[26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be
just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Proverbs 22:2
2 (Job 31:15; Pr 14:31) The rich and poor have this in common,
the Lord is the maker of them all.
2 The rich and poor meet together: The LORD is the maker of them all.
While on vacation, my wife and I enjoyed some early morning bike rides. One
route took us through a neighbourhood of multi-million-dollar homes. We saw a
variety of people-residents walking their dogs, fellow bike riders, and
numerous workers building new homes or tending well-kept landscapes. It was a
mixture of people from all walks of life, and I was reminded of a valuable
reality. There was no true distinction among us. Rich or poor. Wealthy or
working-class. Known or unknown. All of us on that street that morning were
the same. "The rich and poor meet together: The LORD is the maker of them
all" (Proverbs 22:2). Regardless of differences, we were all made in God's image (Genesis 1:27).
But there's more. Being equal before God also means that no matter our
economic, social, or ethnic situation, we're all born with a sin condition:
"all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We're all
disobedient and equally guilty before Him, and we need Jesus.
We often divide people into groups for a variety of reasons. But, in reality,
we're all part of the human race. And though we're all in the same situation-
sinners in need of a Saviour-we can be "justified freely" (made right with
God) by His grace (v. 24).
By: Dave Branon
Reflect & Pray
How does it help you to love others better by recognizing we're all equal
before God? How has Jesus met your deepest need?
Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to earth to live
a perfect life and to willingly give His life as a sacrifice for my sins.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 6 God Works!
Phil 2:12-13
12 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 For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.
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.
"I just can't do it!" Marlys, a career woman in her 30s, was struggling to fit
her new Christian principles into the business world. Accustomed to the
cutthroat tactics of the corporate hierarchy, she has a hard time knowing
Jesus' examples of grace and mercy applied.
Marlys was right. She couldn't do it. In our own strength, none of us is able
to "live the Christian life." Someone has said, " The Christian life isn't
difficult -- it's impossible!" Only the power of the Holy Spirit is
effective to work the needed changes in our priorities and behaviour;
only God can accomplish what he calls us to do.
In Phillippians 2:12, Paul says "work it out." If we stop there,
we are likely to throw up our hands in despair.
But the good news appears in verse 13:
" For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure."
WE are not left on our own to figure out how to live the Christian life.
God gives us both the will and the ability to obey him, to live in a way
that will please him.
The key to a God-pleasing life is not performance, but obedience. God does not
expect us to "do great things" for him, to deserve his love and grace.
Our part in the process of salvation is to respond in obedience to the Lord,
to say "yes" to what he asks of us. We cannot change ourselves;
we cannot even know ourselves apart from the Spirit's insight. But
as we cooperate with him, as we agree to be obedient, the Spirit changes us
within, and those changes are "worked out" into our lives.
Application
a) Have I ever tried to "Live the Christian life" on my own strength?
What was the result?
b) In what practical ways is Paul's declaration that "God works in me"
good new in my life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Genesis 30:43
The man became exceedingly prosperous and had many sheep
and female servants and male servants and camels and donkeys.
And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle,
and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are anxious
Phil 4:4-7
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.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: 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.
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
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, that God's Spirit would influence
them 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.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
)
Advent Day 20
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Friday, Third Week of Advent
"From the waist upwards he was like a man, but his legs were shaped like a goat's....One of his hands...held the umbrella:
in the other arm he carried several brown paper parcels. What with the parcels
and the snow it looked just as if he had been doing his Christmas shopping. He
was a Faun. And when he saw Lucy he gave such a start of surprise that he
dropped all his parcels." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, p. 8.)
Christmas Shopping
Some families begin their Christmas shopping the day after Christmas, so far
in advance that they have more than 300shop ping days to complete that task.
Early in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Tumnus the Faun looked as if he
had been Christmas shopping. Then he met Lucy, dropped his parcels in
surprise, and the adventures in Narnia began. Those gifts are never again
mentioned in the Chronicles of Narnia.
God's plans started much earlier than our plan sdo. At one point in Israel's
history, their plans began seventy years before the end of the Babylonian
Exile. For us they began even earlier than that. "For he chose us in him
before the creation of the world" (Eph. 1:4). If God chose us before the
creation of the world, then he also planned to send his Son before the
creation of the world. Those plans even began before the first sin. Now that's
planning!
In Christ God loved us with the riches of his grace that "he lavished on us
with all wisdom and understanding" (Eph. 1:8). He planned that we "be adopted
as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and
will" (Eph. 1:5). That lavishment was God's shopping, so to speak, wrapping
up gifts of grace in advance for us to enjoy in the coming of Jesus. The gifts
of the Wise Men were planned to be gifts fit for a king. God's gifts were
planned to be gifts fit for the children of the King.
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world to be your
sons and daughters. Amen.
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
Ephesians 1:4
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Pondering and Prophesying
... For the hand of the Lord was with him..
-Luke 1:66b
Fear of God came over everyone, and everything was discussed throughout
Judea's hill country. There were two other dominant reactions to the
astonishing events that took place with John's circumcision. On one hand,
people were pondering and asking, "What then will this child become?" On the
other hand, Zechariah was compelled by the Holy Spirit to prophesy.
All of these responses are appropriate when we perceive that God has created a
wonder. Not only will we want to tell all our neighbors and friends throughout
the world, but also we will yearn to mull over the circumstances ourselves.
Moreover, we may be overpowered by the Holy Spirit ourselves and may give
witness to God's glorious accomplishments in other ways.
Are we open to the workings of the Holy Spirit through us? Has it ever
happened that you have prophesied? (I mean not necessarily foretelling the
future, but clarifying the meaning of the present.) Have we instead sometimes
quenched the Spirit when God would have used us to give witness to his deeds?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Read Luke 1:65-67.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts
were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,
"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AD LIBS!
God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, HEBREWS 1:1-2
How is your journey to the manger going so far? We're almost
to Bethlehem!
I like to look for different "twists" in the Christmas message each year. Not
that l change the story, but I do look for creative ways to ad lib along the
way. This is called the AH-HA of ad libs!
For instance. l imagine what would have happened if, when Mary and
Joseph came to the innkeeper, instead of turning them away. he would
have said, "Hey. no problem, come on in and hake a drink!" Or l wonder
what if when the angels came to the old shepherds in the field, the senior
adult shepherds would have responded, "Huh?"
We'd better just stick to the old, old story of Jesus and his love, don't you
think?--just the way today's Scripture lays it out. Hebrews reminds us that
years ago God spoke to his people through the prophets, but now he
speaks to us through his Son. That's the story we never want to change!
Author David Grayson once wrote. "Sometimes we expect too much of
Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and
humanity of the whole year. I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all
through the year." Not a bad way to ad lib our way, each day, in the Lord!
Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Hebrews 1:1-4
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,
whom He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express
image of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power.
When He had by Himself purged our sins,
He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels
as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
From On Eagle's wings Day 19
Titled The Dark Season by Will Brander (Baptist)
Former On Eagle’s Wings Volunteer Pilot
Leduc, Alberta
The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:5
Flying in the north has challenges: short runways covered in
snow, remote alternates, blowing snow and darkness. Pilots
call those winter months "the dark season." Nearly 24 hours of
darkness are combined with the harsh conditions of the Arctic
winter. For centuries, the Inuit people have survived and
thrived in the sharp contrast of beauty and harshness, a world
that few of us can truly appreciate and respect.
God's people were living in a state of spiritual darkness and
gloom, a state of ignorance of their condition, under the power
of sin and unbelief. They desperately needed the light.
The promise of God to his people was that they would see a
great light. A light so powerful that it would completely defeat
the darkness. God loved humanity so intensely that he sent his
son Jesus to redeem and save.
This same great light is available to us as well. The baby Jesus,
born in a manger on Christmas morning, continues to shine
with brilliant intensity. When we open our hearts, he is eager to
enter in and restore.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for being the Supreme Spiritual Leader.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to earth to live
a perfect life and to willingly give His life as a sacrifice for my sins."
Pray to the Lord and pray to work with the Lord to live in His Glory.
Pray to the Lord and pray to count your Blessings.
Pray to the Lord and pray to rejoice in the Lord!
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 the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world
to be your sons and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Pray: Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son Jesus to
redeem and save. Thank you for this great light that
replaces the darkness of sin in our lives.
Pray for the pastors and evangelists in Tanzania who are receiving resources
to help them carry out their ministry work.
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.