Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Day 351, 17 December 2023 - 22nd Day of Advent



Today at Calvary Community

Church Today The Children enacted a play called The Mystery of the Manger

It's the Gospel Truth by Celeste and David T. Clydesdale.



Luke 1:3 -4



3 it seemed good to me also, having accurately investigated all things

from the very beginning, to write to you an orderly account,

most excellent Theophilus,

4 that you might know the certainty of the things which you have been told.



[3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all

things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent

Theophilus,

[4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast

been instructed.



2 Timothy 3:16



16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching,

for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,



[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for

doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:



John 3:16



16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1-18) "For God so loved the world

that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him

should not perish, but have eternal life. "



[16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that

whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.



Genesis 1:26



26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,

and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds

of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth,

and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."



[26] And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let

them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,

and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing

that creepeth upon the earth.



John 14:6



6 (Jn 10:9; 1:14; Ac 4:12) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,

and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man

cometh unto the Father, but by me.



Micah 5:2



2 (Zec 9:9; Mt 2:6) But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

although you are small among the tribes of Judah,

from you will come forth for Me

one who will be ruler over Israel.

His origins are from of old,

from ancient days.



[2] But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands

of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in

Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.



Ephesians 1:7-9



7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood

and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace,

8 which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight,

9 (Ro 8:28; Eph 1:11) making known to us the mystery of His will,



[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;

[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good

pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:



Luke 2:1-20



The Birth of Jesus



Mt 1:18-25



1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.

2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.

4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth

in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,

because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.

7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,

and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.



The Shepherds and the Angels



8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.

10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.

For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.

11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day

in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:

You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company

of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, and good will toward men."

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said

to each other, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened,

which the Lord has made known to us."

16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,

and the Baby lying in a manger.

17 When they had seen Him, they made widely known the word

which was told them concerning this Child.

18 And all those who heard it marveled at what the shepherds told them.

19 (Lk 2:51; Ge 37:11) But Mary kept all these things and pondered them

in her heart.

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things

they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.



[1] And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from

Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

[2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

[4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into

Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was

of the house and lineage of David:)

[5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished

that she should be delivered.

[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling

clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the

inn.

[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord

shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good

tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is

Christ the Lord.

[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in

swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host

praising God, and saying,

[14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

[15] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into

heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto

Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath

made known unto us.

[16] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe

lying in a manger.

[17] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was

told them concerning this child.

[18] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told

them by the shepherds.

[19] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

[20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the

things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.



Colossians 2:13-14



13 (Eph 2:1; Jas 2:26) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision

of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all

sins.

14 (Ac 3:19; Col 2:20) He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was

against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to

the cross.





[13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which

was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;



2 Corinthians 5:17



17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,

he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have

become new.



[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are

passed away; behold, all things are become new.



Book Recommendation: The Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel



1) Hebrews 11 , 12, 13



Hebrews 11

Faith



1 (2Co 4:18; 5:7) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the men of old obtained a good report.

3 (Jn 1:3; Ro 4:17) By faith we understand that the universe was framed

by the word of God, so that things that are seen were not made

out of things which are visible.

4 (Mt 23:35; Heb 12:24) By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent

sacrifice than Cain offered. Through this he was approved as righteous,

with God testifying concerning his gifts. He still speaks through his

faith, though he is dead.

5 (2Ki 2:11; Jude 1:14) By faith Enoch was taken to heaven so that

he would not see death. He was not found, because God took him away.

For before he was taken, he had this commendation, that he pleased God.

6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,

for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a

rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

7 (1Pe 3:20; Eze 14:14) By faith Noah, being divinely warned about things

not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to save his family,

by which he condemned the world

and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 (Ge 12:1-4; 12:7) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out

into a place which he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out

not knowing where he was going.

9 (Ge 12:8; 18:9) By faith he dwelt in the promised land, as in a foreign

land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs of the same promise,

10 (Heb 12:22; 13:14) for he was looking for a city which has foundations,

whose builder and maker is God.

11 (Ge 18:11-14; Heb 10:23) By faith Sarah herself also received the ability

to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age,

because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

12 (Ge 22:17; 15:5; 32:12) Therefore from one man, who was as good as dead,

sprang so many, a multitude as the stars of the sky and innumerable

as the sand by the seashore.

13 (Ge 23:4; Ps 39:12) These all died in faith not having received

the promises, but having seen them from afar were assured of them,

embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims

on the earth.

14 Those who say such things declare plainly that they are looking

for a homeland.

15 (Ge 24:6-8) And certainly, if they had been thinking of the country

out of which they came, they might have had the opportunity to return.

16 (Ex 3:6; 3:15) But they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared

a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac,

and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.

18 (Ge 21:12; Ro 9:7) Of him God said,

"Through Isaac shall your seed be named."(Ge 21:12.)

19 (Ro 4:17-21) He reasoned that God was able to raise him up,

even from the dead, from which he indeed received him in a figurative sense.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph

and worshipped while leaning on the top of his staff.

22 (Ex 13:19; Ge 50:24-25) By faith Joseph, when he was dying, mentioned the

exodus of the children of Israel and gave instructions concerning his bones.

23 (Ex 1:16; 1:22) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden by his

parents for three months, because they saw he was a beautiful child,

and they were not afraid of the king's command.

24 (Ex 2:10-11) By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called

the son of Pharaoh's daughter,

25 (Job 36:21; Ps 84:10) choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people

of God than to enjoy thepleasures of sin for a time.

26 (Heb 2:2; 10:35) He esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches than

the treasures in Egypt, for he looked to the reward.

27 (Heb 11:13; Ex 2:14-15) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath

of the king. He endured by looking to Him who is invisible.

28 (Ex 12:21-30) By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood,

lest the one who destroys the firstborn touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land,

which the Egyptians attempted to do, but were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled

for seven days.

31 (Jas 2:25; Jos 6:22-25; Mt 1:5) By faith the prostitute Rahab,

when she received the spies with peace, did not perish with

those who did not believe.

32 (1Sa 1:20; 16:1) And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to

tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

33 (Jdg 14:5-6) who through faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice,

obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

34 (Jdg 15:8; 1Ki 19:3) quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge

of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in fighting,

and turned the armies of foreign enemies to flight.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured

and did not accept deliverance,

so that they might obtain a better resurrection.

36 (Jer 20:2; Ge 39:20; 1Ki 22:27) Still others had trials of mocking

and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment.

37 (1Ki 19:10; 2Ch 24:21) They were stoned, they were sawn in two,

were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered around

in sheepskins and goatskins, while destitute, afflicted, and tormented.

38 (1Ki 18:4; 19:9) The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts

and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

39 (Heb 11:13; 11:2; 1Pe 1:12) These all have obtained a good report through

faith, but they did not receive the promise.

40 (Rev 6:11) For God provided something better for us, so that with us they

would be made perfect.



[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things

not seen.

[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.

[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of

God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by

which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his

gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

[5] By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not

found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had

this testimony, that he pleased God.

[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to

God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that

diligently seek him.

[7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with

fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned

the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

[8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he

should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not

knowing whither he went.

[9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country,

dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same

promise:

[10] For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and

maker is God.

[11] Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and

was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him

faithful who had promised.

[12] Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as

the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore

innumerable.

[13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having

seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and

confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

[14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

[15] And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they

came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

[16] But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore

God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a

city.

[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had

received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

[18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

[19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from

whence also he received him in a figure.

[20] By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

[21] By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph;

and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

[22] By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the

children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

[23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents,

because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the

king's commandment.

[24] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son

of Pharaoh's daughter;

[25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to

enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

[26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in

Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

[27] By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he

endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

[28] Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest

he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

[29] By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the

Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

[30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed

about seven days.

[31] By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not,

when she had received the spies with peace.

[32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of

Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and

Samuel, and of the prophets:

[33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained

promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

[34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of

weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the

armies of the aliens.

[35] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were

tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better

resurrection:

[36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of

bonds and imprisonment:

[37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with

the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute,

afflicted, tormented;

[38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in

mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

[39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received

not the promise:

[40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us

should not be made perfect.



Hebrews 12



The Discipline of the Lord



1 Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us,

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

2 (Heb 1:3; Lk 24:26) Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our

faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising

the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 (Gal 6:9; Heb 12:5) For consider Him who endured such hostility

from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up.

4 (Heb 10:32-34) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed while striving

against sin.

5 (Pr 3:11-12) And you have forgotten the exhortation addressed

to you as sons:

"My son, do not despise the discipline from the Lord,

nor grow weary when you are rebuked by Him;

6 (Rev 3:19; Ps 119:75; Pr 3:12) for whom the Lord loves He disciplines,

and scourges every son whom He receives."

7 (Pr 13:24; 19:18) Endure discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons.

For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?

8 If you are without discipline, of which everyone has partaken,

then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

9 (Nu 16:22; 27:16) Furthermore, we have had human fathers,

and they corrected us, and we gave them reverence.

Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?

10 (2Pe 1:4) For they indeed disciplined us for a short time according

to their own judgment, but He does so for our profit, that we may partake

of His holiness.

11 (Isa 32:17; Jas 3:17-18) Now no discipline seems to be joyful at the time,

but grievous. Yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness

in those who have been trained by it.

12 (Isa 35:3; Job 4:3-4) Therefore lift up your tired hands,

and strengthen your weak knees.

13 (Gal 6:1; Pr 4:26-27) Make straight paths for your feet,

lest that which is lame go out of joint, but rather be healed.



[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of

witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily

beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy

that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set

down at the right hand of the throne of God.

[3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against

himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

[4] Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

[5] And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto

children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint

when thou art rebuked of him:

[6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he

receiveth.

[7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son

is he whom the father chasteneth not?

[8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are

ye bastards, and not sons.

[9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we

gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the

Father of spirits, and live?

[10] For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure;

but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

[11] Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:

nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto

them which are exercised thereby.

[12] Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

[13] And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be

turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.



Warning Against Rejecting God's Grace



14 (Ro 14:19; 2Co 7:1) Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness

without which no one will see the Lord,

15 (Gal 5:4; Heb 3:12; Dt 29:18) watching diligently so that no one falls

short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up

to cause trouble, and many become defiled by it,

16 (Heb 13:4; Ge 25:31-34) lest there be any sexually immoral

or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing,

he was rejected. For he found no place for repentance, though he sought

it diligently with tears.

18 (Dt 4:11; Ex 20:18) You have not come to a mountain that can be touched

and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and storm,

19 (Dt 18:16; 4:12) and to the sound of a trumpet and to a voice speaking

words, such that those who heard them begged that the word not be spoken

to them anymore.

20 (Ex 19:12-13) For they could not endure that which was commanded:

"If so much as a beast touches the mountain, it must be stoned

or thrust through with a spear."(Ex 19:12-13.)

21 (Ex 19:16) So terrible was the sight that Moses said,

"I am terrified and trembling."(Dt 9:19.)

22 (Gal 4:26; Ps 48:2) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city

of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable

company of angels;

23 (Lk 10:20; Ge 18:25) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn,

who are enrolled in heaven; to God, the Judge of all; and to the spirits

of the righteous ones made perfect;

24 (Ge 4:10; Heb 11:4; 8:6) and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant;

and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than that of Abel.

25 (Heb 8:5; 11:7) See that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if they

did not escape when they refused Him who spoke on earth,

much less shall we escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.

26 (Ex 19:18) At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has given us

a promise, saying, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth

but also heaven." (Hag 2:6.)

27 And this statement, "Yet once more," signifies the removal of those things

that can be shaken, things that are created, so that only those things

that cannot be shaken will remain.

28 (Da 2:44; Heb 13:15) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom

that cannot be moved, let us be gracious, by which we may serve God

acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

29 (Dt 4:24; 9:3) For our God is a consuming fire.



[14] Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see

the Lord:

[15] Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root

of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

[16] Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one

morsel of meat sold his birthright.

[17] For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the

blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he

sought it carefully with tears.

[18] For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that

burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

[19] And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they

that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

[20] (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as

a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a

dart:

[21] And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and

quake:)

[22] But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God,

the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

[23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written

in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made

perfect,

[24] And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of

sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

[25] See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who

refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn

away from him that speaketh from heaven:

[26] Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet

once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

[27] And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things

that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot

be shaken may remain.

[28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have

grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

[29] For our God is a consuming fire.



Hebrews 13



Service That Pleases God



1 (1Pe 1:22; 2:17) Let brotherly love continue.

2 (Mt 25:35; 1Pe 4:9) Do not forget to entertain strangers, for thereby some

have entertained angels unknowingly.

3 (Mt 25:36; Col 4:18) Remember those who are in chains, as if imprisoned

with them, and those who are ill treated, since you are also in the body.

4 (1Co 6:9; Gal 5:19) Marriage is to be honored among everyone,

and the bed undefiled. But God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

5 (Jos 1:5; Dt 31:6) Let your lives be without love of money,

and be content with the things you have. For He has said:

"I will never leave you,

nor forsake you."(Dt 31:6, 8; Jos 1:5.)

6 (Ps 56:4) So we may boldly say:

"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?"(Ps 118:6.)

7 (Heb 13:17; 6:12; 13:24) Remember those who rule over you, who have

proclaimed to you the word of God. Follow their faith, considering

the results it has produced in their lives.

8 (Heb 1:12; Mal 3:6) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today,

and forever.

9 (Eph 4:14; 2Co 1:21) Do not be carried away

with diverse and strange doctrines. It is a good thing that the heart

be strengthened with grace, not with foods, which have not profited

those who have been occupied with them.

10 (1Co 9:13) We have an altar from which those who serve in the tabernacle

have no right to eat.

11 (Ex 29:14; Lev 16:27) For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood

is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest on account of sin,

are burned outside the camp.

12 (Ac 7:58; Eph 5:26) Therefore Jesus also, so that He might sanctify

the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

13 (Heb 11:26) Therefore let us go forth to Him outside the camp,

bearing the reproach that He bore.

14 (Heb 12:22; Mic 2:10) For here we have no continuing city,

but we seek one to come.

15 (Hos 14:2; Lev 7:12) Through Him, then, let us continually offer

to God the sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of our lips,

giving thanks to His name.

16 (Ro 12:13; Php 4:18) But do not forget to do good and to share.

For with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

17 (Ac 20:28; Heb 13:7) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch

over your souls as those who must give an account. Let them do this with joy

and not complaining, for that would not be profitable to you.

18 (1Th 5:25; Ac 23:1) Pray for us. For we trust that we have a good

conscience and in all things are willing to live honestly.

19 (Phm 1:22) But I implore you to pray,

that I may be restored to you very soon.



[1] Let brotherly love continue.

[2] Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have

entertained angels unawares.

[3] Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which

suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

[4] Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers

and adulterers God will judge.

[5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such

things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake

thee.

[6] So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.

[7] Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the

word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

[8] Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

[9] Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good

thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have

not profited them that have been occupied therein.

[10] We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the

tabernacle.

[11] For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the

sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

[12] Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own

blood, suffered without the gate.

[13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his

reproach.

[14] For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God

continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

[16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices

God is well pleased.

[17] Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they

watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it

with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

[18] Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things

willing to live honestly.

[19] But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you

the sooner.



Benediction and Final Greetings



20 (Zec 9:11; Jn 10:11) Now may the God of peace, who through the blood

of the eternal covenant brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

the Great Shepherd of the sheep,

21 (Php 2:13; 2Th 2:17) make you perfect in every good work to do His will,

working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

22 (1Pe 5:12; Heb 3:1) I implore you, brothers, to heed this word

of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.

23 (1Th 3:2) Know that our brother Timothy has been set free,

with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.

24 (Heb 13:7; 13:17) Greet all those who rule over you and all the saints.

Those from Italy greet you.

25 (Col 4:18) Grace be with you all. Amen.



[20] Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting

covenant,

[21] Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that

which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory

for ever and ever. Amen.

[22] And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have

written a letter unto you in few words.

[23] Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he

come shortly, I will see you.

[24] Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They

of Italy salute you.

[25] Grace be with you all. Amen.



2) Our Daily Bread for 17 December 2023 titled



Christmas Dilemma



Proverbs 3:5-18,32





5 (Ps 37:3; 37:5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 (1Ch 28:9; Pr 16:3; Jer 10:23) in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will direct your paths.

7 (Job 1:1; Ro 12:16) Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord and depart from evil.

8 (Job 21:24; Pr 4:22) It will be health to your body,

and strength to your bones.

9 (Ex 23:19; 22:29) Honor the Lord with your substance,

and with the first fruits of all your increase;

10 (Dt 28:8) so your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your presses will burst out with new wine.

11 (Job 5:17) My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,

nor be weary of His correction;

12 (Dt 8:5) for whom the Lord loves He corrects,

even as a father the son in whom he delights.

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,

and the man who gets understanding;

14 (Pr 8:19; 16:16) for her benefit is more profitable than silver,

and her gain than fine gold.

15 (Pr 8:11; Job 28:18) She is more precious than rubies,

and all the things you may desire are not to be compared with her.

16 (Pr 3:2) Length of days is in her right hand,

and in her left hand riches and honor.

17 (Ps 119:165; Mt 11:28-30) Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

and all her paths are peace.

18 (Ge 2:9; Pr 11:30) She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,

and happy is everyone who retains her.



32 (Ps 25:14; Pr 11:20) for the perverse is an abomination to the Lord,

but His secret counsel is with the righteous.



5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

And lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,

And he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes:

Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

And marrow to thy bones.

9 Honour the LORD with thy substance,

And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,

And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;

Neither be weary of his correction:

12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;

Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,

And the man that getteth understanding.

14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver,

And the gain thereof than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies:

And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

16 Length of days is in her right hand;

And in her left hand riches and honour.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:

And happy is every one that retaineth her.



32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD:

But his secret is with the righteous.



David and Angie had felt called to move overseas, and the fruitful ministry

that followed seemed to confirm it. But there was one downside to their move.

David's elderly parents would now spend Christmases alone.



David and Angie tried to mitigate his parents' Christmas Day loneliness by

posting gifts early and calling on Christmas morning. But what his parents

really wanted was them. With David's income only permitting an occasional

trip home, what else could they do? David needed wisdom.



Proverbs 3 is a crash course in wisdom-seeking, showing us how to receive it

by taking our situations to God (vv. 5-6), describing its various qualities

such as love and faithfulness (vv. 3-4, 7-12), and its benefits as peace and

longevity (vv. 13-18). In a touching note, it adds that God gives such wisdom

by taking us "into his confidence" (v. 32). He whispers His solutions to those who are close to Him.



Praying about his problem one night, David had an idea. Next Christmas Day, he

and Angie put on their best clothes, decorated the table with tinsel, and

brought in the roast dinner. David's parents did the same. Then, placing a

laptop on each table, they ate together via video link. It almost felt like

they were in the same room. It's become a family tradition ever since.



God took David into His confidence and gave him wisdom.

He loves to whisper creative solutions to our problems.



By: Sheridan Voysey



Reflect & Pray



What dilemma are you facing? What loving solution might God have for you?



Father God, please whisper to my heart Your creative solution to my problem.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 1 - Forgiving as God Forgave



Col 3:13



13 Bear with one another and forgive one another. If anyone

has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.



13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man

have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.



"No!" Brett slammed his hand against the desk to punctuate his point.

"My wife's infidelity is completely unforgivable. She just wants to make things

look good, to have me condone her new relationship.

I won't do it. I won't forgive her."

Brett was a man in pain, and his perspective on forgiving

his wife is understandable. But unfortunately, many of us are

the victims of "unforgivable" offenses; many of us, as well,

are the perpetrators of such offenses, and we desperately need

to be forgiven.

Brett ultimately came to understand that forgiving and "unforgivable"

hurt is not based on the worthiness of the recipient of forgiveness,

but on the worthiness of Christ himself. The Bible teaches that we are bound

to forgiveness for one simple reason:

because God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ.

"Forgive as the Lord forgave", Paul commands in Col 3:13 . How did Christ

forgive? Freely, completely, without basing his forgiveness on our merit. He

forgave us unilaterally, offering forgiveness before we asked,

before we were aware of our sin and the pain it caused him,

before we came to him in repentance.

Forgiveness does more that release the perpetrator for the bondage of

his wrongdoing. It releases the victim as well. Forgiveness frees

the forgiver from the bondage of anger and bitterness that keeps him distant

from the love of God. We can forgive the most "unforgivable" of offenses

against us when we focus our attention not on the offender, but on Christ,

who forgave us.



Application



a) Have I ever harboured unforgiveness toward another person?

What was the result in my spiritual/emotional life?



b) Is there someone in my life who has hurt me, who I need to forgive?

How can this verse help me extend the forgiveness to that person?



4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland



Deut 8:18



18 But you must remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you

the ability to get wealth, so that He may establish His covenant which

He swore to your fathers, as it is today.



18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee

power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto

thy fathers, as it is this day.



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



When you are lonely



PSALMS 25:15-21



15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,

for He will lead my feet from the net.

16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,

for I am isolated and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;

bring me out of my distresses.

18 Look on my pain and misery,

and forgive all my sins.

19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,

and they hate me with violent hatred.

20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!

Let me not suffer shame,

for I seek refuge in You.

21 Truth and integrity will preserve me

while I wait for You.



15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;

For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;

For I am desolate and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:

O bring thou me out of my distresses.

18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;

And forgive all my sins.

19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;

And they hate me with cruel hatred.

20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:

Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;

For I wait on thee.



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



17th Day of the Month



a) Pray for the safety of those

who live in your community -

safety from conflict an crimes



( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls

and security within your towers!



7 Peace be within thy walls,

And prosperity within thy palaces.)



b) Pray for the province of Ontario



I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,

that God's Spirit would influence

then to act justly,

serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4



1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

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

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

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good

and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

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

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use

the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



)



Advent day 22



From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck



"Most of my books are evangelistic, addressed to [those outside the faith]. It would have been inept to preach forgiveness and a Savior to those who did not know they were in need of either." - C. S. Lewis



(From "Rejoinder to Dr. Pittenger," God in the Dock, p. 181.)



The Saviour



The name Jesus means "Yahweh saves." His name is his mission. He has come to save us. To say that he is Jesus is to say that he is the Savior, the Evangel, the Good News. Other characters in sacred history carried this name before Jesus of Nazareth, although in a different form, like Joshua, Hosea and Hoshea.



Lewis was very much concerned about the Good News. He once wrote, "Most of my books are evangelistic." The word "evangelistic" contains within it the word "evangel," which means, literally, "good news." In another place, Lewis stated that the best work he could do was to explain the Christian faith to those on the outside. He compared his work to that of a translator, a person who takes words in one language and translates them into another language. Lewis tried to translate biblical ideas into the language of the ordinary person. Some of his books translated the good news, others smuggled that news under the cover of fantasy. Still other writings of his spoke very directly. That you are reading these words is a testimony to his success.



More important than Lewis' success and fame, however, is the success of his evangelistic purpose. When we trust in this Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, we have what he came to give-eternal life.



Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. And give me your Spirit to speak that same word to others. Amen.



"She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,

for He will save His people from their sins."



Matt. 1:21





From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT



The Covenant Promise



to perform the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember His holy covenant,



-Luke 1:72





How pertinent it is that on this last Sunday of Advent we read the beautiful song of Zechariah, in which he



proclaims the marvelous news about God raising up a Savior



and predicts that his son John will be a prophet of the Most High. We will highlight the first component today and the second tomorrow.





How grateful we are that God fulfilled his promises to Abraham and to others that he would save them from their enemies!



Not only does Zechariah review those covenant pledges, but he proceeds to encourage all of us who note this completion that now we can serve our God "without fear" and "in holiness and righteousness" for the rest of our lives.





What a freedom God's mercy and holy covenant bestow upon us! No matter what "enemies" hate us, our Mighty Savior liberates us in his celestial purity to advance what God is doing.



Prayer



Thank you, God, that the coming of the Promised One enables

us to serve you in holiness. Amen.



Read Luke 1:67-79.



67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit

and prophesied, saying,

68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for He has visited and redeemed His people,

69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of His servant David,

70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,

71 that we should be saved from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us,

72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember His holy covenant,

73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,

74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,

might serve Him without fear,

75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.

76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;

for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people

by the remission of their sins,

78 through the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace."



From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

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



Lift up your heads, O you gates;

and be lifted up, you everlasting doors,

that the King of glory may enter. PSALM 24:7



Today's Scripture reminds me again that Advent is an ongoing journey

of UH-OHs and AH-HAs in our lives. Someone once quipped that

'If you like bungee-jumping, you'll love Advent!" How true. how true!



Psalm 24 brings out the anxieties of life. but only if we read it as

something that we got to do rather than something that we get to do.

We are asked, 'Who will the Lord come to lift up, to save ?" And we are told.

"Those who have clear hands and pure hearts." Well, that leaves me out.

Wow. what an UH-OH moment!

But there's more ... lots more. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said. 'A prison

cell, in which one waits, hopes and is completely depended on the fact

that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad

picture of Advent!" And that's what the psalmist is talking about!



Lift up our heads, we are told, because the King of Glory. Jesus Christ

himself, is coming! The door to life has been opened . .. from the outside

And so we do lift up our heads, as we also lift up other people.

Once again, today. the UH-OH anxieties of life have been overcome

by the AH-HAs of Advent! The prison door is open . . . come and see

the Empty Tomb!

Lord, continue to lift us up in the midst of our own anxieties

Send your Spirit to calm us, cleanse us and cuddle us in your Word.

And as you do, empower us to lift others up as well.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Psalm 24



Psalms 24

A Psalm of David.

1 The earth belongs to the Lord, and its fullness,

the world, and those who dwell in it.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For He has founded it on the seas,

and established it on the floods.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?

Who may stand in His holy place?

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He who has clean hands and a pure heart;

who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity,

nor sworn deceitfully.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) He will receive the blessing from the Lord,

and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,

who seek Your face. Selah

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Lift up your heads, O you gates;

and be lifted up, you everlasting doors,

that the King of glory may enter.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Who is this King of glory?

The Lord strong and mighty,

the Lord mighty in battle.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Lift up your heads, O you gates;

lift up, you everlasting doors,

that the King of glory may enter.

10) Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Who is He-this King of glory?

The Lord of Hosts,

He is the King of glory. Selah



Conclusion:



Pray to know Him for his Birth to save mankind.



Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who can save your soul.



Pray to the Lord: "Father God, please whisper to my heart Your creative

solution to my problem.."



Pray to the Lord and pray be forgiving in the name of the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His covenant.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know that Truth and Integrity will preserve you.



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

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray for the safety of those

who live in your community -

safety from conflict an crimes



Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. And give me your Spirit to speak that same word to others. Amen.



Pray: Thank you, God, that the coming of the Promised One enables

us to serve you in holiness. Amen.



Pray: Lord, continue to lift us up in the midst of our own anxieties

Send your Spirit to calm us, cleanse us and cuddle us in your Word.

And as you do, empower us to lift others up as well.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Pray that the many young people of Somalia who are currently disillusioned

with Islam will turn to faith in Christ.





Christ is the reason for the season



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.