Day 352 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 18 December 2023 reflections - 23rd Day of Advent
Day 352, 18 December 2023 - 23nd Day of Advent
1) 2 Timothy 1, 2 Timothy 2, 2 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 4
2 Timothy 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; Eph 3:6) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 (1Ti 1:2; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the
promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
[2] To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Loyalty to the Gospel
3 (Ro 1:8-9; Ac 23:1) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my
forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 (2Ti 4:9; 4:21) greatly desiring to see you, remembering your tears,
that I may be filled with joy,
5 (Ac 16:1; 1Ti 1:5) remembering the genuine faith that first lived
in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded
lives in you also.
6 (1Ti 4:14; 1Th 5:19) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God,
which is in you by the laying on of my hands.
7 (Ro 8:15; Ac 1:8) For God has not given us the spirit of fear,
but of power, and love, and self-control.
8 (Mk 8:38; Eph 3:1) So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,
nor of me, His prisoner. But share in the sufferings of the gospel
by the power of God,
9 (Ro 16:25; Titus 1:2) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling,
not by our works, but by His own purpose and grace, which was given us
in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 (Ro 2:7; 16:26) but is now revealed by the appearing of our Saviour,
Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and has brought life
and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 (1Ti 2:7) for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle,
and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 (2Ti 1:8; 1Ti 6:20; 1Pe 4:19) For these things I suffer, but I am not
ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is
able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that Day.
13 (1Ti 1:14; Titus 1:9) Follow the pattern of sound teaching
which you have heard from me in the faith and love that is in Christ Jesus.
14 (Ro 8:9; 1Ti 6:20) Guard the treasure that was committed to you through
the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
15 (2Ti 4:16; Ac 19:10) You know that all those who are in Asia have turned
away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 (2Ti 4:19; Ac 28:20) May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus,
for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
17 But when he arrived in Rome, he searched me out very diligently
and found me.
18 (2Ti 1:12; Heb 6:10) May the Lord grant that he may find mercy
from the Lord on that Day. You know very well how many ways he ministered
to me at Ephesus.
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that
without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be
filled with joy;
[5] When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am
persuaded that in thee also.
[6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God,
which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind.
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me
his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel
according to the power of God;
[9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to
our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began,
[10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel:
[11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of
the Gentiles.
[12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not
ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
[13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in
faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
[14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost
which dwelleth in us.
[15] This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from
me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
[16] The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed
me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
[17] But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found
me.
[18] The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day:
and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very
well.
2 Timothy 2
A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus
1 (Eph 6:10; 2Ti 1:2) So you, my son, be strong
in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 (1Ti 1:18; 6:12) Share the things that you have heard from me
in the presence of many witnesses with faithful men who will be able
to teach others also.
3 (1Ti 1:18; 2Ti 1:8) Endure hard times as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 (2Pe 2:20) No soldier on active duty entangles himself
with civilian affairs, that he may please the enlisting officer.
5 Anyone who competes as an athlete is not rewarded without competing legally.
6 The farmer who labors should be first to partake of the crops.
7 Consider what I am saying, and may the Lord grant you understanding
in all things.
8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David, according to my gospel,
9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,
even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.
10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things for the sake
of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ
Jesus with eternal glory.
11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:
If we die with Him,
we shall also live with Him.
12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17) If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3) If we are faithless, He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
[1] Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
[2] And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same
commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
[3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life;
that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
[5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he
strive lawfully.
[6] The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
[8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word
of God is not bound.
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also
obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live
with him:
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also
will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
An Approved Workman
14 (1Ti 5:21; 2Ti 2:23) Remind them of these things, commanding them before
the Lord that they not argue about words, which leads to nothing of value
and to the destruction of those who hear them.
15 (Mt 13:52) Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need
not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 (Titus 3:9; 1Ti 6:20) But avoid profane foolish babblings, for they will
increase to more ungodliness,
17 (1Ti 1:20) and their word will spread like gangrene: Among them are
Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 (1Co 15:12; 1Ti 1:19) who have erred concerning the truth,
saying that the resurrection has already occurred,
and who overthrow the faith of some.
19 (Jn 10:14; Isa 28:16) But the firm foundation of God stands,
having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and,
"Let everyone who calls on the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
20 (1Ti 3:15) In a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels,
but also those of wood and clay; some are for honor, and some for dishonour.
21 (2Ti 3:17; Isa 52:11) One who cleanses himself from these things will be
a vessel for honor, sanctified, fit for the Master's use,
and prepared for every good work.
22 (1Ti 6:11; 1:5; 4:12) So flee youthful desires and pursue righteousness,
faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 (Titus 3:9; 2Ti 2:14) But avoid foolish and unlearned debates, knowing
that they create strife.
24 (1Ti 3:2-3; Titus 3:2) The servant of the Lord must not quarrel,
but must be gentle toward all people, able to teach, patient,
25 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 8:22) in gentleness instructing those in opposition.
Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth,
26 (1Ti 3:7) and they may escape from the snare of the devil,
after being captured by him to do his will.
[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord
that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the
hearers.
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
[16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness.
[17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and
Philetus;
[18] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is
past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
[19] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The
Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of
Christ depart from iniquity.
[20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver,
but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
[21] If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto
honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every
good work.
[22] Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity,
peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
[23] But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender
strifes.
[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all
men, apt to teach, patient,
[25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
[26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who
are taken captive by him at his will.
2 Timothy 3
The Last Days
1 (Eze 38:16; 2Pe 3:3) Know this: In the last days perilous times will come.
2 (Php 2:21; Jude 1:16) Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,
boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 (Ro 1:31; 1Ti 3:11) without natural affection, trucebreakers, slanderers,
unrestrained, fierce, despisers of those who are good,
4 (1Ti 3:6) traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasures
more than lovers of God,
5 (1Ti 5:8; Mt 7:15) having a form of godliness,
but denying its power. Turn away from such people.
6 (Titus 3:3; Jude 1:4) Those of this nature creep into houses
and captivate silly women who are burdened with sins
and led away with various desires,
7 (1Ti 2:4; 2Ti 2:25) always learning, but never able to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
8 (Ex 7:11; 1Ti 6:5) Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses,
so these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds
and worthless concerning the faith.
9 (Ex 7:12; 9:11) But they shall proceed no further,
for their folly will be revealed to everyone, as theirs also was.
[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,
fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of
God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such
turn away.
[6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive
silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
[7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
[8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the
truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
[9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest
unto all men, as theirs also was.
Last Charge to Timothy
10 (Php 2:22; 1Ti 4:6) But you have observed my doctrine,
manner of life, purpose,
faith, tolerance, love, patience,
11 (Ps 34:19; Ac 13:45) persecutions, and afflictions, which came to me
at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra-what persecutions I endured!
But the Lord delivered me out of them all.
12 (Ac 14:22; Titus 2:12) Yes, and all who desire to live a godly life
in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers will grow worse and worse, deceiving
and being deceived.
14 (2Ti 1:13) But continue in the things that you have learned
and have been assured of, knowing those from whom you have learned them,
15 (2Ti 1:5) and that since childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith that is
in Christ Jesus.
16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
17 (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly
equipped for every good work.
[10] But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith,
longsuffering, charity, patience,
[11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium,
at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord
delivered me.
[12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution.
[13] But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and
being deceived.
[14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been
assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works.
2 Timothy 4
1 (Ac 10:42; 1Ti 5:21) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing
and His kingdom:
2 (Titus 1:13; 2:15) Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season,
reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.
3 (1Ti 1:10) For the time will come when people will not endure sound
doctrine, but they will gather to themselves teachers in accordance
with their own desires, having itching ears,
4 (1Ti 1:4; 4:7) and they will turn their ears away from the truth
and turn to myths.
5 (Ac 21:8; 2Ti 1:8) But be self-controlled in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
and prove your ministry.
6 (Php 1:23; 2:17) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,
and the time of my departure has come.
7 (Ac 20:24; 1Ti 6:12) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
and I have kept the faith.
8 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 1:12) From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only
to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.
[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall
judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
[2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables.
[5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand.
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith:
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Personal Instructions
9 (2Ti 1:4; 4:21) Diligently try to come to me soon.
10 (Ac 16:6; 17:1) Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world,
and has departed to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
11 (Ac 12:12; Col 4:14) Only Luke is with me. Get Mark, and bring him with you,
for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 (Ac 20:4; Eph 6:21) I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13 (Ac 16:8) When you come, bring with you the cloak that I left
at Troas with Carpus, and the books, but especially the parchments.
14 (1Ti 1:20; Ps 28:4) Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.
May the Lord reward him according to his works.
15 Beware of him, for he has greatly opposed our words.
16 (Ac 7:60) At my first defense no one stood with me,
but everyone forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
17 (Ac 9:15; Ps 22:21) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me,
so that through me the preaching might be fully known, and that
all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 (Ro 11:36; Ps 121:7) The Lord will deliver me from every evil work
and will preserve me for His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever
and ever. Amen.
[9] Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
[10] For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is
departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
[11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is
profitable to me for the ministry.
[12] And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
[13] The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring
with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
[14] Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him
according to his works:
[15] Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
[16] At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray
God that it may not be laid to their charge.
[17] Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me
the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear:
and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
[18] And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve
me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
19 (Ac 18:2) Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 (Ac 20:4; 19:22) Erastus remained at Corinth, and I have left Trophimus
ill in Miletus.
21 (2Ti 4:9) Diligently try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you,
and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
22 (Gal 6:18; Col 4:18) The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Grace be with you. Amen.
[19] Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
[20] Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
[21] Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and
Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
[22] The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 18 December 2022 titled
My God Is Near
Philippians 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 alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
[5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
For more than thirty years, Lourdes, a voice teacher in Manila, had taught
students face to face. When she was asked to conduct classes online, she was
anxious. "I'm not good with computers," she recounted. "My laptop is old,
and I'm not familiar with video conferencing platforms."
While it may seem a small thing to some, it was a real stressor for her. "I
live alone, so there is no one to help," she said. "I'm concerned that my
students will quit, and I need the income."
Before each class, Lourdes would pray for her laptop to work properly.
"Philippians 4:5-6 was the wallpaper on my screen," she said.
"How I clung to those words."
Paul exhorts us to not be anxious about anything, because "the Lord is
near" (Philippians 4:5). God's promise of His presence is ours to hold on to.
As we rest in His nearness and commit everything to Him in prayer-both big and
small-His peace guards our "hearts and . . . minds in Christ Jesus" (v. 7).
"God led me to websites about fixing computer glitches," Lourdes said. "He
also gave me patient students who understood my technological limitations."
God's presence, help, and peace are ours to enjoy as we seek to follow Him all
the days of our life. We can say with confidence: "Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice!" (v. 4).
By: Karen Huang
Reflect & Pray
How can knowing that God is near change your reaction of worry to one
of peace? What specific requests can you present to Him?
Dear God, thank You for being near me.
Because of Your loving presence, help, and peace, I don't have to be anxious.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 2 - The key to the Prison Cell
Matt 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men for their sins, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men for their sins,
neither will your Father forgive your sins.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you: 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Ann had been badly wounded in a relationship that had ended in anger
and accusation. For more than a year, Ann nursed her bitterness, rallying
support for her attitudes from friends and colleagues. Any time she saw
her former friend, Ann put up an icy wall of hostility. She thought she was
"getting over" the hurt, but the very mention of her friend's name brought
back a flood of negative feelings. Ann was trapped, locked in a prison of
unforgiveness , a jail built block by block by her own unwillingness to
forgive. Ann didn't "get over it"; instead, her wounds festered
and her bitterness grew worse.
Then one day - she never knew how - Ann let go of her bitterness. The barriers
of hostility and anger melted away, and when she saw her friend again, she was
able to forgive. And Ann was finally able to turn to the Lord for her own
healing and forgiveness.
"If you do not forgive," Jesus says - and the statement falls hard on
unforgiving hearts, "Neither will you be forgiven." In one sense, God's
forgiveness is unconditional - we do not have to earn or deserve it, and it is
always available to us. But we cannot experience the forgiveness God has
extended to us when we harbour unforgiveness towards others and build walls
of bitterness in our hearts.
When we refuse forgiveness toward those who have hurt or betrayed us, we do
not keep them in bondage, but ourselves. We lock ourselves away for an
awareness of God's loving presence; we imprison ourselves in a cell of
revenge. But when we reach out to forgive, we turn in the lock;
the door is open for our own sins to be forgiven and our own hearts
cleansed and purified.
Application
a) Why is forgiving others a condition for experiencing forgiveness
in my own life?
b) How can these verses have a practical effect upon my willingness
to forgive others?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 28:11
11 (Dt 28:4; 30:9) The Lord will make you overflow in prosperity,
in the offspring of your body, in the offspring of your livestock,
and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore
to your fathers to give you.
11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body,
and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land
which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
1 John 4:16b-18
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us,
so that we may have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is,
so are we in this world.
18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love,
but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
Whoever fears is not perfect in love.
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness
in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
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
18th Day of the Month
a) Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
( Jer 31:25
25 For I satiate the weary souls and I replenish every languishing soul.
25 For I have satiated the weary soul,
and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
( Ps 34:7
7 The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him,
and delivers them.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him,
And delivereth them.
)
Advent day 23
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Monday,Fourth Week of Advent
"There! They're at it again. 'Ark, the errol hygel sings'....
Boxing Day [December 26] is only two and a half weeks ahead;
then perhaps we shall have a little quiet in which to remember
the birth of Christ." C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in "Delinquents in the Snow," God in the Dock, p. 310.)
A Little Quiet
The day on which the English give their gifts is Boxing Day, a public holiday
that falls on the first weekday after Christmas. In the past, the English
exchanged gifts among equals on Christmas Day, and gave gifts to those
"socially inferior" on the day after,
probably wrapped in boxes; hence, the name "Boxing Day."
It is also known in England as St. Stephen's Day, named after the first Christian martyr.
As a result, Lewis was not expecting the Prince of Peace to bring him peace
until after Boxing Day, a day after Christmas Day itself,
after gifts had been given. While peace in the biblical sense means
far more than the absence of stress, Lewis was here thinking of the
peace and quiet that a busy man, a famous and popular man, too seldom enjoyed.
From the time of his BBC radio broadcasts in 1941, Lewis received many
letters, probably a half-dozen to a dozen each day. As a result, he spent
a lot of time answering those letters, and they seemed to come
in greater numbers during the Christmas holidays. We don't have to be famous
to appreciate Lewis' desire for a little quiet.
In the midst of the busyness of the Advent season, we need to remember that
God sent a child, a son, the Prince of Peace.
He came to announce, "Peace on earth" (Luke 2:14) for everyone who believes.
Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace
in the midst of quiet. Amen.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...
And he will be called...Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
MONDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Tender Mercy
through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
-Luke 1:78
What an attractive image, the "dawn from on high"!
It is an expression for the morning's light, but in its ambiguity
the figure could also refer to the Christ whose coming we anticipate.
This is one benefit that comes from God's "tender mercy." Another is John,
the Most High's Prophet and the Lord's Forerunner, who dispersed
to people knowledge of God's salvation
by the pardoning of their transgressions.
Those upon whom the dawn from on high burst were able
to move out of both their darkness and death's shadow
and into the way of peace. That is still true today. As we prepare
to hail the coming of the Christ Child, we honor him by participating
in his gift of bringing peace to the world. In his name and character,
we become reconcilers and harmonisers, helping people to allay their fears
and eliminate their quarrels. What tranquility might be brought to the nations!
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.
Read Luke 1:68-79.
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
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCEPTANCE!
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,"
MATTHEW 1:20
Joseph is often the "odd man out" in the Christmas story. We hear
so much about the Baby Jesus (and rightly so!), and about Mary,
the shepherds, the angels and even those smelly sheep .. - but not
a lot about Joseph
The Ah-Has of acceptance is all about Joseph. Today's lesson shows
good old Joe in a tough situation But, through the Holy Spirit, he accepted
the responsibilities that were given to him. And notice the phrase that
the angel brought to Joseph's dream: "Do not be afraid!" These are the
same Gospel words that we hear from the Lord as we go about accepting
the responsibilities that he gives to us each day.
The beauty and irony of Advent is that as we prepare for his coming.
the Lord has already prepared us for life in him! His acceptance of us
enables us to accept the many tasks and challenges he gives to us ...
with no exceptions! It's like the button that states, "God loves you ...
of course - he loves everyone!" And it's true, because of Emmanuel,
"God with us."
Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,
"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 1:18-25
18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6–7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
had commanded him, and remained with his wife,
25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth
to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray that you continue in the things which you have
learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom you hast learned them;
And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus for
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for being near me.
Because of Your loving presence, help, and peace, I don't have to be anxious."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving as the Lord forgives.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who blesses you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as Love.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace in the midst of quiet. Amen.
Pray: Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.
Pray: Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,
"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Christians will reflect Christ's love and forgiveness
to their persecutors in the Central African Republic.
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) 2 Timothy 1, 2 Timothy 2, 2 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 4
2 Timothy 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; Eph 3:6) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 (1Ti 1:2; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the
promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
[2] To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Loyalty to the Gospel
3 (Ro 1:8-9; Ac 23:1) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my
forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 (2Ti 4:9; 4:21) greatly desiring to see you, remembering your tears,
that I may be filled with joy,
5 (Ac 16:1; 1Ti 1:5) remembering the genuine faith that first lived
in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded
lives in you also.
6 (1Ti 4:14; 1Th 5:19) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God,
which is in you by the laying on of my hands.
7 (Ro 8:15; Ac 1:8) For God has not given us the spirit of fear,
but of power, and love, and self-control.
8 (Mk 8:38; Eph 3:1) So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,
nor of me, His prisoner. But share in the sufferings of the gospel
by the power of God,
9 (Ro 16:25; Titus 1:2) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling,
not by our works, but by His own purpose and grace, which was given us
in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 (Ro 2:7; 16:26) but is now revealed by the appearing of our Saviour,
Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and has brought life
and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 (1Ti 2:7) for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle,
and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 (2Ti 1:8; 1Ti 6:20; 1Pe 4:19) For these things I suffer, but I am not
ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is
able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that Day.
13 (1Ti 1:14; Titus 1:9) Follow the pattern of sound teaching
which you have heard from me in the faith and love that is in Christ Jesus.
14 (Ro 8:9; 1Ti 6:20) Guard the treasure that was committed to you through
the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
15 (2Ti 4:16; Ac 19:10) You know that all those who are in Asia have turned
away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 (2Ti 4:19; Ac 28:20) May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus,
for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
17 But when he arrived in Rome, he searched me out very diligently
and found me.
18 (2Ti 1:12; Heb 6:10) May the Lord grant that he may find mercy
from the Lord on that Day. You know very well how many ways he ministered
to me at Ephesus.
[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that
without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be
filled with joy;
[5] When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am
persuaded that in thee also.
[6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God,
which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind.
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me
his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel
according to the power of God;
[9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to
our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began,
[10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel:
[11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of
the Gentiles.
[12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not
ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
[13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in
faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
[14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost
which dwelleth in us.
[15] This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from
me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
[16] The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed
me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
[17] But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found
me.
[18] The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day:
and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very
well.
2 Timothy 2
A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus
1 (Eph 6:10; 2Ti 1:2) So you, my son, be strong
in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 (1Ti 1:18; 6:12) Share the things that you have heard from me
in the presence of many witnesses with faithful men who will be able
to teach others also.
3 (1Ti 1:18; 2Ti 1:8) Endure hard times as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 (2Pe 2:20) No soldier on active duty entangles himself
with civilian affairs, that he may please the enlisting officer.
5 Anyone who competes as an athlete is not rewarded without competing legally.
6 The farmer who labors should be first to partake of the crops.
7 Consider what I am saying, and may the Lord grant you understanding
in all things.
8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David, according to my gospel,
9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,
even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.
10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things for the sake
of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ
Jesus with eternal glory.
11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:
If we die with Him,
we shall also live with Him.
12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17) If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3) If we are faithless, He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
[1] Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
[2] And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same
commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
[3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life;
that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
[5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he
strive lawfully.
[6] The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
[8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word
of God is not bound.
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also
obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live
with him:
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also
will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
An Approved Workman
14 (1Ti 5:21; 2Ti 2:23) Remind them of these things, commanding them before
the Lord that they not argue about words, which leads to nothing of value
and to the destruction of those who hear them.
15 (Mt 13:52) Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need
not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 (Titus 3:9; 1Ti 6:20) But avoid profane foolish babblings, for they will
increase to more ungodliness,
17 (1Ti 1:20) and their word will spread like gangrene: Among them are
Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 (1Co 15:12; 1Ti 1:19) who have erred concerning the truth,
saying that the resurrection has already occurred,
and who overthrow the faith of some.
19 (Jn 10:14; Isa 28:16) But the firm foundation of God stands,
having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and,
"Let everyone who calls on the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
20 (1Ti 3:15) In a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels,
but also those of wood and clay; some are for honor, and some for dishonour.
21 (2Ti 3:17; Isa 52:11) One who cleanses himself from these things will be
a vessel for honor, sanctified, fit for the Master's use,
and prepared for every good work.
22 (1Ti 6:11; 1:5; 4:12) So flee youthful desires and pursue righteousness,
faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 (Titus 3:9; 2Ti 2:14) But avoid foolish and unlearned debates, knowing
that they create strife.
24 (1Ti 3:2-3; Titus 3:2) The servant of the Lord must not quarrel,
but must be gentle toward all people, able to teach, patient,
25 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 8:22) in gentleness instructing those in opposition.
Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth,
26 (1Ti 3:7) and they may escape from the snare of the devil,
after being captured by him to do his will.
[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord
that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the
hearers.
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
[16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness.
[17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and
Philetus;
[18] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is
past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
[19] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The
Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of
Christ depart from iniquity.
[20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver,
but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
[21] If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto
honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every
good work.
[22] Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity,
peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
[23] But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender
strifes.
[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all
men, apt to teach, patient,
[25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
[26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who
are taken captive by him at his will.
2 Timothy 3
The Last Days
1 (Eze 38:16; 2Pe 3:3) Know this: In the last days perilous times will come.
2 (Php 2:21; Jude 1:16) Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,
boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 (Ro 1:31; 1Ti 3:11) without natural affection, trucebreakers, slanderers,
unrestrained, fierce, despisers of those who are good,
4 (1Ti 3:6) traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasures
more than lovers of God,
5 (1Ti 5:8; Mt 7:15) having a form of godliness,
but denying its power. Turn away from such people.
6 (Titus 3:3; Jude 1:4) Those of this nature creep into houses
and captivate silly women who are burdened with sins
and led away with various desires,
7 (1Ti 2:4; 2Ti 2:25) always learning, but never able to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
8 (Ex 7:11; 1Ti 6:5) Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses,
so these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds
and worthless concerning the faith.
9 (Ex 7:12; 9:11) But they shall proceed no further,
for their folly will be revealed to everyone, as theirs also was.
[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,
fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of
God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such
turn away.
[6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive
silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
[7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
[8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the
truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
[9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest
unto all men, as theirs also was.
Last Charge to Timothy
10 (Php 2:22; 1Ti 4:6) But you have observed my doctrine,
manner of life, purpose,
faith, tolerance, love, patience,
11 (Ps 34:19; Ac 13:45) persecutions, and afflictions, which came to me
at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra-what persecutions I endured!
But the Lord delivered me out of them all.
12 (Ac 14:22; Titus 2:12) Yes, and all who desire to live a godly life
in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers will grow worse and worse, deceiving
and being deceived.
14 (2Ti 1:13) But continue in the things that you have learned
and have been assured of, knowing those from whom you have learned them,
15 (2Ti 1:5) and that since childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith that is
in Christ Jesus.
16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
17 (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly
equipped for every good work.
[10] But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith,
longsuffering, charity, patience,
[11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium,
at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord
delivered me.
[12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution.
[13] But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and
being deceived.
[14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been
assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works.
2 Timothy 4
1 (Ac 10:42; 1Ti 5:21) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing
and His kingdom:
2 (Titus 1:13; 2:15) Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season,
reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.
3 (1Ti 1:10) For the time will come when people will not endure sound
doctrine, but they will gather to themselves teachers in accordance
with their own desires, having itching ears,
4 (1Ti 1:4; 4:7) and they will turn their ears away from the truth
and turn to myths.
5 (Ac 21:8; 2Ti 1:8) But be self-controlled in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
and prove your ministry.
6 (Php 1:23; 2:17) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,
and the time of my departure has come.
7 (Ac 20:24; 1Ti 6:12) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
and I have kept the faith.
8 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 1:12) From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only
to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.
[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall
judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
[2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables.
[5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand.
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith:
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Personal Instructions
9 (2Ti 1:4; 4:21) Diligently try to come to me soon.
10 (Ac 16:6; 17:1) Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world,
and has departed to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
11 (Ac 12:12; Col 4:14) Only Luke is with me. Get Mark, and bring him with you,
for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 (Ac 20:4; Eph 6:21) I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13 (Ac 16:8) When you come, bring with you the cloak that I left
at Troas with Carpus, and the books, but especially the parchments.
14 (1Ti 1:20; Ps 28:4) Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.
May the Lord reward him according to his works.
15 Beware of him, for he has greatly opposed our words.
16 (Ac 7:60) At my first defense no one stood with me,
but everyone forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
17 (Ac 9:15; Ps 22:21) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me,
so that through me the preaching might be fully known, and that
all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 (Ro 11:36; Ps 121:7) The Lord will deliver me from every evil work
and will preserve me for His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever
and ever. Amen.
[9] Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
[10] For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is
departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
[11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is
profitable to me for the ministry.
[12] And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
[13] The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring
with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
[14] Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him
according to his works:
[15] Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
[16] At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray
God that it may not be laid to their charge.
[17] Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me
the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear:
and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
[18] And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve
me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
19 (Ac 18:2) Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 (Ac 20:4; 19:22) Erastus remained at Corinth, and I have left Trophimus
ill in Miletus.
21 (2Ti 4:9) Diligently try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you,
and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
22 (Gal 6:18; Col 4:18) The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Grace be with you. Amen.
[19] Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
[20] Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
[21] Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and
Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
[22] The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 18 December 2022 titled
My God Is Near
Philippians 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 alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
[5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
For more than thirty years, Lourdes, a voice teacher in Manila, had taught
students face to face. When she was asked to conduct classes online, she was
anxious. "I'm not good with computers," she recounted. "My laptop is old,
and I'm not familiar with video conferencing platforms."
While it may seem a small thing to some, it was a real stressor for her. "I
live alone, so there is no one to help," she said. "I'm concerned that my
students will quit, and I need the income."
Before each class, Lourdes would pray for her laptop to work properly.
"Philippians 4:5-6 was the wallpaper on my screen," she said.
"How I clung to those words."
Paul exhorts us to not be anxious about anything, because "the Lord is
near" (Philippians 4:5). God's promise of His presence is ours to hold on to.
As we rest in His nearness and commit everything to Him in prayer-both big and
small-His peace guards our "hearts and . . . minds in Christ Jesus" (v. 7).
"God led me to websites about fixing computer glitches," Lourdes said. "He
also gave me patient students who understood my technological limitations."
God's presence, help, and peace are ours to enjoy as we seek to follow Him all
the days of our life. We can say with confidence: "Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice!" (v. 4).
By: Karen Huang
Reflect & Pray
How can knowing that God is near change your reaction of worry to one
of peace? What specific requests can you present to Him?
Dear God, thank You for being near me.
Because of Your loving presence, help, and peace, I don't have to be anxious.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 2 - The key to the Prison Cell
Matt 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men for their sins, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men for their sins,
neither will your Father forgive your sins.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you: 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Ann had been badly wounded in a relationship that had ended in anger
and accusation. For more than a year, Ann nursed her bitterness, rallying
support for her attitudes from friends and colleagues. Any time she saw
her former friend, Ann put up an icy wall of hostility. She thought she was
"getting over" the hurt, but the very mention of her friend's name brought
back a flood of negative feelings. Ann was trapped, locked in a prison of
unforgiveness , a jail built block by block by her own unwillingness to
forgive. Ann didn't "get over it"; instead, her wounds festered
and her bitterness grew worse.
Then one day - she never knew how - Ann let go of her bitterness. The barriers
of hostility and anger melted away, and when she saw her friend again, she was
able to forgive. And Ann was finally able to turn to the Lord for her own
healing and forgiveness.
"If you do not forgive," Jesus says - and the statement falls hard on
unforgiving hearts, "Neither will you be forgiven." In one sense, God's
forgiveness is unconditional - we do not have to earn or deserve it, and it is
always available to us. But we cannot experience the forgiveness God has
extended to us when we harbour unforgiveness towards others and build walls
of bitterness in our hearts.
When we refuse forgiveness toward those who have hurt or betrayed us, we do
not keep them in bondage, but ourselves. We lock ourselves away for an
awareness of God's loving presence; we imprison ourselves in a cell of
revenge. But when we reach out to forgive, we turn in the lock;
the door is open for our own sins to be forgiven and our own hearts
cleansed and purified.
Application
a) Why is forgiving others a condition for experiencing forgiveness
in my own life?
b) How can these verses have a practical effect upon my willingness
to forgive others?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 28:11
11 (Dt 28:4; 30:9) The Lord will make you overflow in prosperity,
in the offspring of your body, in the offspring of your livestock,
and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore
to your fathers to give you.
11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body,
and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land
which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
1 John 4:16b-18
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us,
so that we may have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is,
so are we in this world.
18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love,
but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
Whoever fears is not perfect in love.
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness
in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
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
18th Day of the Month
a) Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
( Jer 31:25
25 For I satiate the weary souls and I replenish every languishing soul.
25 For I have satiated the weary soul,
and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
)
b) Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
( Ps 34:7
7 The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him,
and delivers them.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him,
And delivereth them.
)
Advent day 23
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Monday,Fourth Week of Advent
"There! They're at it again. 'Ark, the errol hygel sings'....
Boxing Day [December 26] is only two and a half weeks ahead;
then perhaps we shall have a little quiet in which to remember
the birth of Christ." C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in "Delinquents in the Snow," God in the Dock, p. 310.)
A Little Quiet
The day on which the English give their gifts is Boxing Day, a public holiday
that falls on the first weekday after Christmas. In the past, the English
exchanged gifts among equals on Christmas Day, and gave gifts to those
"socially inferior" on the day after,
probably wrapped in boxes; hence, the name "Boxing Day."
It is also known in England as St. Stephen's Day, named after the first Christian martyr.
As a result, Lewis was not expecting the Prince of Peace to bring him peace
until after Boxing Day, a day after Christmas Day itself,
after gifts had been given. While peace in the biblical sense means
far more than the absence of stress, Lewis was here thinking of the
peace and quiet that a busy man, a famous and popular man, too seldom enjoyed.
From the time of his BBC radio broadcasts in 1941, Lewis received many
letters, probably a half-dozen to a dozen each day. As a result, he spent
a lot of time answering those letters, and they seemed to come
in greater numbers during the Christmas holidays. We don't have to be famous
to appreciate Lewis' desire for a little quiet.
In the midst of the busyness of the Advent season, we need to remember that
God sent a child, a son, the Prince of Peace.
He came to announce, "Peace on earth" (Luke 2:14) for everyone who believes.
Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace
in the midst of quiet. Amen.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...
And he will be called...Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
MONDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Tender Mercy
through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
-Luke 1:78
What an attractive image, the "dawn from on high"!
It is an expression for the morning's light, but in its ambiguity
the figure could also refer to the Christ whose coming we anticipate.
This is one benefit that comes from God's "tender mercy." Another is John,
the Most High's Prophet and the Lord's Forerunner, who dispersed
to people knowledge of God's salvation
by the pardoning of their transgressions.
Those upon whom the dawn from on high burst were able
to move out of both their darkness and death's shadow
and into the way of peace. That is still true today. As we prepare
to hail the coming of the Christ Child, we honor him by participating
in his gift of bringing peace to the world. In his name and character,
we become reconcilers and harmonisers, helping people to allay their fears
and eliminate their quarrels. What tranquility might be brought to the nations!
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.
Read Luke 1:68-79.
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
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCEPTANCE!
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,"
MATTHEW 1:20
Joseph is often the "odd man out" in the Christmas story. We hear
so much about the Baby Jesus (and rightly so!), and about Mary,
the shepherds, the angels and even those smelly sheep .. - but not
a lot about Joseph
The Ah-Has of acceptance is all about Joseph. Today's lesson shows
good old Joe in a tough situation But, through the Holy Spirit, he accepted
the responsibilities that were given to him. And notice the phrase that
the angel brought to Joseph's dream: "Do not be afraid!" These are the
same Gospel words that we hear from the Lord as we go about accepting
the responsibilities that he gives to us each day.
The beauty and irony of Advent is that as we prepare for his coming.
the Lord has already prepared us for life in him! His acceptance of us
enables us to accept the many tasks and challenges he gives to us ...
with no exceptions! It's like the button that states, "God loves you ...
of course - he loves everyone!" And it's true, because of Emmanuel,
"God with us."
Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,
"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 1:18-25
18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6–7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
had commanded him, and remained with his wife,
25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth
to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray that you continue in the things which you have
learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom you hast learned them;
And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus for
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for being near me.
Because of Your loving presence, help, and peace, I don't have to be anxious."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving as the Lord forgives.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who blesses you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as Love.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical
refreshing for the presence of the Lord
Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from
danger and adversity
Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace in the midst of quiet. Amen.
Pray: Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.
Pray: Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,
"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Christians will reflect Christ's love and forgiveness
to their persecutors in the Central African Republic.
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.