Day 335 - 1 December 2021 reflections
Day 335, 1 December 2021
1)
1 Corinthians 15 - 16
1 Corinthians 15
The Resurrection of Christ
1 (Ro 5:2; 2Co 1:24) Now, brothers, I declare to you the gospel which I
preached to you, which you have received, and in which you stand.
2 (Gal 3:4; Ro 1:16) Through it you are saved, if you keep in memory
what I preached to you, unless you have believed in vain.
3 (1Pe 2:24; 1Co 11:23; Gal 1:4) For I delivered to you first of all
that which I also received: how Christ died for our sins according
to the Scriptures,
4 (Ps 16:10-11; Hos 6:2) was buried, rose again the third day
according to the Scriptures,
5 (Mk 16:14; Ac 10:41) and was seen by Cephas, and then by the twelve.
6 (Ac 7:60; 1Co 15:18) Then He was seen by over five hundred brothers
at once, of whom the greater part remain to this present time,
though some have passed away.
7 (Lk 24:50) Then He was seen by James and then by all the apostles.
8 (1Co 9:1; Ac 9:17) Last of all, He was seen by me also,
as by one born at the wrong time.
9 (Ac 8:3; 2Co 12:11) For I am the least of the apostles
and am not fit to be called an apostle,
because I persecuted the church of God.
10 (Php 2:13; 2Co 3:5) But by the grace of God I am what I am.
And His grace toward me was not in vain. I labored more abundantly
than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 Therefore, whether it was I or they,
so we preach and so you believed.
The Resurrection of the Dead
12 (Ac 23:8; 2Ti 2:18) Now if Christ is preached that He rose from the dead,
how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 (1Th 4:14) If there is no resurrection of the dead,
then Christ has not risen.
14 If Christ has not risen, then our preaching is vain,
and your faith is also vain.
15 (Ac 2:24) Yes, and we would then be found false witnesses of God,
because we have testified that God raised up Christ, whom He did not
raise up, if in fact the dead do not rise.
16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ has not been raised.
17 (Ro 4:25) If Christ is not raised, your faith is vain;
you are still in your sins.
18 (Rev 14:13; 1Co 15:6) Then they also who have fallen asleep
in Christ have perished.
19 (2Ti 3:12) If in this life only we have hope in Christ,
we are of all men most miserable.
20 (Ac 26:23; 1Co 15:23) But now is Christ risen from the dead
and become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 (Jn 11:25; Ro 6:23) For since death came by man, by man came
also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 (1Co 15:20; 15:52) But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits;
afterward, those who are Christ's at His coming.
24 (Da 7:27; 7:14; Isa 9:7) Then comes the end when He will deliver up
the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule
and all authority and power.
25 (Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44) For He will reign until He has put all enemies
under His feet.
26 (2Ti 1:10; Rev 20:14) The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
27 (Ps 8:6; Mt 28:18) For He "has put all things under His feet."(Ps 8:6.)
But when He says, "all things are put under Him," it is revealed that He,
who has put all things under Him, is the exception.
28 (1Co 3:23; Php 3:21) When all things are subjected to Him,
then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put
all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead,
if the dead do not rise at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?
30 And why do we stand in danger every hour?
31 (Ro 8:36; 1Th 2:19) I affirm, by the boasting in you which
I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32 (Isa 22:13; Lk 12:19) If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts
at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me if the dead do not rise?
"Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."(Isa 22:13.)
33 (1Co 5:6; 6:9) Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
34 (Ro 13:11; 1Co 6:5) Awake to righteousness and do not sin,
for some do not have the knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
The Resurrection Body
35 (Eze 37:3) But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up?
With what body do they come?â€
36 (Jn 12:24) You fool! What you sow is not made alive unless it dies.
37 When you sow, you do not sow the body that shall be, but a bare kernel,
perhaps of wheat or of some other grain.
38 Then God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.
39 All flesh is not the same flesh. There is one kind of flesh of men,
another flesh of beasts, another of fish, and another of birds.
40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies.
The glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial
is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon,
and another glory of the stars. One star differs from another star in glory.
42 (Da 12:3; Mt 13:43) So also is the resurrection of the dead.
The body is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption.
43 (Col 3:4) It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory.
It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
45 (Ge 2:7; Ro 8:2; Jn 5:21) So it is written,
"The first man Adam was made a living soul." (Ge 2:7.)
The last Adam was made a life-giving spirit.
46 However, that which is spiritual is not first, but the natural,
and then the spiritual.
47 (Jn 3:31; Ge 2:7; 3:19) The first man was of the earth, made of dust;
the second man was the Lord from heaven.
48 (Php 3:20-21) As was the man of dust, so are those who are of dust;
and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven.
49 (Ge 5:3; Ro 8:29) As we have borne the image of the man of dust,
we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
50 (Mt 16:17) Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot
inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
51 (1Co 13:2; Php 3:21) Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep,
but we shall all be changed.
52 (Mt 24:31; Jn 5:25; Isa 27:13) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound,
the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 (2Co 5:2-4; 1Jn 3:2) For this corruptible will put on incorruption,
and this mortal will put on immortality.
54 (Isa 25:8; Rev 20:14) When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,
and this mortal will have put on immortality, then the saying that is written
shall come to pass: "Death is swallowed up in victory."(Isa 25:8.)
55 (Hos 13:14) "O death, where is your sting?
O grave, where is your victory?"(Hos 13:14.)
56 (Ro 4:15) The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
57 (Ro 8:37; 2Co 2:14) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ!
58 (1Co 16:10; 2Pe 3:14) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast,
unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that
your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 16
The Contribution for the Saints
1 (Ac 24:17; 16:6) Now concerning the collection for the saints,
as I have given instruction to the churches of Galatia, so even you must do.
2 (Ac 20:7; Rev 1:10; Lk 24:1) On the first day of the week let every
one of you lay in store, as God has prospered him,
so that no collections be made when I come.
3 And when I come, I will send whomever you approve with your letters
to take your generous gifts to Jerusalem.
4 If it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
Paul's Plans for Travel
5 (Ac 19:21; 1Co 4:19) Now I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia.
For I will pass through Macedonia.
6 (Ac 15:3; Ro 15:24) It may be that I will remain, of course,
and spend the winter with you,
that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.
7 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 4:19) For I do not wish to see you now in passing.
Instead, I trust to remain a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 (Ac 2:1) But I will remain at Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 (Ac 14:27) For a great and effective door has opened to me,
and there are many adversaries.
10 (1Co 15:58; 4:17) Now if Timothy comes, see that he may remain
with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 (Ac 15:33; 1Ti 4:12) Therefore let no one despise him.
But send him on his way in peace, that he may come to me.
I am expecting him with the brothers.
12 (1Co 1:12; 3:5) As for our brother Apollos, I greatly wanted him
to come to you with the brothers. But he was not willing at all to come
at this time. However, he will come when he has a convenient time.
13 (Gal 5:1; Eph 6:10) Watch, stand fast in the faith, be bold like men,
and be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 (Ro 16:5; 1Co 1:16) You know the house of Stephanas,
that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted
themselves to the ministry of the saints. So I ask you, brothers,
16 (Heb 13:17; 1Th 5:12) that you submit yourselves to such people,
and to everyone who helps and labors with us.
17 (2Co 11:9; Php 2:30) I am happy about the arrival of Stephanas,
Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for they supplied what was lacking on your part.
18 (2Co 7:13; 1Th 5:12) They have refreshed my spirit and yours.
Therefore acknowledge these men.
Final Request and Greetings
19 (Ac 18:2) The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla
greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 (Ro 16:16) All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 (Gal 6:11; Col 4:18) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
22 (Ro 9:3; Jn 14:21) If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ,
let him be accursed. Come, O Lord!
23 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 1 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/01/someone-may-need-you
entitled We Need Our Church Community
Hebrews 10:19-25
19 (Eph 2:18; Heb 4:16) Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter
the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 (Heb 9:3; Jn 10:9) by a new and living way that He has opened for us
through the veil, that is to say, His flesh,
21 (Heb 2:17; 1Ti 3:15) and since we have a High Priest over the house of God,
22 (Eze 36:25; 1Co 6:11; Heb 7:19) let us draw near with a true heart
in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them
from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 (1Co 1:9; Heb 3:6) Let us firmly hold the profession
of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 (Titus 3:8; Heb 13:1) And let us consider how to spur one another to love
and to good works.
25 (Ac 2:42; Heb 3:13)Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another,
especially as you see the Day approaching.
I grew up the firstborn son of a Southern Baptist preacher.
Every Sunday the expectation was clear: I was to be in church.
Possible exceptions? Maybe if I had a significant fever. But the truth is,
I absolutely loved going, and I even went a few times feverish.
But the world has changed, and the numbers for regular church attendance
are not what they used to be. Of course, the quick question is why?
The answers are many and varied. Author Kathleen Norris counters
those answers with a response she received from a pastor to the question,
"Why do we go to church?" He said,
"We go to church for other people. Because someone may need you there."
Now by no means is that the only reason we go to church,
but his response does resonate with the heartbeat of the writer
to the Hebrews. He urged the believers to persevere in the faith,
and to achieve that goal he stressed
"not giving up meeting together" (Hebrews 10:25). Why?
Because something vital would be missed in our absence:
"encouraging one another" (v. 25). We need that mutual encouragement to
"spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (v. 24).
Brothers and sisters, keep meeting together, because someone may need you
there. And the corresponding truth is that you may need them as well.
By: John Blase
Reflect & Pray
What are the top four reasons you either go to church or don't go?
How does knowing "someone may need you there" make you feel about
meeting together?
Heavenly Father, as I meet with others to worship
and praise Your name, help me to also encourage others in Your name.
Forgive me when I overlook the latter because I'm too preoccupied with myself.
Learn more about the importance of church.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forver - Day 4 - Daddy!
Romans 8:15
'For you have not received the spirit of slavery again to fear. But you have
received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father." '
"I've always been a Daddy's girl," Sandi said proudly, and her relationship
with her father proved it. She was never spoiled, but even as a grown woman,
Sandi maintained a closeness with her father, sharing intimately with him the
important issues of her life. And just her use of the name "Daddy" indicated
that he was, indeed a warm, approachable, attectionate man.
Many people are not so fortunate. Some fathers are stern and harsh;
others absent or uncaring, some even abusive. Few have the king of father
who presents a picture of the loving fatherhood of God.
But whatever our concept of fatherhood, God makes clear that he is everything
we always wanted our fathers to be - loving, forgiving, approachable,
totally accepting of us as we are, encouraging us to become all he has
created us to be.
In Romans 8, Paul calls God our "Abba Father". The Aramaic word for Father,
Abba, is an intimate term that might well be translated, Daddy.
God is our "Daddy," our "Abba" - not a distant, stern patriarch ready
to strike us down at the first sign of transgression, but a gentle,
loving Father who longs for us to climb into his lapand let him comfort us.
When we commit ourselves to Christ, Paul indicates, we do not receive a
"spirit of bondage to fear" but a "spirit of adoption." We are not called
to respond to God out of fear, but out of love and reverence.
We can relax and enjoy his presence, for we are his children,
and he is our loving Daddy.
Application
a) What concept of fatherhood do I have from my own experience with my father?
How does that correspond to Paul's description of God as "Daddy"?
b) How can this verse help change my perception of what it means to have
God as my Father?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Joshua 1:8
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.
Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all
that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,
and you will be wise.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are discouraged or Depressed
Matthew 11: 25-30
25 (Ps 8:2; Jn 11:41) At that time Jesus said, "I thank You, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things
from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants.
26 Even so, Father, for it seemed good in Your sight.
27 (Jn 10:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18) "All things are delivered to Me
by My Father, and no one knows the Son, except the Father.
And no one knows the Father, except the Son and he to whom
the Son will reveal Him.
28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily
burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.
For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.(Jer 6:16).
30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
because He has dealt bountifully with me.
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."
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 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 facity, 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 notherern 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
1st Day of the month
1) Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
(
Joel 2:28 And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream
dreams, and your young men will see visions.
Acts 2:17 "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.
)
2) Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
(Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,
as the rivers of water;)
Advent Day 4
From C. S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
John 2:11
11 (Jn 1:14; 3:2) This, the first of His signs, Jesus did in Cana of Galilee,
and He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
All Miracles Are Connected to the Incarnation
In his book Miracles, Lewis writes that the miracle of turning water
into wine (which John 2:11 calls the first of the signs of Jesus)
is doing instantaneously what happens in Nature on a regular basis
over a period of time. It happens in Nature much more slowly,
but God is still doing a miracle.
Lewis suggests not only that natural events are related to Nature
(that's what "natural" means!), but that all miracles are connected
to the Grand Miracle, the birth of the Christ. How is this so?
In every miracle God breaks into Nature with a new sequence of events.
In the Incarnation, God also broke into Nature, but there
he did it most impressively of all. That's why it's a Grand Miracle.
The normal manner of conception and birth was set aside in the Virgin
Conception and Birth. That's the new sequence of events.
Every miracle shows the power of God, and every miracle is a "sign."
Jesus' purpose in doing miracles was to point to his true nature.
While he cared about the lack of wine at the wedding in Cana,
he cares much more that we see him as the one with power over nature.
And he cared about us enough to become one of us, and in that becoming,
participated in another part of nature, huÂman nature.
Remind us, Lord, that your Coming shows us both our need and your solution. Amen.
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY. FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Awe-Full Angels
Read Luke 1:8-17.
8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,
9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side
of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer
has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall call his name John.
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even from his mother's womb.
16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready
a people prepared for the Lord."
-Luke 1:12
When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Our culture has made angels cute and cuddly. In contrast,
the Bible portrays them as shocking, filling recipients with
trepidation. Indeed, these messengers from the LORD always have to say,
"Do not be afraid."
In truth, our culture has made God too cute and cuddly also.
We know God is supremely sovereign, reigning over the entire cosmos,
but perhaps we jump too fast to news that the Trinity loves us through
Jesus Christ, and we do not first recognize the depths of our sinfulness.
To be genuinely grateful for God's immense grace,
we must know that we are totally unworthy.
Martin Luther, the early Reformer, brilliantly began all his explanations
for the Ten Commandments with the phrase,
"We should so fear and love God ... " This isn't a fear that lasts,
for it is soon overwhelmed by love, but it necessarily deepens
our gratitude, so that we never take God's forgiving love for granted.
prayer
God, enable me properly to fear you, so that I always cherish
your forgiving grace. Amen.
From The AH-HA of Advent by Rich Bimler
FIRST WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ALERTS
Romans 13:11-14
11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time,
now is the moment to awake from sleep. For now our salvation
is nearer than when we believed.
12 (Eph 5:11; 2Co 6:7) The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us take off the works of darkness
and put on the armour of light.
13 (Gal 5:21; Lk 21:34; Eph 5:18) Let us behave properly, as in the day,
not in carousing and drunkenness, not in immorality and wickedness,
not in strife and envy.
14 (Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time,
now is the moment to awake from sleep.
For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
ROMANS 13:11
his AH-HA of Advent reminds me of an old saying: "Be alert. The world
needs more lerts!
St. Paul reminds us today that God's AH-HA people are empowered
to "wake from sleep . . lay aside the works of darkness and put on
the armour of light." This is exactly what the Lord is doing in and through
us during Advent . .. right now Through the power of his Word and
sacraments, the Lord shakes us up--he focuses us on sharing our life
and gifts with others.
It's not easy being alert. is it? Especially during Advent, there are so many
things that distract us from the Manger scene--buying gifts. sending
cards, making lists (and checking them twice, or maybe even three timesl)
party-going, meal-making. house-trimming, and perhaps even a little {oo
much egg-nogging . .. not to mention an unhealthy fruitcake obsession!
Look around you with different eyes this day. Be alert to the opportunities
the Lord will give you today to share your gifts. Watch fof the little child
who needs a hug, for the older person who feels alone and for the skinny
Santa Claus who doesn't look so jolly today. Be alert to the people around
you who have needs you can satisfy. and who have gifts to share with you
as well.
Romans 13:14 clinches it for us: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.' Watch out
world, here come the lerts!
Lord. keep us alert this day to your presence in our lives and the
sadnesses of others so that we might share our gladnesses with them.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to be caught up in the Rapture of the church.
Pray to the Lord "Heavenly Father, as I meet with others to worship
and praise Your name, help me to also encourage others in Your name.
Forgive me when I overlook the latter because I'm too preoccupied with myself."
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for He is approachable.
Pray to the Lord and pray ask for help to meditate on the Word.
Pray to the Lord and give Him all your burdens.
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 Whitehorse 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 an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
Remind us, Lord, that your Coming shows us both our need and your solution. Amen.
God, enable me properly to fear you, so that I always cherish
your forgiving grace. Amen.
Lord. keep us alert this day to your presence in our lives and the
sadnesses of others so that we might share our gladnesses with them.
In Jesus' name. Amen
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)
1 Corinthians 15 - 16
1 Corinthians 15
The Resurrection of Christ
1 (Ro 5:2; 2Co 1:24) Now, brothers, I declare to you the gospel which I
preached to you, which you have received, and in which you stand.
2 (Gal 3:4; Ro 1:16) Through it you are saved, if you keep in memory
what I preached to you, unless you have believed in vain.
3 (1Pe 2:24; 1Co 11:23; Gal 1:4) For I delivered to you first of all
that which I also received: how Christ died for our sins according
to the Scriptures,
4 (Ps 16:10-11; Hos 6:2) was buried, rose again the third day
according to the Scriptures,
5 (Mk 16:14; Ac 10:41) and was seen by Cephas, and then by the twelve.
6 (Ac 7:60; 1Co 15:18) Then He was seen by over five hundred brothers
at once, of whom the greater part remain to this present time,
though some have passed away.
7 (Lk 24:50) Then He was seen by James and then by all the apostles.
8 (1Co 9:1; Ac 9:17) Last of all, He was seen by me also,
as by one born at the wrong time.
9 (Ac 8:3; 2Co 12:11) For I am the least of the apostles
and am not fit to be called an apostle,
because I persecuted the church of God.
10 (Php 2:13; 2Co 3:5) But by the grace of God I am what I am.
And His grace toward me was not in vain. I labored more abundantly
than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 Therefore, whether it was I or they,
so we preach and so you believed.
The Resurrection of the Dead
12 (Ac 23:8; 2Ti 2:18) Now if Christ is preached that He rose from the dead,
how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 (1Th 4:14) If there is no resurrection of the dead,
then Christ has not risen.
14 If Christ has not risen, then our preaching is vain,
and your faith is also vain.
15 (Ac 2:24) Yes, and we would then be found false witnesses of God,
because we have testified that God raised up Christ, whom He did not
raise up, if in fact the dead do not rise.
16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ has not been raised.
17 (Ro 4:25) If Christ is not raised, your faith is vain;
you are still in your sins.
18 (Rev 14:13; 1Co 15:6) Then they also who have fallen asleep
in Christ have perished.
19 (2Ti 3:12) If in this life only we have hope in Christ,
we are of all men most miserable.
20 (Ac 26:23; 1Co 15:23) But now is Christ risen from the dead
and become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21 (Jn 11:25; Ro 6:23) For since death came by man, by man came
also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 (1Co 15:20; 15:52) But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits;
afterward, those who are Christ's at His coming.
24 (Da 7:27; 7:14; Isa 9:7) Then comes the end when He will deliver up
the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule
and all authority and power.
25 (Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44) For He will reign until He has put all enemies
under His feet.
26 (2Ti 1:10; Rev 20:14) The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
27 (Ps 8:6; Mt 28:18) For He "has put all things under His feet."(Ps 8:6.)
But when He says, "all things are put under Him," it is revealed that He,
who has put all things under Him, is the exception.
28 (1Co 3:23; Php 3:21) When all things are subjected to Him,
then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put
all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead,
if the dead do not rise at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?
30 And why do we stand in danger every hour?
31 (Ro 8:36; 1Th 2:19) I affirm, by the boasting in you which
I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32 (Isa 22:13; Lk 12:19) If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts
at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me if the dead do not rise?
"Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."(Isa 22:13.)
33 (1Co 5:6; 6:9) Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
34 (Ro 13:11; 1Co 6:5) Awake to righteousness and do not sin,
for some do not have the knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
The Resurrection Body
35 (Eze 37:3) But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up?
With what body do they come?â€
36 (Jn 12:24) You fool! What you sow is not made alive unless it dies.
37 When you sow, you do not sow the body that shall be, but a bare kernel,
perhaps of wheat or of some other grain.
38 Then God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.
39 All flesh is not the same flesh. There is one kind of flesh of men,
another flesh of beasts, another of fish, and another of birds.
40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies.
The glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial
is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon,
and another glory of the stars. One star differs from another star in glory.
42 (Da 12:3; Mt 13:43) So also is the resurrection of the dead.
The body is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption.
43 (Col 3:4) It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory.
It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
45 (Ge 2:7; Ro 8:2; Jn 5:21) So it is written,
"The first man Adam was made a living soul." (Ge 2:7.)
The last Adam was made a life-giving spirit.
46 However, that which is spiritual is not first, but the natural,
and then the spiritual.
47 (Jn 3:31; Ge 2:7; 3:19) The first man was of the earth, made of dust;
the second man was the Lord from heaven.
48 (Php 3:20-21) As was the man of dust, so are those who are of dust;
and as is the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven.
49 (Ge 5:3; Ro 8:29) As we have borne the image of the man of dust,
we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
50 (Mt 16:17) Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot
inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
51 (1Co 13:2; Php 3:21) Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep,
but we shall all be changed.
52 (Mt 24:31; Jn 5:25; Isa 27:13) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound,
the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 (2Co 5:2-4; 1Jn 3:2) For this corruptible will put on incorruption,
and this mortal will put on immortality.
54 (Isa 25:8; Rev 20:14) When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,
and this mortal will have put on immortality, then the saying that is written
shall come to pass: "Death is swallowed up in victory."(Isa 25:8.)
55 (Hos 13:14) "O death, where is your sting?
O grave, where is your victory?"(Hos 13:14.)
56 (Ro 4:15) The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
57 (Ro 8:37; 2Co 2:14) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ!
58 (1Co 16:10; 2Pe 3:14) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast,
unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that
your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 16
The Contribution for the Saints
1 (Ac 24:17; 16:6) Now concerning the collection for the saints,
as I have given instruction to the churches of Galatia, so even you must do.
2 (Ac 20:7; Rev 1:10; Lk 24:1) On the first day of the week let every
one of you lay in store, as God has prospered him,
so that no collections be made when I come.
3 And when I come, I will send whomever you approve with your letters
to take your generous gifts to Jerusalem.
4 If it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
Paul's Plans for Travel
5 (Ac 19:21; 1Co 4:19) Now I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia.
For I will pass through Macedonia.
6 (Ac 15:3; Ro 15:24) It may be that I will remain, of course,
and spend the winter with you,
that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.
7 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 4:19) For I do not wish to see you now in passing.
Instead, I trust to remain a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 (Ac 2:1) But I will remain at Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 (Ac 14:27) For a great and effective door has opened to me,
and there are many adversaries.
10 (1Co 15:58; 4:17) Now if Timothy comes, see that he may remain
with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 (Ac 15:33; 1Ti 4:12) Therefore let no one despise him.
But send him on his way in peace, that he may come to me.
I am expecting him with the brothers.
12 (1Co 1:12; 3:5) As for our brother Apollos, I greatly wanted him
to come to you with the brothers. But he was not willing at all to come
at this time. However, he will come when he has a convenient time.
13 (Gal 5:1; Eph 6:10) Watch, stand fast in the faith, be bold like men,
and be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 (Ro 16:5; 1Co 1:16) You know the house of Stephanas,
that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted
themselves to the ministry of the saints. So I ask you, brothers,
16 (Heb 13:17; 1Th 5:12) that you submit yourselves to such people,
and to everyone who helps and labors with us.
17 (2Co 11:9; Php 2:30) I am happy about the arrival of Stephanas,
Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for they supplied what was lacking on your part.
18 (2Co 7:13; 1Th 5:12) They have refreshed my spirit and yours.
Therefore acknowledge these men.
Final Request and Greetings
19 (Ac 18:2) The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla
greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 (Ro 16:16) All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 (Gal 6:11; Col 4:18) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
22 (Ro 9:3; Jn 14:21) If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ,
let him be accursed. Come, O Lord!
23 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 1 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/01/someone-may-need-you
entitled We Need Our Church Community
Hebrews 10:19-25
19 (Eph 2:18; Heb 4:16) Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter
the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 (Heb 9:3; Jn 10:9) by a new and living way that He has opened for us
through the veil, that is to say, His flesh,
21 (Heb 2:17; 1Ti 3:15) and since we have a High Priest over the house of God,
22 (Eze 36:25; 1Co 6:11; Heb 7:19) let us draw near with a true heart
in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them
from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 (1Co 1:9; Heb 3:6) Let us firmly hold the profession
of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 (Titus 3:8; Heb 13:1) And let us consider how to spur one another to love
and to good works.
25 (Ac 2:42; Heb 3:13)Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another,
especially as you see the Day approaching.
I grew up the firstborn son of a Southern Baptist preacher.
Every Sunday the expectation was clear: I was to be in church.
Possible exceptions? Maybe if I had a significant fever. But the truth is,
I absolutely loved going, and I even went a few times feverish.
But the world has changed, and the numbers for regular church attendance
are not what they used to be. Of course, the quick question is why?
The answers are many and varied. Author Kathleen Norris counters
those answers with a response she received from a pastor to the question,
"Why do we go to church?" He said,
"We go to church for other people. Because someone may need you there."
Now by no means is that the only reason we go to church,
but his response does resonate with the heartbeat of the writer
to the Hebrews. He urged the believers to persevere in the faith,
and to achieve that goal he stressed
"not giving up meeting together" (Hebrews 10:25). Why?
Because something vital would be missed in our absence:
"encouraging one another" (v. 25). We need that mutual encouragement to
"spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (v. 24).
Brothers and sisters, keep meeting together, because someone may need you
there. And the corresponding truth is that you may need them as well.
By: John Blase
Reflect & Pray
What are the top four reasons you either go to church or don't go?
How does knowing "someone may need you there" make you feel about
meeting together?
Heavenly Father, as I meet with others to worship
and praise Your name, help me to also encourage others in Your name.
Forgive me when I overlook the latter because I'm too preoccupied with myself.
Learn more about the importance of church.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forver - Day 4 - Daddy!
Romans 8:15
'For you have not received the spirit of slavery again to fear. But you have
received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father." '
"I've always been a Daddy's girl," Sandi said proudly, and her relationship
with her father proved it. She was never spoiled, but even as a grown woman,
Sandi maintained a closeness with her father, sharing intimately with him the
important issues of her life. And just her use of the name "Daddy" indicated
that he was, indeed a warm, approachable, attectionate man.
Many people are not so fortunate. Some fathers are stern and harsh;
others absent or uncaring, some even abusive. Few have the king of father
who presents a picture of the loving fatherhood of God.
But whatever our concept of fatherhood, God makes clear that he is everything
we always wanted our fathers to be - loving, forgiving, approachable,
totally accepting of us as we are, encouraging us to become all he has
created us to be.
In Romans 8, Paul calls God our "Abba Father". The Aramaic word for Father,
Abba, is an intimate term that might well be translated, Daddy.
God is our "Daddy," our "Abba" - not a distant, stern patriarch ready
to strike us down at the first sign of transgression, but a gentle,
loving Father who longs for us to climb into his lapand let him comfort us.
When we commit ourselves to Christ, Paul indicates, we do not receive a
"spirit of bondage to fear" but a "spirit of adoption." We are not called
to respond to God out of fear, but out of love and reverence.
We can relax and enjoy his presence, for we are his children,
and he is our loving Daddy.
Application
a) What concept of fatherhood do I have from my own experience with my father?
How does that correspond to Paul's description of God as "Daddy"?
b) How can this verse help change my perception of what it means to have
God as my Father?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Joshua 1:8
8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.
Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all
that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,
and you will be wise.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are discouraged or Depressed
Matthew 11: 25-30
25 (Ps 8:2; Jn 11:41) At that time Jesus said, "I thank You, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things
from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants.
26 Even so, Father, for it seemed good in Your sight.
27 (Jn 10:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18) "All things are delivered to Me
by My Father, and no one knows the Son, except the Father.
And no one knows the Father, except the Son and he to whom
the Son will reveal Him.
28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily
burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.
For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.(Jer 6:16).
30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
because He has dealt bountifully with me.
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."
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 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 facity, 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 notherern 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
1st Day of the month
1) Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
(
Joel 2:28 And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream
dreams, and your young men will see visions.
Acts 2:17 "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.
)
2) Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
(Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,
as the rivers of water;)
Advent Day 4
From C. S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
John 2:11
11 (Jn 1:14; 3:2) This, the first of His signs, Jesus did in Cana of Galilee,
and He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
All Miracles Are Connected to the Incarnation
In his book Miracles, Lewis writes that the miracle of turning water
into wine (which John 2:11 calls the first of the signs of Jesus)
is doing instantaneously what happens in Nature on a regular basis
over a period of time. It happens in Nature much more slowly,
but God is still doing a miracle.
Lewis suggests not only that natural events are related to Nature
(that's what "natural" means!), but that all miracles are connected
to the Grand Miracle, the birth of the Christ. How is this so?
In every miracle God breaks into Nature with a new sequence of events.
In the Incarnation, God also broke into Nature, but there
he did it most impressively of all. That's why it's a Grand Miracle.
The normal manner of conception and birth was set aside in the Virgin
Conception and Birth. That's the new sequence of events.
Every miracle shows the power of God, and every miracle is a "sign."
Jesus' purpose in doing miracles was to point to his true nature.
While he cared about the lack of wine at the wedding in Cana,
he cares much more that we see him as the one with power over nature.
And he cared about us enough to become one of us, and in that becoming,
participated in another part of nature, huÂman nature.
Remind us, Lord, that your Coming shows us both our need and your solution. Amen.
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY. FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Awe-Full Angels
Read Luke 1:8-17.
8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,
9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side
of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer
has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall call his name John.
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even from his mother's womb.
16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready
a people prepared for the Lord."
-Luke 1:12
When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Our culture has made angels cute and cuddly. In contrast,
the Bible portrays them as shocking, filling recipients with
trepidation. Indeed, these messengers from the LORD always have to say,
"Do not be afraid."
In truth, our culture has made God too cute and cuddly also.
We know God is supremely sovereign, reigning over the entire cosmos,
but perhaps we jump too fast to news that the Trinity loves us through
Jesus Christ, and we do not first recognize the depths of our sinfulness.
To be genuinely grateful for God's immense grace,
we must know that we are totally unworthy.
Martin Luther, the early Reformer, brilliantly began all his explanations
for the Ten Commandments with the phrase,
"We should so fear and love God ... " This isn't a fear that lasts,
for it is soon overwhelmed by love, but it necessarily deepens
our gratitude, so that we never take God's forgiving love for granted.
prayer
God, enable me properly to fear you, so that I always cherish
your forgiving grace. Amen.
From The AH-HA of Advent by Rich Bimler
FIRST WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ALERTS
Romans 13:11-14
11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time,
now is the moment to awake from sleep. For now our salvation
is nearer than when we believed.
12 (Eph 5:11; 2Co 6:7) The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us take off the works of darkness
and put on the armour of light.
13 (Gal 5:21; Lk 21:34; Eph 5:18) Let us behave properly, as in the day,
not in carousing and drunkenness, not in immorality and wickedness,
not in strife and envy.
14 (Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time,
now is the moment to awake from sleep.
For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
ROMANS 13:11
his AH-HA of Advent reminds me of an old saying: "Be alert. The world
needs more lerts!
St. Paul reminds us today that God's AH-HA people are empowered
to "wake from sleep . . lay aside the works of darkness and put on
the armour of light." This is exactly what the Lord is doing in and through
us during Advent . .. right now Through the power of his Word and
sacraments, the Lord shakes us up--he focuses us on sharing our life
and gifts with others.
It's not easy being alert. is it? Especially during Advent, there are so many
things that distract us from the Manger scene--buying gifts. sending
cards, making lists (and checking them twice, or maybe even three timesl)
party-going, meal-making. house-trimming, and perhaps even a little {oo
much egg-nogging . .. not to mention an unhealthy fruitcake obsession!
Look around you with different eyes this day. Be alert to the opportunities
the Lord will give you today to share your gifts. Watch fof the little child
who needs a hug, for the older person who feels alone and for the skinny
Santa Claus who doesn't look so jolly today. Be alert to the people around
you who have needs you can satisfy. and who have gifts to share with you
as well.
Romans 13:14 clinches it for us: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.' Watch out
world, here come the lerts!
Lord. keep us alert this day to your presence in our lives and the
sadnesses of others so that we might share our gladnesses with them.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to be caught up in the Rapture of the church.
Pray to the Lord "Heavenly Father, as I meet with others to worship
and praise Your name, help me to also encourage others in Your name.
Forgive me when I overlook the latter because I'm too preoccupied with myself."
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for He is approachable.
Pray to the Lord and pray ask for help to meditate on the Word.
Pray to the Lord and give Him all your burdens.
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 Whitehorse 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 an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
Remind us, Lord, that your Coming shows us both our need and your solution. Amen.
God, enable me properly to fear you, so that I always cherish
your forgiving grace. Amen.
Lord. keep us alert this day to your presence in our lives and the
sadnesses of others so that we might share our gladnesses with them.
In Jesus' name. Amen
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.
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