Day 344 - 10 December 2021 reflections
Day 344, 10 December 2021
1)
Acts 20 - 23
Acts 20
Paul's Journey to Macedonia and Greece
1 (Ac 19:21) After the uproar ceased, Paul summoned the disciples
and embraced them and departed for Macedonia.
2 When he had gone through that region and had greatly exhorted them,
he arrived in Greece,
3 (Ac 20:19; 9:23-24) and stayed there three months. When the Jews
plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria,
he decided to return through Macedonia.
4 (Ac 19:29; 16:1; 21:29) Accompanying him to Asia were Sopater of Berea,
and Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy,
and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
5 (Ac 16:8; 16:10-11) These men went forward and waited for us at Troas.
6 (Ac 12:3; 16:12) But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days
of Unleavened Bread, and after five days we came to them at Troas,
where we stayed for seven days.
Paul's Farewell Visit to Troas
7 (Ac 20:11; 1Co 16:2; Rev 1:10) On the first day of the week,
when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to leave
the next day, preached to them and continued his message until midnight.
8 (Ac 1:13) There were many lamps in the upper room where they were
assembled.
9 A young man named Eutychus sat in the window, falling into a deep sleep
as Paul spoke for a longer time. Being overcome by sleep, he fell down
from the third floor and was taken up dead.
10 (Mk 5:39; Mt 9:23-24) Paul went down and leaned over him, and embracing
him said, "Do not be troubled, for he is alive."
11 (Ac 20:7) When he had gone up and had broken bread and eaten,
he conversed for a long while until dawn and departed.
12 They took the lad in alive and were greatly comforted.
The Voyage From Troas to Miletus
13 We went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, intending to take
Paul on board there. For he had arranged this, intending to go on foot.
14 When he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene.
15 (Ac 20:17; 2Ti 4:20) The day after sailing from there we arrived off
Chios. And the next day we crossed over to Samos and stayed at Trogyllium,
and the following day we came to Miletus.
16 (Ac 2:1; 19:21) Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, to avoid spending
time in Asia. For he was hurrying so he could be in Jerusalem, if
possible, on the day of Pentecost.
Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders
17 (Ac 11:30; 14:23) From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders
of the church.
18 (Ac 18:19; 19:1) When they came to him, he said to them,
"You know how I always lived among you from the first day that
I came to Asia,
19 (Ac 20:3; 20:31) serving the Lord with all humility
and with many tears and trials which befell me through
the plots of the Jews.
20 (Ac 20:27; 20:31) I did not keep from declaring what was beneficial
to you, and teaching you publicly and from house to house,
21 (Ac 2:38; 11:18; 20:24) testifying to both Jews and Greeks
of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 "Now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing
what shall befall me there,
23 (Ac 9:16; 21:4) except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every
city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.
24 (Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:1) But none of these things deter me. Nor do I count
my life of value to myself, so that I may joyfully finish my course
and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify
to the gospel of the grace of God.
25 (Ac 28:31; Mt 4:23) "Now I know that all you, among whom I went
proclaiming the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.
26 (Ac 18:6) Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent
of the blood of all men.
27 (Ac 20:20; Lk 7:30) For I did not keep from declaring to you
the whole counsel of God.
28 (1Co 10:32; Isa 40:11) Therefore take heed to yourselves
and to the entire flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased
with His own blood.
29 (Mt 7:15; Jn 10:12) For I know that after my departure,
dreadful wolves will enter among you, not sparing the flock.
30 (1Ti 1:19-20; 1Jn 2:19) Even from among you men will arise
speaking perverse things, to draw the disciples away after them.
31 (Ac 19:10; 19:8) Therefore watch, remembering that for three years
night and day I did not cease to warn everyone with tears.
32 (Ac 14:23; 26:18) "Now, brothers, I commend you to God and to the word
of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance
among all who are sanctified.
33 (1Co 9:12; 2Co 11:9) I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or
clothing.
34 (Ac 18:3) Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided
for my necessities and for those who were with me.
35 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:8) In all things I have shown you how, working like
this, you must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus,
how He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
36 (Lk 22:41; Ac 21:5) Having said these things, he knelt down with all
of them and prayed.
37 (Lk 15:20; 2Ti 1:4) They all wept much and embraced Paul's neck
and kissed him,
38 (Ac 15:3; 20:25) grieving most over the words he spoke, that they were
to see his face no more. Then they escorted him to the ship.
Acts 21
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem
1 When we had withdrawn from them and set sail, we went on a straight
course to Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went aboard, and set sail.
3 (Mt 4:24; Ac 4:36) Having come in sight of Cyprus, we passed to the
south of it and sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship's
cargo was to be unloaded.
4 When we found the disciples, we remained there
seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.
5 (Ac 20:36; 9:40) But when our days were over, we parted and traveled on. Everyone, with wives and children, escorted us until we were outside
the city. And we knelt on the shore and prayed.
6 (Jn 19:27) After bidding farewell to one another, we boarded the ship,
and they returned home.
7 We finished the voyage from Tyre when we landed at Ptolemais,
where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day.
8 (Ac 6:5; Eph 4:11; 2Ti 4:5) The next day we who were Paul's companions
departed, and arrived at Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip
the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
9 (Ac 2:17; Lk 2:36) He had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
10 (Ac 11:28) While we stayed there many days, a prophet named Agabus
came down from Judea.
11 (Ac 21:33; Jer 13:1-11; 1Sa 15:27-28) When he had arrived, he took
Paul's belt and bound his own hands and feet, saying, "The Holy Spirit
says, 'In this manner the Jews at Jerusalem shall bind the man who owns
this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' "
12 (Mt 16:21-23) When we heard these things, both we and the residents implored him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 (Ac 20:24; Php 2:17) Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping
and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned, but also
to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
14 (Mt 6:10; Lk 22:42) When he would not be persuaded, we kept silent
and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done."
15 After those days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought
with them Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
Paul Visits James
17 (Ac 15:4) When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
18 (Ac 11:30; 15:13) On the next day Paul went with us to James, and all
the elders were present.
19 (Ac 1:17; 14:27) He greeted them and recounted one by one what God
had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20 (Ac 22:3; Ro 10:2) When they heard this, they glorified the Lord.
Then they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews
there are who believe, and they are all zealous for the law.
21 (Ac 21:28) They have been informed concerning you that you teach
all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them
not to circumcise their children nor to observe the customs.
22 What then shall be done? The assembly will certainly meet, for they
will hear that you have come.
23 (Ac 18:18) Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have
taken a vow.
24 (Ac 21:26; 24:18) Take these men and be purified with them, and pay
their expenses so that they may have their heads shaved. Then all will
know that what they were told concerning you is nothing, but that you
yourself live in observance of the law.
25 (Ac 15:29) As for the Gentiles who believe, we have written and
concluded that they should observe no such thing, except that they abstain
from food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from strangled
animals, and from blood."
26 (Ac 24:18; Nu 6:13-20) Then on the next day, Paul took the men
and purified himself with them. And he went into the temple, announcing
when the days of purification would be complete and an offering would
be given for each one of them.
Paul Arrested in the Temple
27 (Ac 24:18; 26:21) When the seven days were nearly concluded, the Jews
from Asia saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people,
and laid hands on him,
28 (Ac 24:5-6; 21:21) crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man
teaching all men everywhere against the people and the law and this place.
He even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place."
29 (Ac 20:4) For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the
city with him, whom they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.
30 (Ac 26:21) Then the whole city was provoked, and the people ran
together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple.
And immediately the doors were shut.
31 While they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commander
(Gk. chiliarch, a battalion commander
with the rank of lieutenant colonel over 1,000 soldiers.)
of the battalion of soldiers that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32 (Ac 23:27) He at once took soldiers and centurions, and ran down
to them. When they saw the commander and the soldiers,
they stopped beating Paul.
33 (Ac 12:6; 20:23) Then the commander came and arrested him, and ordered
that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was
and what he had done.
34 (Ac 19:32; 23:10) Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another.
As he could not learn the truth because of the uproar,
he commanded that he be brought into the barracks.
35 When he came onto the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers
because of the violence of the people.
36 (Lk 23:18; Jn 19:15) For the mob of people followed, crying out,
"Away with him!"
Paul Defends Himself
37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks,
he said to the commander, "May I speak to you?"
He replied, "Do you know how to speak Greek?
38 (Mt 24:26A) Are you not the Egyptian who in past days caused an uproar
and led the four thousand men of the Sicarii (Or men of the Assassins.)
out into the wilderness?"
39 (Ac 9:11; 22:3) Paul said, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus of Cilicia, a
citizen of no common city. I beg of you, permit me to speak to the people."
40 (Ac 12:17; Jn 5:2) When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the
stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was great
silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying,
Acts 22
1 (Ac 7:2) "Brothers and fathers, hear my defense which I now make to you."
2 (Ac 21:40) When they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew
language, they became even more quiet.
Then he said,
3 (Ac 9:11; 5:34; 21:20) "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but
brought up in this city. At the feet of Gamaliel I was trained in the
strict tradition of the law of the fathers, being zealous toward God as
you all are today.
4 (Ac 22:19-20; 26:9-11) I persecuted this Way to the death,
arresting and imprisoning both men and women,
5 (Lk 22:66; Ac 9:1-2) as even the high priest and the council of elders
bear witness of me. From them I received letters to the brothers in
Damascus, where I went to take even those who were there and lead them in
chains to Jerusalem to be punished.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
Ac 9:1-19; 26:12-18
6 "As I journeyed and came near Damascus, about noon suddenly a great
light from heaven shone around me.
7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me,
'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?'
8 "I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?'
"He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'
9 (Ac 9:7; Da 10:7) Those who were with me saw the light and were afraid,
but they did not hear the voice of Him who was speaking to me.
10 (Ac 16:30) "I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?'
"The Lord said to me, 'Rise and go into Damascus. There you will be told
what you have been appointed to do.'
11 Since I was blinded by the glory of that light, those who were with me
led me by the hand into Damascus.
12 (Ac 10:22; 6:3) "Ananias, a devout man according to the law,
who was well spoken of by all the Jews living there,
13 came and stood by me, and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.'
And at that moment I looked up at him.
14 (Ac 26:16; 1Co 9:1; 15:8) "Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has
appointed you to know His will and to see the Just One and to hear His
voice,
15 (Ac 23:11; 4:20) for you will be His witness to all men of what you
have seen and heard.
16 (Ac 2:38; Heb 10:22; 1Co 6:11) And now why do you wait? Rise, be
baptized and wash away your sins, and call on the name of the Lord.'
Paul Sent to the Gentiles
17 (2Co 12:1-4) "When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying
in the temple, I fell into a trance
18 and saw Him saying to me, 'Hurry! Get out of Jerusalem immediately,
for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.'
19 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:4) "I said, 'Lord, they know that I imprisoned
and beat those who believed in You in every synagogue.
20 (Ac 7:58; 8:1) And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed,
I was standing by consenting to his death, guarding the clothes
of those who killed him.'
21 (Ac 9:15) "Then He said to me, 'Depart, for I will send you far away
to the Gentiles.' "
Paul and the Roman Commander
22 (Ac 25:24; 21:36) They listened to him up to this word, and then
they lifted up their voices and said, "Away with such a man from
the earth, for he is not fit to live!"
23 As they shouted and threw off their garments and threw dust into the air,
24 (Ac 21:34; 23:10) the commander ordered him to be brought
into the barracks and examined with scourging, so that he might learn
what crime they were alleging against him.
25 (Ac 16:37) As they stretched him forward with straps, Paul said
to the centurion standing by, "Is it legal for you to flog
an uncondemned Roman citizen?"
26 On hearing this, the centurion reported to the commander, saying,
"What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen."
27 The commander came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?"
He said, "Yes."
28 The commander answered, "I bought my citizenship for a large sum."
So Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."
29 Therefore those who were about to examine Paul immediately backed away
from him. And the commander feared, knowing that he was a Roman citizen
and because he had bound him.
Paul Before the Sanhedrin
30 (Ac 23:28; 21:33) On the next day, desiring to know exactly
why he was accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief
priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble,
and he brought Paul down to stand before them.
Acts 23
1 (Ac 24:16; 2Co 1:12) Paul looked at the Sanhedrin and said,
"Brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
2 (Ac 24:1; Jn 18:22) The high priest Ananias ordered those who stood
by him to strike him on the mouth.
3 (Jn 7:51; Dt 25:1-2) Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you,
you whitewashed wall! Do you sit judging me according to the law,
yet order me to be struck contrary to the law?"
4 Those who stood by said, "Do you criticize God's high priest?"
5 (Ex 22:28) Paul said, "Brothers, I did not know that he was
the high priest. For it is written,
'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'(Ex 22:28.)"
6 (Ac 24:15; 24:21) Then Paul, knowing that one sect were Sadducees
and the other Pharisees, cried out among the Sanhedrin,
"Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of a Pharisee. I am being judged
for my hope in the resurrection of the dead."
7 When he had said this, dissension arose between the Pharisees
and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
8 (Mt 22:23; Lk 20:27) For the Sadducees say that there is
no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit. But the Pharisees acknowledge
them all.
9 (Ac 22:7; 22:17-18) There was a great outcry. The scribes that were
from the sect of Pharisees stood up and argued,
"We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or an angel has spoken
to him, let us not fight against God."
10 (Ac 22:24) When much dissension arose, fearing that Paul would be torn
to pieces by them, the commander ordered the soldiers to go down and take
him from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
11 (Ac 18:9; 19:21) The following night the Lord stood by him and said,
"Take courage, Paul. For as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem,
so you must also testify at Rome."
The Plot Against Paul's Life
12 (Ac 23:21; 23:30) At daybreak some of the Jews conspired under oath,
saying they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.
13 There were more than forty who had conspired.
14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said,
"We have bound ourselves under oath not to eat until we have killed Paul.
15 So now, with the Sanhedrin, tell the commander to bring him down to you
tomorrow, pretending to inquire further concerning him. We are ready to
kill him before he arrives."
16 (Ac 23:10) But when the son of Paul's sister heard of the treachery,
he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.
17 Then Paul called one of the centurions over and said,
"Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him."
18 (Eph 3:1) So he took him to the commander and said, "Paul the prisoner
sent for me and asked me to bring you this young man who has something
to tell you."
19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside privately,
and asked him, "What is it you have to tell me?"
20 (Ac 23:14-15)The boy said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you
to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Sanhedrin, pretending to inquire
further concerning him.
21 (Ac 23:12-14) Do not trust them. More than forty men, who have bound
themselves with an oath to neither eat nor drink until they have killed
him, are waiting for him. And now they are ready, waiting for your
promise."
22 The commander dismissed the young man and ordered him,
"Tell no one that you have reported these things to me."
Paul Sent to Felix the Governor
23 Then he summoned two centurions and said,
"Prepare two hundred infantrymen, seventy mounted soldiers,
and two hundred light infantrymen with spears to go to CaesÂarea
at the third hour of the night.
24 (Ac 23:26; 24:10) And provide mounts so Paul may ride
and take him safely to Felix the governor."
25 He wrote a letter that went like this:
26 (Ac 15:23; Lk 1:3) Claudius Lysias,
To His Excellency Governor Felix:
Greetings.
27 (Ac 22:25-29) This man was seized by the Jews
and was about to be killed by them. When I learned that he was
a Roman citizen, I came with soldiers and rescued him.
28 (Ac 22:30) Being minded to learn what crime they alleged,
I took him to their Sanhedrin.
29 (Ac 18:15; 26:31) I found him being accused of controversial matters
about their law, but charged with nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.
30 (Ac 23:20; 23:35) When it was revealed to me that there was a plot
against the man, at once I sent him to you and ordered the accusers
to state before you their charges against him.
Farewell.
31 So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul by night
to Antipatris.
32 The next day they let the cavalry depart with him
and they returned to the barracks.
33 When they arrived in Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor,
they presented Paul also to him.
34 (Ac 21:39; 25:1) Upon reading the letter, the governor asked what
province he was from. When he learned that he was from Cilicia,
35 (Ac 23:30; 25:16) he said, "I will hear you when your accusers
also arrive." And he ordered that he be guarded in Herod's Praetorium.
2) Our Daily Bread for 10 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/10/rescued-from-powerful-enemies
entitled Rescued from Powerful Enemies
2 Samuel 22:17-20
17 (Ps 144:7) He reached from on high and took me;
He drew me out of mighty waters.
18 He rescued me from my strong enemy,
from those who hate me;
for they were stronger than I.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.
20 (2Sa 15:26; Ps 31:8) He brought me to the open expanse;
He rescued me, for He delighted in me.
In 2010, at the age of ninety-four, George Vujnovich was awarded
the bronze star for organizing what the New York Times called
"one of the greatest rescue efforts of World War II." Vujnovich,
son of Serbian immigrants to the US, had joined the US Army.
When word arrived that downed American airmen were being protected
by rebels in Yugoslavia, Vujnovich (who wanted to go on the mission
himself, but could not) put together a three-man team that parachuted
into the country and located the pilots. The soldiers were divided
into small groups and taught how to blend in with the Serbs
(wearing Serbian clothes and eating Serbian food).
Then, over months, each small group was walked out one at a time
to C-47 transport planes waiting at a landing strip they'd cut
out of the woods. Vujnovich helped rescue 512 elated, joyful men.
David described the elation of being rescued by God from enemies who'd
hemmed him in with no escape. God "reached down from on high and took
hold of me," David said, "he drew me out of deep waters" (2 Samuel 22:17).
King Saul, enraged with jealousy, hounded David, ruthlessly seeking blood.
But God had other plans. "He rescued me from my powerful enemy," David
recounted, "from my foes, who were too strong for me" (v. 18).
God rescued David from Saul. He rescued Israel from Egypt. And in Jesus,
God came to rescue all of us. Jesus rescues us from sin, evil, and death.
He's greater than every powerful enemy.
By: Winn Collier
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Reflect & Pray
Where do you feel hemmed in, with no escape from lies
you believe or sin that binds you?
How do you see Jesus coming to rescue you?
All-powerful God, I need to be rescued.
If You don't help me, I'm finished. I have no escape.
So I'm turning to You. Please help me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 -The Blessings of Grace Day 6 - A Reasonable Alternative
Isaiah 1:18
18 (Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14) "Come now, and let us reason together, "
says the Lord.
Though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool.
"Is Christianity Reasonable?" Linda Wanted to Know. "I've heard all my life
that faith is a crutch, an invention of weak minds to assure them
of some order in the world."
Linda was not alone in her objection; thinking people for generations
have been asking themselves the same question.
God is not intimidated by our questions; in fact, he confronts the issue
head-on in the Scriptures. "Let us reason together," the Lord invites.
Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,
faith is a reasonable alternative , a rational choice for a thinking person.
God indicates in his Word that confession and forgiveness are "reasonable".
"Think!" God says. "You sin, and you know it,. You are not even able to be
true to your own principles. You cannot deal with your sin by will power
or effort. Bit I can deal with it! I can forgive it - and I will"
We cannot come to faith in God through Christ by intellect alone, of course.
Our spirits much reach out in faith, beyond what we can see. But intellect
supports faith; trusting in Christ is an eminently rational decision.
In Deut 30:1-20 , God set before the people a choice: Life or Death, blessing
or cursing. "Choose Life!" he tells them. We have the same choice.
The ultimate decision is thus simplified, the 'rational' alternative becomes
clear. We can choose death, by attempting to control our own destinies ,
or life, by giving ourselves fully into the hand of the Master.
Application
a) Why is the choice to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness a
'Rational choice'?
b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?
c) What other aspects of God's word
and work in my life seem 'reasonable' to me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Proverbs 28:13
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry or Vengeful
Prov 15:1
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 25:28
28 He who has no rule over his own spirit
is like a city that is broken down and without walls.
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 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
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Advent Day 13
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle
{The great French writer] "Montaigne became kittenish with his kitten but she never talked philosophy to him. Everywhere the great enters the little-its power to do so is almost the test of its greatness." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 147.)
The Great Enters the Little
Why was Jesus born in such a small town? Because it was the town of King David, and Jesus was descended from the family of David. Although Micah said of Bethlehem, "you are small among the clans of Judah," that was in God's plan from the beginning. The size of the town didn't matter.
God so often surprises us by doing big things in little places, by
resisting the proud and exalting the humble, by choosing ordinary people
to do great things, and, in general, by doing the unexpected. What more
humble circumstances could we imagine than an unmarried, pregnant teenage
girl, with her betrothed husband, hurrying nearly a hundred miles from
little Nazareth to little BethÂlehem? What could be more humbling than
enrolling in a census late in a pregnancy, settling for less than ideal
accommodations, and giving birth far from the centers of power? The great
enters the little. God becomes a baby. Think of it. The creator of the
universe stoops to become a child.
Lewis calls it a test of greatness. In what ways have we
stooped to enter the little? Have we taken the time to
serve meals to the poor in a soup kitchen?
Have we visited the sick and imprisoned?
Have we clothed the naked? Have we welcomed the stranger?
If not, perhaps today is the day to change all that.
Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.
Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you
exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.
16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,
and the Baby lying in a manger.
Luke 2:16
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
FRIDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Confirmation
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
-Luke 1:43
Elizabeth's words to Mary provided numerous confirmations of the message from Gabriel. First, she knew that Mary was pregnant before it could possibly show. Second, she knew Mary was pregnant with her Lord! That insight could only have come by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
within her.
Next, Elizabeth told Mary that the child she carried had leaped for Joy.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth's child had recognized the One
for Whom he would be a forerunner.
Finally, Elizabeth pronounced another blessing upon Mary for having
believed what had been prophesied. Thank God that Mary had concurred
with Gabriel's revelations!
Most of us don't experience angels coming to us in a dream or vision
and announcing what will take place in our future,
but we can read God's promises in his Word. What kinds of
promises for this life, our faith and eternal life has God
given us in the Scriptures? Do we take God at his Word?
prayer
Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your
new creation with Joy! Amen.
Read Luke 1:39-45.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AMAZEMENT!
2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.ISAIAH 9:2
I like being with little kids. They are so amazing because they get amazed
at so many little things! "Look. Mom, a wiggly worm!" Gramps, did you
know bees can smell fear? And the riddles and jokes they laugh at are
silly, like 'Did you know a raisin is a grape with a sunburn?" and "Why was
there a bee in the man's souls'? Because it was alphabet soups'
Amazing, isn't it. how amazing little kids are, as well as adults who hang on
to their amazement although life? Advent is a time for amazement, big
time! We ambassadors of Advent continue to sense the amazing grace of
God's love for us. especially through Scriptures like Isaiah 9:1-7. We too are
people who "walk in darkness" because of sin, and we too have "seen a
great light"--Jesus Christ ! This Child has been born for us. God's Son has
been given to us . . . as a gift! It has nothing whatsoever to do with what we
have done or should have done or had better get done. No way. It's not
about us; it's about him, Jesus Christ! Amazing. indeed!
Amazed means filled with wonder! Join me and others in singing
'And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders.
wonders of his love '!
Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent
Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy
and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and
play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for
making us ambassadors of amazement.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 9:1-7.
Isaiah 9
The Coming King
1 (2Ki 15:29; 2Ch 16:4) Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom
for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously
treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
but in the latter time He shall make it glorious,
by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.
3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation
and increased the joy;
they rejoice before You
according to the joy of harvest
and as men rejoice
when they divide the spoil.
4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden
and the bar of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor
as in the day of Midian's defeat.
5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace
there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to order it and to establish it
with justice and with righteousness,
from now until forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts
will perform this.
Conclusion:
Pray to The Lord and pray to be a bold witness for Christ.
Pray to the Lord "All-powerful God, I need to be rescued.
If You don't help me, I'm finished. I have no escape.
So I'm turning to You. Please help me."
Pray to the Lord and confess all your sins and give them to Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be slow to anger.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
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.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Pray: Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.
Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you
exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.
Pray: Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your
new creation with Joy! Amen.
Pray: Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent
Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy
and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and
play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for
making us ambassadors of amazement.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for Tunisian Christians who are geographically
isolated from other believers.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1)
Acts 20 - 23
Acts 20
Paul's Journey to Macedonia and Greece
1 (Ac 19:21) After the uproar ceased, Paul summoned the disciples
and embraced them and departed for Macedonia.
2 When he had gone through that region and had greatly exhorted them,
he arrived in Greece,
3 (Ac 20:19; 9:23-24) and stayed there three months. When the Jews
plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria,
he decided to return through Macedonia.
4 (Ac 19:29; 16:1; 21:29) Accompanying him to Asia were Sopater of Berea,
and Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy,
and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
5 (Ac 16:8; 16:10-11) These men went forward and waited for us at Troas.
6 (Ac 12:3; 16:12) But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days
of Unleavened Bread, and after five days we came to them at Troas,
where we stayed for seven days.
Paul's Farewell Visit to Troas
7 (Ac 20:11; 1Co 16:2; Rev 1:10) On the first day of the week,
when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to leave
the next day, preached to them and continued his message until midnight.
8 (Ac 1:13) There were many lamps in the upper room where they were
assembled.
9 A young man named Eutychus sat in the window, falling into a deep sleep
as Paul spoke for a longer time. Being overcome by sleep, he fell down
from the third floor and was taken up dead.
10 (Mk 5:39; Mt 9:23-24) Paul went down and leaned over him, and embracing
him said, "Do not be troubled, for he is alive."
11 (Ac 20:7) When he had gone up and had broken bread and eaten,
he conversed for a long while until dawn and departed.
12 They took the lad in alive and were greatly comforted.
The Voyage From Troas to Miletus
13 We went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, intending to take
Paul on board there. For he had arranged this, intending to go on foot.
14 When he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene.
15 (Ac 20:17; 2Ti 4:20) The day after sailing from there we arrived off
Chios. And the next day we crossed over to Samos and stayed at Trogyllium,
and the following day we came to Miletus.
16 (Ac 2:1; 19:21) Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, to avoid spending
time in Asia. For he was hurrying so he could be in Jerusalem, if
possible, on the day of Pentecost.
Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders
17 (Ac 11:30; 14:23) From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders
of the church.
18 (Ac 18:19; 19:1) When they came to him, he said to them,
"You know how I always lived among you from the first day that
I came to Asia,
19 (Ac 20:3; 20:31) serving the Lord with all humility
and with many tears and trials which befell me through
the plots of the Jews.
20 (Ac 20:27; 20:31) I did not keep from declaring what was beneficial
to you, and teaching you publicly and from house to house,
21 (Ac 2:38; 11:18; 20:24) testifying to both Jews and Greeks
of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 "Now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing
what shall befall me there,
23 (Ac 9:16; 21:4) except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every
city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.
24 (Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:1) But none of these things deter me. Nor do I count
my life of value to myself, so that I may joyfully finish my course
and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify
to the gospel of the grace of God.
25 (Ac 28:31; Mt 4:23) "Now I know that all you, among whom I went
proclaiming the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.
26 (Ac 18:6) Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent
of the blood of all men.
27 (Ac 20:20; Lk 7:30) For I did not keep from declaring to you
the whole counsel of God.
28 (1Co 10:32; Isa 40:11) Therefore take heed to yourselves
and to the entire flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased
with His own blood.
29 (Mt 7:15; Jn 10:12) For I know that after my departure,
dreadful wolves will enter among you, not sparing the flock.
30 (1Ti 1:19-20; 1Jn 2:19) Even from among you men will arise
speaking perverse things, to draw the disciples away after them.
31 (Ac 19:10; 19:8) Therefore watch, remembering that for three years
night and day I did not cease to warn everyone with tears.
32 (Ac 14:23; 26:18) "Now, brothers, I commend you to God and to the word
of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance
among all who are sanctified.
33 (1Co 9:12; 2Co 11:9) I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or
clothing.
34 (Ac 18:3) Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided
for my necessities and for those who were with me.
35 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:8) In all things I have shown you how, working like
this, you must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus,
how He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
36 (Lk 22:41; Ac 21:5) Having said these things, he knelt down with all
of them and prayed.
37 (Lk 15:20; 2Ti 1:4) They all wept much and embraced Paul's neck
and kissed him,
38 (Ac 15:3; 20:25) grieving most over the words he spoke, that they were
to see his face no more. Then they escorted him to the ship.
Acts 21
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem
1 When we had withdrawn from them and set sail, we went on a straight
course to Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went aboard, and set sail.
3 (Mt 4:24; Ac 4:36) Having come in sight of Cyprus, we passed to the
south of it and sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship's
cargo was to be unloaded.
4 When we found the disciples, we remained there
seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.
5 (Ac 20:36; 9:40) But when our days were over, we parted and traveled on. Everyone, with wives and children, escorted us until we were outside
the city. And we knelt on the shore and prayed.
6 (Jn 19:27) After bidding farewell to one another, we boarded the ship,
and they returned home.
7 We finished the voyage from Tyre when we landed at Ptolemais,
where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day.
8 (Ac 6:5; Eph 4:11; 2Ti 4:5) The next day we who were Paul's companions
departed, and arrived at Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip
the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
9 (Ac 2:17; Lk 2:36) He had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
10 (Ac 11:28) While we stayed there many days, a prophet named Agabus
came down from Judea.
11 (Ac 21:33; Jer 13:1-11; 1Sa 15:27-28) When he had arrived, he took
Paul's belt and bound his own hands and feet, saying, "The Holy Spirit
says, 'In this manner the Jews at Jerusalem shall bind the man who owns
this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' "
12 (Mt 16:21-23) When we heard these things, both we and the residents implored him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 (Ac 20:24; Php 2:17) Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping
and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned, but also
to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
14 (Mt 6:10; Lk 22:42) When he would not be persuaded, we kept silent
and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done."
15 After those days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought
with them Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
Paul Visits James
17 (Ac 15:4) When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
18 (Ac 11:30; 15:13) On the next day Paul went with us to James, and all
the elders were present.
19 (Ac 1:17; 14:27) He greeted them and recounted one by one what God
had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20 (Ac 22:3; Ro 10:2) When they heard this, they glorified the Lord.
Then they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews
there are who believe, and they are all zealous for the law.
21 (Ac 21:28) They have been informed concerning you that you teach
all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them
not to circumcise their children nor to observe the customs.
22 What then shall be done? The assembly will certainly meet, for they
will hear that you have come.
23 (Ac 18:18) Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have
taken a vow.
24 (Ac 21:26; 24:18) Take these men and be purified with them, and pay
their expenses so that they may have their heads shaved. Then all will
know that what they were told concerning you is nothing, but that you
yourself live in observance of the law.
25 (Ac 15:29) As for the Gentiles who believe, we have written and
concluded that they should observe no such thing, except that they abstain
from food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from strangled
animals, and from blood."
26 (Ac 24:18; Nu 6:13-20) Then on the next day, Paul took the men
and purified himself with them. And he went into the temple, announcing
when the days of purification would be complete and an offering would
be given for each one of them.
Paul Arrested in the Temple
27 (Ac 24:18; 26:21) When the seven days were nearly concluded, the Jews
from Asia saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people,
and laid hands on him,
28 (Ac 24:5-6; 21:21) crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man
teaching all men everywhere against the people and the law and this place.
He even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place."
29 (Ac 20:4) For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the
city with him, whom they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.
30 (Ac 26:21) Then the whole city was provoked, and the people ran
together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple.
And immediately the doors were shut.
31 While they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commander
(Gk. chiliarch, a battalion commander
with the rank of lieutenant colonel over 1,000 soldiers.)
of the battalion of soldiers that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32 (Ac 23:27) He at once took soldiers and centurions, and ran down
to them. When they saw the commander and the soldiers,
they stopped beating Paul.
33 (Ac 12:6; 20:23) Then the commander came and arrested him, and ordered
that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was
and what he had done.
34 (Ac 19:32; 23:10) Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another.
As he could not learn the truth because of the uproar,
he commanded that he be brought into the barracks.
35 When he came onto the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers
because of the violence of the people.
36 (Lk 23:18; Jn 19:15) For the mob of people followed, crying out,
"Away with him!"
Paul Defends Himself
37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks,
he said to the commander, "May I speak to you?"
He replied, "Do you know how to speak Greek?
38 (Mt 24:26A) Are you not the Egyptian who in past days caused an uproar
and led the four thousand men of the Sicarii (Or men of the Assassins.)
out into the wilderness?"
39 (Ac 9:11; 22:3) Paul said, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus of Cilicia, a
citizen of no common city. I beg of you, permit me to speak to the people."
40 (Ac 12:17; Jn 5:2) When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the
stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was great
silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying,
Acts 22
1 (Ac 7:2) "Brothers and fathers, hear my defense which I now make to you."
2 (Ac 21:40) When they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew
language, they became even more quiet.
Then he said,
3 (Ac 9:11; 5:34; 21:20) "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but
brought up in this city. At the feet of Gamaliel I was trained in the
strict tradition of the law of the fathers, being zealous toward God as
you all are today.
4 (Ac 22:19-20; 26:9-11) I persecuted this Way to the death,
arresting and imprisoning both men and women,
5 (Lk 22:66; Ac 9:1-2) as even the high priest and the council of elders
bear witness of me. From them I received letters to the brothers in
Damascus, where I went to take even those who were there and lead them in
chains to Jerusalem to be punished.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
Ac 9:1-19; 26:12-18
6 "As I journeyed and came near Damascus, about noon suddenly a great
light from heaven shone around me.
7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me,
'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?'
8 "I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?'
"He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'
9 (Ac 9:7; Da 10:7) Those who were with me saw the light and were afraid,
but they did not hear the voice of Him who was speaking to me.
10 (Ac 16:30) "I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?'
"The Lord said to me, 'Rise and go into Damascus. There you will be told
what you have been appointed to do.'
11 Since I was blinded by the glory of that light, those who were with me
led me by the hand into Damascus.
12 (Ac 10:22; 6:3) "Ananias, a devout man according to the law,
who was well spoken of by all the Jews living there,
13 came and stood by me, and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.'
And at that moment I looked up at him.
14 (Ac 26:16; 1Co 9:1; 15:8) "Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has
appointed you to know His will and to see the Just One and to hear His
voice,
15 (Ac 23:11; 4:20) for you will be His witness to all men of what you
have seen and heard.
16 (Ac 2:38; Heb 10:22; 1Co 6:11) And now why do you wait? Rise, be
baptized and wash away your sins, and call on the name of the Lord.'
Paul Sent to the Gentiles
17 (2Co 12:1-4) "When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying
in the temple, I fell into a trance
18 and saw Him saying to me, 'Hurry! Get out of Jerusalem immediately,
for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.'
19 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:4) "I said, 'Lord, they know that I imprisoned
and beat those who believed in You in every synagogue.
20 (Ac 7:58; 8:1) And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed,
I was standing by consenting to his death, guarding the clothes
of those who killed him.'
21 (Ac 9:15) "Then He said to me, 'Depart, for I will send you far away
to the Gentiles.' "
Paul and the Roman Commander
22 (Ac 25:24; 21:36) They listened to him up to this word, and then
they lifted up their voices and said, "Away with such a man from
the earth, for he is not fit to live!"
23 As they shouted and threw off their garments and threw dust into the air,
24 (Ac 21:34; 23:10) the commander ordered him to be brought
into the barracks and examined with scourging, so that he might learn
what crime they were alleging against him.
25 (Ac 16:37) As they stretched him forward with straps, Paul said
to the centurion standing by, "Is it legal for you to flog
an uncondemned Roman citizen?"
26 On hearing this, the centurion reported to the commander, saying,
"What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen."
27 The commander came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?"
He said, "Yes."
28 The commander answered, "I bought my citizenship for a large sum."
So Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."
29 Therefore those who were about to examine Paul immediately backed away
from him. And the commander feared, knowing that he was a Roman citizen
and because he had bound him.
Paul Before the Sanhedrin
30 (Ac 23:28; 21:33) On the next day, desiring to know exactly
why he was accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief
priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble,
and he brought Paul down to stand before them.
Acts 23
1 (Ac 24:16; 2Co 1:12) Paul looked at the Sanhedrin and said,
"Brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
2 (Ac 24:1; Jn 18:22) The high priest Ananias ordered those who stood
by him to strike him on the mouth.
3 (Jn 7:51; Dt 25:1-2) Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you,
you whitewashed wall! Do you sit judging me according to the law,
yet order me to be struck contrary to the law?"
4 Those who stood by said, "Do you criticize God's high priest?"
5 (Ex 22:28) Paul said, "Brothers, I did not know that he was
the high priest. For it is written,
'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'(Ex 22:28.)"
6 (Ac 24:15; 24:21) Then Paul, knowing that one sect were Sadducees
and the other Pharisees, cried out among the Sanhedrin,
"Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of a Pharisee. I am being judged
for my hope in the resurrection of the dead."
7 When he had said this, dissension arose between the Pharisees
and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
8 (Mt 22:23; Lk 20:27) For the Sadducees say that there is
no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit. But the Pharisees acknowledge
them all.
9 (Ac 22:7; 22:17-18) There was a great outcry. The scribes that were
from the sect of Pharisees stood up and argued,
"We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or an angel has spoken
to him, let us not fight against God."
10 (Ac 22:24) When much dissension arose, fearing that Paul would be torn
to pieces by them, the commander ordered the soldiers to go down and take
him from them by force and bring him into the barracks.
11 (Ac 18:9; 19:21) The following night the Lord stood by him and said,
"Take courage, Paul. For as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem,
so you must also testify at Rome."
The Plot Against Paul's Life
12 (Ac 23:21; 23:30) At daybreak some of the Jews conspired under oath,
saying they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.
13 There were more than forty who had conspired.
14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said,
"We have bound ourselves under oath not to eat until we have killed Paul.
15 So now, with the Sanhedrin, tell the commander to bring him down to you
tomorrow, pretending to inquire further concerning him. We are ready to
kill him before he arrives."
16 (Ac 23:10) But when the son of Paul's sister heard of the treachery,
he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.
17 Then Paul called one of the centurions over and said,
"Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him."
18 (Eph 3:1) So he took him to the commander and said, "Paul the prisoner
sent for me and asked me to bring you this young man who has something
to tell you."
19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside privately,
and asked him, "What is it you have to tell me?"
20 (Ac 23:14-15)The boy said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you
to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Sanhedrin, pretending to inquire
further concerning him.
21 (Ac 23:12-14) Do not trust them. More than forty men, who have bound
themselves with an oath to neither eat nor drink until they have killed
him, are waiting for him. And now they are ready, waiting for your
promise."
22 The commander dismissed the young man and ordered him,
"Tell no one that you have reported these things to me."
Paul Sent to Felix the Governor
23 Then he summoned two centurions and said,
"Prepare two hundred infantrymen, seventy mounted soldiers,
and two hundred light infantrymen with spears to go to CaesÂarea
at the third hour of the night.
24 (Ac 23:26; 24:10) And provide mounts so Paul may ride
and take him safely to Felix the governor."
25 He wrote a letter that went like this:
26 (Ac 15:23; Lk 1:3) Claudius Lysias,
To His Excellency Governor Felix:
Greetings.
27 (Ac 22:25-29) This man was seized by the Jews
and was about to be killed by them. When I learned that he was
a Roman citizen, I came with soldiers and rescued him.
28 (Ac 22:30) Being minded to learn what crime they alleged,
I took him to their Sanhedrin.
29 (Ac 18:15; 26:31) I found him being accused of controversial matters
about their law, but charged with nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.
30 (Ac 23:20; 23:35) When it was revealed to me that there was a plot
against the man, at once I sent him to you and ordered the accusers
to state before you their charges against him.
Farewell.
31 So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul by night
to Antipatris.
32 The next day they let the cavalry depart with him
and they returned to the barracks.
33 When they arrived in Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor,
they presented Paul also to him.
34 (Ac 21:39; 25:1) Upon reading the letter, the governor asked what
province he was from. When he learned that he was from Cilicia,
35 (Ac 23:30; 25:16) he said, "I will hear you when your accusers
also arrive." And he ordered that he be guarded in Herod's Praetorium.
2) Our Daily Bread for 10 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/10/rescued-from-powerful-enemies
entitled Rescued from Powerful Enemies
2 Samuel 22:17-20
17 (Ps 144:7) He reached from on high and took me;
He drew me out of mighty waters.
18 He rescued me from my strong enemy,
from those who hate me;
for they were stronger than I.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.
20 (2Sa 15:26; Ps 31:8) He brought me to the open expanse;
He rescued me, for He delighted in me.
In 2010, at the age of ninety-four, George Vujnovich was awarded
the bronze star for organizing what the New York Times called
"one of the greatest rescue efforts of World War II." Vujnovich,
son of Serbian immigrants to the US, had joined the US Army.
When word arrived that downed American airmen were being protected
by rebels in Yugoslavia, Vujnovich (who wanted to go on the mission
himself, but could not) put together a three-man team that parachuted
into the country and located the pilots. The soldiers were divided
into small groups and taught how to blend in with the Serbs
(wearing Serbian clothes and eating Serbian food).
Then, over months, each small group was walked out one at a time
to C-47 transport planes waiting at a landing strip they'd cut
out of the woods. Vujnovich helped rescue 512 elated, joyful men.
David described the elation of being rescued by God from enemies who'd
hemmed him in with no escape. God "reached down from on high and took
hold of me," David said, "he drew me out of deep waters" (2 Samuel 22:17).
King Saul, enraged with jealousy, hounded David, ruthlessly seeking blood.
But God had other plans. "He rescued me from my powerful enemy," David
recounted, "from my foes, who were too strong for me" (v. 18).
God rescued David from Saul. He rescued Israel from Egypt. And in Jesus,
God came to rescue all of us. Jesus rescues us from sin, evil, and death.
He's greater than every powerful enemy.
By: Winn Collier
Sign in to track your progress!
Reflect & Pray
Where do you feel hemmed in, with no escape from lies
you believe or sin that binds you?
How do you see Jesus coming to rescue you?
All-powerful God, I need to be rescued.
If You don't help me, I'm finished. I have no escape.
So I'm turning to You. Please help me.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 -The Blessings of Grace Day 6 - A Reasonable Alternative
Isaiah 1:18
18 (Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14) "Come now, and let us reason together, "
says the Lord.
Though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson,
they shall be as wool.
"Is Christianity Reasonable?" Linda Wanted to Know. "I've heard all my life
that faith is a crutch, an invention of weak minds to assure them
of some order in the world."
Linda was not alone in her objection; thinking people for generations
have been asking themselves the same question.
God is not intimidated by our questions; in fact, he confronts the issue
head-on in the Scriptures. "Let us reason together," the Lord invites.
Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,
faith is a reasonable alternative , a rational choice for a thinking person.
God indicates in his Word that confession and forgiveness are "reasonable".
"Think!" God says. "You sin, and you know it,. You are not even able to be
true to your own principles. You cannot deal with your sin by will power
or effort. Bit I can deal with it! I can forgive it - and I will"
We cannot come to faith in God through Christ by intellect alone, of course.
Our spirits much reach out in faith, beyond what we can see. But intellect
supports faith; trusting in Christ is an eminently rational decision.
In Deut 30:1-20 , God set before the people a choice: Life or Death, blessing
or cursing. "Choose Life!" he tells them. We have the same choice.
The ultimate decision is thus simplified, the 'rational' alternative becomes
clear. We can choose death, by attempting to control our own destinies ,
or life, by giving ourselves fully into the hand of the Master.
Application
a) Why is the choice to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness a
'Rational choice'?
b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?
c) What other aspects of God's word
and work in my life seem 'reasonable' to me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Proverbs 28:13
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry or Vengeful
Prov 15:1
1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 25:28
28 He who has no rule over his own spirit
is like a city that is broken down and without walls.
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 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
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Advent Day 13
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle
{The great French writer] "Montaigne became kittenish with his kitten but she never talked philosophy to him. Everywhere the great enters the little-its power to do so is almost the test of its greatness." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 147.)
The Great Enters the Little
Why was Jesus born in such a small town? Because it was the town of King David, and Jesus was descended from the family of David. Although Micah said of Bethlehem, "you are small among the clans of Judah," that was in God's plan from the beginning. The size of the town didn't matter.
God so often surprises us by doing big things in little places, by
resisting the proud and exalting the humble, by choosing ordinary people
to do great things, and, in general, by doing the unexpected. What more
humble circumstances could we imagine than an unmarried, pregnant teenage
girl, with her betrothed husband, hurrying nearly a hundred miles from
little Nazareth to little BethÂlehem? What could be more humbling than
enrolling in a census late in a pregnancy, settling for less than ideal
accommodations, and giving birth far from the centers of power? The great
enters the little. God becomes a baby. Think of it. The creator of the
universe stoops to become a child.
Lewis calls it a test of greatness. In what ways have we
stooped to enter the little? Have we taken the time to
serve meals to the poor in a soup kitchen?
Have we visited the sick and imprisoned?
Have we clothed the naked? Have we welcomed the stranger?
If not, perhaps today is the day to change all that.
Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.
Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you
exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.
16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,
and the Baby lying in a manger.
Luke 2:16
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
FRIDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Confirmation
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
-Luke 1:43
Elizabeth's words to Mary provided numerous confirmations of the message from Gabriel. First, she knew that Mary was pregnant before it could possibly show. Second, she knew Mary was pregnant with her Lord! That insight could only have come by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
within her.
Next, Elizabeth told Mary that the child she carried had leaped for Joy.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth's child had recognized the One
for Whom he would be a forerunner.
Finally, Elizabeth pronounced another blessing upon Mary for having
believed what had been prophesied. Thank God that Mary had concurred
with Gabriel's revelations!
Most of us don't experience angels coming to us in a dream or vision
and announcing what will take place in our future,
but we can read God's promises in his Word. What kinds of
promises for this life, our faith and eternal life has God
given us in the Scriptures? Do we take God at his Word?
prayer
Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your
new creation with Joy! Amen.
Read Luke 1:39-45.
Mary Visits Elizabeth
39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AMAZEMENT!
2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.ISAIAH 9:2
I like being with little kids. They are so amazing because they get amazed
at so many little things! "Look. Mom, a wiggly worm!" Gramps, did you
know bees can smell fear? And the riddles and jokes they laugh at are
silly, like 'Did you know a raisin is a grape with a sunburn?" and "Why was
there a bee in the man's souls'? Because it was alphabet soups'
Amazing, isn't it. how amazing little kids are, as well as adults who hang on
to their amazement although life? Advent is a time for amazement, big
time! We ambassadors of Advent continue to sense the amazing grace of
God's love for us. especially through Scriptures like Isaiah 9:1-7. We too are
people who "walk in darkness" because of sin, and we too have "seen a
great light"--Jesus Christ ! This Child has been born for us. God's Son has
been given to us . . . as a gift! It has nothing whatsoever to do with what we
have done or should have done or had better get done. No way. It's not
about us; it's about him, Jesus Christ! Amazing. indeed!
Amazed means filled with wonder! Join me and others in singing
'And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders.
wonders of his love '!
Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent
Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy
and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and
play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for
making us ambassadors of amazement.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 9:1-7.
Isaiah 9
The Coming King
1 (2Ki 15:29; 2Ch 16:4) Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom
for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously
treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
but in the latter time He shall make it glorious,
by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.
3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation
and increased the joy;
they rejoice before You
according to the joy of harvest
and as men rejoice
when they divide the spoil.
4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden
and the bar of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor
as in the day of Midian's defeat.
5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace
there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to order it and to establish it
with justice and with righteousness,
from now until forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts
will perform this.
Conclusion:
Pray to The Lord and pray to be a bold witness for Christ.
Pray to the Lord "All-powerful God, I need to be rescued.
If You don't help me, I'm finished. I have no escape.
So I'm turning to You. Please help me."
Pray to the Lord and confess all your sins and give them to Him.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be slow to anger.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
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.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Pray: Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.
Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you
exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.
Pray: Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your
new creation with Joy! Amen.
Pray: Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent
Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy
and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and
play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for
making us ambassadors of amazement.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for Tunisian Christians who are geographically
isolated from other believers.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
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