Day 345 - 11 December 2021 reflections
Day 345, 11 December 2021
1)
Acts 24 - 26
Acts 24
The Case Against Paul
1 (Ac 23:2; 24:11) After five days Ananias the high priest arrived with some
of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought before the governor
their charges against Paul.
2 When he was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Since through
you we enjoy much peace, and your foresight is bringing reforms
to this nation,
3 (Ac 23:26; 26:25) with all thankfulness, most excellent Felix,
we always welcome it everywhere.
4 But not to detain you further,
I beg you to briefly hear us in your patience.
5 (Ac 28:22; 24:14; 15:5) "We have found this man a troublemaker, instigating
riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect
of the Nazarenes.
6 He even tried to profane the temple.
So we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law.
7 But the commander, Lysias, came to us and forcefully took him
out of our hands,
8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you
will be able to learn about all these things concerning which we accuse him."
9 The Jews assented, alleging these things to be true.
Paul's Defense Before Felix
10 After the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Knowing that
for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully defend
myself.
11 (Ac 24:1; 21:18) You may verify that it is no more than twelve days since
I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 (Ac 25:8; 28:17) They did not find me in the temple or in the synagogues
or in the city disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.
13 (Ac 25:7) They cannot prove the things concerning which they now accuse me.
14 (Ac 3:13; 9:2) However, I affirm that in accordance with the Way, which
they call a sect, I worship the God of my fathers and believe everything
written in the Law and in the Prophets.
15 (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28-29) I have hope in God that there will be a resurrection
of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, which they also expect.
16 (Ac 23:1) In this do I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God
and toward men.
17 (Gal 2:10; Ac 11:29-30) "Now after many years I came to bring alms
and offerings to my nation,
18 (Ac 26:21) when some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple,
neither with a crowd nor an uproar.
19 (Ac 23:30) They ought to be here before you to accuse me if they have any
charges.
20 Or let these men say what crime they found in me when I stood before the
Sanhedrin,
21 (Ac 23:6) unless it is concerning this one statement which I cried out
while standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead, I am being judged by you this day.' "
22 When Felix, who had more exact knowledge concerning the Way, had heard
this, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander
arrives, I will decide your case."
23 (Ac 27:3; 28:16) Then he ordered the centurion to guard Paul,
and to let him have liberty, and to forbid none of his own people from
attending to him.
Paul Held in Custody
24 (Ac 20:21; Gal 2:16) After several days, when Felix arrived with his wife
Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning
faith in Christ.
25 (Ac 10:42; Gal 5:23) As he lectured about righteousness, self-control,
and the coming judgment, Felix was afraid and answered, "For now, leave!
When time permits, I will send for you."
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he
might release him. So he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
27 (Ac 25:9; 25:14; 12:3) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix.
And Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.
Acts 25
Paul Appeals to Caesar
1 (Ac 23:34) Now three days after Festus had come into the province, he went
from Caesarea up to Jerusalem.
2 (Ac 25:15; 24:1) The high priest and the elders of the Jews spoke to him
against Paul. And they begged him,
3 asking as a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem,
plotting to kill him along the way.
4 Festus said that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself
intended to go there shortly.
5 He also said, "Let the men in authority go down
with me. If there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."
6 (Ac 25:17; Mt 27:19) Having stayed among them more than ten days, he went
down to Caesarea. And the next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered
that Paul be brought in.
7 (Ac 24:13; Lk 23:2) When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from
Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges against him
which they could not prove,
8 (Ac 24:12; 28:17) while he defended himself, saying, "Neither against
the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have
I sinned at all."
9 (Ac 24:27; 25:20) Desiring to do the Jews a favor, Festus answered, "Are you
willing to go up to Jerusalem to be judged
concerning these charges before me?"
10 Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought
to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you know very well.
11 (Ac 26:32; 28:19) If I am doing wrong or have done anything worthy
of death, I do not refuse to die. But if these are empty charges of
which these men accuse me, no one may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."
12 When Festus had conferred with the council, he then answered, “To Caesar you have appealed. To Caesar you shall go.â€
Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice
13 After several days King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea
to welcome Festus.
14 (Ac 24:27) When they had been there many days, Festus stated Paul's case to
the king, saying, "There is a man left as a prisoner by Felix.
15 When I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
informed me about him, asking for a sentence against him.
16 (Ac 25:4–5; Jn 7:51) "I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans
to deliver any man to die before he who is accused meets the accusers face
to face and has the opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge
brought against him.'
17 (Ac 25:6; 25:10) So when they assembled here, without delay I sat
on the judgment seat the next day and ordered that the man be brought in.
18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such
crimes as I had supposed.
19 (Ac 18:15; 23:29) But they had disagreements with him about their own
religion and about a Man named Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted
was alive.
20 (Ac 25:9) Being perplexed about such questions, I asked if he would be
willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning these charges.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be under guard for the decision of Caesar,
I ordered that he be secured until I could send him to Caesar."
22 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man
myself." He said, "Tomorrow you shall hear him."
23 (Ac 25:13; 26:30) The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp,
and they entered the hall with the commanders and the leading men of the city.
When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in.
24 (Ac 22:22; 25:7) Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all the men who are
present with us, you see this man, concerning whom the whole assembly
of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he
ought not to live any longer.
25 (Ac 23:29; Lk 23:4) I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death.
But when he himself appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him.
26 But I have nothing to write to His Majesty concerning him. Therefore
I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,
so that upon examination, I might have something to write.
27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without signifying
the charges against him."
Acts 26
Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
1 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for
yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today I shall make
my defense before you against all the accusations of the Jews,
3 (Ac 6:14) especially because you are an expert in all customs and
controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to patiently listen to me.
4 (Gal 1:13) "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning
in my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
5 (Ac 23:6; 22:3) They knew me from the beginning and could testify,
if they wished, how according to the strictest sect of our religion
I lived as a Pharisee.
6 (Ac 24:15; 28:20) And now I stand on trial for hope in the promise made
by God to our fathers,
7 (Jas 1:1; Ezr 6:17) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they
earnestly serve God day and night. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa,
I am accused by the Jews.
8 Why is it judged incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 (1Ti 1:13; Ac 22:8) "I, too, thought that I must do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,
10 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) which I indeed did in Jerusalem and locked up
many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests.
And when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.
11 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:19) I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled
them to blaspheme. And being extremely enraged against them, I persecuted them
even to foreign cities.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16
12 "So I went to Damascus with authority
and a commission from the chief priests.
13 At midday, O King, I saw along the way a light from heaven, brighter than
the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 (Ac 21:40; 9:7) When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice
saying to me in the Hebrew language,
'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 "I said, 'Who are You, Lord?'
"He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
16 (Ac 22:14-15; Eze 2:1) But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared
to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of
what you have seen and of what I will yet reveal to you.
17 (Ac 9:15; Jer 1:8) I will deliver you from your people and from the Gentiles to whom I now send you,
18 (Ac 20:32; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 35:5) to open their eyes and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified
by faith in Me.'
Paul’s Testimony to Jews and Gentiles
19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
20 (Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19) but declared first to those at Damascus, then at
Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,
that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance.
21 (Ac 21:30-31; 21:27) For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple
and tried to kill me.
22 (Ac 24:14; Lk 24:27) Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue
to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what
the prophets and Moses said would happen:
23 (Rev 1:5; Lk 2:32; Col 1:18) that the Christ must suffer, that He would be
the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own
people and to the Gentiles."
Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe
24 (1Co 4:10; 2Ki 9:11) So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud
voice, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness."
25 (Ac 23:26; 24:3) Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak
the words of truth and reason.
26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I
am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a
corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."
28 (Ac 11:26) Then Agrippa said to Paul,
"You almost persuade me to be a Christian."
29 (Ac 21:33; 1Co 7:7) Paul said, "I pray to God that not only you,
but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly
and altogether, what I am, except for these chains."
30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor
and Bernice and those who sat with them.
31 (Ac 23:29; 23:9) When they had gone aside, they said to one another,
"This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment."
32 (Ac 28:18) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free
if he had not appealed to Caesar."
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/11/caring-for-those-in-need
entitled Caring for Those in Need
Deuteronomy 15:7-11
7 (Dt 15:9) If there be among you a poor man, one of your brothers within
any of your gates in your land which the Lord your God has given you,
you must not harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.
8 (Mt 5:42; Lk 6:34) But you shall open your hand wide to him and must surely
lend him what is sufficient for his need, in that which he lacks.
9 (Dt 24:15; Mt 20:15; Ex 22:23) Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your
heart, saying, "The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand," and
your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing,
and he cry out to the Lord against you, and it become sin in you.
10 (Dt 14:29; 24:19) You must surely give to him, and your heart shall
not be grieved when you give to him, because in this thing the Lord
your God will bless you in all your works, and in all that you put
your hand to do.
11 (Mt 26:11; Mk 14:7) For the poor will never cease from being
in the land. Therefore, I command you, saying, "You shall open your hand
wide to your brother, to your poor and needy in your land."
Elvis Summers answered the door to find Smokey, a frail woman who stopped
by regularly to ask for empty cans to return for cash. This money was her
primary source of income. Elvis got an idea. "Could you show me where you
sleep?" he asked. Smokey led him to a narrow patch of dirt about two feet wide
next to a house. Moved by compassion, Summers built her a "tiny house" - a
simple shelter that provided space for her to sleep safely. Summers ran with
the idea. He started a GoFundMe page and teamed with local churches to provide
land to build more shelters for others who were homeless.
Throughout the Bible, God's people are reminded to care for those in need.
When God spoke through Moses to prepare the Israelites to enter the promised
land, He encouraged them to "be openhanded and freely lend [to the poor] whatever they need" (Deuteronomy 15:8). This passage also noted that "there
will always be poor people in the land" (v. 11). We don't have to go far to
see this is true. As God compassionately called the Israelites "to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites" (v. 11),
we too can find ways to help those in need.
Everyone needs food, shelter, and water. Even if we don't have much, may God
guide us to use what we do have to help others. Whether it's sharing a
sandwich or a warm winter coat, small things can make a big difference!
By: Julie Schwab
Reflect & Pray
Who do you know or have seen that may be in need of help today?
What can you do to help?
Jesus, help me to find ways I can help those around me.
Please give me a generous heart.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unslightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.
Application
a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?
b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?
c) How do today's verses help me put in prespective the work
God still want to do in me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ps 1:3
He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season;
its leaf will not wither,
and whatever he does will prosper.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry of Vengeful
James 1:19-25
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for the anger of man does not work
the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and remaining
wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able
to save your souls.
22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
viewing his natural face in a mirror. 24 He views himself, and goes his way,
and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But whoever looks into
the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this man will be blessed in his deeds.
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 in 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
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in you life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick,
that God's Spirit would influence then to act justly,
serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in
the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Advent Day 14
FRom C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle
Saturday, Second Week of Advent
"I have read [your book} Treasure on Earth and I don't believe you have any notion how good it is I've never seen the
hushed internal excitement of a child on Christmas Eve better done. That is something we can all recognise." - C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Mrs. Phyllis Sandeman," Dec. 10, 1952,
Lewis' Collected Letters, III, pp. 26 lff.)
Hushed Excitement
Christmas is especially for children, whether young children, old children,
or very old children. Simeon is an example of the third category.
We'll come back to him later.
In a letter written to Phyllis Sandeman during Advent, Lewis comments
favorably about a book that she had written that year, Treasure on Earth.
Subtitled A Country House Christmas, it tells of the approach of Christmas Day
in an Elizabethan mansion in northern England in 1906. An excited child, the
ten-year-old author herself, awaits Christmas morning, the gifts and all the
festivities that would come with the day.
"There was not long to wait now before the drama would begin-the
curtain was trembling to its rise. The twilight of the early winter morning,
the piercing sweetness of the voices rising in the still air, the tune and
the words she loved so well, 'Christians, awake, salute the happy mom!'
Then heaven would open."
Simeon had been waiting for the Savior for a long time. God had told him that
he would see the Christ, the promised Messiah, before he died. When the moment arrived, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, probably with a "hushed internal excitement." His eyes were full of anticipation, as he saw the salvation of lsrael in his arms. He amazed Mary and Joseph by predicting the future of this child. We, who know him, know that these predictions came true.
Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming, at your presence, and make it truly internal. Amen.
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
Luke 2:30
From Follow the Story from Marva J. Dawn
SATURDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Proper Amplification
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
-Luke 1:47
This meditation asks you to read the complete Magnificat of Mary so you can
see that almost the entire song is
about God, but we will concentrate now on only its first three verses. Mary is
filled with exuberance. Not only has God given her miraculous promises, but
also her relative Elizabeth has confirmed those assurances with lofty Joy.
Mary begins her inspired song magnifying God with her soul. That word soul in
Hebrew (from which came her Aramaic) means "one's whole being or true self."
Everything in her resounded with praise and adoration. No wonder her spirit
rejoices exceedingly!
Though she was unremarkable, God had beheld her benevolently. She wanted
everyone to know, though all generations would acclaim her, that the glory was
God's, that he was the Stupendous One, and that he was to be hallowed. She was
the humble recipient of God's exalted treasures, and she ached for everyone to
share in her ecstasy.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.
Read Luke 1:46-55.
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.â€
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND SATURDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AGING!
One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts. PSALM 145:4
Advent helps us to affirm that aging is a gift from God! Our society too
often sees aging as a burden rather than as a blessing. l am convinced
that God really, really loves old people. You know how can tell? Because
he continues to make more and more of us!
A favourite banner of mine states: 'Aging is the ONLY way to live!" How true,
how true!
Today's Scriptures catch the joy and the responsibilities of aging. In Mary's
song of praise. she rejoices in the fact that God had chosen her to bring
Jesus to the world. And she proclaims that his mercy is for everyone,
through all generations.
Psalm 145:4 the psalmist again picks up the fact that "one generation
shall laud your works to another!" We ambassadors of aging (and we ALL
are, regardless of our age. because the one thing we are all doing at the
same time is aging!) are called to share the same message that Mary
shared--Christ Jesus is for all people!
That is why Advent arid Christmas are not just for the little children but
-ether for all of God's children! That is why the Lord put us together in
families and congregations and communities where we can rub ministry
shoulders with those younger than us and also those older than us.
Perhaps during Advent or on Christmas Eve, if your congregation has a
children's message, you should also have an old folks' message. Invite a
the 80+ people to shuffle up to the front . . . and lie down, lust like the little
kids do! Someone will help them up! (Just a suggestion, but no need to
tell your pastor l suggested it!)
Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Luke 1:46-56 and Psalm 145:4-7.
Luke 1
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.â€
56 Mary remained with her about three months
and returned to her own house.
Psalm 145
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty
and of Your wondrous works.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) They shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
and I will declare Your greatness.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) They shall abundantly declare the fame of Your great goodness
and shall sing of Your righteousness.
Conclusion:
Pray to The Lord and pray to be a bold witness for Christ in persecution.
Pray to the Lord "Jesus, help me to find ways I can help those around me.
Please give me a generous heart."
Pray to the Lord and Pray to Him to Work in your Spirit.
Pry to the Lord to Be good in his Will.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be doers of the Word.
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 God's name to be glorified in you life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
Pray: Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming, at your presence, and make it truly internal. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.
Pray: Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully 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 24 - 26
Acts 24
The Case Against Paul
1 (Ac 23:2; 24:11) After five days Ananias the high priest arrived with some
of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought before the governor
their charges against Paul.
2 When he was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Since through
you we enjoy much peace, and your foresight is bringing reforms
to this nation,
3 (Ac 23:26; 26:25) with all thankfulness, most excellent Felix,
we always welcome it everywhere.
4 But not to detain you further,
I beg you to briefly hear us in your patience.
5 (Ac 28:22; 24:14; 15:5) "We have found this man a troublemaker, instigating
riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect
of the Nazarenes.
6 He even tried to profane the temple.
So we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law.
7 But the commander, Lysias, came to us and forcefully took him
out of our hands,
8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you
will be able to learn about all these things concerning which we accuse him."
9 The Jews assented, alleging these things to be true.
Paul's Defense Before Felix
10 After the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Knowing that
for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully defend
myself.
11 (Ac 24:1; 21:18) You may verify that it is no more than twelve days since
I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 (Ac 25:8; 28:17) They did not find me in the temple or in the synagogues
or in the city disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.
13 (Ac 25:7) They cannot prove the things concerning which they now accuse me.
14 (Ac 3:13; 9:2) However, I affirm that in accordance with the Way, which
they call a sect, I worship the God of my fathers and believe everything
written in the Law and in the Prophets.
15 (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28-29) I have hope in God that there will be a resurrection
of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, which they also expect.
16 (Ac 23:1) In this do I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God
and toward men.
17 (Gal 2:10; Ac 11:29-30) "Now after many years I came to bring alms
and offerings to my nation,
18 (Ac 26:21) when some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple,
neither with a crowd nor an uproar.
19 (Ac 23:30) They ought to be here before you to accuse me if they have any
charges.
20 Or let these men say what crime they found in me when I stood before the
Sanhedrin,
21 (Ac 23:6) unless it is concerning this one statement which I cried out
while standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead, I am being judged by you this day.' "
22 When Felix, who had more exact knowledge concerning the Way, had heard
this, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander
arrives, I will decide your case."
23 (Ac 27:3; 28:16) Then he ordered the centurion to guard Paul,
and to let him have liberty, and to forbid none of his own people from
attending to him.
Paul Held in Custody
24 (Ac 20:21; Gal 2:16) After several days, when Felix arrived with his wife
Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning
faith in Christ.
25 (Ac 10:42; Gal 5:23) As he lectured about righteousness, self-control,
and the coming judgment, Felix was afraid and answered, "For now, leave!
When time permits, I will send for you."
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he
might release him. So he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
27 (Ac 25:9; 25:14; 12:3) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix.
And Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.
Acts 25
Paul Appeals to Caesar
1 (Ac 23:34) Now three days after Festus had come into the province, he went
from Caesarea up to Jerusalem.
2 (Ac 25:15; 24:1) The high priest and the elders of the Jews spoke to him
against Paul. And they begged him,
3 asking as a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem,
plotting to kill him along the way.
4 Festus said that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself
intended to go there shortly.
5 He also said, "Let the men in authority go down
with me. If there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."
6 (Ac 25:17; Mt 27:19) Having stayed among them more than ten days, he went
down to Caesarea. And the next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered
that Paul be brought in.
7 (Ac 24:13; Lk 23:2) When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from
Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges against him
which they could not prove,
8 (Ac 24:12; 28:17) while he defended himself, saying, "Neither against
the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have
I sinned at all."
9 (Ac 24:27; 25:20) Desiring to do the Jews a favor, Festus answered, "Are you
willing to go up to Jerusalem to be judged
concerning these charges before me?"
10 Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought
to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you know very well.
11 (Ac 26:32; 28:19) If I am doing wrong or have done anything worthy
of death, I do not refuse to die. But if these are empty charges of
which these men accuse me, no one may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."
12 When Festus had conferred with the council, he then answered, “To Caesar you have appealed. To Caesar you shall go.â€
Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice
13 After several days King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea
to welcome Festus.
14 (Ac 24:27) When they had been there many days, Festus stated Paul's case to
the king, saying, "There is a man left as a prisoner by Felix.
15 When I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
informed me about him, asking for a sentence against him.
16 (Ac 25:4–5; Jn 7:51) "I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans
to deliver any man to die before he who is accused meets the accusers face
to face and has the opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge
brought against him.'
17 (Ac 25:6; 25:10) So when they assembled here, without delay I sat
on the judgment seat the next day and ordered that the man be brought in.
18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such
crimes as I had supposed.
19 (Ac 18:15; 23:29) But they had disagreements with him about their own
religion and about a Man named Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted
was alive.
20 (Ac 25:9) Being perplexed about such questions, I asked if he would be
willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning these charges.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be under guard for the decision of Caesar,
I ordered that he be secured until I could send him to Caesar."
22 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man
myself." He said, "Tomorrow you shall hear him."
23 (Ac 25:13; 26:30) The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp,
and they entered the hall with the commanders and the leading men of the city.
When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in.
24 (Ac 22:22; 25:7) Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all the men who are
present with us, you see this man, concerning whom the whole assembly
of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he
ought not to live any longer.
25 (Ac 23:29; Lk 23:4) I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death.
But when he himself appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him.
26 But I have nothing to write to His Majesty concerning him. Therefore
I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,
so that upon examination, I might have something to write.
27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without signifying
the charges against him."
Acts 26
Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
1 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for
yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today I shall make
my defense before you against all the accusations of the Jews,
3 (Ac 6:14) especially because you are an expert in all customs and
controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to patiently listen to me.
4 (Gal 1:13) "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning
in my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
5 (Ac 23:6; 22:3) They knew me from the beginning and could testify,
if they wished, how according to the strictest sect of our religion
I lived as a Pharisee.
6 (Ac 24:15; 28:20) And now I stand on trial for hope in the promise made
by God to our fathers,
7 (Jas 1:1; Ezr 6:17) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they
earnestly serve God day and night. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa,
I am accused by the Jews.
8 Why is it judged incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 (1Ti 1:13; Ac 22:8) "I, too, thought that I must do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,
10 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) which I indeed did in Jerusalem and locked up
many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests.
And when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.
11 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:19) I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled
them to blaspheme. And being extremely enraged against them, I persecuted them
even to foreign cities.
Paul Tells of His Conversion
Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16
12 "So I went to Damascus with authority
and a commission from the chief priests.
13 At midday, O King, I saw along the way a light from heaven, brighter than
the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 (Ac 21:40; 9:7) When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice
saying to me in the Hebrew language,
'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 "I said, 'Who are You, Lord?'
"He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
16 (Ac 22:14-15; Eze 2:1) But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared
to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of
what you have seen and of what I will yet reveal to you.
17 (Ac 9:15; Jer 1:8) I will deliver you from your people and from the Gentiles to whom I now send you,
18 (Ac 20:32; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 35:5) to open their eyes and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified
by faith in Me.'
Paul’s Testimony to Jews and Gentiles
19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
20 (Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19) but declared first to those at Damascus, then at
Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,
that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance.
21 (Ac 21:30-31; 21:27) For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple
and tried to kill me.
22 (Ac 24:14; Lk 24:27) Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue
to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what
the prophets and Moses said would happen:
23 (Rev 1:5; Lk 2:32; Col 1:18) that the Christ must suffer, that He would be
the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own
people and to the Gentiles."
Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe
24 (1Co 4:10; 2Ki 9:11) So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud
voice, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness."
25 (Ac 23:26; 24:3) Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak
the words of truth and reason.
26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I
am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a
corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."
28 (Ac 11:26) Then Agrippa said to Paul,
"You almost persuade me to be a Christian."
29 (Ac 21:33; 1Co 7:7) Paul said, "I pray to God that not only you,
but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly
and altogether, what I am, except for these chains."
30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor
and Bernice and those who sat with them.
31 (Ac 23:29; 23:9) When they had gone aside, they said to one another,
"This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment."
32 (Ac 28:18) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free
if he had not appealed to Caesar."
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/11/caring-for-those-in-need
entitled Caring for Those in Need
Deuteronomy 15:7-11
7 (Dt 15:9) If there be among you a poor man, one of your brothers within
any of your gates in your land which the Lord your God has given you,
you must not harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother.
8 (Mt 5:42; Lk 6:34) But you shall open your hand wide to him and must surely
lend him what is sufficient for his need, in that which he lacks.
9 (Dt 24:15; Mt 20:15; Ex 22:23) Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your
heart, saying, "The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand," and
your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing,
and he cry out to the Lord against you, and it become sin in you.
10 (Dt 14:29; 24:19) You must surely give to him, and your heart shall
not be grieved when you give to him, because in this thing the Lord
your God will bless you in all your works, and in all that you put
your hand to do.
11 (Mt 26:11; Mk 14:7) For the poor will never cease from being
in the land. Therefore, I command you, saying, "You shall open your hand
wide to your brother, to your poor and needy in your land."
Elvis Summers answered the door to find Smokey, a frail woman who stopped
by regularly to ask for empty cans to return for cash. This money was her
primary source of income. Elvis got an idea. "Could you show me where you
sleep?" he asked. Smokey led him to a narrow patch of dirt about two feet wide
next to a house. Moved by compassion, Summers built her a "tiny house" - a
simple shelter that provided space for her to sleep safely. Summers ran with
the idea. He started a GoFundMe page and teamed with local churches to provide
land to build more shelters for others who were homeless.
Throughout the Bible, God's people are reminded to care for those in need.
When God spoke through Moses to prepare the Israelites to enter the promised
land, He encouraged them to "be openhanded and freely lend [to the poor] whatever they need" (Deuteronomy 15:8). This passage also noted that "there
will always be poor people in the land" (v. 11). We don't have to go far to
see this is true. As God compassionately called the Israelites "to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites" (v. 11),
we too can find ways to help those in need.
Everyone needs food, shelter, and water. Even if we don't have much, may God
guide us to use what we do have to help others. Whether it's sharing a
sandwich or a warm winter coat, small things can make a big difference!
By: Julie Schwab
Reflect & Pray
Who do you know or have seen that may be in need of help today?
What can you do to help?
Jesus, help me to find ways I can help those around me.
Please give me a generous heart.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unslightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.
Application
a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?
b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?
c) How do today's verses help me put in prespective the work
God still want to do in me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Ps 1:3
He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that brings forth its fruit in its season;
its leaf will not wither,
and whatever he does will prosper.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry of Vengeful
James 1:19-25
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for the anger of man does not work
the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and remaining
wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able
to save your souls.
22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
viewing his natural face in a mirror. 24 He views himself, and goes his way,
and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But whoever looks into
the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this man will be blessed in his deeds.
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 in 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
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in you life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick,
that God's Spirit would influence then to act justly,
serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in
the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Advent Day 14
FRom C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle
Saturday, Second Week of Advent
"I have read [your book} Treasure on Earth and I don't believe you have any notion how good it is I've never seen the
hushed internal excitement of a child on Christmas Eve better done. That is something we can all recognise." - C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Mrs. Phyllis Sandeman," Dec. 10, 1952,
Lewis' Collected Letters, III, pp. 26 lff.)
Hushed Excitement
Christmas is especially for children, whether young children, old children,
or very old children. Simeon is an example of the third category.
We'll come back to him later.
In a letter written to Phyllis Sandeman during Advent, Lewis comments
favorably about a book that she had written that year, Treasure on Earth.
Subtitled A Country House Christmas, it tells of the approach of Christmas Day
in an Elizabethan mansion in northern England in 1906. An excited child, the
ten-year-old author herself, awaits Christmas morning, the gifts and all the
festivities that would come with the day.
"There was not long to wait now before the drama would begin-the
curtain was trembling to its rise. The twilight of the early winter morning,
the piercing sweetness of the voices rising in the still air, the tune and
the words she loved so well, 'Christians, awake, salute the happy mom!'
Then heaven would open."
Simeon had been waiting for the Savior for a long time. God had told him that
he would see the Christ, the promised Messiah, before he died. When the moment arrived, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, probably with a "hushed internal excitement." His eyes were full of anticipation, as he saw the salvation of lsrael in his arms. He amazed Mary and Joseph by predicting the future of this child. We, who know him, know that these predictions came true.
Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming, at your presence, and make it truly internal. Amen.
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
Luke 2:30
From Follow the Story from Marva J. Dawn
SATURDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Proper Amplification
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
-Luke 1:47
This meditation asks you to read the complete Magnificat of Mary so you can
see that almost the entire song is
about God, but we will concentrate now on only its first three verses. Mary is
filled with exuberance. Not only has God given her miraculous promises, but
also her relative Elizabeth has confirmed those assurances with lofty Joy.
Mary begins her inspired song magnifying God with her soul. That word soul in
Hebrew (from which came her Aramaic) means "one's whole being or true self."
Everything in her resounded with praise and adoration. No wonder her spirit
rejoices exceedingly!
Though she was unremarkable, God had beheld her benevolently. She wanted
everyone to know, though all generations would acclaim her, that the glory was
God's, that he was the Stupendous One, and that he was to be hallowed. She was
the humble recipient of God's exalted treasures, and she ached for everyone to
share in her ecstasy.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.
Read Luke 1:46-55.
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.â€
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND SATURDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AGING!
One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts. PSALM 145:4
Advent helps us to affirm that aging is a gift from God! Our society too
often sees aging as a burden rather than as a blessing. l am convinced
that God really, really loves old people. You know how can tell? Because
he continues to make more and more of us!
A favourite banner of mine states: 'Aging is the ONLY way to live!" How true,
how true!
Today's Scriptures catch the joy and the responsibilities of aging. In Mary's
song of praise. she rejoices in the fact that God had chosen her to bring
Jesus to the world. And she proclaims that his mercy is for everyone,
through all generations.
Psalm 145:4 the psalmist again picks up the fact that "one generation
shall laud your works to another!" We ambassadors of aging (and we ALL
are, regardless of our age. because the one thing we are all doing at the
same time is aging!) are called to share the same message that Mary
shared--Christ Jesus is for all people!
That is why Advent arid Christmas are not just for the little children but
-ether for all of God's children! That is why the Lord put us together in
families and congregations and communities where we can rub ministry
shoulders with those younger than us and also those older than us.
Perhaps during Advent or on Christmas Eve, if your congregation has a
children's message, you should also have an old folks' message. Invite a
the 80+ people to shuffle up to the front . . . and lie down, lust like the little
kids do! Someone will help them up! (Just a suggestion, but no need to
tell your pastor l suggested it!)
Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Luke 1:46-56 and Psalm 145:4-7.
Luke 1
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.â€
56 Mary remained with her about three months
and returned to her own house.
Psalm 145
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty
and of Your wondrous works.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) They shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
and I will declare Your greatness.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) They shall abundantly declare the fame of Your great goodness
and shall sing of Your righteousness.
Conclusion:
Pray to The Lord and pray to be a bold witness for Christ in persecution.
Pray to the Lord "Jesus, help me to find ways I can help those around me.
Please give me a generous heart."
Pray to the Lord and Pray to Him to Work in your Spirit.
Pry to the Lord to Be good in his Will.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be doers of the Word.
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 God's name to be glorified in you life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
Pray: Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming, at your presence, and make it truly internal. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.
Pray: Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully 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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