Day 346 - 12 December 2021 reflections
Day 346, 12 December 2021
At https://www.calvarycommunity.ca/ we looked at Joseph
the earthly father of JEsus.
Luke 1:26-27
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
Espousal phase
Betrothal phase
Luke 1:30-32
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
Luke 1:34-35
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
Matthew 1:18-19
18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
Character and compassion
1 Peter 4:8
8 (Pr 10:12; Jas 5:20) Above all things, have unfailing love for one another,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
Matthew 1:20-21,24-25
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
Faith and obedience
Look at Matthew 2
He needs and uses us to fulfill his plan
Matthew 1: 22-23,1-2,16
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6–7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
1 (Ge 22:18; Isa 11:1; Ro 1:3) The book of the genealogy
of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham:
2 (Ge 25:26; Ac 7:8) Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
...
16 (Mt 27:17; Lk 3:23) And Jacob was the father of Joseph,
the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
1)
Acts 27 - 28
Acts 27
Paul Sails for Rome
1 (Ac 25:25; 10:1; 25:12) When it was decided that we should sail into Italy,
they handed Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion of the Augustan
Regiment, named Julius.
2 (Ac 19:29) Boarding a ship from Adramyttium, we put out to sea, meaning
to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica,
was with us.
3 (Ac 24:23; 28:16) The next day we landed at Sidon. And JulÂius treated Paul
kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be given care.
4 (Ac 4:36) From there we put out to sea and sailed under the lee of Cyprus,
because the winds were against us.
5 (Ac 6:9; 13:13) Sailing across the sea off of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came
to Myra, a city of Lycia.
6 (Ac 28:11) There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy,
and he put us on board.
7 (Ac 27:21; 2:11) We sailed slowly for many days, and arrived with difficulty
off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to proceed, we sailed under the
lee of Crete off Salmone.
8 Sailing past it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens,
near the city of Lasea.
9 (Lev 23:27-29; Nu 29:7) As much time had been lost and as the voyage was now
dangerous, because the Day of Atonement was already over, Paul advised them,
10 saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will be with injury and much
loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives."
11 But the centurion was persuaded more by the captain and the owner of the
ship than by what Paul said.
12 Since the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority decided to
sail on from there, if somehow we might reach Phoenix, a harbor in Crete,
facing southwest and northwest, and winter there.
The Storm at Sea
13 When a south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained the
necessary conditions, they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.
14 (Mk 4:37) But soon afterward a tempestuous wind swept through, called the
Euroclydon.(Or Northeaster.)
15 When the ship was overpowered and could not head into the wind, we let her
drift.
16 Drifting under the lee of an island called Cauda, we could scarcely secure
the rowboat.
17 (Ac 27:29; 27:26) When they had Âhoisted it aboard, they used ropes to
undergird the ship. And fearing that they might run aground on the sand of
Syrtis, they let down the mast, and so were driven.
18 (Jnh 1:5; Ac 27:38) We were violently tossed by the storm. The next day
they threw cargo overboard.
19 On the third day we threw the tackle of the ship overboard with our own
hands.
20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was
upon us, all hope that we should be saved was lost.
21 After they had long abstained from food, Paul stood in their midst and
said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete,
incurring this injury and loss.
22 (Ac 27:25; 27:36) But now I advise you to take courage, for there will be
no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
23 (Ac 5:19; 23:11) For there stood by me this night the angel of God to whom
I belong and whom I serve,
24 (Ac 23:11; Ge 19:29) saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before
Caesar. And, look! God has given you all those who sail with you.'
25 (Ro 4:20-21) Therefore, men, take courage, for I believe God that it will
be exactly as it was told to me.
26 (Ac 28:1; 27:17) Nevertheless, we must be shipwrecked on a certain island."
27 When the fourteenth night came, while we were drifting in the Adriatic Sea,
about midnight the sailors supposed that they were approaching land.
28 They took soundings and found the water to be one hundred and twenty
feet deep.(Gk. 20 orguias, about 37 meters.) When they had gone a little
farther, they took soundings again and found it to be ninety feet deep.
(Gk. 15 orguias, about 27 meters.)
29 (Ac 27:17) Fearing that we might run aground on the rocks, they dropped
four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.
30 (Ac 27:16) When the sailors strove to abandon ship and lowered the rowboat
into the sea, under the pretext of lowering anchors out of the bow,
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these sailors
remain in the ship, you cannot be saved."
32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the rowboat and let her fall off.
33 As day was about to dawn, Paul asked them all to eat, saying, "Today is
the fourteenth day that you have waited and continued without food, having
eaten nothing.
34 (Mt 10:30; 1Ki 1:52) So I urge you to eat. This is for your preservation,
for not a hair shall fall from your head."
35 (Mt 15:36) When he had said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God
in the presence of them all. And when he had broken it he began to eat.
36 (Ac 27:22) Then they were all encouraged, and they also ate food
themselves.
37 (Ac 2:41; 7:14) In all we were 276 persons on the ship.
38 (Jnh 1:5) When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship
and threw the wheat into the sea.
The Shipwreck
39 (Ac 28:1) When it was day, they did not recognize the land. But they
noticed a bay with a shore, into which they were determined to run the ship if
possible.
40 Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while loosening the
ropes that secured the rudders. Then they hoisted the mainsail to the wind
and made for shore.
41 But striking a sandbar where two seas met, they ran the ship aground.
The bow stuck and remained immovable, but the stern was broken up by the
violent surf.
42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim
away and escape.
43 (Ac 27:3) But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, prevented them from
their intent and ordered those who could swim to abandon ship first
and get to land,
44 (Ac 27:22) and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship.
And in this way they all escaped safely to land.
Acts 28
Paul in Malta
1 (Ac 27:26; 27:39) When they had escaped, they learned that the island
was called Malta.
2 (Ac 28:4; Ro 1:14) The natives showed extraordinary kindness, for they
kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because of the rain and the cold.
3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper
driven out by the heat fastened on his hand.
4 (Lk 13:2; 13:4) When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand,
they said to one another, "Surely this man is a murderer. Though he has
escaped from the sea, justice does not allow him to live."
5 (Mk 16:18; Lk 10:19) But he shook off the creature into the fire
and suffered no harm.
6 They expected him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But while
they waited and saw no harm befall him, they changed their minds
and said that he was a god.
7 In that area was an estate of the chief man of the island, named Publius,
who had welcomed us and courteously housed us for three days.
8 (Ac 9:40; Mt 9:18) It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with
a fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and, placing his hands on him, prayed
and healed him.
9 When this happened, the rest on the island who had diseases also came
and were healed.
10 They honored us in many ways. And when we sailed, they provided us
with necessary supplies.
Paul Arrives in Rome
11 (Ac 27:6) After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose
figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.
12 Landing at Syracuse, we waited there for three days.
13 From there we circled around and sailed to Rhegium.
After one day the south wind blew, and the next day we arrived at Puteoli.
14 There we found brothers, and were invited to remain with them for seven
days. And so we went to Rome.
15 From there, when the brothers heard of us, they traveled as far as the
Forum of Appius (A town on the Appian Way about 55 miles from Rome.)
and the Three Taverns
(Or Three Inns, also on the Appian Way and about 10 miles closer to Rome.)
to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 (Ac 27:3; 24:23) When we arrived at Rome, the centurion handed
the prisoners over to the captain of the guard. But Paul was allowed
to remain by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Paul Preaches in Rome
17 (Ac 25:8; 6:14) After three days Paul called the leaders of the Jews
together. When they had assembled, he said to them, "Brothers, having done
nothing contrary to our people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered
as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 (Ac 26:31-32) When they had examined me, they were determined to release
me, because there was no charge against me deserving death.
19 (Ac 26:32; 25:21) But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal
to Caesar, not that I had any charge to bring against my nation.
20 (Ac 21:33; 23:6) For this reason I have asked to see you and speak with
you, because I am bound with this chain for the hope of Israel."
21 (Ac 22:5) They said to him, "We have not received any letters from Judea
concerning you, and none of the brothers that have come have reported
or spoken any evil of you.
22 (Ac 24:14; 1Pe 2:12) But we think it is proper to hear from you what you
think. For concerning this sect,
we know that it is spoken against everywhere."
23 (Ac 19:8; 8:35) When they had arranged a day to be with him, many came
to him at his residence. From morning until evening he explained and solemnly
testified of the kingdom of God to them, persuading them concerning Jesus
from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
24 (Ac 14:4; 17:4-5) Some believed what was said, but some did not believe.
25 (Mt 15:7) Being in disagreement with one another, they were dismissed after
Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit accurately spoke to our fathers
through Isaiah the prophet,
26 (Eze 12:2; Isa 6:9-10) 'Go to this people and say:
You shall certainly hear, but never understand;
and you shall certainly see, but never perceive;
27 for the heart of this people has grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have closed their eyes,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.'
28 (Lk 3:6; Ro 11:11) "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation
of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They will hear it!"
29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed and disputed greatly among
themselves.
30 Paul remained two whole years in his own rented house. He welcomed all who
came to him,
31 (Ac 28:23; Mt 4:23) boldly and freely preaching the kingdom of God
and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/12/
(using https://5dailydevotional.com/
december-12-2021-our-daily-bread-devotional/)
entitled Heroes, Tyrants, and Jesus
1 Corinthians 2:1–10
1 Corinthians 2
Proclaiming Christ Crucified
1 (1Co 1:17; 2:4) Brothers, when I came to you, I did not come with
superiority of speech or wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.
2 (Gal 6:14) For I determined not to know anything among you
except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
3 (2Co 13:4) I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.
4 (Ro 15:19; 1Co 4:20) My speech and my preaching was not with enticing
words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
5 (2Co 4:7; 6:7) so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,
but in the power of God.
The Revelation by God's Spirit
6 (1Co 1:28; Heb 5:14) Yet we speak wisdom among those who are mature,
although not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age,
who are coming to nothing.
7 (Ro 16:25-26; 2Ti 1:9) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery,
the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages for our glory.
8 (Ac 7:2; Jas 2:1) None of the rulers of this age knew it.
For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 (Isa 64:4; Mt 25:34) But as it is written,
"Eye has not seen,
nor ear heard,
nor has it entered into the heart of man
the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (Isa 64:4.)
10 (Jn 14:26; Eph 3:3) But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit.
For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
Beethoven was angry. He'd intended to name his Third Symphony "The Bonaparte."
In an age of religious and political tyranny, he saw Napoleon as a hero of
the people and champion of freedom. But when the French general declared
himself emperor, the celebrated composer changed his mind. Denouncing his
former hero as a rascal and tyrant, he rubbed so hard to erase Bonaparte’s
name that he left a hole in the original score.
Early believers in Jesus must have been disappointed when their hopes of
political reform were dashed. He'd stirred hopes of life without the tyranny
of Caesar's heavy-handed taxes and military presence. Yet, decades later,
Rome still ruled the world. Jesus' messengers were left with fears
and weakness. His disciples were marked by immaturity and infighting
(1 Corinthians 1:11–12; 3:1–3).
But there was a difference. Paul saw beyond what remained unchanged.
His letters began, ended, and overflowed with the name of Christ. Christ
resurrected. Christ with a promise to return in power. Christ in judgment of
everything and everyone. First and foremost, however, Paul wanted believers in
Jesus to be grounded in the meaning and implications of Him crucified
(2:2; 13:1–13).
The love expressed in Jesus' sacrifice made Him a different kind of leader.
As Lord and Savior of the world, His cross changes everything.
The name of Jesus will forever be known and praised above every name.
Reflect: How is Jesus different from other leaders?
Can you identify with Paul's recall of his own weakness and fear?
How does Jesus help you with that?
Pray: Father, please help me to see Your heart
in the sacrifice of Your Son.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 1 Call to the Lord - 2 Samuel 22:3-4
3 (Ge 15:1; Ps 9:9) the God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my fortress and my sanctuary;
my Savior, You save me from violence.
4 (Ps 48:1; 96:4) I call upon the Lord, who is praiseworthy,
and I am saved from my enemies.
In the old Days of Television Western, we could always tell who the enemy was.
The bad guys wore black hats; the evil villain had a scar across
his cheek or a patch over one eye. But real life is
not quite so simple . Enemies come in many forms, and often are not easy to
recognise. Sin is an enemy; even those we love can seek
to undermine our faith;
modern materialism and distorted values lead us away from biblical principles.
These enemies may not seek our death in a physical sense,
but their influence results in spiritual death or, at the very least,
immaturity.
Yet God promises to rescue us from our enemies. David describes the Lord as a
"rock", a "shield", a "stronghold", and a "refuge". God provides a stable
foundation for our faith; he products us from the attacks of the enemy;
he offers a place of rest in battle.
Our battles are usually not physical ones, but rather spiritual
and emotional wars.
We struggle with difficult relationships, the burdens of the past,
the subtle accusations of the devil.
But these enemies can be overcome. David says,
"I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise" .
When we turn to the Lord, trust his Word, acknowledge his
worthiness, we put our own problems and difficulties in perspective.
We see that God is able to rescue us, and has promised to do so.
And as we respond to his grace by focusing
on him, we abandon trust in ourselves and allow him to do what he promised.
Application
a) What kinds of enemies do I face?
b) How have I tried to deal with those enemies by myself?
c) How can today's verses help me turn to the sources of my rescue?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Prov 13:22
22 (Job 27:16-17; Pr 28:8) A good man leaves an inheritance to
his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry of Vengeful
Romans 12:14-21
14 (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28) Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.
15 (Heb 13:3; Job 30:25) Rejoice with those who rejoice,
and weep with those who weep.
16 (Ro 11:25; 15:5) Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not be haughty,
but associate with the lowly. Do not pretend to be wiser than you are.
17 (Pr 20:22; Mt 5:39) Repay no one evil for evil. Commend what is honest
in the sight of all men.
18 (Mk 9:50; Ro 14:19; Mt 5:9) If it is possible, as
much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 (Dt 32:35; Pr 24:29) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to God's wrath, for it is written:
"Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,"(Dt 32:35.) says the Lord.
20 (Pr 25:21–22; Mt 5:44) Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so you will
heap coals of fire on his head.â€(r 25:21–22.)
21 (1Pe 3:9) Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good.
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
12th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
(Proverb 11:1
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.
)
b) Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.
Advent Day 15
From C.S.Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Third Sunday of Advent
"Dear Hida (is that right?) Newman,
Thank you so much for your lovely letter and pictures As to
Asian's other name, well I want you to guess. Has there never
been anyone in this world who (1.) arrived at the same time as
Father Christmas. (2.) Said he was the son of the Great Emperor.
(3.) Gave himself up for someone else's fault to be jeered at
and killed by wicked people. (4.) Came to life again. (5.)
Is sometimes spoken of as a Lamb....Don't you really know His
name in this world? Think it over and let me know your answer."
- C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Hilo Newman," June 3, 1953,
Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, p. 334.)
Christ's Other Name
C. S. Lewis loved children. Every letter he ever received from a child, he answered. In a collection of them, Letters to Children, Lewis responded to a question about the identity of Aslan, the Christ-figure t of Narnia. Eleven-year-old Hila Newman had sent Lewis some drawings of the characters in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, along with some questions. Apparently she could not identify Aslan with any biblical character.
Lewis wrote back with not-too-subtle hints about a character
on our world who "arrived at the same time as Father Christmas." The hints that followed reveal how clearly Asian represented the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. 5:5) whom we know as Jesus, who had given himself up to be killed by wicked people and come to life again, and was sometimes called a Lamb. Lewis didn't give her the answer, because he wanted her to discover the truth for herself.
Instead of saying that Jesus is Asian's other name, we could say
that Aslan is Jesus' other name-at least in Narnia.
Thank you, Jesus, that your name is the name above all other
names. Thank you, Jesus, that your name saves us. Amen.
There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Upside Down
He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
-Luke 1:52
This verse near the end of Mary's reflection seems like an appropriate
theme verse for her whole song. God likes to
reverse our expectations!
We have seen this happen many times in history. Those of us who are older remember well the downfall of the Marcos
regime in the Philippines, and probably the photograph of the
lone protester in front of a tank stands out in our minds.
We might recall various pictures of the Berlin Wall's fall
and the breakdown of Communism in Europe.
Younger readers might be more familiar with the Arab Spring and the bright hopes it aroused (though the revolutions might not be successfully maintained later). When tyrants are crushed, the people rejoice.
So Mary sings of God's work to bring down the powerful while elevating the abject; feeding the hungry while dismissing
with nothing the affluent; and showing vigorous power while scattering the arrogant in their deliberations. Verily, God acts in the world to inaugurate justice!
prayer
Omnipotent God of fairness and truth, enable us to participate
in your establishment of righteousness. Amen.
Read Luke 1:45-55.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
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
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ASTOUNDING!
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
"Be strong, fear not.
Your God will come
with vengeance,
even God with a recompense;
He will come and save you."ISAIAH 35:4
There is no better word for it God's love is astounding! Check out Isaiah
35: "the blind shall see, the lame shall leap, the tongues of the speechless
shall sing for joy"--that's astounding! It's like the comment an 8-year-old
made when he saw the Grand Canyon for the first time: "Wow, something
big must have happened here!"
Isaiah's words are comforting and hopeful for each of us. In a world
where there is so little hope. where there is so much pain. so many
disappointments. this prophecy of God's action in the world is ... well
simply astounding!
It is the Lord who brings us joy that last s a lifetime and beyond. We have
already obtained "Joy and gladness" as "sorrow and sighing shall flee
away." And now e each get a chance to bring this astounding news to
others. That's what Advent is all about. This Advent, why not have this as
your mission: Give fewer gifts but more presence. Like Isaiah, bring your
presence to others by simply doing this: "Say to those who are of a fearful
heart, 'Be strong, do not fear!"
To whom will you proclaim astounding message today?
Lord. you astound us every day--first, by loving us completely and then by
blessing us through our Good Fridays and our Easters -- through our AH-
HAs and our UH-OHs. Fill us with your AH-HAs as we seek to bring hope to
the UH-OHs in our lives . In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 35:1-10
Isaiah 35
The Future Glory of Zion
1 (Isa 51:3; 55:12-13) The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad,
and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 (Isa 60:13; 25:9) it shall blossom abundantly
and rejoice even with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord
and the excellency of our God.
3 (Heb 12:12; Job 4:3-4) Strengthen the weak hands,
and support the feeble knees.
4 Isa 34:8; 28:16 Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
"Be strong, fear not.
Your God will come
with vengeance,
even God with a recompense;
He will come and save you."
5 (Isa 29:18; 32:3-4) Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 (Lk 11:14; Jn 5:8-9) Then the lame man shall leap as a deer,
and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For in the wilderness waters shall break out
and streams in the desert.
7 (Isa 13:22; 34:13) The parched ground shall become a pool,
and the thirsty land springs of water;
in the habitation of jackals where each lay,
there shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8 (Isa 52:1; 11:16) A highway shall be there, a roadway,
and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean shall not pass on it,
but it shall be for the wayfaring men,
and fools shall not wander on it.
9 (Isa 62:12) No lion shall be there,
nor any ravenous beast shall go up on it;
these shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there,
10 (Rev 21:4; Isa 25:8) and the ransomed of the Lord shall return
and come to Zion with songs
and everlasting joy upon their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and ask Him how to advance His kingdom.
Pray to The Lord and pray to be a bold witness for Christ in persecution.
Pray to the Lord "Father, please help me to see Your heart
in the sacrifice of Your Son."
Pray to the Lord and Pray to Him to deal with your enemies.
Pray to the Lord to leave a legacy of righteousness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to render good for evil.
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 that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.
Thank you, Jesus, that your name is the name above all other
names. Thank you, Jesus, that your name saves us. Amen.
Pray: Omnipotent God of fairness and truth, enable us to participate
in your establishment of righteousness. Amen.
Pray: Lord. you astound us every day--first, by loving us completely
and then by blessing us through our Good Fridays and our Easters
-- through our AH-HAs and our UH-OHs. Fill us with your AH-HAs
as we seek to bring hope to the UH-OHs in our lives .
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Christian workers in Iraq will make the most of new outreach
opportunities.
Pray for those sharing the Gospel with Somalis living in Kenya.
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.
At https://www.calvarycommunity.ca/ we looked at Joseph
the earthly father of JEsus.
Luke 1:26-27
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
Espousal phase
Betrothal phase
Luke 1:30-32
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
Luke 1:34-35
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
Matthew 1:18-19
18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
Character and compassion
1 Peter 4:8
8 (Pr 10:12; Jas 5:20) Above all things, have unfailing love for one another,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
Matthew 1:20-21,24-25
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
Faith and obedience
Look at Matthew 2
He needs and uses us to fulfill his plan
Matthew 1: 22-23,1-2,16
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6–7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
1 (Ge 22:18; Isa 11:1; Ro 1:3) The book of the genealogy
of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham:
2 (Ge 25:26; Ac 7:8) Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
...
16 (Mt 27:17; Lk 3:23) And Jacob was the father of Joseph,
the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
1)
Acts 27 - 28
Acts 27
Paul Sails for Rome
1 (Ac 25:25; 10:1; 25:12) When it was decided that we should sail into Italy,
they handed Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion of the Augustan
Regiment, named Julius.
2 (Ac 19:29) Boarding a ship from Adramyttium, we put out to sea, meaning
to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica,
was with us.
3 (Ac 24:23; 28:16) The next day we landed at Sidon. And JulÂius treated Paul
kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be given care.
4 (Ac 4:36) From there we put out to sea and sailed under the lee of Cyprus,
because the winds were against us.
5 (Ac 6:9; 13:13) Sailing across the sea off of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came
to Myra, a city of Lycia.
6 (Ac 28:11) There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy,
and he put us on board.
7 (Ac 27:21; 2:11) We sailed slowly for many days, and arrived with difficulty
off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to proceed, we sailed under the
lee of Crete off Salmone.
8 Sailing past it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens,
near the city of Lasea.
9 (Lev 23:27-29; Nu 29:7) As much time had been lost and as the voyage was now
dangerous, because the Day of Atonement was already over, Paul advised them,
10 saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will be with injury and much
loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives."
11 But the centurion was persuaded more by the captain and the owner of the
ship than by what Paul said.
12 Since the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority decided to
sail on from there, if somehow we might reach Phoenix, a harbor in Crete,
facing southwest and northwest, and winter there.
The Storm at Sea
13 When a south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained the
necessary conditions, they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.
14 (Mk 4:37) But soon afterward a tempestuous wind swept through, called the
Euroclydon.(Or Northeaster.)
15 When the ship was overpowered and could not head into the wind, we let her
drift.
16 Drifting under the lee of an island called Cauda, we could scarcely secure
the rowboat.
17 (Ac 27:29; 27:26) When they had Âhoisted it aboard, they used ropes to
undergird the ship. And fearing that they might run aground on the sand of
Syrtis, they let down the mast, and so were driven.
18 (Jnh 1:5; Ac 27:38) We were violently tossed by the storm. The next day
they threw cargo overboard.
19 On the third day we threw the tackle of the ship overboard with our own
hands.
20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was
upon us, all hope that we should be saved was lost.
21 After they had long abstained from food, Paul stood in their midst and
said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete,
incurring this injury and loss.
22 (Ac 27:25; 27:36) But now I advise you to take courage, for there will be
no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
23 (Ac 5:19; 23:11) For there stood by me this night the angel of God to whom
I belong and whom I serve,
24 (Ac 23:11; Ge 19:29) saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before
Caesar. And, look! God has given you all those who sail with you.'
25 (Ro 4:20-21) Therefore, men, take courage, for I believe God that it will
be exactly as it was told to me.
26 (Ac 28:1; 27:17) Nevertheless, we must be shipwrecked on a certain island."
27 When the fourteenth night came, while we were drifting in the Adriatic Sea,
about midnight the sailors supposed that they were approaching land.
28 They took soundings and found the water to be one hundred and twenty
feet deep.(Gk. 20 orguias, about 37 meters.) When they had gone a little
farther, they took soundings again and found it to be ninety feet deep.
(Gk. 15 orguias, about 27 meters.)
29 (Ac 27:17) Fearing that we might run aground on the rocks, they dropped
four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.
30 (Ac 27:16) When the sailors strove to abandon ship and lowered the rowboat
into the sea, under the pretext of lowering anchors out of the bow,
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these sailors
remain in the ship, you cannot be saved."
32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the rowboat and let her fall off.
33 As day was about to dawn, Paul asked them all to eat, saying, "Today is
the fourteenth day that you have waited and continued without food, having
eaten nothing.
34 (Mt 10:30; 1Ki 1:52) So I urge you to eat. This is for your preservation,
for not a hair shall fall from your head."
35 (Mt 15:36) When he had said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God
in the presence of them all. And when he had broken it he began to eat.
36 (Ac 27:22) Then they were all encouraged, and they also ate food
themselves.
37 (Ac 2:41; 7:14) In all we were 276 persons on the ship.
38 (Jnh 1:5) When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship
and threw the wheat into the sea.
The Shipwreck
39 (Ac 28:1) When it was day, they did not recognize the land. But they
noticed a bay with a shore, into which they were determined to run the ship if
possible.
40 Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while loosening the
ropes that secured the rudders. Then they hoisted the mainsail to the wind
and made for shore.
41 But striking a sandbar where two seas met, they ran the ship aground.
The bow stuck and remained immovable, but the stern was broken up by the
violent surf.
42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim
away and escape.
43 (Ac 27:3) But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, prevented them from
their intent and ordered those who could swim to abandon ship first
and get to land,
44 (Ac 27:22) and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship.
And in this way they all escaped safely to land.
Acts 28
Paul in Malta
1 (Ac 27:26; 27:39) When they had escaped, they learned that the island
was called Malta.
2 (Ac 28:4; Ro 1:14) The natives showed extraordinary kindness, for they
kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because of the rain and the cold.
3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper
driven out by the heat fastened on his hand.
4 (Lk 13:2; 13:4) When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand,
they said to one another, "Surely this man is a murderer. Though he has
escaped from the sea, justice does not allow him to live."
5 (Mk 16:18; Lk 10:19) But he shook off the creature into the fire
and suffered no harm.
6 They expected him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But while
they waited and saw no harm befall him, they changed their minds
and said that he was a god.
7 In that area was an estate of the chief man of the island, named Publius,
who had welcomed us and courteously housed us for three days.
8 (Ac 9:40; Mt 9:18) It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with
a fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and, placing his hands on him, prayed
and healed him.
9 When this happened, the rest on the island who had diseases also came
and were healed.
10 They honored us in many ways. And when we sailed, they provided us
with necessary supplies.
Paul Arrives in Rome
11 (Ac 27:6) After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose
figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.
12 Landing at Syracuse, we waited there for three days.
13 From there we circled around and sailed to Rhegium.
After one day the south wind blew, and the next day we arrived at Puteoli.
14 There we found brothers, and were invited to remain with them for seven
days. And so we went to Rome.
15 From there, when the brothers heard of us, they traveled as far as the
Forum of Appius (A town on the Appian Way about 55 miles from Rome.)
and the Three Taverns
(Or Three Inns, also on the Appian Way and about 10 miles closer to Rome.)
to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 (Ac 27:3; 24:23) When we arrived at Rome, the centurion handed
the prisoners over to the captain of the guard. But Paul was allowed
to remain by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Paul Preaches in Rome
17 (Ac 25:8; 6:14) After three days Paul called the leaders of the Jews
together. When they had assembled, he said to them, "Brothers, having done
nothing contrary to our people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered
as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 (Ac 26:31-32) When they had examined me, they were determined to release
me, because there was no charge against me deserving death.
19 (Ac 26:32; 25:21) But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal
to Caesar, not that I had any charge to bring against my nation.
20 (Ac 21:33; 23:6) For this reason I have asked to see you and speak with
you, because I am bound with this chain for the hope of Israel."
21 (Ac 22:5) They said to him, "We have not received any letters from Judea
concerning you, and none of the brothers that have come have reported
or spoken any evil of you.
22 (Ac 24:14; 1Pe 2:12) But we think it is proper to hear from you what you
think. For concerning this sect,
we know that it is spoken against everywhere."
23 (Ac 19:8; 8:35) When they had arranged a day to be with him, many came
to him at his residence. From morning until evening he explained and solemnly
testified of the kingdom of God to them, persuading them concerning Jesus
from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
24 (Ac 14:4; 17:4-5) Some believed what was said, but some did not believe.
25 (Mt 15:7) Being in disagreement with one another, they were dismissed after
Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit accurately spoke to our fathers
through Isaiah the prophet,
26 (Eze 12:2; Isa 6:9-10) 'Go to this people and say:
You shall certainly hear, but never understand;
and you shall certainly see, but never perceive;
27 for the heart of this people has grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have closed their eyes,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.'
28 (Lk 3:6; Ro 11:11) "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation
of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They will hear it!"
29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed and disputed greatly among
themselves.
30 Paul remained two whole years in his own rented house. He welcomed all who
came to him,
31 (Ac 28:23; Mt 4:23) boldly and freely preaching the kingdom of God
and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ.
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/12/
(using https://5dailydevotional.com/
december-12-2021-our-daily-bread-devotional/)
entitled Heroes, Tyrants, and Jesus
1 Corinthians 2:1–10
1 Corinthians 2
Proclaiming Christ Crucified
1 (1Co 1:17; 2:4) Brothers, when I came to you, I did not come with
superiority of speech or wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.
2 (Gal 6:14) For I determined not to know anything among you
except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
3 (2Co 13:4) I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.
4 (Ro 15:19; 1Co 4:20) My speech and my preaching was not with enticing
words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
5 (2Co 4:7; 6:7) so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,
but in the power of God.
The Revelation by God's Spirit
6 (1Co 1:28; Heb 5:14) Yet we speak wisdom among those who are mature,
although not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age,
who are coming to nothing.
7 (Ro 16:25-26; 2Ti 1:9) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery,
the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages for our glory.
8 (Ac 7:2; Jas 2:1) None of the rulers of this age knew it.
For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 (Isa 64:4; Mt 25:34) But as it is written,
"Eye has not seen,
nor ear heard,
nor has it entered into the heart of man
the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (Isa 64:4.)
10 (Jn 14:26; Eph 3:3) But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit.
For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
Beethoven was angry. He'd intended to name his Third Symphony "The Bonaparte."
In an age of religious and political tyranny, he saw Napoleon as a hero of
the people and champion of freedom. But when the French general declared
himself emperor, the celebrated composer changed his mind. Denouncing his
former hero as a rascal and tyrant, he rubbed so hard to erase Bonaparte’s
name that he left a hole in the original score.
Early believers in Jesus must have been disappointed when their hopes of
political reform were dashed. He'd stirred hopes of life without the tyranny
of Caesar's heavy-handed taxes and military presence. Yet, decades later,
Rome still ruled the world. Jesus' messengers were left with fears
and weakness. His disciples were marked by immaturity and infighting
(1 Corinthians 1:11–12; 3:1–3).
But there was a difference. Paul saw beyond what remained unchanged.
His letters began, ended, and overflowed with the name of Christ. Christ
resurrected. Christ with a promise to return in power. Christ in judgment of
everything and everyone. First and foremost, however, Paul wanted believers in
Jesus to be grounded in the meaning and implications of Him crucified
(2:2; 13:1–13).
The love expressed in Jesus' sacrifice made Him a different kind of leader.
As Lord and Savior of the world, His cross changes everything.
The name of Jesus will forever be known and praised above every name.
Reflect: How is Jesus different from other leaders?
Can you identify with Paul's recall of his own weakness and fear?
How does Jesus help you with that?
Pray: Father, please help me to see Your heart
in the sacrifice of Your Son.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 1 Call to the Lord - 2 Samuel 22:3-4
3 (Ge 15:1; Ps 9:9) the God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my fortress and my sanctuary;
my Savior, You save me from violence.
4 (Ps 48:1; 96:4) I call upon the Lord, who is praiseworthy,
and I am saved from my enemies.
In the old Days of Television Western, we could always tell who the enemy was.
The bad guys wore black hats; the evil villain had a scar across
his cheek or a patch over one eye. But real life is
not quite so simple . Enemies come in many forms, and often are not easy to
recognise. Sin is an enemy; even those we love can seek
to undermine our faith;
modern materialism and distorted values lead us away from biblical principles.
These enemies may not seek our death in a physical sense,
but their influence results in spiritual death or, at the very least,
immaturity.
Yet God promises to rescue us from our enemies. David describes the Lord as a
"rock", a "shield", a "stronghold", and a "refuge". God provides a stable
foundation for our faith; he products us from the attacks of the enemy;
he offers a place of rest in battle.
Our battles are usually not physical ones, but rather spiritual
and emotional wars.
We struggle with difficult relationships, the burdens of the past,
the subtle accusations of the devil.
But these enemies can be overcome. David says,
"I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise" .
When we turn to the Lord, trust his Word, acknowledge his
worthiness, we put our own problems and difficulties in perspective.
We see that God is able to rescue us, and has promised to do so.
And as we respond to his grace by focusing
on him, we abandon trust in ourselves and allow him to do what he promised.
Application
a) What kinds of enemies do I face?
b) How have I tried to deal with those enemies by myself?
c) How can today's verses help me turn to the sources of my rescue?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Prov 13:22
22 (Job 27:16-17; Pr 28:8) A good man leaves an inheritance to
his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Angry of Vengeful
Romans 12:14-21
14 (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28) Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.
15 (Heb 13:3; Job 30:25) Rejoice with those who rejoice,
and weep with those who weep.
16 (Ro 11:25; 15:5) Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not be haughty,
but associate with the lowly. Do not pretend to be wiser than you are.
17 (Pr 20:22; Mt 5:39) Repay no one evil for evil. Commend what is honest
in the sight of all men.
18 (Mk 9:50; Ro 14:19; Mt 5:9) If it is possible, as
much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 (Dt 32:35; Pr 24:29) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to God's wrath, for it is written:
"Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,"(Dt 32:35.) says the Lord.
20 (Pr 25:21–22; Mt 5:44) Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so you will
heap coals of fire on his head.â€(r 25:21–22.)
21 (1Pe 3:9) Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good.
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
12th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
(Proverb 11:1
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.
)
b) Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.
Advent Day 15
From C.S.Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Third Sunday of Advent
"Dear Hida (is that right?) Newman,
Thank you so much for your lovely letter and pictures As to
Asian's other name, well I want you to guess. Has there never
been anyone in this world who (1.) arrived at the same time as
Father Christmas. (2.) Said he was the son of the Great Emperor.
(3.) Gave himself up for someone else's fault to be jeered at
and killed by wicked people. (4.) Came to life again. (5.)
Is sometimes spoken of as a Lamb....Don't you really know His
name in this world? Think it over and let me know your answer."
- C. S. Lewis
(From "Letter to Hilo Newman," June 3, 1953,
Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, p. 334.)
Christ's Other Name
C. S. Lewis loved children. Every letter he ever received from a child, he answered. In a collection of them, Letters to Children, Lewis responded to a question about the identity of Aslan, the Christ-figure t of Narnia. Eleven-year-old Hila Newman had sent Lewis some drawings of the characters in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, along with some questions. Apparently she could not identify Aslan with any biblical character.
Lewis wrote back with not-too-subtle hints about a character
on our world who "arrived at the same time as Father Christmas." The hints that followed reveal how clearly Asian represented the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. 5:5) whom we know as Jesus, who had given himself up to be killed by wicked people and come to life again, and was sometimes called a Lamb. Lewis didn't give her the answer, because he wanted her to discover the truth for herself.
Instead of saying that Jesus is Asian's other name, we could say
that Aslan is Jesus' other name-at least in Narnia.
Thank you, Jesus, that your name is the name above all other
names. Thank you, Jesus, that your name saves us. Amen.
There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Upside Down
He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
-Luke 1:52
This verse near the end of Mary's reflection seems like an appropriate
theme verse for her whole song. God likes to
reverse our expectations!
We have seen this happen many times in history. Those of us who are older remember well the downfall of the Marcos
regime in the Philippines, and probably the photograph of the
lone protester in front of a tank stands out in our minds.
We might recall various pictures of the Berlin Wall's fall
and the breakdown of Communism in Europe.
Younger readers might be more familiar with the Arab Spring and the bright hopes it aroused (though the revolutions might not be successfully maintained later). When tyrants are crushed, the people rejoice.
So Mary sings of God's work to bring down the powerful while elevating the abject; feeding the hungry while dismissing
with nothing the affluent; and showing vigorous power while scattering the arrogant in their deliberations. Verily, God acts in the world to inaugurate justice!
prayer
Omnipotent God of fairness and truth, enable us to participate
in your establishment of righteousness. Amen.
Read Luke 1:45-55.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."
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
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ASTOUNDING!
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
"Be strong, fear not.
Your God will come
with vengeance,
even God with a recompense;
He will come and save you."ISAIAH 35:4
There is no better word for it God's love is astounding! Check out Isaiah
35: "the blind shall see, the lame shall leap, the tongues of the speechless
shall sing for joy"--that's astounding! It's like the comment an 8-year-old
made when he saw the Grand Canyon for the first time: "Wow, something
big must have happened here!"
Isaiah's words are comforting and hopeful for each of us. In a world
where there is so little hope. where there is so much pain. so many
disappointments. this prophecy of God's action in the world is ... well
simply astounding!
It is the Lord who brings us joy that last s a lifetime and beyond. We have
already obtained "Joy and gladness" as "sorrow and sighing shall flee
away." And now e each get a chance to bring this astounding news to
others. That's what Advent is all about. This Advent, why not have this as
your mission: Give fewer gifts but more presence. Like Isaiah, bring your
presence to others by simply doing this: "Say to those who are of a fearful
heart, 'Be strong, do not fear!"
To whom will you proclaim astounding message today?
Lord. you astound us every day--first, by loving us completely and then by
blessing us through our Good Fridays and our Easters -- through our AH-
HAs and our UH-OHs. Fill us with your AH-HAs as we seek to bring hope to
the UH-OHs in our lives . In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 35:1-10
Isaiah 35
The Future Glory of Zion
1 (Isa 51:3; 55:12-13) The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad,
and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 (Isa 60:13; 25:9) it shall blossom abundantly
and rejoice even with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord
and the excellency of our God.
3 (Heb 12:12; Job 4:3-4) Strengthen the weak hands,
and support the feeble knees.
4 Isa 34:8; 28:16 Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
"Be strong, fear not.
Your God will come
with vengeance,
even God with a recompense;
He will come and save you."
5 (Isa 29:18; 32:3-4) Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 (Lk 11:14; Jn 5:8-9) Then the lame man shall leap as a deer,
and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For in the wilderness waters shall break out
and streams in the desert.
7 (Isa 13:22; 34:13) The parched ground shall become a pool,
and the thirsty land springs of water;
in the habitation of jackals where each lay,
there shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8 (Isa 52:1; 11:16) A highway shall be there, a roadway,
and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean shall not pass on it,
but it shall be for the wayfaring men,
and fools shall not wander on it.
9 (Isa 62:12) No lion shall be there,
nor any ravenous beast shall go up on it;
these shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there,
10 (Rev 21:4; Isa 25:8) and the ransomed of the Lord shall return
and come to Zion with songs
and everlasting joy upon their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and ask Him how to advance His kingdom.
Pray to The Lord and pray to be a bold witness for Christ in persecution.
Pray to the Lord "Father, please help me to see Your heart
in the sacrifice of Your Son."
Pray to the Lord and Pray to Him to deal with your enemies.
Pray to the Lord to leave a legacy of righteousness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to render good for evil.
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 that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.
Thank you, Jesus, that your name is the name above all other
names. Thank you, Jesus, that your name saves us. Amen.
Pray: Omnipotent God of fairness and truth, enable us to participate
in your establishment of righteousness. Amen.
Pray: Lord. you astound us every day--first, by loving us completely
and then by blessing us through our Good Fridays and our Easters
-- through our AH-HAs and our UH-OHs. Fill us with your AH-HAs
as we seek to bring hope to the UH-OHs in our lives .
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Christian workers in Iraq will make the most of new outreach
opportunities.
Pray for those sharing the Gospel with Somalis living in Kenya.
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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