Day 354 - 20 December 2021 reflections
Day 354, 20 December 2021
1)
Hebrews 7 - 10
Hebrews 7
The Priestly Order of Melchizedek
1 (Ge 14:18-20; Mk 5:7) For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest
of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings
and blessed him.
2 To him Abraham also gave a tenth part of everything. In the first place,
his name is translated "king of righteousness," and then also he is king
of Salem, which means "king of peace."
3 (Heb 7:6) Without father, without mother, without descent,
having neither beginning of days nor end of life,
but made like the Son of God, he continually remains a priest.
4 (Ac 2:29; Ge 14:20) Now consider how great this man was, to whom even
the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
5 Surely the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have
a command to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is,
from their brothers, though they also come from the seed of Abraham.
6 (Ro 4:13; Ge 14:19-20) But this man, whose descent is not numbered among
them, received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
7 Without question, the inferior is blessed by the superior.
8 (Heb 5:6; 6:20) In the one case mortal men receive tithes, but in the other
he of whom it is witnessed that he is alive receives them.
9 One might say that Levi also, who receives tithes,
paid tithes through Abraham,
10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met Abraham.
11 (Heb 8:7; Gal 2:21) If perfection were attained through the Levitical
priesthood (for through it the people received the law), what further need
was there that another priest should rise in the order of Melchizedek,
rather than established in the order of Aaron?
12 For a change in the priesthood necessitates a change in the law.
13 For the One concerning whom these things are spoken pertains to another
tribe, from which no man served at the altar.
14 (Isa 11:1; Mic 5:2; Lk 3:33) For it is evident that our Lord descended
from Judah, a tribe concerning which Moses said nothing about priests.
15 This is far more evident when another priest arises in the likeness
of Melchizedek,
16 who becomes a priest not by a law pertaining to ancestry,
but by the power of an endless life.
17 (Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6) For He testifies:
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)
18 (Ro 8:3; Gal 4:9) For there is then an annulling of the previous
commandment due to its weakness and uselessness.
19 (Ac 13:39; Heb 4:16) For the law made nothing perfect, but now
a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
20 And He was not made a priest without an oath.
21 (Ps 110:4; Heb 7:17) (Other priests were made without an oath,
but this One with an oath by the One who said to Him:
"The Lord has sworn
and will not relent,
'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.' " (Nu 23:19;
1Sa 15:29; Ps 110:4.))
22 Through this oath Jesus became the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 And the former priests were numerous because they were hindered
from serving because of death.
24 (Heb 7:28; Jn 12:34) But He, because He lives forever,
has an everlasting priesthood.
25 (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:19; Jn 14:6) Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost
those who come to God through Him, because He at all times lives to make
intercession for them.
26 (Heb 8:1; 2Co 5:21) For such a High Priest was fitting for us,
for He is holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners,
and is higher than the heavens.
27 (Heb 9:28; 5:3; 9:12) Unlike those high priests, He does not need to
offer daily sacrifices-first for His own sins and then for the people's,
for He did this once for all when He offered up Himself.
28 (Heb 2:10; 1:2) For the law appoints men who are weak as high priests,
but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son who is
made perfect forever.
Hebrews 8
Jesus Our High Priest
1 (Heb 1:3; Col 3:1) Now this is the main point of the things that we are
saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand
of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
2 a minister in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle, which the Lord,
not man, set up.
3 (Heb 5:1; Eph 5:2) For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts
and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this priest also have
something to offer.
4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest,
since there are priests that offer gifts according to the law.
5 (Ex 25:40; Col 2:17) They serve in a sanctuary that is an example
and shadow of the heavenly one, as Moses was instructed
by God when he was about to make the tabernacle,
"See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you
on the mountain."-6 (Pr 3:11-12.)
6 (Heb 7:22; 12:24; 2Co 3:6-11) But now He has obtained a more excellent
ministry, because He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was
established on better promises.
7 (Heb 7:11; 7:18) For if that first covenant had been faultless,
then no occasion would have been sought for a second.
8 (Jer 31:31-34; Lk 22:20) For finding fault with them, God says:
"Surely the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah,
9 (Dt 5:2-3; Jer 31:32) not according to the covenant
that I made with their fathers
in the day when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of the land of Egypt;
because they did not continue in My covenant,
and I rejected them, says the Lord.
10 (Jer 31:33; 2Co 3:3) This is the covenant that I will make
with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws into their minds
and write them on their hearts;
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people.
11 (Isa 54:13; Jn 6:45; 1Jn 2:27) No longer shall every man teach
his neighbour,
and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
for all shall know Me,
from the least of them to the greatest. (Isa 54:13.)
12 (Ro 11:27; Isa 43:25) For I will be merciful toward their unrighteousness,
and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
13 (2Co 5:17) In speaking of a new covenant He has made the first one old.
Now that which is decaying and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Hebrews 9
The Earthly and Heavenly Sanctuaries
1 (Ex 25:8; Heb 8:2) Then indeed, the first covenant had ordinances for divine
services and an earthly sanctuary.
2 (Ex 40:4; 26:35) A tabernacle was made. In the first part of the tabernacle,
called the Holy Place, were the candlestick, the table, and the showbread.
3 (Ex 26:31-33; 40:3) Behind the second veil was the second part of the
tabernacle called the Most Holy Place,
4 (Ex 26:33; 40:3) which contained the golden censer and the ark of the
covenant overlaid with gold, containing the golden pot holding the manna,
Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
5 (Lev 16:2; Ex 25:17-22; 1Ki 8:6-7) Above the ark were the cherubim of glory
overshadowing the mercy seat. Concerning these things we cannot now speak in
detail.
6 (Nu 28:3) Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests would
regularly go into the first part, conducting the services of God.
7 (Lev 16:34; Ex 30:10) But only the high priest went into the second part
once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins
of the people, committed in ignorance.
8 (Jn 14:6; Heb 3:7) The Holy Spirit was signifying through this that the way
into the Most Holy Place was not yet revealed, because the first part of the
tabernacle was still standing.
9 (Heb 5:1) This is an illustration for the present time, showing that
the gifts and sacrifices offered could not perfect the conscience of those
who worshipped,
10 (Col 2:16; Heb 7:16) since they are concerned only with foods and drinks,
ceremonial cleansings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time
of reformation.
11 (Heb 10:1; 2:17) But Christ, when He came as a High Priest of the good
things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle,
not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,
12 (Heb 10:4; Da 9:24) neither by the blood of goats and calves,
but by His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all,
having obtained eternal redemption.
13 For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer,
sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies so that the flesh is purified,
14 (1Pe 3:18; Heb 6:1; 10:22) how much more shall the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God,
cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 (Ro 8:28; 1Ti 2:5) For this reason He is the Mediator of a new covenant,
since a death has occurred for the redemption of the sins that were committed
under the first covenant, so that those who are called might receive
the promise of eternal inheritance.
16 For where there is a will, there must also of necessity be the death
of the testator.
17 (Gal 3:15) For a will has force after men are dead, since it has no force
at all while the testator lives.
18 So not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.
19 (Nu 19:6; Heb 9:12) For when Moses had taught every precept to all
the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats,
with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book
and all the people,
20 (Mt 26:28; Ex 24:8) saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that God
has commanded you to keep."(Ex 19:12-13.)
21 (Lev 8:15; 8:19) Likewise he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the
vessels of worship with blood.
22 (Lev 17:11) And according to the law almost everything must be cleansed
with blood; without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Christ's Sacrifice Takes Away Sin
23 (Heb 8:5; 9:24) It was therefore necessary that the replicas of heavenly
things be cleansed with these sacrifices, but that the heavenly things
themselves be cleansed with better sacrifices than these.
24 (Heb 8:2) For Christ did not enter holy places made with hands,
which are patterned after the true one, but into heaven itself,
now to appear in the presence of God for us.
25 (Heb 9:7; 10:19) Nor did He enter to offer Himself often, as the high
priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.
26 (Heb 1:2; 7:27) For then He would have had to suffer repeatedly
since the world was created, but now He has appeared once at the end
of the ages to put away sin by sacrificing Himself.
27 (Ge 3:19; 2Co 5:10) As it is appointed for men to die once,
but after this comes the judgment,
28 (Titus 2:13; 1Pe 2:24) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many,
and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to save those who
eagerly wait for Him.
Hebrews 10
1 (Heb 8:5; 9:11) For the law is a shadow of the good things to come,
and not the very image of those things. It could never by the same sacrifices,
which they offer continually year after year, perfect those who draw near.
2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshippers,
once purified, would no longer be conscious of sins?
3 (Heb 9:7) But in those sacrifices there is an annual reminder of sins.
4 (Heb 10:11) For it is not possible for the blood of bulls
and goats to take away sins.
5 (Heb 1:6; Ge 3:15) Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:
"Sacrifices and offerings You did not desire,
but a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You have had no pleasure.
7 (Ge 3:15) Then I said, 'See, I have come to do Your will, O God,'
as it is written of Me
in the volume of the book."
8 (Heb 10:5) Previously when He said, "You did not desire sacrifices
and offerings. You have had no pleasure in burnt offerings
and sacrifices for sin,"(Ps 40:6.) which are offered in accordance
with the law,
9 (Heb 10:7) then He said, "See, I have come to do Your will, O God."
(Ps 40:8.) He takes away the first that He may establish the second.
10 (Jn 17:19; Heb 2:11) By this will we have been sanctified through
the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 (Heb 5:1; 10:4) But every priest stands daily ministering and repetitively
offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 (Heb 1:3) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins
forever, sat down at the right hand of God.
13 (Heb 1:13; Ps 110:1) Since that time He has been waiting for His enemies
to be made His footstool.
14 (Heb 10:1) For by one offering He has forever perfected
those who are sanctified.
15 (Heb 3:7) The Holy Spirit also witnesses to us about this.
For after saying,
16 (Ro 11:27) "This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws into their hearts,
and in their minds I will write them,"(Jer 31:33.)
17 (Heb 8:12) then He adds,
"Their sins and lawless deeds
will I remember no more."(*Jer 31:34.)
18 Now where there is forgiveness of these,
there is no longer an offering for sin.
Exhortation and Warning
19 (Eph 2:18; Heb 4:16) Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter
the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 (Heb 9:3; Jn 10:9) by a new and living way that He has opened for us
through the veil, that is to say, His flesh,
21 (Heb 2:17; 1Ti 3:15) and since we have a High Priest over the house
of God,
22 (Eze 36:25; 1Co 6:11; Heb 7:19) let us draw near with a true heart
in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them
from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 (1Co 1:9; Heb 3:6) Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith
without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 (Titus 3:8; Heb 13:1) And let us consider how to spur one another
to love and to good works.
25 (Ac 2:42; Heb 3:13) Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another,
especially as you see the Day approaching.
26 (Dt 17:12; Heb 6:4-6) For if we willfully continue to sin after
we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains
a sacrifice for sins,
27 (Isa 26:11; Eze 36:5) but a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery
indignation, which will devour the adversaries.
28 (Heb 2:2; Dt 19:15) Anyone who despised Moses' law died without mercy
in the presence of two or three witnesses.
29 (Eph 4:30; Heb 2:3) How much more severe a punishment do you suppose
he deserves, who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded
the blood of the covenant that sanctified him to be a common thing,
and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 (Dt 32:35-36; Ro 12:19) For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine,"
says the Lord, "I will repay."(Dt 32:35.) And again He says, "The Lord will
judge His people."(Dt 32:36.)
31 (Isa 33:14; Lk 12:5) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands
of the living God.
32 (Heb 6:4; Php 1:29-30) Remember the former days, after you were
enlightened, in which you endured a great struggle of afflictions.
33 (1Co 4:9; Php 4:14) In part you were made a spectacle both by reproaches
and afflictions. And in part you became companions of those who were so
abused.
34 (1Pe 1:4; 2Ti 1:16) For you had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully
endured the confiscation of your property, knowing that you have in heaven a
better and an enduring possession for yourselves.
35 (Heb 11:26) Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which will be
greatly rewarded.
36 (Lk 21:19; Heb 12:1) For you need patience, so that after you have done
the will of God, you will receive the promise.
37 (Rev 22:20; Isa 26:20) For,
"In yet a little while,
He who is to come will come, and will not wait.
38 (Ro 1:17; Gal 3:11) Now the just shall live by faith;
but if anyone draws back,
My soul shall have no pleasure in him."
39 But we are not of those who draw back to destruction,
but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.
2) Our Daily Bread for 20 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/20/fear-not-2
entitled Fear Not
Luke 2:8-14
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company
of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men."
Linus, in the Peanuts comic strip, is best known for his blue security
blanket. He carries it everywhere and isn't embarrassed at needing it for
comfort. His sister Lucy especially dislikes the blanket and often tries to
get rid of it. She buries it, makes it into a kite, and uses it for a science
fair project. Linus too knows he should be less dependent on his blanket and
lets it go from time to time, always to take it back.
In the movie A Charlie Brown Christmas, when a frustrated Charlie Brown asks,
"Isn’'t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" Linus, with his
security blanket in hand, steps center stage and quotes Luke 2:8-14. In the
middle of his recitation, as he says, "Fear not," he drops his blanket-the
thing he clung to when afraid.
What is it about Christmas that reminds us we don't need to fear? The angels
that appeared to the shepherds said, "Do not be afraid . . .
a Savior has been born to you" (Luke 2:10-11).
Jesus is "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). We have His very presence through
His Holy Spirit, the true Comforter (John 14:16), so we don't need to fear.
We can let go of our "security blankets" and trust in Him.
By: Anne Cetas
Reflect & Pray
What are you afraid of? How can the Holy Spirit's
presence help you with what troubles you?
I’m still learning, God, that You're the greatest Comforter.
Help me to let go of the things that give me false security,
and please guide me to cling to You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 2 - The key to the Prison Cell
Matt 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men for their sins, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men for their sins,
neither will your Father forgive your sins.
Ann had been badly wounded in a relationship that had ended in anger
and accusation. For more than a year, Ann nursed her bitterness, rallying
support for her attitudes from friends and colleagues. Any time she saw
her former friend, Ann put up an icy wall of hostility. She thought she was
"getting over" the hurt, but the very mention of her friend's name brought
back a flood of negative feelings. Ann was trapped, locked in a prison of
unforgiveness , a jail built block by block by her own unwillingness to
forgive. Ann didn't "get over it"; instead, her wounds festered
and her bitterness grew worse.
Then one day - she never knew how - Ann let go of her bitterness. The barriers
of hostility and anger melted away, and when she saw her friend again, she was
able to forgive. And Ann was finally able to turn to the Lord for her own
healing and forgiveness.
"If you do not forgive," Jesus says - and the statement falls hard on
unforgiving hearts, "Neither will you be forgiven." In one sense, God's
forgiveness is unconditional - we do not have to earn or deserve it, and it is
always available to us. But we cannot experience the forgiveness God has
extended to us when we harbour unforgiveness towards others and build walls
of bitterness in our hearts.
When we refuse forgiveness toward those who have hurt or betrayed us, we do
not keep them in bondage, but ourselves. We lock ourselves away for an
awareness of God's loving presence; we imprison ourselves in a cell of
revenge. But when we reach out to forgive, we turn in the lock;
the door is open for our own sins to be forgiven and our own hearts
cleansed and purified.
Application
a) Why is forgiving others a condition for experiencing forgiveness in my own
life?
b) How can these verses have a practical effect upon my willingness
to forgive others?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:8,11
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you,
so that you, always having enough of everything,
may abound to every good work.
11 So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness,
which makes us give thanks to God.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Ps 9:9-12
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
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
20th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
(
Matthew 19:14
14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16–17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
)
b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
(
Eph 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.
)
Advent day 23
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Monday,Fourth Week of Advent
"There! They're at it again. 'Ark, the errol hygel sings'....
Boxing Day [December 26} is only two and a half weeks ahead;
then perhaps we shall have a little quiet in which to remember
the birth of Christ." C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in "Delinquents in the Snow," God in the Dock, p. 310.)
A Little Quiet
The day on which the English give their gifts is Boxing Day, a public holiday
that falls on the first weekday after Christmas. In the past, the English exchanged
gifts among equals on Christmas Day, and gave gifts to those "socially inferior" on the day after,
probably wrapped in boxes; hence, the name "Boxing Day."
It is also known in England as St. Stephen's Day, named after the first Christian martyr.
As a result, Lewis was not expecting the Prince of Peace to bring him peace
until after Boxing Day, a day after Christmas Day itself,
after gifts had been given. While peace in the biblical sense means
far more than the absence of stress, Lewis was here thinking of the
peace and quiet that a busy man, a famous and popular man, too seldom enjoyed.
From the time of his BBC radio broadcasts in 1941, Lewis received many letters,
probably a half-dozen to a dozen each day. As a result, he spent a lot of time answering
those letters, and they seemed to come
in greater numbers during the Christmas holidays. We don't have to be famous
to appreciate Lewis' desire for a little quiet.
In the midst of the busyness of the Advent season, we need to remember that
God sent a child, a son, the Prince of Peace.
He came to announce, "Peace on earth" (Luke 2:14) for everyone who believes.
Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace
in the midst of quiet. Amen.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...
And he will be called...Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
MONDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Tender Mercy
through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
-Luke 1:78
What an attractive image, the "dawn from on high"!
It is an expression for the morning's light, but in its ambiguity
the figure could also refer to the Christ whose coming we anticipate.
This is one benefit that comes from God's "tender mercy." Another is John, the Most High's
Prophet and the Lord's Forerunner, who dispersed to people knowledge of God's salvation
by the pardoning of their transgressions.
Those upon whom the dawn from on high burst were able
to move out of both their darkness and death's shadow
and into the way of peace. That is still true today. As we prepare
to hail the coming of the Christ Child, we honor him by participating
in his gift of bringing peace to the world. In his name and character,
we become reconcilers and harmonisers, helping people to allay their fears
and eliminate their quarrels. What tranquility might be brought to the nations!
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.
Read Luke 1:68-79.
68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us,
72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant,
73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,
74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
might serve Him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCEPTANCE!
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,"
MATTHEW 1:20
Joseph is often the "odd man out" in the Christmas story. We hear
so much about the Baby Jesus (and rightly so!), and about Mary,
the shepherds, the angels and even those smelly sheep .. - but not
a lot about Joseph
The Ah-Has of acceptance is all about Joseph. Today's lesson shows
good old Joe in a tough situation But, through the Holy Spirit, he accepted
the responsibilities that were given to him. And notice the phrase that
the angel broought to Joseph's dream: "Do not be afraid!" These are the
same Gospel words that we hear from the Lord as we go about accepting
the responsibilities that he gives to us each day.
The beauty and irony of Advent is that as we prepare for his coming.
the Lord has already prepared us for life in him! His acceptance of us
enables us to accept the many tasks and challenges he gives to us ...
with no exceptions! It's like the button that states, "God loves you ...
of course - he loves everyone!" And it's true, because of Emmanuel,
"God with us."
Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,
"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 1:18-25
18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6–7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
had commanded him, and remained with his wife,
25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth
to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and thank Him that He is the High Priest who
made a way for us to come to Heaven
Pray to the Lord "I’m still learning, God, that You're the greatest Comforter.
Help me to let go of the things that give me false security,
and please guide me to cling to You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving to open the prison door.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for His graceful mercies.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for being a Refuge in oppression.
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 the children , that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace in the midst of quiet. Amen.
Pray: Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.
Pray: Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,
"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for ethnic-minority believers in Vietnam who continue to
face persecution from local authorities.
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)
Hebrews 7 - 10
Hebrews 7
The Priestly Order of Melchizedek
1 (Ge 14:18-20; Mk 5:7) For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest
of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings
and blessed him.
2 To him Abraham also gave a tenth part of everything. In the first place,
his name is translated "king of righteousness," and then also he is king
of Salem, which means "king of peace."
3 (Heb 7:6) Without father, without mother, without descent,
having neither beginning of days nor end of life,
but made like the Son of God, he continually remains a priest.
4 (Ac 2:29; Ge 14:20) Now consider how great this man was, to whom even
the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
5 Surely the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have
a command to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is,
from their brothers, though they also come from the seed of Abraham.
6 (Ro 4:13; Ge 14:19-20) But this man, whose descent is not numbered among
them, received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
7 Without question, the inferior is blessed by the superior.
8 (Heb 5:6; 6:20) In the one case mortal men receive tithes, but in the other
he of whom it is witnessed that he is alive receives them.
9 One might say that Levi also, who receives tithes,
paid tithes through Abraham,
10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met Abraham.
11 (Heb 8:7; Gal 2:21) If perfection were attained through the Levitical
priesthood (for through it the people received the law), what further need
was there that another priest should rise in the order of Melchizedek,
rather than established in the order of Aaron?
12 For a change in the priesthood necessitates a change in the law.
13 For the One concerning whom these things are spoken pertains to another
tribe, from which no man served at the altar.
14 (Isa 11:1; Mic 5:2; Lk 3:33) For it is evident that our Lord descended
from Judah, a tribe concerning which Moses said nothing about priests.
15 This is far more evident when another priest arises in the likeness
of Melchizedek,
16 who becomes a priest not by a law pertaining to ancestry,
but by the power of an endless life.
17 (Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6) For He testifies:
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)
18 (Ro 8:3; Gal 4:9) For there is then an annulling of the previous
commandment due to its weakness and uselessness.
19 (Ac 13:39; Heb 4:16) For the law made nothing perfect, but now
a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
20 And He was not made a priest without an oath.
21 (Ps 110:4; Heb 7:17) (Other priests were made without an oath,
but this One with an oath by the One who said to Him:
"The Lord has sworn
and will not relent,
'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.' " (Nu 23:19;
1Sa 15:29; Ps 110:4.))
22 Through this oath Jesus became the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 And the former priests were numerous because they were hindered
from serving because of death.
24 (Heb 7:28; Jn 12:34) But He, because He lives forever,
has an everlasting priesthood.
25 (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:19; Jn 14:6) Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost
those who come to God through Him, because He at all times lives to make
intercession for them.
26 (Heb 8:1; 2Co 5:21) For such a High Priest was fitting for us,
for He is holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners,
and is higher than the heavens.
27 (Heb 9:28; 5:3; 9:12) Unlike those high priests, He does not need to
offer daily sacrifices-first for His own sins and then for the people's,
for He did this once for all when He offered up Himself.
28 (Heb 2:10; 1:2) For the law appoints men who are weak as high priests,
but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son who is
made perfect forever.
Hebrews 8
Jesus Our High Priest
1 (Heb 1:3; Col 3:1) Now this is the main point of the things that we are
saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand
of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
2 a minister in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle, which the Lord,
not man, set up.
3 (Heb 5:1; Eph 5:2) For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts
and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this priest also have
something to offer.
4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest,
since there are priests that offer gifts according to the law.
5 (Ex 25:40; Col 2:17) They serve in a sanctuary that is an example
and shadow of the heavenly one, as Moses was instructed
by God when he was about to make the tabernacle,
"See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you
on the mountain."-6 (Pr 3:11-12.)
6 (Heb 7:22; 12:24; 2Co 3:6-11) But now He has obtained a more excellent
ministry, because He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was
established on better promises.
7 (Heb 7:11; 7:18) For if that first covenant had been faultless,
then no occasion would have been sought for a second.
8 (Jer 31:31-34; Lk 22:20) For finding fault with them, God says:
"Surely the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah,
9 (Dt 5:2-3; Jer 31:32) not according to the covenant
that I made with their fathers
in the day when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of the land of Egypt;
because they did not continue in My covenant,
and I rejected them, says the Lord.
10 (Jer 31:33; 2Co 3:3) This is the covenant that I will make
with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws into their minds
and write them on their hearts;
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people.
11 (Isa 54:13; Jn 6:45; 1Jn 2:27) No longer shall every man teach
his neighbour,
and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
for all shall know Me,
from the least of them to the greatest. (Isa 54:13.)
12 (Ro 11:27; Isa 43:25) For I will be merciful toward their unrighteousness,
and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
13 (2Co 5:17) In speaking of a new covenant He has made the first one old.
Now that which is decaying and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Hebrews 9
The Earthly and Heavenly Sanctuaries
1 (Ex 25:8; Heb 8:2) Then indeed, the first covenant had ordinances for divine
services and an earthly sanctuary.
2 (Ex 40:4; 26:35) A tabernacle was made. In the first part of the tabernacle,
called the Holy Place, were the candlestick, the table, and the showbread.
3 (Ex 26:31-33; 40:3) Behind the second veil was the second part of the
tabernacle called the Most Holy Place,
4 (Ex 26:33; 40:3) which contained the golden censer and the ark of the
covenant overlaid with gold, containing the golden pot holding the manna,
Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
5 (Lev 16:2; Ex 25:17-22; 1Ki 8:6-7) Above the ark were the cherubim of glory
overshadowing the mercy seat. Concerning these things we cannot now speak in
detail.
6 (Nu 28:3) Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests would
regularly go into the first part, conducting the services of God.
7 (Lev 16:34; Ex 30:10) But only the high priest went into the second part
once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins
of the people, committed in ignorance.
8 (Jn 14:6; Heb 3:7) The Holy Spirit was signifying through this that the way
into the Most Holy Place was not yet revealed, because the first part of the
tabernacle was still standing.
9 (Heb 5:1) This is an illustration for the present time, showing that
the gifts and sacrifices offered could not perfect the conscience of those
who worshipped,
10 (Col 2:16; Heb 7:16) since they are concerned only with foods and drinks,
ceremonial cleansings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time
of reformation.
11 (Heb 10:1; 2:17) But Christ, when He came as a High Priest of the good
things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle,
not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,
12 (Heb 10:4; Da 9:24) neither by the blood of goats and calves,
but by His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all,
having obtained eternal redemption.
13 For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer,
sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies so that the flesh is purified,
14 (1Pe 3:18; Heb 6:1; 10:22) how much more shall the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God,
cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 (Ro 8:28; 1Ti 2:5) For this reason He is the Mediator of a new covenant,
since a death has occurred for the redemption of the sins that were committed
under the first covenant, so that those who are called might receive
the promise of eternal inheritance.
16 For where there is a will, there must also of necessity be the death
of the testator.
17 (Gal 3:15) For a will has force after men are dead, since it has no force
at all while the testator lives.
18 So not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.
19 (Nu 19:6; Heb 9:12) For when Moses had taught every precept to all
the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats,
with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book
and all the people,
20 (Mt 26:28; Ex 24:8) saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that God
has commanded you to keep."(Ex 19:12-13.)
21 (Lev 8:15; 8:19) Likewise he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the
vessels of worship with blood.
22 (Lev 17:11) And according to the law almost everything must be cleansed
with blood; without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Christ's Sacrifice Takes Away Sin
23 (Heb 8:5; 9:24) It was therefore necessary that the replicas of heavenly
things be cleansed with these sacrifices, but that the heavenly things
themselves be cleansed with better sacrifices than these.
24 (Heb 8:2) For Christ did not enter holy places made with hands,
which are patterned after the true one, but into heaven itself,
now to appear in the presence of God for us.
25 (Heb 9:7; 10:19) Nor did He enter to offer Himself often, as the high
priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.
26 (Heb 1:2; 7:27) For then He would have had to suffer repeatedly
since the world was created, but now He has appeared once at the end
of the ages to put away sin by sacrificing Himself.
27 (Ge 3:19; 2Co 5:10) As it is appointed for men to die once,
but after this comes the judgment,
28 (Titus 2:13; 1Pe 2:24) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many,
and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to save those who
eagerly wait for Him.
Hebrews 10
1 (Heb 8:5; 9:11) For the law is a shadow of the good things to come,
and not the very image of those things. It could never by the same sacrifices,
which they offer continually year after year, perfect those who draw near.
2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshippers,
once purified, would no longer be conscious of sins?
3 (Heb 9:7) But in those sacrifices there is an annual reminder of sins.
4 (Heb 10:11) For it is not possible for the blood of bulls
and goats to take away sins.
5 (Heb 1:6; Ge 3:15) Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:
"Sacrifices and offerings You did not desire,
but a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You have had no pleasure.
7 (Ge 3:15) Then I said, 'See, I have come to do Your will, O God,'
as it is written of Me
in the volume of the book."
8 (Heb 10:5) Previously when He said, "You did not desire sacrifices
and offerings. You have had no pleasure in burnt offerings
and sacrifices for sin,"(Ps 40:6.) which are offered in accordance
with the law,
9 (Heb 10:7) then He said, "See, I have come to do Your will, O God."
(Ps 40:8.) He takes away the first that He may establish the second.
10 (Jn 17:19; Heb 2:11) By this will we have been sanctified through
the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 (Heb 5:1; 10:4) But every priest stands daily ministering and repetitively
offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 (Heb 1:3) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins
forever, sat down at the right hand of God.
13 (Heb 1:13; Ps 110:1) Since that time He has been waiting for His enemies
to be made His footstool.
14 (Heb 10:1) For by one offering He has forever perfected
those who are sanctified.
15 (Heb 3:7) The Holy Spirit also witnesses to us about this.
For after saying,
16 (Ro 11:27) "This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws into their hearts,
and in their minds I will write them,"(Jer 31:33.)
17 (Heb 8:12) then He adds,
"Their sins and lawless deeds
will I remember no more."(*Jer 31:34.)
18 Now where there is forgiveness of these,
there is no longer an offering for sin.
Exhortation and Warning
19 (Eph 2:18; Heb 4:16) Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter
the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 (Heb 9:3; Jn 10:9) by a new and living way that He has opened for us
through the veil, that is to say, His flesh,
21 (Heb 2:17; 1Ti 3:15) and since we have a High Priest over the house
of God,
22 (Eze 36:25; 1Co 6:11; Heb 7:19) let us draw near with a true heart
in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them
from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 (1Co 1:9; Heb 3:6) Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith
without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 (Titus 3:8; Heb 13:1) And let us consider how to spur one another
to love and to good works.
25 (Ac 2:42; Heb 3:13) Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another,
especially as you see the Day approaching.
26 (Dt 17:12; Heb 6:4-6) For if we willfully continue to sin after
we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains
a sacrifice for sins,
27 (Isa 26:11; Eze 36:5) but a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery
indignation, which will devour the adversaries.
28 (Heb 2:2; Dt 19:15) Anyone who despised Moses' law died without mercy
in the presence of two or three witnesses.
29 (Eph 4:30; Heb 2:3) How much more severe a punishment do you suppose
he deserves, who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded
the blood of the covenant that sanctified him to be a common thing,
and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 (Dt 32:35-36; Ro 12:19) For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine,"
says the Lord, "I will repay."(Dt 32:35.) And again He says, "The Lord will
judge His people."(Dt 32:36.)
31 (Isa 33:14; Lk 12:5) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands
of the living God.
32 (Heb 6:4; Php 1:29-30) Remember the former days, after you were
enlightened, in which you endured a great struggle of afflictions.
33 (1Co 4:9; Php 4:14) In part you were made a spectacle both by reproaches
and afflictions. And in part you became companions of those who were so
abused.
34 (1Pe 1:4; 2Ti 1:16) For you had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully
endured the confiscation of your property, knowing that you have in heaven a
better and an enduring possession for yourselves.
35 (Heb 11:26) Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which will be
greatly rewarded.
36 (Lk 21:19; Heb 12:1) For you need patience, so that after you have done
the will of God, you will receive the promise.
37 (Rev 22:20; Isa 26:20) For,
"In yet a little while,
He who is to come will come, and will not wait.
38 (Ro 1:17; Gal 3:11) Now the just shall live by faith;
but if anyone draws back,
My soul shall have no pleasure in him."
39 But we are not of those who draw back to destruction,
but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.
2) Our Daily Bread for 20 December 2021
https://odb.org/CA/2021/12/20/fear-not-2
entitled Fear Not
Luke 2:8-14
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same area there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 (2Co 3:18) And then an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid.
10 (Ge 12:3; Isa 40:9) But the angel said to them, "Listen! Do not fear.
For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
13 (Ge 28:12; 32:1-2) Suddenly there was with the angel a company
of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 (Lk 1:79; 19:38) "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, and good will toward men."
Linus, in the Peanuts comic strip, is best known for his blue security
blanket. He carries it everywhere and isn't embarrassed at needing it for
comfort. His sister Lucy especially dislikes the blanket and often tries to
get rid of it. She buries it, makes it into a kite, and uses it for a science
fair project. Linus too knows he should be less dependent on his blanket and
lets it go from time to time, always to take it back.
In the movie A Charlie Brown Christmas, when a frustrated Charlie Brown asks,
"Isn’'t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" Linus, with his
security blanket in hand, steps center stage and quotes Luke 2:8-14. In the
middle of his recitation, as he says, "Fear not," he drops his blanket-the
thing he clung to when afraid.
What is it about Christmas that reminds us we don't need to fear? The angels
that appeared to the shepherds said, "Do not be afraid . . .
a Savior has been born to you" (Luke 2:10-11).
Jesus is "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). We have His very presence through
His Holy Spirit, the true Comforter (John 14:16), so we don't need to fear.
We can let go of our "security blankets" and trust in Him.
By: Anne Cetas
Reflect & Pray
What are you afraid of? How can the Holy Spirit's
presence help you with what troubles you?
I’m still learning, God, that You're the greatest Comforter.
Help me to let go of the things that give me false security,
and please guide me to cling to You.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 2 - The key to the Prison Cell
Matt 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men for their sins, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men for their sins,
neither will your Father forgive your sins.
Ann had been badly wounded in a relationship that had ended in anger
and accusation. For more than a year, Ann nursed her bitterness, rallying
support for her attitudes from friends and colleagues. Any time she saw
her former friend, Ann put up an icy wall of hostility. She thought she was
"getting over" the hurt, but the very mention of her friend's name brought
back a flood of negative feelings. Ann was trapped, locked in a prison of
unforgiveness , a jail built block by block by her own unwillingness to
forgive. Ann didn't "get over it"; instead, her wounds festered
and her bitterness grew worse.
Then one day - she never knew how - Ann let go of her bitterness. The barriers
of hostility and anger melted away, and when she saw her friend again, she was
able to forgive. And Ann was finally able to turn to the Lord for her own
healing and forgiveness.
"If you do not forgive," Jesus says - and the statement falls hard on
unforgiving hearts, "Neither will you be forgiven." In one sense, God's
forgiveness is unconditional - we do not have to earn or deserve it, and it is
always available to us. But we cannot experience the forgiveness God has
extended to us when we harbour unforgiveness towards others and build walls
of bitterness in our hearts.
When we refuse forgiveness toward those who have hurt or betrayed us, we do
not keep them in bondage, but ourselves. We lock ourselves away for an
awareness of God's loving presence; we imprison ourselves in a cell of
revenge. But when we reach out to forgive, we turn in the lock;
the door is open for our own sins to be forgiven and our own hearts
cleansed and purified.
Application
a) Why is forgiving others a condition for experiencing forgiveness in my own
life?
b) How can these verses have a practical effect upon my willingness
to forgive others?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 9:8,11
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you,
so that you, always having enough of everything,
may abound to every good work.
11 So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness,
which makes us give thanks to God.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
Ps 9:9-12
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
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
20th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
(
Matthew 19:14
14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16–17)
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
)
b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
(
Eph 6:12
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly places.
)
Advent day 23
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Monday,Fourth Week of Advent
"There! They're at it again. 'Ark, the errol hygel sings'....
Boxing Day [December 26} is only two and a half weeks ahead;
then perhaps we shall have a little quiet in which to remember
the birth of Christ." C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in "Delinquents in the Snow," God in the Dock, p. 310.)
A Little Quiet
The day on which the English give their gifts is Boxing Day, a public holiday
that falls on the first weekday after Christmas. In the past, the English exchanged
gifts among equals on Christmas Day, and gave gifts to those "socially inferior" on the day after,
probably wrapped in boxes; hence, the name "Boxing Day."
It is also known in England as St. Stephen's Day, named after the first Christian martyr.
As a result, Lewis was not expecting the Prince of Peace to bring him peace
until after Boxing Day, a day after Christmas Day itself,
after gifts had been given. While peace in the biblical sense means
far more than the absence of stress, Lewis was here thinking of the
peace and quiet that a busy man, a famous and popular man, too seldom enjoyed.
From the time of his BBC radio broadcasts in 1941, Lewis received many letters,
probably a half-dozen to a dozen each day. As a result, he spent a lot of time answering
those letters, and they seemed to come
in greater numbers during the Christmas holidays. We don't have to be famous
to appreciate Lewis' desire for a little quiet.
In the midst of the busyness of the Advent season, we need to remember that
God sent a child, a son, the Prince of Peace.
He came to announce, "Peace on earth" (Luke 2:14) for everyone who believes.
Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace
in the midst of quiet. Amen.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...
And he will be called...Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
MONDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Tender Mercy
through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
-Luke 1:78
What an attractive image, the "dawn from on high"!
It is an expression for the morning's light, but in its ambiguity
the figure could also refer to the Christ whose coming we anticipate.
This is one benefit that comes from God's "tender mercy." Another is John, the Most High's
Prophet and the Lord's Forerunner, who dispersed to people knowledge of God's salvation
by the pardoning of their transgressions.
Those upon whom the dawn from on high burst were able
to move out of both their darkness and death's shadow
and into the way of peace. That is still true today. As we prepare
to hail the coming of the Christ Child, we honor him by participating
in his gift of bringing peace to the world. In his name and character,
we become reconcilers and harmonisers, helping people to allay their fears
and eliminate their quarrels. What tranquility might be brought to the nations!
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.
Read Luke 1:68-79.
68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us,
72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant,
73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,
74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
might serve Him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCEPTANCE!
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,"
MATTHEW 1:20
Joseph is often the "odd man out" in the Christmas story. We hear
so much about the Baby Jesus (and rightly so!), and about Mary,
the shepherds, the angels and even those smelly sheep .. - but not
a lot about Joseph
The Ah-Has of acceptance is all about Joseph. Today's lesson shows
good old Joe in a tough situation But, through the Holy Spirit, he accepted
the responsibilities that were given to him. And notice the phrase that
the angel broought to Joseph's dream: "Do not be afraid!" These are the
same Gospel words that we hear from the Lord as we go about accepting
the responsibilities that he gives to us each day.
The beauty and irony of Advent is that as we prepare for his coming.
the Lord has already prepared us for life in him! His acceptance of us
enables us to accept the many tasks and challenges he gives to us ...
with no exceptions! It's like the button that states, "God loves you ...
of course - he loves everyone!" And it's true, because of Emmanuel,
"God with us."
Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,
"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 1:18-25
18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6–7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
had commanded him, and remained with his wife,
25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth
to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and thank Him that He is the High Priest who
made a way for us to come to Heaven
Pray to the Lord "I’m still learning, God, that You're the greatest Comforter.
Help me to let go of the things that give me false security,
and please guide me to cling to You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving to open the prison door.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for His graceful mercies.
Pray to the Lord and thank Him for being a Refuge in oppression.
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 the children , that they would come to know
Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not
against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.
Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace in the midst of quiet. Amen.
Pray: Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.
Pray: Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,
"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for ethnic-minority believers in Vietnam who continue to
face persecution from local authorities.
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.
Trackbacks
No Trackbacks
Comments
Display comments as Linear | Threaded