Day 330 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 26 November 2025 reflections
Day 330, 26 November 2025 - 4th Day of Advent
1) Acts 20:1-6, Romans 1 , Romans 2, Romans 3
Acts 20:1-6
Paul's Journey to Macedonia and Greece
1 (Ac 19:21) After the uproar ceased, Paul summoned the disciples
and embraced them and departed for Macedonia.
2 When he had gone through that region and had greatly exhorted them,
he arrived in Greece,
3 (Ac 20:19; 9:23-24) and stayed there three months. When the Jews
plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria,
he decided to return through Macedonia.
4 (Ac 19:29; 16:1; 21:29) Accompanying him to Asia were Sopater of Berea,
and Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy,
and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
5 (Ac 16:8; 16:10-11) These men went forward and waited for us at Troas.
6 (Ac 12:3; 16:12) But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days
of Unleavened Bread, and after five days we came to them at Troas,
where we stayed for seven days.
[1] And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and
embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
[2] And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much
exhortation, he came into Greece,
[3] And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he
was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
[4] And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the
Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus;
and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
[5] These going before tarried for us at Troas.
[6] And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and
came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
Romans 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 15:16; 1Co 1:1) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,
called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God,
2 (Ro 3:21; Titus 1:2) which He promised beforehand through
His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
3 (Gal 4:4; Mt 1:1; Jn 1:14) concerning His Son, Jesus Christ
our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh
4 (2Co 13:4) and declared to be the Son of God with power,
according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
5 (Ac 6:7; 1:25) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship
for the obedience of faith among all nations for His name,
6 (Rev 17:14) among whom you also are called by Jesus Christ:
7 (Col 1:2; 2Co 13:14) To all who are in Rome, beloved of God,
called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto
the gospel of God,
[2] (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
[3] Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of
David according to the flesh;
[4] And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of
holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
[5] By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the
faith among all nations, for his name:
[6] Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
[7] To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to
you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's Desire to Visit Rome
8 (Ro 16:19; 6:17) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all,
because your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
9 (2Ti 1:3; Ro 9:1; 2Co 1:23) For God is my witness, whom I serve
with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing,
I mention you always in my prayers,
10 (Ac 18:21) making request if, by any means, now at last I might
find a way in the will of God to come to you.
11 (Ro 15:23) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some
spiritual gift, so that you may be strengthened.
12 (2Pe 1:1) This is so that I may be encouraged together
with you by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
13 (Jn 4:36; Ac 19:21) Now I would not have you unaware, brothers,
that I often intended to come to you (but was prevented until now),
that I might have a harvest among you also, even as among the other Gentiles.
14 I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians,
both to the wise and to the unwise.
15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel
to you also who are in Rome.
[8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith
is spoken of throughout the whole world.
[9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his
Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
[10] Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous
journey by the will of God to come unto you.
[11] For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift,
to the end ye may be established;
[12] That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith
both of you and me.
[13] Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed
to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among
you also, even as among other Gentiles.
[14] I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the
wise, and to the unwise.
[15] So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that
are at Rome also.
The Definition of the Gospel
16 (Ro 2:9; Mk 8:38) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
For it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 (Hab 2:4; Gal 3:11; Ro 3:21) For in it the righteousness of God
is revealed from faith to faith. As it is written,
"The just shall live by faith." Hab 2:4.
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also
to the Greek.
[17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The Guilt of Mankind
18 (Eph 5:6; Col 3:6) The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against
all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth
through unrighteousness.
19 (Ro 1:20) For what may be known about God is clear to them since
God has shown it to them.
20 (1Ti 1:17; Ps 19:1-6) The invisible things about Him-His eternal power
and deity-have been clearly seen since the creation of the world
and are understood by the things that are made, so that they are
without excuse.
21 (Jer 2:5; 2Ki 17:15) Because, although they knew God, they did not
glorify Him or give thanks to Him as God,
but became futile in their imaginations,
and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 (Jer 10:14) Claiming to be wise, they became fools.
23 (Ps 106:20; Jer 2:11) They changed the glory of the incorruptible God
into an image made like corruptible man, birds, four-footed beasts,
and creeping things.
24 (1Th 4:4) Therefore God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts
of their hearts, to dishonor their own bodies among themselves.
25 (Isa 44:20; Ro 9:5) They turned the truth of God into a lie
and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator,
who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 (Ro 1:24; Ge 19:5) For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable
passions. Their women exchanged the natural function for what is against
nature.
27 (Lev 18:22; 20:13) Likewise the men, leaving the natural function
of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men with men
doing that which is shameful, and receiving in themselves
the due penalty of their error.
[A warning for homosexuals and lesbians from the lord about
their ungodly lifestyle]
28 (Jer 6:30; Ro 1:24) And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God,
God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not proper.
29 (2Co 12:20) They were filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,
wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife,
deceit. They are gossips,
30 (2Ti 3:2) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, proud, boastful, inventors
of evil things, and disobedient toward parents,
31 (2Ti 3:3) without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural
affection, calloused, and unmerciful,
32 (Ro 6:21; Ps 50:18) who know the righteous requirement of God,
that those who commit such things are worthy of death.
They not only do them, but also give hearty approval
to those who practice them.
[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
[19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God
hath shewed it unto them.
[20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal
power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
[21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their
foolish heart was darkened.
[22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
[23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like
to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping
things.
[24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
[25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
[26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their
women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
[27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned
in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which
was meet.
[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God
gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not
convenient;
[29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit,
malignity; whisperers,
[30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of
evil things, disobedient to parents,
[31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful:
[32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are
worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do
them.
Romans 2
The Righteous Judgment of God
1 (2Sa 12:5-7; Ro 2:3) Therefore you are without excuse, Oman,
whoever you are who judges, for when you judge another,
you condemn yourself, for you who judge do the same things.
2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth
against those who commit such things.
3 (Lk 12:14) Do you think, O man, who judges those who do such things,
and who does the same thing, that you will escape the judgment of God?
4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance,
and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
5 (Dt 32:34; Jas 5:3) But because of your hardness and impenitent heart,
you are storing up treasures of wrath against yourself on the day of wrath
when the righteous judgment of God will be revealed,
6 (Ps 62:12; Mt 16:27) and He "will render to every man according
to his deeds."(Ps 62:12; Pr 24:12.)
7 (Lk 8:15; 2Ti 1:10) To those who by patiently doing good seek for glory
and honor and immortality will be eternal life.
8 But to those who are contentious and do not obey the truth,
but obey unrighteousness, indignation, and wrath,
9 (1Pe 4:17; Ac 3:26) will be tribulation and anguish, upon every
soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile.
10 (Isa 32:17; 57:19) But glory, honor, and peace will be to every man
who does good work-to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile,
11 (Ac 10:34; Dt 10:17; 2Ch 19:7) for there is no partiality with God.
12 (1Co 9:21) As many as have sinned without the law will also perish
without the law, and as many as have sinned under the law will be judged
by the law,
13 for the hearers of the law are not justified before God, but the doers
of the law will be justified.
14 (Ro 2:12) For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature
the things contained in the law, these, not having the law, are a law
unto themselves,
15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience
also bearing witness, while their conflicting thoughts accuse
or even excuse them,
16 (Ro 16:25; Ac 10:42; 1Ti 1:11) in the day when, according to my gospel,
God will judge the secrets of men through Jesus Christ.
[1] Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest:
for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that
judgest doest the same things.
[2] But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against
them which commit such things.
[3] And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things,
and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
[4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance?
[5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself
wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of
God;
[6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
[7] To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and
honour and immortality, eternal life:
[8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
[9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the
Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
[10] But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the
Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
[11] For there is no respect of persons with God.
[12] For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law:
and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
[13] (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of
the law shall be justified.
[14] For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things
contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
[15] Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their
conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing
or else excusing one another;)
[16] In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
according to my gospel.
The Jews and the Law
17 (Mic 3:11; Ro 2:23) Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest in the law,
and make your boast in God.
18 (Php 1:10) You know His will and approve the things that are more
excellent, because you are instructed in the law.
19 (Mt 15:14; Jn 9:40-41) You are confident that you are a guide
to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
20 (2Ti 1:13; 3:5) an instructor of the foolish, and a teacher of babes,
who have the full content of knowledge and truth in the law:
21 (Ps 50:16-21) You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach
yourself? You who preach not to steal, do you steal?
22 (Mal 3:8; Ac 19:37) You who say not to commit adultery,
do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23 (Ro 2:17; Jn 5:45) You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God
through breaking the law?
24 (Isa 52:5; 2Sa 12:14) As it is written, "The name of God
is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."(Isa 52:5; Eze 36:22.)
25 (Jer 4:4) Circumcision indeed has merit, if you keep the law,
but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision becomes
uncircumcision.
26 (Ro 8:4) Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteousness
of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?
27 (Mt 12:41-42; Ro 2:29) Will the uncircumcised one who is righteous
by nature, if he fulfills the law, not judge you who,
by the letter of the law and circumcision, violate the law?
28 (Gal 6:15; Mt 3:9) He is not a Jew who is one outwardly,
nor is circumcision that which is external in the flesh.
29 (1Pe 3:4; Php 3:3; 2Co 10:18) But he is a Jew who is one inwardly.
And circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, and not by the letter.
His praise is not from men, but from God.
[17] Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy
boast of God,
[18] And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent,
being instructed out of the law;
[19] And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light
of them which are in darkness,
[20] An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form
of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
[21] Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou
that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
[22] Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit
adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
[23] Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law
dishonourest thou God?
[24] For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it
is written.
[25] For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be
a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
[26] Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law,
shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
[27] And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law,
judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
[28] For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that
circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
[29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the
heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but
of God.
Romans 3
1 What advantage then does the Jew have?
Or what profit is there in circumcision?
2 (Ac 7:38; Ps 147:19-20) Much in every way!
Chiefly because the oracles of God were entrusted to them.
3 (Heb 4:2; Ro 10:16) What if some did not believe?
Would their unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God?
4 (Ps 51:4; 116:11) God forbid! Let God be true, and every man a liar.
As it is written:
"That You may be justified in Your words,
and may prevail in Your judging."(Ps 51:4.)
5 (Ro 6:19; Gal 3:15) But if our unrighteousness demonstrates
the righteousness of God, what shall we say?
Is God unrighteous in taking vengeance? (I am speaking in human terms.)
6 (Ge 18:25; Job 8:3) God forbid! For then how could God judge the world?
7 If through my lie the truth of God has abounded more to His glory,
why am I still being judged as a sinner?
8 (Ro 6:1; 6:15) Why not rather say, "Let us do evil that good may come,"
as we are slanderously accused and as some claim that we say?
Their condemnation is just.
[1] What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of
circumcision?
[2] Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the
oracles of God.
[3] For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of
God without effect?
[4] God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is
written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest
overcome when thou art judged.
[5] But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall
we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
[6] God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
[7] For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his
glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
[8] And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that
we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
There Is None Righteous
9 (Gal 3:22; Ro 3:19) What then? Are we better than they? No, not at all.
For we have already charged that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin.
10 (Ps 14:1-3; 53:1-3) As it is written:
"There is none righteous, no, not one; (Ps 14:1; 53:1.)
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks after God.(Ps 14:2; 53:2.)
12 (Ps 14:3) They have all turned aside;
together they have become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
no, not one."(Ps 14:3; 53:3.)
13 (Ps 5:9; 140:3; Jer 5:16) "Their throats are an open grave;
with their tongues they have used deceit";
"the poison of vipers is under their lips";(Ps 5:9; 140:3.)
14 (Ps 10:7) "their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."(Ps 10:7.)
15 (Pr 1:16; Isa 59:7-8) "Their feet are swift to shed blood;
(Pr 1:16; Isa 59:7.)
16 destruction and misery are in their paths;(Isa 59:7.)
17 (Lk 1:79) and they do not know the way of peace."(Isa 59:8.)
18 (Ps 36:1) "There is no fear of God before their eyes."(Ps 36:1.)
19 (Ro 3:9; Job 5:16) Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 (Ac 13:39; Gal 2:16) Therefore by the works of the law NO flesh
will be justified in His sight, for through the law comes
the knowledge of sin.
[9] What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before
proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
[10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
[11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
[12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become
unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
[13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used
deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
[14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
[15] Their feet are swift to shed blood:
[16] Destruction and misery are in their ways:
[17] And the way of peace have they not known:
[18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.
[19] Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who
are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may
become guilty before God.
[20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in
his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Righteousness Through Faith
21 (Ac 10:43; Ro 1:17) But now, apart from the law, the righteousness
of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.
22 (Ro 10:12; Gal 3:28) This righteousness of God comes through faith
in Jesus Christ (Or through the faith of Jesus Christ.) to all
and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction.
23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
24 (Ro 4:16; Col 1:14) being justified freely by His grace through
the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 (Ac 17:30; 1Jn 2:2) whom God has set forth to be a propitiation
through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness,
because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously
committed,
26 to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might
be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
27 (Ro 2:17; 2:23) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law?
Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith
without the works of the law.
29 Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles?
Yes, of the Gentiles also,
30 (Gal 3:8; 3:20) seeing it is one God, who shall justify the circumcised
by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.
31 (Mt 5:17; Ro 8:4) Do we then make the law void through faith? God forbid!
Instead, we establish the law.
[21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets;
[22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto
all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus:
[25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God;
[26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be
just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
[27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but
by the law of faith.
[28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the
deeds of the law.
[29] Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of
the Gentiles also:
[30] Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith,
and uncircumcision through faith.
[31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we
establish the law.
2) Our Daily Bread for 26 November 2025 Titled
Count Your Blessings
by Alyson Kieda
Ezra 3:1, 4-6, 9-11
Rebuilding the Altar
1 (Lev 23:24) When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel
had resettled in their cities, and the people gathered themselves together,
as one man, to Jerusalem.
4 (Ex 23:16; Nu 29:12-38) They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles,
as it had been written, and offered the daily burnt offerings
in accordance with the daily schedule, according to each day's custom.
5 (Nu 29:39) Thereafter, observance of the burnt offering became a perpetual
sacrifice with regard to the New Moon sacrifices and all of the appointed
feasts of the Lord that had been consecrated, and all of the voluntary
freewill offerings to the Lord. 6From the first day of the seventh month
they had begun to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord,
but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.
[1] And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in
the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
[4] They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered
the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of
every day required;
[5] And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new
moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of
every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.
[6] From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt
offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was
not yet laid.
Rebuilding the Temple
9 (Ezr 2:40) Then Joshua with his sons and brothers, and Kadmiel
with his sons, who are the sons of Judah, along with the sons of Henadad
with their sons and their brothers-all Levites-stood together to supervise
the workers on the house of God.
10 (Zec 4:10) When the builders laid the foundation of the temple
of the Lord, the priests in their apparel stood with trumpets and,
from the Levites, the sons of Asaph stood with cymbals to praise the Lord,
following the example of David king of Israel.
11 (1Ch 16:34; 16:41) They sang responsively, praising
and giving thanks unto the Lord,
"For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel."
And all the people responded with a great shout
when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord
was laid.
[9] Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons,
the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God:
the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.
[10] And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD,
they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the
sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David
king of Israel.
[11] And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the
LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And
all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD,
because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
When I was a little girl, I loved the old hymn "Count Your Blessings."
The song encourages those who are "tempest-tossed" and "thinking all is lost"
to "count your blessings, name them one by one." Years later when my husband,
Alan, was discouraged, he would often ask me to sing that simple song to him.
Then I would help him to enumerate his blessings. Doing so took Alan's focus
off his struggles and self-doubt and centered his thoughts on God
and his reasons for thankfulness.
The book of Ezra describes God’s people facing overwhelming challenges through
focusing on God's power and provision. After they'd endured decades of
captivity in Babylon, King Cyrus allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Israel
to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1-2). Only a fraction returned (2:64). Despite
their "fear of the peoples around them" and the great task before them,
they rebuilt the altar and laid the temple's foundation (3:3, 10). Then
"with praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: 'He is good; his love
toward Israel endures forever.' And all the people gave a great
shout of praise to the Lord" (v. 11).
If you're discouraged or facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, turn your
thoughts toward God. "Count your blessings . . . and it will surprise you what
the Lord has done," and continues to do, for those who love Him.
Reflect & Pray
How has counting your blessings helped you in a
difficult situation? What are you thankful for?
Dear God, please help me to be grateful and praise
You for who You are and for all You've done.
Discover more about gratefulness by reading Consistently Celebrating.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 4 - Daddy!
Romans 8:15
'For you have not received the spirit of slavery again to fear. But you have
received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father." '
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have
received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
"I've always been a Daddy's girl," Sandi said proudly, and her relationship
with her father proved it. She was never spoiled, but even as a grown woman,
Sandi maintained a closeness with her father, sharing intimately with him the
important issues of her life. And just her use of the name "Daddy" indicated
that he was, indeed a warm, approachable, affectionate man.
Many people are not so fortunate. Some fathers are stern and harsh;
others absent or uncaring, some even abusive. Few have the king of father
who presents a picture of the loving fatherhood of God.
But whatever our concept of fatherhood, God makes clear that he is everything
we always wanted our fathers to be - loving, forgiving, approachable,
totally accepting of us as we are, encouraging us to become all he has
created us to be.
In Romans 8, Paul calls God our "Abba Father". The Aramaic word for Father,
Abba, is an intimate term that might well be translated, Daddy.
God is our "Daddy," our "Abba" - not a distant, stern patriarch ready
to strike us down at the first sign of transgression, but a gentle,
loving Father who longs for us to climb into his lap and let him comfort us.
When we commit ourselves to Christ, Paul indicates, we do not receive a
"spirit of bondage to fear" but a "spirit of adoption." We are not called
to respond to God out of fear, but out of love and reverence.
We can relax and enjoy his presence, for we are his children,
and he is our loving Daddy.
Application
a) What concept of fatherhood do I have from my own experience with my father?
How does that correspond to Paul's description of God as "Daddy"?
b) How can this verse help change my perception of what it means to have
God as my Father?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:23-29
23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15) "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.
The measure you give will be measured for you,
and to you who hear will more be given.
25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.
And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 (Mt 13:24) He said, "The kingdom of God is like a man
who scatters seed on the ground.
27 (Ecc 11:5) He sleeps and rises night and day,
and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how.
28 For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade,
then the head, then the full seed in the head.
29 (Joel 3:13) But when the grain is ripe,
immediately he applies the sickle because the harvest has come."
23 "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. "
24 And he said unto them, "Take heed what ye hear:
with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you:
and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not,
from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should
cast seed into the ground;
27 and should sleep, and rise night and day,
and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade,
then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth,
immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Gift of Salvation
Ps 51:1-13
PSALMS 51
For the Music Director. A Psalm of David,
when Nathan the Prophet came to him,
after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to Your lovingkindness;
according to the abundance of Your compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For I acknowledge my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Against You, You only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified when You speak,
and You are blameless when You judge.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) You desire truth in the inward parts,
and in the hidden part You make me to know wisdom.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3 ) Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Make me to hear joy and gladness,
that the bones that You have broken may rejoice.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Hide Your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not cast me away from Your presence,
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
and uphold me with Your willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners will return to You.
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."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
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
Day 26 of the Month
a) Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ (Matt 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut
I) Pray for the leaders of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut,
that God's Spirit would influence then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Advent Day 4
From C. S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
John 2:11
11 (Jn 1:14; 3:2) This, the first of His signs, Jesus did in Cana of Galilee,
and He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
All Miracles Are Connected to the Incarnation
In his book Miracles, Lewis writes that the miracle of turning water
into wine (which John 2:11 calls the first of the signs of Jesus)
is doing instantaneously what happens in Nature on a regular basis
over a period of time. It happens in Nature much more slowly,
but God is still doing a miracle.
Lewis suggests not only that natural events are related to Nature
(that's what "natural" means!), but that all miracles are connected
to the Grand Miracle, the birth of the Christ. How is this so?
In every miracle God breaks into Nature with a new sequence of events.
In the Incarnation, God also broke into Nature, but there
he did it most impressively of all. That's why it's a Grand Miracle.
The normal manner of conception and birth was set aside in the Virgin
Conception and Birth. That's the new sequence of events.
Every miracle shows the power of God, and every miracle is a "sign."
Jesus' purpose in doing miracles was to point to his true nature.
While he cared about the lack of wine at the wedding in Cana,
he cares much more that we see him as the one with power over nature.
And he cared about us enough to become one of us, and in that becoming,
participated in another part of nature, human nature.
Remind us, Lord, that your Coming shows us both our need
and your solution. Amen.
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY. FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Awe-Full Angels
Read Luke 1:8-17.
8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,
9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side
of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer
has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall call his name John.
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even from his mother's womb.
16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready
a people prepared for the Lord."
-Luke 1:12
When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Our culture has made angels cute and cuddly. In contrast,
the Bible portrays them as shocking, filling recipients with
trepidation. Indeed, these messengers from the LORD always have to say,
"Do not be afraid."
In truth, our culture has made God too cute and cuddly also.
We know God is supremely sovereign, reigning over the entire cosmos,
but perhaps we jump too fast to news that the Trinity loves us through
Jesus Christ, and we do not first recognize the depths of our sinfulness.
To be genuinely grateful for God's immense grace,
we must know that we are totally unworthy.
Martin Luther, the early Reformer, brilliantly began all his explanations
for the Ten Commandments with the phrase,
"We should so fear and love God ... " This isn't a fear that lasts,
for it is soon overwhelmed by love, but it necessarily deepens
our gratitude, so that we never take God's forgiving love for granted.
prayer
God, enable me properly to fear you, so that I always cherish
your forgiving grace. Amen.
From The AH-HA of Advent by Rich Bimler
FIRST WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ALERTS
Romans 13:11-14
11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time,
now is the moment to awake from sleep. For now our salvation
is nearer than when we believed.
12 (Eph 5:11; 2Co 6:7) The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us take off the works of darkness
and put on the armour of light.
13 (Gal 5:21; Lk 21:34; Eph 5:18) Let us behave properly, as in the day,
not in carousing and drunkenness, not in immorality and wickedness,
not in strife and envy.
14 (Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time,
now is the moment to awake from sleep.
For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
ROMANS 13:11
his AH-HA of Advent reminds me of an old saying: "Be alert. The world
needs more lerts!
St. Paul reminds us today that God's AH-HA people are empowered
to "wake from sleep . . lay aside the works of darkness and put on
the armour of light." This is exactly what the Lord is doing in and through
us during Advent . .. right now Through the power of his Word and
sacraments, the Lord shakes us up--he focuses us on sharing our life
and gifts with others.
It's not easy being alert. is it? Especially during Advent, there are so many
things that distract us from the Manger scene--buying gifts. sending
cards, making lists (and checking them twice, or maybe even three timesl)
party-going, meal-making. house-trimming, and perhaps even a little {oo
much egg-nogging . .. not to mention an unhealthy fruitcake obsession!
Look around you with different eyes this day. Be alert to the opportunities
the Lord will give you today to share your gifts. Watch fof the little child
who needs a hug, for the older person who feels alone and for the skinny
Santa Claus who doesn't look so jolly today. Be alert to the people around
you who have needs you can satisfy. and who have gifts to share with you
as well.
Romans 13:14 clinches it for us: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.' Watch out
world, here come the lerts!
Lord. keep us alert this day to your presence in our lives and the
sadnesses of others so that we might share our gladnesses with them.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that the Gospel is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth for we are all sinners.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to be grateful and praise
You for who You are and for all You've done."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know God as Loving Father.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a bountiful sower and reaper.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know mercy and lovingkindness.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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!
Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ
Remind us, Lord, that your Coming shows us both our need
and your solution. Amen.
God, enable me properly to fear you, so that I always cherish
your forgiving grace. Amen.
Lord. keep us alert this day to your presence in our lives and the
sadnesses of others so that we might share our gladnesses with them.
In Jesus' name. Amen
Pray for an abundance of Bibles in needed dialects
throughout Muslim-majority areas 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.
1) Acts 20:1-6, Romans 1 , Romans 2, Romans 3
Acts 20:1-6
Paul's Journey to Macedonia and Greece
1 (Ac 19:21) After the uproar ceased, Paul summoned the disciples
and embraced them and departed for Macedonia.
2 When he had gone through that region and had greatly exhorted them,
he arrived in Greece,
3 (Ac 20:19; 9:23-24) and stayed there three months. When the Jews
plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria,
he decided to return through Macedonia.
4 (Ac 19:29; 16:1; 21:29) Accompanying him to Asia were Sopater of Berea,
and Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy,
and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
5 (Ac 16:8; 16:10-11) These men went forward and waited for us at Troas.
6 (Ac 12:3; 16:12) But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days
of Unleavened Bread, and after five days we came to them at Troas,
where we stayed for seven days.
[1] And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and
embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
[2] And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much
exhortation, he came into Greece,
[3] And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he
was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
[4] And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the
Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus;
and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
[5] These going before tarried for us at Troas.
[6] And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and
came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
Romans 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 15:16; 1Co 1:1) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,
called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God,
2 (Ro 3:21; Titus 1:2) which He promised beforehand through
His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
3 (Gal 4:4; Mt 1:1; Jn 1:14) concerning His Son, Jesus Christ
our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh
4 (2Co 13:4) and declared to be the Son of God with power,
according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
5 (Ac 6:7; 1:25) Through Him we have received grace and apostleship
for the obedience of faith among all nations for His name,
6 (Rev 17:14) among whom you also are called by Jesus Christ:
7 (Col 1:2; 2Co 13:14) To all who are in Rome, beloved of God,
called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto
the gospel of God,
[2] (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
[3] Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of
David according to the flesh;
[4] And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of
holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
[5] By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the
faith among all nations, for his name:
[6] Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
[7] To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to
you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's Desire to Visit Rome
8 (Ro 16:19; 6:17) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all,
because your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
9 (2Ti 1:3; Ro 9:1; 2Co 1:23) For God is my witness, whom I serve
with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing,
I mention you always in my prayers,
10 (Ac 18:21) making request if, by any means, now at last I might
find a way in the will of God to come to you.
11 (Ro 15:23) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some
spiritual gift, so that you may be strengthened.
12 (2Pe 1:1) This is so that I may be encouraged together
with you by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
13 (Jn 4:36; Ac 19:21) Now I would not have you unaware, brothers,
that I often intended to come to you (but was prevented until now),
that I might have a harvest among you also, even as among the other Gentiles.
14 I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians,
both to the wise and to the unwise.
15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel
to you also who are in Rome.
[8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith
is spoken of throughout the whole world.
[9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his
Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
[10] Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous
journey by the will of God to come unto you.
[11] For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift,
to the end ye may be established;
[12] That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith
both of you and me.
[13] Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed
to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among
you also, even as among other Gentiles.
[14] I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the
wise, and to the unwise.
[15] So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that
are at Rome also.
The Definition of the Gospel
16 (Ro 2:9; Mk 8:38) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
For it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 (Hab 2:4; Gal 3:11; Ro 3:21) For in it the righteousness of God
is revealed from faith to faith. As it is written,
"The just shall live by faith." Hab 2:4.
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also
to the Greek.
[17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The Guilt of Mankind
18 (Eph 5:6; Col 3:6) The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against
all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth
through unrighteousness.
19 (Ro 1:20) For what may be known about God is clear to them since
God has shown it to them.
20 (1Ti 1:17; Ps 19:1-6) The invisible things about Him-His eternal power
and deity-have been clearly seen since the creation of the world
and are understood by the things that are made, so that they are
without excuse.
21 (Jer 2:5; 2Ki 17:15) Because, although they knew God, they did not
glorify Him or give thanks to Him as God,
but became futile in their imaginations,
and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 (Jer 10:14) Claiming to be wise, they became fools.
23 (Ps 106:20; Jer 2:11) They changed the glory of the incorruptible God
into an image made like corruptible man, birds, four-footed beasts,
and creeping things.
24 (1Th 4:4) Therefore God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts
of their hearts, to dishonor their own bodies among themselves.
25 (Isa 44:20; Ro 9:5) They turned the truth of God into a lie
and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator,
who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 (Ro 1:24; Ge 19:5) For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable
passions. Their women exchanged the natural function for what is against
nature.
27 (Lev 18:22; 20:13) Likewise the men, leaving the natural function
of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men with men
doing that which is shameful, and receiving in themselves
the due penalty of their error.
[A warning for homosexuals and lesbians from the lord about
their ungodly lifestyle]
28 (Jer 6:30; Ro 1:24) And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God,
God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not proper.
29 (2Co 12:20) They were filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,
wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife,
deceit. They are gossips,
30 (2Ti 3:2) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, proud, boastful, inventors
of evil things, and disobedient toward parents,
31 (2Ti 3:3) without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural
affection, calloused, and unmerciful,
32 (Ro 6:21; Ps 50:18) who know the righteous requirement of God,
that those who commit such things are worthy of death.
They not only do them, but also give hearty approval
to those who practice them.
[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
[19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God
hath shewed it unto them.
[20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal
power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
[21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their
foolish heart was darkened.
[22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
[23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like
to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping
things.
[24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of
their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
[25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
[26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their
women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
[27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned
in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which
was meet.
[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God
gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not
convenient;
[29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit,
malignity; whisperers,
[30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of
evil things, disobedient to parents,
[31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful:
[32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are
worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do
them.
Romans 2
The Righteous Judgment of God
1 (2Sa 12:5-7; Ro 2:3) Therefore you are without excuse, Oman,
whoever you are who judges, for when you judge another,
you condemn yourself, for you who judge do the same things.
2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth
against those who commit such things.
3 (Lk 12:14) Do you think, O man, who judges those who do such things,
and who does the same thing, that you will escape the judgment of God?
4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance,
and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
5 (Dt 32:34; Jas 5:3) But because of your hardness and impenitent heart,
you are storing up treasures of wrath against yourself on the day of wrath
when the righteous judgment of God will be revealed,
6 (Ps 62:12; Mt 16:27) and He "will render to every man according
to his deeds."(Ps 62:12; Pr 24:12.)
7 (Lk 8:15; 2Ti 1:10) To those who by patiently doing good seek for glory
and honor and immortality will be eternal life.
8 But to those who are contentious and do not obey the truth,
but obey unrighteousness, indignation, and wrath,
9 (1Pe 4:17; Ac 3:26) will be tribulation and anguish, upon every
soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile.
10 (Isa 32:17; 57:19) But glory, honor, and peace will be to every man
who does good work-to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile,
11 (Ac 10:34; Dt 10:17; 2Ch 19:7) for there is no partiality with God.
12 (1Co 9:21) As many as have sinned without the law will also perish
without the law, and as many as have sinned under the law will be judged
by the law,
13 for the hearers of the law are not justified before God, but the doers
of the law will be justified.
14 (Ro 2:12) For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature
the things contained in the law, these, not having the law, are a law
unto themselves,
15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience
also bearing witness, while their conflicting thoughts accuse
or even excuse them,
16 (Ro 16:25; Ac 10:42; 1Ti 1:11) in the day when, according to my gospel,
God will judge the secrets of men through Jesus Christ.
[1] Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest:
for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that
judgest doest the same things.
[2] But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against
them which commit such things.
[3] And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things,
and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
[4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance?
[5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself
wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of
God;
[6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
[7] To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and
honour and immortality, eternal life:
[8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
[9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the
Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
[10] But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the
Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
[11] For there is no respect of persons with God.
[12] For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law:
and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
[13] (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of
the law shall be justified.
[14] For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things
contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
[15] Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their
conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing
or else excusing one another;)
[16] In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
according to my gospel.
The Jews and the Law
17 (Mic 3:11; Ro 2:23) Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest in the law,
and make your boast in God.
18 (Php 1:10) You know His will and approve the things that are more
excellent, because you are instructed in the law.
19 (Mt 15:14; Jn 9:40-41) You are confident that you are a guide
to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
20 (2Ti 1:13; 3:5) an instructor of the foolish, and a teacher of babes,
who have the full content of knowledge and truth in the law:
21 (Ps 50:16-21) You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach
yourself? You who preach not to steal, do you steal?
22 (Mal 3:8; Ac 19:37) You who say not to commit adultery,
do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23 (Ro 2:17; Jn 5:45) You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God
through breaking the law?
24 (Isa 52:5; 2Sa 12:14) As it is written, "The name of God
is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."(Isa 52:5; Eze 36:22.)
25 (Jer 4:4) Circumcision indeed has merit, if you keep the law,
but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision becomes
uncircumcision.
26 (Ro 8:4) Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteousness
of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?
27 (Mt 12:41-42; Ro 2:29) Will the uncircumcised one who is righteous
by nature, if he fulfills the law, not judge you who,
by the letter of the law and circumcision, violate the law?
28 (Gal 6:15; Mt 3:9) He is not a Jew who is one outwardly,
nor is circumcision that which is external in the flesh.
29 (1Pe 3:4; Php 3:3; 2Co 10:18) But he is a Jew who is one inwardly.
And circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, and not by the letter.
His praise is not from men, but from God.
[17] Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy
boast of God,
[18] And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent,
being instructed out of the law;
[19] And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light
of them which are in darkness,
[20] An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form
of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
[21] Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou
that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
[22] Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit
adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
[23] Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law
dishonourest thou God?
[24] For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it
is written.
[25] For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be
a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
[26] Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law,
shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
[27] And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law,
judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
[28] For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that
circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
[29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the
heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but
of God.
Romans 3
1 What advantage then does the Jew have?
Or what profit is there in circumcision?
2 (Ac 7:38; Ps 147:19-20) Much in every way!
Chiefly because the oracles of God were entrusted to them.
3 (Heb 4:2; Ro 10:16) What if some did not believe?
Would their unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God?
4 (Ps 51:4; 116:11) God forbid! Let God be true, and every man a liar.
As it is written:
"That You may be justified in Your words,
and may prevail in Your judging."(Ps 51:4.)
5 (Ro 6:19; Gal 3:15) But if our unrighteousness demonstrates
the righteousness of God, what shall we say?
Is God unrighteous in taking vengeance? (I am speaking in human terms.)
6 (Ge 18:25; Job 8:3) God forbid! For then how could God judge the world?
7 If through my lie the truth of God has abounded more to His glory,
why am I still being judged as a sinner?
8 (Ro 6:1; 6:15) Why not rather say, "Let us do evil that good may come,"
as we are slanderously accused and as some claim that we say?
Their condemnation is just.
[1] What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of
circumcision?
[2] Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the
oracles of God.
[3] For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of
God without effect?
[4] God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is
written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest
overcome when thou art judged.
[5] But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall
we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
[6] God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
[7] For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his
glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
[8] And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that
we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
There Is None Righteous
9 (Gal 3:22; Ro 3:19) What then? Are we better than they? No, not at all.
For we have already charged that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin.
10 (Ps 14:1-3; 53:1-3) As it is written:
"There is none righteous, no, not one; (Ps 14:1; 53:1.)
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks after God.(Ps 14:2; 53:2.)
12 (Ps 14:3) They have all turned aside;
together they have become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
no, not one."(Ps 14:3; 53:3.)
13 (Ps 5:9; 140:3; Jer 5:16) "Their throats are an open grave;
with their tongues they have used deceit";
"the poison of vipers is under their lips";(Ps 5:9; 140:3.)
14 (Ps 10:7) "their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."(Ps 10:7.)
15 (Pr 1:16; Isa 59:7-8) "Their feet are swift to shed blood;
(Pr 1:16; Isa 59:7.)
16 destruction and misery are in their paths;(Isa 59:7.)
17 (Lk 1:79) and they do not know the way of peace."(Isa 59:8.)
18 (Ps 36:1) "There is no fear of God before their eyes."(Ps 36:1.)
19 (Ro 3:9; Job 5:16) Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 (Ac 13:39; Gal 2:16) Therefore by the works of the law NO flesh
will be justified in His sight, for through the law comes
the knowledge of sin.
[9] What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before
proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
[10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
[11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
[12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become
unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
[13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used
deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
[14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
[15] Their feet are swift to shed blood:
[16] Destruction and misery are in their ways:
[17] And the way of peace have they not known:
[18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.
[19] Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who
are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may
become guilty before God.
[20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in
his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Righteousness Through Faith
21 (Ac 10:43; Ro 1:17) But now, apart from the law, the righteousness
of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.
22 (Ro 10:12; Gal 3:28) This righteousness of God comes through faith
in Jesus Christ (Or through the faith of Jesus Christ.) to all
and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction.
23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
24 (Ro 4:16; Col 1:14) being justified freely by His grace through
the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 (Ac 17:30; 1Jn 2:2) whom God has set forth to be a propitiation
through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness,
because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously
committed,
26 to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might
be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
27 (Ro 2:17; 2:23) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law?
Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith
without the works of the law.
29 Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles?
Yes, of the Gentiles also,
30 (Gal 3:8; 3:20) seeing it is one God, who shall justify the circumcised
by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.
31 (Mt 5:17; Ro 8:4) Do we then make the law void through faith? God forbid!
Instead, we establish the law.
[21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being
witnessed by the law and the prophets;
[22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto
all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus:
[25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God;
[26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be
just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
[27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but
by the law of faith.
[28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the
deeds of the law.
[29] Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of
the Gentiles also:
[30] Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith,
and uncircumcision through faith.
[31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we
establish the law.
2) Our Daily Bread for 26 November 2025 Titled
Count Your Blessings
by Alyson Kieda
Ezra 3:1, 4-6, 9-11
Rebuilding the Altar
1 (Lev 23:24) When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel
had resettled in their cities, and the people gathered themselves together,
as one man, to Jerusalem.
4 (Ex 23:16; Nu 29:12-38) They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles,
as it had been written, and offered the daily burnt offerings
in accordance with the daily schedule, according to each day's custom.
5 (Nu 29:39) Thereafter, observance of the burnt offering became a perpetual
sacrifice with regard to the New Moon sacrifices and all of the appointed
feasts of the Lord that had been consecrated, and all of the voluntary
freewill offerings to the Lord. 6From the first day of the seventh month
they had begun to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord,
but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.
[1] And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in
the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.
[4] They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered
the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of
every day required;
[5] And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new
moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of
every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.
[6] From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt
offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was
not yet laid.
Rebuilding the Temple
9 (Ezr 2:40) Then Joshua with his sons and brothers, and Kadmiel
with his sons, who are the sons of Judah, along with the sons of Henadad
with their sons and their brothers-all Levites-stood together to supervise
the workers on the house of God.
10 (Zec 4:10) When the builders laid the foundation of the temple
of the Lord, the priests in their apparel stood with trumpets and,
from the Levites, the sons of Asaph stood with cymbals to praise the Lord,
following the example of David king of Israel.
11 (1Ch 16:34; 16:41) They sang responsively, praising
and giving thanks unto the Lord,
"For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel."
And all the people responded with a great shout
when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord
was laid.
[9] Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons,
the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God:
the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.
[10] And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD,
they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the
sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David
king of Israel.
[11] And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the
LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And
all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD,
because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
When I was a little girl, I loved the old hymn "Count Your Blessings."
The song encourages those who are "tempest-tossed" and "thinking all is lost"
to "count your blessings, name them one by one." Years later when my husband,
Alan, was discouraged, he would often ask me to sing that simple song to him.
Then I would help him to enumerate his blessings. Doing so took Alan's focus
off his struggles and self-doubt and centered his thoughts on God
and his reasons for thankfulness.
The book of Ezra describes God’s people facing overwhelming challenges through
focusing on God's power and provision. After they'd endured decades of
captivity in Babylon, King Cyrus allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Israel
to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1-2). Only a fraction returned (2:64). Despite
their "fear of the peoples around them" and the great task before them,
they rebuilt the altar and laid the temple's foundation (3:3, 10). Then
"with praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: 'He is good; his love
toward Israel endures forever.' And all the people gave a great
shout of praise to the Lord" (v. 11).
If you're discouraged or facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, turn your
thoughts toward God. "Count your blessings . . . and it will surprise you what
the Lord has done," and continues to do, for those who love Him.
Reflect & Pray
How has counting your blessings helped you in a
difficult situation? What are you thankful for?
Dear God, please help me to be grateful and praise
You for who You are and for all You've done.
Discover more about gratefulness by reading Consistently Celebrating.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and Forever - Day 4 - Daddy!
Romans 8:15
'For you have not received the spirit of slavery again to fear. But you have
received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father." '
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have
received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
"I've always been a Daddy's girl," Sandi said proudly, and her relationship
with her father proved it. She was never spoiled, but even as a grown woman,
Sandi maintained a closeness with her father, sharing intimately with him the
important issues of her life. And just her use of the name "Daddy" indicated
that he was, indeed a warm, approachable, affectionate man.
Many people are not so fortunate. Some fathers are stern and harsh;
others absent or uncaring, some even abusive. Few have the king of father
who presents a picture of the loving fatherhood of God.
But whatever our concept of fatherhood, God makes clear that he is everything
we always wanted our fathers to be - loving, forgiving, approachable,
totally accepting of us as we are, encouraging us to become all he has
created us to be.
In Romans 8, Paul calls God our "Abba Father". The Aramaic word for Father,
Abba, is an intimate term that might well be translated, Daddy.
God is our "Daddy," our "Abba" - not a distant, stern patriarch ready
to strike us down at the first sign of transgression, but a gentle,
loving Father who longs for us to climb into his lap and let him comfort us.
When we commit ourselves to Christ, Paul indicates, we do not receive a
"spirit of bondage to fear" but a "spirit of adoption." We are not called
to respond to God out of fear, but out of love and reverence.
We can relax and enjoy his presence, for we are his children,
and he is our loving Daddy.
Application
a) What concept of fatherhood do I have from my own experience with my father?
How does that correspond to Paul's description of God as "Daddy"?
b) How can this verse help change my perception of what it means to have
God as my Father?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Mark 4:23-29
23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15) "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.
The measure you give will be measured for you,
and to you who hear will more be given.
25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.
And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 (Mt 13:24) He said, "The kingdom of God is like a man
who scatters seed on the ground.
27 (Ecc 11:5) He sleeps and rises night and day,
and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how.
28 For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade,
then the head, then the full seed in the head.
29 (Joel 3:13) But when the grain is ripe,
immediately he applies the sickle because the harvest has come."
23 "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. "
24 And he said unto them, "Take heed what ye hear:
with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you:
and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not,
from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should
cast seed into the ground;
27 and should sleep, and rise night and day,
and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade,
then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth,
immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Gift of Salvation
Ps 51:1-13
PSALMS 51
For the Music Director. A Psalm of David,
when Nathan the Prophet came to him,
after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to Your lovingkindness;
according to the abundance of Your compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2 ) Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) For I acknowledge my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Against You, You only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified when You speak,
and You are blameless when You judge.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) You desire truth in the inward parts,
and in the hidden part You make me to know wisdom.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3 ) Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Make me to hear joy and gladness,
that the bones that You have broken may rejoice.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Hide Your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Do not cast me away from Your presence,
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
and uphold me with Your willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
and sinners will return to You.
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."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
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
Day 26 of the Month
a) Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ (Matt 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
)
b) Pray for the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut
I) Pray for the leaders of Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut,
that God's Spirit would influence then to act justly,
serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use
the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Advent Day 4
From C. S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
John 2:11
11 (Jn 1:14; 3:2) This, the first of His signs, Jesus did in Cana of Galilee,
and He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
All Miracles Are Connected to the Incarnation
In his book Miracles, Lewis writes that the miracle of turning water
into wine (which John 2:11 calls the first of the signs of Jesus)
is doing instantaneously what happens in Nature on a regular basis
over a period of time. It happens in Nature much more slowly,
but God is still doing a miracle.
Lewis suggests not only that natural events are related to Nature
(that's what "natural" means!), but that all miracles are connected
to the Grand Miracle, the birth of the Christ. How is this so?
In every miracle God breaks into Nature with a new sequence of events.
In the Incarnation, God also broke into Nature, but there
he did it most impressively of all. That's why it's a Grand Miracle.
The normal manner of conception and birth was set aside in the Virgin
Conception and Birth. That's the new sequence of events.
Every miracle shows the power of God, and every miracle is a "sign."
Jesus' purpose in doing miracles was to point to his true nature.
While he cared about the lack of wine at the wedding in Cana,
he cares much more that we see him as the one with power over nature.
And he cared about us enough to become one of us, and in that becoming,
participated in another part of nature, human nature.
Remind us, Lord, that your Coming shows us both our need
and your solution. Amen.
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY. FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Awe-Full Angels
Read Luke 1:8-17.
8 Now while he served as priest before God, when his division was on duty,
9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn
incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side
of the altar of incense.
12 When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said to him, "Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer
has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you shall call his name John.
14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink
neither wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit,
even from his mother's womb.
16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.
17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready
a people prepared for the Lord."
-Luke 1:12
When Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Our culture has made angels cute and cuddly. In contrast,
the Bible portrays them as shocking, filling recipients with
trepidation. Indeed, these messengers from the LORD always have to say,
"Do not be afraid."
In truth, our culture has made God too cute and cuddly also.
We know God is supremely sovereign, reigning over the entire cosmos,
but perhaps we jump too fast to news that the Trinity loves us through
Jesus Christ, and we do not first recognize the depths of our sinfulness.
To be genuinely grateful for God's immense grace,
we must know that we are totally unworthy.
Martin Luther, the early Reformer, brilliantly began all his explanations
for the Ten Commandments with the phrase,
"We should so fear and love God ... " This isn't a fear that lasts,
for it is soon overwhelmed by love, but it necessarily deepens
our gratitude, so that we never take God's forgiving love for granted.
prayer
God, enable me properly to fear you, so that I always cherish
your forgiving grace. Amen.
From The AH-HA of Advent by Rich Bimler
FIRST WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ALERTS
Romans 13:11-14
11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time,
now is the moment to awake from sleep. For now our salvation
is nearer than when we believed.
12 (Eph 5:11; 2Co 6:7) The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us take off the works of darkness
and put on the armour of light.
13 (Gal 5:21; Lk 21:34; Eph 5:18) Let us behave properly, as in the day,
not in carousing and drunkenness, not in immorality and wickedness,
not in strife and envy.
14 (Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time,
now is the moment to awake from sleep.
For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
ROMANS 13:11
his AH-HA of Advent reminds me of an old saying: "Be alert. The world
needs more lerts!
St. Paul reminds us today that God's AH-HA people are empowered
to "wake from sleep . . lay aside the works of darkness and put on
the armour of light." This is exactly what the Lord is doing in and through
us during Advent . .. right now Through the power of his Word and
sacraments, the Lord shakes us up--he focuses us on sharing our life
and gifts with others.
It's not easy being alert. is it? Especially during Advent, there are so many
things that distract us from the Manger scene--buying gifts. sending
cards, making lists (and checking them twice, or maybe even three timesl)
party-going, meal-making. house-trimming, and perhaps even a little {oo
much egg-nogging . .. not to mention an unhealthy fruitcake obsession!
Look around you with different eyes this day. Be alert to the opportunities
the Lord will give you today to share your gifts. Watch fof the little child
who needs a hug, for the older person who feels alone and for the skinny
Santa Claus who doesn't look so jolly today. Be alert to the people around
you who have needs you can satisfy. and who have gifts to share with you
as well.
Romans 13:14 clinches it for us: "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.' Watch out
world, here come the lerts!
Lord. keep us alert this day to your presence in our lives and the
sadnesses of others so that we might share our gladnesses with them.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that the Gospel is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth for we are all sinners.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to be grateful and praise
You for who You are and for all You've done."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know God as Loving Father.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a bountiful sower and reaper.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know mercy and lovingkindness.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- 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!
Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary
work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ
Remind us, Lord, that your Coming shows us both our need
and your solution. Amen.
God, enable me properly to fear you, so that I always cherish
your forgiving grace. Amen.
Lord. keep us alert this day to your presence in our lives and the
sadnesses of others so that we might share our gladnesses with them.
In Jesus' name. Amen
Pray for an abundance of Bibles in needed dialects
throughout Muslim-majority areas 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.
.