Dave Yadallee's personal blog

1 Chronicles 5:1-3



Sons of Reuben



1 (Ge 29:32; 35:22) Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel

(for he was the firstborn, but since he defiled his father's bed,

his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel,

so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright;

2 (Mic 5:2; Mt 2:6; Ge 49:8-10 ) though Judah prevailed

over his brothers and a ruler came from him,

yet the birthright belonged to Joseph),

3 (Ge 46:9; Ex 6:14; Nu 26:5-9) the sons of Reuben the firstborn

of Israel were Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi.



[1] Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the

firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was

given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to

be reckoned after the birthright.

[2] For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler;

but the birthright was Joseph's:)

[3] The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hannoch, and

Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.



1 Chronicles 4:24



Jos 19:2-10



24 (Ge 46:10) The sons of Simeon were

Nemuel, Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul,



[24] The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul:



1 Chronicles 6:16-30



16 Ex 6:16The sons of Levi were Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

17 (1Ch 23:7) These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.

18 (1Ch 23:12) The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

19 (1Ch 23:21; 24:26) The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi.

Now these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers.

20 Of Gershom were Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

21Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.

22 (Ex 6:24) The sons of Kohath were

Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,

23 Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son,

24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.

25 The sons of Elkanah were Amasai and Ahimoth.

26 (1Sa 1:1) As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah were Zophai his son,

Nahath his son,

27 (1Sa 1:1) Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son.

28 (1Sa 8:2; 1Ch 6:33) The sons of Samuel were the firstborn Joel and Abijah.

29 (1Ch 6:19)The sons of Merari were Mahli, Libni his son,

Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,

30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son.



1 Chronicles 6:16-30



16 The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

17 And these be the names of the sons of Gershom; Libni, and Shimei.

18 And the sons of Kohath were, Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

19 The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. And these are the families

of the Levites according to their fathers.

20 Of Gershom; Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son,

21 Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeaterai his son.

22 The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,

23 Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son,

24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.

25 And the sons of Elkanah; Amasai, and Ahimoth.

26 As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,

27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.

28 And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah.

29 The sons of Merari; Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his son,

30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.



2) Our Daily Bread for 31 January 2026 entitled

Focused on God by Katara Patton



Isaiah 26:1-5



Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders



1 (Isa 60:18; 12:1) In that day this song shall be sung in the land of Judah:

We have a strong city;

He appoints walls

and bulwarks for security.

2 (Ps 118:20; Isa 60:11) Open the gates,

that the righteous nation may enter,

the one who remains faithful.

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,

whose mind is stayed on You,

because he trusts in You.

4 (Isa 12:2; 50:10) Trust in the Lord forever,

for in God the Lord we have an everlasting rock.

5 (Job 40:11-13) For He brings down those who dwell on high,

the lofty city; He lays it low; He lays it low,

even to the ground;



[1] In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a

strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.

[2] Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may

enter in.

[3] Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth in thee.

[4] Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting

strength:

[5] For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth

it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the

dust.



My coworker made a quick call to discuss an issue. She asked how I was doing,

and I admitted that I had a really painful sinus infection, and the medicine

wasn't working. My coworker simply asked, "May I pray for you?" After I

agreed, she offered a thirty-second prayer to God for my healing. I admitted,

"Sometimes I forget to pray. I was so focused on the pain I didn't turn to

God."



My confession made me think about where I place my focus - on my struggles

and problems or on God. On this day, my thoughts centered on the pain because

of its intensity. But Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that when we keep our minds

focused on God, our healer and sustainer, we can find peace:

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You,

because he trusts in You." While the pain may not go away instantly,

or perhaps ever in this life, the prophet reminds us to place our "trust in"

the one who is faithful and able to provide what we need (v. 4).



This passage from Isaiah pointed the Israelites to God's promises during and

after their exile. They would sing songs of praise to Him again as they clung

to their faith and hope in what He would provide (vv. 1-2). And the prophet's

words also remind us that whatever pain we may endure, we too can find

comfort as we focus on trusting in God and calling out to Him.



Reflect & Pray



Where are your thoughts focused?

How can you turn your concerns into praise and prayers to God?



Dear God, please remind me to keep my mind focused

on You, regardless of what situations I face.



Learn more about praising God by watching this video.





3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6



5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled

and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;

and the crooked shall be made straight

and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.



5 Every valley shall be filled,

And every mountain and hill shall be brought low;

And the crooked shall be made straight,

And the rough ways shall be made smooth;

6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.



When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard

in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through

the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where

the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:

and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,

scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after

the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget

the temporary upheaval and see only the

beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.

In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,

a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation

of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation

of the individual heart to receive him.

Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for

the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the

mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects

the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.

Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape

of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer

has done its job.

But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be

paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,

the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see

in us the glory and salvation of our God.



Application



a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?



b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?



c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work

God still want to do in me?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Proverbs 10:22



22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich ,and He adds no sorrow with it.



22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, And he addeth no sorrow with it.

2) Our Daily Bread for 30 January 2025 entitled

In God's Presence by Adam R. Holz



Proverbs 6:6-11



The Folly of Idleness



6 (Pr 10:26; 20:4 ) Go to the ant, you sluggard!

Consider her ways and be wise.

7 Which, having no guide,

overseer, or ruler,

8 (Pr 10:5 ) provides her bread in the summer,

and gathers her food in the harvest.

9 (Pr 24:33-34) How long will you sleep, O sluggard?

When will you arise out of your sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to sleep-

11 (Pr 24:34) so will your poverty come upon you like a stalker,

and your need as an armed man.



6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard;

Consider her ways, and be wise:

7 Which having no guide,

Overseer, or ruler,

8 Provideth her meat in the summer,

And gathereth her food in the harvest.

9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard?

When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth,

And thy want as an armed man.



In 1692, Brother Lawrence's work The Practice of the Presence of God was first

published. In it, he described how he invited God into his mundane daily

activities. Brother Lawrence's words still challenge us to prayerfully seek

God in everything we do, like mowing the yard, getting groceries, or walking

the dog.



Each day, I take our dog, Winston, for a walk. My goal for him is to exercise.

Winston's goal? Sniffing everything. Calling this time "a walk" is a generous

fiction. More often, we're going for a . . . stop. Lately, instead of getting

frustrated by a lack of forward progress, I’ve been asking God to help me see

these moments as a reminder that life is a lot like walking a dog. We

experience God's presence as we faithfully obey Him in life's everyday

activities, including their unexpected interruptions.



In Proverbs 6, Solomon offers a similar lesson, using the everyday, humble

example of the ant to call us to work faithfully: "Go to the ant, you

sluggard; consider its ways and be wise" (v. 6). Solomon used ants as an

example of everyday, patient labor (vv. 7-8).



Our relationship with God needn't be compartmentalised into designated

"spiritual" times alone, like church or a quiet time. Instead, as we

faithfully obey Him, God invites us to see His divine fingerprints

throughout each day.



Reflect & Pray



When has God used something mundane to help you see Him better?

In what everyday task is He calling you to be faithful?



Dear Father, thank You for reminders

everywhere that You're a part of every moment.





For further study, read Relationship or Religion?

What It Means to Follow Jesus.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 4 -The Blessings of Grace Day 6 - A Reasonable Alternative



Isaiah 1:18



18 (Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14) "Come now, and let us reason together, "

says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.



18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:

though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.



"Is Christianity Reasonable?" Linda Wanted to Know. "I've heard all my life

that faith is a crutch, an invention of weak minds to assure them

of some order in the world."

Linda was not alone in her objection; thinking people for generations

have been asking themselves the same question.

God is not intimidated by our questions; in fact, he confronts the issue

head-on in the Scriptures. "Let us reason together," the Lord invites.

Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,

faith is a reasonable alternative , a rational choice for a thinking person.

God indicates in his Word that confession and forgiveness are "reasonable".

"Think!" God says. "You sin, and you know it. You are not even able to be

true to your own principles. You cannot deal with your sin by will power

or effort. But I can deal with it! I can forgive it - and I will"

We cannot come to faith in God through Christ by intellect alone, of course.

Our spirits much reach out in faith, beyond what we can see. But intellect

supports faith; trusting in Christ is an eminently rational decision.

In Deut 30:1-20 , God set before the people a choice: Life or Death, blessing

or cursing. "Choose Life!" he tells them. We have the same choice.

The ultimate decision is thus simplified, the 'rational' alternative becomes

clear. We can choose death, by attempting to control our own destinies ,

or life, by giving ourselves fully into the hand of the Master.



Application



a) Why is the choice to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness a

'Rational choice'?



b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?



c) What other aspects of God's word

and work in my life seem 'reasonable' to me?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Ps 37:25-26



25 I have been young, and now am old;

yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor their offspring begging bread.

26 The righteous are gracious and lend,

and their offspring are a source of blessing.



25 I have been young, and now am old;

Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;

And his seed is blessed.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are ill or injured



Matthew 8:14-17



The Healing of Many People



Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41



14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,

lying sick with a fever.

15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them.

16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many

who were possessed with demons.

And He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all who were sick,

17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,

"He Himself took our infirmities

and bore our sicknesses."



[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother

laid, and sick of a fever.

[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and

ministered unto them.

[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed

with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that

were sick:

[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,

saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.



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.

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Proverbs 22:7



7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.



7 The rich ruleth over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are Saddened by Loss



John 14:1 - 7



1 "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me.

2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places.

If it were not so, I would have told you.

I am going to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again

and receive you to Myself,

that where I am, you may be also.

4 You know where I am going, and you know the way."

5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know

where You are going. How can we know the way?"

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,

and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.

From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."



1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,

I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,

and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:

and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.



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?)



2015 Population - 4631302 Muslims about 136493



British Columbia - British Columbia's Muslim Population is growing constantly.

Every week there are immigrants ad refugees coming to the Greater Vancouver

and surrounding areas. There are also significant Muslim student populations

in our colleges and universities. Some have even suggested that there are

between 4000 and 5000 Saudi Arabian students alone, without counting all

other nationalities.



Greater Vancouver has an estimated 180000 Muslims, and there are significant

and growing communities in the Fraser Valley such as in Langley, Abbotsford,

Chilliwack, etc. Including these communities the total population for this

region is about 200000.

Of these, there are an estimated 100000 Iranians, 35000 Arabs, 15000 Ismailis,

more than 20000 Afghanis, 10000 South Asian Muslims, 3000 Turks, and small

numbers from other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Albania, etc.

We are seeing some Muslims coming to Christ and we rejoice in that.

A few people also have some ongoing ministry to Muslims in the area,

for which we also rejoice. Let us agree in that



- the church will catch a vision to pray,

and a burden to train outreach to Muslims

- the church will press in to participate in effective

discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.



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 "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.

18 Even on My menservants and maidservants

I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:

blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,

and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]



Footnotes

Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.

- 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, ...) .



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



)



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and Pray to Him to show you what the future holds.



Pray to the Lord that Leaders in government will heed the Will of the Lord

like Joseph did.



Pray to the Lord : "Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me with such

long-suffering love. Teach me, please, to do the same."



Pray to the Lord and pray to know that you fit into the God's

Kingdom when you accept His gift of Salvation.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be neither borrower nor lender.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord is

preparing a place for you in Heaven.



Pray the church in BC will catch a vision to pray,

and a burden to train outreach to Muslims

Pray the church in BC will press in to participate in effective

discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.



Pray that Christians in the marketplace will demonstrate exemplary

work ethics and shine as witnesses of Christ .



May the Lord bless Christian leaders with joy and strength

as they faithfully minister in their communities in VENEZUELA.



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

2) Our Daily Bread for 15 January 2026 titled

Kindness Unseen by James Banks



2 Kings 6:9-10, 13-17



9 But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, saying,

"Take care not to pass through this place, for the Arameans are marching

down there."

10 The king of Israel sent word to the place of which the man of God spoke.

He warned him and was on his guard there more than once.



13 (Ge 37:17) He said, "Go and see where he is, so that I may send for him

and take him." And it was told to him, "He is in Dothan."

14 So he sent horses, chariots, and a great army there. They came by night

and surrounded the city.

15 When a servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out,

a force surrounded the city both with horses and chariots.

And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What will we do?"

16 (Ro 8:31; Ps 55:18) And he said, "Do not be afraid, for there are more with

us than with them."

17(2Ki 2:11; Ps 68:17) Then Elisha prayed, "Lord,

open his eyes and let him see."

So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the mountain

was full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha.



[9] And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that

thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

[10] And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him

and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.



[13] And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him.

And

it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

[14] Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and

they came by night, and compassed the city about.

[15] And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone

forth,

behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his

servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

[16] And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they

that be with them.

[17] And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he

may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and,

behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about

Elisha.



The face was there all along, but no one knew. When Sir Joshua Reynolds

painted The Death of Cardinal Beaufort in 1789, he put a demon's face in the

darkness behind the dying man. Reynolds was accurately depicting a scene from

but some didn't like his literalism. After Reynolds' death in 1792, the face

was painted over and forgotten. Art conservation work recently revealed it

under layers of paint and varnish.



The Bible tells of a spiritual reality around us that the eye can't see, where

God reigns supreme. When Elisha was surrounded by a "strong force" of enemy

soldiers and chariots, his servant was frightened and asked, "What shall we

do?" Elisha told him that "those who are with us are more than those who are

with them," and "prayed, 'Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.'" Suddenly

the servant "saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire

all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:14-17).



The horses and chariots of fire indicate angelic beings there for Elisha's

protection. This is one of many places where Scripture underscores the

comforting truth that in a world where danger lurks and spiritual warfare

rages, God still watches over us. No matter what we face, how good it is to

know that nothing "will be able to separate us" from His love (Romans 8:39).



Reflect & Pray



In what ways does God take care of you? How will you thank Him?



Dear Father, nothing can separate me from Your

love for me in Jesus, and I praise You for it!





Learn more about expressing gratitude to God here.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 5 - Starting Over



2 Cor 5:17



17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,

he is a new creature. Old things have passed away.

Look, all things have become new.



17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:

old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.



"The trouble with turning over a new leaf," Gordon sighed,

"is that once you've done it twice, you're right back where

you started." Gordon, in his mid-fifties, had his job

"canceled" by a company wanting to cut back on retirement payments.

Out of work, with few prospects, he said wistfully,

"I wish I had the chance to start over again."

Many of us would echo Gordon's sentiments. Whether we have lost a job,

gone through a divorce, moved to another part of the country, or

experienced some lesser crisis, we often long for the chance to

begin again, fresh, without the shadow of past mistakes following us.

God's word offers just such an opportunity. Anyone who is in Christ,

Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17, is a "new creation". For the Christian, the past

is truly past - "all things are become new". In the forgiveness

and restoration of God's grace we can leave the past behind,

with all its mistakes, and enter into new life.

And the promise is not just for the newly saved. Those of us who

have been Christians for years need to hear the truth of 2 Cor 5:17 again,

for we accumulated some "new mistakes" since we came to Christ. Anyone who

is in Christ is a new creation; the freedom of forgiveness, of

"starting over" is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord.

We cannot every really "start over" simply by establishing New Year's

resolutions or turning over a new leaf. Only God gives us that opportunity;

his grace allows us to clear away the rubble of the past and begin again.

Everything becomes new in God's loving forgiveness.



Application



a) What "resolutions" have I made in an attempt to "start over"

in some area of struggle or failure in my life? Did my resolutions work?



b) What does 2 Cor 5:17 mean for me at this point in my Christian Life?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Proverbs 10:22



22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich ,and He adds no sorrow with it.



22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich,

And he addeth no sorrow with it.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are Saddened by Loss



1 Cor 15:35-38,51-57



35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up?

With what body do they come?"

36 You fool! What you sow is not made alive unless it dies.

37 When you sow, you do not sow the body that shall be, but a bare kernel,

perhaps of wheat or of some other grain.

38 Then God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.



51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall

all be changed.

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet,

for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible,

and we shall be changed.

53 For tis corruptible will put on incorruption,

and this mortal will put on immortality.

54 When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,

and this mortal will have put on immortality,

then the saying that is written shall come to pass:

"Death is swallowed up in victory."

55 "O death, where is your sting?

O grave, where is your victory?"

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through

our Lord Jesus Christ!



35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up?

and with what body do they come?

36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

37 and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,

but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

38 but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him,

and to every seed his own body.



51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall

all be changed,

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:

for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,

and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption,

and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,

and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought

to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through

our Lord Jesus Christ.



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.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 7 - The Cost of Wisdom



Proverbs 4:4,7



Proverbs 4



4 (Pr 7:2; Eph 6:4) He also taught me and said to me,

"Let your heart retain my words; keep my commandments, and live.

7 (Mt 13:44-46) Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom.

And with all your getting, get understanding. "



4 He taught me also, and said unto me,

Let thine heart retain my words:

Keep my commandments, and live.

7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:

And with all thy getting get understanding.



Establishing priorities is a popular topic of conversation in our

generation. We carry appointment calendars and attend goal-setting

strategy seminars. We let machines answer our telephones so that

we won't miss any important messages, or so that we can screen calls

before we answer them. We order our lives so that we can "get ahead".

"Getting ahead" in God's kingdom, however, involves other priorities

than the ones we may set for ourselves. "Wisdom is supreme," the

principal thing, says Proverbs 4:7, "Get wisdom. Though it cost

all you have, get understanding."

Wisdom is defined as "an understanding of what is true, right, or lasting."

Biblical wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts about God and his

teaching, but the application of those truths of life, taking on

the character of God as we mature in the image of Christ.

Such wisdom may, indeed, come at great cost. Jesus calls us to "lay

down our lives" to follow him - perhaps not literally to die, but to die

to self-centered priorities, to allow the Holy Spirit to establish

his value system in us.

"Keep my commandments and you will live," Proverbs 4:4 says. Real life -

rich, fulfilling, significant, abundant life - comes only through union

with God. The success offered by the world, the acclaim of others, material

prosperity and convenience cannot satisfy us once we have tasted

the joy of life with God in Christ.



Application



a) What does "getting wisdom" means to me?



b) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus

my attention on the priorities and values of the Lord?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



2 Chr 31:21



21 And in every deed that he undertook in the service of the house

of God and with the law and commandment to seek out his God,

he did this with all his heart, and he found success.



21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house

of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God,

he did it with all his heart, and prospered.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Protection in Times of Trouble



Ps 27:1-6



PSALMS 27



A Psalm of David.



1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom will I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life;

of whom will I be afraid?

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) When the wicked came against me

to eat my flesh -

my enemies and my foes -

they stumbled and fell.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Though an army should encamp against me,

my heart will not fear;

though war should rise against me,

in this will I be confident.

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One thing I have asked from the Lord,

that will I seek after -

for me to dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to see the beauty of the Lord,

and to inquire in His temple.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For in the time of trouble

He will hide me in His pavilion;

in the shelter of His tabernacle He will hide me;

He will set me up on a rock.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8 - 9) Now my head will be lifted up

above my enemies encircling me;

therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;

I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.



1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,

came upon me to eat up my flesh,

They stumbled and fell.

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:

Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;

That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:

In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;

he shall set me up upon a rock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up,

Above mine enemies round about me:

Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;

I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.



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?)



2015 Population - 4631302 Muslims about 136493



British Columbia - British Columbia's Muslim Population is growing constantly.

Every week there are immigrants ad refugees coming to the Greater Vancouver

and surrounding areas. There are also significant Muslim student populations

in our colleges and universities. Some have even suggested that there are

between 4000 and 5000 Saudi Arabian students alone, without counting all

other nationalities.



Greater Vancouver has an estimated 180000 Muslims, and there are significant

and growing communities in the Fraser Valley such as in Langley, Abbotsford,

Chilliwack, etc. Including these communities the total population for this

region is about 200000.

Of these, there are an estimated 100000 Iranians, 35000 Arabs, 15000 Ismailis,

more than 20000 Afghanis, 10000 South Asian Muslims, 3000 Turks, and small

numbers from other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Albania, etc.

We are seeing some Muslims coming to Christ and we rejoice in that.

A few people also have some ongoing ministry to Muslims in the area,

for which we also rejoice. Let us agree in that



- the church will catch a vision to pray,

and a burden to train outreach to Muslims

- the church will press in to participate in effective

discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.



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 "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.

18 Even on My menservants and maidservants

I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:

blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,

and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]



Footnotes

Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.

- 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, ...) .

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 6 - Shielded by the Word



Proverbs 30:5



5 (Ps 12:6; 18:30) Every word of God is pure;

He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.



5 Every word of God is pure:

He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.



A wife of ten years, betrayed by her husband's infidelity, declares that

she will never trust a man again. A teenage son says of his father, "I

can't depend on him anymore! Dad always talk big and makes promises,

but he never does what he says." A career woman, her reputation

undermined by gossip, leaves the church broken, and never returns.

Human beings are weak, volatile, unfaithful creatures; often we

break our word and hurt others in the process. But the Scripture

clearly assures us that God's Word is not like the word of man.

God always remains faithful to his Word, always fulfills his promises,

always does what he says he will do.

God's word is pure (or flawless), Proverbs 30:5 says. His Word

is not distorted with mixed motives or flawed by untruth. God's Word

is dependable, able to support and lift us up, able to speak

encouragement to us. His Word is a "shield" a protection for us

against the onslaughts of the Enemy, a place of refuge from the struggle

and confusion of daily life.

We live in a world that recognises no absolute truth. Morality,

values, relationships, ethics - every decision of life, it seems,

"depends on the situation." But in the midst of the confusion,

God interjects his Word - timeless, pure, trustworthy, reliable.

We can depend upon God's Word. We can turn to him to verify who we are

and the purposes for which we were created. We can find refuge in his truth,

and rest in the knowledge that whatever he says, he will do.



Application



a) In my own experience, how have I found God's Word

to be different from the word of men and women?



b) In what areas of my life do I need the assurance of the validity

and dependability of God's Word?





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?)



2015 Population - 4631302 Muslims about 136493



British Columbia - British Columbia's Muslim Population is growing constantly.

Every week there are immigrants ad refugees coming to the Greater Vancouver

and surrounding areas. There are also significant Muslim student populations

in our colleges and universities. Some have even suggested that there are

between 4000 and 5000 Saudi Arabian students alone, without counting all

other nationalities.



Greater Vancouver has an estimated 180000 Muslims, and there are significant

and growing communities in the Fraser Valley such as in Langley, Abbotsford,

Chilliwack, etc. Including these communities the total population for this

region is about 200000.

Of these, there are an estimated 100000 Iranians, 35000 Arabs, 15000 Ismailis,

more than 20000 Afghanis, 10000 South Asian Muslims, 3000 Turks, and small

numbers from other countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Albania, etc.

We are seeing some Muslims coming to Christ and we rejoice in that.

A few people also have some ongoing ministry to Muslims in the area,

for which we also rejoice. Let us agree in that



- the church will catch a vision to pray,

and a burden to train outreach to Muslims

- the church will press in to participate in effective

discipleship of these new Muslim background believers.



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 "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.

18 Even on My menservants and maidservants

I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:

blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,

and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]



Footnotes

Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.

- 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, ...) .

John 16



Sorrow Will Turn Into Joy



16 (Jn 7:33; 16:17-19) "In a little while you will not see Me. And then after

a little while you will see Me, because I am going to the Father."

17 (Jn 16:5; Mk 9:10) Then some of His disciples said among themselves,

"What is this He is telling us: 'In a little while you will not see Me;

and then after a little while you will see Me,' and, 'because I am going

to the Father'?"

18 Then they said, "What is this He is telling us: 'In a little while'?

We do not know what He is saying."

19 (Jn 2:24-25; 16:30) Then Jesus knew that they wanted to ask Him.

So He said to them, "Do you inquire among yourselves concerning what I said:

'In a little while you will not see Me;

and then after a little while you will see Me'?

20 (Mk 16:10; Mt 5:4) Truly, truly I say to you that you will weep and lament,

but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will

be turned into joy.

21 (1Th 5:3) When a woman is giving birth, she has pain, because her hour

has come. But as soon as she delivers the child, she no longer remembers

the anguish for joy that a child is born into the world.

22 (Jn 16:6; 1Pe 1:8) Therefore you now have sorrow. But I will see you

again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

23 (Jn 16:19; Mt 7:7) On that day you will ask Me nothing. Truly, truly I say

to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you.

24 (Jn 15:11) Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will

receive, that your joy may be full.



[16] A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and

ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

[17] Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he

saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little

while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

[18] They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we

cannot tell what he saith.

[19] Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them,

Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall

not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

[20] Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the

world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be

turned into joy.

[21] A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come:

but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the

anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

[22] And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your

heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

[23] And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto

you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

[24] Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive,

that your joy may be full.



I Have Overcome the World



25 (Jn 16:2) "I have told you these things in proverbs. But the time is coming

when I will no longer speak to you in proverbs, for I will speak to you

plainly about the Father.

26 On that day you will ask in My name. I am not saying to you that

I shall ask the Father on your behalf.

27 (Jn 14:21; 14:23) For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved

Me, and have believed that I came from God.

28 (Jn 13:3; 8:14) I came from the Father and have come into the world.

As I said, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father."

29 (Jn 16:25) His disciples said to Him, "Yes! Now You are speaking plainly

and with no figure of speech.

30 (Jn 21:17) Now we know that You know everything and do not need anyone

to question You. By this we believe that You came from God."

31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?

32 (Mt 26:31; Jn 8:29) Listen, the hour is coming. Yes, it has now come that

you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave Me alone.

Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with Me.

33 (Jn 14:27; 1Jn 4:4; Jn 14:1) "I have told you these things so that in Me

you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good

cheer. I have overcome the world."



[25] These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh,

when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you

plainly of the Father.

[26] At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I

will pray the Father for you:

[27] For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have

believed that I came out from God.

[28] I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I

leave the world, and go to the Father.

[29] His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and

speakest no proverb.

[30] Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any

man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

[31] Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

[32] Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered,

every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone,

because the Father is with me.

[33] These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In

the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome

the world.



John 17



The Prayer of Jesus



1 (Jn 11:41; 7:39) When Jesus spoke these words, He lifted His eyes toward

heaven and said:

"Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son,

that Your Son may also glorify You.

2 (Jn 6:37; 6:39) As You have given Him authority over all flesh,

He will give eternal life to all whom You have given Him.

3 (1Jn 5:20; Jn 3:17; 17:25) This is eternal life: that they may know You,

the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

4 (Jn 4:34; 19:30) I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work

You have given Me to do.

5 (Jn 17:24; Php 2:6) And now, O Father, glorify Me in Your own presence

with the glory which I had with You before the world existed.

6 (Jn 17:2; 17:26) "I have revealed Your name to the men whom You have given

Me out of the world. They were Yours, and You gave them to Me, and they have

kept Your word.

7 Now they know that all things You have given Me are from You.

8 (Jn 16:27; 17:14) For I have given them the words which You gave Me.

They have received them and certainly know that I came from You,

and they have believed that You sent Me.

9 (Lk 22:32; Jn 14:16) I pray for them. I do not pray for the world,

but for those whom You have given Me. For they are Yours.

10 (2Th 1:10) All that are Mine are Yours, and all that are Yours are Mine.

And I am glorified in them.

11 (Jn 13:1; 17:21-22) I am to be no longer in the world, though these are

in the world, for I am coming to You. Holy Father, through Your name keep

those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are one.

12 (Jn 13:18; 18:9; 2Th 2:3) While I was with them in the world, I kept them

in Your name. I have kept those whom You have given Me. And none of them

is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

13 (Jn 3:29; 15:11) "But now I am coming to You, and I say these things

in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.

14 (Jn 8:23; 17:16) I have given them Your word. And the world has hated them

because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world,

but that You should keep them from the evil one.

16 (Jn 17:14) They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.

17 (Jn 15:3; 2Sa 7:28) Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

18 (Jn 20:21) As You sent Me into the world, so I sent them into the world.

19 (Jn 10:36; 1Co 1:2) For their sakes I sanctify Myself,

that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me

through their word,

21 (Jn 10:38; 17:8) that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me,

and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that

You have sent Me.

22 (Jn 1:14; 14:20) I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they

may be one even as We are one:

23 (Jn 16:27; 17:21) I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in

unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved

them as You have loved Me.

24 (Jn 12:26; 17:5) "Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me,

be with Me where I am, that they may see My glory which You have given Me.

For You loved Me before the creation of the world.

25 (Jn 7:29; 15:21) "O righteous Father, the world has not known You,

but I have known You, and these have known that You sent Me.

26 (Jn 15:9; 17:6) I have declared Your name to them, and will declare it,

that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."



[1] These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,

Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify

thee:

[2] As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal

life to as many as thou hast given him.

[3] And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God,

and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

[4] I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou

gavest me to do.

[5] And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory

which I had with thee before the world was.

[6] I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the

world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy

word.

[7] Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of

thee.

[8] For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have

received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they

have believed that thou didst send me.

[9] I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast

given me; for they are thine.

[10] And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.

[11] And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I

come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast

given me, that they may be one, as we are.

[12] While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that

thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of

perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

[13] And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that

they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

[14] I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they

are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

[15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that

thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

[16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

[17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

[18] As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into

the world.

[19] And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be

sanctified through the truth.

[20] Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe

on me through their word;

[21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,

that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast

sent me.

[22] And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be

one, even as we are one:

[23] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and

that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou

hast loved me.

[24] Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me

where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for

thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

[25] O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known

thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

[26] And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the

love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

2) Our Daily Bread for 25 December 2025 titled

Jesus, the Greatest Gift by Karen Pimpo



Matthew 2:1-2, 7-12



The Visit of the Wise Men



1 (Lk 2:4-7; Mic 5:2) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea

in the days of Herod the king, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem,

2 (Nu 24:17; Jer 23:5; Zec 9:9) saying, "Where is He who was born King

of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come

to worship Him."

7 Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men,

carefully inquired of them what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said,

"Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him,

bring me word again, so that I may come and worship Him also."

9 When they heard the king, they departed. And the star which they saw

in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young

Child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great excitement.

11 (Ps 72:10; Mt 14:33) And when they came into the house,

they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down

and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures,

they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 (Mt 2:22; 27:19) But being warned in a dream that they should

not return to Herod, they returned to their own country

by another route.



[1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the

king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

[2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his

star in the east, and are come to worship him.

[7] Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them

diligently what time the star appeared.

[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for

the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may

come and worship him also.

[9] When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which

they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where

the young child was.

[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with

Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened

their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and

myrrh.

[12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to

Herod, they departed into their own country another way.



"What sweeter music can we bring/ Than a carol for to sing/ The birth of this

our heavenly King?" The lines of this seventeenth-century poem "What Sweeter

Music" by Robert Herrick were reimagined by modern-day choral composer John

Rutter to become an Advent season favourite. Its gentle melody describes

a long, cold season of waiting that's thawed by the springtime feeling of

Jesus' arrival. The singers bring Him a Christmas carol;

the listeners are invited to bring their hearts.



Rutter's arrangement was commissioned to correspond with a church reading on

the wise men who brought Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These mysterious

magi traveled a great distance to meet baby Jesus with the express purpose of

worshiping Him (Matthew 2:1-2). When they finally found Him, they "were

overjoyed," bowed down in reverence, and "opened their treasures" at His

feet (vv. 10-11). Warned in a dream, they left without

informing wicked King Herod (v. 12).



The Christmas season shouldn't focus on material gifts - but it's certainly

about giving and receiving gifts. God gave His Son to heal a broken world. If

we've never given Him our hearts, today's a wonderful day to do so. If He

already reigns there, let's offer a carol of peace and joy as we think about

His arrival all those years ago in Bethlehem - and wait for His return.



Reflect & Pray



What are some of the greatest gifts of Christmastime?

What might you be reluctant to give over to God?



Dear Jesus, You're the greatest gift of all.

Everything I am, and everything I have, I give back to You.





Discover more about the Christmas story.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 5 The Way Out



1 Cor 10:13



13 (1Co 1:9; 2Pe 2:9) No temptation has taken

you except what is common to man. God is faithful,

and He will not permit you to be tempted above

what you can endure, but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.



13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common

to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be

tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.



Becky had experienced some hard knocks in the past few weeks; the stress

was beginning to show, and she wasn't sure she should handle anything else.

"Why me?" Becky wept, covering her face. "I just can't stand it any more!

I can't pay my bills; I just lost my job, and now my car broke down

on the highway. How much more of this can I take?"

Some people seem to have more than their share of trouble and temptation.

Within six months, one family faced financial trouble, cancer, quadruple

bypass surgery, and leukemia; their trials brought them face to face with

anger, bitterness, and despair as well. Other people seem to go through

life with relatively minor stresses and few real temptations to sin.

But whether our problems are great or small, they are part of the common

thread that ties humanity together. All of us face temptation; it is ,

Paul says, "Common to man." But Paul assures us that

"God ... will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear."

Often what we can bear is more that what we think we can bear. God will use

the troubled times in our lives for our maturity in him, but he promises

as well that he will not let temptation break us. He will provide "a way out,"

"a way of escape".

Sometimes the "way out" is true escape, being removed from what caused the

trouble. At other times, rather than being removed from it, we must

withstand the stress, face the temptation, enure the pain. Whether we escape

or endure, God is faithful to provide what we need; we can trust him

not to give us more than we can bear.



Application



a) Have I ever faced more stress or temptation than I thought I could bear?



b) Under what circumstances has God provided an "escape" for me?

When have I had to walk "through" my difficulties?



c) How can today's verse encourage me when times are tough?





4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Luke 6:38



38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,

shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.

For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."



38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,

and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For

with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are Burdened by Doubt



Proverbs 30:5



5 Every word of God is pure;

He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.



5 Every word of God is pure:

He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.



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.

Revelation 18



The Fall of Babylon



1 (Eze 43:2; Rev 17:1) After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven,

having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.

2 (Rev 14:8; Jer 51:37) He cried out mightily with a loud voice, saying:

"'Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!'(Isa 21:9.)

She has become a dwelling place of demons,

a haunt for every unclean spirit,

and a haunt for every unclean and hateful bird.

3 (Rev 14:8; 17:2) For all the nations have drunk

of the wine of the wrath of her sexual immorality,

the kings of the earth have committed adultery with her,

and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the

abundance of her luxury."

4 (2Co 6:17; Isa 48:20) Then I heard another voice from heaven saying:

"'Come out of her, my people,'(Jer 51:45.)

lest you partake in her sins,

and lest you receive her plagues.

5 (Jer 51:9; Rev 16:19) For her sins have reached up to heaven,

and God has remembered her iniquities.

6 (Ps 137:8; Jer 50:15) Render to her as she has rendered to you,

and repay her double for her deeds;

in the cup which she has mixed, mix a double portion for her.

7 (Zep 2:15) To the extent that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously,

so give her torment and sorrow;

for in her heart she says,

'I sit as a queen, and am no widow,

and will see no sorrow.'(Isa 47:7-8.)

8 (Jer 50:31; 50:34) Therefore her plagues will come in one day-

death and mourning and famine.

And she will be utterly burned with fire,

for strong is the Lord God who judges her.

9 (Rev 17:2; 18:3) "The kings of the earth, who have committed adultery

and lived luxuriously with her, will weep and mourn over her when they

see the smoke of her burning.

10 (Rev 18:19; 18:8; 14:8) Standing far off for the fear of her torment,

they will say:

'Alas, alas for that great city,

that mighty city, Babylon!

In one hour your judgment has come.'

11 (Rev 18:3; 18:15) "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her,

for no one buys their merchandise any more:

12 (Rev 17:4) the merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls,

fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, all kinds of scented wood,

all artifacts of ivory, all merchandise of costly wood, bronze, iron,

and marble;

13 (Eze 27:13; 1Ti 1:10) and cinnamon and incense, myrrh and frankincense,

wine, oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots,

and slaves and souls of men.

14 'The fruit that your soul lusted after

has departed from you,

and all the things which graceful and exquisite

have departed from you,

and you shall never find them.'

15 (Rev 18:3; Eze 27:31) "The merchants of these things, who gained wealth

by her, will stand far off for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

16 (Rev 17:4) and saying:

'Alas, alas, that great city,

that was arrayed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet,

and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls!

17 (Rev 17:16) In one hour such great riches came to nothing!'

"All sea captains and seafaring men, sailors and all who trade by sea,

stood far off,

18 (Rev 13:4; 18:9-10) and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning,

saying, 'What city is like this great city?'

19 (Jos 7:6; Rev 18:10) They threw dust on their heads and cried out,

weeping and wailing, and saying:

'Alas, alas, that great city,

in which all who had ships in the sea

grew rich from her wealth!

In one hour she has been laid waste!'

20 (Lk 11:49-50; Rev 6:10) "Rejoice over her, O heaven

and saints and apostles and prophets,

for God has avenged you against her."

21 (Jer 51:63-64; Eze 26:21) Then a mighty angel took up a stone like

a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying:

"With such violence

shall that great city Babylon be thrown down,

and shall be found no more.

22 (Jer 25:10; Eze 26:13) The sound of harpists and musicians, flute players

and trumpeters,

shall not be heard in you any more.

No craftsman of any craft

shall be found in you any more,

and the sound of a millstone

shall not be heard in you any more.

23 (Isa 23:8; Na 3:4) The light of a lamp

shall shine in you no more,

and the voice of bridegroom and of bride

shall be heard in you no more.

For your merchants were the great men of the earth,

and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.

24 (Rev 17:6; Jer 51:49) In her was found the blood of prophets and of saints

and of all who were slain on the earth."



[1] And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having

great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

[2] And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is

fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of

every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

[3] For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,

and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the

merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her

delicacies.

[4] And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my

people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her

plagues.

[5] For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her

iniquities.

[6] Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double

according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

[7] How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much

torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and

am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

[8] Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and

famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord

God who judgeth her.

[9] And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived

deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall

see the smoke of her burning,

[10] Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that

great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

[11] And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no

man buyeth their merchandise any more:

[12] The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of

pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine

wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most

precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

[13] And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine,

and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and

chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

[14] And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and

all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou

shalt find them no more at all.

[15] The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand

afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

[16] And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine

linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones,

and pearls!

[17] For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every

shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade

by sea, stood afar off,

[18] And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is

like unto this great city!

[19] And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing,

saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had

ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made

desolate.

[20] Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for

God hath avenged you on her.

[21] And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it

into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be

thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

[22] And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters,

shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft

he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall

be heard no more at all in thee;

[23] And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the

voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in

thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy

sorceries were all nations deceived.

[24] And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all

that were slain upon the earth.



2) Our Daily Bread for 22 December 2025 Titled

Send Me Your People by Jennifer Benson Schuldt



1 Corinthians 12:12-20



One Body With Many Members



12 (1Co 12:27; 10:17) For as the body is one and has many parts,

and all the many parts of that one body are one body, so also is Christ.

13 (Jn 7:37-39; Gal 3:28) For by one Spirit we are all baptised

into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are slaves

or free, and we have all been made to drink of one Spirit.

14 The body is not one part, but many.

15 If the foot says, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,"

is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear says, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,"

is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be?

If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?

18 (1Co 12:11; 12:28) But now God has established the parts,

every one of them, in the body as it has pleased Him.

19 If they were all one part, where would the body be?

20 So there are many parts, yet one body.



[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of

that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews

or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink

into one Spirit.

[14] For the body is not one member, but many.

[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;

is it therefore not of the body?

[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the

body; is it therefore not of the body?

[17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole

were hearing, where were the smelling?

[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it

hath pleased him.

[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?

[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.



When my friend Maritza took a job that required traveling to many different

cities by herself, she often felt lonely. But over dinner one night, she

leaned in and told me, "Jen, I prayed and asked God to send me His people."

She went on to say it wasn't long before she'd begun to meet other believers

in Jesus on a regular basis. Once, she met three in one day!



When we encounter others who have faith in Jesus, we share a spiritual

connection. In a hard-to-explain way, this lights a spark within us.

We have the most important thing in common because we believe what the Bible

says about Christ and how it's possible to have a relationship with God

through Him (Romans 10:9).



Most importantly, the Spirit of God lives in each believer, knitting

us together so powerfully that the Bible compares us to the interconnected

parts of the human body. First Corinthians 12:13 says, "We were all baptised

by one Spirit so as to form one body" - the body of Christ.



God often works in our lives through others who love Him, whether they're

near or far, known or new acquaintances. In our loneliest times, we can

ask Him to send His people - even as we offer ourselves to be used

by Him to encourage others.



Reflect & Pray



Where do you turn when you feel lonely?

How has God worked through other believers in your life?



Dear heavenly Father, thank You for including me in Your

family. Please use me to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ today.



For further study, watch

Why is Community So Important?

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 5 When you pray



Mark 11:25



25 And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone,

so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins.



25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:

that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.



"My prayer don't seem to be very effective," a man told his pastor." I try

to make contact with God, but my prayers seem to hit the ceiling and bounce

back."

The pastor thought for a moment, then gently suggested,

"Is there someone in your life you haven't forgiven?"

"What do you mean?" The man's face flushed; the pastor has obviuosly struck

a nerve. "Well, I guess I've had some struggles with my mother ... and then,

my wife, and I ... ." The hidden truth came to light: the man was bound in

unforgiving relationships with five of the closest people to him.

Forgiveness is an essential element in prayer. For a very good reason,

worship services in liturgical churches place the confession of sin and the

absolution near the beginning of the service, before the reading of God's

Word, prayer, and the sermon. Forgiveness - both the Lord's forgiveness

of us and our forgiveness of others - clears the way for unhindered

communication between God and his people.

When we carry anger and bitterness, or even deeply buried, well-subliminated

unforgiveness, into the presence of God, our prayers will be affected. We can,

however, free the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and the lives of others

through forgiveness. We can choose to forgive in light of God's forgiveness

of us. And when we do, the channels are re-established;

we can pray in power and open ourselves to an awareness of his activity

in our lives.



Application



a) Have my prayers ever been affected by unforgiveness in my life?



b) Is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive,

whether or not I can work toward?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Proverbs 10:22



22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich ,and He adds no sorrow with it.



22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, And he addeth no sorrow with it.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are Saddened by Loss



1 Cor 15:35-38,51-57



35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up?

With what body do they come?"

36 You fool! What you sow is not made alive unless it dies.

37 When you sow, you do not sow the body that shall be, but a bare kernel,

perhaps of wheat or of some other grain.

38 Then God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.



51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall

all be changed.

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet,

for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible,

and we shall be changed.

53 For tis corruptible will put on incorruption,

and this mortal will put on immortality.

54 When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,

and this mortal will have put on immortality,

then the saying that is written shall come to pass:

"Death is swallowed up in victory."

55 "O death, where is your sting?

O grave, where is your victory?"

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through

our Lord Jesus Christ!



35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up?

and with what body do they come?

36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

37 and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,

but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

38 but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him,

and to every seed his own body.



51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall

all be changed,

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:

for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,

and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption,

and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,

and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought

to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through

our Lord Jesus Christ.



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 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Proverbs 22:7



7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.



7 The rich ruleth over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



When you are Saddened by Loss



John 14:1 - 7



1 "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me.

2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places.

If it were not so, I would have told you.

I am going to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again

and receive you to Myself,

that where I am, you may be also.

4 You know where I am going, and you know the way."

5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know

where You are going. How can we know the way?"

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,

and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.

From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."



1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,

I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,

and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:

and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.



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 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)



7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



13th Day of the Month



a) Pray that, with God's help, children and

young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has

for each of them



b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador



I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, that God's Spirit

would influence then to act justly, serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards.



( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4



1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may

lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God

our Savior,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come

to the knowledge of the truth.

)



II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus

1 Timothy 6



1 (Titus 2:5; Isa 52:5) Let as many servants as are under the yoke of slavery

count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His

doctrine may not be slandered.

2 (1Ti 4:11) Let those who have believing masters not despise them, because

they are brothers. Instead, let them serve as slaves, because those who

receive their service are faithful and beloved.



[1] Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters

worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not

blasphemed.

[2] And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because

they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and

beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.



False Teaching and True Wealth



Teach and command these things.

3 (1Ti 1:3; 1:10) Anyone who teaches otherwise and does not consent

to wholesome words, to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to godly

doctrine

4 (1Ti 1:4; 3:6) is conceited and knows nothing. He has a morbid

disposition for controversy and verbal disputes, from which come envy,

strife, blasphemies, evil speculations,

5 (2Ti 3:8; Titus 1:11) constant disputes by men of corrupt minds, being

destitute of the truth, and supposing that financial gain is godliness.

Withdraw yourself from such men.

6 (1Ti 4:8; Heb 13:5) But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 (Job 1:21; Ps 49:17) For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.

8 (Ge 28:20) If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with

these things.

9 (Pr 15:27; 1Ti 3:7) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation

and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men

in ruin and destruction.

10 (Dt 16:19) For the love of money is the root of all evil.

While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.



[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the

words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to

godliness;

[4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of

words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

[5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth,

supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain.

[7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry

nothing out.

[8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

[9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into

many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and

perdition.

[10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted

after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with

many sorrows.



The Good Fight of Faith



11 (2Ti 2:22; 3:17) But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow

after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

12 (1Ti 1:18; 1Co 9:25-66) Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold

on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed

a good profession before many witnesses.

13 (1Ti 5:21; Mt 27:11) I command you, in the sight of God, who gives

life to all things, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who testified

a good confession before Pontius Pilate,

14 to keep this commandment without blemish, blameless

until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 (1Ti 1:11; Rev 17:14) which He, who is the blessed and only Ruler,

the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the proper time.

16 (1Ti 1:17; Jn 1:18; Ps 104:2) He alone has immortality, living in

unapproachable light, whom no one has seen, nor can see.

To Him be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that

they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,

who richly gives us all things to enjoy.

18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich in good

works, generous, willing to share,

19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good

foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.

20 (Col 2:8; 2Ti 2:16) O Timothy, guard that which is committed to your trust.

Avoid profane babblings and opposing views from so-called knowledge.

21 (2Ti 2:18; Col 4:18) By professing it, some have erred concerning

the faith.

Grace be with you. Amen.



[11] But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after

righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

[12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou

art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

[13] I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and

before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

[14] That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the

appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

[15] Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only

Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

[16] Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can

approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and

power everlasting. Amen.

[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,

nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly

all things to enjoy;

[18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to

distribute, willing to communicate;

[19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to

come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

[20] O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane

and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

[21] Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with

thee. Amen.



2) Our Daily Bread for 10 December 2025 Titled

Unforgettable Lessons by

Arthur Jackson



Proverbs 3:1-12



The Rewards of Wisdom



1 (Pr 4:5; Dt 8:1) My son, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments;

2 (Pr 4:10; Ps 91:16) for length of days and long life

and peace will they add to you.

3 (Pr 7:3; 6:21; 2Co 3:3) Do not let mercy and truth forsake you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart,

4 (Ps 111:10; 1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:52) so you will find favor and good understanding

in the sight of God and man.

5 (Ps 37:3; 37:5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 (1Ch 28:9; Pr 16:3; Jer 10:23) in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will direct your paths.

7 (Job 1:1; Ro 12:16) Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord and depart from evil.

8 (Job 21:24; Pr 4:22) It will be health to your body,

and strength to your bones.

9 (Ex 23:19; 22:29) Honor the Lord with your substance,

and with the first fruits of all your increase;

10 (Dt 28:8) so your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your presses will burst out with new wine.

11 (Job 5:17) My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,

nor be weary of His correction;

12 (Dt 8:5) for whom the Lord loves He corrects,

even as a father the son in whom he delights.



1 My son, forget not my law;

But let thine heart keep my commandments:

2 For length of days, and long life,

And peace, shall they add to thee.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee:

Bind them about thy neck;

Write them upon the table of thine heart:

4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding

In the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

And lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,

And he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes:

Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

And marrow to thy bones.

9 Honour the LORD with thy substance,

And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,

And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;

Neither be weary of his correction:

12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;

Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.



Corey Brooks - "The Rooftop Pastor" - spent 343 days living on the rooftop of

his church on Chicago's south side to inspire community transformation.

Online, Brooks posted a "shout-out" to his elementary school teacher Joe

Stokes, who taught him four unforgettable lessons: the power of perseverance,

the importance of integrity, the value of community engagement,

and the impact of education.



By embracing Solomon's wisdom in Proverbs 3, we likewise can strive to live in

ways that have community impact. Solomon taught four lessons that are just

right for those who trust in God and are called to be a positive force:

"Trust in the Lord" (v. 5); "fear the Lord and shun evil" (v. 7); "honour the

Lord with your wealth" (v. 9); "do not despise the Lord’s discipline" (v. 11).

Such wisdom compels us to be God-focused, but there are people-touching

dimensions to our faith too.



In Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of wisdom, eloquently

described the internal disposition of believers in Jesus. Furthermore,

He reminded them that they were high-impact people. "You are the salt

of the earth" (v. 13). "You are the light of the world" (v. 14). As such, we

are honoured to "Let [our] light shine . . . that they may see [our]

good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven" (v. 16).



Reflect & Pray



Who compels you to honor God in ways that also touch people?

How can you reengage with lessons from the Bible you may have forgotten?



Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my failure

to honour You fully. Renew my heart through Your words today.



For further study, read At the City Gates.

Day 341, 7 December 2025 - 15th Day of Advent



Today at Calvary Community Church

Pastor Barry Regier spoke God's blueprint for parenting - Shaping the Heart



A) The Broken Approach



Ephesians 6:4a



Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,



And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:



Colossians 3:21



21 (Eph 6:4) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,

lest they be discouraged.



[21] Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.



Ask "Father God ...



... Please bring to mind an experience I had with a parent that has

negatively affected how I see myself?"



... what do You have to say to me oe what would you show me about how you

REALLY feel about me?"



Take a moment to thank Him and bask in His love.



B) The Right Design - Perfect Source



Ephesians 6:4b



but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.



but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.



i) Discipline



Proverbs 13:24



He who spares his rod hates his son,

but he who loves him disciplines him early.



He that spareth his rod hateth his son:

But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.



ii) Instruction



Proverbs 22:6



6 (Eph 6:4; 2Ti 3:15) Train up a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old he will not depart from it.



6 Train up a child in the way he should go:

And when he is old, he will not depart from it.



1) Colossians 1, Colossians 2, Colossians 3, Colossians 4, Philemon



Colossians 1



Salutation



1 (2Co 1:1; 1Co 1:1; Php 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

by the will of God,and Timothy our brother,

2 (Ro 1:7; Eph 1:1) To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ who are

at Colosse:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.



[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our

brother,

[2] To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse:

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.



Thankfulness for the Colossians



3 (Eph 1:15) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

praying always for you.

4 (Gal 5:6; Eph 1:15) For we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love

for all the saints,

5 (Ac 23:6; Eph 1:13) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,

of which you have already heard in the word of the truth of the gospel,

6 (Jn 15:16; Ps 98:3) which has come to you, as it has in all the world,

and brings forth fruit, as it has also in you, since the day you heard it

and knew the grace of God in truth.

7 (Col 4:12; Phm 1:23) And you also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow

servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you,

8 (Ro 15:30) who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.



[3] We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying

always for you,

[4] Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye

have to all the saints,

[5] For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before

in the word of the truth of the gospel;

[6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth

fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the

grace of God in truth:

[7] As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a

faithful minister of Christ;

[8] Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.



The Person and Work of Christ



9 (Eph 1:8; 5:17) For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not

cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge

of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 (Eph 4:1; 1Th 4:1) that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,

pleasing to all, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing

in the knowledge of God,

11 (Eph 4:2; 3:16) strengthened with all might according to His glorious

power, enduring everything with perseverance and patience joyfully,

12 (Ac 20:32; 26:18) giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled us to be

partakers in the inheritance of the saints in light.

13 (Eph 6:12; 1:6) He has delivered us from the power of darkness

and has transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son,

14 (Eph 1:7) in whom we have redemption through His blood,

the forgiveness of sins.

15 (2Co 4:4; Jn 1:18) He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn

of every creature.

16 (Jn 1:3; Ro 11:36) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven

and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones,

or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him

and for Him.

17 (Jn 8:58; Heb 1:3) He is before all things,

and in Him all things hold together.

18 (Ac 26:23; Eph 1:22-23) He is the head of the body, the church.

He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things

He may have the preeminence.

19 (Jn 1:16; Col 2:9) For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness

should dwell,

20 (Eph 1:10; Ro 5:1) and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him,

having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say-whether

they are things in earth, or things in heaven.

21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies

in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled

22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,

to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,

23 (Eph 3:17; Mk 16:15) if you continue in the faith, grounded and settled,

and are not removed from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard,

and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven,

and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.



[9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray

for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his

will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful

in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

[11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all

patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated

us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of

sins:

[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in

earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or

principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

[17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

[18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the

firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to

reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in

earth, or things in heaven.

[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by

wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

[22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and

unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away

from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to

every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;



Paul's Ministry to the Church



24 (2Ti 1:8; 2Co 7:4) Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake

and fill up in my flesh that which is lacking in the afflictions of Christ,

for the sake of His body, which is the church.

25 (Eph 3:2; Col 1:23) I have been made a servant of it according

to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you,

to fulfill the word of God,

26 (Ro 16:25-26) even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages

and generations, but now is revealed to His saints.

27 (1Ti 1:1; Ro 8:10) To them God would make known what is the glorious

riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you,

the hope of glory,

28 (1Co 2:6; Col 1:22) whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone

in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.

29 (1Co 15:10; Eph 1:19) In this I labor, striving according to His power,

which effectively works in me.



[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is

behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which

is the church:

[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

[26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,

but now is made manifest to his saints:

[27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this

mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

[28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all

wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

[29] Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which

worketh in me mightily.

Paul's Testimony to Jews and Gentiles



19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

20 (Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19) but declared first to those at Damascus, then at

Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,

that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance.

21 (Ac 21:30-31; 21:27) For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple

and tried to kill me.

22 (Ac 24:14; Lk 24:27) Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue

to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what

the prophets and Moses said would happen:

23 (Rev 1:5; Lk 2:32; Col 1:18) that the Christ must suffer, that He would be

the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own

people and to the Gentiles."



19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

20 but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout

all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent

and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple,

and went about to kill me.

22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day,

witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those

which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

23 that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should

rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the

Gentiles.



Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe



24 (1Co 4:10; 2Ki 9:11) So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud

voice, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness."

25 (Ac 23:26; 24:3) Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak

the words of truth and reason.

26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I

am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a

corner.

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."

28 (Ac 11:26) Then Agrippa said to Paul,

"You almost persuade me to be a Christian."

29 (Ac 21:33; 1Co 7:7) Paul said, "I pray to God that not only you,

but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly

and altogether, what I am, except for these chains."

30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor

and Bernice and those who sat with them.

31 (Ac 23:29; 23:9) When they had gone aside, they said to one another,

"This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment."

32 (Ac 28:18) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free

if he had not appealed to Caesar."



24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul,

thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words

of truth and soberness.

26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely:

for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him;

for this thing was not done in a corner.

27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear

me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these

bonds.

30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor,

and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

31 and when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying,

This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty,

if he had not appealed unto Caesar.



2) Our Daily Bread for 5 December 2025 Titled

Walking with God by Dave Branon



Galatians 5:7-10



7 (1Co 9:24; Gal 3:1) You were running well. Who hindered you

from obeying the truth?

8 (Gal 1:6) This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.

9 (1Co 15:33) A little yeast leavens the whole batch.

10 (2Co 2:3; Gal 1:7) I have confidence in you through the Lord

that you will not think otherwise. But he who is troubling you shall

bear his judgment, whoever he is.



[7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

[8] This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

[9] A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

[10] I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none

otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment,

whosoever he be.



Proverbs 13:20



20 (1Ki 12:8) He who walks with wise men will be wise,

but a companion of fools will be destroyed.



20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise:

But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.



It was Tuesday at the gym, so the people walking around the track were

supposed to go clockwise. The first walkers my wife joined were doing that.

But then another person walked onto the track going counterclockwise.

A couple of her friends joined her - and then another. Suddenly there was

chaos on the track - and it took a few minutes to restore order.



While the wrong-way walkers intended no harm, I couldn't help but think about

the power of influence. One person headed the wrong way leads to another,

and on it goes. It's a bit like Proverbs 13:20:

"He who walks with wise men will be wise,

but a companion of fools will be destroyed." Following a person going

the wrong way leads to trouble.



In Galatians 5, Paul explains how such a mistake can halt our spiritual

progress. "You were running a good race," he says. "You were running well.

Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from

Him who calls you." (vv. 7-8). God, who desires obedience, never leads us

away from truth and "into confusion" (v. 10). But those who oppose His truth

can hamper our spiritual walk by redirecting us from Him.



God wants to be our guide. When we walk with Him, we'll

never wander in the wrong direction.



Reflect & Pray



In what situations are you allowing someone to lead you away from God?

What can you do to change your course?



Dear God, thank You for Scripture,

which tells me to direct my steps toward You.

Please help me follow You better today.



Learn more about Paul's

letter to the Galatians.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 4 -The Blessings of Grace Day 6 - A Reasonable Alternative



Isaiah 1:18



18 (Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14) "Come now, and let us reason together, "

says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.



18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:

though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.



"Is Christianity Reasonable?" Linda Wanted to Know. "I've heard all my life

that faith is a crutch, an invention of weak minds to assure them

of some order in the world."

Linda was not alone in her objection; thinking people for generations

have been asking themselves the same question.

God is not intimidated by our questions; in fact, he confronts the issue

head-on in the Scriptures. "Let us reason together," the Lord invites.

Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,

faith is a reasonable alternative , a rational choice for a thinking person.

God indicates in his Word that confession and forgiveness are "reasonable".

"Think!" God says. "You sin, and you know it. You are not even able to be

true to your own principles. You cannot deal with your sin by will power

or effort. But I can deal with it! I can forgive it - and I will"

We cannot come to faith in God through Christ by intellect alone, of course.

Our spirits much reach out in faith, beyond what we can see. But intellect

supports faith; trusting in Christ is an eminently rational decision.

In Deut 30:1-20 , God set before the people a choice: Life or Death, blessing

or cursing. "Choose Life!" he tells them. We have the same choice.

The ultimate decision is thus simplified, the 'rational' alternative becomes

clear. We can choose death, by attempting to control our own destinies ,

or life, by giving ourselves fully into the hand of the Master.



Application



a) Why is the choice to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness a

'Rational choice'?



b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?



c) What other aspects of God's word

and work in my life seem 'reasonable' to me?

Read Luke 1:39-45.



Mary Visits Elizabeth



39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,

to a city of Judah,

40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped

in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,

the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion

to those things which were told her by the Lord."



From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



SECOND THURSDAY

AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWARENESS!



4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,

God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,

GALATIANS 4:4



It is hard not to be aware that something is happening during these

weeks before Christmas. isn't it? Whether one is a Christian or not, things

are simply different. Take a look around: sparkling, flashing lights on homes

and lawns, halls decked with boughs of holly, a lot of fa-la-la-ing going

on, little kids and bored dads standing in line to see an old fat guy, store

owners singing their favorite carol: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

and on and on and on. I just read of a town that prohibited the Salvation

Army from having their traditional Santa's ringing bells outside of stores,

because of a noise pollution ordinance. o a smart marketing person

made two signs for the Santa's to hold up. One said "Ding" and the other

said "Dong.' Now that's awareness!



So what's the point? The point is that unless we become intentionally

aware of what Advent and Christmas are all about. we will miss the point!



Today's reading is the point: When it was time, God sent Jesus unto the

world! Perhaps this message has been heard and used so much that it is

hard to keep aware of the meaning of Christmas: God loves us so much

that Jesus was born, died and rose again for us! Sure, go ahead and

wrap gifts. put trees up, bake cookies, say "ho. ho. ho." But as you do so,

continue to be aware that Christ is Christmas ... period! Please do not be

like a friend who says. "Keep Christ in Xmas!" He still doesn't get it!



Prayer



Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent

season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil

and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your

awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Galatians 4:4-5



4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,

God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,

5 (Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12) to redeem those who were under the law,

that we might receive the adoption as sons.



From On Eagle's wings Day 4



God Has The Best Plans



5 (Ps 37:3; 37:5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 (1Ch 28:9; Pr 16:3; Jer 10:23) in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (MEV)



"5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

And lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,

And he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)



In late September, a group of nine from our church embarked on a

car journey to Fort Smith, Northwest Territories to lead a Bible

Camp for children aged 5 to 11. As a grandmother of five and

someone who loves children, I looked forward to a wonderful week

with the kids - perhaps up to 30 of them. I was eager to share

stories, build connections, and meet a few more grandmothers too.

However, God's plan was different from what I had envisioned. The

only grandmothers I encountered were two I introduced myself to

at the grocery store, and not as many children as we had planned

for attended our camp. When it became clear the week would not

unfold as I had pictured in my mind, I prayed for guidance and

wisdom so I could switch gears and adapt to the new

circumstances.

Joseph and Mary had to trust in the Lord our God for their journey

as well. Joseph wanted to release Mary from their engagement

when he found out she was with child. After he heard from God, he

had to switch gears. Together they had to trust when they were

required to make a sudden and unexpected journey to Bethlehem.

A trip that meant Jesus would be born far away from home.

Joseph and Mary submitted their ways to God and placed their

total trust in the Lord even though their circumstances were vastly

different from what they had imagined. Similarly, we can place our

trust in God and his plan even when things don’t go the way we

expect them to. God’s plan is always the best!



Wendy Mather

Bible Camp Volunteer 8



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a bold witness about your salvation despite

persecution.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to believe and have confidence

in You."



Pray to the Lord and pray to confess all your sins to seek His forgiveness.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord is always with you.



Pray to the Lord and pray for His help during Times of Tmeptation.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



- Pray for 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 for the preservation of godly values in Canada



Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right

use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.



Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become

your sons and daughters. Amen.



Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.



Pray: Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent

season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil

and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your

awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for helping us find your plan for our

lives. Thank you that through prayer, worship, and submission to

you, we can adapt to the plans you have for us. Please lead and

guide us this Advent and beyond. Amen.



Pray for joy and peace on behalf of Christians like Abdu

in Ethiopia who have suffered greatly for leaving Islam.



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.