Day 332 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 28 November 2025 reflections
Day 332, 28 November 2025 - 6th Day of Advent
1) Romans 8, Romans 9, Romans 10
Romans 8
Life in the Spirit
1 (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:17) There is therefore now no condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according
to the Spirit.
2 (1Co 15:45; Ro 6:18; Jn 8:32) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.
3 (Ac 13:39; 2Co 5:21) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful
flesh, and concerning sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
4 (Gal 5:16) in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be
fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh
but according to the Spirit.
5 (1Co 2:14; Gal 5:19-25) For those who live according to the flesh set
their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according
to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 (Ro 6:21; 8:13) To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually
minded is life and peace,
7 (Jas 4:4; 1Co 2:14) for the carnal mind is hostile toward God,
for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be,
8 (Ro 7:5) and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 (Gal 4:6; 1Co 6:19; 3:16) You, however, are not in the flesh
but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.
Now if any man does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong
to Him.
10 (Eph 3:17; Col 1:27) And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead
because of sin, the Spirit is alive because of righteousness.
11 (Ac 2:24; Ro 8:2) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus
from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ from the dead
will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit
that lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live
according to the flesh.
13 (Gal 6:8) For if you live according to the flesh, you will die,
but if through the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body,
you will live.
14 (Gal 5:18; Rev 21:7) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
these are the sons of God.
15 (Mk 14:36; 1Co 2:12) For you have not received the spirit of slavery
again to fear. But you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom
we cry, “Abba, Father.”
16 (Eph 1:13; 2Co 1:22) The Spirit Himself bears witness
with our spirits that we are the children of God,
17 (Gal 4:7; 3:29) and if children, then heirs: heirs of God
and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him,
that we may also be glorified with Him.
[1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from
the law of sin and death.
[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,
God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh:
[4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but
they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
[6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life
and peace.
[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to
the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
[9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit
of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is
none of his.
[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the
Spirit is life because of righteousness.
[11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in
you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal
bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
[12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after
the flesh.
[13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the
Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
[15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye
have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the
children of God:
[17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;
if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
The Glory That Is to Be
18 (1Pe 4:13; Col 3:4) For I consider that the sufferings of this present
time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed
to us.
19 (1Jn 3:2; Php 1:20) The eager expectation of the creation waits for
the appearance of the sons of God.
20 (Ge 3:17-19; 5:29) For the creation was subjected to futility,
not willingly, but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope
21 (2Pe 3:13; Ac 3:21) that the creation itself also will be set free
from its slavery to corruption into the glorious freedom of the children
of God.
22 (Jer 12:11; 12:4) We know that the whole creation groans
and travails in pain together until now.
23 (Ro 7:24; 8:19) Not only that, but we also, who have the first fruits
of the Spirit, groan within ourselves while eagerly waiting for adoption,
the redemption of our bodies.
24 (1Th 5:8; Heb 11:1) For we are saved through hope, but hope that is
seen is not hope, for why does a man still hope for what he sees?
25 (1Th 1:3) But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it
with patience.
26 (Eph 6:18; Mt 20:22; Zec 12:10) Likewise, the Spirit helps us
in our weaknesses, for we do not know what to pray for as we ought,
but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
27 (Ro 8:34; Rev 2:23) He who searches the hearts knows what the mind
of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according
to the will of God.
28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for good
to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew, He
predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 (1Co 6:11; Heb 9:15) And those whom He predestined, He also called;
and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified,
He also glorified.
[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to
be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
[19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the
manifestation of the sons of God.
[20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by
reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
[21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of
corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
[22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain
together until now.
[23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of
the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the
adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
[24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a
man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
[25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what
we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession
for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
[27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the
Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will
of God.
[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
[29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
[30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he
called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also
glorified.
The Love of God
31 (Ps 118:6; Ro 4:1) What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 (Jn 3:16; Ro 4:25) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered
Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us
all things?
33 (Rev 12:10-11; Isa 50:8-9) Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?
It is God who justifies.
34 (Heb 7:25; Mk 16:19; Ro 8:1) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who
died, yes, who is risen, who is also at the right hand of God,
who also intercedes for us.
35 (1Co 4:11) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 (Ps 44:22; 1Co 15:30) As it is written:
"For Your sake we are killed all day long;
we are counted as sheep for the slaughter."(Ps 44:22.)
37 (1Co 15:57; Gal 2:20) No, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present
nor things to come,
39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus
our Lord.
[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be
against us?
[32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how
shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
[33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that
justifieth.
[34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is
risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh
intercession for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are
accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that
loved us.
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 9
God's Election of Israel
1 (Gal 1:20; 1Ti 2:7) I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying;
my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit,
2 that I have great sorrow and continual anguish in my heart.
3 (Ex 32:32; Gal 1:8) For I could wish that I myself were accursed
from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen by race,
4 (Eph 2:12; Ge 17:2; Ex 4:22) who are Israelites, to whom belong
the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law,
the service of God, and the promises,
5 (Ro 1:25; 11:28) to whom belong the patriarchs, and from whom,
according to the flesh, is Christ, who is over all, God forever blessed. Amen.
6 (Gal 6:16; Nu 23:19) It is not as though the word of God has failed.
For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel,
7 (Ge 21:12; Heb 11:18) nor are they all children because they are
descendants of Abraham, but "In Isaac shall your descendants be called."
(Ge 21:12.)
8 So those who are the children of the flesh are not the children of God,
but the children of the promise are counted as descendants.
9 (Ge 18:10; 18:14) For this is the word of promise,
"At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son."
(Ex 20:13-15, 17; Dt 5:17-19, 21.)
10 (Ro 5:3) Not only that, but Rebekah also had conceived by one man,
our father Isaac.
11 (Ro 4:17) For before the children had been born, having done
neither evil nor good, so that the purpose of God according
to election might stand, not of works, but through Him who calls,
12 it was said to her, "The elder shall serve the younger."(Ge 25:23.)
13 (Mal 1:2-3) As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have
hated."(Mal 1:2.)
14 (2Ch 19:7; Dt 32:4) What shall we say then? Is there
unrighteousness with God? God forbid!
15 (Ex 33:19) For He says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."(Ex 33:19.)
16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs,
but of God who shows mercy.
17 (Ex 9:16) For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose
I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you,
and that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth."
(Ex 9:16.)
18 (Ex 4:21; Dt 2:30) Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills,
and He hardens whom He wills.
[1] I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me
witness in the Holy Ghost,
[2] That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
[3] For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren,
my kinsmen according to the flesh:
[4] Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and
the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the
promises;
[5] Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came,
who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
[6] Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not
all Israel, which are of Israel:
[7] Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children:
but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
[8] That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the
children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
[9] For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara
shall have a son.
[10] And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by
our father Isaac;
[11] (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or
evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of
works, but of him that calleth;)
[12] It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
[13] As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
[14] What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
[15] For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and
I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
[16] So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of
God that sheweth mercy.
[17] For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I
raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might
be declared throughout all the earth.
[18] Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he
hardeneth.
Wrath and Mercy of God
19 (2Ch 20:6; Da 4:35) You will then say to me,
"Why does He yet find fault? For who can resist His will?"
20 (Isa 29:16; Job 33:13) Rather, O man, who are you to answer back
to God? Shall the thing formed say to him who formed it,
"Why have you made me like this?"
21 (Isa 64:8) Does the potter not have power over the clay to make
from the same lump one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
22 (Pr 16:4; 1Pe 2:8) What if God, willing to show His wrath
and to make His power known, endured with much patience
the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,
23 (Ro 2:4; Eph 3:16) in order to make known the riches of His glory
on the vessels of mercy, which He previously prepared for glory,
24 even us, whom He has called, not from the Jews only,
but also from the Gentiles?
25 (Hos 2:23; 1Pe 2:10) As indeed He says in Hosea:
"I will call those who were not My people, 'My people,'
and her who was not beloved, 'Beloved,' "(Hos 2:23.)
26 and,
"In the place where it was said to them,
'You are not My people,'
there they shall be called 'sons of the living God.'"(Hos 1:10.)
27 (Isa 10:20-23; Hos 1:10) Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:
"Though the number of the children of Israel be like the sand of the sea,
a remnant shall be saved.(Isa 10:22.)
28 For He will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness,
because the Lord will make a quick work upon the earth."(Isa 10:23.)
29 (Isa 1:9; 13:19) And as Isaiah previously said:
"Unless the Lord of Hosts
had left us a seed,
we would have become like Sodom,
and been made like Gomorrah."(Isa 1:9.)
[19] Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath
resisted his will?
[20] Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing
formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
[21] Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one
vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
[22] What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known,
endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
[23] And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of
mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
[24] Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the
Gentiles?
[25] As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my
people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
[26] And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto
them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the
living God.
[27] Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children
of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
[28] For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because
a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
[29] And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a
seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
Israel and the Gospel
30 (Php 3:9; Heb 11:7) What shall we say then? The Gentiles,
who did not pursue righteousness, have attained righteousness,
even the righteousness which is by faith,
31 (Ro 11:7) but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness,
did not attain the law of righteousness.
32 (1Pe 2:8) Why not? Because they did not seek it by faith,
but by the works of the law. For they stumbled over the stumbling stone.
33 (Isa 28:16; Ro 10:11) As it is written:
"Look! I lay in Zion a stumbling stone
and rock of offense,
and whoever believes in Him will not be ashamed." (Isa 8:14; 28:16.)
[30] What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after
righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which
is of faith.
[31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not
attained to the law of righteousness.
[32] Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the
works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
[33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of
offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10
1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel
is that they may be saved.
2 (Ac 21:20) For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God,
but not according to knowledge.
3 (Ro 1:17) For, being ignorant of God's righteousness and seeking
to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit
to the righteousness of God.
4 (Gal 3:24) Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness
for every one who believes.
[1] Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they
might be saved.
[2] For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according
to knowledge.
[3] For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the
righteousness of God.
[4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that
believeth.
Salvation for All
5 (Lev 18:5; Ne 9:29) For Moses writes about the righteousness
which is based on the law: "The man who does those things shall live
by them." (Lev 18:5.)
6 But the righteousness which is based on faith says,
"Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' "(Dt 30:12.)
(that is, to bring Christ down),
7 (Heb 13:20) or, 'Who will descend into the deep?' " Dt 30:13.
(that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
8 (Dt 30:14) But what does it say? "The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart."(Dt 30:14.)
This is the word of faith that we preach:
9 (Lk 12:8; Php 2:11) that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord,
and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved,
10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.
11 (Ro 9:33; Isa 28:16) For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes
in Him will not be ashamed." (Isa 28:16.)
12 (Ro 3:22; 2:4) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek,
for the same Lord over all is generous toward all who call upon Him.
13 (Ac 2:21; Joel 2:32) For, "Everyone who calls on the name
of the Lord shall be saved."(Joel 2:32.)
14 (Titus 1:3) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 (Isa 52:7; Na 1:15) And how shall they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach
the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good things!"(Isa 52:7.)
16 (Isa 53:1; Ro 3:3) But they have not all obeyed the gospel.
For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"(Isa 53:1.)
17 (Gal 3:2; 3:5) So then faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.
18 (Ps 19:4; Mt 24:14) But I say, have they not heard?
Yes, indeed: "Their voice went into all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world."(Ps 19:4.)
19 (Dt 32:21; Ro 11:11) But I say, did Israel not know?
First, Moses says:
"I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation,
and by a foolish nation I will anger you."(Dt 32:21.)
20 (Ro 9:30) And Isaiah is very bold and says:
"I was found by those who did not seek Me;
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for Me."(Isa 65:1.)
21 But to Israel He says:
"All day long I have stretched out My hands
to a disobedient and contrary people."(Isa 65:2.)
[5] For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man
which doeth those things shall live by them.
[6] But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not
in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down
from above:)
[7] Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again
from the dead.)
[8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy
heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.
[11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be
ashamed.
[12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same
Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!
[16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who
hath believed our report?
[17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
[18] But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all
the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
[19] But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you
to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger
you.
[20] But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me
not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
[21] But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands
unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
2) Our Daily Bread for 28 November 2025 Titled
A City Worth Seeking?
by Karen Pimpo
Philippians 3:1-9
The True Righteousness
1 (Php 4:4; 1Th 5:16) Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write
the same things to you is no trouble to me, and it is reassuring for you.
2 (2Co 11:13; Gal 5:15) Watch out for dogs, watch out for evil workers,
watch out for those who practice mutilation.
3 (Col 2:11; Jude 1:20) For we are the circumcision who worship
God in the Spirit, and boast in Christ Jesus, and place no trust in the flesh,
4 though I also have confidence in the flesh.
If any other man thinks that he has reason to trust in the flesh, I have more:
5 (2Co 11:22; Ro 11:1; Ac 23:6) I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock
of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew of Hebrews; as concerning
the law, a Pharisee;
6 (Ac 8:3; 22:3-4) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; and concerning
the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 (Lk 14:33) But what things were gain to me, I have counted these things
to be loss for the sake of Christ.
8 (Jn 17:3; 2Pe 1:3) Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss
for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom
I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that
I may gain Christ,
9 (1Co 1:30; Php 3:6; Isa 53:11) and be found in Him, not having my own
righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith
in Christ, (Or through the faith of Christ.) the righteousness which is of God
on the basis of faith,
[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to
you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
[3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and
rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
[4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man
thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
[5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of
Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
[6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness
which is in the law, blameless.
[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which
is of God by faith:
On May 29, 1925, Percy Fawcett sent a final letter to his wife before he
ventured deeper into the unmapped jungles of Brazil. He was seeking a fabled
lost city of great splendor, determined to be the first explorer to share its
location with the world after years of searching. But his team of explorers
got lost, the city was never found, and many expeditions failed to recover
either.
Percy's courage and passion, while admirable, was squandered on a lost city
that could never be reached. If we're honest, there are many unreachable goals
in our lives that hold a similar power over us. But there is a real treasure
for each person that's worth seeking with all of our heart, mind,
and strength.
In his letter to believers in Philippi, Paul put it this way: "I consider
everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus
my Lord" (Philippians 3:8). Unlike a fabled city - yielding riches, fame,
or power - knowing Jesus and believing in Him is a treasure without equal.
Worldly goals of power or status, or even the appearance of righteousness
through keeping the law, are nothing compared to knowing Jesus (vv. 6-7).
Are we spending our time and energy on something that can never satisfy?
May Christ help us check what "city" we're seeking.
Reflect & Pray
What treasure are you seeking today?
How does meditating on the worth of knowing Jesus
help rightly align your priorities?
Thank You, Jesus, that I don't have to strive
for something that can never satisfy. I have the treasure of knowing You.
For further study,
read The Promised King.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 6 - Eternal Life, Beginning now
John 10:28 - I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand.
28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
In C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, one of the Spirits in heaven, identifying
himself as George MacDonald, makes some startling statements on the nature of
eternal life. Depending upon the individual's choice for or against Christ,
MacDonald says, everything in life takes on the character of haven or hell.
"At the end of ALL THINGS, when the sun rises here (in heaven) and the twilight
turns to blackness down there, the Blessed will say, 'We have never lived
anywhere except in Heaven,' and the Lost, 'We were always in Hell.'
And both will speak truly" - From the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.
Lewis was not trying to make a theological case, but to demonstrate
a principle: eternal life begins now.
The choices that we make for or against obedience to God, the life we live,
the patterns we establish, all move us in one direction of the other.
And when we have decided to choose obedience to God (the forsakeness of sin),
when we give ourselves fully into his hands, he is able to take the worst of
circumstances and redeem them for our good, use them to mature us in his image.
Again Jesus says in John 10:28
"I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand. "
In Christ is a very secure place to be. No experience is lost, no pain is
wasted. Everything in our lives is redeemed by God for our benefit.
Application
a) How have I experienced the truth that "eternal life begins now"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Is 48:15,17
15 I, even I, have spoken, and I have called him;
I have brought him, and his way will prosper.
17 (Ps 32:8; Isa 43:14) Thus says the Lord,
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit,
who leads you in the way you should go.
15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him:
I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.
17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel;
I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit,
which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Protection in Times of Trouble
PSALMS 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust."
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He shall cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you shall find protection;
His faithfulness shall be your shield and wall.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) nor of the pestilence that pursues in darkness,
nor of the destruction that strikes at noonday.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) A thousand may fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
but it shall not come near you.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Only with your eyes shall you behold
and see the reward of the wicked.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
even the Most High, your dwelling,
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) there shall be no evil befall you,
neither shall any plague come near your tent;
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) for He shall give His angels charge over you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 They shall bear you up in their hands,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder;
the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
and I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him My salvation.
Psalm 91
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:
My God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,
And from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:
His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;
Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;
Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand;
But it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge,
Even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee,
Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee,
To keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands,
Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:
The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:
I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him,and shew him my salvation.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 28 of the Month
a) Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
(
John 5:24
24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever
hears My word and believes in Him who sent
Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation,
but has passed from death into life."
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word,
and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,
and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
)
b) Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today . (
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.
)
Advent Day 6
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle - Joel Heck
"The Incarnation was God's 'weak moment':
when Omnipotence becomes a baby in a manger it
has 'weakened' itself....The temptation ...
is precisely a temptation to evade
the self-imposed weaknesses, to be strong, omnipotent,
again- to make stones into bread,
to be emperor of the world, to do 'levitations'.
The weakness was the strength." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, pp. 409ff.)
Strength in Weakness
In this age of professional athletes, health clubs, bodybuilding,
and advances in medical science, nutrition, and natural foods,
we have trouble identifying with the idea of strength in weakness.
The apostle Paul did also, at first, until God spoke to him of
the sufficiency of his grace. Jesus himself showed strength
in weakness at the time he was tempted by the devil, as Lewis
wrote in this letter. More than that, the Incarnation is
the best example of weakness self-imposed weakness.
How can weakness be strength? When I tell my spouse, or even my children,
"I'm sorry," I may seem weak. But they don't think of it as weakness.
Only a strong person can apologize. When I share some of my innermost
thoughts, I am vulnerable. However, when I open myself to another person,
I often find it strengthens the relationship. When I realize my own
strengths and weaknesses, I learn to rely on other people.
That, too, is strength. God put us into the body of Christ to be dependent
on one another. That's strength in weakness,
because it draws on the strengths of others.
So when God says, "My power is made perfect in weakness," we can believe it.
When I learn to rely on God's grace, instead of my own strength, God works
in me. I leave matters in God's hands. I wait upon the Spirit (Acts 1:4).
I trust that God is working out his plan (Rom. 8:28). He is "able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." (Eph. 3:20). God said it.
That should settle it.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to know that our weak moments are so often
the times when your strength is at work in us. Amen.
9 (Php 4:13; 2Co 12:10; Isa 40:29-31) But He said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
Fulfilling Service
... They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple'
-Luke 1:22b
My title is meant to have double meanings.
Zechariah indubitably completed his service in the Temple, and he
certainly found it gratifying as he did so. Subsequently, his wife
and he consummated their marriage, and she praised God for looking
favourably upon her and taking away her disgrace for not yet having borne
a child.
Moreover, those who waited for Zechariah at the Temple discerned
another aspect of the priest's service-that he had seen a vision.
What else could they deduce when he returned later than expected
from offering the incense and reappeared stricken with muteness?
Nevertheless, his face must have displayed great bewilderment
and perhaps bliss at the thought of having a child in his old age.
To what service has God called you? Have you experienced any moments
of fulfillment lately? Have you received from anyone (representing God?)
good news that refreshed you with wonder? Has a member of your family
encountered any situation that nourished him/her with great exhilaration?
prayer
Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Read Luke 1:21-25.
21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited
so long in the temple.
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them
and remained speechless.
23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,
he departed to his own home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months
she hid herself, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
From the Ah-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimmler
FIRST FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADVENTure!
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"(Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!" MATTHEW 21:9
Advent is a great ADVENTure. Just like Christ's adventure into Jerusalem
on Palm Sunday As you read today's Scripture, what is it about this
ADVENTure that stands out for you? If you had beer there as part of the
crowd in the Palm Sunday parade, what would you have been thinking?
I am reminded of the story about the little girl who home from
worship and asked her parents. "Who's Anna?" When neither Mom nor
Dad could understand what she was asking, they queried, ''Why are you
asking that question?" The girl simply responded, "In church we're always
singing, 'Who's Anna? Who's Anna'?l' And I don't even know her!"
Advent reminds us that any time we are in the presence of "he who comes
In the name of the Lord," we are on an extraordinary ADVENTure! In many
ways, the beginning of our Advent journey this week is similar to Christ's
journey on Palm Sunday: from Jerusalem .. . through the streets and
villages . . . to the cross . . . and finally to the empty tomb! Because of His
ADVENTure, we are able to shout. "Hosanna--save us,. Lord!" during our
ADVENTure to Bethlehem. .. and then beyond to Good Friday and 'Easter'!
enjoy your ADVENTure in the Lord today!
PRAYER: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 21:1-11
Matthew 21
The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem
Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:28-38; Jn 12:12-19
1 (Mt 24:3; 26:30) When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage,
on the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
2 saying to them, "Go over into the village opposite you,
and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her.
Untie them and bring them to Me.
3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.'
And he will send them immediately."
4 (Mt 1:22; Jn 12:15) All this was done to fulfill
what was spoken by the prophet, saying:
5 (Isa 62:11; Ge 49:10) "Tell the daughter of Zion,
'Look, your King is coming to you,
humble, and sitting on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'Zec 9:9."
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their garments on them,
and He sat on them.
8 (2Ki 9:13) A very large crowd spread their garments on the road.
Others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' (Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!"
10 When He entered Jerusalem, the entire city was moved,
saying, "Who is He?"
11 (Lk 7:16; Jn 6:14) The crowds said, "This is Jesus,
the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His Salvation is for all humanity and
there is no condemnation because of wht HE did for Salvation.
Pray to the Lord: "Thank You, Jesus, that I don't have to strive
for something that can never satisfy. I have the treasure of knowing You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know eternity starts now.
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for Him to teach you prosperous ways.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as protector.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today .
Prayer: Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Pray: Gracious Lord, thank you for including us in your intentions
for the growth of faith. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Qatari Christians will be granted more opportunities
to gather for worship with other believers.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Romans 8, Romans 9, Romans 10
Romans 8
Life in the Spirit
1 (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:17) There is therefore now no condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according
to the Spirit.
2 (1Co 15:45; Ro 6:18; Jn 8:32) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.
3 (Ac 13:39; 2Co 5:21) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful
flesh, and concerning sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
4 (Gal 5:16) in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be
fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh
but according to the Spirit.
5 (1Co 2:14; Gal 5:19-25) For those who live according to the flesh set
their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according
to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 (Ro 6:21; 8:13) To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually
minded is life and peace,
7 (Jas 4:4; 1Co 2:14) for the carnal mind is hostile toward God,
for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can it be,
8 (Ro 7:5) and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 (Gal 4:6; 1Co 6:19; 3:16) You, however, are not in the flesh
but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.
Now if any man does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong
to Him.
10 (Eph 3:17; Col 1:27) And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead
because of sin, the Spirit is alive because of righteousness.
11 (Ac 2:24; Ro 8:2) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus
from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ from the dead
will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit
that lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live
according to the flesh.
13 (Gal 6:8) For if you live according to the flesh, you will die,
but if through the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body,
you will live.
14 (Gal 5:18; Rev 21:7) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
these are the sons of God.
15 (Mk 14:36; 1Co 2:12) For you have not received the spirit of slavery
again to fear. But you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom
we cry, “Abba, Father.”
16 (Eph 1:13; 2Co 1:22) The Spirit Himself bears witness
with our spirits that we are the children of God,
17 (Gal 4:7; 3:29) and if children, then heirs: heirs of God
and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him,
that we may also be glorified with Him.
[1] There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from
the law of sin and death.
[3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,
God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh:
[4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
[5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but
they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
[6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life
and peace.
[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to
the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
[9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit
of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is
none of his.
[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the
Spirit is life because of righteousness.
[11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in
you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal
bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
[12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after
the flesh.
[13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the
Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
[15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye
have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the
children of God:
[17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;
if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
The Glory That Is to Be
18 (1Pe 4:13; Col 3:4) For I consider that the sufferings of this present
time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed
to us.
19 (1Jn 3:2; Php 1:20) The eager expectation of the creation waits for
the appearance of the sons of God.
20 (Ge 3:17-19; 5:29) For the creation was subjected to futility,
not willingly, but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope
21 (2Pe 3:13; Ac 3:21) that the creation itself also will be set free
from its slavery to corruption into the glorious freedom of the children
of God.
22 (Jer 12:11; 12:4) We know that the whole creation groans
and travails in pain together until now.
23 (Ro 7:24; 8:19) Not only that, but we also, who have the first fruits
of the Spirit, groan within ourselves while eagerly waiting for adoption,
the redemption of our bodies.
24 (1Th 5:8; Heb 11:1) For we are saved through hope, but hope that is
seen is not hope, for why does a man still hope for what he sees?
25 (1Th 1:3) But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it
with patience.
26 (Eph 6:18; Mt 20:22; Zec 12:10) Likewise, the Spirit helps us
in our weaknesses, for we do not know what to pray for as we ought,
but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
27 (Ro 8:34; Rev 2:23) He who searches the hearts knows what the mind
of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according
to the will of God.
28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for good
to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
29 (Ro 11:2; 1Co 15:49; Eph 1:11) For those whom He foreknew, He
predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 (1Co 6:11; Heb 9:15) And those whom He predestined, He also called;
and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified,
He also glorified.
[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to
be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
[19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the
manifestation of the sons of God.
[20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by
reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
[21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of
corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
[22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain
together until now.
[23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of
the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the
adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
[24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a
man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
[25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what
we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession
for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
[27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the
Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will
of God.
[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
[29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
[30] Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he
called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also
glorified.
The Love of God
31 (Ps 118:6; Ro 4:1) What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 (Jn 3:16; Ro 4:25) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered
Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us
all things?
33 (Rev 12:10-11; Isa 50:8-9) Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?
It is God who justifies.
34 (Heb 7:25; Mk 16:19; Ro 8:1) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who
died, yes, who is risen, who is also at the right hand of God,
who also intercedes for us.
35 (1Co 4:11) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 (Ps 44:22; 1Co 15:30) As it is written:
"For Your sake we are killed all day long;
we are counted as sheep for the slaughter."(Ps 44:22.)
37 (1Co 15:57; Gal 2:20) No, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 3:22) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present
nor things to come,
39 (Ro 5:8) neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus
our Lord.
[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be
against us?
[32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how
shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
[33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that
justifieth.
[34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is
risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh
intercession for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are
accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that
loved us.
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 9
God's Election of Israel
1 (Gal 1:20; 1Ti 2:7) I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying;
my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit,
2 that I have great sorrow and continual anguish in my heart.
3 (Ex 32:32; Gal 1:8) For I could wish that I myself were accursed
from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen by race,
4 (Eph 2:12; Ge 17:2; Ex 4:22) who are Israelites, to whom belong
the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law,
the service of God, and the promises,
5 (Ro 1:25; 11:28) to whom belong the patriarchs, and from whom,
according to the flesh, is Christ, who is over all, God forever blessed. Amen.
6 (Gal 6:16; Nu 23:19) It is not as though the word of God has failed.
For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel,
7 (Ge 21:12; Heb 11:18) nor are they all children because they are
descendants of Abraham, but "In Isaac shall your descendants be called."
(Ge 21:12.)
8 So those who are the children of the flesh are not the children of God,
but the children of the promise are counted as descendants.
9 (Ge 18:10; 18:14) For this is the word of promise,
"At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son."
(Ex 20:13-15, 17; Dt 5:17-19, 21.)
10 (Ro 5:3) Not only that, but Rebekah also had conceived by one man,
our father Isaac.
11 (Ro 4:17) For before the children had been born, having done
neither evil nor good, so that the purpose of God according
to election might stand, not of works, but through Him who calls,
12 it was said to her, "The elder shall serve the younger."(Ge 25:23.)
13 (Mal 1:2-3) As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have
hated."(Mal 1:2.)
14 (2Ch 19:7; Dt 32:4) What shall we say then? Is there
unrighteousness with God? God forbid!
15 (Ex 33:19) For He says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."(Ex 33:19.)
16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs,
but of God who shows mercy.
17 (Ex 9:16) For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose
I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you,
and that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth."
(Ex 9:16.)
18 (Ex 4:21; Dt 2:30) Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills,
and He hardens whom He wills.
[1] I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me
witness in the Holy Ghost,
[2] That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
[3] For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren,
my kinsmen according to the flesh:
[4] Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and
the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the
promises;
[5] Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came,
who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
[6] Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not
all Israel, which are of Israel:
[7] Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children:
but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
[8] That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the
children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
[9] For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara
shall have a son.
[10] And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by
our father Isaac;
[11] (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or
evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of
works, but of him that calleth;)
[12] It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
[13] As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
[14] What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
[15] For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and
I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
[16] So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of
God that sheweth mercy.
[17] For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I
raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might
be declared throughout all the earth.
[18] Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he
hardeneth.
Wrath and Mercy of God
19 (2Ch 20:6; Da 4:35) You will then say to me,
"Why does He yet find fault? For who can resist His will?"
20 (Isa 29:16; Job 33:13) Rather, O man, who are you to answer back
to God? Shall the thing formed say to him who formed it,
"Why have you made me like this?"
21 (Isa 64:8) Does the potter not have power over the clay to make
from the same lump one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?
22 (Pr 16:4; 1Pe 2:8) What if God, willing to show His wrath
and to make His power known, endured with much patience
the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,
23 (Ro 2:4; Eph 3:16) in order to make known the riches of His glory
on the vessels of mercy, which He previously prepared for glory,
24 even us, whom He has called, not from the Jews only,
but also from the Gentiles?
25 (Hos 2:23; 1Pe 2:10) As indeed He says in Hosea:
"I will call those who were not My people, 'My people,'
and her who was not beloved, 'Beloved,' "(Hos 2:23.)
26 and,
"In the place where it was said to them,
'You are not My people,'
there they shall be called 'sons of the living God.'"(Hos 1:10.)
27 (Isa 10:20-23; Hos 1:10) Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:
"Though the number of the children of Israel be like the sand of the sea,
a remnant shall be saved.(Isa 10:22.)
28 For He will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness,
because the Lord will make a quick work upon the earth."(Isa 10:23.)
29 (Isa 1:9; 13:19) And as Isaiah previously said:
"Unless the Lord of Hosts
had left us a seed,
we would have become like Sodom,
and been made like Gomorrah."(Isa 1:9.)
[19] Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath
resisted his will?
[20] Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing
formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
[21] Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one
vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
[22] What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known,
endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
[23] And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of
mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
[24] Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the
Gentiles?
[25] As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my
people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
[26] And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto
them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the
living God.
[27] Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children
of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
[28] For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because
a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
[29] And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a
seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
Israel and the Gospel
30 (Php 3:9; Heb 11:7) What shall we say then? The Gentiles,
who did not pursue righteousness, have attained righteousness,
even the righteousness which is by faith,
31 (Ro 11:7) but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness,
did not attain the law of righteousness.
32 (1Pe 2:8) Why not? Because they did not seek it by faith,
but by the works of the law. For they stumbled over the stumbling stone.
33 (Isa 28:16; Ro 10:11) As it is written:
"Look! I lay in Zion a stumbling stone
and rock of offense,
and whoever believes in Him will not be ashamed." (Isa 8:14; 28:16.)
[30] What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after
righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which
is of faith.
[31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not
attained to the law of righteousness.
[32] Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the
works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
[33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of
offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10
1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel
is that they may be saved.
2 (Ac 21:20) For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God,
but not according to knowledge.
3 (Ro 1:17) For, being ignorant of God's righteousness and seeking
to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit
to the righteousness of God.
4 (Gal 3:24) Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness
for every one who believes.
[1] Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they
might be saved.
[2] For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according
to knowledge.
[3] For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to
establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the
righteousness of God.
[4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that
believeth.
Salvation for All
5 (Lev 18:5; Ne 9:29) For Moses writes about the righteousness
which is based on the law: "The man who does those things shall live
by them." (Lev 18:5.)
6 But the righteousness which is based on faith says,
"Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' "(Dt 30:12.)
(that is, to bring Christ down),
7 (Heb 13:20) or, 'Who will descend into the deep?' " Dt 30:13.
(that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
8 (Dt 30:14) But what does it say? "The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart."(Dt 30:14.)
This is the word of faith that we preach:
9 (Lk 12:8; Php 2:11) that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord,
and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved,
10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.
11 (Ro 9:33; Isa 28:16) For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes
in Him will not be ashamed." (Isa 28:16.)
12 (Ro 3:22; 2:4) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek,
for the same Lord over all is generous toward all who call upon Him.
13 (Ac 2:21; Joel 2:32) For, "Everyone who calls on the name
of the Lord shall be saved."(Joel 2:32.)
14 (Titus 1:3) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 (Isa 52:7; Na 1:15) And how shall they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach
the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good things!"(Isa 52:7.)
16 (Isa 53:1; Ro 3:3) But they have not all obeyed the gospel.
For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"(Isa 53:1.)
17 (Gal 3:2; 3:5) So then faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God.
18 (Ps 19:4; Mt 24:14) But I say, have they not heard?
Yes, indeed: "Their voice went into all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world."(Ps 19:4.)
19 (Dt 32:21; Ro 11:11) But I say, did Israel not know?
First, Moses says:
"I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation,
and by a foolish nation I will anger you."(Dt 32:21.)
20 (Ro 9:30) And Isaiah is very bold and says:
"I was found by those who did not seek Me;
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for Me."(Isa 65:1.)
21 But to Israel He says:
"All day long I have stretched out My hands
to a disobedient and contrary people."(Isa 65:2.)
[5] For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man
which doeth those things shall live by them.
[6] But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not
in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down
from above:)
[7] Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again
from the dead.)
[8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy
heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation.
[11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be
ashamed.
[12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same
Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!
[16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who
hath believed our report?
[17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
[18] But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all
the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
[19] But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you
to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger
you.
[20] But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me
not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
[21] But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands
unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
2) Our Daily Bread for 28 November 2025 Titled
A City Worth Seeking?
by Karen Pimpo
Philippians 3:1-9
The True Righteousness
1 (Php 4:4; 1Th 5:16) Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write
the same things to you is no trouble to me, and it is reassuring for you.
2 (2Co 11:13; Gal 5:15) Watch out for dogs, watch out for evil workers,
watch out for those who practice mutilation.
3 (Col 2:11; Jude 1:20) For we are the circumcision who worship
God in the Spirit, and boast in Christ Jesus, and place no trust in the flesh,
4 though I also have confidence in the flesh.
If any other man thinks that he has reason to trust in the flesh, I have more:
5 (2Co 11:22; Ro 11:1; Ac 23:6) I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock
of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew of Hebrews; as concerning
the law, a Pharisee;
6 (Ac 8:3; 22:3-4) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; and concerning
the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 (Lk 14:33) But what things were gain to me, I have counted these things
to be loss for the sake of Christ.
8 (Jn 17:3; 2Pe 1:3) Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss
for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom
I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that
I may gain Christ,
9 (1Co 1:30; Php 3:6; Isa 53:11) and be found in Him, not having my own
righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith
in Christ, (Or through the faith of Christ.) the righteousness which is of God
on the basis of faith,
[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to
you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
[3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and
rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
[4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man
thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
[5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of
Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
[6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness
which is in the law, blameless.
[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which
is of God by faith:
On May 29, 1925, Percy Fawcett sent a final letter to his wife before he
ventured deeper into the unmapped jungles of Brazil. He was seeking a fabled
lost city of great splendor, determined to be the first explorer to share its
location with the world after years of searching. But his team of explorers
got lost, the city was never found, and many expeditions failed to recover
either.
Percy's courage and passion, while admirable, was squandered on a lost city
that could never be reached. If we're honest, there are many unreachable goals
in our lives that hold a similar power over us. But there is a real treasure
for each person that's worth seeking with all of our heart, mind,
and strength.
In his letter to believers in Philippi, Paul put it this way: "I consider
everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus
my Lord" (Philippians 3:8). Unlike a fabled city - yielding riches, fame,
or power - knowing Jesus and believing in Him is a treasure without equal.
Worldly goals of power or status, or even the appearance of righteousness
through keeping the law, are nothing compared to knowing Jesus (vv. 6-7).
Are we spending our time and energy on something that can never satisfy?
May Christ help us check what "city" we're seeking.
Reflect & Pray
What treasure are you seeking today?
How does meditating on the worth of knowing Jesus
help rightly align your priorities?
Thank You, Jesus, that I don't have to strive
for something that can never satisfy. I have the treasure of knowing You.
For further study,
read The Promised King.
3) From The Billy Graham Evangelical Ministry Association
Words in Season - Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 6 - Eternal Life, Beginning now
John 10:28 - I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand.
28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
In C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, one of the Spirits in heaven, identifying
himself as George MacDonald, makes some startling statements on the nature of
eternal life. Depending upon the individual's choice for or against Christ,
MacDonald says, everything in life takes on the character of haven or hell.
"At the end of ALL THINGS, when the sun rises here (in heaven) and the twilight
turns to blackness down there, the Blessed will say, 'We have never lived
anywhere except in Heaven,' and the Lost, 'We were always in Hell.'
And both will speak truly" - From the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.
Lewis was not trying to make a theological case, but to demonstrate
a principle: eternal life begins now.
The choices that we make for or against obedience to God, the life we live,
the patterns we establish, all move us in one direction of the other.
And when we have decided to choose obedience to God (the forsakeness of sin),
when we give ourselves fully into his hands, he is able to take the worst of
circumstances and redeem them for our good, use them to mature us in his image.
Again Jesus says in John 10:28
"I give them eternal life. They shall never perish,
nor shall anyone snatch them from My hand. "
In Christ is a very secure place to be. No experience is lost, no pain is
wasted. Everything in our lives is redeemed by God for our benefit.
Application
a) How have I experienced the truth that "eternal life begins now"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Is 48:15,17
15 I, even I, have spoken, and I have called him;
I have brought him, and his way will prosper.
17 (Ps 32:8; Isa 43:14) Thus says the Lord,
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit,
who leads you in the way you should go.
15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him:
I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.
17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel;
I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit,
which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Protection in Times of Trouble
PSALMS 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust."
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He shall cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you shall find protection;
His faithfulness shall be your shield and wall.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) nor of the pestilence that pursues in darkness,
nor of the destruction that strikes at noonday.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) A thousand may fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
but it shall not come near you.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Only with your eyes shall you behold
and see the reward of the wicked.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
even the Most High, your dwelling,
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) there shall be no evil befall you,
neither shall any plague come near your tent;
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) for He shall give His angels charge over you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 They shall bear you up in their hands,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder;
the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
and I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him My salvation.
Psalm 91
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress:
My God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,
And from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:
His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;
Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;
Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand;
But it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge,
Even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee,
Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee,
To keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands,
Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:
The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:
I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him,and shew him my salvation.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 28 of the Month
a) Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
(
John 5:24
24 (Jn 3:18; 1Jn 3:14; Jn 3:36) "Truly, truly I say to you, whoever
hears My word and believes in Him who sent
Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation,
but has passed from death into life."
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word,
and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,
and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
)
b) Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today . (
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.
)
Advent Day 6
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle - Joel Heck
"The Incarnation was God's 'weak moment':
when Omnipotence becomes a baby in a manger it
has 'weakened' itself....The temptation ...
is precisely a temptation to evade
the self-imposed weaknesses, to be strong, omnipotent,
again- to make stones into bread,
to be emperor of the world, to do 'levitations'.
The weakness was the strength." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, pp. 409ff.)
Strength in Weakness
In this age of professional athletes, health clubs, bodybuilding,
and advances in medical science, nutrition, and natural foods,
we have trouble identifying with the idea of strength in weakness.
The apostle Paul did also, at first, until God spoke to him of
the sufficiency of his grace. Jesus himself showed strength
in weakness at the time he was tempted by the devil, as Lewis
wrote in this letter. More than that, the Incarnation is
the best example of weakness self-imposed weakness.
How can weakness be strength? When I tell my spouse, or even my children,
"I'm sorry," I may seem weak. But they don't think of it as weakness.
Only a strong person can apologize. When I share some of my innermost
thoughts, I am vulnerable. However, when I open myself to another person,
I often find it strengthens the relationship. When I realize my own
strengths and weaknesses, I learn to rely on other people.
That, too, is strength. God put us into the body of Christ to be dependent
on one another. That's strength in weakness,
because it draws on the strengths of others.
So when God says, "My power is made perfect in weakness," we can believe it.
When I learn to rely on God's grace, instead of my own strength, God works
in me. I leave matters in God's hands. I wait upon the Spirit (Acts 1:4).
I trust that God is working out his plan (Rom. 8:28). He is "able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." (Eph. 3:20). God said it.
That should settle it.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to know that our weak moments are so often
the times when your strength is at work in us. Amen.
9 (Php 4:13; 2Co 12:10; Isa 40:29-31) But He said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
Fulfilling Service
... They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple'
-Luke 1:22b
My title is meant to have double meanings.
Zechariah indubitably completed his service in the Temple, and he
certainly found it gratifying as he did so. Subsequently, his wife
and he consummated their marriage, and she praised God for looking
favourably upon her and taking away her disgrace for not yet having borne
a child.
Moreover, those who waited for Zechariah at the Temple discerned
another aspect of the priest's service-that he had seen a vision.
What else could they deduce when he returned later than expected
from offering the incense and reappeared stricken with muteness?
Nevertheless, his face must have displayed great bewilderment
and perhaps bliss at the thought of having a child in his old age.
To what service has God called you? Have you experienced any moments
of fulfillment lately? Have you received from anyone (representing God?)
good news that refreshed you with wonder? Has a member of your family
encountered any situation that nourished him/her with great exhilaration?
prayer
Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Read Luke 1:21-25.
21 The people waited for Zechariah, and wondered why he waited
so long in the temple.
22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived
that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he made signs to them
and remained speechless.
23 As soon as the days of his service were fulfilled,
he departed to his own home.
24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months
she hid herself, saying,
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
From the Ah-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimmler
FIRST FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADVENTure!
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"(Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!" MATTHEW 21:9
Advent is a great ADVENTure. Just like Christ's adventure into Jerusalem
on Palm Sunday As you read today's Scripture, what is it about this
ADVENTure that stands out for you? If you had beer there as part of the
crowd in the Palm Sunday parade, what would you have been thinking?
I am reminded of the story about the little girl who home from
worship and asked her parents. "Who's Anna?" When neither Mom nor
Dad could understand what she was asking, they queried, ''Why are you
asking that question?" The girl simply responded, "In church we're always
singing, 'Who's Anna? Who's Anna'?l' And I don't even know her!"
Advent reminds us that any time we are in the presence of "he who comes
In the name of the Lord," we are on an extraordinary ADVENTure! In many
ways, the beginning of our Advent journey this week is similar to Christ's
journey on Palm Sunday: from Jerusalem .. . through the streets and
villages . . . to the cross . . . and finally to the empty tomb! Because of His
ADVENTure, we are able to shout. "Hosanna--save us,. Lord!" during our
ADVENTure to Bethlehem. .. and then beyond to Good Friday and 'Easter'!
enjoy your ADVENTure in the Lord today!
PRAYER: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 21:1-11
Matthew 21
The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem
Mk 11:1-11; Lk 19:28-38; Jn 12:12-19
1 (Mt 24:3; 26:30) When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage,
on the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
2 saying to them, "Go over into the village opposite you,
and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her.
Untie them and bring them to Me.
3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.'
And he will send them immediately."
4 (Mt 1:22; Jn 12:15) All this was done to fulfill
what was spoken by the prophet, saying:
5 (Isa 62:11; Ge 49:10) "Tell the daughter of Zion,
'Look, your King is coming to you,
humble, and sitting on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'Zec 9:9."
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.
7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their garments on them,
and He sat on them.
8 (2Ki 9:13) A very large crowd spread their garments on the road.
Others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 (Lk 2:14; Mt 23:39) The crowds that went before Him
and that followed Him cried out:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' (Ps 118:26.)
Hosanna in the highest!"
10 When He entered Jerusalem, the entire city was moved,
saying, "Who is He?"
11 (Lk 7:16; Jn 6:14) The crowds said, "This is Jesus,
the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know His Salvation is for all humanity and
there is no condemnation because of wht HE did for Salvation.
Pray to the Lord: "Thank You, Jesus, that I don't have to strive
for something that can never satisfy. I have the treasure of knowing You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know eternity starts now.
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for Him to teach you prosperous ways.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as protector.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for new Canadians, that they will have opportunity to hear
and respond to the Gospel and place their faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for God's kingdom to come in the life of someone you
know today .
Prayer: Generous God, thank you for the gifts of service. Amen.
Pray: Gracious Lord, thank you for including us in your intentions
for the growth of faith. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we all love a parade. especially when we know how your parade
leads to an empty tomb! Encourage us this day to be ADVENTurous
people as we humbly follow you. We are blessed because you have first
blessed us. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Qatari Christians will be granted more opportunities
to gather for worship with other believers.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
.