Posted by DSY on
From the AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ALLELUIA!
1 (Isa 11:10; 4:2; 53:2) And there shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
ISAIAH 11:1
Alleluia is another word for AH-HA! And how about other alleluia words
like hooray arid wow and even you betcha?
Today's Scripture focuses on the AH-HAs and alleluias that we celebrate
daily, even in the midst of our UH-OHs and ouches. Life is certainly not a
bowl of cherries. But the message of Advent. Christmas, Lent and Easter is
that the Lord has removed the power of the "pits" of sin in our lives so that
we can live as alleluia people!
Check out Isaiah 11:"As hoot will come from the stump of Jesse; a branch
shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him." That's
Jesus! That's the reason for the alleluias and the AH-HAs, even in the
midst of our UH-OHs. Verse 6 says the wolf shall live with the lamb. Can
you imagine that? A professor explained once why pictures of a wolf and
lamb lying down together always appeared to be morning photos. He said
it was because every morning the photographers would have to bring in
a new lamb! Not so. at least to us alleluia people! ln a world where even
carpenters are resurrected. everything is possible!
Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 11:1-10
1 (Isa 11:10; 4:2; 53:2) And there shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 (Isa 61:1; Mt 3:16; Isa 42:1) The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
3 (Jn 7:24) He shall delight in the fear of the Lord,
and he shall not judge by what his eyes see,
nor reprove by what his ears hear;
4 (Mal 4:6; Job 4:9; Ps 2:9) but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and reprove with fairness for the meek of the earth.
He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
5 (Eph 6:14; Isa 25:1) Righteousness shall be the belt of his loins,
and faithfulness the belt about his waist.
6 (Isa 65:25; Hos 2:18) The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young ones shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play by the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den.
9 (Hab 2:14; Job 5:23) They shall not hurt or destroy
in all My holy mountain,
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord,
as the waters cover the sea.
10 (Isa 11:1; Lk 2:32) In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,
who shall stand as a banner to the peoples. For him shall the nations seek.
And his rest shall be glorious.
From
On Eagle's wings Day 2 2025
Hope and Waiting and Gratitude!
Hope. Waiting. Gratitude! It took centuries for God’s plan to unfold.
What do we daily wait for in life? We wait for many things – justice,
peace, end to war; we wait for graduation day; we wait for time. We
also wait for forgiveness, for family unity, for God’s Kingdom; we wait
to see our loved ones again. In the season of Advent, we wait for a
Redeemer, the Promised One, the Anointed One!
Here in Tuktoyaktuk, we wait for seasons of hunting and fishing. We
wait for the ice bridge to come so we can use the ice road. We wait
for our kids to get through their teen years with their struggles and
challenges. And these things always come. The animals and fish come
in abundance. The ice road becomes usable. The next generation
eventually become mayors, teachers, labourers and even elders! And
we smile! These are daily experiences of hoping.
As Christians, we wait with hope, with expectation, because God is
faithful to his promises. So many scriptures are about our hope in
God.
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
(Mt. 28:20)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God" (Jn 14:1)
" For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth."
(Ps 71:5)
A few days ago, in an e-mail, I received a note:
“I see God is moving in peoples’ lives … healing is happening …”.
So many hopes! So much waiting! And now so much gratitude!
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving and bountiful of joy.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to rely daily on Your
Spirit to unite and guide me in how to share life with other believers."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that you are not longer alien
to Jesus Christ.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour his covenenat.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His statutes!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
Pray Lord, you come in judgment and hope. Be for us the hope,
and light, of the world. Amen.
Pray: O Holy Spirit and Most High, thank you for conceiving Jesus
in Mary's womb! Amen..
Pray: Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Loving God, in so many ways you lead us, guide us, slow us down and
bless us. Thank you for the gift of your Word made flesh, who dwells
among us and shows us the way. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
Pray that Christians will receive opportunities for
fellowship and discipleship with other local believers in Libya.
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.
Posted by DSY on
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2025 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for MUslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facity, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far notherern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
1st Day of the month
1) Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
(
Joel 2:28 And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream
dreams, and your young men will see visions.
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon
all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men
shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Acts 2:17 "In the last days it shall be," says God, "
that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams.
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
And your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams:
)
2) Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
(Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,
as the rivers of water; He turns it to any place He will.
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD,
As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
)
Advent Day 9
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"'When this rich thing goeth about the Round Table shall be
destroyed'--but also redeemed. Judgment is at hand, promise
of judgment and threat of judgment. . ..It is the same sort of
ambivalence which Christians have been taught to recognize in
the season of Advent."
(From The Arthurian Torso, by C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams, p. 157.)
The Day of the Lord
The last devotion spoke about the quest for the Holy Grail beginning
in Advent. In this devotion, we remember both the Good News
and the Bad News of the coming of the Christ. He came that we
might have life; that's the Good News. But he had to come because
we had chosen sin and death; that's the Bad News. Lewis, too. writes
of redemption and judgment. The "rich thing" that goes about the
Round Table of King Arthur is the much-sought Holy Grail. But its
presence will destroy the Round Table.
Our Scripture quotation also speaks of the redemption and
judgment in the coming day of the Lord . That day is near, the
prophet Joel writes. But that day will have a different message for
different people. For the people of God, the day of the LORD is a day
of deliverance. For the enemies of God, the day of the LORD is a day
of judgment. That's both good news and bad news, both law and
gospel. The truth is that we need to hear both messages. It's not that
good news is for good people and bad news for bad people. There
are no truly good people.
Actually, the day of the LoRD is any day when God's plan of salvation
takes a significant step forward. The final day of the Lord will
be the great Day of Judgment. Days of the Lord long-past include
the Babylonian Exile of Israel, the Day of Pentecost, and especially
the birth of Jesus. On those days, God's plan of salvation took an
important step forward. The coming of the Messiah was hastened,
and we are the beneficiaries.
Prayer: Lord, you come in judgment and hope. Be for us the hope,
and light, of the world. Amen.
14 (Isa 34:2-8; Joel 1:15) Multitudes, multitudes,
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
in the valley of the decision.
Joel 3:14
From Follow the Story Marva J. Dawn
MONDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
The Question of Virginity
34 Then Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
-Luke 1:34
For Mary it was a question of procedure: should she marry Joseph,
her fiance so they could have this child? But for
most people today, the question is of biblical truth:
children aren't born of virgins!
Gabriel's answer leaves us with mystery: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you ... " (Luke 1:35).
In other words, this is utterly the work of God.
Consequently, the child will be perfect, unmarred by human sin,
and will be called not the son of human beings, but the Son of God.
My redaction criticism teacher in graduate school
considered this text in wonder.
The Hebrew word in the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14
can be translated "young maiden"
(either married or not) or "virgin," but Matthew 1:23 renders it "virgin."
Thus, he said, the texts are all consistent;
we must accept that Mary was a virgin.
Hallelujah! It was a miracle!
prayer
0 Holy Spirit and Most High, thank you for conceiving Jesus
in Mary's womb! Amen.
Read Luke 1:26-35.
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
Posted by DSY on
2) Our Daily Bread for 1 December 2025 titled
Don't Do This Alone by Monica La Rose
Romans 12:3-15
The New Life in Christ
3 (Ro 1:5; 11:20) For I say, through the grace given to me,
to everyone among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought
to think, but to think with sound judgment, according to the measure
of faith God has distributed to every man.
4 (1Co 12:12-14) For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5 (1Co 10:17; 12:20) so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6 (Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2) We have diverse gifts according to the grace
that is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11) if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives,
with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy,
with cheerfulness.
[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among
you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to
think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of
faith.
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the
same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of
another.
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
[7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on
teaching;
[8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with
simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with
cheerfulness.
Rules of the Christian Life
9 (1Ti 1:5; 2Co 6:6)Let love be without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil.
Cleave to what is good.
10 (Php 2:3; Heb 13:1) Be devoted to one another with brotherly love;
prefer one another in honor,
11 (Ac 18:25) do not be lazy in diligence, be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord,
12 (Heb 10:36; Ac 1:14) rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering,
persevere in prayer,
13 (2Co 9:1; 1Ti 3:2) contribute to the needs of the saints,
practice hospitality.
14 (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28) Bless those who persecute you; bless,
and do not curse.
15 (Heb 13:3; Job 30:25) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep
with those who weep.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in
prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
[15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
As I opened the bookshelf assembly instructions with piles of boards and tools
strewn on the floor before me, I viewed a set of instructional diagrammes of
what to do and what not to do. One diagram - with a large X on top - depicted
a person staring at a pile of boards and tools with a bemused frown not unlike
mine just a few minutes prior. On the right side was drawn the "correct" way
to assemble. The only difference? A second person was there. Both figures now
had smiles on their faces as they worked together.
So I got my husband. "The instructions say I need your help," I said, showing
him the drawing. He laughed, and we assembled it together. I could have
stubbornly tried to find a way to put it together on my own. But the manual
was right; the process wasn't meant to be done alone.
In Romans 12, Paul urges new believers not to try to do life in Jesus alone.
Instead of seeing themselves as self-sufficient and thinking of themselves
"more highly than [they] ought" (v. 3), they needed to see themselves as part
of an interdependent body, where every member needs each other's help
(vv. 4-8).
As Jesus helps us learn how to "be devoted to one another in love" (v. 10),
we can experience life "in harmony" with each other, where one another's
needs, griefs, and joys (vv. 13, 15) are never carried alone.
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think we're tempted to do life alone? What helps you rely on others?
Dear God, please help me to rely daily on Your
Spirit to unite and guide me in how to share life with other believers.
For further study, read The Family of God Invites Us to Re-learn Community.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 2 - Alienation and Reconciliation
Col 1:21-22
21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated
and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy
and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight
Some 50 years ago, Orson Welles's radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds
threw the nation into panic; people on the East Coast ran for their lives,
expecting at any moment to be destroyed by alien invaders from outer space.
Today, of course, we are more sophisticated about such matters.
Television and movies have educated us about alien life forms.
Star Wars and Star Trek have taught us that their appearance can be much
different than ours. Sometimes they are unable to exist in our atmosphere
with artificial life-support systems; their physical makeup is often
incompatible with our environment.
God says that we, apart from Christ, are as incompatible with his kingdom
as the 'aliens' of movies are with Earth's environment.
We are at war with God, a true "war of the worlds" that staggers
the imagination.
Yet God has 'reconciled' us to his world. He has made us fit,
made us able to exist in his kingdom. He has made us part of
his world through Christ's death and resurrection.
Now, through Christ, we are 'holy' and 'without blemish' in God's sight.
And that transformation, ironically, make us 'alien' in the world around us.
No longer do we fit in a world of selfishness and greed, a world where Self
is god and everyone does what is right in his own heart.
We belong, instead, in the kingdom of God's righteousness.
Application
a) In what ways am I an 'alien' in this world?
b) How have I been an 'alien' to God's kingdom?
c) How can today's verses help me deal with my sense of 'not fitting'?
to Jesus?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 8:18
18 But you must remember the Lord your God,
for it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth,
so that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers,
as it is today.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth
thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant
which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Guiding Presence
Ps 119:105-112
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,
that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am greatly afflicted;
revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept the freewill offerings of my praise, O Lord,
and teach me Your judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand,
yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a trap for me,
yet I do not depart from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my inheritance forever,
for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes always,
even unto the end.
Nun
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
And a light unto my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,
That I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much:
Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,
And teach me thy judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand:
Yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me:
Yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever:
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes
Alway, even unto the end.
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.
2 Corinthians 3
Ministers of the New Covenant
1 (Ac 18:27; 2Co 5:12) Do we begin again to commend ourselves?
Or do we need, as some others, letters of commendation to you,
or letters of commendation from you?
2 You are our letter written in our hearts, known and read by all men.
3 (Ex 24:12; Jer 31:33) For you are prominently declared to be
the letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink
but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone
but on human tablets of the heart.
4 (Eph 3:12) We have such trust through Christ toward God,
5 (1Co 15:10) not that we are sufficient in ourselves to take credit
for anything of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
6 (Lk 22:20; Jn 6:63) who has made us able ministers of the new covenant,
not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills,
but the Spirit gives life.
7 (Ex 24:12; 31:18) If the ministry that brought death, written
and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel
could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory
of his countenance, the glory which was to fade away,
8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
9 (Heb 12:18-21; Ro 3:21-22) For if the ministry of condemnation
is glorious, the ministry of righteousness much more exceeds
it in glory.
10 Even that which was made glorious had no glory in comparison
to the glory that excels.
11 For if that which fades was glorious, that which remains
is much more glorious.
12 (2Co 7:4; Ac 4:13) Seeing then that we have such hope,
we speak with great boldness,
13 (Ex 34:33-35; 2Co 3:7) not as Moses, who put a veil over his face,
so that the children of Israel could not look intently at the end
of what was fading away.
14 (Ac 13:15; Ro 11:25) Instead, their minds were blinded.
For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the
reading of the old covenant, the veil which was done away
with in Christ.
15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is in their hearts.
16 (Ex 34:34; Isa 25:7) Nevertheless when anyone turns to the Lord,
the veil is removed.
17 (Gal 4:6; Jn 8:32) Now the Lord is the Spirit.
And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 (Ro 8:29; 1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:4) But we all, seeing the glory
of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror,
are being transformed into the same image from glory
to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.
[1] Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others,
epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
[2] Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
[3] Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ
ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living
God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
[4] And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
[5] Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
[6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the
letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth
life.
[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was
glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the
face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done
away:
[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the
ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by
reason of the glory that excelleth.
[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which
remaineth is glorious.
[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
[13] And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of
Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
[14] But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same
vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done
away in Christ.
[15] But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their
heart.
[16] Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken
away.
[17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there
is liberty.
[18] But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the
Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4
Treasure in Earthen Vessels
1 (1Co 7:25; 2Co 3:6) Therefore, since we have this ministry
through the mercy we have received, we do not lose heart.
2 (2Co 2:17; 5:11) But we have renounced the secret things of shame,
not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully,
but by expressing the truth and commending ourselves to every man's
conscience in the sight of God.
3 (1Co 1:18; 2Co 3:14) But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden
to those who are lost.
4 (2Co 4:6; Jn 12:31; Heb 1:3) The god of this world has blinded
the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
5 (1Co 1:23; 2Co 1:24) For we do not preach ourselves,
but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants
for Jesus' sake.
6 (Ge 1:3; 2Pe 1:19) For God, who commanded the light to shine
out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 (2Co 5:1; La 4:2) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
the excellency of the power being from God and not from ourselves.
8 (2Co 7:5) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;
we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 (Heb 13:5) persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 (Ro 6:5; 2Co 1:5) and always carrying around in the body the death
of the Lord Jesus, that also the life of Jesus might be expressed
in our bodies.
11 (Ro 8:36) For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake,
that also the life of Jesus might be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12 (2Co 13:9) So then, death works in us, but life in you.
13 (Ps 116:10; 1Co 12:9) We have the same spirit of faith.
As it is written, "I believed, and therefore I have spoken."
(Ps 116:10, LXX (Septuagint).) So we also believe and therefore speak,
14 (1Th 4:14; Eph 5:27) knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus
will also raise us through Jesus and will present us with you.
15 (2Co 1:11; Ro 8:28) All these things are for your sakes,
so that the abundant grace through the thanksgiving
of many might overflow to the glory of God.
[1] Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we
faint not;
[2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in
craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation
of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of
God.
[3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which
believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the
image of God, should shine unto them.
[5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves
your servants for Jesus' sake.
[6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined
in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ.
[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, and not of us.
[8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but
not in despair;
[9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
[10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the
life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
[11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that
the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
[12] So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
[13] We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I
believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
[14] Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also
by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
[15] For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might
through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Living by Faith
16 (Ro 7:22; Isa 40:31) For this reason we do not lose heart:
Even though our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man
is being renewed day by day.
17 (Ro 8:18; 1Pe 5:10) Our light affliction, which lasts
but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory,
18 (Heb 11:1; 2Co 5:7) while we do not look at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.
For the things which are seen are temporal,
but the things which are not seen are eternal.
[16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet
the inward man is renewed day by day.
[17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
[18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which
are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things
which are not seen are eternal.
Posted by DSY on
Day 335, 1 December 2025 - 9th Day of Advent
1) 2 Corinthians 1 , 2 Corinthians 2 , 2 Corinthians 3 , 2 Corinthians 4
2 Corinthians 1
Salutation
1 (Eph 1:1; 2Ti 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ
by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God which is at Corinth,
with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our
brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints
which are in all Achaia:
[2] Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ.
Paul's Thanksgiving After Affliction
3 (Eph 1:3; 1Pe 1:3; Ro 15:5-6) Blessed be God, the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort,
4 (Isa 51:12; 2Co 7:6-7) who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble
by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 (Col 1:24; Php 3:10) As the sufferings of Christ abound in us,
so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
6 (2Ti 2:10) If we are afflicted, it is for your consolation
and salvation, which is effective in enduring the same
sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted,
it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that as you partake
in the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
8 (1Co 15:32) For we would not, brothers, have you ignorant
of our troubles which came to us in Asia. We were pressured
beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even
of life.
9 (Lk 18:9) We had the sentence of death in ourselves,
so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God
who raises the dead.
10 (Ro 15:31) He delivered us from so great a death
and does deliver us. In Him we trust that He will
still deliver us,
11 (2Co 4:15; Php 1:19) as you help together by praying
for us, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf
for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many persons.
[3] Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort;
[4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort
them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God.
[5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ.
[6] And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also
suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and
salvation.
[7] And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of
the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
[8] For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came
to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch
that we despaired even of life:
[9] But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust
in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
[10] Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we
trust that he will yet deliver us;
[11] Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed
upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our
behalf.
Paul's Travel Plans Change
12 (2Co 2:17; 1Co 2:13) For our rejoicing is this:
The testimony of our conscience is that we conducted
ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you,
in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom,
but by the grace of God.
13 For we write nothing else to you than what you read
or understand. And I trust you will understand even to the end,
14 (1Co 1:8; 2Co 2:5) as you have understood us in part,
that we are yours, boasting even as you are ours
on the day of the Lord Jesus.
15 (Ro 1:11; 1Co 4:19) In this confidence I planned
to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit:
16 (1Co 16:5-7) to visit you while going to Macedonia,
and to come again to you from Macedonia, and then be sent by you
on my way to Judea.
17 (2Co 10:2-3) Therefore, when I was planning this,
did I do this lightly? Or the things that I plan,
do I plan according to the flesh, so that I would tell you
"Yes, yes" and "No, no"?
18 (1Co 1:9) But as God is true, we did not tell you "Yes" and "No."
19 (Heb 13:8; Ac 18:5) For the Son of God, Jesus Christ,
who was preached among you by us, even by Silas, Timothy,
and me, was not "Yes" and "No." In Him it was "Yes."
20 (Rev 3:14; 1Co 14:16) For all the promises of God
in Him are "Yes," and in Him "Amen," to the glory of God through us.
21 (1Jn 2:20; 2:27) Now He who establishes us with you in Christ
and has anointed us is God,
22 (2Co 5:5; Eph 1:13-14) who also has sealed us
and established the guarantee with the Spirit in our hearts.
23 (Ro 1:9; 1Co 4:21) Moreover I call God as a witness
upon my soul, that it is to spare you that
I have not yet gone to Corinth.
24 (Ro 11:20; 1Co 15:1) Not that we have dominion over your faith,
but we are fellow workers for your joy, for by faith you stand.
[12] For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in
simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of
God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to
you-ward.
[13] For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or
acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
[14] As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing,
even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
[15] And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye
might have a second benefit;
[16] And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia
unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
[17] When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things
that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there
should be yea yea, and nay nay?
[18] But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
[19] For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us,
even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was
yea.
[20] For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the
glory of God by us.
[21] Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us,
is God;
[22] Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our
hearts.
[23] Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came
not as yet unto Corinth.
[24] Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your
joy: for by faith ye stand.
2 Corinthians 2
1 (2Co 1:23; 1Co 4:21) But I determined this for myself,
that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2 (2Co 7:8) For if I make you sorrowful, who then will there be
to make me rejoice, but the one whom I have made sorrowful?
3 (Gal 5:10; 2Co 8:22) I wrote concerning this matter to you,
so that when I came, I would not be grieved by those in whom
I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all,
that my joy is your joy.
4 (2Co 7:12) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart
I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved,
but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.
[1] But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in
heaviness.
[2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the
same which is made sorry by me?
[3] And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow
from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my
joy is the joy of you all.
[4] For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with
many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love
which I have more abundantly unto you.
Forgiveness for the Offender
5 (Gal 4:12) But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me,
but to some extent all of you, not to put it too severely.
6 (1Co 5:4-5)This punishment which was inflicted by many
on such a man is sufficient.
7 (Eph 4:32) So on the contrary, you ought to forgive him
and comfort him, lest perhaps he might be swallowed up
with excessive sorrow.
8 Therefore I ask you to confirm your love toward him.
9 (2Co 10:6; Php 2:22) For to this end I also wrote,
so that I might know that you are proving yourselves
by whether you are being obedient in all things.
10 (1Co 5:4) Whomever you forgive anything, I also forgive.
For if I forgave someone anything, for your sakes I forgave
it in Christ,
11 (1Pe 5:8; Lk 22:31) lest Satan should take advantage of us.
For we are not ignorant of his devices.
[5] But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that
I may not overcharge you all.
[6] Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of
many.
[7] So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him,
lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
[8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
[9] For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you,
whether ye be obedient in all things.
[10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any
thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of
Christ;
[11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of
his devices.
Paul's Anxiety in Troas
12 (Ac 14:27; 16:8) Furthermore, when I came to Troas
to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
13 (2Co 7:5-6; 12:18) I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find
Titus my brother. So taking my leave of them, I went from there
into Macedonia.
14 (SS 1:3; 2Co 8:16) Now thanks be to God who always causes
us to triumph in Christ and through us reveals the fragrance
of His knowledge in every place.
15 (1Co 1:18; Eze 20:41) For we are to God a sweet fragrance
of Christ among those who are saved and among those who perish.
16 (Lk 2:34; Jn 9:39) To the one we are the fragrance of death,
which brings death, and to the other the fragrance of life,
which brings life. Who is sufficient for these things?
17 (2Co 4:2; 1:12) For we are not as many are who peddle
the word of God. Instead, being sent by God, we sincerely speak
in Christ in the sight of God.
[12] Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door
was opened unto me of the Lord,
[13] I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but
taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
[14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
[15] For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved,
and in them that perish:
[16] To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the
savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
[17] For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of
sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Posted by DSY on
From Follow the Story Marva J. Dawn
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
-Luke 1:32a
It is fitting that on this second Sunday of Advent we have before us
the actual words of annunciation for Mary. I was going to entitle this
meditation "The Annunciation to Mary," but was prevented by the actual
content of the angel's message. Conspicuously, Gabriel's words are much
more about Jesus than about practical matters for Mary. She is a servant,
absolutely, but the child that will be born of her is so great that all
consideration should be placed upon him.
Not only will he be great, but he will be called the Son of the Most High.
The LORD God (which uses the two most prominent names in the Hebrew
Scriptures, Yahweh and Elohim) will give him the throne over all of lsrael,
which his ancestor David once ruled, and of his kingdom there will be no end.
Unquestionably, this is the child for which all lsrael has been waiting.
prayer
LORD God, how can we ever thank you for sending us, Jesus,
the Son of the Most High? Amen.
Read Luke 1:25-33.
25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men."
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favoured.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
From the AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACTION!
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous deeds.
PSALM 72:18
The AH-HAs of Advent provides us a time to reflect, refocus
and remember who we are in Jesus Christ So, enjoy refreshing
yourself through his Word and hrs people. And as we find time
to enjoy the "power of pause" we can also recall that the Lord
provide us opportunities to not only be his people but also
the chance to do a his people
Psalm 72 helps us to focus on being both be-ers and do-ers
in the world The good news in Christ is that we are motivated
to be active in serving others, not because we "gotta do it"
but because we ·get to do it"! Today's Psalm is an affirmatiion
of God at work in the world-our world. Right here and now-through us!
Isn't it great that one of the books of the Bible is titled the Acts of the
Apostles instead of the Resolutions of the Apostles'
There must be a message there somewhere!
So, what are you going to do today to show the glory, might and
love of the Lord? For starters pause to remember the promise
of your Baptism. Then look around you at your needs and your
gifts, take a deep breath. and announce your action plan at
least to yourself). Do not worry about getting everything correct
today or doing everything you want to do.
Just "Get ready! Fire!"... and then aim later when
you rethink all of the possibilities for a ministry of action!
Look out world, here I come!
Lord thanks for being active in the world both in little
and big ways. Help me today to be active
in big ways and little ways as well,
not because I "gotta do it" but because I" want to do it."
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Psalm 72·1-7. 18-19
1 Give the king Your judgments, O God,
and Your righteousness to the king’s son.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) May he judge Your people with righteousness,
and Your poor with justice.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) May the mountains bring well-being to the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) May he judge the poor of the people,
may he save the children of the needy,
and crush the oppressor.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) May they fear You as long as the sun endures,
and the moon, throughout all generations.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) May he descend like rain on the mown grass,
as showers dripping on the earth.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) In his days may the righteous flourish,
and abundance of peace until the moon is no more.
18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous deeds.
19 Blessed be His glorious name forever;
and may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen, and Amen.
From
On Eagle's wings Day 1 2025
When Love Came Down
9 (Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:10; 5:11) In this way the love of God was revealed to us,
that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live
through Him.
[9] In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent
his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
1 John 4:9 (NIV)
"I love you!", blurted a little girl to the volunteers as she ran out of
the church after a day of Bible Camp. Her words were quick, and
came straight from the heart.
For many of us, saying those three words doesn’t come easily. As we
grow older, trust can be harder to give, and love may feel risky. Yet
during Bible Camp in an Arctic community, love flowed freely from
the children through endless hugs, big smiles, kind gestures and
heartfelt pleas of, "Please don't leave!" Their love was pure,
unfiltered by the world, and easily shared.
I often wonder if we, as adults, could love like these children
without keeping score. Without weighing whether someone
deserves it, and simply choosing just to love anyway. When God
sent His Son to earth as a tiny baby, it was a decision of
unconditional love. In a world dark with sin, his love conquered all.
As we enter this Advent season, may we be reminded of the hope
and love that came into the world through Jesus. May we, too, learn
to love more like a child. Freely, sincerely and without holding back.
Shauna Huber
Ministry Manager, On Eagle's Wings
Conclusion:
Pray to The Lord to your as wise instructors for your children.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that Salvation is for all.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, I'm not meant to walk through life on my own.
Please help me walk faithfully with You."
Pray to the Lord and pray to confess that you follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the poverty the Lord on Earth.
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the forgiveness the Lord .
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 God's will to be done where you live and throughout
Canadian society, as it is in Heaven
Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city
or community, and across our nation.
Prayer : God, grant us wisdom to choose thoughtfully
our preparation for your coming in Jesus. Amen.
Pray: LORD God, how can we ever thank you for sending us, Jesus,
the Son of the Most High? Amen.
Pray: Lord, calm us, settle us and point us
to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
God, thank you for showing us true love by sending your Son to
dwell among us. This Advent help us reflect on how we can love
others with the same selfless love you have given us. Amen
Pray that God's Word will be available
to every follower of Jesus throughout VENEZUELA.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
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 30 of the Month
a) Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout
Canadian society, as it is in Heaven
( Matt 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.
)
b) Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city
or community, and across our nation. (
Rom 2:4
4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness,
tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God
leads you to repentance?
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance
and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth
thee to repentance?
)
Advent Day 8
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"When the year dies in preparation for the birth/Of other seasons, not the same,
on the same earth,
Then saving and calamity together make/The Advent gospel,
telling how the heart will break....
Therefore it was in Advent that the Quest began; in wail of wind
the flower of the Britons all/Went out, and desolation was
in Arthur's hall." - C. S. Lewis
(From C. S. Lewis' "Launcelot," in Narrative Poems, p. 95.)
The Quest
The quest for the Holy Grail in the King Arthur story has captivated millions of people
over the centuries. Launcelot, the Christ figure of the Arthurian legend, is the noble
knight who begins a search for the cup that Christ used at the Last Supper.
This cup has appeared in many places in literature, theater, and the movies.
In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, for example, Indiana Jones finds his way
down a passageway and comes into a room full of chalices. He must select one
and drink from it. If he selects the wrong cup, he dies.
An ancient figure in the room tells him, "Choose wisely."
Legend has it that the cup was carried by Joseph of Arimathea to a castle
in Great Britain. The court of King Arthur believed that the Grail would be
rediscovered by a descendant of Joseph. Of the Knights of the Round Table,
only Galahad, Lancelot's son, was able to find and enter the castle with
the Grail. When he finally gazed upon the cup, the story goes, grail
and man were lifted up to heaven together.
What's the point of this story for us? Lancelot's quest began in Advent,
and our quest, our preparation for Christmas, likewise begins in Advent.
And like the Wise Men preparing for their quest, we need to set out to find
our King, the Christ Child. When we begin our Advent season with Scripture
and seek the Holy Christ rather than the Holy Grail, we are choosing wisely.
God, grant us wisdom to choose thoughtfully our preparation
for your coming in Jesus. Amen.
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?
Matthew 2:2
Posted by DSY on
Romans 16
Doxology
25 (Ro 2:16; Eph 1:9) Now to Him who has power to establish you according
to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past,
26 (Ro 1:5; 1:2) but now is revealed by the prophetic Scriptures according
to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all the Gentiles
for the obedience of faith,
27 (Ro 11:36; 1Ti 1:17) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever. Amen.
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and
the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery,
which was kept secret since the world began,
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets,
according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all
nations for the obedience of faith:
[27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 30 November 2025 Titled
How to Live Well by Karen Huang
Genesis 5:21-24
21 Enoch lived sixty-five years and became
the father of Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God after the birth of
Methuselah for three hundred years and had other sons and daughters. 23 So
all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24 Enoch
walked with God, and then he was no more because God took him.
[21] And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:
[22] And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred
years, and begat sons and daughters:
[23] And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
[24] And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Pedro became a follower of Jesus at fifty. He'd been an angry, vindictive man
who hurt those around him. As he received counseling from his church, he felt
remorse over his past. "I now have less years ahead of me than behind me,"
he said. "I want to live them well. But how?"
Pedro found his answer in an unlikely source - a genealogy. As he read Moses'
account of Adam's family line, he noted that one sentence was repeated to
describe Adam’s descendants: "Altogether, [name] lived a total of [number]
years, and then he died" (see Genesis 5:8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 27, 31).
But one man was described differently.
Enoch was described as one who "walked faithfully with God" (vv. 22, 24).
He drew near to God, and that's how he spent his earthly life. Because of
his faith, "he was commended as one who pleased God" (Hebrews 11:5). Enoch had
a steadfast, abiding trust in who God was and what He'd do for those who
sought Him (v. 6). He expressed his trust in the Almighty by acting on it
and obeying Him, and his faith was such that God spared him from physical
death (v. 5).
"How can I live my years well?" Pedro asked.
"By walking faithfully with God."
Our earthly life doesn't have to be summed up in just a number. It can be
summed up in our faith, which allows God to work in more ways than we can
count.
Reflect & Pray
In your life, what would “walking faithfully with God” look like?
How can you act on your trust in Him?
Dear Father, I'm not meant to walk through life on my own.
Please help me walk faithfully with You.
Gain the tools needed to walk faithfully with God.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 1 - The Joy of Confessing Christ
Romans 10:9-10
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
[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.
Teena, a college freshman, has just committed her life to Christ,
but she was apprehensive about telling anyone - until Bill appeared
on the scene. He plunked his coffee cup down on the table and smiled.
"I heard something exciting happened to you yesterday, Teena"
"Yeah", Teena paused and looked around, as if seeking an escape route.
"I , uh, well, I did it"
"Did what?"
"Well, I, ah, gave my life to God."
"That's wonderful!" Bill exclaimed.
He was still talking with Teena and encouraging he in her decision
when Maria walked by.
"Maria!" Bill called. "Teena wants to tell you something!"
Teena gasped , open-mouthed, then stammered,
" I - I committed my life to Christ."
Maria , similarly enthuasiatic, encouraged Teena in her commitment,
and within half an hour Teena was stopping her friends to tell them,
"Guess what? I've become a Christian! I belng to Jesus now!"
Teena had already surrendered her heart to Christ.
But when she confessed her decision aloud to others,
the truth of that transformation was confirmed by her.
Many of us have been raised to believe that 'faith is a private matter',
not to be discussed in polite company. Yet Paul makes clear the connection
between heart commitment and verbal confession. Just as my love for family
and friends deepens as I tell them I love them, so a person's love
for Christ is confirmed and stabilised
by speaking of that commitment to others.
Application
a) Have I been reluctant to tell others of my faith in Christ? Why?
b) What happens within me when I do tell others of my love for the Lord?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Cor 8:9
9 (Mt 20:28; 2Co 6:10; 13:14) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor,
that through His poverty you might be rich.
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich,
yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Eph 1:3-8a
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 (2Co 1:3; Eph 6:12; 2:6) Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual
blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 (Eph 5:27; Col 1:22) just as He chose us in Him
before the foundation of the world, to be holy
and blameless before Him in love;
5 (Ro 8:29-30; Eph 1:11) He predestined us to adoption as sons
to Himself through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure
of His will,
6 (Mt 3:17; Eph 1:12) to the praise of the glory of His grace
which He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood
and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace,
8 which He lavished
3 Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual
blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 according as he hath chosen us in him
before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy
and without blame before him in love:
5 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children
by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure
of his will,
6 to the praise of the glory of his grace,
wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 wherein he hath abounded
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.
Romans 15
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us,
for the glory of God.
8 (Mt 15:24; 2Co 1:20) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become
a servant to the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God,
to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
9 (2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49) and that the Gentiles might glorify God
for His mercy, as it is written:
"For this reason I will acknowledge You among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to Your name."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Dt 32:43) He also says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"(Dt 32:43.)
11 (Ps 117:1) And again:
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise Him."(Ps 117:1.)
12 (Isa 11:10; Mt 12:21) And again Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in Him shall the Gentiles hope."(Isa 11:10.)
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[7] Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the
glory of God.
[8] Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the
truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
[9] And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written,
For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy
name.
[10] And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
[11] And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye
people.
[12] And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that
shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Paul's Missionary Commission
14 (1Co 8:1; 8:7) Now I myself am persuaded concerning you, my brothers,
that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and also
able to instruct one another.
15 (Ro 12:3; 1:5) Nevertheless, brothers, I have written even more boldly
to you on some points, to remind you, because of the grace that is given to
me from God,
16 (Php 2:17; Ro 11:13; Ac 9:15) that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ
to the Gentiles, in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that
the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified
by the Holy Spirit.
17 (Heb 5:1; Php 3:3) In Christ Jesus therefore I have reason to boast
in my service to God.
18 (Ac 15:12; 21:19) For I will not dare to speak of anything except
what Christ has accomplished through me, to make the Gentiles obedient,
by word and deed,
19 (Ac 22:17-21; 2Co 12:12) by the power of signs and wonders,
by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem
and as far around as Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel
of Christ.
20 (2Co 10:13-16) So I have strived to preach the gospel,
not where Christ was named, so that I should not build on another man's
foundation.
21 (Isa 52:15) But as it is written:
"To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
and those who have not heard shall understand."(Isa 52:15.)
[14] And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are
full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one
another.
[15] Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some
sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of
God,
[16] That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,
ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be
acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
[17] I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those
things which pertain to God.
[18] For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath
not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
[19] Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so
that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached
the gospel of Christ.
[20] Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was
named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
[21] But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and
they that have not heard shall understand.
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
22 (Ro 1:13) For this reason also I was often hindered from coming to you.
23 (Ro 15:32; Ac 19:21) But now, no longer having a place in these regions,
and having a great desire for many years to come to you,
24 (Ro 15:28; Ac 15:3) whenever I go to Spain, I shall come to you,
for I hope to see you when I pass through and to be helped on my way
there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a little while.
25 (Ac 19:21; 24:17) But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the
saints.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make some contribution
for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
27 (1Co 9:11; Gal 6:6) It has pleased them indeed, and they are their
debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things,
they also ought to minister to them in material things.
28 (Ro 15:24) Therefore, when I have completed this and have given this
blessing to them, I shall come by way of you to Spain,
29 and I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 (2Co 1:11; Col 4:12) Now I ask you, brothers, through the Lord Jesus
Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in
your prayers to God on my behalf,
31 (2Th 3:2; 2Co 8:4) that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in
Judea, and that my ministry for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:18) so that I may come to you with joy by the will
of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33 (2Co 13:11; Ro 16:20; Php 4:9) Now the God of peace be with you all.
Amen.
[22] For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
[23] But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire
these many years to come unto you;
[24] Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I
trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by
you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
[25] But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
[26] For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
[27] It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the
Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is
also to minister unto them in carnal things.
[28] When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this
fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
[29] And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
[30] Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for
the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to
God for me;
[31] That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and
that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
[32] That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you
be refreshed.
[33] Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 16
Personal Greetings
1 (Ac 18:18; 2Co 3:1) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is
a servant (Or deacon.) of the church at Cenchrea,
2 (Php 2:29) that you welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy
of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter
she may have need of you, for she has been a helper of many
and of myself as well.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I,
but also all the churches of the Gentiles, give thanks.
5 (1Co 16:15; 16:19) Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first convert of Achaia for Christ.
6 (Ro 16:12) Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
7 (Ro 16:11; 16:21) Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen
and fellow prisoners, who are noteworthy among the apostles,
who also came to Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.
Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman.
Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.
Greet the beloved Persis, who also labored much in the Lord.
13 (Mk 15:21) Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother,
who is like a mother to me.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas,
and the brothers who are with them.
15 (Ro 16:2) Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 (1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12) Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The churches of Christ greet you.
17 (2Th 3:6; 1Ti 1:3) Now I urge you, brothers, to closely watch those
who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the teaching which
you have learned, and avoid them.
18 (Php 3:19; Col 2:4) For such people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ,
but their own appetites, and through smooth talk and flattery they deceive
the hearts of the unsuspecting.
19 (Mt 10:16; Ro 1:8) Your obedience has become known to all men.
Therefore I am glad on your behalf. Yet I want you to be wise to that
which is good, and innocent to that which is evil.
20 (Ge 3:15; Ro 15:33) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 (Ac 20:4; 13:1) Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason,
and Sosipater, my kinsmen, greet you.
22 (Gal 6:11) I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 (Ac 19:22; 1Co 1:14) Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church,
greets you.
Erastus, who is the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
[1] I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church
which is at Cenchrea:
[2] That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist
her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a
succourer of many, and of myself also.
[3] Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
[4] Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I
give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
[5] Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved
Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
[6] Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
[7] Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are
of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
[8] Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
[9] Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
[10] Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of
Aristobulus' household.
[11] Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of
Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
[12] Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the
beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
[13] Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
[14] Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren
which are with them.
[15] Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and
all the saints which are with them.
[16] Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute
you.
[17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
[18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own
belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
[19] For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on
your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and
simple concerning evil.
[20] And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
[21] Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my
kinsmen, salute you.
[22] I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
[23] Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the
chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
[24] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Posted by DSY on
Day 334, 30 November 2025 - 8th Day of Advent
Today at
Calvary Community
Church, Pastor Nathan Zeiber spoke on God's Blueprint for Parenting -
The Way Children respond
Proverbs 1
1-4
1 (Pr 10:1; 25:1) The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
to perceive the words of understanding,
3 to receive the instruction of wisdom,
justice, judgment, and equity;
4 (Pr 8:5) to give subtlety to the simple,
to the young man knowledge and discretion -
1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2 To know wisdom and instruction;
To perceive the words of understanding;
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, and judgment, and equity;
4 To give subtilty to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion.
5 (The Wise keep listening)
5 (Pr 9:9) a wise man will hear and will increase learning,
and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;
And a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6 (The Wise Lean into hard things)
6 (Ps 78:2; 49:4) to understand a proverb and the interpretation,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation;
The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7 (The wise fear the Lord.
7 (Pr 9:10; Job 28:28; Ecc 12:13 ) The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge,but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge:
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8-9
8 (Pr 6:20) My son, hear the instruction of your father,
and do not forsake the teaching of your mother;
9 (Pr 4:9; Ge 41:42) for they will be a garland of grace on your head,
and chains about your neck.
1) Romans 14, Romans 15, Romans 16
Romans 14
Do Not Judge Your Brother
1 (Ro 15:1; 15:7) Welcome him who is weak in faith, but not
for the purpose of arguing over opinions.
2 (Ro 14:14) For one has faith to eat all things,
but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
3 (Lk 18:9; Ro 14:10) Do not let him who eats despise him who does
not eat, and do not let him who does not eat judge him who eats,
for God has welcomed him.
4 (Ro 9:20) Who are you to judge another man's servant? To his
own master he stands or falls. And he will stand,
for God is able to make him stand.
5 (Ro 14:23) One man judges one day above another;
another judges every day alike. Let each one be fully persuaded
in his own mind.
6 (Mt 14:19; 15:36) He who observes the day observes it for the Lord,
and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.
He who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, for he gives thanks to God;
and the one who does not eat, in honour of the Lord he does not eat,
and gives thanks to God.
7 (2Co 5:15; 1Th 5:10) For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies
for himself.
8 (Php 1:20; 1Th 5:10) For if we live, we live for the Lord. And if we die,
we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
9 (Rev 1:18; Mt 28:18; Lk 24:26) For to this end Christ died and rose
and lived again, so that He might be Lord of both the dead and living.
10 (2Co 5:10; Ro 2:16; 1Co 4:5) So why do you judge your brother? Or why do
you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat
of Christ.
11 For it is written:
"As I live, says the Lord,
every knee shall bow to Me,
and every tongue shall confess to God."(Isa 45:23.)
12 (Mt 12:36; 1Pe 4:5) So then each of us shall give
an account of himself to God.
[1] Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful
disputations.
[2] For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak,
eateth herbs.
[3] Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him
which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
[4] Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he
standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him
stand.
[5] One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day
alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
[6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that
regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth,
eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the
Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
[7] For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
[8] For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die
unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
[9] For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might
be Lord both of the dead and living.
[10] But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy
brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
[11] For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to
me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
[12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Do Not Make Your Brother Stumble
13 (Mt 7:1) Therefore let us no longer pass judgment on one another,
but rather determine not to put a stumbling block
or an obstacle in a brother's way.
14 (1Co 8:7; Ro 14:2) I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus
that nothing is unclean in itself, but to him who considers anything to be
unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 (Eph 5:2) If your brother is grieved because of your food, you are
no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food one
for whom Christ died.
16 (Ro 12:17; 1Co 10:29-30) So do not let what is good to you be spoken
of as evil.
17 (Ro 15:13; 1Co 8:8; Gal 5:22) For the kingdom of God does not mean
eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy
Spirit.
18 (2Co 8:21; Ro 16:18) For he who serves Christ in these things
is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 (Ps 34:14; Ro 15:2) Therefore let us pursue the things which
produce peace and the things that build up one another.
20 (Ro 14:14-15; Ac 10:15) Do not destroy the work of God for the
sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but it is evil for the man
who causes someone to fall by what he eats.
21 (1Co 8:13) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine,
nor do anything whereby your brother stumbles or is offended
or is made weak.
22 (1Jn 3:21) The faith that you have, have as your own conviction
before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats,
because it is not from faith, for whatever is not from faith is sin.
[13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather,
that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's
way.
[14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing
unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him
it is unclean.
[15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not
charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
[16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
[17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
[18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and
approved of men.
[19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and
things wherewith one may edify another.
[20] For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but
it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
[21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing
whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
[22] Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that
condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
[23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of
faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Romans 15
Please Others, Not Yourself
1 (Ro 14:1; 1Th 5:14) We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses
of the weak and not please ourselves.
2 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 10:24) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,
leading to edification.
3 (Ps 69:9; Jn 5:30) For even Christ did not please Himself.
But as it is written, "The insults of those who insulted You fell on Me."
(Ps 69:9).
4 (Ro 4:23-24) For whatever was previously written was written
for our instruction, so that through perseverance and encouragement
of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 (Ro 12:16; 1Co 1:10) Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement
grant you to live in harmony with one another in accordance with Christ
Jesus,
6 (Eph 1:3; Jn 20:17) so that together you may with one voice glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves.
[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
[3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The
reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have
hope.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one
toward another according to Christ Jesus:
[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 27 of the Month
a) Pray that God's Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to
hold to wrong opinions of Christ and His Salvation.
(
2 Cor 10:4-5
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,
but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,
5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,
but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing
that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,
and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
)
b) Pray that the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who
are lost to seek Him and to seek The Truth.
Advent Day 7
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"No woman ever conceived a child, no mare a foal, without
Him. But once, and for a special purpose, He dispensed with
that long line which is His instrument: once His life-giving
finger touched a woman without passing through the ages of
interlocked events." C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles,p . 182.)
Every Birth a Miracle
I have never met parents who did not think that the birth of each
of their children was one of the most amazing things they had ever
experienced. And rightly so. We talk about the miracle of birth, and
so we should. The obstetrician might tell us how normal child birth
is, but we who have become parents know better. We might forget
as the years pass and the trials of raising teenagers take their toll.
But when we sit back and remember, we know better once again.
The birth of a child is a miracle. The "birth-days" of our children
remind us
No childbirth in history has received more attention in art, music,
literature, stained glass, and even on the postage stamp, than
the birth of Jesus. That was a one-of-a-kind birth, but Lewis points
out that God is at work in every pregnancy and in every birth. The
same God who brought about the pregnancy of Mary by the power
of the Holy Spirit is also at work to bring about every pregnancy.
We might stand back at the thought that even a mare conceiving
a foal, as Lewis writes, is done by the power of God, but could it be
otherwise? He is the creator of all things, and he upholds all things
by his powerful word(Heb- 1:3)- He must be involved in every birth,
your birth, my birth, even our rebirth by the power of the Holy Spirit,
but especially in the birth of Jesus
This is not to say that the birth of Jesus was ordinary. Far from
it. But Jesus' birth and my birth both had the blessing of God. That
gives me assurance that new birth is available in him also.
Prayer : Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are at work,
giving life. Grant us new life in your Son. Amen.
Luke 1:35
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
From Follow The Story - Marva J. Dawn
SATURDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Baffling Salutations
When she saw him, she was troubled by his words,...
-Luke 1:29a
To greet another person with the phrase "The LORD be with you"
was a common custom in those days. Compare how Boaz greets
the reapers in his barley field and how they answer back (Ruth 2:4).
Even today many churches use the expression
in their liturgies to underscore that we are a community together
as worshipers and leaders in God's presence.
Consequently, this part of Gabriel's address must not have been too confusing,
unless the angel notably accentuated the present tense, "The LORD is with you,"
in anticipation of how the Trinity would be operative in Mary.
Probably Mary was stunned by Gabriel's calling her a "favoured one"
since she was merely a small-town youth, and the
angel was the magnificent messenger of God. She was totally unprepared
for the extraordinary disclosure Gabriel would reveal to her, though some
Jewish mothers gingerly harbored the hope that they might be mother
to the promised Messiah. Ponder with Mary what being "favoured"
by God could mean.
prayer
Thank you, LORD, that Mary was simple-hearted with Gabriel.
Amen.
Read Luke 1:26-38.
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favoured.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATTENTION!
11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.
JEREMIAH 29:11
Advent comes to us just when we need it. Not only is it the time to begin
a new Church Year, but it also allows us to stop and ponder anew what
"the Almighty can do" and what he has already done! In other words,
Advent gets our attention to ponder what life is all about!
What is it that is getting your attention these days?
There's plenty of options, aren't there ?
Is it working or shopping, or preparing, or Juggling,
or decorating, or baking or all of the above?
Me too! How good are you at multi-tasking?
We live in a CPA society ... which means Continuous Partial Attention.
Check it out: Have you encountered folks who are texting, listening talking,
studying, thinking, eating .. all at the same time? Me, too! And it drives me
crazy! You too?
Advent sneaks up on our CPA society and simply, gently calms us. Advent
coos to us what today's Scripture says: The Lord has plans to give us
a hope and future. That is a promise that
really gets our attention as ambassadors
of health and hope!
God in Christ attends us with his love
and forgiveness to empower us to turn our attention
outward. We can turn from our own CPA existence to sharing
his hope for all people. NO partial attention from the Lord. God's
CPA is his Continuous Promise Attention ... for all of us!
And that's good enough for me! You too?
Prayer
Lord, calm us, settle us and point us to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Jeremiah 29:11-14.
11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.
12 (Jer 33:3; Ps 50:15) Then you shall call upon Me, and you shall come
and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13 (Jer 24:7; 2Ch 22:9) You shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search
for Me with all your heart.
14 (Jer 30:3; Ps 32:6) I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will turn
away your captivity and gather you from all the nations
and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord,
and I will bring you back into the place from
where I caused you to be carried away captive.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Salvation is for all for the Lord is
coming back for those who have accepted Him.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, Your grace is sufficient for me."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the exhange of Sin as Jesus' sacrifice.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His Covenant.
Pray to the Lord and pray to His forgiveness.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that God's Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to
hold to wrong opinions of Christ and His Salvation.
Pray that the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who
are lost to seek Him and to seek The Truth.
Prayer : Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are at work,
giving life. Grant us new life in your Son. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, LORD, that Mary was simple-hearted with Gabriel.
Pray: Lord, calm us, settle us and point us
to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that Christians in Islamist-controlled areas in the Palestian
Territories will safely access God’s Word without fear of detection.
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.
Posted by DSY on
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Ps 103:1-14
PSALMS 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:
And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
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, ...)
Posted by DSY on
Romans 12
The New Life in Christ
1 (1Pe 2:5; Ro 6:13; 6:16) I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies
of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy,
and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship.
2 (Ro 12:1; 1Pe 1:14) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good
and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3 (Ro 1:5; 11:20) For I say, through the grace given to me,
to everyone among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought
to think, but to think with sound judgment, according to the measure
of faith God has distributed to every man.
4 (1Co 12:12-14) For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5 (1Co 10:17; 12:20) so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6 (Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2) We have diverse gifts according to the grace
that is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11) if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives,
with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy,
with cheerfulness.
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among
you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to
think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of
faith.
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the
same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of
another.
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
[7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on
teaching;
[8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with
simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with
cheerfulness.
Rules of the Christian Life
9 (1Ti 1:5; 2Co 6:6)Let love be without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil.
Cleave to what is good.
10 (Php 2:3; Heb 13:1) Be devoted to one another with brotherly love;
prefer one another in honor,
11 (Ac 18:25) do not be lazy in diligence, be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord,
12 (Heb 10:36; Ac 1:14) rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering,
persevere in prayer,
13 (2Co 9:1; 1Ti 3:2) contribute to the needs of the saints,
practice hospitality.
14 (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28) Bless those who persecute you; bless,
and do not curse.
15 (Heb 13:3; Job 30:25) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep
with those who weep.
16 (Ro 11:25; 15:5) Be of the same mind toward one another.
Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
Do not pretend to be wiser than you are.
17 (Pr 20:22; Mt 5:39) Repay no one evil for evil. Commend what is
honest in the sight of all men.
18 (Mk 9:50; Ro 14:19; Mt 5:9) If it is possible, as much as it depends
on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 (Dt 32:35; Pr 24:29) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to God's wrath, for it is written:
"Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,"(Dt 32:35.) says the Lord.
20 (Pr 25:21-22; Mt 5:44) Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head."(Pr 25:21-22.)
21 (1Pe 3:9) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in
prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
[15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
[16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight
of all men.
[18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all
men.
[19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto
wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
[20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him
drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
[21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 13
Subjection to Authorities
1 (Da 2:21; Jn 19:11) Let every person be subject to the governing
authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that
exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists what God has appointed,
and those who resist will incur judgment.
3 Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil works. Do you wish
to have no fear of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have
praise from him,
4 (2Ch 19:6; Ro 12:19) for he is the servant of God for your good.
But if you do what is evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword
in vain, for he is the servant of God, an avenger to execute wrath
upon him who practices evil.
5 (Ecc 8:2; 1Pe 2:19) So it is necessary to be in subjection, not only
because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.
6 For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are God's servants,
devoting themselves to this very thing.
7 (Mt 17:25; 22:21) Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes
are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due,
and honor to whom honor is due.
[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power
but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
[2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:
and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
[3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou
then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have
praise of the same:
[4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that
which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is
the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
[5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for
conscience sake.
[6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing.
[7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Brotherly Love
8 (Ro 13:10; Mt 7:12) Owe no one anything, except to love one another,
for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
9 (Lev 19:18; Mt 19:18-19; Ex 20:12-17) For the commandments,
"You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal,
You shall not give false testimony, You shall not covet,"
(Ex 20:13-15, 17; Dt 5:17-19, 21.) and if there are any other commandments,
are summed up in this saying,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Ro 13:8) Love works no evil to a neighbor. Therefore love is
the fulfillment of the law.
[8] Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.
[9] For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou
shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet;
and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this
saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
[10] Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling
of the law.
The Approach of the Day of Christ
11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time, now is the moment
to awake from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
12 (Eph 5:11; 2Co 6:7) The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us take off the works of darkness and put on the armor
of light.
13 (Gal 5:21; Lk 21:34; Eph 5:18) Let us behave properly, as in the day,
not in carousing and drunkenness, not in immorality and wickedness,
not in strife and envy.
14 (Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no
provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
[11] And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of
sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
[12] The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off
the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
[13] Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
[14] But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the
flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Posted by DSY on
2) Our Daily Bread for 29 November 2025 titled
God’s Sufficient Grace
by John Blase
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Visions and Revelations
1 (Gal 1:12; 2:2) Doubtless it is not profitable for me to boast.
So I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 (2Co 11:11; Ac 22:17) I knew a man in Christ over fourteen years ag
-whether in the body or out of the body I cannot tell, God knows-such
a one was caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew that such a man-whether in the body or out of the body I cannot
tell, God knows-
4 (Lk 23:43; Rev 2:7) was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible
words not permitted for a man to say.
5 Of such a person, I will boast. Yet of myself I will not boast, except in
my weaknesses.
6 (2Co 11:16) For if I desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be
speaking the truth. But now I resist, lest anyone should think of me above
that which he sees me to be or hears from me.
7 (Nu 33:55; Eze 28:24) And lest I should be exalted above measure
by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh,
a messenger of Satan, to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
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.
10 (Ro 5:3; 2Co 13:4) So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in
hardships, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake. For when
I am weak, then I am strong.
[1] It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions
and revelations of the Lord.
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I
cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such
an one caught up to the third heaven.
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I
cannot tell: God knoweth;)
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words,
which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine
infirmities.
[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will
say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that
which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the
revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of
Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am
weak, then am I strong.
Born Mary Flannery O'Connor, she's best known as Flannery O'Connor, one of the
American South's most celebrated writers. Her stories brim with suffering and
grace. When her beloved father died of lupus when she was fifteen, a
devastated O'Connor threw herself into writing her first novel. Soon she
herself was diagnosed with lupus, an incurable disease that took her life
at thirty-nine. O'Connor's writing reflects her physical and mental anguish.
Novelist Alice McDermott said, "It was the illness I think
that made her the writer that she is."
We don't know what the apostle Paul's "thorn" was (2 Corinthians 12:7), though
many have offered conjecture. We do know that Paul said, "Three times I
pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me" (v.
. We also know God didn't
do so (v. 9). This humbled Paul. He notes how it kept him "from becoming
conceited" (v. 7). Paul's thorn formed him and made him the apostle that he
was. But the thorn wasn't all, for with the thorn came God's sufficient grace
and perfecting power, so the tormented apostle could declare, "When I am weak,
then I am strong" (v. 10).
The thorns in our lives, whatever they may be, form us. They make us who we
are. But the thorns aren't all there is. As Paul and Flannery O'Connor
and countless others have witnessed over the long arc of human history,
God's grace is sufficient for us.
Reflect & Pray
What are the "thorns" in your life? How can you permit
God's grace and strength to be enough for you today?
Dear God, Your grace is sufficient for me.
For further study, read God Was There All Along.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 7 - The Great Exchange
2 Cor 5:21 - God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,
that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
People were talking ; the gossip lines were busy day and night.
Andrea, a Bible study leader and pillar of the church, had been
accused of indiscretion with a married man, another member
of the congregation. The rumours were proven untrue,
but that hardly mattered anymore. The damage was done.
"It's just not far," Andrea said. " It was all so unnecessary.
And now, even though I've done nothing wrong, my relationship
with that church will never be the same again."
We all know what pain is caused by undeserved accusation,
rejection, and misunderstanding. Sometimes, when the smoke clears,
irreparable damage has been done, even when no sin has occurred.
We can understand the torment that comes when we've sinned,
but when we've done nothing wrong, the injustice seem unbearable.
Jesus knew what it was to suffer unjustly. He had never sinned at all,
yet he 'became sin' for us. He gave himself in an outrageous exchange:
he took our sin and gave us his righteousness.
Living in this exchange does not mean, of course, that we will be exempt
from pain, that we will never again suffer unjustly or be subject
to rejection. But in Christ, we are declared righteous before God,
just as Jesus himself is righteous. And as we submit
to the Holy Spirit's work in us, we become righteous ,
obeying him and growing in grace. Christ endured rejection
for us so that we might live in him.
Application
a) Have I ever suffered unjustly or been rejected by someone without cause?
b) How can this verse, coupled with my own experience give me a greater
depth of appreciation of what Christ suffered for me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Deut 30:19-20
19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Day 333, 29 November 2025 - 7th Day of Advent
1) Romans 11, Romans 12, Romans 13
Romans 11
The Remnant of Israel
1 (1Sa 12:22; 2Co 11:22) I say then, has God rejected His people?
God forbid! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham,
of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 (1Pe 1:2) God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.
Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah?
How he pleads with God against Israel, saying,
3 "Lord, they have killed Your prophets and destroyed Your altars.
I alone am left, and they seek my life"?(1Ki 19:10. 41Ki 19:18)
But what is the divine reply to him?
"I have kept for Myself seven thousand men,
who have not bowed the knee to Baal."(1Ki 19:18. 5Ro 9:27)
So then at this present time there is a remnant according
to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; otherwise grace
would no longer be grace. But if it is by works, then is it no longer
by grace; otherwise work would no longer be work.
7 (Ro 9:18; 2Co 3:14) What then? Israel has not obtained what it was
seeking. But the elect obtained it, and the rest were hardened.
8 (Dt 29:4; Isa 29:10) As it is written:
"God has given them a spirit of slumber,
eyes that would not see
and ears that would not hear,
to this very day."(Isa 29:10.)
9 (Ps 69:22-23) And David says:
"Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution to them.
10 (Ps 69:23) Let their eyes be darkened, so that they may not see,
and always bow down their backs." (Ps 69:22-23.)
[1] I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an
Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
[2] God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the
scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel,
saying,
[3] Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I
am left alone, and they seek my life.
[4] But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself
seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
[5] Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to
the election of grace.
[6] And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more
grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no
more work.
[7] What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the
election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
[8] (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber,
eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto
this day.
[9] And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a
stumbling block, and a recompence unto them:
[10] Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their
back alway.
The Salvation of the Gentiles
11 (Ro 10:19; 11:14) I say then, have they stumbled that
they should fall? God forbid! But through their transgression salvation
has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.
12 (Ro 11:25) Now if their transgression means riches for the world,
and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will
their fullness mean?
13 (Ac 9:15) For I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am
the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,
14 (1Co 7:16; Ro 9:3; 1Ti 4:16) if somehow I may make my kinsmen
jealous and may save some of them.
15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world,
what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?
16 (Eze 44:30; Lev 23:10) If the first portion of the dough is holy,
the batch is also holy. And if the root is holy, so are the branches.
17 (Jer 11:16; Eph 2:11-13) But if some of the branches were broken
off, and you, being a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them
and became a partaker with them of the root
and richness of the olive tree,
18 do not boast against the branches. If you boast,
remember you do not sustain the root, but the root sustains you.
19 You will say then, "The branches were broken off, so that I might
be grafted in."
20 (Ro 12:16; 1Co 10:12) This is correct. They were broken off
because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant,
but fear.
21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will
He spare you.
22 (Jn 15:2; 1Co 15:2) Therefore consider the goodness and severity
of God-severity toward those who fell, but goodness toward you,
if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
23 (2Co 3:16) And these also, if they do not remain in unbelief, will
be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature,
and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree,
how much more will these, who are the natural branches, be grafted
into their own olive tree?
[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but
rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to
provoke them to jealousy.
[12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing
of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
[13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the
Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
[14] If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and
might save some of them.
[15] For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what
shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
[16] For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root
be holy, so are the branches.
[17] And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive
tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and
fatness of the olive tree;
[18] Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the
root, but the root thee.
[19] Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be
graffed in.
[20] Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by
faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
[21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also
spare not thee.
[22] Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell,
severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness:
otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
[23] And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed
in: for God is able to graff them in again.
[24] For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and
wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall
these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
The Restoration of Israel
25 (Lk 21:24; Ro 12:16; 16:25) For I do not want you to be ignorant
of this mystery, brothers, lest you be wise in your own estimation,
for a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness
of the Gentiles has come in.
26 (Isa 59:20; Ps 14:7) And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
"The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
and He will remove ungodliness from Jacob";(Isa 59:20.)
27 (Isa 27:9; 59:21) "for this is My covenant with them,
when I shall take away their sins."(Isa 59:20-21; Jer 31:31-34.)
28 (Dt 10:15; Ro 9:5) As concerning the gospel, they are enemies
for your sake, but as regarding the election, they are beloved
for the sake of the patriarchs.
29 (Ro 8:28) For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.
30 (Col 3:7) For just as you once were disobedient to God,
but have now received mercy through their disobedience,
31 so these also have now been disobedient, that they also may
receive mercy by the mercy shown to you.
32 (Ro 3:9; Gal 3:22) For God has imprisoned them all in disobedience,
so that He might be merciful to all.
33 (Ro 2:4; Eph 3:10) O the depth of the riches and wisdom
and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments
and unfathomable are His ways!
34 (Isa 40:13; 1Co 2:16) "For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?"(Isa 40:13.)
35 (Job 35:7; 41:11) "Or who has first given to Him,
and it shall be repaid to him?" (Job 35:7; 41:11.)
36 (Ro 16:27; 1Co 8:6) For from Him and through Him
and to Him are all things.
To Him be glory forever! Amen.
[25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is
happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
[26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come
out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
[27] For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
[28] As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as
touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
[29] For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
[30] For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained
mercy through their unbelief:
[31] Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they
also may obtain mercy.
[32] For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy
upon all.
[33] O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how
unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
[34] For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his
counseller?
[35] Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him
again?
[36] For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be
glory for ever. Amen.