Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Read Isaiah 9:1-7.



Isaiah 9



The Coming King



1 (2Ki 15:29; 2Ch 16:4) Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom

for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously

treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

but in the latter time He shall make it glorious,

by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,

upon them the light has shined.

3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation

and increased the joy;

they rejoice before You

according to the joy of harvest

and as men rejoice

when they divide the spoil.

4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden

and the bar of his shoulder,

the rod of his oppressor

as in the day of Midian's defeat.

5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors

and all the garments rolled in blood

shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given,

and the government shall be upon his shoulder.

And his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David

and over his kingdom,

to order it and to establish it

with justice and with righteousness,

from now until forever.

The zeal of the Lord of Hosts

will perform this.



From On Eagle's wings Day 5



Teach Me Lord To Wait



14 Wait on the Lord; be strong, and may your heart be stout;

wait on the Lord.



[14] Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine

heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.



Psalm 27:14



There are so many lessons to learn when deciding to move from life

in southern BC to a life in a small village in the far north of Canada.

From a couple who had lived there previously, I received excellent

advice about what clothes to take, what food supplies to have with

me, and how to arrange transportation to get me and everything

there. I was even warned about possible delays. Anyone who has

travelled to, lived in, or worked in the North will know what I mean

as a “delayed” memory flashes in your head!

Once well settled in my new home and making a heartfelt effort to

learn Inuktitut, I was always asking questions of my new Inuit

friends. One answer seemed to be repeated many times, depending

on the question. That word was “IMAHA”. It translates as “maybe”.

Are you going hunting today? Imaha!

Will the plane land today? Imaha!

Their patience with my questions and my own eventual

understanding of just how important learning the arts of “waiting”

and “patience” are, became the bedrock of over 30 years living in

Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay.

We do know Jesus lived on earth with us. We don’t know when He

will return. Will it be today? Tomorrow? Next year? Imaha!

In the meantime we wait with great anticipation, being prepared

and ready for that day. Life is full when God is in it.



Terry Jessudason

Former Board Member of On Eagle's Wings 9



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to be strong in Christ with your testimony.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for Scripture,

which tells me to direct my steps toward You.

Please help me follow You better today."



Pray to the Lord and pray for forgiveness of sins.



Pray to the Lord and pray to shine for the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who knows you temptations.



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 Canada's First Nation peoples,

that the Lord will draw them to Himself



Pray for the Lord to search your life ,

reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness



Pray: Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.

Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you

exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.



Pray: Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your

new creation with Joy! Amen.



Pray: Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent

Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy

and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and

play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for

making us ambassadors of amazement.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Lord, we come to you with open hearts. Fill us, in these Advent

days, with hope, peace and joy knowing you will renew our

strength in every situation. Amen



Pray that churches in the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES will find creative ways

to reach others in their communities with the Gospel message.



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.

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Mark 4:20-25



20 (Mk 4:8; Jn 15:4-5) "Still others are seed sown on good ground,

those who hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit:

thirty, sixty, or a hundred times as much."



A Light Under a Basket



Lk 8:16-18



21 (Mt 5:15; Lk 8:16) He said to them, "Is a candle brought to be put

under a basket or under a bed and not to be set on a candlestick?

22 (Lk 8:17) For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed;

neither is anything kept secret except to be proclaimed.

23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15)If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.

The measure you give will be measured for you,

and to you who hear will more be given.

25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.

And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."



20 And these are they which are sown on good ground;

such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit,

some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put

under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested;

neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete,

it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

25 For he that hath, to him shall be given:

and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.



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



God's Help in Times of Temptation



Hebrews 4:14-16



Jesus the Great High Priest



14 (Heb 6:20; 1:2-3) Since then we have a great High Priest

Who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold firmly to our confession.

15 (2Co 5:21; Jn 8:46) For we do not have a High Priest

who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses,

but One who was in every sense tempted like we are, yet without sin.

16 (Eph 3:12; Php 4:6-7) Let us then come with confidence

to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy

and find grace to help in time of need.



14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help in time of need.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.





6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.



Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)

7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



5th Day of the Month



a) Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,

that the Lord will draw them to Himself

(PS 145:13-18

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

14 The Lord upholds all who fall,

and raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all wait upon You,

and You give them their food in due season.

16 You open Your hand

and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways

and loving in all His works.

18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,

to all who call upon Him in truth.

)



Mem

13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

Samek

14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,

And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

Ain

15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;

And thou givest them their meat in due season.

Pe

16 Thou openest thine hand,

And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Zade

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,

And holy in all his works.

Qoph

18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,

To all that call upon him in truth.



b) Pray for the Lord to search your life ,

reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness

( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,

and lead me in the ancient way. "



24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting.



1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us

our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "



9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.



)



Advent Day 13



From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle



{The great French writer] "Montaigne became kittenish with his kitten but

she never talked philosophy to him. Everywhere the great enters the

little-its power to do so is almost the test of its greatness." - C. S. Lewis



(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 147.)



The Great Enters the Little



Why was Jesus born in such a small town? Because it was the town of King

David, and Jesus was descended from the family of David. Although Micah said

of Bethlehem, "you are small among the clans of Judah," that was in God's

plan from the beginning. The size of the town didn't matter.



God so often surprises us by doing big things in little places, by

resisting the proud and exalting the humble, by choosing ordinary people

to do great things, and, in general, by doing the unexpected. What more

humble circumstances could we imagine than an unmarried, pregnant teenage

girl, with her betrothed husband, hurrying nearly a hundred miles from

little Nazareth to little Beth­lehem? What could be more humbling than

enrolling in a census late in a pregnancy, settling for less than ideal

accommodations, and giving birth far from the centers of power? The great

enters the little. God becomes a baby. Think of it. The creator of the

universe stoops to become a child.



Lewis calls it a test of greatness. In what ways have we

stooped to enter the little? Have we taken the time to

serve meals to the poor in a soup kitchen?

Have we visited the sick and imprisoned?

Have we clothed the naked? Have we welcomed the stranger?

If not, perhaps today is the day to change all that.



Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.

Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you

exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.



16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,

and the Baby lying in a manger.



Luke 2:16



From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



FRIDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT



Confirmation



43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?



-Luke 1:43



Elizabeth's words to Mary provided numerous confirmations of the message from

Gabriel. First, she knew that Mary was pregnant before it could possibly

show. Second, she knew Mary was pregnant with her Lord! That insight could

only have come by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit

within her.



Next, Elizabeth told Mary that the child she carried had leaped for Joy.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth's child had recognized the One

for Whom he would be a forerunner.



Finally, Elizabeth pronounced another blessing upon Mary for having

believed what had been prophesied. Thank God that Mary had concurred

with Gabriel's revelations!



Most of us don't experience angels coming to us in a dream or vision

and announcing what will take place in our future,

but we can read God's promises in his Word. What kinds of

promises for this life, our faith and eternal life has God

given us in the Scriptures? Do we take God at his Word?



prayer



Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your

new creation with Joy! Amen.



Read Luke 1:39-45.



Mary Visits Elizabeth



39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,

to a city of Judah,

40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped

in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,

the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion

to those things which were told her by the Lord."



From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



SECOND FRIDAY

AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AMAZEMENT!



2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,

upon them the light has shined.ISAIAH 9:2



I like being with little kids. They are so amazing because they get amazed

at so many little things! "Look. Mom, a wiggly worm!" Gramps, did you

know bees can smell fear? And the riddles and jokes they laugh at are

silly, like 'Did you know a raisin is a grape with a sunburn?" and "Why was

there a bee in the man's souls'? Because it was alphabet soups'



Amazing, isn't it. how amazing little kids are, as well as adults who hang on

to their amazement although life? Advent is a time for amazement, big

time! We ambassadors of Advent continue to sense the amazing grace of

God's love for us. especially through Scriptures like Isaiah 9:1-7. We too are

people who "walk in darkness" because of sin, and we too have "seen a

great light"--Jesus Christ ! This Child has been born for us. God's Son has

been given to us . . . as a gift! It has nothing whatsoever to do with what we

have done or should have done or had better get done. No way. It's not

about us; it's about him, Jesus Christ! Amazing. indeed!



Amazed means filled with wonder! Join me and others in singing

'And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders.

wonders of his love '!



Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent

Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy

and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and

play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for

making us ambassadors of amazement.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Paul's Testimony to Jews and Gentiles



19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

20 (Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19) but declared first to those at Damascus, then at

Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,

that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance.

21 (Ac 21:30-31; 21:27) For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple

and tried to kill me.

22 (Ac 24:14; Lk 24:27) Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue

to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what

the prophets and Moses said would happen:

23 (Rev 1:5; Lk 2:32; Col 1:18) that the Christ must suffer, that He would be

the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own

people and to the Gentiles."



19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

20 but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout

all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent

and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple,

and went about to kill me.

22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day,

witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those

which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

23 that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should

rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the

Gentiles.



Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe



24 (1Co 4:10; 2Ki 9:11) So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud

voice, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness."

25 (Ac 23:26; 24:3) Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak

the words of truth and reason.

26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I

am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a

corner.

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."

28 (Ac 11:26) Then Agrippa said to Paul,

"You almost persuade me to be a Christian."

29 (Ac 21:33; 1Co 7:7) Paul said, "I pray to God that not only you,

but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly

and altogether, what I am, except for these chains."

30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor

and Bernice and those who sat with them.

31 (Ac 23:29; 23:9) When they had gone aside, they said to one another,

"This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment."

32 (Ac 28:18) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free

if he had not appealed to Caesar."



24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul,

thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words

of truth and soberness.

26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely:

for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him;

for this thing was not done in a corner.

27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear

me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these

bonds.

30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor,

and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

31 and when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying,

This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty,

if he had not appealed unto Caesar.



2) Our Daily Bread for 5 December 2025 Titled

Walking with God by Dave Branon



Galatians 5:7-10



7 (1Co 9:24; Gal 3:1) You were running well. Who hindered you

from obeying the truth?

8 (Gal 1:6) This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.

9 (1Co 15:33) A little yeast leavens the whole batch.

10 (2Co 2:3; Gal 1:7) I have confidence in you through the Lord

that you will not think otherwise. But he who is troubling you shall

bear his judgment, whoever he is.



[7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

[8] This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

[9] A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

[10] I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none

otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment,

whosoever he be.



Proverbs 13:20



20 (1Ki 12:8) He who walks with wise men will be wise,

but a companion of fools will be destroyed.



20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise:

But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.



It was Tuesday at the gym, so the people walking around the track were

supposed to go clockwise. The first walkers my wife joined were doing that.

But then another person walked onto the track going counterclockwise.

A couple of her friends joined her - and then another. Suddenly there was

chaos on the track - and it took a few minutes to restore order.



While the wrong-way walkers intended no harm, I couldn't help but think about

the power of influence. One person headed the wrong way leads to another,

and on it goes. It's a bit like Proverbs 13:20:

"He who walks with wise men will be wise,

but a companion of fools will be destroyed." Following a person going

the wrong way leads to trouble.



In Galatians 5, Paul explains how such a mistake can halt our spiritual

progress. "You were running a good race," he says. "You were running well.

Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from

Him who calls you." (vv. 7-8). God, who desires obedience, never leads us

away from truth and "into confusion" (v. 10). But those who oppose His truth

can hamper our spiritual walk by redirecting us from Him.



God wants to be our guide. When we walk with Him, we'll

never wander in the wrong direction.



Reflect & Pray



In what situations are you allowing someone to lead you away from God?

What can you do to change your course?



Dear God, thank You for Scripture,

which tells me to direct my steps toward You.

Please help me follow You better today.



Learn more about Paul's

letter to the Galatians.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



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



Isaiah 1:18



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

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

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



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

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

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



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

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

of some order in the world."

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

have been asking themselves the same question.

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

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

Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Application



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

'Rational choice'?



b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?



c) What other aspects of God's word

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

Acts 25



1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended

from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.

2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul,

and besought him,

3 and desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem,

laying wait in the way to kill him.

4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cæsarea, and that he

himself would depart shortly thither.

5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me,

and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto

Cæsarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be

brought.

7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round

about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could

not prove.

8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither

against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.

9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt

thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar's judgment seat, where I ought to be

judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I

refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse

me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered,

Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.



Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice



13 After several days King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea

to welcome Festus.

14 (Ac 24:27) When they had been there many days, Festus stated Paul's case to

the king, saying, "There is a man left as a prisoner by Felix.

15 When I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews

informed me about him, asking for a sentence against him.

16 (Ac 25:4-5; Jn 7:51) "I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans

to deliver any man to die before he who is accused meets the accusers face

to face and has the opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge

brought against him.'

17 (Ac 25:6; 25:10) So when they assembled here, without delay I sat

on the judgment seat the next day and ordered that the man be brought in.

18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such

crimes as I had supposed.

19 (Ac 18:15; 23:29) But they had disagreements with him about their own

religion and about a Man named Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted

was alive.

20 (Ac 25:9) Being perplexed about such questions, I asked if he would be

willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning these charges.

21 But when Paul had appealed to be under guard for the decision of Caesar,

I ordered that he be secured until I could send him to Caesar."

22 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man

myself." He said, "Tomorrow you shall hear him."

23 (Ac 25:13; 26:30) The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp,

and they entered the hall with the commanders and the leading men of the city.

When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in.

24 (Ac 22:22; 25:7) Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all the men who are

present with us, you see this man, concerning whom the whole assembly

of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he

ought not to live any longer.

25 (Ac 23:29; Lk 23:4) I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death.

But when he himself appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him.

26 But I have nothing to write to His Majesty concerning him. Therefore

I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,

so that upon examination, I might have something to write.

27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without signifying

the charges against him."



13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cæsarea

to salute Festus.

14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto

the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of

the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man

to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and

have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I

sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.

18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of

such things as I supposed:

19 but had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of

one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether

he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus,

I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cæsar.

22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself.

To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp,

and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and

principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us,

ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me,

both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that

he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have

brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa,

that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal

to signify the crimes laid against him.



Acts 26



Paul's Defense Before Agrippa



1 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for

yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today I shall make

my defense before you against all the accusations of the Jews,

3 (Ac 6:14) especially because you are an expert in all customs and

controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to patiently listen to me.

4 (Gal 1:13) "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning

in my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.

5 (Ac 23:6; 22:3) They knew me from the beginning and could testify,

if they wished, how according to the strictest sect of our religion

I lived as a Pharisee.

6 (Ac 24:15; 28:20) And now I stand on trial for hope in the promise made

by God to our fathers,

7 (Jas 1:1; Ezr 6:17) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they

earnestly serve God day and night. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa,

I am accused by the Jews.

8 Why is it judged incredible by you that God raises the dead?

9 (1Ti 1:13; Ac 22:8) "I, too, thought that I must do many things contrary

to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,

10 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) which I indeed did in Jerusalem and locked up

many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests.

And when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.

11 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:19) I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled

them to blaspheme. And being extremely enraged against them, I persecuted them

even to foreign cities.



1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.

Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this

day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

3 especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions

which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own

nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

5 which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify,

that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made

of God unto our fathers:

7 unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night,

hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you,

that God should raise the dead?

9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary

to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut

up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests;

and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme;

and being exceedingly mad against them,

I persecuted them even unto strange cities.



Paul Tells of His Conversion



Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16



12 "So I went to Damascus with authority

and a commission from the chief priests.

13 At midday, O King, I saw along the way a light from heaven, brighter than

the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.

14 (Ac 21:40; 9:7) When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice

saying to me in the Hebrew language,

'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?

It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

15 "I said, 'Who are You, Lord?'

"He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.

16 (Ac 22:14-15; Eze 2:1) But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared

to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of

what you have seen and of what I will yet reveal to you.

17 (Ac 9:15; Jer 1:8) I will deliver you from your people

and from the Gentiles to whom I now send you,

18 (Ac 20:32; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 35:5) to open their eyes and to turn them from

darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive

forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified

by faith in Me.'



12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the

chief priests,

13 at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the

brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed

with me.

14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto

me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou

persecutest.

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this

purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which

thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles,

unto whom now I send thee,

18 to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light,

and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness

of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified

by faith that is in me.

Day 339, 5 December 2025, - 13th Day of Advent



1) Acts 24, Acts 25, Acts 26



Acts 24



The Case Against Paul



1 (Ac 23:2; 24:11) After five days Ananias the high priest arrived with some

of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought before the governor

their charges against Paul.

2 When he was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Since through

you we enjoy much peace, and your foresight is bringing reforms

to this nation,

3 (Ac 23:26; 26:25) with all thankfulness, most excellent Felix,

we always welcome it everywhere.

4 But not to detain you further,

I beg you to briefly hear us in your patience.

5 (Ac 28:22; 24:14; 15:5) "We have found this man a troublemaker, instigating

riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect

of the Nazarenes.

6 He even tried to profane the temple.

So we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law.

7 But the commander, Lysias, came to us and forcefully took him

out of our hands,

8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you

will be able to learn about all these things concerning which we accuse him."

9 The Jews assented, alleging these things to be true.



1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and

with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing

that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done

unto this nation by thy providence,

3 we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all

thankfulness.

4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that

thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among

all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the

Nazarenes:

6 who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took,

and would have judged according to our law.

7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him

away out of our hands,

8 commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself

mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.



Paul's Defense Before Felix



10 After the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Knowing that

for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully defend

myself.

11 (Ac 24:1; 21:18) You may verify that it is no more than twelve days since

I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

12 (Ac 25:8; 28:17) They did not find me in the temple or in the synagogues

or in the city disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.

13 (Ac 25:7) They cannot prove the things concerning which they now accuse me.

14 (Ac 3:13; 9:2) However, I affirm that in accordance with the Way, which

they call a sect, I worship the God of my fathers and believe everything

written in the Law and in the Prophets.

15 (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28-29) I have hope in God that there will be a resurrection

of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, which they also expect.

16 (Ac 23:1) In this do I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God

and toward men.

17 (Gal 2:10; Ac 11:29-30) "Now after many years I came to bring alms

and offerings to my nation,

18 (Ac 26:21) when some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple,

neither with a crowd nor an uproar.

19 (Ac 23:30) They ought to be here before you to accuse me if they have any

charges.

20 Or let these men say what crime they found in me when I stood before the

Sanhedrin,

21 (Ac 23:6) unless it is concerning this one statement which I cried out

while standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead,

I am being judged by you this day.' "

22 When Felix, who had more exact knowledge concerning the Way, had heard

this, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander

arrives, I will decide your case."

23 (Ac 27:3; 28:16) Then he ordered the centurion to guard Paul,

and to let him have liberty, and to forbid none of his own people from

attending to him.



10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,

answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto

this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

11 because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days

since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither

raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

13 neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy,

so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written

in the law and in the prophets:

15 and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there

shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of

offence toward God, and toward men.

17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither

with multitude, nor with tumult.

19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought

against me.

20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me,

while I stood before the council,

21 except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching

the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that

way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come

down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and

that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.



Paul Held in Custody



24 (Ac 20:21; Gal 2:16) After several days, when Felix arrived with his wife

Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning

faith in Christ.

25 (Ac 10:42; Gal 5:23) As he lectured about righteousness, self-control,

and the coming judgment, Felix was afraid and answered, "For now, leave!

When time permits, I will send for you."

26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he

might release him. So he sent for him more often and conversed with him.

27 (Ac 25:9; 25:14; 12:3) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix.

And Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.



24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was

a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,

Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a

convenient season, I will call for thee.

26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might

loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix,

willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.



Acts 25



Paul Appeals to Caesar



1 (Ac 23:34) Now three days after Festus had come into the province, he went

from Caesarea up to Jerusalem.

2 (Ac 25:15; 24:1) The high priest and the elders of the Jews spoke to him

against Paul. And they begged him,

3 asking as a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem,

plotting to kill him along the way.

4 Festus said that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself

intended to go there shortly.

5 He also said, "Let the men in authority go down

with me. If there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."

6 (Ac 25:17; Mt 27:19) Having stayed among them more than ten days, he went

down to Caesarea. And the next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered

that Paul be brought in.

7 (Ac 24:13; Lk 23:2) When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from

Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges against him

which they could not prove,

8 (Ac 24:12; 28:17) while he defended himself, saying, "Neither against

the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have

I sinned at all."

9 (Ac 24:27; 25:20) Desiring to do the Jews a favor, Festus answered, "Are you

willing to go up to Jerusalem to be judged

concerning these charges before me?"

10 Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought

to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you know very well.

11 (Ac 26:32; 28:19) If I am doing wrong or have done anything worthy

of death, I do not refuse to die. But if these are empty charges of

which these men accuse me, no one may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."

12 When Festus had conferred with the council, he then answered,

"To Caesar you have appealed. To Caesar you shall go."

Read Luke 1:39-45.



Mary Visits Elizabeth



39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,

to a city of Judah,

40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped

in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,

the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion

to those things which were told her by the Lord."



From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



SECOND THURSDAY

AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWARENESS!



4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,

God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,

GALATIANS 4:4



It is hard not to be aware that something is happening during these

weeks before Christmas. isn't it? Whether one is a Christian or not, things

are simply different. Take a look around: sparkling, flashing lights on homes

and lawns, halls decked with boughs of holly, a lot of fa-la-la-ing going

on, little kids and bored dads standing in line to see an old fat guy, store

owners singing their favorite carol: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

and on and on and on. I just read of a town that prohibited the Salvation

Army from having their traditional Santa's ringing bells outside of stores,

because of a noise pollution ordinance. o a smart marketing person

made two signs for the Santa's to hold up. One said "Ding" and the other

said "Dong.' Now that's awareness!



So what's the point? The point is that unless we become intentionally

aware of what Advent and Christmas are all about. we will miss the point!



Today's reading is the point: When it was time, God sent Jesus unto the

world! Perhaps this message has been heard and used so much that it is

hard to keep aware of the meaning of Christmas: God loves us so much

that Jesus was born, died and rose again for us! Sure, go ahead and

wrap gifts. put trees up, bake cookies, say "ho. ho. ho." But as you do so,

continue to be aware that Christ is Christmas ... period! Please do not be

like a friend who says. "Keep Christ in Xmas!" He still doesn't get it!



Prayer



Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent

season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil

and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your

awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Galatians 4:4-5



4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,

God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,

5 (Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12) to redeem those who were under the law,

that we might receive the adoption as sons.



From On Eagle's wings Day 4



God Has The Best Plans



5 (Ps 37:3; 37:5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 (1Ch 28:9; Pr 16:3; Jer 10:23) in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (MEV)



"5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

And lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,

And he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)



In late September, a group of nine from our church embarked on a

car journey to Fort Smith, Northwest Territories to lead a Bible

Camp for children aged 5 to 11. As a grandmother of five and

someone who loves children, I looked forward to a wonderful week

with the kids - perhaps up to 30 of them. I was eager to share

stories, build connections, and meet a few more grandmothers too.

However, God's plan was different from what I had envisioned. The

only grandmothers I encountered were two I introduced myself to

at the grocery store, and not as many children as we had planned

for attended our camp. When it became clear the week would not

unfold as I had pictured in my mind, I prayed for guidance and

wisdom so I could switch gears and adapt to the new

circumstances.

Joseph and Mary had to trust in the Lord our God for their journey

as well. Joseph wanted to release Mary from their engagement

when he found out she was with child. After he heard from God, he

had to switch gears. Together they had to trust when they were

required to make a sudden and unexpected journey to Bethlehem.

A trip that meant Jesus would be born far away from home.

Joseph and Mary submitted their ways to God and placed their

total trust in the Lord even though their circumstances were vastly

different from what they had imagined. Similarly, we can place our

trust in God and his plan even when things don’t go the way we

expect them to. God’s plan is always the best!



Wendy Mather

Bible Camp Volunteer 8



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a bold witness about your salvation despite

persecution.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to believe and have confidence

in You."



Pray to the Lord and pray to confess all your sins to seek His forgiveness.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord is always with you.



Pray to the Lord and pray for His help during Times of Tmeptation.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray for the preservation of godly values in Canada



Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right

use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.



Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become

your sons and daughters. Amen.



Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.



Pray: Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent

season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil

and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your

awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for helping us find your plan for our

lives. Thank you that through prayer, worship, and submission to

you, we can adapt to the plans you have for us. Please lead and

guide us this Advent and beyond. Amen.



Pray for joy and peace on behalf of Christians like Abdu

in Ethiopia who have suffered greatly for leaving Islam.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.

It's often difficult to trust what we can’t touch or see or completely

comprehend. But our faith in Christ, made possible by the Spirit,

helps us to believe more than we can see.



Reflect & Pray



Where do you struggle with faith? How can you trust God more confidently?



Dear God, please help me to believe and have confidence in You.





Learn more about Hebrews 11 and faith by reading Faith that Endures.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 5 - 1 John 1:9



9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful

and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.



9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive

us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.



"If God already knows everything about me, everything I've done,

then why do I need to confess it?" Grant struggled with a common

dilemma for many Christians. Indeed, God, knew all his sin - much

better than Grant did himself. But Grant needed to confess,

not for God's benefit, but for his own. Grant needed to agree with God

that his sin was wrong, and put himself in a position to receive God's

grace in forgiveness.

1 John 1:9 make the process quit clear. We confess,

and God forgives and cleanses. Many of us, however, want to take on

God's part as well. We confess, agreeing with God that our sin is wrong.

But then we proceed to try to 'clean up our act,'bargaining with God,

promising that if he will forgive us just this once,

we won't ever to it again.

The problem is, we can never keep such a promise.

We probably will do it again, and then we are back where we started,

begging for forgiveness, and trying once more to cleanse

ourselves for our unrighteousness.

God offers freedom from such futile performance. He says, "Just confess.

Agree that you sinned. Submit yourself to me. Then I'll take over from there."

God's grace does not give us freedom to keep on sinning, of course - we need

to cooperate with the work of his Spirit in our lives and do all we can

to avoid sin. But we do not have to beg God for forgiveness - forgiveness

is offered to us freely.

We do not have to clean up out act before God will accept us; God can make

the necessary changes in our lives. When we confess, submit ourselves to God,

and allow him to work within us, he is able both to forgive us and to cleanse

us from unrighteousness.



Application



a) In what ways have I bartered with God and tried to "Clean up my act"

in order to deserve his forgiveness?



b) What is my part in confession? What is God's response?

Why it is important for me to recognize God's part in my

confession and forgiveness?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Joshua 1:5



5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6-8) No man will be able to stand against you all the days

of your life. As I was with Moses, I will be with you. I will not

abandon you. I will not leave you.



5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy

life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee,

nor forsake thee.



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



God's Help in Times of Temptation



1 Cor 10:1-13



1 Corinthians 10



Warning Against Idolatry



1 (Ex 14:29; Ps 66:6) I would not want you to be unaware that

all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,

2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 (Ex 16:35; Dt 8:3) all ate the same spiritual food;

4 (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11) and all drank the same spiritual drink,

for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them,

and that Rock was Christ.

5 (Heb 3:17; Jude 1:5) But with many of them God was not well pleased,

and they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 (Nu 11:4; 1Co 10:11) Now these things were our examples to the intent

that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted.

7 (Ex 32:19; 32:4) Neither be idolaters as were some of them.

As it is written,

"The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to revel." (Ex 32:6. )

8 (Nu 25:1-9; 1Co 6:18) Neither let us commit sexual immorality as some

of them committed, when 23000 fell in one day.

9 (Nu 21:5-6; Ex 17:2) Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them

also tempted and were destroyed by serpents.

10 (Ex 12:23; Nu 16:41) Neither murmur, as some of them also murmured

and were destroyed by the destroyer.

11 (Ro 13:11) Now all these things happened to them for examples.

They are written as an admonition to us,

upon whom the end of the ages has come.

12 (Ro 11:20) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed,

lest he fall.

13 (1Co 1:9; 2Pe 2:9) No temptation has taken you except what is common

to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above

what you can endure, but will with the temptation also make a way

to escape, that you may be able to bear it.



1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all

our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 and were all baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 and did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that

spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased:

for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust

after evil things, as they also lusted.

7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written,

The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed,

and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted,

and were destroyed of serpents.

10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured,

and were destroyed of the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples:

and they are written for our admonition,

upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

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

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

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

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



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13





9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.





6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,

they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.

To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million

Islamic Centre.



Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to

spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Nunavut (NU)



NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86



The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed

80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.

For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.

You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"

Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:

- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,

"What does this mean?"

13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice

and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,

let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,

'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.



Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -



Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity



(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)



7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



4nd Day of the Month



a) Pray for the preservation of godly values in Canada

(Prov 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation,

but sin is a reproach to any people.



34 Righteousness exalteth a nation:

But sin is a reproach to any people.



)



b) Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right

use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.



Advent Day 12



From C.S.Lewis A Grand miracle by Joel Heck



Thursday, Second Week of Advent





"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.

We do not know... how things would have worked if the

human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy....

You and I are concerned with the way things work now."



- C. S. Lewis



(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 178.)



Why Did He Do It?



Have you ever noticed that children have so many of the same mannerisms as

their parents? They walk, gesture, and even laugh like their parents.

Children also mimic the bad traits of their par­ents, but it is a great

compliment to parents that their sons and daughters are like them.



Why did the Son of God become one of us? Certainly not for his own benefit.

John says it this way, "But to as many as received him, to them he gave power

to become the sons of God." Lewis says it similarly, "The Son of God became a

man to enable men to become the sons of God." God didn't become a man to

impress anyone, least of all us. God was in the business of raising up us men

and women to become like him, people who walk in his ways, who act like he

acted and do what he did. Jesus became like us so that we might become like

him.



Parents want their children to grow up to be like them. Setting aside our

faults for the moment, it is better for them to become like us than to stay

children. That is also our Father's intent for us. At times, it is painful

when God molds and shapes us to be conformed to the image of his Son. But we

become more ourselves when we become like him.



Prayer:



Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons and

daughters. Amen.



Verses:



12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,

to those who believed in His name,



John 1:12,



10 (Eph 2:10; 4:23-24; Ro 12:2)and have embraced the new nature,

which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,



Col. 3:10



From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn



THURSDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT



Benediction



Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!



-Luke 1:42



Mary must have had multiple motives. Soon after she had received

the angel Gabriel's proclamation, she hastened

to the town where Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived.

Probably she went to see for herself that Elizabeth, too, was pregnant.

Perhaps she went, with great love for her relative, to give her assistance

in her last months. Maybe she grasped she would need the practice

of helping to deliver a child.



She travelled a long way-from Nazareth of Galilee in the north

to the hill country of the southern province, Judea-so she had ample

time to ponder all the news Gabriel had given. She had accepted

the LORD's will, and now she had time to comprehend more thoroughly

what it all meant.



Elizabeth's greetings were rapturous. The babe leaped, and she was filled

with the Holy Spirit, so she cried out joyously, "Blessed are you ...

and the fruit of your womb." How much that must have emboldened Mary!



Prayer



Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.

Acts 23





1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have

lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him

on the mouth.

3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for

sittest thou to judge me after the law,

and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest:

for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other

Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee,

the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called

in question.

7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees

and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor

spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees'

part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a

spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest

Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go

down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the

castle.

11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer,

Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear

witness also at Rome.



The Plot Against Paul's Life



12 (Ac 23:21; 23:30) At daybreak some of the Jews conspired under oath,

saying they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.

13 There were more than forty who had conspired.

14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said,

"We have bound ourselves under oath not to eat until we have killed Paul.

15 So now, with the Sanhedrin, tell the commander to bring him down to you

tomorrow, pretending to inquire further concerning him. We are ready to

kill him before he arrives."

16 (Ac 23:10) But when the son of Paul's sister heard of the treachery,

he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions over and said,

"Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him."

18 (Eph 3:1) So he took him to the commander and said, "Paul the prisoner

sent for me and asked me to bring you this young man who has something

to tell you."

19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside privately,

and asked him, "What is it you have to tell me?"

20 (Ac 23:14-15)The boy said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you

to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Sanhedrin, pretending to inquire

further concerning him.

21 (Ac 23:12-14) Do not trust them. More than forty men, who have bound

themselves with an oath to neither eat nor drink until they have killed

him, are waiting for him. And now they are ready, waiting for your

promise."

22 The commander dismissed the young man and ordered him,

"Tell no one that you have reported these things to me."



12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound

themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink

till they had killed Paul.

13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have

bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we

have slain Paul.

15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he

bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something

more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near,

are ready to kill him.

16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went a

nd entered into the castle, and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this

young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the

prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee,

who hath something to say unto thee.

19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside

privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring

down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat

of him more perfectly.

21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them

more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will

neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready,

looking for a promise from thee.

22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him,

See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.



Paul Sent to Felix the Governor



23 Then he summoned two centurions and said,

"Prepare two hundred infantrymen, seventy mounted soldiers,

and two hundred light infantrymen with spears to go to Caes­area

at the third hour of the night.

24 (Ac 23:26; 24:10) And provide mounts so Paul may ride

and take him safely to Felix the governor."

25 He wrote a letter that went like this:

26 (Ac 15:23; Lk 1:3) Claudius Lysias,

To His Excellency Governor Felix:

Greetings.

27 (Ac 22:25-29) This man was seized by the Jews

and was about to be killed by them. When I learned that he was

a Roman citizen, I came with soldiers and rescued him.

28 (Ac 22:30) Being minded to learn what crime they alleged,

I took him to their Sanhedrin.

29 (Ac 18:15; 26:31) I found him being accused of controversial matters

about their law, but charged with nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.

30 (Ac 23:20; 23:35) When it was revealed to me that there was a plot

against the man, at once I sent him to you and ordered the accusers

to state before you their charges against him.

Farewell.



23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred

soldiers to go to Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two

hundred, at the third hour of the night;

24 and provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe

unto Felix the governor.

25 And he wrote a letter after this manner:

26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then

came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought

him forth into their council:

29 whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have

nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent

straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say

before thee what they had against him. Farewell.



31 So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul by night

to Antipatris.

32 The next day they let the cavalry depart with him

and they returned to the barracks.

33 When they arrived in Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor,

they presented Paul also to him.

34 (Ac 21:39; 25:1) Upon reading the letter, the governor asked what

province he was from. When he learned that he was from Cilicia,

35 (Ac 23:30; 25:16) he said, "I will hear you when your accusers

also arrive." And he ordered that he be guarded in Herod's Praetorium.



31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him

by night to Antipatris.

32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him,

and returned to the castle:

33 who, when they came to Cæsarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor,

presented Paul also before him.

34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he

was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come.

And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.



2) Our Daily Bread for 4 December 2025 Titled

Believing More Than We See by

Winn Collier



Hebrews 11:1-4



1 (2Co 4:18; 5:7) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the men of old obtained a good report.

3 (Jn 1:3; Ro 4:17) By faith we understand that the universe was framed

by the word of God, so that things that are seen were not made

out of things which are visible.

4 (Mt 23:35; Heb 12:24) By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent

sacrifice than Cain offered. Through this he was approved as righteous,

with God testifying concerning his gifts. He still speaks through his

faith, though he is dead.



[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things

not seen.

[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.

[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of

God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by

which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his

gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.



In the late nineteenth century, few people had access to the great sequoia

groves in the United States, and many didn't believe the reports of the

massive trees. In 1892, however, four lumberjacks ventured into the Big Stump

Forest in California and spent thirteen days felling the grand tree named

Mark Twain. Twain was 1341 years old, 300 feet tall, and 50 feet

in circumference. One observer described Twain as a tree "of magnificent

proportions, one of the most perfect trees in the grove." They shipped part

of this remarkable beauty, now destroyed, to the American Museum of Natural

History, where everyone could see a sequoia.



The reality, though, is that we can't prove every truth with our eyes alone.

Hebrews describes faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance

about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). Faith isn’t irrational or a fit of

fancy, because the whole story is grounded in a person - Jesus - who has

entered human history. Faith includes human senses and reason, but it's not

limited to them. Faith requires more. "By faith we understand that the

universe was formed at God's command" Hebrews says, "so that what is seen was

not made out of what was visible" (v. 3).

Acts 22





[1] Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto

you.

[2] (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they

kept the more silence: and he saith,)

[3] I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet

brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the

perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye

all are this day.

[4] And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into

prisons both men and women.

[5] As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the

elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to

Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be

punished.



Paul Tells of His Conversion



Ac 9:1-19; 26:12-18



6 "As I journeyed and came near Damascus, about noon suddenly a great

light from heaven shone around me.

7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me,

'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?'

8 "I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?'

"He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.'

9 (Ac 9:7; Da 10:7) Those who were with me saw the light and were afraid,

but they did not hear the voice of Him who was speaking to me.

10 (Ac 16:30) "I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?'

"The Lord said to me, 'Rise and go into Damascus. There you will be told

what you have been appointed to do.'

11 Since I was blinded by the glory of that light, those who were with me

led me by the hand into Damascus.

12 (Ac 10:22; 6:3) "Ananias, a devout man according to the law,

who was well spoken of by all the Jews living there,

13 came and stood by me, and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.'

And at that moment I looked up at him.

14 (Ac 26:16; 1Co 9:1; 15:8) "Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has

appointed you to know His will and to see the Just One and to hear His

voice,

15 (Ac 23:11; 4:20) for you will be His witness to all men of what you

have seen and heard.

16 (Ac 2:38; Heb 10:22; 1Co 6:11) And now why do you wait? Rise, be

baptized and wash away your sins, and call on the name of the Lord.'



[6] And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto

Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round

about me.

[7] And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul,

Saul, why persecutest thou me?

[8] And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of

Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

[9] And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but

they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

[10] And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise,

and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which

are appointed for thee to do.

[11] And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the

hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

[12] And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good

report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

[13] Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy

sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

[14] And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou

shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice

of his mouth.

[15] For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and

heard.

[16] And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy

sins, calling on the name of the Lord.



Paul Sent to the Gentiles



17 (2Co 12:1-4) "When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying

in the temple, I fell into a trance

18 and saw Him saying to me, 'Hurry! Get out of Jerusalem immediately,

for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.'

19 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:4) "I said, 'Lord, they know that I imprisoned

and beat those who believed in You in every synagogue.

20 (Ac 7:58; 8:1) And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed,

I was standing by consenting to his death, guarding the clothes

of those who killed him.'

21 (Ac 9:15) "Then He said to me, 'Depart, for I will send you far away

to the Gentiles.' "



[17] And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even

while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

[18] And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of

Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

[19] And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every

synagogue them that believed on thee:

[20] And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing

by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew

him.

[21] And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the

Gentiles.



Paul and the Roman Commander



22 (Ac 25:24; 21:36) They listened to him up to this word, and then

they lifted up their voices and said, "Away with such a man from

the earth, for he is not fit to live!"

23 As they shouted and threw off their garments and threw dust into the air,

24 (Ac 21:34; 23:10) the commander ordered him to be brought

into the barracks and examined with scourging, so that he might learn

what crime they were alleging against him.

25 (Ac 16:37) As they stretched him forward with straps, Paul said

to the centurion standing by, "Is it legal for you to flog

an uncondemned Roman citizen?"

26 On hearing this, the centurion reported to the commander, saying,

"What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen."

27 The commander came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?"

He said, "Yes."

28 The commander answered, "I bought my citizenship for a large sum."

So Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."

29 Therefore those who were about to examine Paul immediately backed away

from him. And the commander feared, knowing that he was a Roman citizen

and because he had bound him.



[22] And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their

voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit

that he should live.

[23] And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into

the air,

[24] The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade

that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they

cried so against him.

[25] And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that

stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and

uncondemned?

[26] When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain,

saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.

[27] Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a

Roman? He said, Yea.

[28] And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this

freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

[29] Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him:

and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman,

and because he had bound him.



Paul Before the Sanhedrin



30 (Ac 23:28; 21:33) On the next day, desiring to know exactly

why he was accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief

priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble,

and he brought Paul down to stand before them.



[30] On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he

was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the

chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and

set him before them.



Acts 23



1 (Ac 24:16; 2Co 1:12) Paul looked at the Sanhedrin and said,

"Brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."

2 (Ac 24:1; Jn 18:22) The high priest Ananias ordered those who stood

by him to strike him on the mouth.

3 (Jn 7:51; Dt 25:1-2) Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you,

you whitewashed wall! Do you sit judging me according to the law,

yet order me to be struck contrary to the law?"

4 Those who stood by said, "Do you criticize God's high priest?"

5 (Ex 22:28) Paul said, "Brothers, I did not know that he was

the high priest. For it is written,

'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'(Ex 22:28.)"

6 (Ac 24:15; 24:21) Then Paul, knowing that one sect were Sadducees

and the other Pharisees, cried out among the Sanhedrin,

"Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of a Pharisee. I am being judged

for my hope in the resurrection of the dead."

7 When he had said this, dissension arose between the Pharisees

and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

8 (Mt 22:23; Lk 20:27) For the Sadducees say that there is

no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit. But the Pharisees acknowledge

them all.

9 (Ac 22:7; 22:17-18) There was a great outcry. The scribes that were

from the sect of Pharisees stood up and argued,

"We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or an angel has spoken

to him, let us not fight against God."

10 (Ac 22:24) When much dissension arose, fearing that Paul would be torn

to pieces by them, the commander ordered the soldiers to go down and take

him from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

11 (Ac 18:9; 19:21) The following night the Lord stood by him and said,

"Take courage, Paul. For as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem,

so you must also testify at Rome."

Acts 21



[1] And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had

launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following

unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

[2] And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set

forth.

[3] Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and

sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her

burden.

[4] And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul

through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

[5] And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way;

and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were

out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

[6] And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they

returned home again.

[7] And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and

saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

[8] And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto

Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was

one of the seven; and abode with him.

[9] And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

[10] And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a

certain prophet, named Agabus.

[11] And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own

hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at

Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into

the hands of the Gentiles.

[12] And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place,

besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

[13] Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I

am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of

the Lord Jesus.

[14] And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the

Lord be done.

[15] And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to

Jerusalem.

[16] There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and

brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should

lodge.



Paul Visits James



17 (Ac 15:4) When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.

18 (Ac 11:30; 15:13) On the next day Paul went with us to James, and all

the elders were present.

19 (Ac 1:17; 14:27) He greeted them and recounted one by one what God

had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

20 (Ac 22:3; Ro 10:2) When they heard this, they glorified the Lord.

Then they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews

there are who believe, and they are all zealous for the law.

21 (Ac 21:28) They have been informed concerning you that you teach

all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them

not to circumcise their children nor to observe the customs.

22 What then shall be done? The assembly will certainly meet, for they

will hear that you have come.

23 (Ac 18:18) Therefore do what we tell you. We have four men who have

taken a vow.

24 (Ac 21:26; 24:18) Take these men and be purified with them, and pay

their expenses so that they may have their heads shaved. Then all will

know that what they were told concerning you is nothing, but that you

yourself live in observance of the law.

25 (Ac 15:29) As for the Gentiles who believe, we have written and

concluded that they should observe no such thing, except that they abstain

from food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from strangled

animals, and from blood."

26 (Ac 24:18; Nu 6:13-20) Then on the next day, Paul took the men

and purified himself with them. And he went into the temple, announcing

when the days of purification would be complete and an offering would

be given for each one of them.



[17] And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

[18] And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the

elders were present.

[19] And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God

had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

[20] And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him,

Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and

they are all zealous of the law:

[21] And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which

are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to

circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

[22] What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they

will hear that thou art come.

[23] Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a

vow on them;

[24] Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them,

that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof

they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also

walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

[25] As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded

that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from

things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from

fornication.

[26] Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them

entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of

purifcation, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.



Paul Arrested in the Temple



27 (Ac 24:18; 26:21) When the seven days were nearly concluded, the Jews

from Asia saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people,

and laid hands on him,

28 (Ac 24:5-6; 21:21) crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man

teaching all men everywhere against the people and the law and this place.

He even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place."

29 (Ac 20:4) For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the

city with him, whom they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.

30 (Ac 26:21) Then the whole city was provoked, and the people ran

together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple.

And immediately the doors were shut.

31 While they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commander

(Gk. chiliarch, a battalion commander

with the rank of lieutenant colonel over 1,000 soldiers.)

of the battalion of soldiers that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

32 (Ac 23:27) He at once took soldiers and centurions, and ran down

to them. When they saw the commander and the soldiers,

they stopped beating Paul.

33 (Ac 12:6; 20:23) Then the commander came and arrested him, and ordered

that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was

and what he had done.

34 (Ac 19:32; 23:10) Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another.

As he could not learn the truth because of the uproar,

he commanded that he be brought into the barracks.

35 When he came onto the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers

because of the violence of the people.

36 (Lk 23:18; Jn 19:15) For the mob of people followed, crying out,

"Away with him!"



[27] And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia,

when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands

on him,

[28] Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men

every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further

brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

[29] (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian,

whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

[30] And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took

Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

[31] And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain

of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

[32] Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them:

and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of

Paul.

[33] Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be

bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

[34] And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when

he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be

carried into the castle.

[35] And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the

soldiers for the violence of the people.

[36] For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

Paul Defends Himself



37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks,

he said to the commander, "May I speak to you?"

He replied, "Do you know how to speak Greek?

38 (Mt 24:26A) Are you not the Egyptian who in past days caused an uproar

and led the four thousand men of the Sicarii (Or men of the Assassins.)

out into the wilderness?"

39 (Ac 9:11; 22:3) Paul said, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus of Cilicia, a

citizen of no common city. I beg of you, permit me to speak to the people."

40 (Ac 12:17; Jn 5:2) When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the

stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was great

silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying,



[37] And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief

captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

[38] Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar,

and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

[39] But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia,

a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the

people.

[40] And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and

beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great

silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,



Acts 22



1 (Ac 7:2) "Brothers and fathers, hear my defense which I now make to you."

2 (Ac 21:40) When they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew

language, they became even more quiet.

Then he said,

3 (Ac 9:11; 5:34; 21:20) "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but

brought up in this city. At the feet of Gamaliel I was trained in the

strict tradition of the law of the fathers, being zealous toward God as

you all are today.

4 (Ac 22:19-20; 26:9-11) I persecuted this Way to the death,

arresting and imprisoning both men and women,

5 (Lk 22:66; Ac 9:1-2) as even the high priest and the council of elders

bear witness of me. From them I received letters to the brothers in

Damascus, where I went to take even those who were there and lead them in

chains to Jerusalem to be punished.

Day 338, 4 December 2025 - 12th Day of Advent



1) Acts 20:7-38, Acts 21, Acts 22, Acts 23



Paul's Farewell Visit to Troas



7 (Ac 20:11; 1Co 16:2; Rev 1:10) On the first day of the week,

when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to leave

the next day, preached to them and continued his message until midnight.

8 (Ac 1:13) There were many lamps in the upper room where they were

assembled.

9 A young man named Eutychus sat in the window, falling into a deep sleep

as Paul spoke for a longer time. Being overcome by sleep, he fell down

from the third floor and was taken up dead.

10 (Mk 5:39; Mt 9:23-24) Paul went down and leaned over him, and embracing

him said, "Do not be troubled, for he is alive."

11 (Ac 20:7) When he had gone up and had broken bread and eaten,

he conversed for a long while until dawn and departed.

12 They took the lad in alive and were greatly comforted.



[7] And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to

break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and

continued his speech until midnight.

[8] And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were

gathered together.

[9] And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being

fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with

sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

[10] And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble

not yourselves; for his life is in him.

[11] When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten,

and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

[12] And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.



The Voyage From Troas to Miletus



13 We went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, intending to take

Paul on board there. For he had arranged this, intending to go on foot.

14 When he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene.

15 (Ac 20:17; 2Ti 4:20) The day after sailing from there we arrived off

Chios. And the next day we crossed over to Samos and stayed at Trogyllium,

and the following day we came to Miletus.

16 (Ac 2:1; 19:21) Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, to avoid spending

time in Asia. For he was hurrying so he could be in Jerusalem, if

possible, on the day of Pentecost.



[13] And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to

take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

[14] And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

[15] And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the

next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we

came to Miletus.

[16] For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend

the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at

Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.



Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders



17 (Ac 11:30; 14:23) From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders

of the church.

18 (Ac 18:19; 19:1) When they came to him, he said to them,

"You know how I always lived among you from the first day that

I came to Asia,

19 (Ac 20:3; 20:31) serving the Lord with all humility

and with many tears and trials which befell me through

the plots of the Jews.

20 (Ac 20:27; 20:31) I did not keep from declaring what was beneficial

to you, and teaching you publicly and from house to house,

21 (Ac 2:38; 11:18; 20:24) testifying to both Jews and Greeks

of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 "Now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing

what shall befall me there,

23 (Ac 9:16; 21:4) except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every

city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

24 (Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:1) But none of these things deter me. Nor do I count

my life of value to myself, so that I may joyfully finish my course

and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify

to the gospel of the grace of God.

25 (Ac 28:31; Mt 4:23) "Now I know that all you, among whom I went

proclaiming the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

26 (Ac 18:6) Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent

of the blood of all men.

27 (Ac 20:20; Lk 7:30) For I did not keep from declaring to you

the whole counsel of God.

28 (1Co 10:32; Isa 40:11) Therefore take heed to yourselves

and to the entire flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you

overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased

with His own blood.

29 (Mt 7:15; Jn 10:12) For I know that after my departure,

dreadful wolves will enter among you, not sparing the flock.

30 (1Ti 1:19-20; 1Jn 2:19) Even from among you men will arise

speaking perverse things, to draw the disciples away after them.

31 (Ac 19:10; 19:8) Therefore watch, remembering that for three years

night and day I did not cease to warn everyone with tears.

32 (Ac 14:23; 26:18) "Now, brothers, I commend you to God and to the word

of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance

among all who are sanctified.

33 (1Co 9:12; 2Co 11:9) I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or

clothing.

34 (Ac 18:3) Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided

for my necessities and for those who were with me.

35 (Pr 19:17; Mt 10:8) In all things I have shown you how, working like

this, you must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus,

how He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

36 (Lk 22:41; Ac 21:5) Having said these things, he knelt down with all

of them and prayed.

37 (Lk 15:20; 2Ti 1:4) They all wept much and embraced Paul's neck

and kissed him,

38 (Ac 15:3; 20:25) grieving most over the words he spoke, that they were

to see his face no more. Then they escorted him to the ship.



[17] And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the

church.

[18] And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the

first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at

all seasons,

[19] Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and

temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

[20] And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have

shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

[21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward

God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

[22] And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing

the things that shall befall me there:

[23] Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds

and afflictions abide me.

[24] But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto

myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I

have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

[25] And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching

the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

[26] Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood

of all men.

[27] For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

[28] Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the

which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God,

which he hath purchased with his own blood.

[29] For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in

among you, not sparing the flock.

[30] Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to

draw away disciples after them.

[31] Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I

ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

[32] And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace,

which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them

which are sanctified.

[33] I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

[34] Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my

necessities, and to them that were with me.

[35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support

the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is

more blessed to give than to receive.

[36] And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

[37] And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

[38] Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should

see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.



Acts 21



Paul's Journey to Jerusalem



1 When we had withdrawn from them and set sail, we went on a straight

course to Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went aboard, and set sail.

3 (Mt 4:24; Ac 4:36) Having come in sight of Cyprus, we passed to the

south of it and sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship's

cargo was to be unloaded.

4 When we found the disciples, we remained there

seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

5 (Ac 20:36; 9:40) But when our days were over, we parted and traveled on.

Everyone, with wives and children, escorted us until we were outside

the city. And we knelt on the shore and prayed.

6 (Jn 19:27) After bidding farewell to one another, we boarded the ship,

and they returned home.

7 We finished the voyage from Tyre when we landed at Ptolemais,

where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day.

8 (Ac 6:5; Eph 4:11; 2Ti 4:5) The next day we who were Paul's companions

departed, and arrived at Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip

the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

9 (Ac 2:17; Lk 2:36) He had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

10 (Ac 11:28) While we stayed there many days, a prophet named Agabus

came down from Judea.

11 (Ac 21:33; Jer 13:1-11; 1Sa 15:27-28) When he had arrived, he took

Paul's belt and bound his own hands and feet, saying, "The Holy Spirit

says, 'In this manner the Jews at Jerusalem shall bind the man who owns

this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' "

12 (Mt 16:21-23) When we heard these things, both we and the residents

implored him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 (Ac 20:24; Php 2:17) Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping

and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned, but also

to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

14 (Mt 6:10; Lk 22:42) When he would not be persuaded, we kept silent

and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done."

15 After those days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.

16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought

with them Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the spiritual battle around you and

for discernment.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, You know me best and love me most.

I'm so grateful for Your hand on my life."



Pray to the Lord and pray to put full trust in the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray to cleave to the Lord.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the compassions and mercies of the Lord.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin

and Canadian to faith in Christ.



Pray: God Almighty, may we willingly endorse, as Mary did, your

outline for our lives. Amen.



Pray: Lord, we pray today:"Lord, forgive us when we do not allow Jesus to be seen through what

we say and do. Forgive us when our story is not your story. Thanks for

continuing to cal us as your announcers of the best story of all--a baby

called Jesus ... in a manger ... foe us! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!"



Pray: O God, we give thanks for how you continue to come to us. As

we await the birth of your Son this Advent season, teach us how

to love one another as you have loved us. Help us to be present

with others to share your gift of love. Amen.



Jesus, you came to the earth to conquer sin and death, and

transform our hearts to be a dwelling place for your presence.

Break us free from sin and darkness so that we might be filled with

your light. When we feel insufficient or uncertain, help us turn our

focus back to you.



Fill us with hope this Advent by showing us the truth of who you

are, and our identity in you.



Pray that Gospel seeds will be planted

and take root in the hearts of many more Bahrainis.



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.

From follow the story by Marva J. Dawn



WEDNESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT



Receptivity



Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. ..."



-Luke 1:38a



As was said in yesterday's meditation, Mary's consent was as striking a

wonder as other great works of God. That she was willing to go through

the gossip-causing pregnancy and the cruel agony of being the Christ's

mother was truly phenomenal. How highly we should honor her!



Mary also is a notable model for us. She was thoroughly obedient to

whatever God had in mind for her as she responded, "Let it be with me

according to your word."



Are we as willing to acquiesce in whatever God knows is best for us

(in eternal perspective) and most conducive for his purposes for the world?

I must confess that I don't receive all God's intentions for me with alacrity

or fervor. Some events in our lives probably seem too arduous

for us. I'm not saying that the evil forces don't cause us handicaps,

trials and much unpleasantness, but God has promised that all things

will work together (eventually) for good.

Can we encounter whatever God allows with thanksgiving?



Prayer



God Almighty, may we willingly endorse, as Mary did, your

outline for our lives. 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 an?"

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



SECOND WEDNESDAY

AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ANNOUNCEMENTS!



1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching

in the wilderness of Judea,

2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven

is at hand." MATTHEW 3:1-2



Today's Gospel lesson announces to us that John the Baptist was one of

the best "announcers" of all time . . . even better than Ed McMahon or Ryan

Seacrest! He captured people's attention( wouldn't anyone wearing camel's

hair and eating locusts?). he knew his "product,' he was proud to be a

spokesperson, and he articulated his "mission statement" quite well:

"Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near... prepare the way of the Lord!"



And so it is with us AH-Ha people of Advent! We are announcers for

the Lord in all that we do, say and think. John's mission was to introduce

Christ and point people to the Lord. So is ours. How are we doing?



A little girl was playing the role of the head angel in the Christmas pageant

She took control, as head angels do, and made sure all the junior angels

stayed in their places. But all the energy arid excitement were too much

for them as they scurried in front of the manger scene. blocking out Mary,

Joseph and even Baby Jesus. It became too much for the head angel to

handle and she shouted to the overly eager angels, "Get out of the ways

Nobody can see Jesus"!



Sometimes l block people from seeing Jesus also. l get caught up in

telling my story, and I fail to tell his story.

Sometimes I do not take the time to

introduce people to the Lord. Sometimes my winging it doesn't help either.



And yet, the Lord continues to woo us all back to being announcers of

his story of love and forgiveness. What an announcement--from the Lord

himself! Enjoy being an AH-HA of Advent as we announce that Christ is

coming, is here now and will come again. But ... maybe drop the locust idea!



Lord, forgive us when we do not allow Jesus to be seen through what

we say and do. Forgive us when our story is not your story. Thanks for

continuing to cal us as your announcers of the best story of all--a baby

called Jesus ... in a manger ... foe us! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Matthew 3:1-12



Matthew 3



The Preaching of John the Baptist



Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-9, 15-17; Jn 1:19-28



1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching

in the wilderness of Judea,

2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven

is at hand."

3 (Isa 40:3; Lk 1:76) For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah,

saying:

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

'Prepare the way of the Lord;

make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].

4 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) This same John had clothing made of camel's hair,

a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 (Mk 1:5) Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region

around the Jordan went out to him,

6 (Ac 19:18; Mt 3:11) and were baptized by him in the Jordan,

confessing their sins.

7 (Mt 12:34; 23:33) But when he saw many of the Pharisees

and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them,

"O generation of vipers, who has warned you to escape from the wrath to one?

8 (Ac 26:20; Jer 36:3) Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance,

9 (Lk 3:8; 16:24) and do not think to say within yourselves,

'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you that God is able

from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

10 (Mt 7:19; Jn 15:2) Even now the axe is put to the tree roots.

Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down

and thrown into the fire.

11 (Ac 1:5; Lk 3:16; Isa 4:4) "I indeed baptize you with water to repentance,

but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy

to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

12 (Mal 4:1; Mt 13:30) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly

clean His floor and gather His wheat into the granary,

but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."



From On Eagle's wings Day 3



Vessels of Light



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.

2 Corinthians 4:7 (MEV)



[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the

power may be of God, and not of us. (KJV)



We were an hour from beginning our day at Bible Camp, and the

anticipation was growing. Although we were excited, we were

starting to get nervous. It was our very first time leading a Bible

Camp, and we were really hoping that everything would go

smoothly.

I thought that my experience as an elementary school teacher

would be enough to settle the anxiety, but it wasn’t. We quickly

realized that we needed to depend on God to calm our hearts, we

couldn’t do this on our own.

Turning to the Father, we began to pray and worship. Bringing our

concerns to him, we worshipped in song, and thanked him for his

character revealed to us in the Bible. He transformed our hearts.

The uncertainty didn’t disappear, but God gave us a truly hopeful

perspective. We went from thinking it all depended on us, to

remembering that it was never about us in the first place. This camp

wasn’t ours - it was his. And he was right there, dwelling with us. We

were simply vessels, called to reflect his light and truth to the

children he brought there.



Lauren Abrol

Bible Camp Volunteer