Day 317 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 13 November 2025 reflections
Day 317, 13 November 2025
1) Acts 12:6-25, Acts 13, Acts 14
Acts 12:6-25
Peter Delivered From Prison
6 (Ac 21:33) The very night when Herod would have brought him out,
Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains.
And the guards before the door were securing the prison.
7 (Ac 16:26; 5:19) And suddenly an angel of the Lord approached him,
and a light shone in the prison. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up,
saying, "Rise up, quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.
8 Then the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put your sandals on."
And he did so. Then he said to him,
"Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."
9 (Ps 126:1) He went out and followed him, and did not know that what
was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
10 (Ac 5:19; 16:26) When they had passed the first and the second guards,
they came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened to them
by itself. And they went out and went forward one street.
And immediately the angel left him.
11 (Da 3:28; 6:22) When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I certainly
know that the Lord has sent His angel and delivered me from the hand of Herod
and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."
12 (Ac 12:5; 12:25) Realizing this, he came to the house of Mary,
the mother of John, whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered
together praying.
13 As Peter knocked at the door of the porch,
a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
14 (Lk 24:41) When she recognized Peter's voice, from joy she did not
open the door, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the door.
15 (Mt 18:10) They said to her, "You are insane."
But she insisted that it was really so. So they said, "It is his angel."
16 But Peter continued knocking. And when they opened the door and saw him,
they were astonished.
17 (Ac 13:16; 15:13) Motioning to them with his hand to be quiet,
he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison.
And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and to the brothers."
Then he departed and went to another place.
18 Now when day came, there was a great disturbance among the soldiers
about what had become of Peter.
19 (Ac 16:27) When Herod had searched for him and did not find him,
he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.
Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
[6] And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was
sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before
the door kept the prison.
[7] And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in
the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise
up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
[8] And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And
so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
[9] And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which
was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
[10] When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the
iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own
accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith
the angel departed from him.
[11] And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety,
that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of
Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
[12] And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the
mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together
praying.
[13] And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken,
named Rhoda.
[14] And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness,
but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
[15] And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that
it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
[16] But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and
saw him, they were astonished.
[17] But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared
unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go
shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went
into another place.
[18] Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers,
what was become of Peter.
[19] And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the
keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down
from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
The Death of Herod
20 (Eze 27:17; Ezr 3:7) Now Herod was very angry with the people
of Tyre and Sidon. But they came to him in unity, and having made Blastus,
the king's personal servant, their friend, they asked for peace,
because their country was fed by the king's country.
21 On an appointed day, Herod, dressed in royal apparel,
sat on his throne and gave a public speech to them.
22 The mob shouted, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man!"
23 (1Sa 25:38; 2Sa 24:16-17) Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him,
because he did not give God the glory. And he was eaten by worms and died.
24 (Ac 6:7; 19:20) But the word of God spread and increased.
25 (Ac 12:12; 4:36) When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their ministry,
they returned from Jerusalem and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
[20] And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they
came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain
their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the
king's country.
[21] And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his
throne, and made an oration unto them.
[22] And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not
of a man.
[23] And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not
God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
[24] But the word of God grew and multiplied.
[25] And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled
their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Acts 13
Barnabas and Saul Commissioned
1 (Ac 11:22-27; 4:36) In the church that was in Antioch there were prophets
and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) As they worshipped the Lord and fasted,
the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work
to which I have called them."
3 (Ac 6:6; 14:26) Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands
on them and sent them off.
[1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and
teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of
Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and
Saul.
[2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,
Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
[3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they
sent them away.
The Apostles Preach in Cyprus
4 (Ac 4:36; 13:2) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down
to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
5 (Ac 13:14; 9:20) When they arrived at Salamis, they preached
the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John as
an assistant.
6 (Mt 7:15) When they had gone through the whole island to Paphos,
they found a certain sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet,
whose name was Bar-Jesus,
7 (Ac 13:12; 19:38) who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus,
an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul
and sought to hear the word of God.
8 (Ac 13:6-7; 2Ti 3:8) But Elymas the sorcerer (which is his name
by interpretation) opposed them, trying to divert the proconsul
from the faith.
9 (Ac 4:8; 2:4) Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled
with the Holy Spirit, stared at him and said,
10 (Hos 14:9; Mt 13:38) "You son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness,
full of deceit and of all fraud, will you not cease perverting the right
ways of the Lord?
11 (Ex 9:3; Ps 32:4) Now, look! The hand of the Lord is against you,
and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time."
Immediately mist and darkness fell on him, and he went about
seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 (Ac 13:7) When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed
and was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
[4] So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and
from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
[5] And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the
synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
[6] And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a
certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:
[7] Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man;
who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
[8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood
them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
[9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set
his eyes on him,
[10] And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the
devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the
right ways of the Lord?
[11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be
blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a
mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
[12] Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished
at the doctrine of the Lord.
Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia
13 (Ac 2:10; 12:12) Now when Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos,
they came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John departed from them and returned
to Jerusalem.
14 (Ac 16:13; 13:5) But they departed from Perga and came to Antioch
in Pisidia. And they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.
15 (Ac 15:21; Mk 5:22) After the reading from the Law and the Prophets,
the rulers of the synagogue sent word to them, saying,
"Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it."
16 (Ac 12:17; 10:2) Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:
"Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.
17 (Dt 7:6-8; Ps 105:23-24) The God of this people of Israel chose
our fathers, and exalted the people when they lived as foreigners
in the land of Egypt, and with great power He led them out of it.
18 (Ac 7:36; Dt 9:7) For about forty years He endured their conduct
in the desert.
19 (Ps 78:55; Dt 7:1; Jos 14:1) When He had destroyed seven nations
in the land of Canaan, He gave them their land as an inheritance by lot.
20 (Jdg 2:16; 1Sa 3:20) "After about four hundred and fifty years,
God gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.
21 (1Sa 10:1) Then they requested a king. And God gave them Saul
the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
22 (1Sa 16:1; 15:23; 15:26) When He had removed him, He raised up David
to be their king, of whom He testified, saying,
'I have found David (Ps 89:20.) the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart,
who will fulfill My entire will.'(1Sa 13:14.)
23 (Mt 1:1; Ps 132:11) "From this man's descendants God has raised a Saviour
for Israel, Jesus, according to His promise.
24 (Ac 1:22) Before His coming John had preached a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel.
25 (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:7) As John was fulfilling his course, he said,
'Who do you think I am? I am not He. But look! He is coming after me,
the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'(Jn 1:20, 27.)
26 (Ac 4:12; 13:46) "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham,
and those of you who fear God, the word of this salvation has been sent to us.
27 (Ac 3:17; Lk 24:20) Because those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers,
did not know Him, in condemning Him they have fulfilled the voices
of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath.
28 (Mt 27:22-25) Though they found in Him no cause worthy of death,
yet they asked Pilate to have Him killed.
29 (Lk 23:53; Mt 27:57-60; Mk 15:45-46) When they had fulfilled
all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree
and placed Him in a tomb.
30 (Ac 2:24; Mt 28:6) But God raised Him from the dead,
31 (Lk 24:48; Ac 1:3) and for many days He appeared to those who came up
with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people.
32 (Ac 26:6; Ro 4:13) "We preach to you good news: The promise which was made
to the fathers,
33 (Ps 2:7; Heb 5:5) God has fulfilled to us, their children, raising Jesus.
As it is written in the second Psalm:
'You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father.'(Ps 2:7.)
34 (Isa 55:3; Ro 6:9) That He raised Him from the dead, no more to return
to corruption, He has spoken in this way:
'I will give You the holy and sure blessings of David.'(Isa 55:3.)
35 (Ps 16:10) So He says in another Psalm:
'You will not let Your Holy One see decay.'(Ps 16:10.)
36 (1Ki 2:10; Ac 2:29) "For after David had served by the counsel of God
in his own generation, he fell asleep, was buried with his fathers,
and saw decay.
37 (Ac 13:30; 2:24) But He whom God raised up saw no decay.
38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 2:38) "Therefore, brothers, let it be known to you that
through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
39 (Ro 8:3; Gal 2:16) and by Him everyone who believes is justified
from everything from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses.
40 Therefore beware, lest what is spoken of in the prophets come upon you:
41 (Hab 1:5) 'Look, you scoffers, marvel and perish!
For I will perform a work in your days
which you will never believe,
even if someone declares it to you.'(Hab 1:5.)"
42 When Paul and Barnabas went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles asked
that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
43 (Ac 11:23; 6:5) When the congregation was dismissed,
many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas,
who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city assembled
to hear the word of God.
45 (Ac 18:6; 5:17) But when the Jews saw the crowds,
they were filled with jealousy, blaspheming and contradicting
what Paul was saying.
46 (Ac 3:26; 28:28) Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said,
"It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first.
But seeing you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life,
we are turning to the Gentiles.
47 (Isa 49:6; Lk 2:32) For thus has the Lord commanded us:
'I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'(Isa 42:6; 49:6.)"
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word
of the Lord. And all who were ordained to eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord was spread throughout the entire region.
50 (Ac 14:2; 14:19) But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women
and the chief men of the city, and raised up persecution against Paul
and Barnabas, and drove them from their region.
51 (Mt 10:14; Ac 18:6) So they shook off the dust of their feet against them
and went to Iconium.
52 (Ac 2:4; Mt 5:12) And the disciples were filled with joy
and with the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in
Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
[14] But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and
went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
[15] And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the
synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word
of exhortation for the people, say on.
[16] Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel,
and ye that fear God, give audience.
[17] The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the
people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high
arm brought he them out of it.
[18] And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the
wilderness.
[19] And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he
divided their land to them by lot.
[20] And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred
and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
[21] And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son
of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
[22] And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their
king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son
of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
[23] Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel
a Saviour, Jesus:
[24] When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of
repentance to all the people of Israel.
[25] And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I
am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I
am not worthy to loose.
[26] Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among
you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
[27] For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew
him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath
day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
[28] And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate
that he should be slain.
[29] And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him
down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
[30] But God raised him from the dead:
[31] And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee
to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
[32] And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was
made unto the fathers,
[33] God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath
raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art
my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
[34] And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to
return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies
of David.
[35] Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine
Holy One to see corruption.
[36] For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God,
fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
[37] But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
[38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man
is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
[39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which
ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
[40] Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the
prophets;
[41] Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your
days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto
you.
[42] And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought
that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
[43] Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious
proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them
to continue in the grace of God.
[44] And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear
the word of God.
[45] But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and
spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and
blaspheming.
[46] Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the
word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from
you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the
Gentiles.
[47] For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a
light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of
the earth.
[48] And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the
word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
[49] And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
[50] But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief
men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and
expelled them out of their coasts.
[51] But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto
Iconium.
[52] And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 14
Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
1 (Ac 18:4; 13:46) At Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together
and so spoke that a great crowd of both Jews and Greeks believed.
2 (Ac 13:50; 13:45) But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles
and embittered their minds against the brothers.
3 (Heb 2:4; Ac 20:32) So they continued there a long time, speaking boldly
for the Lord, who bore witness to His gracious word, granting signs
and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 (Ac 28:24; 14:14) But the people of the city were divided.
Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.
5 (Ac 14:19) When an assault was planned by both Gentiles and Jews,
with their leaders, to attack them and to stone them,
6 (Mt 10:23; 2Ti 3:11) they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe,
cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
7 (Ac 14:21) And there they preached the gospel.
[1] And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the
synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews
and also of the Greeks believed.
[2] But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds
evil affected against the brethren.
[3] Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave
testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be
done by their hands.
[4] But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews,
and part with the apostles.
[5] And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the
Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
[6] They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of
Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
[7] And there they preached the gospel.
Paul and Barnabas in Lystra
8 (Ac 3:2) In Lystra there sat a man, crippled in his feet, who had never
walked and was lame from birth.
9 (Mt 9:28-29; Ac 3:4) He heard Paul speaking, who looked intently at him
and perceived that he had faith to be healed
10 (Isa 35:6) and said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet."
And he jumped up and walked.
11 (Ac 8:10; 28:6) When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up
their voices, saying in Lycaonian,
"The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"
12 (Ac 19:35) Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes,
because he was the main speaker.
13 (Da 2:46) The priest of Zeus, who was in front of the city,
brought bulls and garlands to the gates to offer sacrifices with the crowds.
14 (Mt 26:65; Ac 14:4) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this,
they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,
15 (1Sa 12:21; Jer 14:22) "Men, why are you doing this? We also are men,
of like nature with you, preaching to you to turn from these vain things
to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea,
and everything that is in them,
16 (Ac 17:30; Ps 81:12) who in times past allowed all nations to walk
in their own ways.
17 (Dt 11:14; Job 5:10) Yet He did not leave Himself without witness,
for He did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons,
satisfying our hearts with food and gladness."
18 With these words they scarcely restrained the crowds
from sacrificing to them.
19 (Ac 13:45; 2Co 11:25) Then some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there
and persuaded the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing he was dead.
20 (Ac 14:6) But as the disciples gathered around him, he rose up
and went into the city. The next day he departed with Barnabas for Derbe.
[8] And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a
cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
[9] The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving
that he had faith to be healed,
[10] Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and
walked.
[11] And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their
voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in
the likeness of men.
[12] And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was
the chief speaker.
[13] Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen
and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
[14] Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their
clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
[15] And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like
passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these
vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
all things that are therein:
[16] Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
[17] Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good,
and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with
food and gladness.
[18] And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had
not done sacrifice unto them.
[19] And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who
persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city,
supposing he had been dead.
[20] Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came
into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
The Return to Antioch in Syria
21 (Ac 13:51; 14:19) When they had preached the gospel to that city
and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra
and to Iconium and to Antioch,
22 (Jn 16:33; 2Ti 3:12) strengthening the minds of the disciples
and exhorting them to continue in the faith, to go through many afflictions
and thus enter the kingdom of God.
23 (Titus 1:5; Ac 11:30; 20:32) When they had appointed elders for them
in every church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord
in whom they believed.
24 (Ac 13:13-14) Then they passed throughout Pisidia and came to Pamphylia,
25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia.
26 (Ac 15:40; 11:19) From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been
commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.
27 (Ac 15:12; 1Co 16:9) When they arrived and had assembled the church,
they reported what God had done through them and how He had opened
the door of faith to the Gentiles.
28 (Ac 11:26) And there they stayed a long time with the disciples.
[21] And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught
many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
[22] Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue
in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the
kingdom of God.
[23] And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed
with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
[24] And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
[25] And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into
Attalia:
[26] And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to
the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
[27] And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they
rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of
faith unto the Gentiles.
[28] And there they abode long time with the disciples.
2) Our Daily Bread for 13 November 2025 Titled
Kindness
for the Suffering by Lisa M. Samra
Obadiah 4-9,12-13
The book of Obadiah was likely written in the sixth century BC.
Its author is the prophet Obadiah, and it is the shortest book
in the Old Testament. Nothing is known about the prophet Obadiah
except the meaning of his name, "servant or worshipper of God."
This book has one theme-the condemnation of Edom.
Obadiah prophesied that Edom would be repaid for mistreating
God's people as this people (who were descendants from Esau)
took part in the sacking of Jerusalem with the Babylonians.
Obadiah emphasised that God is sovereign over all nations
and that the house of Jacob would someday be restored
because of God's covenant love for His people.
Judgment on Edom
Jer 49:9-16
The vision of Obadiah.
4 Though you ascend high like the eagle,
and though you set your nest among the stars,
I will bring you down from there,
says the Lord.
5 If thieves came to you,
if robbers by night-
how you have been destroyed!-
would they not steal only what they want?
If grape gatherers come to you,
would they not leave gleanings?
6 How the things of Esau have been ransacked!
How his hidden treasures hunted out!
7 All your confederates have driven you to the border;
your allies have deceived and prevailed against you.
Those who eat your bread have set a trap for you.
You will not detect it.
8 On that day, says the Lord,
I will destroy the wise out of Edom,
and understanding out of Mount Esau.
9 Your mighty men shall be shattered, OTeman,
so that everyone from Mount Esau will be cut off.
Edom's Violence Against Jacob
12 But you should not have gloated
on the day of your brother,
on the day of his misfortune;
you should not have rejoiced over the children of Judah
on the day of their destruction;
you should not have boasted
on the day of distress.
13 You should not have entered the gate of My people
on the day of their calamity.
You should not have gloated over the disaster of Judah [Heb. his.]
on the day of his calamity;
you should not have seized his wealth
on the day of his calamity.
Obadiah 1
[4] Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest
among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.
[5] If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!)
would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came
to thee, would they not leave some grapes?
[6] How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things
sought up!
[7] All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the
men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against
thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none
understanding in him.
[8] Shall I not in that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise men out
of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?
[9] And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every
one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.
[12] But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day
that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the
children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou
have spoken proudly in the day of distress.
[13] Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day
of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction
in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the
day of their calamity;
(The Palestininans are Edomites)
One of the deadliest wildfires in US history decimated the town of Lahaina,
Hawaii, in August 2023, killing ninety-nine people and destroying more than
two thousand buildings. Still reeling from the devastation, residents
experienced additional trauma when some looters pillaged buildings
and greedy realtors attempted to gobble up land.
The corrupt desire to take advantage of tragic circumstances is the backdrop
of a strong message from God to the nation of Edom. The prophet Obadiah
warned the Edomites, Israel's enemies for generations (Ezekiel 35:5), of God's
coming justice because the Edomites used their geographic
advantage (Obadiah 1:3) and acquired wealth (v. 6), alliances with other
nations (v. 7), wisdom (v. 8), and military strength (v. 9) to exploit
the weak. Obadiah also rebuked the way Edom gloated as Israel was sent
into captivity. Instead of compassion, Edom looted Israelite homes
and marched through defeated cities in victory (vv. 12-13).
Although Lahaina residents saw despicable actions, they also experienced
kindness when churches on the island became hospitality centers offering
shelter, hot meals, and emergency supplies.
When someone is suffering, we face a similar choice. We can try to benefit
from their loss. Or we can respond in the way God desires, like the churches
in Lahaina, with kindness and generosity.
Reflect & Pray
When have you been tempted to take advantage of someone's suffering?
How does God's love compel us to kindness?
Dear God, please help me extend kindness when someone is hurting.
Learn more about Edom read, The Big Story in a Little Book.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 5 - Learning by Heart
Ps 119:9,11
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) How shall a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
That I might not sin against thee.
"His heart is not just in it," a gifted musician commented about the
pianist onstage. "He's here at the Orchestra Hall, playing for
thousands of people, an his technique is flawless, but something
is missing - his heart is just not in it."
The psalmist , in Psalm 119, draws a similar parallel. We "Keep our
way pure" through obedience of his Word, by ordering our lives according
to the commands of the Scriptures. But outward behaviour is not the only
essential factor in purity of life. The changes in our behaviour need to
come from the heart, from the inside out. Our "technique" for living
the Christian life may be flawless, but our obedience is founded
in heart motivation, something is certainly missing.
"I seek you with all my heart," the psalmist declares in verse 10.
Thus he can say in verse 11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You."
Often we refer to memorisation as "learning by heart" - and indeed
"by heart" is the biblical mandate for assimilating God's truth
into our daily lives. "By rote" or "By Mind" leaves us
intellectually overstuffed, yet spiritually starving.
When we try to apply the Word outwardly to our behaviour,
we end up in a tangle of legalism, a log "do list" by which
we hope to please God. But when we set our hearts toward God first,
then changes in our behaviour grow out of love for God and a deep
desire to serve him. Then we are truly loving and obeying God with
our whole hearts.
Application
a) In what ways have I tried to apply God's word to my behaviour
without having the truth firmly in my heart? What was the result?
b) How can I set my heart toward God and give myself more fully
to his Word?
c) What areas of my life need "purifying"? How can these verses
help me to "make my way pure"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 16:10-12
10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also
in much.
11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who will give you that which is your own?"
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who shall give you that which is your own?
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Col 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another
and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,
to which also you are called in one body,
rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
13th Day of the Month
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, that God's Spirit
would influence then to act justly, serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may
lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
)
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for your imprisoners for that might be watching you
and pray to understand why you are set apart for the Lord's pruposes.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me
extend kindness when someone is hurting."
Pray to the Lord and pray to learn the pure heart of his word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a faithful steward
in all that has been given to you.
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Word of the Lord to dwell in you richly.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
Pray for a Muslim-background pastor sentenced to prison
for holding "unlicensed worship" services in Algeria.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Acts 12:6-25, Acts 13, Acts 14
Acts 12:6-25
Peter Delivered From Prison
6 (Ac 21:33) The very night when Herod would have brought him out,
Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains.
And the guards before the door were securing the prison.
7 (Ac 16:26; 5:19) And suddenly an angel of the Lord approached him,
and a light shone in the prison. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up,
saying, "Rise up, quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.
8 Then the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put your sandals on."
And he did so. Then he said to him,
"Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."
9 (Ps 126:1) He went out and followed him, and did not know that what
was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
10 (Ac 5:19; 16:26) When they had passed the first and the second guards,
they came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened to them
by itself. And they went out and went forward one street.
And immediately the angel left him.
11 (Da 3:28; 6:22) When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I certainly
know that the Lord has sent His angel and delivered me from the hand of Herod
and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."
12 (Ac 12:5; 12:25) Realizing this, he came to the house of Mary,
the mother of John, whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered
together praying.
13 As Peter knocked at the door of the porch,
a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
14 (Lk 24:41) When she recognized Peter's voice, from joy she did not
open the door, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the door.
15 (Mt 18:10) They said to her, "You are insane."
But she insisted that it was really so. So they said, "It is his angel."
16 But Peter continued knocking. And when they opened the door and saw him,
they were astonished.
17 (Ac 13:16; 15:13) Motioning to them with his hand to be quiet,
he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison.
And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and to the brothers."
Then he departed and went to another place.
18 Now when day came, there was a great disturbance among the soldiers
about what had become of Peter.
19 (Ac 16:27) When Herod had searched for him and did not find him,
he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.
Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
[6] And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was
sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before
the door kept the prison.
[7] And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in
the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise
up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
[8] And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And
so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
[9] And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which
was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
[10] When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the
iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own
accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith
the angel departed from him.
[11] And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety,
that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of
Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
[12] And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the
mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together
praying.
[13] And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken,
named Rhoda.
[14] And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness,
but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
[15] And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that
it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
[16] But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and
saw him, they were astonished.
[17] But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared
unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go
shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went
into another place.
[18] Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers,
what was become of Peter.
[19] And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the
keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down
from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
The Death of Herod
20 (Eze 27:17; Ezr 3:7) Now Herod was very angry with the people
of Tyre and Sidon. But they came to him in unity, and having made Blastus,
the king's personal servant, their friend, they asked for peace,
because their country was fed by the king's country.
21 On an appointed day, Herod, dressed in royal apparel,
sat on his throne and gave a public speech to them.
22 The mob shouted, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man!"
23 (1Sa 25:38; 2Sa 24:16-17) Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him,
because he did not give God the glory. And he was eaten by worms and died.
24 (Ac 6:7; 19:20) But the word of God spread and increased.
25 (Ac 12:12; 4:36) When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their ministry,
they returned from Jerusalem and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
[20] And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they
came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain
their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the
king's country.
[21] And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his
throne, and made an oration unto them.
[22] And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not
of a man.
[23] And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not
God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
[24] But the word of God grew and multiplied.
[25] And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled
their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Acts 13
Barnabas and Saul Commissioned
1 (Ac 11:22-27; 4:36) In the church that was in Antioch there were prophets
and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene,
Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) As they worshipped the Lord and fasted,
the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work
to which I have called them."
3 (Ac 6:6; 14:26) Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands
on them and sent them off.
[1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and
teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of
Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and
Saul.
[2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,
Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
[3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they
sent them away.
The Apostles Preach in Cyprus
4 (Ac 4:36; 13:2) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down
to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
5 (Ac 13:14; 9:20) When they arrived at Salamis, they preached
the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John as
an assistant.
6 (Mt 7:15) When they had gone through the whole island to Paphos,
they found a certain sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet,
whose name was Bar-Jesus,
7 (Ac 13:12; 19:38) who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus,
an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul
and sought to hear the word of God.
8 (Ac 13:6-7; 2Ti 3:8) But Elymas the sorcerer (which is his name
by interpretation) opposed them, trying to divert the proconsul
from the faith.
9 (Ac 4:8; 2:4) Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled
with the Holy Spirit, stared at him and said,
10 (Hos 14:9; Mt 13:38) "You son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness,
full of deceit and of all fraud, will you not cease perverting the right
ways of the Lord?
11 (Ex 9:3; Ps 32:4) Now, look! The hand of the Lord is against you,
and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time."
Immediately mist and darkness fell on him, and he went about
seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 (Ac 13:7) When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed
and was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
[4] So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and
from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
[5] And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the
synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
[6] And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a
certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:
[7] Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man;
who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
[8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood
them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
[9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set
his eyes on him,
[10] And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the
devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the
right ways of the Lord?
[11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be
blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a
mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
[12] Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished
at the doctrine of the Lord.
Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia
13 (Ac 2:10; 12:12) Now when Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos,
they came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John departed from them and returned
to Jerusalem.
14 (Ac 16:13; 13:5) But they departed from Perga and came to Antioch
in Pisidia. And they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.
15 (Ac 15:21; Mk 5:22) After the reading from the Law and the Prophets,
the rulers of the synagogue sent word to them, saying,
"Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it."
16 (Ac 12:17; 10:2) Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:
"Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.
17 (Dt 7:6-8; Ps 105:23-24) The God of this people of Israel chose
our fathers, and exalted the people when they lived as foreigners
in the land of Egypt, and with great power He led them out of it.
18 (Ac 7:36; Dt 9:7) For about forty years He endured their conduct
in the desert.
19 (Ps 78:55; Dt 7:1; Jos 14:1) When He had destroyed seven nations
in the land of Canaan, He gave them their land as an inheritance by lot.
20 (Jdg 2:16; 1Sa 3:20) "After about four hundred and fifty years,
God gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.
21 (1Sa 10:1) Then they requested a king. And God gave them Saul
the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
22 (1Sa 16:1; 15:23; 15:26) When He had removed him, He raised up David
to be their king, of whom He testified, saying,
'I have found David (Ps 89:20.) the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart,
who will fulfill My entire will.'(1Sa 13:14.)
23 (Mt 1:1; Ps 132:11) "From this man's descendants God has raised a Saviour
for Israel, Jesus, according to His promise.
24 (Ac 1:22) Before His coming John had preached a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel.
25 (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:7) As John was fulfilling his course, he said,
'Who do you think I am? I am not He. But look! He is coming after me,
the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'(Jn 1:20, 27.)
26 (Ac 4:12; 13:46) "Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham,
and those of you who fear God, the word of this salvation has been sent to us.
27 (Ac 3:17; Lk 24:20) Because those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers,
did not know Him, in condemning Him they have fulfilled the voices
of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath.
28 (Mt 27:22-25) Though they found in Him no cause worthy of death,
yet they asked Pilate to have Him killed.
29 (Lk 23:53; Mt 27:57-60; Mk 15:45-46) When they had fulfilled
all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree
and placed Him in a tomb.
30 (Ac 2:24; Mt 28:6) But God raised Him from the dead,
31 (Lk 24:48; Ac 1:3) and for many days He appeared to those who came up
with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people.
32 (Ac 26:6; Ro 4:13) "We preach to you good news: The promise which was made
to the fathers,
33 (Ps 2:7; Heb 5:5) God has fulfilled to us, their children, raising Jesus.
As it is written in the second Psalm:
'You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father.'(Ps 2:7.)
34 (Isa 55:3; Ro 6:9) That He raised Him from the dead, no more to return
to corruption, He has spoken in this way:
'I will give You the holy and sure blessings of David.'(Isa 55:3.)
35 (Ps 16:10) So He says in another Psalm:
'You will not let Your Holy One see decay.'(Ps 16:10.)
36 (1Ki 2:10; Ac 2:29) "For after David had served by the counsel of God
in his own generation, he fell asleep, was buried with his fathers,
and saw decay.
37 (Ac 13:30; 2:24) But He whom God raised up saw no decay.
38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 2:38) "Therefore, brothers, let it be known to you that
through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
39 (Ro 8:3; Gal 2:16) and by Him everyone who believes is justified
from everything from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses.
40 Therefore beware, lest what is spoken of in the prophets come upon you:
41 (Hab 1:5) 'Look, you scoffers, marvel and perish!
For I will perform a work in your days
which you will never believe,
even if someone declares it to you.'(Hab 1:5.)"
42 When Paul and Barnabas went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles asked
that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.
43 (Ac 11:23; 6:5) When the congregation was dismissed,
many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas,
who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city assembled
to hear the word of God.
45 (Ac 18:6; 5:17) But when the Jews saw the crowds,
they were filled with jealousy, blaspheming and contradicting
what Paul was saying.
46 (Ac 3:26; 28:28) Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said,
"It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first.
But seeing you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life,
we are turning to the Gentiles.
47 (Isa 49:6; Lk 2:32) For thus has the Lord commanded us:
'I have established you to be a light of the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'(Isa 42:6; 49:6.)"
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word
of the Lord. And all who were ordained to eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord was spread throughout the entire region.
50 (Ac 14:2; 14:19) But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women
and the chief men of the city, and raised up persecution against Paul
and Barnabas, and drove them from their region.
51 (Mt 10:14; Ac 18:6) So they shook off the dust of their feet against them
and went to Iconium.
52 (Ac 2:4; Mt 5:12) And the disciples were filled with joy
and with the Holy Spirit.
[13] Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in
Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
[14] But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and
went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
[15] And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the
synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word
of exhortation for the people, say on.
[16] Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel,
and ye that fear God, give audience.
[17] The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the
people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high
arm brought he them out of it.
[18] And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the
wilderness.
[19] And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he
divided their land to them by lot.
[20] And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred
and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
[21] And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son
of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
[22] And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their
king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son
of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
[23] Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel
a Saviour, Jesus:
[24] When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of
repentance to all the people of Israel.
[25] And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I
am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I
am not worthy to loose.
[26] Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among
you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
[27] For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew
him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath
day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
[28] And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate
that he should be slain.
[29] And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him
down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
[30] But God raised him from the dead:
[31] And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee
to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
[32] And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was
made unto the fathers,
[33] God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath
raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art
my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
[34] And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to
return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies
of David.
[35] Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine
Holy One to see corruption.
[36] For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God,
fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
[37] But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
[38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man
is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
[39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which
ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
[40] Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the
prophets;
[41] Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your
days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto
you.
[42] And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought
that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
[43] Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious
proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them
to continue in the grace of God.
[44] And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear
the word of God.
[45] But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and
spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and
blaspheming.
[46] Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the
word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from
you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the
Gentiles.
[47] For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a
light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of
the earth.
[48] And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the
word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
[49] And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
[50] But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief
men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and
expelled them out of their coasts.
[51] But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto
Iconium.
[52] And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 14
Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
1 (Ac 18:4; 13:46) At Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together
and so spoke that a great crowd of both Jews and Greeks believed.
2 (Ac 13:50; 13:45) But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles
and embittered their minds against the brothers.
3 (Heb 2:4; Ac 20:32) So they continued there a long time, speaking boldly
for the Lord, who bore witness to His gracious word, granting signs
and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 (Ac 28:24; 14:14) But the people of the city were divided.
Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.
5 (Ac 14:19) When an assault was planned by both Gentiles and Jews,
with their leaders, to attack them and to stone them,
6 (Mt 10:23; 2Ti 3:11) they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe,
cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
7 (Ac 14:21) And there they preached the gospel.
[1] And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the
synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews
and also of the Greeks believed.
[2] But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds
evil affected against the brethren.
[3] Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave
testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be
done by their hands.
[4] But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews,
and part with the apostles.
[5] And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the
Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
[6] They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of
Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
[7] And there they preached the gospel.
Paul and Barnabas in Lystra
8 (Ac 3:2) In Lystra there sat a man, crippled in his feet, who had never
walked and was lame from birth.
9 (Mt 9:28-29; Ac 3:4) He heard Paul speaking, who looked intently at him
and perceived that he had faith to be healed
10 (Isa 35:6) and said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet."
And he jumped up and walked.
11 (Ac 8:10; 28:6) When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up
their voices, saying in Lycaonian,
"The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"
12 (Ac 19:35) Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes,
because he was the main speaker.
13 (Da 2:46) The priest of Zeus, who was in front of the city,
brought bulls and garlands to the gates to offer sacrifices with the crowds.
14 (Mt 26:65; Ac 14:4) But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this,
they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,
15 (1Sa 12:21; Jer 14:22) "Men, why are you doing this? We also are men,
of like nature with you, preaching to you to turn from these vain things
to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea,
and everything that is in them,
16 (Ac 17:30; Ps 81:12) who in times past allowed all nations to walk
in their own ways.
17 (Dt 11:14; Job 5:10) Yet He did not leave Himself without witness,
for He did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons,
satisfying our hearts with food and gladness."
18 With these words they scarcely restrained the crowds
from sacrificing to them.
19 (Ac 13:45; 2Co 11:25) Then some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there
and persuaded the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing he was dead.
20 (Ac 14:6) But as the disciples gathered around him, he rose up
and went into the city. The next day he departed with Barnabas for Derbe.
[8] And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a
cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
[9] The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving
that he had faith to be healed,
[10] Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and
walked.
[11] And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their
voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in
the likeness of men.
[12] And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was
the chief speaker.
[13] Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen
and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
[14] Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their
clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
[15] And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like
passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these
vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
all things that are therein:
[16] Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
[17] Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good,
and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with
food and gladness.
[18] And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had
not done sacrifice unto them.
[19] And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who
persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city,
supposing he had been dead.
[20] Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came
into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
The Return to Antioch in Syria
21 (Ac 13:51; 14:19) When they had preached the gospel to that city
and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra
and to Iconium and to Antioch,
22 (Jn 16:33; 2Ti 3:12) strengthening the minds of the disciples
and exhorting them to continue in the faith, to go through many afflictions
and thus enter the kingdom of God.
23 (Titus 1:5; Ac 11:30; 20:32) When they had appointed elders for them
in every church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord
in whom they believed.
24 (Ac 13:13-14) Then they passed throughout Pisidia and came to Pamphylia,
25 and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia.
26 (Ac 15:40; 11:19) From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been
commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.
27 (Ac 15:12; 1Co 16:9) When they arrived and had assembled the church,
they reported what God had done through them and how He had opened
the door of faith to the Gentiles.
28 (Ac 11:26) And there they stayed a long time with the disciples.
[21] And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught
many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
[22] Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue
in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the
kingdom of God.
[23] And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed
with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
[24] And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
[25] And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into
Attalia:
[26] And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to
the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
[27] And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they
rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of
faith unto the Gentiles.
[28] And there they abode long time with the disciples.
2) Our Daily Bread for 13 November 2025 Titled
Kindness
for the Suffering by Lisa M. Samra
Obadiah 4-9,12-13
The book of Obadiah was likely written in the sixth century BC.
Its author is the prophet Obadiah, and it is the shortest book
in the Old Testament. Nothing is known about the prophet Obadiah
except the meaning of his name, "servant or worshipper of God."
This book has one theme-the condemnation of Edom.
Obadiah prophesied that Edom would be repaid for mistreating
God's people as this people (who were descendants from Esau)
took part in the sacking of Jerusalem with the Babylonians.
Obadiah emphasised that God is sovereign over all nations
and that the house of Jacob would someday be restored
because of God's covenant love for His people.
Judgment on Edom
Jer 49:9-16
The vision of Obadiah.
4 Though you ascend high like the eagle,
and though you set your nest among the stars,
I will bring you down from there,
says the Lord.
5 If thieves came to you,
if robbers by night-
how you have been destroyed!-
would they not steal only what they want?
If grape gatherers come to you,
would they not leave gleanings?
6 How the things of Esau have been ransacked!
How his hidden treasures hunted out!
7 All your confederates have driven you to the border;
your allies have deceived and prevailed against you.
Those who eat your bread have set a trap for you.
You will not detect it.
8 On that day, says the Lord,
I will destroy the wise out of Edom,
and understanding out of Mount Esau.
9 Your mighty men shall be shattered, OTeman,
so that everyone from Mount Esau will be cut off.
Edom's Violence Against Jacob
12 But you should not have gloated
on the day of your brother,
on the day of his misfortune;
you should not have rejoiced over the children of Judah
on the day of their destruction;
you should not have boasted
on the day of distress.
13 You should not have entered the gate of My people
on the day of their calamity.
You should not have gloated over the disaster of Judah [Heb. his.]
on the day of his calamity;
you should not have seized his wealth
on the day of his calamity.
Obadiah 1
[4] Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest
among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.
[5] If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!)
would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came
to thee, would they not leave some grapes?
[6] How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things
sought up!
[7] All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the
men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against
thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none
understanding in him.
[8] Shall I not in that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise men out
of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?
[9] And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every
one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.
[12] But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day
that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the
children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou
have spoken proudly in the day of distress.
[13] Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day
of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction
in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the
day of their calamity;
(The Palestininans are Edomites)
One of the deadliest wildfires in US history decimated the town of Lahaina,
Hawaii, in August 2023, killing ninety-nine people and destroying more than
two thousand buildings. Still reeling from the devastation, residents
experienced additional trauma when some looters pillaged buildings
and greedy realtors attempted to gobble up land.
The corrupt desire to take advantage of tragic circumstances is the backdrop
of a strong message from God to the nation of Edom. The prophet Obadiah
warned the Edomites, Israel's enemies for generations (Ezekiel 35:5), of God's
coming justice because the Edomites used their geographic
advantage (Obadiah 1:3) and acquired wealth (v. 6), alliances with other
nations (v. 7), wisdom (v. 8), and military strength (v. 9) to exploit
the weak. Obadiah also rebuked the way Edom gloated as Israel was sent
into captivity. Instead of compassion, Edom looted Israelite homes
and marched through defeated cities in victory (vv. 12-13).
Although Lahaina residents saw despicable actions, they also experienced
kindness when churches on the island became hospitality centers offering
shelter, hot meals, and emergency supplies.
When someone is suffering, we face a similar choice. We can try to benefit
from their loss. Or we can respond in the way God desires, like the churches
in Lahaina, with kindness and generosity.
Reflect & Pray
When have you been tempted to take advantage of someone's suffering?
How does God's love compel us to kindness?
Dear God, please help me extend kindness when someone is hurting.
Learn more about Edom read, The Big Story in a Little Book.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 5 - Learning by Heart
Ps 119:9,11
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) How shall a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
That I might not sin against thee.
"His heart is not just in it," a gifted musician commented about the
pianist onstage. "He's here at the Orchestra Hall, playing for
thousands of people, an his technique is flawless, but something
is missing - his heart is just not in it."
The psalmist , in Psalm 119, draws a similar parallel. We "Keep our
way pure" through obedience of his Word, by ordering our lives according
to the commands of the Scriptures. But outward behaviour is not the only
essential factor in purity of life. The changes in our behaviour need to
come from the heart, from the inside out. Our "technique" for living
the Christian life may be flawless, but our obedience is founded
in heart motivation, something is certainly missing.
"I seek you with all my heart," the psalmist declares in verse 10.
Thus he can say in verse 11, "Your word I have hidden in my heart,
that I might not sin against You."
Often we refer to memorisation as "learning by heart" - and indeed
"by heart" is the biblical mandate for assimilating God's truth
into our daily lives. "By rote" or "By Mind" leaves us
intellectually overstuffed, yet spiritually starving.
When we try to apply the Word outwardly to our behaviour,
we end up in a tangle of legalism, a log "do list" by which
we hope to please God. But when we set our hearts toward God first,
then changes in our behaviour grow out of love for God and a deep
desire to serve him. Then we are truly loving and obeying God with
our whole hearts.
Application
a) In what ways have I tried to apply God's word to my behaviour
without having the truth firmly in my heart? What was the result?
b) How can I set my heart toward God and give myself more fully
to his Word?
c) What areas of my life need "purifying"? How can these verses
help me to "make my way pure"?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Luke 16:10-12
10 (Mt 25:21; Lk 19:17) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much. And he who is dishonest in the least is dishonest also
in much.
11 So if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who will give you that which is your own?"
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's,
who shall give you that which is your own?
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Reconciling Peace
Col 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another
and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone,
even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God,
to which also you are called in one body,
rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17 ) Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20 ) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
13th Day of the Month
a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, that God's Spirit
would influence then to act justly, serve with integrity
and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may
lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
)
II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray for your imprisoners for that might be watching you
and pray to understand why you are set apart for the Lord's pruposes.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me
extend kindness when someone is hurting."
Pray to the Lord and pray to learn the pure heart of his word.
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a faithful steward
in all that has been given to you.
Pray to the Lord and pray for the Word of the Lord to dwell in you richly.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them
Pray for a Muslim-background pastor sentenced to prison
for holding "unlicensed worship" services in Algeria.
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.
.