Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Advent Day 27



FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT



Early Offering



to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.



-Luke 2:5



Luke mentions that Mary was "great with child" (KJV) so candidly

that we don't pause to ponder how difficult it



must have been for her to travel all the way (about 70 miles!) from Nazareth

in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. Even more significant, the Christ Child

she carried must have been jostled and jarred by the movement, Loo.





Those of us who use statements of faith in our worship services declare



in the Apostles' Creed that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was

crucified ... " I believe instead we should say, "suffered, under Pontius

Pilate was crucified" to be more accurate to the original. Jesus suffered

all his life, not just under Pilate. When we reflect on the appalling journey

that he endured in the womb, we might imagine that his sufferings on our

behalf began even before he was born. What amazing love that Christ sustained

such adversity for us!



prayer



Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can

conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.



Read Luke 2:1-7.



1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.

2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.

4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth

in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,

because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.

7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,

and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.



From On Eagle's wings



Your Special Christmas



4 (Heb 2:4; Ro 12:4-6) There are various gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6 (1Co 15:28) There are various operations, but it is the same God

who operates all of them in all people.



[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which

worketh all in all.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

When you prepare for an event and things don't quite go as planned,

it is easy to become discouraged. But as part of the church - the

family of God - no one is more important than another, and every

gift is both helpful and necessary. I saw this in action during a recent

On Eagle’s Wings ministry trip.

Each person brought something unique to the team - preparing

snacks, listening, telling a story, playing silly games, comforting

others, the ability to laugh at mistakes, or speaking words of

encouragement. And even when things did not go as planned, we

were able to see God at work and remind each other of his good

purposes.

Jesus came for us, and it is his Spirit within us that give us places

and opportunities where we can use our unique gifts to minister to

and encourage other people. You might think your part is small, but

we all have a particular gift from God and he is at work in and

through us to accomplish his good will.

This Christmas season, take a few moments to ponder and ask God

to show you the special gift or gifts he has given you and how you

might use them to bless someone else.



Darlene Koop

Bible Camp Volunteer



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to walk daily with Him.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, I know that my life and future

are in Your loving and mighty hands. Please help me to keep trusting You."



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a minister of reconciliaton.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know His Blessings.



Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His love when you feel lonely.



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

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray the the Holy Spirit will influence our governmental leaders

as they make vital decisions that shape Canadian Society



Jesus Christ, your afflictions for us were more than we can

conceive. How can we ever thank you appropriately? Amen.



Jesus, thank you for the way you have gifted each one of us. Please

help us to see where you want us to use our gifts and to recognize

you at work in our world. Amen.



May Christians whose homes have been destroyed in Sierra

Leone experience God's presence, peace and provision.





Christ is the reason for the season .



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

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



Remember eternity starts now -

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

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



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



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



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

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

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



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



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

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

Islamic Centre.



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

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



Nunavut (NU)



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



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

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

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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





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



http://www.ehc.ca



19th Day of the Month



a) Pray the the Holy Spirit will influence our governmental leaders

as they make vital decisions that shape Canadian Society



(



1 Tim 2:1-2



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,



[1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

[2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet

and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.



)



b) Pray for the province of Prince Edward Island



I) Pray for the leaders of Prince Edward Island,

that God's Spirit would influence

then to act justly,

serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4



1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good

and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet

and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge

of the truth.



)



II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use

the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



)

2) Our Daily Bread for 19 December 2025

Resting in God by Leslie Koh



Acts 12:5-11



5 (2Co 1:11) So Peter was kept in prison. But the church prayed to God

without ceasing for him.

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."



[5] Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing

of the church unto God for him.

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.



My neighbour Sam returned home one night without his car. "It was stolen," he

told his wife, then added, "I'm going to sleep. I'll sort it out tomorrow."

His wife was flabbergasted. She couldn't understand how Sam could be so calm,

but he explained, "What else can I do? Panicking won't make any difference."



My ever-sensible neighbour could see there was no point worrying. He trusted

that the authorities would be able to find his missing car later - which they

did.



Did the apostle Peter feel likewise after being thrown into

prison (Acts 12:4)? He was likely to face execution, yet the usually impulsive

disciple "was sleeping between two soldiers" (v. 6). The angel had

to "[strike] Peter on the side" to wake him up (v. 7) - suggesting that he was

completely calm and at peace. Was it because he knew his life was in God's

hands? Verses 9 and 11 suggest that it wouldn't have mattered whether he was

rescued or not; perhaps he recalled the assurance of salvation

and glory that Jesus had given him (Matthew 19:28), as well as Christ's call

to simply "follow me" and not worry about what would happen

to him (John 21:22).



No matter what we're facing today, we can trust that God holds our future - both

on earth and in heaven - in His mighty hands. Perhaps then we can sleep

in peace more easily.



Reflect & Pray



What worries keep you awake at night?

How can you learn to surrender them to God and hold on to His promises?



Dear God, I know that my life and future

are in Your loving and mighty hands. Please help me to keep trusting You.



For further study, read Putting Worry to Work.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 6 Reconciliation



2 Cor 5:18-19



18 All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ

and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation,

19 that is, that God was

in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins

against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.



18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus

Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.



When Paul writes in 2 Cor 5:17 that we become a "new creation" in Christ

Jesus, the story does not end there. The verses following give us direction

for tht new life in Christ. "All This", Paul says, referring to the miracle of

new life in Christ, "is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ

and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reconciliation means to bring back together what was once separated. Man was

separated from God by sin, and God took the initiative to reconcile man to

himself. Our "ministry of reconciliation" as Christians is twofold: to draw

others to the Lord and to work for reconciliation between individuals.

Reconciliation is the ultimate goal of forgiveness. God, through his grace ,

extends forgiveness to us when we are still sinners, unrepentant,

undeserving. When we respond, we come into reconciliation with him

and are brought back into oneness. Likewise, when we extend the grace

of forgiveness to another, we are set free by the act of forgiving, but we

hope that the ultimate outcome will be reconciliation.

God shows us the pattern: he is the wronged party, yet he does not wait for

the offender to come to him, hat in hand. He takes a bold initiative, offering

forgiveness freely with out regard to merit. The pattern applies to us;

as the new life in Christ takes hold of us, we must reach out, and reach,

and keep on reaching, breaking down the barriers, taking the risk of

rejection so that we may come to reconciliation.



Application



a) What barriers stand between me and reconciliation with another person?



b) How can I take a risk and reach out to offer forgiveness and

reconciliation to them?



c) What kind of attitude do I need to be a "minister of reconciliation"?



4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland



Deut 28:11



11 (Dt 28:4; 30:9) The Lord will make you overflow in prosperity,

in the offspring of your body, in the offspring of your livestock,

and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore

to your fathers to give you.



11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body,

and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land

which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.



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



When you are lonely



1 John 4:16b-18



God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us,

so that we may have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is,

so are we in this world.

18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love,

but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

Whoever fears is not perfect in love.



God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness

in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:

because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.





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.

Day 353, 19 December 2025 - 27th Day of Advent



1) 2 John, 3 John



2 John 1



John



The second general epistle of John was probably written in Ephesus

in the AD90s by John the beloved disciple. It is a very personal

and wise exhortation that encourages believers to walk in the light

and warns them about deceivers and how they conduct their lives.

It is not only an encouragement to exhibit agape

(a Greek word for committed or volitional love),

but it is also a sound exhortation to separate from worldliness

and unholiness.



Salutation



The elder,



1 To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth,

and not I only, but also all those who know the truth,

2 for the sake of the truth, which remains in us, and will be with us forever:

3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the

Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.



[1] The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the

truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

[2] For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for

ever.



Truth and Love



4 I greatly rejoiced that I found some of your children walking in truth

as we were commanded by the Father.

5 And now I ask you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you,

but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

6 And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments.

This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning,

you should walk in it.

7 For many deceivers, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come

in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Each one is a deceiver

and an antichrist.

8 Watch yourselves, so that we do not lose those things for which

we have worked, but that we receive a full reward.

9 Whoever transgresses and does not remain in the teaching of Christ

does not have God. Whoever remains in the teaching of Christ has both

the Father and the Son.

10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching,

do not receive him into your house, nor greet him.

11 For whoever greets him takes part in his evil deeds.



[3] Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the

Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

[4] I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we

have received a commandment from the Father.

[5] And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment

unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one

another.

[6] And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the

commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in

it.

[7] For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that

Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

[8] Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought,

but that we receive a full reward.

[9] Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath

not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father

and the Son.

[10] If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him

not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

[11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.



Final Greetings



12 I have many things to write to you, but I prefer not to write

with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and speak face

to face that our joy may be complete.

13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.



[12] Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and

ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may

be full.

[13] The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.



3 John 1



John



John the Beloved probably wrote the third general epistle

of John in Ephesus in the AD90s. It addresses the reality

of true and false ministers. Addressed to Gaius, a local

church leader, it commends a disciple named Demetrius

while also warning against the tactics of Diotrephes.

The Holy Spirit provides sound instruction

and sober exhortations for all believers in this epistle.



Salutation

1 The elder,

To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:

2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you

and that you may be in good health, even as your soul is well.

3 For I greatly rejoiced when brothers came and testified

of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.



[1] The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

[2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in

health, even as thy soul prospereth.

[3] For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the

truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

[4] I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.



Working Together



5 Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and for strangers,

6 who have testified of your love before the church. You will do well to send

them along on their journey in a manner worthy of God.

7 For His name's sake they went out, receiving no help from the Gentiles.

8 Therefore we ought to receive such men, that we might be fellow workers

for the truth.

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself first

among them, did not accept us.

10 Because of this, if I come, I will bring up what kinds of works he does:

ranting against us with malicious words. Not content with that, he does not

accept the brothers, and stops those who want to, and throws them

out of the church.

11 Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good.

Whoever does good is from God, but whoever does evil has not seen God.

12 Demetrius receives good reports from everyone and from the truth itself.

Yes, and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.



[5] Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren,

and to strangers;

[6] Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou

bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

[7] Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the

Gentiles.

[8] We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to

the truth.

[9] I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the

preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

[10] Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating

against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he

himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth

them out of the church.

[11] Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that

doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

[12] Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea,

and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.



Final Greetings



13 I had many things to write, but I would rather not write to you

with pen and ink.

14 Instead, I hope to see you soon, and we shall speak face to face.

Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.



[13] I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto

thee:

[14] But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.

Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

From On Eagle's wings



Jesus' Math



4 (Eze 34:11-12; 34:16) "What man among you having a hundred sheep

and losing one of them does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness

and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

5 And when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 (1Pe 2:25) Then when he comes home, he calls together his friends

and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me,

for I have found my sheep which was lost.'

7 (Lk 5:32) Likewise, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over

one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous men who need

no repentance.



[4] What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth

not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is

lost, until he find it?

[5] And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

[6] And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours,

saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

[7] I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner

that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no

repentance.



Luke 15:4-7



The church building had been closed for two years following a

devastating flood. Now I sat in the basement, looking over a group of

eager and excited children as they enjoyed a lesson from the

carefully prepared curriculum. But why hadn’t more children

attended our Bible Camp?

I ventured outside, slowly inhaling the crisp fresh northern air. It was

there I noticed my friend and teammate. I listened as he shared his

concerns and explained some of the faith struggles experienced by

the community. My mind was drawn right back to the children

enjoying camp in the church basement. Despite the faith struggles

others had experienced, these precious little ones were downstairs

learning about the loving and restorative nature of Jesus.

It struck me that we serve a God who doesn’t work through numbers

in the way we do. He sees things differently. He would leave

ninety-nine to go after one who is lost to restore them because he loves

them. He always has and always will.

In that moment, I realised future leaders were downstairs in that

church basement being found by Jesus. Being lifted up on his

shoulders and celebrated. Even though the numbers may not have

made sense to me, Jesus was in control and taking care of the math.



Tristan Spilsted

Bible Camp Volunteer



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to know Him as love and forgiveness.



Pray to the Lord: "Thank You, Father, for the abilities You've given me.

Please help me use them for Your glory."



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord to point out any unforgiveness

in your life.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord has belssed you .



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the upcoming Rapture of the Church.



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

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical

refreshing for the presence of the Lord



Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from

danger and adversity



Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,

aware of your power over him, and especially

aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.



Pray: How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,

that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.



Pray: Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,

Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.

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



Thank you Jesus for loving and pursuing us. Thank you for leaving

the realm of heaven to enter our world that you might find us and

lead us home. Amen.



Pray that every believer in India will have access to

God's Word so they can be well-grounded in spiritual truth.



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.

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



http://www.ehc.ca



18th Day of the Month



a) Pray that pastors will experience spiritual, emotional and physical

refreshing for the presence of the Lord



( Jer 31:25



25 For I satiate the weary souls and I replenish every languishing soul.



25 For I have satiated the weary soul,

and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

)



b) Pray that the Lord will protect and deliver our nation from

danger and adversity



( Ps 34:7



7 The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him,

and delivers them.



7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him,

And delivereth them.



)



Advent day 25



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



"Enemy-occupied territory-that is what this world is.

Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed...

and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.

When you go to church you are really listening-in to the secret

wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious

to prevent us from going." - C. S. Lewis



(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 46.)



A Campaign of Sabotage



C. S. Lewis wrote his most influential book, Mere Christianity,

in the middle of World War Two. The talks that became the basis

for this book were broadcast on the BBC between 1941 and 1944.

Lewis used numerous military allusions in that book,

in one case describing this world as "enemy-occupied territory."



Humanity has been invaded by an enemy: Satan.

He occupies the territory in which we live. "The rightful king"

has arrived and is in the process of taking back the territory,

but not as the Allies did on D-Day, June 6, 1944,

invading the beaches of Normandy in a full-scale assault

on German positions.



Jesus did not use tanks, planes, or artillery.

He arrived almost incognito. Few knew, even though it had been

predicted for centu­ries. Jesus came in disguise-as a baby.

No one would expect much opposition from a baby, but babies

have the power to wrap their parents around their little finger.

This baby had a lot more power than that, in fact, all power

and authority, and one day that au­thority will be visible

for all to see. But not yet.



Until then, we Christians acknowledge the power and authority

of this rightful king. We participate in his campaign of sabotage

against the enemy. We arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit,

the Word of God, and with the shield of faith, the breastplate

of righteousness, the belt of truth, and the shoes of the gospel

of peace. The message of the gospel is our best sabotage

against the power of Satan. Its power to forgive sins

is our best weapon.



Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,

aware of your power over him, and especially

aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.



10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord

and in the power of His might.

11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that

you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.



Ephesians 6:10-11



From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



WEDNESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT



Exactly The Right Time



In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.



-Luke 2:1



God's timing is always stunning! When it was exactly the right

moment for the Christ Child to be born, "all the world" cooperated.

The Emperor Augustus issued an order,

and everyone had to go to their ancestral home.



This was the first registration, we are notified in verse 2,

to be commanded when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Whether this means that other enrollments were levied later on we

are not told, but this one made history-not because of its intention

to number the extent of the Roman Empire or to record the names

of Rome's conquerees for taxation purposes, but because the titles

of those rulers are now perpetually associated with the Messiah's birth.



You were born, too, at exactly the right time. God planned all your gifts

and calculated at what point in history your presence would be pivotal.

How we adore the All-Knowing One for his incredible timing!



Prayer



How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,

that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.



Read Luke 2:1-7.



Luke 2



The Birth of Jesus



Mt 1:18-25



1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.

2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.

4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth

in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,

because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.

7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,

and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.



From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



FOURTH WEDNESDAY

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



And his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.ISAIAH 9:6



In the days leading up to Christmas we're counting the days. The malls

are full. The carols continue. The Santas are weary. The mail carriers are

burdened. The children are hyper. And we can almost hear the cattle

lowing (whatever lowing is!.

In theses days we're ready to adore the Baby Jesus. as well we should.

Today's lesson spells it out so well: "A child has been born for us, a son

given to us." "Oh, come let us adore him. Christ the Lord!"

But look again in the stable. For too long we've seen the manger as

a "sanitary shed," white and neat and clean and perfect. But it wasn't

that way at all. It was messy and smelly and germy and . .. well ... human.

And that's exactly why we adore him! Because Christ didn't wait for us

to clean up our dirty and messy lives before he came to redeem us.

Not at all:He entered our sin-filled stables "lust as we are." He came as

a God sized man to rid us of our man-sized gods.

Check out the Christmas cards you are receiving. How many of them really

'depict the human stable where Jesus was born? He may look "adorable,"

but that is not why we adore him. We adore him because he has come

to be our Saviour. And we might add: our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!



Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,

Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.

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



Read Isaiah 9:2-7.



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

have seen a great light;

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

upon them the light has shined.

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

and increased the joy;

they rejoice before You

according to the joy of harvest

and as men rejoice

when they divide the spoil.

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

and the bar of his shoulder,

the rod of his oppressor

as in the day of Midian's defeat.

5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors

and all the garments rolled in blood

shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

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

unto us a son is given,

and the government shall be upon his shoulder.

And his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

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

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David

and over his kingdom,

to order it and to establish it

with justice and with righteousness,

from now until forever.

The zeal of the Lord of Hosts

will perform this.

1 John 5



Overcoming the World



1 (1Jn 2:29; Jn 1:12-13) Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born

of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves the one born of the Father.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God

and keep His commandments.

3 (Jn 14:15; 2Jn 1:6) For this is the love of God, that we keep

His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,

4 (Jn 16:33; 1Jn 4:4) for whoever is born of God overcomes the world,

and the victory that overcomes the world is our faith.

5 (1Jn 4:15; 5:1) Who is it that overcomes the world,

but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?



[1] Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every

one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

[2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and

keep his commandments.

[3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his

commandments are not grievous.

[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the

victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is

the Son of God?



The Witness Concerning the Son



6 (Jn 15:26; 14:17) This is He who came by water and blood-Jesus Christ.

He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. It is the Spirit

who bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth.

7 (Mt 28:19; Dt 6:4) There are three who testify in heaven: the Father,

the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and the three are one.

8 There are three that testify on earth: the Spirit, the water,

and the blood, and the three are toward the one.

9 (Mt 3:16-17) If we receive the testimony of men,

the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God

which He has given concerning His Son.

10 (Jn 3:33; Ro 8:16) Whoever believes in the Son of God has this witness

in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar,

because he does not believe the testimony that God gave about His Son.

11 (Jn 1:4; 1Jn 2:25) And this is the testimony: that God has given us

eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

12 (Jn 3:36; 3:15; 5:24) Whoever has the Son has life, and whoever does not

have the Son of God does not have life.



[6] This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water

only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness,

because the Spirit is truth.

[7] For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word,

and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

[8] And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the

water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

[9] If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for

this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

[10] He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he

that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the

record that God gave of his Son.

[11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and

this life is in his Son.

[12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God

hath not life.



Purpose of Writing



13 (Jn 20:31; 1:12) I have written these things to you who believe in the name

of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you

may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

14 (1Jn 3:21-22; Jn 14:13) This is the confidence that we have in Him, that

if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

15 So if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have

whatever we asked of Him.

16 (Jer 7:16; Heb 6:4-6) If anyone sees his brother commit a sin

which does not lead to death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life.

This is for those whose sin does not lead to death.

There is a sin that leads to death. I do not say that he should pray for it.

17 (1Jn 3:4; 5:16; Isa 1:18) All wrongdoing is sin, but there is a sin that

does not lead to death.

18 (1Jn 3:9; Jas 1:27) We know that whoever is born of God does not keep on

sinning. But whoever has been born of God guards himself,

and the wicked one cannot touch him.

19 (Gal 1:4; Jn 12:31) We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies

in wickedness.

20 (Jn 17:3; Lk 24:45; Rev 3:7) And we know that the Son of God has come

and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true,

and we are in Him who is true-His Son Jesus Christ.

He is the true God and eternal life.

21 (1Co 10:14; 10:7) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.



[13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the

Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may

believe on the name of the Son of God.

[14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any

thing according to his will, he heareth us:

[15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have

the petitions that we desired of him.

[16] If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall

ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a

sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

[17] All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

[18] We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is

begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

[19] And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in

wickedness.

[20] And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an

understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is

true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

[21] Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.



2) Our Daily Bread for 19 December 2025 titled

Gifted by God by Kirsten Holmberg



Exodus 31:1-11



1The Tabernacle Artisans



Ex 35:30-35



1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

2 (Ex 36:1; 35:30) See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri,

the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.

3 (1Ki 7:14; Ex 35:31) I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom,

in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of craftsmanship

4 to devise artistic works for work with gold, with silver, and with bronze,

5 and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in carving of wood,

to work in all manner of craftsmanship.

6 (Ex 28:3; 35:10) I, indeed, I have given him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamak,

of the tribe of Dan, and I have given skill to all who are

specially skilled, that they may make everything that I have commanded you:

7 (Ex 36:8-37:9)the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony,

and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furniture of the tent,

8 (Ex 37:10-28) the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand

with all its utensils, and the altar of incense,

9 (Ex 38:1-8) the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils,

and the basin and its stand,

10 the woven garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest

and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests,

11 (Ex 37:29) the anointing oil and sweet incense for the holy place.

They must make them according to all that I have commanded you.



[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

[2] See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of

the tribe of Judah:

[3] And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in

understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

[4] To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

[5] And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work

in all manner of workmanship.

[6] And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of

the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put

wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

[7] The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and

the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,

[8] And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his

furniture, and the altar of incense,

[9] And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver

and his foot,

[10] And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest,

and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office,

[11] And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according

to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.



Virtuoso composer Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most celebrated musicians

in history. Nearly two centuries after his death in 1827, his compositions are

still among the most performed pieces. A study of Beethoven's DNA, however,

indicates he may not have been born with some of his abilities - as we might

assume. When his genes were compared to those of 14,500 other people who'd

shown an ability to keep rhythm (merely one aspect of musical talent),

Beethoven ranked surprisingly low.



Beethoven also had ample opportunity and exposure to music (which developed

the aptitude he did have). Yet neither talent nor opportunity fully account

for God's role in endowing us with the abilities we have. Our Creator

equipped two men, Bezalel and Oholiab, with specific skills to be used in

building the tabernacle. God filled Bezalel "with knowledge and with all kinds

of skills - to make artistic designs" and appointed Oholiab "to help him"

(Exodus 31:3-6). God gave "ability to all the skilled workers to make

everything [He] commanded" (v. 6).



Few of us will work on projects as significant as God's tabernacle.

And our abilities may never be recorded in history's annals. Yet God has

equipped us with the skills, aptitudes, and experiences He wants us to

share with the world. May we serve Him faithfully, in His strength

and for His glory.



Reflect & Pray



What skills and abilities has God given you?

How might you serve Him with them?



Thank You, Father, for the abilities You've given me.

Please help me use them for Your glory.





For further study, watch Gifts with Your Name on Them.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



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



Mark 11:25



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

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



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

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



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

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

back."

The pastor thought for a moment, then gently suggested,

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

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

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

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

unforgiving relationships with five of the closest people to him.

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

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

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

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

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

communication between God and his people.

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

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

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

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

of us. And when we do, the channels are re-established;

we can pray in power and open ourselves to an awareness of his activity

in our lives.



Application



a) Have my prayers ever been affected by unforgiveness in my life?



b) Is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive,

whether or not I can work toward?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Proverbs 10:22



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



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



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



When you are Saddened by Loss



1 Cor 15:35-38,51-57



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

With what body do they come?"

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

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

perhaps of wheat or of some other grain.

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



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

all be changed.

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

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

and we shall be changed.

53 For tis corruptible will put on incorruption,

and this mortal will put on immortality.

54 When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,

and this mortal will have put on immortality,

then the saying that is written shall come to pass:

"Death is swallowed up in victory."

55 "O death, where is your sting?

O grave, where is your victory?"

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

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

our Lord Jesus Christ!



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

and with what body do they come?

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

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

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

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

and to every seed his own body.



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

all be changed,

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

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

and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption,

and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,

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

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

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

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

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

our Lord Jesus Christ.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



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



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

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

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



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



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

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

Islamic Centre.



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

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



Nunavut (NU)



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



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

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

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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

1 John 2



Children of God



28 (1Jn 3:2; 4:17) And now, little children, remain in Him, so that

when He appears, we may have confidence

and not be ashamed before Him when He comes.

29 (1Jn 3:7; 5:1) If you know that He is righteous,

you know that everyone who does righteousness is born of Him.



[28] And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we

may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

[29] If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth

righteousness is born of him.



1 John 3



1 (Jn 1:12; 3:16) Consider how much love the Father has given to us,

that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know

us, because it did not know Him.

2 (Ro 8:18; 8:29) Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been

revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be

like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

3 (2Co 7:1; 2Pe 3:14) Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself,

just as He is pure.

4 (1Jn 5:17; Ro 4:15; 3:20) Whoever practices sin breaks the law,

for sin is lawlessness.

5 (2Co 5:21; Heb 9:28) You know that He was revealed to take away our sins,

and in Him there is no sin.

6 (3Jn 1:11; 1Jn 2:4; 3:9) Whoever remains in Him does not sin.

Whoever sins has not seen Him and does not know Him.

7 (1Jn 2:26; 2:29) Little children, let no one deceive you.

The one who does righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.

8 (Jn 8:44; Mt 13:38) Whoever practices sin is of the devil,

for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.

For this purpose the Son of God was revealed,

that He might destroy the works of the devil.

9 (1Jn 5:18; Jn 1:13; 1Pe 1:23) Whoever has been born of God does not

practice sin, for His seed remains in him. And he cannot keep on sinning,

because he has been born of God.

10 (1Jn 4:8; Mt 13:38) In this the children of God and the children

of the devil are revealed: Whoever does not live in righteousness

is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.



[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we

should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not,

because it knew him not.

[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we

shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for

we shall see him as he is.

[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he

is pure.

[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the

transgression of the law.

[5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is

no sin.

[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen

him, neither known him.

[7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is

righteous, even as he is righteous.

[8] He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the

beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might

destroy the works of the devil.

[9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in

him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

[10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the

devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that

loveth not his brother.



Love One Another



11 (1Jn 1:5; 2Jn 1:5) For this is the message that you heard

from the beginning: We should love one another,

12 (Heb 11:4; Jude 1:11) not like Cain, who was of the wicked one

and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him?

Because his own works were evil, and his brother's works were righteous.

13 (Jn 17:14; 15:18-19) Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you.

14 (Jn 5:24; 1Jn 5:2) We know that we have passed from death to life,

because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love his brother remains

in death.

15 (Mt 5:21-22; Rev 21:8) Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,

and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.

16 (Php 2:17; Jn 3:16) By this we know the love of God: that He laid down

His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

17 (1Jn 4:20; Heb 13:16) Whoever has the world's goods and sees

his brother in need, but closes his heart of compassion from him,

how can the love of God remain in him?

18 (1Jn 2:1; Ro 12:9) My little children, let us love not in word

and speech, but in action and truth.



[11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we

should love one another.

[12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And

wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's

righteous.

[13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

[14] We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the

brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

[15] Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no

murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for

us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

[17] But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and

shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God

in him?

[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in

deed and in truth.



Confidence Before God



19 By this we know that we are of the truth, and shall reassure our hearts

before Him.

20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart

and knows everything.

21 (Job 22:26; 1Co 4:4) Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us,

then we have confidence before God.

22 (Jn 8:29; 9:31) And whatever we ask, we will receive from Him,

because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing

in His sight.

23 (Jn 6:29; 13:34) And this is His commandment: that we should believe

on the name of His Son ­Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.

24 (Jn 17:21) Now the one who keeps His commandments remains in Him,

and He in him. And by this we know that He remains in us, through

the Spirit whom He has given us.



[19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our

hearts before him.

[20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth

all things.

[21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward

God.

[22] And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his

commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

[23] And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his

Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

[24] And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.

And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given

us.



1 John 4



Test the Spirits



1 (2Pe 2:1; 1Jn 2:18; 1Th 5:21) Beloved, do not believe every spirit,

but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because

many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 (1Co 12:3; Jn 1:14) This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit

that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

3 (1Jn 2:18; 2:22; 2Jn 1:7) and every spirit that does not confess

that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God.

This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have

heard is coming and is already in the world.

4 (Jn 12:31; 1Jn 4:16) You are of God, little children, and have overcome

them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

5 (Jn 17:14; 3:31) They are of the world, and therefore they speak

from the world, and the world listens to them.

6 (Jn 14:17; 1Co 14:37) We are of God, and whoever knows God listens to us.

Whoever is not of God does not listen to us. This is how we know the spirit

of truth and the spirit of error.



[1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are

of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

[2] Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that

Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

[3] And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the

flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have

heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

[4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater

is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[5] They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world

heareth them.

[6] We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God

heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.



God Is Love



7 (1Jn 2:29) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God,

and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

8 (2Co 13:11; 1Jn 4:16) Anyone who does not love does not know God,

for God is love.

9 (Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:10; 5:11) In this way the love of God was revealed to us,

that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live

through Him.

10 (1Jn 2:2; 1Pe 3:18; 1Jn 3:1) In this is love: not that we loved God, but

that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we must also love one another.

12 (Jn 1:18; 1Ti 6:16; 1Jn 2:5) No one has seen God at any time. If we love

one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us.

13 (1Jn 3:24) We know that we live in Him, and He in us,

because He has given us His Spirit.

14 (Jn 4:42; 1:14) And we have seen and testify that the Father sent the Son

to be the Saviour of the world.

15 (Ro 10:9; 1Jn 5:5) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,

God lives in him, and he in God.

16 (1Jn 3:24; 3:1) And we have come to know and to believe the love

that God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us, so that we may

have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is, so are we

in this world.

18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out

fear, because fear has to do with punishment. Whoever fears is not perfect

in love.

19 (1Jn 4:10; Lk 7:47) We love Him because He first loved us.

20 (1Jn 2:4; 3:17) If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother,

he is a liar. For whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen,

how can he love God whom he has not seen?

21 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18) We have this commandment from Him:

Whoever loves God must also love his brother.



[7] Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that

loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

[8] He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

[9] In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent

his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

[10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent

his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

[11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

[12] No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth

in us, and his love is perfected in us.

[13] Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath

given us of his Spirit.

[14] And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the

Saviour of the world.

[15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in

him, and he in God.

[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is

love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

[17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day

of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

[18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because

fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

[19] We love him, because he first loved us.

[20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he

that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he

hath not seen?

[21] And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his

brother also.

Day 352, 18 December 2025 - 26th Day of Advent



1) 1 John 1, 1 John 2, 1 John 3, 1 John 4, 1 John 5



1 John 1



The Word of Life



1 (Jn 20:27; Lk 24:39; Ac 4:20) That which was from the beginning, which

we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon,

and our hands have touched, concerning the Word of life-

2 (Jn 1:4; 1Jn 5:20; 3:5) the life was revealed, and we have seen it

and testify to it, and announce to you the eternal life, which was with

the Father and was revealed to us-

3 (1Co 1:9; 1Jn 1:1; Php 2:1) we declare to you that which we have seen

and heard, that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship

is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

4 (Jn 15:11; 16:24) We are writing these things to you so that our joy may

be complete.



[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have

seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled,

of the Word of life;

[2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and

shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was

manifested unto us;)

[3] That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may

have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and

with his Son Jesus Christ.

[4] And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.



God Is Light



5 (1Jn 3:11; Jas 1:17) This then is the message which we have heard from Him

and declare to you: God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.

6 (1Jn 4:20; 1:10) If we say that we have fellowship with Him, yet walk

in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

7 (Isa 2:5; Eph 1:7) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ

His Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 (Jas 3:2; 1Jn 2:4) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

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

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

10 (1Jn 5:10; 1:8) If we say that we have not sinned,

we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.



[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto

you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

[6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we

lie, and do not the truth:

[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship

one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from

all sin.

[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is

not in us.

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

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is

not in us.



1 John 2



Christ Our Advocate



1 (Ro 8:34; 1Ti 2:5; Jn 13:33) My little children, I am writing these things

to you, so that you do not sin. But if anyone does sin,

we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

2 (1Jn 4:10; Jn 4:42) He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,

and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

3 (Jn 14:15; 15:10) By this we know that we know Him,

if we keep His commandments.

4 (1Jn 1:8; 1:6) Whoever says, "I know Him," and does not keep

His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5 (Jn 14:23; 1Jn 3:24) But whoever keeps His word truly has the love of God

perfected in him. By this we know we are in Him.

6 (1Pe 2:21; Mt 11:29) Whoever says he remains in Him ought to walk

as He walked.



[1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And

if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the

righteous:

[2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also

for the sins of the whole world.

[3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

[4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar,

and the truth is not in him.

[5] But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:

hereby know we that we are in him.

[6] He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as

he walked.



The New Commandment



7 (1Jn 3:11; Lev 19:18; 2Jn 1:5-6) Brothers, I am writing no new commandment

to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning.

The old commandment is the word which you have heard from the beginning.

8 (Jn 1:9; 13:34) Yet a new commandment I am writing to you, which holds true

in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away,

and the true light is already shining.

9 (1Jn 2:11; 4:20) Whoever says he is in the light but hates his brother

is in darkness even until now.

10 (2Pe 1:10; 1Jn 3:14) Whoever loves his brother lives in the light,

and in him there is no cause for stumbling.

11 (Jn 12:35; 2Co 4:4; 1Jn 2:9) But whoever hates his brother is in darkness,

and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going,

because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

12 (Ac 13:38; Lk 24:47) I am writing to you, little children,

because your sins are forgiven for His name's sake.

13 (1Jn 2:14; Jn 14:7; Lk 10:22) I am writing to you, fathers,

because you have known Him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young men,

because you have overcome the evil one.

I am writing to you, little children,

because you have known the Father.

14 (1Jn 2:13; Jn 5:38; Eph 6:10) I have written to you, fathers,

because you have known Him who is from the beginning.

I have written to you, young men,

because you are strong,

and the word of God lives in you,

and you have overcome the evil one.

15 (Jas 4:4; Ro 12:2; Mt 6:24) Do not love the world or the things

in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father

is not in him.

16 (Ro 13:14; Eph 2:3) For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh,

the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father,

but is of the world.

17 (1Co 7:31; Mk 3:35) The world and its desires are passing away,

but the one who does the will of God lives forever.



[7] Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment

which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye

have heard from the beginning.

[8] Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him

and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

[9] He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness

even until now.

[10] He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none

occasion of stumbling in him.

[11] But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness,

and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his

eyes.

[12] I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you

for his name's sake.

[13] I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the

beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked

one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

[14] I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is

from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are

strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked

one.

[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any

man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

[16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of

the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

[17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the

will of God abideth for ever.



The Antichrist



18 (1Jn 4:3; Mt 24:5; 1Jn 2:22) Little children, it is the last hour.

As you have heard that the antichrist will come, even now there are

many antichrists. By this we know that it is the last hour.

19 (Ac 20:30; 1Co 11:19) They went out from us, but they were not of us,

for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have remained with us.

But they went out, revealing that none of them were of us.

20 (1Jn 2:27; Mk 1:24; Jn 14:26) But you have an anointing from the Holy One,

and you know all things.

21 (2Pe 1:12) I have written to you, not because you do not know the truth,

but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

22 (2Jn 1:7; 1Jn 4:3; 2:18) Who is a liar

but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? Whoever denies the Father

and the Son is the antichrist.

23 (1Jn 4:15; Jn 8:19) No one who denies the Son has the Father;

the one who confesses the Son has the Father.

24 (Jn 14:23; 1Jn 1:3) Let that which you have heard from the beginning

remain in you. If that which you have heard from the beginning remains in you,

you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.

25 (1Jn 1:2) And this is the promise that He has promised us-eternal life.

26 (2Jn 1:7; 1Jn 3:7) I have written these things to you concerning those

who deceive you.

27 (Jn 14:26) But the anointing which you have received from Him remains

in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. For as the same anointing

teaches you concerning all things, and is truth, and is no lie,

and just as it has taught you, remain in Him.



[18] Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that

antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know

that it is the last time.

[19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of

us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they

might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

[20] But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

[21] I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because

ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

[22] Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is

antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

[23] Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that

acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

[24] Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the

beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in

you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

[25] And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

[26] These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

[27] But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye

need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of

all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye

shall abide in him.

From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



WEDNESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT



Exactly The Right Time



In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.



-Luke 2:1



God's timing is always stunning! When it was exactly the right

moment for the Christ Child to be born, "all the world" cooperated.

The Emperor Augustus issued an order,

and everyone had to go to their ancestral home.



This was the first registration, we are notified in verse 2,

to be commanded when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Whether this means that other enrollments were levied later on we

are not told, but this one made history-not because of its intention

to number the extent of the Roman Empire or to record the names

of Rome's conquerees for taxation purposes, but because the titles

of those rulers are now perpetually associated with the Messiah's birth.



You were born, too, at exactly the right time. God planned all your gifts

and calculated at what point in history your presence would be pivotal.

How we adore the All-Knowing One for his incredible timing!



Prayer



How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,

that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.



Read Luke 2:1-7.



Luke 2



The Birth of Jesus



Mt 1:18-25



1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.

2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.

4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth

in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,

because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.

7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,

and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.



From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



FOURTH WEDNESDAY

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



And his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.ISAIAH 9:6



In the days leading up to Christmas we're counting the days. The malls

are full. The carols continue. The Santas are weary. The mail carriers are

burdened. The children are hyper. And we can almost hear the cattle

lowing (whatever lowing is!.

In theses days we're ready to adore the Baby Jesus. as well we should.

Today's lesson spells it out so well: "A child has been born for us, a son

given to us." "Oh, come let us adore him. Christ the Lord!"

But look again in the stable. For too long we've seen the manger as

a "sanitary shed," white and neat and clean and perfect. But it wasn't

that way at all. It was messy and smelly and germy and . .. well ... human.

And that's exactly why we adore him! Because Christ didn't wait for us

to clean up our dirty and messy lives before he came to redeem us.

Not at all:He entered our sin-filled stables "lust as we are." He came as

a God sized man to rid us of our man-sized gods.

Check out the Christmas cards you are receiving. How many of them really

'depict the human stable where Jesus was born? He may look "adorable,"

but that is not why we adore him. We adore him because he has come

to be our Saviour. And we might add: our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!



Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,

Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.

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



Read Isaiah 9:2-7.



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

have seen a great light;

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

upon them the light has shined.

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

and increased the joy;

they rejoice before You

according to the joy of harvest

and as men rejoice

when they divide the spoil.

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

and the bar of his shoulder,

the rod of his oppressor

as in the day of Midian's defeat.

5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors

and all the garments rolled in blood

shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

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

unto us a son is given,

and the government shall be upon his shoulder.

And his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

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

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David

and over his kingdom,

to order it and to establish it

with justice and with righteousness,

from now until forever.

The zeal of the Lord of Hosts

will perform this.



From On Eagle's wings



He Who Was, Is, and Is to Come



"'Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty,'(Isa 21:9.)

who was, and is, and is to come."



Holy, holy,

holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Rev 4:8b

Advent is a time of waiting. Waiting is an act of faith. Faith is what

Jesus saw when people from Capernaum dug through the roof of a

crowded building and lowered their friend in front of him. For those

of us whose individual faith is not so strong, we can wait in

company with the Church. Advent is, for us, a time of special

blessing as it was for the paralytic man whose individual faith

seemed to have been unimportant.

Waiting is an act of faith when a fisherman sitting on the ice

believes there are fish below him. Or as an expectant mother waits

for her child, believing in her body and her community.

At Advent we wait for Jesus, our Messiah, Son of the Living God. We

do so with faith that he was, he is, and is to come.

From the distant past, where 'he was', we are blessed by the words

of Isaiah, prophesying that those who walk in darkness will see a

great light.

We wait for Jesus, our Messiah, with faith that 'he is', like the roof

people of Capernaum. Because of their faith, the sins of their friend

were forgiven and he was healed. As we keep company with such

people, pray as they do, and immerse ourselves in Scripture, we

learn to wait on Jesus 'who is'.

We wait for Jesus, Son of the Living God, with faith that 'he is to

come'. Like the man fishing through a hole in the ice as his

forefathers taught him. He waits for the fish that he seems to know

will come.



Gary Taylor

Bible Camp Volunteer 23



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the warnings of the Lord as evil increases

today.



Pray to the Lord: "Saving God, how amazing is Your perfect

love, that You would give Yourself for me!"



Pray to the Lord and pray to be an unlimited forgiver.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be leave a legacy of righteousness.



Pray to the Lord and pray to give him all your illnesses.



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

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray for the safety of those

who live in your community -

safety from conflict an crimes



Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,

aware of your power over him, and especially

aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.



Pray: How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,

that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.



Pray: Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,

Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.

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



Pray: God who was, is, and is to come, help us to recognise your

presence this year as we walk through another Advent season

together. Amen.



Pray that covert Christian fellowships in Iran

will thrive despite governmental oppression.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

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



Remember eternity starts now -

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

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



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



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



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

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

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



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



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

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

Islamic Centre.



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

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



Nunavut (NU)



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



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

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

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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





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



http://www.ehc.ca



17th Day of the Month



a) Pray for the safety of those

who live in your community -

safety from conflict an crimes



( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls

and security within your towers!



7 Peace be within thy walls,

And prosperity within thy palaces.)



b) Pray for the province of Ontario



I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,

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



)



Advent day 25



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



"Enemy-occupied territory-that is what this world is.

Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed...

and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.

When you go to church you are really listening-in to the secret

wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious

to prevent us from going." - C. S. Lewis



(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 46.)



A Campaign of Sabotage



C. S. Lewis wrote his most influential book, Mere Christianity,

in the middle of World War Two. The talks that became the basis

for this book were broadcast on the BBC between 1941 and 1944.

Lewis used numerous military allusions in that book,

in one case describing this world as "enemy-occupied territory."



Humanity has been invaded by an enemy: Satan.

He occupies the territory in which we live. "The rightful king"

has arrived and is in the process of taking back the territory,

but not as the Allies did on D-Day, June 6, 1944,

invading the beaches of Normandy in a full-scale assault

on German positions.



Jesus did not use tanks, planes, or artillery.

He arrived almost incognito. Few knew, even though it had been

predicted for centu­ries. Jesus came in disguise-as a baby.

No one would expect much opposition from a baby, but babies

have the power to wrap their parents around their little finger.

This baby had a lot more power than that, in fact, all power

and authority, and one day that au­thority will be visible

for all to see. But not yet.



Until then, we Christians acknowledge the power and authority

of this rightful king. We participate in his campaign of sabotage

against the enemy. We arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit,

the Word of God, and with the shield of faith, the breastplate

of righteousness, the belt of truth, and the shoes of the gospel

of peace. The message of the gospel is our best sabotage

against the power of Satan. Its power to forgive sins

is our best weapon.



Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,

aware of your power over him, and especially

aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.



10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord

and in the power of His might.

11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that

you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.



Ephesians 6:10-11

Jude



The general epistle of Jude was written by Jude, a half-brother

of Jesus Christ, in the mid AD 60s. The place of authorship is unknown.

The purpose for this epistle is to exhort believers to stand firm for

the faith. Jude is filled with apocalyptic nuances and imagery.

A reading of the Old Testament is a prerequisite before delving

into this lofty letter. There are some very encouraging exhortations

as well as some sobering ones. Read this epistle with reverence

and a humble heart. Refer back to the Old Testament Scriptures

that are enveloped within its confines.



Salutation



1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,

To those who are sanctified and called by God the Father

and preserved in Jesus Christ:



2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.



[1] Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that

are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

[2] Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.



Judgment on False Teachers



2Pe 2:1-17



3 Beloved, while I diligently tried to write to you of the salvation

we have in common, I found it necessary to write and appeal

to you to contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.

4 For there are some men who secretly crept in, who were marked long ago

for this condemnation. They are ungodly men, who pervert the grace of our God

into immorality and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

5 Now I want to remind you, though you already know, that the Lord saved

the people out of the land of Egypt and afterward destroyed those

who did not believe.

6 Likewise, the angels who did not keep to their first domain, but forsook

their own dwelling, He has kept in everlasting chains under darkness

for the judgment of the great day.

7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities in like manner,

gave themselves to immorality and went after different flesh, they serve

as an example by suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

8 Likewise, these ungodly dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority,

and slander celestial beings.

9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil in a dispute

about the body of Moses, did not dare to pronounce upon him

a railing judgment. But he said, "The Lord rebuke you!"

10 But these men slander those things that they do not understand.

But they destroy themselves in those things that, like unreasoning animals,

they know by instinct.

11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily after

the error of Balaam for a reward, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

12 These are the ones who are stains on your love feasts as they feast with

you irreverently and care only for themselves. They are clouds without water,

carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted;

13 raging waves of the sea, which are foaming up their own shame;

wandering stars for whom the gloom of darkness has been kept forever.

14 Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam, also prophesied of these men,

saying, "Look! The Lord is coming with ten thousand of His holy ones,

15 to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all who are godless

of all their wicked deeds that they have committed, and of all the terrible

words that godless sinners have spoken against Him."

16 These men are grumblers, complainers, who walk after their own lusts.

Their mouths speak arrogant words, and they flatter others to gain profit.



[3] Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common

salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye

should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the

saints.

[4] For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old

ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God

into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus

Christ.

[5] I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how

that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward

destroyed them that believed not.

[6] And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own

habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the

judgment of the great day.

[7] Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner,

giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are

set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

[8] Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion,

and speak evil of dignities.

[9] Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed

about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation,

but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

[10] But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they

know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

[11] Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily

after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of

Core.

[12] These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you,

feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried

about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead,

plucked up by the roots;

[13] Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars,

to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

[14] And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying,

Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

[15] To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly

among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and

of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

[16] These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and

their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in

admiration because of advantage.



Warnings and Exhortations



17 But, beloved, remember the words that were previously spoken

by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

18 They said to you, "In the last days there will be scoffers

who will walk after their own ungodly desires."

19 These are the men who cause divisions, sensual, devoid of the Spirit.

20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith.

Pray in the Holy Spirit.

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God while you are waiting for the mercy

of our Lord Jesus Christ, which leads to eternal life.

22 On some have compassion, using discernment.

23 And others save with fear while pulling them out of the fire,

hating even the garment stained by the flesh.



[17] But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the

apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

[18] How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who

should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

[19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

[20] But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith,

praying in the Holy Ghost,

[21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord

Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

[22] And of some have compassion, making a difference:

[23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even

the garment spotted by the flesh.



Benediction



24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you

blameless before the presence of His glory with rejoicing,

25 to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty,

dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.



[24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you

faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

[25] To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and

power, both now and ever. Amen.

2) Our Daily Bread for 17 December 2025

Precious to God by James Banks



Isaiah 43:1-7



1 (Isa 43:7; 44:2) But now, thus says the Lord

who created you, O Jacob,

and He who formed you, O Israel:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

2 (Ps 66:12; Da 3:25-27) When you pass through waters,

I will be with you.

And through the rivers,

they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire,

you shall not be burned,

nor shall the flame kindle on you.

3 (Ex 20:2; Pr 21:18) For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I gave Egypt for your ransom,

Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

4 (Ex 19:5-6) Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honorable,

and I have loved you;

therefore, I will give men for you,

and people for your life.

5 (Isa 49:12; 44:2) Do not fear, for I am with you;

I will bring your descendants from the east,

and gather you from the west;

6 I will say to the north, "Give them up,"

and to the south, "Do not keep them back.

Bring My sons from afar,

and My daughters from the ends of the earth,

7 (Ps 100:3; Isa 43:1) even everyone who is called by My name,

for I have created him for My glory;

I have formed him, and I have made him."



[1] But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that

formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called

thee by thy name; thou art mine.

[2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through

the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the

fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

[3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave

Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

[4] Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I

have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

[5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and

gather thee from the west;

[6] I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring

my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

[7] Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my

glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.



The painting hung on the wall of a home for years, unnoticed and forgotten,

until one day it fell. When it was taken to an art restorer for repairs, he

discovered it was a long-lost Rembrandt masterpiece titled The Adoration of

the Magi. It had been thought that only copies of the work remained, but here

was the original. Suddenly the painting's value skyrocketed to hundreds

of millions of dollars.



The Bible paints another picture of underestimated value and forgotten worth.

Isaiah the prophet, inspired by the Holy Spirit, told God's people that even

though they would be taken away to a foreign land where they would suffer

and be devalued, He would still be with them: "Do not fear, for I have

redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine," He assured

them (Isaiah 43:1). Though they would "pass through the waters"

and "walk through the fire" (v. 2), His faithfulness to them would

not change. With words that point to His coming kingdom in Christ,

God promised that He would one day restore "everyone who

is called by my name" (v. 7) and bring them home to Him.



God will one day gather all who are His because they "are precious

and honoured in [His] sight" (v. 4), each one an original! Our Creator values

us because of His infinite kindness and mercy. The world may overlook us,

but He never will.



Reflect & Pray



How does God's kindness in Christ show that you are precious to Him?

How much is He worth to you?



Saving God, how amazing is Your perfect

love, that You would give Yourself for me!





Learn more here about having a personal relationship with God.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 4 "Formula" for Forgiveness



Luke 17:3 - 4



3 (Lev 19:17; Mt 18:21)"Take heed to yourselves."

"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. And if he repents,

forgive him.

4 (Mt 18:21-22) If he sins against you seven times in a day,

and seven times in a day turns to you, saying,

'I repent,' you must forgive him."



3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him;

and if he repent, forgive him.

4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,

and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent;

thou shalt forgive him.



The context of these verses give us an interesting perspective of Jesus'

disciples. In a corollary passage in Matthew 18, the disciples (through

Peter, the designated mouthpiece) ask Jesus,

21 (Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3-4) Then Peter came to Him and said,

"Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?

Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21)

The disciples wanted a "formula" for forgiveness: they wanted to be able to

develop a checklist. Once, twice, maybe three times a brother could be

forgiven, but after that, you could write him off. After all, if

he keeps on offending over and over again, he doesn't deserve to be forgiven!

But Jesus says, " Rebuke him - let him know his fault; if he repents,

forgive him - even seven times in the same day!"

And the disciplines' response is predictable: "Lord, increase our faith!" They

were more comfortable with their own formula for forgiveness than with the

outrageous demands of the love that Christ imposed upon them.

We are so like the disciples. We want to draw a line and say. "This far

- no more. I'll forgive you once, but don't do it again. Now that you're

forgiven, you'd better shape up!". Yet God's love doesn't recognise "again".

He forgives, and no matter how often we come to him in repentance

for repeated offenses, his arms of forgiveness are open to us.

That is the way God wants us to forgive. He wants us to lay aside our

checklists, put away our suspicions, abandon our scoreboards, and forgive.

Seven times, or seventy times seven, as often as we have sinned against God

and been forgiven, we are to forgive.



Application



a) Have I ever kept a "scorecard" of performance on someone I

have forgiven ? Why?



b) Why do I need "increased faith" to be able to forgive as

Jesus calls me to?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Ps 37:25-26



25 I have been young, and now am old;

yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor their offspring begging bread.

26 The righteous are gracious and lend,

and their offspring are a source of blessing.



25 I have been young, and now am old;

Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;

And his seed is blessed.



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



When you are ill or injured



Matthew 8:14-17



The Healing of Many People



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



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

lying sick with a fever.

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

16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many

who were possessed with demons.

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

17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,

"He Himself took our infirmities

and bore our sicknesses."



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

laid, and sick of a fever.

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

ministered unto them.

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

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

were sick:

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

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



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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

2 Peter 3



The Promise of the Lord's Coming



1 This is now, beloved, the second epistle I am writing to you, in which

I am stirring up your sincere minds by way of reminder,

2 (Lk 1:70; Jude 1:17) that you should remember the words that were spoken

previously by the holy prophets and the commandment of our Lord and Saviour

spoken through us, the apostles.

3 (Jude 1:18; 2Pe 2:10; Isa 28:14) Know this first, that there shall come

scoffers in the last days who walk after their own lusts,

4 (Jer 17:15; Mal 2:17) and say, "Where is the promise of His coming?

For since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they

were since the beginning of the creation."

5 (Ge 1:6; 1:9) For they willingly ignore that, by the word of God

the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed standing

out of the water and in the water,

6 (2Pe 2:5) by which the world that then existed was flooded with water

and perished.

7 (2Pe 3:10; 3:12; Mt 10:15) But by the same word, the heavens and the earth

that now exist are being reserved for fire,

kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

8 (Ps 90:4) But, beloved, do not be ignorant of this one thing, that with

the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 (1Ti 2:4; Hab 2:3; Heb 10:37) The Lord is not slow concerning His promise,

as some count slowness. But He is patient with us,

because He does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

10 (Mt 24:35; Rev 21:1; 2Pe 3:7) But the day of the Lord will come like

a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with

a loud noise, and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat.

The earth also and the works that are in it will be burned up.

11 (1Pe 1:15) Seeing then that all these things are to be destroyed,

what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

12 (2Pe 3:10; Ps 50:3; Isa 34:4) while you are waiting for and desiring

the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens will be destroyed

by fire and the elements will be consumed by intense heat?

13 (Isa 65:17; 66:22; Rev 21:1) But, according to His promise, we are waiting

for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

14 (1Co 15:58; 1Th 3:13) Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these

things, be diligent that you may be found by Him in peace, spotless

and blameless.

15 (Ac 15:25; 2Pe 3:9) Keep in mind that the patience of our Lord means

salvation, even as our beloved brother Paul has also written to you according

to the wisdom given to him.

16 (Heb 5:11; 2Pe 2:14) As in all his letters, he writes about these things,

in which some things are hard to understand, which the unlearned

and unstable distort, as they also do the other Scriptures,

to their own destruction.

17 (1Co 10:12) You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand,

beware lest you also fall from your own firm footing,

being led away by the deception of the wicked.

18 (Col 1:10; Eph 4:15) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord

and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and forever. Amen.



[1] This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir

up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

[2] That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy

prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

[3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers,

walking after their own lusts,

[4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers

fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the

creation.

[5] For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the

heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the

water:

[6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

[7] But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept

in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of

ungodly men.

[8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with

the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

[9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count

slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should

perish, but that all should come to repentance.

[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which

the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt

with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be

burned up.

[11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of

persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

[12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the

heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with

fervent heat?

[13] Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a

new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

[14] Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent

that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as

our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath

written unto you;

[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which

are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and

unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own

destruction.

[17] Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest

ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own

stedfastness.

[18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus

Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.