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Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the spiritual battle around you and
for discernment.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, You know me best and love me most.
I'm so grateful for Your hand on my life."
Pray to the Lord and pray to put full trust in the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to cleave to the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the compassions and mercies of the Lord.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
Pray: God Almighty, may we willingly endorse, as Mary did, your
outline for our lives. Amen.
Pray: Lord, we pray today:"Lord, forgive us when we do not allow Jesus to be seen through what
we say and do. Forgive us when our story is not your story. Thanks for
continuing to cal us as your announcers of the best story of all--a baby
called Jesus ... in a manger ... foe us! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!"
Pray: O God, we give thanks for how you continue to come to us. As
we await the birth of your Son this Advent season, teach us how
to love one another as you have loved us. Help us to be present
with others to share your gift of love. Amen.
Jesus, you came to the earth to conquer sin and death, and
transform our hearts to be a dwelling place for your presence.
Break us free from sin and darkness so that we might be filled with
your light. When we feel insufficient or uncertain, help us turn our
focus back to you.
Fill us with hope this Advent by showing us the truth of who you
are, and our identity in you.
Pray that Gospel seeds will be planted
and take root in the hearts of many more Bahrainis.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
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From follow the story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Receptivity
Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. ..."
-Luke 1:38a
As was said in yesterday's meditation, Mary's consent was as striking a
wonder as other great works of God. That she was willing to go through
the gossip-causing pregnancy and the cruel agony of being the Christ's
mother was truly phenomenal. How highly we should honor her!
Mary also is a notable model for us. She was thoroughly obedient to
whatever God had in mind for her as she responded, "Let it be with me
according to your word."
Are we as willing to acquiesce in whatever God knows is best for us
(in eternal perspective) and most conducive for his purposes for the world?
I must confess that I don't receive all God's intentions for me with alacrity
or fervor. Some events in our lives probably seem too arduous
for us. I'm not saying that the evil forces don't cause us handicaps,
trials and much unpleasantness, but God has promised that all things
will work together (eventually) for good.
Can we encounter whatever God allows with thanksgiving?
Prayer
God Almighty, may we willingly endorse, as Mary did, your
outline for our lives. Amen.
Read Luke 1:26-38.
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favoured.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a an?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ANNOUNCEMENTS!
1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching
in the wilderness of Judea,
2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand." MATTHEW 3:1-2
Today's Gospel lesson announces to us that John the Baptist was one of
the best "announcers" of all time . . . even better than Ed McMahon or Ryan
Seacrest! He captured people's attention( wouldn't anyone wearing camel's
hair and eating locusts?). he knew his "product,' he was proud to be a
spokesperson, and he articulated his "mission statement" quite well:
"Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near... prepare the way of the Lord!"
And so it is with us AH-Ha people of Advent! We are announcers for
the Lord in all that we do, say and think. John's mission was to introduce
Christ and point people to the Lord. So is ours. How are we doing?
A little girl was playing the role of the head angel in the Christmas pageant
She took control, as head angels do, and made sure all the junior angels
stayed in their places. But all the energy arid excitement were too much
for them as they scurried in front of the manger scene. blocking out Mary,
Joseph and even Baby Jesus. It became too much for the head angel to
handle and she shouted to the overly eager angels, "Get out of the ways
Nobody can see Jesus"!
Sometimes l block people from seeing Jesus also. l get caught up in
telling my story, and I fail to tell his story.
Sometimes I do not take the time to
introduce people to the Lord. Sometimes my winging it doesn't help either.
And yet, the Lord continues to woo us all back to being announcers of
his story of love and forgiveness. What an announcement--from the Lord
himself! Enjoy being an AH-HA of Advent as we announce that Christ is
coming, is here now and will come again. But ... maybe drop the locust idea!
Lord, forgive us when we do not allow Jesus to be seen through what
we say and do. Forgive us when our story is not your story. Thanks for
continuing to cal us as your announcers of the best story of all--a baby
called Jesus ... in a manger ... foe us! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 3:1-12
Matthew 3
The Preaching of John the Baptist
Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-9, 15-17; Jn 1:19-28
1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching
in the wilderness of Judea,
2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand."
3 (Isa 40:3; Lk 1:76) For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah,
saying:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord;
make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].
4 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) This same John had clothing made of camel's hair,
a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
5 (Mk 1:5) Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region
around the Jordan went out to him,
6 (Ac 19:18; Mt 3:11) and were baptized by him in the Jordan,
confessing their sins.
7 (Mt 12:34; 23:33) But when he saw many of the Pharisees
and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them,
"O generation of vipers, who has warned you to escape from the wrath to one?
8 (Ac 26:20; Jer 36:3) Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance,
9 (Lk 3:8; 16:24) and do not think to say within yourselves,
'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you that God is able
from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
10 (Mt 7:19; Jn 15:2) Even now the axe is put to the tree roots.
Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down
and thrown into the fire.
11 (Ac 1:5; Lk 3:16; Isa 4:4) "I indeed baptize you with water to repentance,
but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy
to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
12 (Mal 4:1; Mt 13:30) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly
clean His floor and gather His wheat into the granary,
but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
From
On Eagle's wings Day 3
Vessels of Light
7 (2Co 5:1; La 4:2) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
the excellency of the power being from God and not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (MEV)
[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, and not of us. (KJV)
We were an hour from beginning our day at Bible Camp, and the
anticipation was growing. Although we were excited, we were
starting to get nervous. It was our very first time leading a Bible
Camp, and we were really hoping that everything would go
smoothly.
I thought that my experience as an elementary school teacher
would be enough to settle the anxiety, but it wasn’t. We quickly
realized that we needed to depend on God to calm our hearts, we
couldn’t do this on our own.
Turning to the Father, we began to pray and worship. Bringing our
concerns to him, we worshipped in song, and thanked him for his
character revealed to us in the Bible. He transformed our hearts.
The uncertainty didn’t disappear, but God gave us a truly hopeful
perspective. We went from thinking it all depended on us, to
remembering that it was never about us in the first place. This camp
wasn’t ours - it was his. And he was right there, dwelling with us. We
were simply vessels, called to reflect his light and truth to the
children he brought there.
Lauren Abrol
Bible Camp Volunteer
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
3nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the province of Alberta as follows:
I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, 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
b) Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
( John 16:8 - When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
)
Advent Day 11
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"We cannot conceive how the Divine Spirit dwelled
within the created and human spirit of Jesus....
What we can understand... is that our own... existence is...
but a faint image of the Divine Incarnation itself
- the same theme in a very minor key."
- C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 147.)
Like Father, Like Son
"Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." We've read those words from
John's Gospel earlier in these devotions. Jesus came from the Father. Jesus
came to do the will of the Father. The Father knows him, and he knows the
Father. He and the Father are one. He will return to the Father. Truly, like
Father, like Son.
Have you ever wondered why the image of a newborn baby, lying in a manger,
tugs at our hearts? Some of us love that image because we are parents, and we
recall those early days of parentage. But there is far more to this picture.
Part of God came to us and has been with us since the original creation, when
God made us in his image. And, as Lewis writes, in us and in our children
there is "a faint image of the Divine Incarnation itself." The image may be
faint, "the same theme in a very minor key," but it's there.
And then, Jesus comes to live in us as we believe in him. Paul says it this
way: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). He is there in us, in
the image of God, and he is there in us by faith when we believe, making us
like him.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making us in your image, for showing us the
Father, for living in us and for making us like you. Amen.
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. - John 14:9
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4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Deut 30:19-20
19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Freeing Forgiveness
Ps 103:1-14
PSALMS 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8–9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 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 nothern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
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2 Corinthians 13
Final Warnings and Greetings
1 (Dt 19:15; 2Co 12:14) This is the third time I am coming to you. "In the
mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (Dt 19:15.)
2 (2Co 1:23) I told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second
time. And being absent now, I write to those who have sinned before, and to
all the others, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone,
3 (Mt 10:20) since you seek proof of Christ speaking through me, who toward
you is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4 (1Pe 3:18; Ro 6:4; 1:4) For though He was crucified through weakness, yet
He lives by the power of God. So also we are weak in Him, but we shall live
with Him by the power of God serving you.
5 (1Co 11:28; Ro 8:10) Examine yourselves, seeing whether you are in the
faith; test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless
indeed you are disqualified.
6 I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved,
but that you should do that which is honorable, whether or not we may seem
disqualified.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 (2Co 13:11; 1Th 3:10) For we are glad when we are weak, and you are strong.
We wish even your perfection.
10 (2Co 10:8; 2:3) Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being
present I should be sharp, according to the authority which the Lord has
given me for edification and not for destruction.
11 (Ro 15:33; Mk 9:50; Ro 12:16) Finally, brothers, farewell. Be perfect,
be of good comfort, be of one mind, and live in peace, and the God of love
and peace will be with you.
12 (Ro 16:16) Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you.
14 (Ro 16:20; Php 2:1; Jude 1:21) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Amen.
[1] This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three
witnesses shall every word be established.
[2] I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second
time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and
to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
[3] Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not
weak, but is mighty in you.
[4] For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power
of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power
of God toward you.
[5] Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be
reprobates?
[6] But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
[7] Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear
approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as
reprobates.
[8] For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
[9] For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we
wish, even your perfection.
[10] Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I
should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to
edification, and not to destruction.
[11] Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
[12] Greet one another with an holy kiss.
[13] All the saints salute you.
[14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 3 December 2025 Titled
Growth Through Pain
By: Marvin Williams
Psalm 119:65-72
Teth
65 You have been good to Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good discernment and knowledge,
for I have believed Your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I wandered,
but now I keep Your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me Your statutes.
69 The proud have spoken lies against me,
but I keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as thick as fat,
but I delight in Your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I might learn Your statutes.
72 The law from Your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver coins.
[65] Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
[66] Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy
commandments.
[67] Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
[68] Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
[69] The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts
with my whole heart.
[70] Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
[71] It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy
statutes.
[72] The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and
silver.
The brain is remarkably small, but stress can make it even smaller. Recent
research has revealed that cumulative stress can shrink the prefrontal cortex,
the part of the brain responsible for managing emotions, impulses, and social
interactions. This shrinkage is linked to anxiety and depression,
highlighting the toll that a lifetime of stress can take. But there's good
news - the brain's plasticity allows it to heal through intentional practices
like exercise, meditation, and meaningful relationships.
The psalmist in Psalm 119 understood this idea of growth and healing after
facing stress and hardship: "IIt is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I might learn Your statutes." (v. 71). Affliction, though painful,
became the psalmist's teacher - taking us from being "astray" from God
to choosing to "obey [His] word" (v. 67). The psalmist expresses gratitude
for his bitter medicine and God’s goodness (v. 68). While he understood that
affliction and suffering could diminish him, he trusted God to use those
experiences to refine and restore him (v. 66).
Like our brains, our spirits are capable of being stretched. God uses this
stretching to cause growth and renewal. Through Scripture, prayer, and a
Spirit-inspired perspective, He can reverse the effects of our hardships.
He can use our afflictions for our spiritual growth, transforming
pain into purpose.
Reflect & Pray
How has God helped you grow in faith through suffering?
How have you embraced gratitude?
Loving God, thank You for teaching me through my trials.
To learn more about faith in pain, read Why?
Seeing God in Our Pain.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 4 - freedom from Fear
Psalms 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom will I be afraid?
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Marcy was afraid of the dark. As a child she slept with a nightlight on,
and even she matured, she still had a fear of dark places.
When she was at home alone, she kept all the lights on,
and a small lamp at her bedside glowed through the night.
The psalmist David reflects that common fear of darkness when he says
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?"
David does not say, "The Lord brings light," but "The Lord is my light".
God is the source of understanding and security in our lives.
He is the One who can expose and deal with our fears.
When we are afraid - afraid of losing a job or a loved one,
afraid of making mistakes, afraid of being hurt, afraid of what others may
say about us - we can turn to the Lord who can handle our fears.
He is a "stronghold", a fortress of protection around us,
and in him we are safe.
Often we turn to other places for our security - to the bank account,
to a spouse or loved one, to the approval of the world.
We mistakenly think that these sources can provide a foundation of defence
against uncertainty of life. But when we find that people disappoint us, money
loses its value, and the praise of others is fleeting,
we must turn again to the true source of security, God alone.
Application
a) What sources of security have I trusted in besides God?
What was the result of that trust?
b) In what ways have I depended upon God for my security?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
2 Corinthians 11
Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle
16 (2Co 11:1; 12:6) I say again, let no one think that I am a fool.
Otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, so that I also may boast a little.
17 (1Co 7:12; 2Co 9:4) What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but
as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast.
19 (1Co 4:10) For you tolerate fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.
20 (Gal 2:4; 4:3) For you permit it if a man brings you into bondage, if a
man devours you, if a man takes from you, if a man exalts himself, or if a
man strikes you on the face.
21 (2Co 10:10; 10:1-2) I say to my reproach that we were too weak for that.
But whenever anyone is bold (I speak foolishly), I am bold also.
22 (Php 3:5; Ro 11:1) Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites?
So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
23 (1Co 15:10; 2Co 6:4-5) Are they servants of Christ? I speak as a fool.
I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure,
in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one.
25 (Ac 14:19) Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned;
three times I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 (Ac 14:5; 13:50; 17:5) in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils
of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in
perils among false brothers;
27 (2Co 6:5; Php 4:12; 1Th 2:9) in weariness and painfulness, in
sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold
and nakedness.
28 Beside the external things, the care of all the churches pressures
me daily.
29 (1Co 8:13; 9:22) Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin,
and I am not distressed?
30 (1Co 2:3) If I must boast, I will boast of the things which concern
my weakness.
31 (Ro 9:5; Jn 10:30) The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is blessed forevermore, knows that I am not lying.
32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas secured
the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me.
33 (Ac 9:25) But I was let down by the wall through a window in a basket
and escaped his hands.
[16] I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool
receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
[17] That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were
foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
[18] Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
[19] For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
[20] For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if
a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
[21] I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit
whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
[22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the
seed of Abraham? so am I.
[23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours
more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths
oft.
[24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
[25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered
shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
[26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in
perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the
city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among
false brethren;
[27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst,
in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
[28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily,
the care of all the churches.
[29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine
infirmities.
[31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for
evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
[32] In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the
Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
[33] And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and
escaped his hands.
2 Corinthians 12
Visions and Revelations
1 (Gal 1:12; 2:2) Doubtless it is not profitable for me to boast.
So I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 (2Co 11:11; Ac 22:17) I knew a man in Christ over fourteen years ag
-whether in the body or out of the body I cannot tell, God knows-such
a one was caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew that such a man-whether in the body or out of the body I cannot
tell, God knows-
4 (Lk 23:43; Rev 2:7) was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible
words not permitted for a man to say.
5 Of such a person, I will boast. Yet of myself I will not boast, except in
my weaknesses.
6 (2Co 11:16) For if I desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be
speaking the truth. But now I resist, lest anyone should think of me above
that which he sees me to be or hears from me.
7 (Nu 33:55; Eze 28:24) And lest I should be exalted above measure
by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh,
a messenger of Satan, to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
9 (Php 4:13; 2Co 12:10; Isa 40:29-31) But He said to me, "My grace is
sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ
may rest upon me.
10 (Ro 5:3; 2Co 13:4) So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in
hardships, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake. For when
I am weak, then I am strong.
[1] It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions
and revelations of the Lord.
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I
cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such
an one caught up to the third heaven.
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I
cannot tell: God knoweth;)
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words,
which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine
infirmities.
[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will
say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that
which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the
revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of
Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am
weak, then am I strong.
Paul's Concern for the Corinthian Church
11 (2Co 11:5; 11:1) I have become a fool in boasting. You have compelled me,
for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior
to the leading apostles, though I am nothing.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were performed among you in all patience,
in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13 (1Co 9:12; 2Co 12:14) For in what respect were you inferior to other
churches, unless it be that I myself was not burdensome to you?
Forgive me this wrong!
14 (Pr 19:14; 1Co 4:14-15) I am ready to come to you this third time.
And I will not be burdensome to you, for I do not seek what is yours,
but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but
the parents for the children.
15 (Php 2:17; 1Th 2:8) And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.
If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16 But be that as it may. I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty,
I caught you with deceit.
17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?
18 (2Co 8:6; Ro 4:12) I urged Titus to go, and with him I sent a brother.
Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit?
Did we not walk in the same steps?
19 (Ro 9:1; 2Co 10:8) Again, do you think that we are defending ourselves
to you? We speak before God in Christ. We do all things, beloved, for your
edifying.
20 (Ro 1:29; 1Co 1:11) For I fear that when I come, I shall not find you
such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish.
I fear there are debates, envying, wrath, strife, backbiting, whispering,
arrogance, and disorder.
21 (2Co 13:2; 1Co 5:1) And I fear that when I come again, my God will
humble me among you, and that I shall mourn for many who have sinned already,
who have not repented of uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lasciviousness
which they have committed.
[11] I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to
have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest
apostles, though I be nothing.
[12] Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience,
in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
[13] For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be
that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
[14] Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be
burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not
to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
[15] And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more
abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
[16] But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I
caught you with guile.
[17] Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
[18] I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain
of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
[19] Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God
in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
[20] For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would,
and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be
debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings,
tumults:
[21] And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that
I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the
uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
Posted by DSY on
Day 337, 3 December 2025 - 10th Day of Advent
1) 2 Corinthians 10 , 2 Corinthians 11 , 2 Corinthians 12 , 2 Corinthians 13
2 Corinthians 10
Paul Defends His Ministry
1 (Mt 11:29; 2Co 10:10) Now I, Paul, who am lowly in presence among you but
bold toward you while absent, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness
of Christ.
2 (2Co 13:2; 13:10) I beg you that when I am present, I might not have to be
bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who
think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 (Jer 1:10; 2Co 6:7) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but
mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,
5 (Isa 2:11-12; 1Co 1:19) casting down imaginations and every high thing that
exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
6 (2Co 2:9; 7:15) and being ready to punish all disobedience
when your obedience is complete.
7 (2Co 5:12; Jn 7:24; 1Co 14:37) Do you look at things from the outward
appearance? If any man trusts that he is Christ's, let him consider again
that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
8 (2Co 13:10) For even if I should boast somewhat more of our authority,
which the Lord has given us for edification and not for your destruction,
I shall not be ashamed,
9 lest I appear to frighten you by my letters.
10 (1Co 1:17; 2Co 11:6) "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and
powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."
11 Let such a person consider this: that as we are in word by letters
when we are absent, we will also be in deed when we are present.
12 (2Co 3:1; Pr 26:12) For we dare not count or compare ourselves with those
who commend themselves. They who measure themselves by one another
and compare themselves with one another are not wise.
13 (Ro 15:20) But we will not boast beyond measure, but within the boundaries
which God has appointed us, which reach even you.
14 (1Co 4:15) For we are not overextending ourselves as though we did not
reach you, since we have come to you, preaching the gospel of Christ.
15 (Ro 15:20; 2Co 10:13) We are not boasting of things beyond our measure
in other men's labors. But we have hope that when your faith is increased,
our region shall be greatly enlarged by you,
16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you and not to boast in another
man's accomplishments.
17 (1Co 1:31; Jer 9:23-24) But, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
(Jer 9:24.)
18 (Ro 2:29; 1Co 4:5) For it is not he who commends himself who is approved,
but he whom the Lord commends.
[1] Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ,
who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
[2] But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that
confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as
if we walked according to the flesh.
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
[4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;)
[5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to
the obedience of Christ;
[6] And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your
obedience is fulfilled.
[7] Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to
himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as
he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
[8] For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord
hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be
ashamed:
[9] That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
[10] For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily
presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
[11] Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters
when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
[12] For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with
some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves,
and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
[13] But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to
the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach
even unto you.
[14] For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached
not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel
of Christ:
[15] Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's
labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be
enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
[16] To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in
another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
[17] But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
[18] For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord
commendeth.
2 Corinthians 11
Paul and the False Apostles
1 (2Co 5:13; 11:4) I would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly.
Indeed, bear with me.
2 (Isa 54:5; Hos 2:19-20) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For
I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin
to Christ.
3 (Rev 12:9; Ge 3:4; Jn 8:44) But I fear that somehow, as the serpent
deceived Eve through his trickery, so your minds might be led astray
from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 (1Co 3:11; Gal 1:6-8) For if he who comes preaches another Jesus,
whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which
you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted,
you might submit to it readily enough.
5 For I think I am not in any way inferior to the most eminent
of the apostles.
6 (1Co 1:17; Eph 3:4) Even though I am unpolished in speech, yet I am not
in knowledge. All things about us have been thoroughly revealed to you.
7 (2Co 12:13) Did I commit a sin in abasing myself that you might be exalted,
because I preached to you the gospel of God free of charge?
8 I robbed other churches by accepting wages from them to serve you.
9 (1Th 2:6) Furthermore, when I was present with you and was lacking,
I was a burden to no one. For the brothers who came from Macedonia
supplied what I lacked. In all things I have kept myself from being
burdensome to you, and so will I keep myself.
10 (Ro 9:1; Ac 18:12) As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop
me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11 (2Co 12:15; 12:2-3) Why? Because I do not love you? God knows.
12 (1Co 9:12) And I will continue doing what I am doing, that I may cut off
the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be found equal to us
in what they boast about.
13 (Rev 2:2; Gal 1:7) For such are false apostles and deceitful workers,
disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
14 (Gal 1:8) And no wonder! For even Satan disguises himself as an angel
of light.
15 (Php 3:19; 2Co 3:9) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also
disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be
according to their works.
[1] Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear
with me.
[2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you
to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his
subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in
Christ.
[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not
preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or
another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
[5] For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
[6] But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been
throughly made manifest among you in all things.
[7] Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted,
because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
[8] I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
[9] And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man:
for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia
supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto
you, and so will I keep myself.
[10] As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting
in the regions of Achaia.
[11] Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
[12] But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them
which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves
into the apostles of Christ.
[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as
the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Posted by DSY on
From
On Eagle's wings Day 3
Taste and See
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:9 (NIV)
In July, I returned to Behchoko, a First Nations community where
we had held a Bible Camp two summers ago. The town, northwest
of Yellowknife, had to evacuate ahead of the forest fire just as our
children’s program was ending.
This past summer, new trees were being planted. New houses were
being built. The community is looking forward to a bright future for
their young people.
As the boys and girls approached us the first day, a little girl raced
towards me, calling out to me by name! As she welcomed me back, I
felt surprised, humbled, encouraged.
A following day, this girl gave me a slice of bread. Not real bread,
but a craft made from paper, and part of our TASTE curriculum.
"This is for you!" she said. Printed on the bread slice were the
words: TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD. Words which I
remember hearing when I was her age. A wonderful reminder that
Creator wills goodness for his people.
In this Advent season, we look forward to the Christmas celebration
of our loving Creator coming among us in the birth of Jesus. As we
read through the Scriptures, we also look toward God’s coming to
us in the risen Jesus Christ at the close of history. We go forward in
our daily living in the confidence that our Lord Jesus, the Bread of
Life, wills good for us.
Let us reflect upon that little girl's slice of bread. Let us "Taste and
see that the Lord is good."
Rev. Dr. Gary Watts
Bible Camp Volunteer
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be a minister of reconciliation and a joyful
giver in His will.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, how prone I am to answer
quickly and in anger. Please guide me by Your Spirit
and help me weigh my responses wisely."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Jesus who delivers your from Darkness.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the bleesings of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know about the Upcomping Rapture
and the Resurrection of the Dead.
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 Church to make the Gospel accessible to all
Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,
wisdom and direction.
Pray God, give us patience to await your blessing and the faith to
believe that it is coming. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, God, for your radiant creations! Amen
Pray: Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Creator God, you call us to trust in your goodness for us and our
people. Forgive us. Guide us to discover and to follow your ways in
our daily lives. Amen.
Ask God to give Tunisian Christians wisdom
and courage to share their faith despite restrictions.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
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 facity, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far notherern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
Posted by DSY on
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
2nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians (
Rom 10:14-15 -
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 I And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good
things!"
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!
)
b) Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction. (
Jer 33:3
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things which you do not know.
3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee
great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
)
Advent Day 10
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered
time after time. He shatters it Himself. He is the great iconoclast.
Could we not almost say that this shattering is one of the marks of
His presence? The incarnation is the supreme example; it leaves
all previous ideas of the Messiah in ruins. And most are 'offended'
by iconoclasm; and blessed are those who are not. But the same
thing happens in our private prayers" - C.S. Lewis
(read this and more in A Grief Observed, p.78)
Immanuel the Iconoclast
When Lewis wrote these words about iconoclasm, he was going through
a very difficult period of his life. His wife Joy Davidman had died recently.
God wasn't acting the way Lewis thought he should under those circumstances.
God didn't seem to be hearing his prayers, even though he was.
Likewise, everyone in 1st Century Judaism had an idea of what the Messiah
would look like when he came. Some thought of the Messiah as a conquering
king, but only few thought of him as a suffering servant. Pilate, too,
had an idea of the kind of leader Jesus was alleged to be when he asked,
"Are you king of the Jews?" (John 18:33) . That's when Jesus, the Iconoclast,
said, "My Kingdom is not of this world"
An iconoclast breaks the mold, ignores tradition, does things very
differently. Lewis calls God "the great iconoclast" because one of the
molds that Jesus broke was the kingdom mold. Pilate thought Jesus
was a political leader. and even some of Jesus' followers thought that
he had come to drive out the Roman occupiers and bring political
freedom to Israel. But Jesus told Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this
world." Too often we think like Pilate, looking for political solutions
when we should be thinking of spiritual solutions.
What icons, images, or molds is God breaking in your life? What
expectations do you have that God does not seem to meet? Perhaps
that is his plan. It usually is.
God, give us patience to await your blessing and the faith to
believe that it is coming. Amen.
My kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
TUESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
The Sign
For nothing will be impossible with God.
-Luke 1:37
Perhaps Mary still had confusions and fears.
Absolutely the angel's message quite overwhelmed her.
Knowingly, Gabriel
gave her a sign to reassure her that his message was trustworthy. Her
relative Elizabeth, in spite of her old age, was also expecting a child
and was six months along. Indeed, this sign was as much a miracle
as Mary would soon sustain.
The motif of this story is true for all of us:
"Nothing will be impossible with God." This statement is true for
so many of the biblical stories; we can read about God doing
all kinds of astounding things in the Scriptures. Martin Luther
said that Mary's acceptance of God's arrangement for her
was as much a miracle as for God to produce a child in a virgin.
How have we seen that nothing is impossible with God?
What miracles have happened in our lives or in the life of someone we know?
Are we bothered by the word miracles? Or shall we name them God's wonders?
prayer
Thank you, God, for your radiant creations! Amen.
Read Luke 1:30-37.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
SECOND TUESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AFFIRMATION!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.
so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ROMANS 15:13
Did you know that it takes at least nine words of affirmation and
encouragement to overcome one word of criticism and hatred? How often
do you or your family or your congregation share encouraging words with
each other? when was the last time you said "Way to go!" to someone, or
gave a "You Done Good" award? Why is it that the deer and the antelope
seldom hear a discouraging word ... yet we hear them all the time?
Advent is a time for affirmation of other because we know gow life will
turn out- in the Lord! We can praise and thank and hug others because
the Lord is doing that each day to us - through his Word and sacraments,
and through others who hug and care for us. Hope in the Lord Jesus is to
know that even when there is no hope... there is hope in Chirst.
We Advent ambassadors abound in hope and affirmation because, as
St . Paul states, the Lord fills us "with all joy and peace in believing".
What a Christmas gift the Lord gives to us each day! And we do not even have
to wrap it before we give it to others!
Affirmation (aka, hope) means Hooray Opportunities Proclaiming Easter!
And why wait until Easter, or even Christmas for that matter?
Let us see how we can bring hope and affirmation to the people around us, right
now! The AH-HA of affirmation is contagious. Let's pray for an epidemic!
Lord, bring hope to us today so that we can bring hope to others in this
often hopeless world. We are firm in our faith in you. Help us
to be firm as we share love and hope with others, right now.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Romans 15:7-13
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us, for the
glory of God.
8 (Mt 15:24; 2Co 1:20) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to
the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises made
to the patriarchs,
9 (2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49) and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His
mercy, as it is written:
“For this reason I will acknowledge You among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to Your name."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Dt 32:43) He also says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"(Dt 32:43.)
11 (Ps 117:1) And again:
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise Him." (Ps 117:1.)
12 (Isa 11:10; Mt 12:21) And again Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in Him shall the Gentiles hope." (Isa 11:10.)
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy
Spirit.
Posted by DSY on
2 Corinthians 9
The Offering for the Saints
1 It is redundant for me to write to you concerning the ministry
to the saints.
2 (2Co 8:10; 8:8; 8:24) I know your willingness, for which I boast
of you to those in Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago,
and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
3 (2Co 8:6) Yet I have sent the brothers, lest our boasting of you might
be in vain in this case, that, as I said, you may be ready;
4 and lest if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared,
we (not to mention you) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.
5 (Ge 33:11; 1Sa 25:27) Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the
brothers to go ahead to you and arrange beforehand your bountiful gift you
previously promised, that it might be prepared as a gift, not as a matter of
greed.
6 (Pr 22:9; Lk 6:38) But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 (Ex 25:2; 2Co 8:12) Let every man give according to the purposes
in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful
giver.
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you,
always having enough of everything, may abound to every good work.
9 (Ps 112:9) As it is written:
"He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor;
His righteousness remains forever."(Ps 112:9.)
10 (Isa 55:10; Hos 10:12) Now He who supplies seed to the sower and supplies
bread for your food will also multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits
of your righteousness.
11 (2Co 1:11; 1Co 1:5) So you will be enriched in everything to all
bountifulness, which makes us give thanks to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the need
of the saints, but is abundant also through many thanksgivings to God.
13 (Mt 5:16) Meanwhile, through the performance of this ministry,
they glorify God for the profession of your faith in the gospel of Christ
and for your liberal sharing with them and with all others.
14 And in their prayer for you, they long for you because of the surpassing
grace of God in you.
15 (2Co 2:14; Jn 3:16) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
[1] For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me
to write to you:
[2] For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to
them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath
provoked very many.
[3] Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain
in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
[4] Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared,
we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
[5] Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would
go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had
notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not
as of covetousness.
[6] But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and
he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
[7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
[8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always
having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
[9] (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor:
his righteousness remaineth for ever.
[10] Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your
food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your
righteousness;)
[11] Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth
through us thanksgiving to God.
[12] For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of
the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
[13] Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your
professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal
distribution unto them, and unto all men;
[14] And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding
grace of God in you.
[15] Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
2) Our Daily Bread for 2 December 2025 titled
Positive Graffiti by Tim Gustafson
Proverbs 15:1-4, 23-28
1 (Pr 25:15; Jdg 8:1-3; Pr 15:18) A soft answer turns away wrath,
but grievous words stir up anger.
2 (Pr 12:23; 13:16) The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright,
but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.
3 (Jer 16:17; Heb 4:13) The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 (Pr 3:18; 12:18) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it crushes the spirit.
5 (Pr 10:1; 13:1) A fool despises his father's instruction,
but he who regards reproof is prudent.
23 (Pr 12:14; Isa 50:4) A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
24 (Pr 2:18; Php 3:20) The way of life leads above for the wise,
that he may depart from Sheol below.
25 (Ps 146:9; Pr 12:7) The Lord will destroy the house of the proud,
but He will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 (Ex 23:8; Pr 1:19) He who is greedy of gain troubles his own house,
but he who hates bribes will live.
28 (1Pe 3:15; Pr 15:2) The heart of the righteous studies to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
Proverbs 15
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath:
But grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:
But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life:
But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth:
And a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24 The way of life is above to the wise,
That he may depart from hell beneath.
25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud:
But he will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD:
But the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house;
But he that hateth gifts shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer:
But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
As a young man, journalist Sebastian Junger traveled the United States
and wrote about it. One day in the 1980s, he entered a restroom in the Florida
Keys and found hateful graffiti scrawled on the walls. Most of it targeted
Cuban immigrants. But one message, apparently from a Cuban, stood out. It
read, "Thank God the rest of the people in this country are warm and caring
and welcomed me in '62." Junger observed, "The very worst things about America
were on that men's-room wall, and the very best."
How are we to respond to the poisonous messages we so often encounter?
The book of Proverbs offers sound counsel. Solomon, who compiled most of the
book, brackets chapter 15 with similar imagery: "the mouth of fools poureth
out foolishness." (v. 2), and "the mouth of the wicked poureth
out evil things" (v. 28). The chapter begins, however, with the antidote
to such venom: "A soft answer turneth away wrath" (v. 1). Solomon also
noted, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (v. 4). Always, a patient
response is key: "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer" (v. 28).
How might God use our words when we ask Him to help us weigh them before our
mouths, our pens, or our keyboards spew venom and vitriol at our fellow
humans? As the proverb says, "a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
(v. 23).
Reflect & Pray
What's your reaction when you see or hear hateful speech?
How might you respond differently the next time you encounter hate?
Dear Father, how prone I am to answer
quickly and in anger. Please guide me by Your Spirit
and help me weigh my responses wisely.
Discover more about speaking wisely
by reading Stewarding Words Responsibly.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 3 - From Darkness to Light
Col 1:13-14
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has transferred us
into the kingdom of His dear Son,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of
sins:
Most of us have no real concept of darkness. We live in a world illuminated
not only by sun, moon and start, bit by streetlights and electric lamps and,
when the power goes off, flashlights and candles. We resist the darkness
For the sighted, being in absolute darkness is a frightening experience.
The dark blots out everything; we can see nothing, not even our own bodies,
and we may become disoriented. The dark seems to press in upon us,
with an almost physical weight that oppresses.
Spiritual darkness is like that. Spiritual darkness,
the absence of light in Christ, is oppressive, weighing us down,
distorting our perceptions of realty.
We cannot judge clearly, for we cannot see at all.
Yet God breaks into our darkness, bringing his light - Jesus Christ,
The Light of the World. When the awareness of Christ invades our lives,
our eyes are opened and we can see for the first time. We see our sin,
God's grace, and the Way he has provided for escape from the dark.
And as we continue to walk in his light, we see even more - the need
for changes in our lives, and God's power to work those changes.
Discernment and wisdom come through his light,
and we understand spiritual truths we could never see before.
Paul says that God has 'rescued' us from darkness and brought us
into the light. We cannot, on our own, accomplish this rescue,
but god through Christ's sacrifice brings it about in us.
He is the light who illuminates our darkness.
Application
a) Many different kinds of spiritual darkness invade our lives
and keep us blind to the truth - sin, lack of understanding,
resistance to the Holy Spirit. What kinds of spiritual darkness
have I experienced?
b) What changes took place in me when I first 'came into the light'?
c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?
2 Corinthians 7
1 (Pr 8:13; 2Co 6:17-18) Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
[1] Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness
in the fear of God.
Paul's Joy at the Church's Repentance
2 (Ac 20:33) Accept us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one,
and we have defrauded no one.
3 (2Co 6:11-12) I do not say this to condemn you, for I have said before
that you are in our hearts, so that we would die or live with you.
4 (2Co 1:4; 3:12) Great is my boldness of speech toward you; great is
my boasting of you. I am filled with comfort, and I am exceedingly joyful
in all our tribulation.
5 (Dt 32:25; 2Co 2:13) For when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest,
and we were troubled on every side. On the outside were conflicts; on the
inside were fears.
6 (2Co 1:3-4; 7:13) Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us
through the coming of Titus,
7 and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was
comforted in you, when he told us about your sincere desire, your mourning,
and your zeal toward me, so that I rejoiced even more.
8 Though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it, though
I did regret it. For I perceive that this same letter has caused you sorrow,
though only for a while.
9 (Ac 20:21) Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that your
sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorrowful in a godly way, that
you might not suffer loss in any way through us.
10 (Ac 11:18; 2Sa 12:13) Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads
to salvation and brings no regret, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
11 (2Co 7:7) For observe this very thing, which you sorrowed in a godly way:
What carefulness it produced in you, what vindication of yourselves, what
indignation, what fear, what intense desire, what zeal, what avenging
of wrong! In all things you have proven yourselves to be innocent in this
matter.
12 (2Co 2:9) So though I wrote to you, I did it not because of him who had
done the wrong, nor because of him who suffered wrong, but that our care
for you in the sight of God might be evident to you.
13 (2Co 7:6; Ro 15:32) Therefore we were comforted in your comfort.
Yes, and we were exceedingly the more joyful for the sake of Titus,
because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
14 (2Co 7:4; 8:24) So I am not ashamed if I have boasted of anything to him
regarding you. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even our boasting
in the presence of Titus is found to be true.
15 (Php 2:12; 2Co 2:9) Now his affection abounds all the more toward you, as
he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you
received him.
16 (2Co 2:3) Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.
[2] Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have
defrauded no man.
[3] I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in
our hearts to die and live with you.
[4] Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you:
I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
[5] For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we
were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
[6] Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us
by the coming of Titus;
[7] And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was
comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your
fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
[8] For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did
repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it
were but for a season.
[9] Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to
repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might
receive damage by us in nothing.
[10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:
but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
[11] For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort,
what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea,
what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal,
yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in
this matter.
[12] Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had
done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for
you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
[13] Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the
more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you
all.
[14] For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as
we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made
before Titus, is found a truth.
[15] And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he
remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye
received him.
[16] I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
2 Corinthians 8
Liberal Giving
1 (Ac 16:9) Moreover, brothers, we want you to experience the grace of God
bestowed on the churches of Macedonia,
2 how in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their
deep poverty overflowed toward the riches of their generous giving.
3 (1Co 16:2) For I bear record that according to their means,
and beyond their means, they freely gave,
4 (Ac 24:17; 1Co 16:3-4) begging us with much urgency that we would receive
the gift and the fellowship of ministering to the saints.
5 This they did, not as we expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord,
and then to us by the will of God.
6 (2Co 12:18; 8:4) So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also
complete this gracious deed for you.
7 (2Co 9:8; 1Co 1:5; Ro 15:14) But as you abound in everything-in faith, in
utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to
us-see that you abound in this grace also.
8 (1Co 7:6) I say this not as a command, but to prove through the authenticity
of others, the sincerity also of your love.
9 (Mt 20:28; 2Co 6:10; 13:14) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that through His
poverty you might be rich.
10 (1Co 7:25; 2Co 9:2) And in this matter I give my advice. It is appropriate
for you, who began last year not only to give, but also to willingly give.
11 Now therefore complete the task, so that, as there was a willingness to do
so, there may be a performance of it according to your means.
12 (2Co 9:7) For if there is a willing mind first, the gift is accepted
according to what a man possesses and not according to what he does not
possess.
13 I do not mean that other men have relief, and you be burdened,
14 (2Co 9:12; Ac 4:34_ but for equality, that your abundance now at this time
may supply their need, and their abundance may supply your need-that there
may be equality.
15 (Ex 16:18) As it is written, "He who gathered much had no excess. And he
who gathered little had no lack."(Ex 16:18.)
16 (Rev 17:17) But thanks be to God, who placed the same sincere care
in the heart of Titus for you.
17 (2Co 8:6) For indeed he accepted the exhortation. But being more zealous,
he went to you of his own accord.
18 (2Co 12:18; 1Co 7:17) And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is
in the gospel throughout all the churches.
19 (1Co 16:3-4; 2Co 4:15) And not only that, but he was also chosen
by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which we administer
to the glory of the same Lord, and to declare your willing mind,
20 to prevent any man from blaming us in administering this abundant gift,
21 (Ro 12:17; 14:18) providing for honest things, not only in the sight
of the Lord but also in the sight of men.
22 Furthermore, we have sent with them our brother whom we have frequently
proved diligent in many things, but now is much more diligent,
due to the great confidence which he has in you.
23 (Php 2:25; Phm 1:17; 2Co 8:6) If anyone inquires about Titus,
he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you.
Or if our brothers are inquired about, they are the messengers
of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24 (2Co 7:14; 7:4) Therefore show to them, and before the churches,
the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the
churches of Macedonia;
[2] How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and
their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
[3] For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were
willing of themselves;
[4] Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take
upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
[5] And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to
the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
[6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also
finish in you the same grace also.
[7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and
knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound
in this grace also.
[8] I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of
others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was
rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might
be rich.
[10] And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have
begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
[11] Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to
will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
[12] For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that
a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
[13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
[14] But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a
supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your
want: that there may be equality:
[15] As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he
that had gathered little had no lack.
[16] But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of
Titus for you.
[17] For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his
own accord he went unto you.
[18] And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel
throughout all the churches;
[19] And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel
with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the
same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
[20] Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is
administered by us:
[21] Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but
also in the sight of men.
[22] And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved
diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great
confidence which I have in you.
[23] Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper
concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of
the churches, and the glory of Christ.
[24] Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your
love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
Posted by DSY on
Day 336, 2 December 2024 - 9th Day of Advent
1) 2 Corinthians 5 , 2 Corinthians 6 , 2 Corinthians 7 , 2 Corinthians 8,
2 Corinthians 9
2 Corinthians 5
1 (2Co 4:7; 2Pe 1:13-14) We know that if our earthly house, this tent,
were to be destroyed, we have an eternal building of God in the heavens,
a house not made with hands.
2 (Ro 8:23; 1Co 15:53-54) In this one we groan, earnestly desiring to be
sheltered with our house which is from heaven.
3 Thus being sheltered, we shall not be found unsheltered.
4 (1Co 15:53-54) For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened,
not because we wish to be unclothed, but to be further clothed,
so that what is mortal might be swallowed up by life.
5 (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22) Now He who has created us for this very thing is God,
who also has given to us the guarantee of the Spirit.
6 (Heb 11:13) Therefore we are always confident, knowing that while we are
at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.
7 (1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:18) For we walk by faith, not by sight.
8 Instead, I say that we are confident and willing to be absent from the body
and to be present with the Lord.
9 So whether present or absent, we labor that we may be accepted by Him.
10 (Mt 16:27; Ac 10:42) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ, that each one may receive his recompense in the body, according
to what he has done, whether it was good or bad.
[1] For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved,
we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.
[2] For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our
house which is from heaven:
[3] If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
[4] For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for
that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be
swallowed up of life.
[5] Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath
given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
[6] Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home
in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
[7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
[8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body,
and to be present with the Lord.
[9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted
of him.
[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every
one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 (Heb 10:31; Jude 1:23) Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord,
we persuade men. But we are revealed to God, and I trust we are also
revealed in your consciences.
12 (2Co 1:14; 3:1) For we are not commending ourselves again to you.
Instead, we give you occasion to boast on our behalf, that you may
have something to answer those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
13 (2Co 11:1; 11:16-17) If we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are
in our right mind, it is for you.
14 (Ro 5:15) For the love of Christ constrains us, because we thus judge:
that if one died for all, then all have died.
15 (Ro 14:7-9) And He died for all, that those who live should not from
now on live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 (Php 3:7-8) So from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh.
Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we do not
regard Him as such from now on.
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have
become new.
18 (Ro 5:10-11; 1Jn 2:2) All this is from God, who has reconciled us to
Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of
reconciliation,
19 (Isa 43:25; Mt 1:23) 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.
20 (2Co 6:1; Eph 6:20) So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ's stead: Be reconciled to
God.
21 (Ro 1:17; 1Co 1:30) God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we
might become the righteousness of God in Him.
[11] Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are
made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your
consciences.
[12] For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to
glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in
appearance, and not in heart.
[13] For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be
sober, it is for your cause.
[14] For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if
one died for all, then were all dead:
[15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth
live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
[16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we
have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new.
[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.
[20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you
by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
[21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might
be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Corinthians 6
1 (1Co 3:9; Heb 12:15) As workers together with God, we ask you not to receive
the grace of God in vain.
2 (Isa 49:8; Lk 4:19) For He says:
"In an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and in the day of salvation I have helped you." (Isa 49:8.)
Look, now is the accepted time; look, now is the day of salvation.
3 (1Co 9:12; Ro 14:13) We give no offense in anything, that our service may
not be blamed.
4 (1Co 3:5; 2Co 3:6) But in all things we commend ourselves as servants
of God: in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distress,
5 (2Co 11:23-25; Ac 17:5) in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors,
in sleeplessness, and in hunger;
6 (Ro 12:9; 2Co 11:6) by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness,
by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love,
7 (2Co 4:2; Eph 1:13) by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour
of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 (Mt 27:63; Ro 3:8) by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report;
as deceivers, and yet true;
9 (Ro 8:36; 1Co 4:9) as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and look, we
live; as punished, but not killed;
10 (Jn 16:22; 2Co 8:9) as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making
many rich; and as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
11 (Ps 119:32; 2Co 12:15) O Corinthians, we have spoken frankly to you;
our heart is opened wide.
12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own
affections.
13 In return (I speak as to my children) you also be open.
[1] We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive
not the grace of God in vain.
[2] (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of
salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold,
now is the day of salvation.)
[3] Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
[4] But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much
patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
[5] In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in
fastings;
[6] By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy
Ghost, by love unfeigned,
[7] By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of
righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
[8] By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers,
and yet true;
[9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as
chastened, and not killed;
[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as
having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
[11] O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
[12] Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
[13] Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye
also enlarged.
The Temple of the Living God
14 (1Co 5:9; 7:39) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness?
What communion has light with darkness?
15 What agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what part has he who believes
with an unbeliever?
16 (Lev 26:12; Ex 29:45) What agreement has the temple of God with idols?
For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
"I will live in them
and walk in them.
I will be their God,
and they shall be My people."(Lev 26:12; Jer 32:38; Eze 37:27.)
17 (Isa 52:11; Rev 18:4) Therefore,
"Come out from among them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
and I will receive you." (Jer 9:24.)
18 (Isa 43:6; Jer 31:9) "I will be a Father to you,
and you shall be My sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty." (2Sa 7:14.)
[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what
fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath
light with darkness?
[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel?
[16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the
temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk
in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,
saith the Lord Almighty.
Posted by DSY on
From the AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ALLELUIA!
1 (Isa 11:10; 4:2; 53:2) And there shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
ISAIAH 11:1
Alleluia is another word for AH-HA! And how about other alleluia words
like hooray arid wow and even you betcha?
Today's Scripture focuses on the AH-HAs and alleluias that we celebrate
daily, even in the midst of our UH-OHs and ouches. Life is certainly not a
bowl of cherries. But the message of Advent. Christmas, Lent and Easter is
that the Lord has removed the power of the "pits" of sin in our lives so that
we can live as alleluia people!
Check out Isaiah 11:"As hoot will come from the stump of Jesse; a branch
shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him." That's
Jesus! That's the reason for the alleluias and the AH-HAs, even in the
midst of our UH-OHs. Verse 6 says the wolf shall live with the lamb. Can
you imagine that? A professor explained once why pictures of a wolf and
lamb lying down together always appeared to be morning photos. He said
it was because every morning the photographers would have to bring in
a new lamb! Not so. at least to us alleluia people! ln a world where even
carpenters are resurrected. everything is possible!
Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 11:1-10
1 (Isa 11:10; 4:2; 53:2) And there shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 (Isa 61:1; Mt 3:16; Isa 42:1) The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
3 (Jn 7:24) He shall delight in the fear of the Lord,
and he shall not judge by what his eyes see,
nor reprove by what his ears hear;
4 (Mal 4:6; Job 4:9; Ps 2:9) but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and reprove with fairness for the meek of the earth.
He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
5 (Eph 6:14; Isa 25:1) Righteousness shall be the belt of his loins,
and faithfulness the belt about his waist.
6 (Isa 65:25; Hos 2:18) The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young ones shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play by the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den.
9 (Hab 2:14; Job 5:23) They shall not hurt or destroy
in all My holy mountain,
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord,
as the waters cover the sea.
10 (Isa 11:1; Lk 2:32) In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,
who shall stand as a banner to the peoples. For him shall the nations seek.
And his rest shall be glorious.
From
On Eagle's wings Day 2 2025
Hope and Waiting and Gratitude!
Hope. Waiting. Gratitude! It took centuries for God’s plan to unfold.
What do we daily wait for in life? We wait for many things – justice,
peace, end to war; we wait for graduation day; we wait for time. We
also wait for forgiveness, for family unity, for God’s Kingdom; we wait
to see our loved ones again. In the season of Advent, we wait for a
Redeemer, the Promised One, the Anointed One!
Here in Tuktoyaktuk, we wait for seasons of hunting and fishing. We
wait for the ice bridge to come so we can use the ice road. We wait
for our kids to get through their teen years with their struggles and
challenges. And these things always come. The animals and fish come
in abundance. The ice road becomes usable. The next generation
eventually become mayors, teachers, labourers and even elders! And
we smile! These are daily experiences of hoping.
As Christians, we wait with hope, with expectation, because God is
faithful to his promises. So many scriptures are about our hope in
God.
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
(Mt. 28:20)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God" (Jn 14:1)
" For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth."
(Ps 71:5)
A few days ago, in an e-mail, I received a note:
“I see God is moving in peoples’ lives … healing is happening …”.
So many hopes! So much waiting! And now so much gratitude!
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving and bountiful of joy.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to rely daily on Your
Spirit to unite and guide me in how to share life with other believers."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that you are not longer alien
to Jesus Christ.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour his covenenat.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His statutes!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
Pray Lord, you come in judgment and hope. Be for us the hope,
and light, of the world. Amen.
Pray: O Holy Spirit and Most High, thank you for conceiving Jesus
in Mary's womb! Amen..
Pray: Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!
Loving God, in so many ways you lead us, guide us, slow us down and
bless us. Thank you for the gift of your Word made flesh, who dwells
among us and shows us the way. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
Pray that Christians will receive opportunities for
fellowship and discipleship with other local believers in Libya.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
Posted by DSY on
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2025 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for MUslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facity, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far notherern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
1st Day of the month
1) Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada
(
Joel 2:28 And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream
dreams, and your young men will see visions.
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon
all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men
shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Acts 2:17 "In the last days it shall be," says God, "
that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams.
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
And your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams:
)
2) Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God
(Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,
as the rivers of water; He turns it to any place He will.
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD,
As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
)
Advent Day 9
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck
"'When this rich thing goeth about the Round Table shall be
destroyed'--but also redeemed. Judgment is at hand, promise
of judgment and threat of judgment. . ..It is the same sort of
ambivalence which Christians have been taught to recognize in
the season of Advent."
(From The Arthurian Torso, by C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams, p. 157.)
The Day of the Lord
The last devotion spoke about the quest for the Holy Grail beginning
in Advent. In this devotion, we remember both the Good News
and the Bad News of the coming of the Christ. He came that we
might have life; that's the Good News. But he had to come because
we had chosen sin and death; that's the Bad News. Lewis, too. writes
of redemption and judgment. The "rich thing" that goes about the
Round Table of King Arthur is the much-sought Holy Grail. But its
presence will destroy the Round Table.
Our Scripture quotation also speaks of the redemption and
judgment in the coming day of the Lord . That day is near, the
prophet Joel writes. But that day will have a different message for
different people. For the people of God, the day of the LORD is a day
of deliverance. For the enemies of God, the day of the LORD is a day
of judgment. That's both good news and bad news, both law and
gospel. The truth is that we need to hear both messages. It's not that
good news is for good people and bad news for bad people. There
are no truly good people.
Actually, the day of the LoRD is any day when God's plan of salvation
takes a significant step forward. The final day of the Lord will
be the great Day of Judgment. Days of the Lord long-past include
the Babylonian Exile of Israel, the Day of Pentecost, and especially
the birth of Jesus. On those days, God's plan of salvation took an
important step forward. The coming of the Messiah was hastened,
and we are the beneficiaries.
Prayer: Lord, you come in judgment and hope. Be for us the hope,
and light, of the world. Amen.
14 (Isa 34:2-8; Joel 1:15) Multitudes, multitudes,
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
in the valley of the decision.
Joel 3:14
From Follow the Story Marva J. Dawn
MONDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
The Question of Virginity
34 Then Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
-Luke 1:34
For Mary it was a question of procedure: should she marry Joseph,
her fiance so they could have this child? But for
most people today, the question is of biblical truth:
children aren't born of virgins!
Gabriel's answer leaves us with mystery: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you ... " (Luke 1:35).
In other words, this is utterly the work of God.
Consequently, the child will be perfect, unmarred by human sin,
and will be called not the son of human beings, but the Son of God.
My redaction criticism teacher in graduate school
considered this text in wonder.
The Hebrew word in the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14
can be translated "young maiden"
(either married or not) or "virgin," but Matthew 1:23 renders it "virgin."
Thus, he said, the texts are all consistent;
we must accept that Mary was a virgin.
Hallelujah! It was a miracle!
prayer
0 Holy Spirit and Most High, thank you for conceiving Jesus
in Mary's womb! Amen.
Read Luke 1:26-35.
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favuored.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.