Day 319 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 15 November 2025 reflections
Day 319, 15 November 2025
1) Acts 15, Acts 16
Acts 15
The Council in Jerusalem
1 (Ac 15:5; 15:24) Some men came down from Judea and were teaching
the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised in the tradition of Moses,
you cannot be saved."
2 (Ac 15:22-23; 15:4; 15:6-7) Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had
no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul
and Barnabas, and certain others among them, should go up to Jerusalem
to the apostles and elders about this question.
3 (Ac 14:27; 21:5) So being sent on their way by the church,
they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion
of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers.
4 (Ac 14:27; 15:12) When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed
by the church and the apostles and the elders,
and they declared what God had done through them.
5 (Ac 15:1) Then some believers of the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying,
"It is necessary to circumcise them,
and to command them to keep the Law of Moses."
6 (Ac 15:25) The apostles and elders assembled to consider this matter.
7 (Ac 15:2; 10:20) After much disputing, Peter rose up and said to them,
"Brothers, you know that some time ago God decided among us,
that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
8 (Ac 1:24; 2:4) God, who knows the heart, approved of them, giving them
the Holy Spirit just as He did to us,
9 (Ac 10:28; 10:34) and made no distinction between them and us,
and purified their hearts by faith.
10 (Mt 23:4; Gal 5:1) Now then, why test God by putting a yoke upon
the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been
able to bear?
11 (Ro 3:24; 2Co 13:14) But we believe that through the grace
of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."
12 (Ac 14:27; 15:4) The entire assembly remained silent
and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring what signs
and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
13 (Ac 12:17) After they had become silent, James answered,
"Brothers, listen to me.
14 (Isa 43:21; 2Pe 1:1) Simon has declared how God first visited
the Gentiles to take from among them a people for His name.
15 With this the words of the prophets agree. As it is written:
16 (Am 9:11-12) 'After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will set it up;(Am 9:11; Jer 12:15.)
17 (Isa 43:7) that the rest of men may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
(Am 9:12; Dt 28:10; Isa 63:19; Jer 14:9; Da 9:19.)
says the Lord who does all these things.' (Am 9:11-12.)
18 Known to God are all His works since the beginning of the world.
19 (Ac 15:28) "Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble
those of the Gentiles who are turning to God,
20 (Lev 3:17; Ac 15:29; Ge 9:4) but that we write to them to abstain
from food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from strangled animals,
and from blood.
21 (Ac 13:15; 13:27) For Moses has had in every city since early generations
those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."
[1] And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and
said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be
saved.
[2] When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation
with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of
them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this
question.
[3] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through
Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they
caused great joy unto all the brethren.
[4] And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church,
and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had
done with them.
[5] But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed,
saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep
the law of Moses.
[6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
[7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto
them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice
among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel,
and believe.
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the
Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by
faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the
disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall
be saved, even as they.
[12] Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and
Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles
by them.
[13] And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and
brethren, hearken unto me:
[14] Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to
take out of them a people for his name.
[15] And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
[16] After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David,
which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will
set it up:
[17] That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles,
upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
[18] Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
[19] Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among
the Gentiles are turned to God:
[20] But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of
idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
[21] For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being
read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
The Reply of the Council
22 (Ac 15:27; 15:32; 15:40) Then it pleased the apostles and the elders,
with the whole church, to send chosen men from among them to Antioch
with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabas, and Silas,
leading men among the brothers.
23 (Ac 23:26; Jas 1:1) They wrote this letter by their hand:
The apostles and the elders and the brothers,
To the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24 (Ac 15:1; Gal 1:7) Since we have heard that some of us,
whom we did not commission, have gone out and have troubled you with words,
unsettling your minds, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law,"
25 (Ac 1:14; 2Pe 3:15) it seemed good to us, being assembled in unity,
to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 (Ac 14:19; 9:23-25) men who have risked their lives
for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 (Ac 15:22) Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas,
who will also speak to you, saying the same things.
28 (Jn 16:13; Ac 5:32) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit
and to us to put on you no greater burden than these necessary things:
29 (Ac 15:20; 21:25; Rev 2:14) Abstain from food offered to idols,
from sexual immorality, from strangled animals, and from blood.
If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
Farewell.
30 So when they were dismissed, they went down to Antioch.
And when they had assembled the congregation, they delivered the letter.
31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the exhortation.
32 (Ac 11:23; 13:1) Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves,
exhorted the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
33 (1Co 16:11; Ac 16:36) After they had remained there for a time,
they were sent off in peace by the brothers to the apostles.
34 But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.
35 (Ac 13:1) And Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch,
teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
[22] Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send
chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely,
Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
[23] And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and
elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the
Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
[24] Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have
troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be
circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
[25] It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen
men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
[26] Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[27] We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the
same things by mouth.
[28] For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no
greater burden than these necessary things;
[29] That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from
things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye
shall do well. Fare ye well.
[30] So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had
gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
[31] Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
[32] And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the
brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
[33] And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace
from the brethren unto the apostles.
[34] Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
[35] Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the
word of the Lord, with many others also.
Paul and Barnabas Separate
36 (Ac 13:4; 13:13-14) After some days Paul said to Barnabas,
"Let us return and visit our brothers in every city
where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."
37 (Ac 12:12) Barnabas determined to take with them John, who was called Mark.
38 (Ac 13:13) But Paul thought it was not good to take with them one
who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them
to the work.
39 (Ac 4:36) Then there arose a sharp contention,
so that they separated from each other.
Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus,
40 (Ac 14:26; 15:22) but Paul chose Silas and departed,
being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.
41 (Ac 15:23; 15:32) And he went through Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening the churches.
[36] And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit
our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and
see how they do.
[37] And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
[38] But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them
from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
[39] And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed
asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto
Cyprus;
[40] And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren
unto the grace of God.
[41] And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Acts 16
Timothy Accompanies Paul and Silas
1 (Ac 14:6; 17:14) Then he came to Derbe and then to Lystra.
A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed,
but his father was a Greek.
2 He was well spoken of by the brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 (Gal 2:3) Paul wanted him to travel with him. So he took him
and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places,
for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
4 (Ac 15:28-29; 15:2) As they went through the cities,
they delivered to them the decrees to observe,
that were set forth by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.
5 (Ac 9:31; 2:47) So the churches were strengthened in the faith,
and increased in number daily.
[1] Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was
there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and
believed; but his father was a Greek:
[2] Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and
Iconium.
[3] Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him
because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his
father was a Greek.
[4] And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for
to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at
Jerusalem.
[5] And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in
number daily.
Paul's Vision of the Macedonian
6 (Ac 18:23; 1Pe 1:1; Gal 1:2) They went through the region of Phrygia
and Galatia and were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.
7 (Ro 8:9; Gal 4:6) When they came near Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia,
but the Spirit did not allow them.
8 (2Co 2:12; 2Ti 4:13) So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.
9 (Ac 18:5; 19:21) During the night a vision appeared to Paul:
A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying,
"Come over to Macedonia and help us."
10 After he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia,
concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
[6] Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and
were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
[7] After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the
Spirit suffered them not.
[8] And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
[9] And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of
Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
[10] And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into
Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the
gospel unto them.
The Conversion of Lydia
11 From Troas we set sail on a straight course to Samothrace
and the next day to Neapolis,
12 (Php 1:1; 1Th 2:2) and from there to Philippi, which is the main city
of that part of Macedonia, and a colony. We stayed in this city several days.
13 (Ac 13:14) On the Sabbath we went out of the city to a riverside,
where prayer was customarily offered. And we sat down
and spoke to the women who had assembled.
14 (Lk 24:45; Ac 18:7) A woman named Lydia, a seller of purple fabric
of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard us.
The Lord opened her heart to acknowledge what Paul said.
15 (Ac 11:14; Heb 13:2) When she and her household were baptized,
she entreated us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord,
come to my house and remain there." And she persuaded us.
[11] Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to
Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
[12] And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of
Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
[13] And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where
prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which
resorted thither.
[14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of
Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that
she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
[15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying,
If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and
abide there. And she constrained us.
The Imprisonment in Philippi
16 (1Sa 28:7; 1Ch 10:13) On one occasion, as we went to the place of prayer,
a servant girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us,
who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
17 (Mk 5:7; Da 3:26) She followed Paul and us, shouting,
"These men are servants of the Most High God,
who proclaim to us the way of salvation."
18 (Mk 16:17; 1:34) She did this for many days. But becoming greatly
troubled, Paul turned to the spirit and said,
"I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her."
And it came out at that moment.
19 (Ac 21:30; 8:3) When her masters saw that the hope of their profits
was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace
to the rulers.
20 (Ac 28:22) And they brought them to the magistrates, saying,
"These men, being Jews, greatly trouble our city
21 (Est 3:8; Ac 16:12) and teach customs which are not lawful for us,
being Romans, to receive or observe."
22 (1Th 2:2; 2Co 6:5) The crowd rose up together against them.
And the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them.
23 After they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison,
commanding the jailer to guard them securely.
24 (Job 13:27; 33:11) Having received such an order, he threw them into
the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 (Job 35:10; Ps 42:8) At midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26 (Ac 4:31; 12:7) Suddenly there was a great earthquake,
so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.
And immediately all the doors were opened
and everyone's shackles were loosened.
27 (Ac 12:19) When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors open,
he drew his sword and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
28 But Paul shouted, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."
29 He called for lights and rushed in, trembling,
and fell down before Paul and Silas.
30 (Ac 2:37; 22:10) He then led them out and asked,
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 (Mk 16:16; Jn 1:12) They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,
and you and your household will be saved."
32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him
and to all who were in his household.
33 (Ac 16:15; 16:25) In that hour of the night he took them
and washed their wounds. And immediately he and his entire household
were baptized.
34 (Ac 2:46) Then he brought them up to his house and set food before them.
And he rejoiced with his entire household believing in God.
35 When it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying,
"Release those men."
36 (Ac 15:33) The prison guard reported these words to Paul, saying,
"The magistrates have sent to release you.
Now therefore depart, and go in peace."
37 (Ac 22:25-29) But Paul said to them, "They have publicly beaten us,
who are uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison.
And now do they secretly throw us out? Certainly not!
Let them come themselves and bring us out."
38 (Ac 22:29) The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates,
and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.
39 (Mt 8:34) So they came and entreated them. And they brought them out,
asking them to leave the city.
40 (Ac 16:14) They went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia.
When they had seen the brothers, they exhorted them and departed.
[16] And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed
with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by
soothsaying:
[17] The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
[18] And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to
the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.
And he came out the same hour.
[19] And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they
caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
[20] And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do
exceedingly trouble our city,
[21] And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to
observe, being Romans.
[22] And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates
rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
[23] And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into
prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
[24] Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison,
and made their feet fast in the stocks.
[25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and
the prisoners heard them.
[26] And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of
the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every
one's bands were loosed.
[27] And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the
prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
[28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we
are all here.
[29] Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell
down before Paul and Silas,
[30] And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
[31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house.
[32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in
his house.
[33] And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes;
and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
[34] And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them,
and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
[35] And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let
those men go.
[36] And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates
have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
[37] But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being
Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily?
nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
[38] And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they
feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
[39] And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them
to depart out of the city.
[40] And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia
and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 November 2024 Titled
Singing the Scriptures by
Amy Boucher Pye
Song of Songs 1:1-6
Songs 1
Introduction
1 The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's.
1 The song of songs, which is Solomon's.
The Woman
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your love is better than wine.
3 Your anointing oils are fragrant,
your name is oil poured out;
therefore the virgins love you.
4 Draw me after you, let us run.
The king has brought me into his chambers.
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth:
For thy love is better than wine.
3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments
Thy name is as ointment poured forth,
Therefore do the virgins love thee.
4 Draw me, we will run after thee:
The king hath brought me into his chambers:
Friends of the Woman
We will exult and rejoice in you;
we will remember your love more than wine;
rightly do they love you.
We will be glad and rejoice in thee,
We will remember thy love more than wine:
The upright love thee.
The Woman
5 I am dark, but still lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem,
like the tents of Kedar,
like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Do not gaze at me, because I am dark,
because the sun has looked upon me.
My mother's sons were angry with me;
they made me the keeper of the vineyards,
but my own vineyard I have not kept.
5 I am black, but comely,
O ye daughters of Jerusalem,
As the tents of Kedar,
As the curtains of Solomon.
6 Look not upon me, because I am black,
Because the sun hath looked upon me:
My mother's children were angry with me;
They made me the keeper of the vineyards;
But mine own vineyard have I not kept.
For her daily devotions, Julie began singing the Scriptures. "As I sang, my
heart and mind actually began to do and believe what I was singing about!"
Through vocalising God's Word in song, Julie wanted His truth to shed light on
the things she disliked about herself, such as her voice and her height.
She said, "I began to sing from Song of Solomon 1:5: 'Dark I am, yet lovely.'"
(In that agrarian culture, a woman tanned by the sun wasn't seen as
beautiful.) As Julie sang the Scripture passage, God changed her thoughts.
Suddenly she understood: "God loves me even though I am not perfect."
Julie sang from a beautiful poem found in the Old Testament's Wisdom
Literature. Some people interpret the Song of Songs as an allegory of God's
love for His people, but many view it as a celebration of marital love.
the friends' words: "We rejoice and delight in you;
we will praise your love more than wine" (v. 4).
However we interpret these ancient words, we can affirm with Julie that God
revels in His chosen people. As He says elsewhere in the Old Testament:
"You are precious and honoured in my sight,
and . . . I love you" (Isaiah 43:4).
Reflect & Pray
Along with singing, how else could you engage with the words of the Bible
in new ways? How can you embrace the truth that God loves you?
Creator God, You’ve formed me in Your
image and say that You love me. Please help me to know this truth
in my head and my heart, that I might share Your love with others.
For further study, check out the Biblical Study Page.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 7 - The Cost of Wisdom
Proverbs 4:4,7
Proverbs 4
4 (Pr 7:2; Eph 6:4) He also taught me and said to me,
"Let your heart retain my words; keep my commandments, and live.
7 (Mt 13:44-46) Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom.
And with all your getting, get understanding. "
4 He taught me also, and said unto me,
Let thine heart retain my words:
Keep my commandments, and live.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:
And with all thy getting get understanding.
Establishing priorities is a popular topic of conversation in our
generation. We carry appointment calendars and attend goal-setting
strategy seminars. We let machines answer our telephones so that
we won't miss any important messages, or so that we can screen calls
before we answer them. We order our lives so that we can "get ahead".
"Getting ahead" in God's kingdom, however, involves other priorities
than the ones we may set for ourselves. "Wisdom is supreme," the
principal thing, says Proverbs 4:7, "Get wisdom. Though it cost
all you have, get understanding."
Wisdom is defined as "an understanding of what is true, right, or lasting."
Biblical wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts about God and his
teaching, but the application of those truths of life, taking on
the character of God as we mature in the image of Christ.
Such wisdom may, indeed, come at great cost. Jesus calls us to "lay
down our lives" to follow him - perhaps not literally to die, but to die
to self-centered priorities, to allow the Holy Spirit to establish
his value system in us.
"Keep my commandments and you will live," Proverbs 4:4 says. Real life -
rich, fulfilling, significant, abundant life - comes only through union
with God. The success offered by the world, the acclaim of others, material
prosperity and convenience cannot satisfy us once we have tasted
the joy of life with God in Christ.
Application
a) What does "getting wisdom" means to me?
b) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus
my attention on the priorities and values of the Lord?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebrews 7:8
8 In the one case mortal men receive tithes,
but in the other he of whom it is witnessed
that he is alive receives them.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them,
of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
2 Cor 12:7-10
7 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 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 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.
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.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, that God's Spirit would influence
them 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.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray the the Lord will guide you in every controversial
decision to be made.
Pray to the Lord: "Creator God, You’ve formed me in Your
image and say that You love me. Please help me to know this truth
in my head and my heart, that I might share Your love with others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek the Wisdom from the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who receives your tithes and offerings.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Jesus for Him to strengthen you!
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Ask God to guide displaced Christians in BURKINA FASO to safe
places where they can have fellowship and spiritual support.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Acts 15, Acts 16
Acts 15
The Council in Jerusalem
1 (Ac 15:5; 15:24) Some men came down from Judea and were teaching
the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised in the tradition of Moses,
you cannot be saved."
2 (Ac 15:22-23; 15:4; 15:6-7) Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had
no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul
and Barnabas, and certain others among them, should go up to Jerusalem
to the apostles and elders about this question.
3 (Ac 14:27; 21:5) So being sent on their way by the church,
they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion
of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers.
4 (Ac 14:27; 15:12) When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed
by the church and the apostles and the elders,
and they declared what God had done through them.
5 (Ac 15:1) Then some believers of the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying,
"It is necessary to circumcise them,
and to command them to keep the Law of Moses."
6 (Ac 15:25) The apostles and elders assembled to consider this matter.
7 (Ac 15:2; 10:20) After much disputing, Peter rose up and said to them,
"Brothers, you know that some time ago God decided among us,
that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
8 (Ac 1:24; 2:4) God, who knows the heart, approved of them, giving them
the Holy Spirit just as He did to us,
9 (Ac 10:28; 10:34) and made no distinction between them and us,
and purified their hearts by faith.
10 (Mt 23:4; Gal 5:1) Now then, why test God by putting a yoke upon
the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been
able to bear?
11 (Ro 3:24; 2Co 13:14) But we believe that through the grace
of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."
12 (Ac 14:27; 15:4) The entire assembly remained silent
and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring what signs
and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
13 (Ac 12:17) After they had become silent, James answered,
"Brothers, listen to me.
14 (Isa 43:21; 2Pe 1:1) Simon has declared how God first visited
the Gentiles to take from among them a people for His name.
15 With this the words of the prophets agree. As it is written:
16 (Am 9:11-12) 'After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will set it up;(Am 9:11; Jer 12:15.)
17 (Isa 43:7) that the rest of men may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
(Am 9:12; Dt 28:10; Isa 63:19; Jer 14:9; Da 9:19.)
says the Lord who does all these things.' (Am 9:11-12.)
18 Known to God are all His works since the beginning of the world.
19 (Ac 15:28) "Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble
those of the Gentiles who are turning to God,
20 (Lev 3:17; Ac 15:29; Ge 9:4) but that we write to them to abstain
from food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from strangled animals,
and from blood.
21 (Ac 13:15; 13:27) For Moses has had in every city since early generations
those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."
[1] And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and
said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be
saved.
[2] When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation
with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of
them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this
question.
[3] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through
Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they
caused great joy unto all the brethren.
[4] And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church,
and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had
done with them.
[5] But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed,
saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep
the law of Moses.
[6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
[7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto
them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice
among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel,
and believe.
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the
Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by
faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the
disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall
be saved, even as they.
[12] Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and
Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles
by them.
[13] And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and
brethren, hearken unto me:
[14] Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to
take out of them a people for his name.
[15] And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
[16] After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David,
which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will
set it up:
[17] That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles,
upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
[18] Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
[19] Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among
the Gentiles are turned to God:
[20] But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of
idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
[21] For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being
read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
The Reply of the Council
22 (Ac 15:27; 15:32; 15:40) Then it pleased the apostles and the elders,
with the whole church, to send chosen men from among them to Antioch
with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabas, and Silas,
leading men among the brothers.
23 (Ac 23:26; Jas 1:1) They wrote this letter by their hand:
The apostles and the elders and the brothers,
To the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24 (Ac 15:1; Gal 1:7) Since we have heard that some of us,
whom we did not commission, have gone out and have troubled you with words,
unsettling your minds, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law,"
25 (Ac 1:14; 2Pe 3:15) it seemed good to us, being assembled in unity,
to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 (Ac 14:19; 9:23-25) men who have risked their lives
for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 (Ac 15:22) Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas,
who will also speak to you, saying the same things.
28 (Jn 16:13; Ac 5:32) For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit
and to us to put on you no greater burden than these necessary things:
29 (Ac 15:20; 21:25; Rev 2:14) Abstain from food offered to idols,
from sexual immorality, from strangled animals, and from blood.
If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
Farewell.
30 So when they were dismissed, they went down to Antioch.
And when they had assembled the congregation, they delivered the letter.
31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the exhortation.
32 (Ac 11:23; 13:1) Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves,
exhorted the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
33 (1Co 16:11; Ac 16:36) After they had remained there for a time,
they were sent off in peace by the brothers to the apostles.
34 But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.
35 (Ac 13:1) And Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch,
teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
[22] Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send
chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely,
Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
[23] And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and
elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the
Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
[24] Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have
troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be
circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
[25] It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen
men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
[26] Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[27] We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the
same things by mouth.
[28] For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no
greater burden than these necessary things;
[29] That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from
things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye
shall do well. Fare ye well.
[30] So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had
gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
[31] Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
[32] And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the
brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
[33] And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace
from the brethren unto the apostles.
[34] Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
[35] Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the
word of the Lord, with many others also.
Paul and Barnabas Separate
36 (Ac 13:4; 13:13-14) After some days Paul said to Barnabas,
"Let us return and visit our brothers in every city
where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing."
37 (Ac 12:12) Barnabas determined to take with them John, who was called Mark.
38 (Ac 13:13) But Paul thought it was not good to take with them one
who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them
to the work.
39 (Ac 4:36) Then there arose a sharp contention,
so that they separated from each other.
Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus,
40 (Ac 14:26; 15:22) but Paul chose Silas and departed,
being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.
41 (Ac 15:23; 15:32) And he went through Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening the churches.
[36] And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit
our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and
see how they do.
[37] And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
[38] But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them
from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
[39] And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed
asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto
Cyprus;
[40] And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren
unto the grace of God.
[41] And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Acts 16
Timothy Accompanies Paul and Silas
1 (Ac 14:6; 17:14) Then he came to Derbe and then to Lystra.
A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed,
but his father was a Greek.
2 He was well spoken of by the brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 (Gal 2:3) Paul wanted him to travel with him. So he took him
and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places,
for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
4 (Ac 15:28-29; 15:2) As they went through the cities,
they delivered to them the decrees to observe,
that were set forth by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.
5 (Ac 9:31; 2:47) So the churches were strengthened in the faith,
and increased in number daily.
[1] Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was
there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and
believed; but his father was a Greek:
[2] Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and
Iconium.
[3] Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him
because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his
father was a Greek.
[4] And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for
to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at
Jerusalem.
[5] And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in
number daily.
Paul's Vision of the Macedonian
6 (Ac 18:23; 1Pe 1:1; Gal 1:2) They went through the region of Phrygia
and Galatia and were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.
7 (Ro 8:9; Gal 4:6) When they came near Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia,
but the Spirit did not allow them.
8 (2Co 2:12; 2Ti 4:13) So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.
9 (Ac 18:5; 19:21) During the night a vision appeared to Paul:
A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying,
"Come over to Macedonia and help us."
10 After he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia,
concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
[6] Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and
were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
[7] After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the
Spirit suffered them not.
[8] And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
[9] And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of
Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
[10] And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into
Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the
gospel unto them.
The Conversion of Lydia
11 From Troas we set sail on a straight course to Samothrace
and the next day to Neapolis,
12 (Php 1:1; 1Th 2:2) and from there to Philippi, which is the main city
of that part of Macedonia, and a colony. We stayed in this city several days.
13 (Ac 13:14) On the Sabbath we went out of the city to a riverside,
where prayer was customarily offered. And we sat down
and spoke to the women who had assembled.
14 (Lk 24:45; Ac 18:7) A woman named Lydia, a seller of purple fabric
of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard us.
The Lord opened her heart to acknowledge what Paul said.
15 (Ac 11:14; Heb 13:2) When she and her household were baptized,
she entreated us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord,
come to my house and remain there." And she persuaded us.
[11] Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to
Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
[12] And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of
Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
[13] And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where
prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which
resorted thither.
[14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of
Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that
she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
[15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying,
If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and
abide there. And she constrained us.
The Imprisonment in Philippi
16 (1Sa 28:7; 1Ch 10:13) On one occasion, as we went to the place of prayer,
a servant girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us,
who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
17 (Mk 5:7; Da 3:26) She followed Paul and us, shouting,
"These men are servants of the Most High God,
who proclaim to us the way of salvation."
18 (Mk 16:17; 1:34) She did this for many days. But becoming greatly
troubled, Paul turned to the spirit and said,
"I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her."
And it came out at that moment.
19 (Ac 21:30; 8:3) When her masters saw that the hope of their profits
was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace
to the rulers.
20 (Ac 28:22) And they brought them to the magistrates, saying,
"These men, being Jews, greatly trouble our city
21 (Est 3:8; Ac 16:12) and teach customs which are not lawful for us,
being Romans, to receive or observe."
22 (1Th 2:2; 2Co 6:5) The crowd rose up together against them.
And the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them.
23 After they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison,
commanding the jailer to guard them securely.
24 (Job 13:27; 33:11) Having received such an order, he threw them into
the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 (Job 35:10; Ps 42:8) At midnight Paul and Silas were praying
and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
26 (Ac 4:31; 12:7) Suddenly there was a great earthquake,
so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.
And immediately all the doors were opened
and everyone's shackles were loosened.
27 (Ac 12:19) When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors open,
he drew his sword and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
28 But Paul shouted, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here."
29 He called for lights and rushed in, trembling,
and fell down before Paul and Silas.
30 (Ac 2:37; 22:10) He then led them out and asked,
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 (Mk 16:16; Jn 1:12) They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,
and you and your household will be saved."
32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him
and to all who were in his household.
33 (Ac 16:15; 16:25) In that hour of the night he took them
and washed their wounds. And immediately he and his entire household
were baptized.
34 (Ac 2:46) Then he brought them up to his house and set food before them.
And he rejoiced with his entire household believing in God.
35 When it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying,
"Release those men."
36 (Ac 15:33) The prison guard reported these words to Paul, saying,
"The magistrates have sent to release you.
Now therefore depart, and go in peace."
37 (Ac 22:25-29) But Paul said to them, "They have publicly beaten us,
who are uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison.
And now do they secretly throw us out? Certainly not!
Let them come themselves and bring us out."
38 (Ac 22:29) The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates,
and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.
39 (Mt 8:34) So they came and entreated them. And they brought them out,
asking them to leave the city.
40 (Ac 16:14) They went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia.
When they had seen the brothers, they exhorted them and departed.
[16] And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed
with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by
soothsaying:
[17] The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
[18] And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to
the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.
And he came out the same hour.
[19] And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they
caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
[20] And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do
exceedingly trouble our city,
[21] And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to
observe, being Romans.
[22] And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates
rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
[23] And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into
prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
[24] Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison,
and made their feet fast in the stocks.
[25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and
the prisoners heard them.
[26] And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of
the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every
one's bands were loosed.
[27] And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the
prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
[28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we
are all here.
[29] Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell
down before Paul and Silas,
[30] And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
[31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house.
[32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in
his house.
[33] And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes;
and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
[34] And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them,
and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
[35] And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let
those men go.
[36] And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates
have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
[37] But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being
Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily?
nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
[38] And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they
feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
[39] And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them
to depart out of the city.
[40] And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia
and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
2) Our Daily Bread for 15 November 2024 Titled
Singing the Scriptures by
Amy Boucher Pye
Song of Songs 1:1-6
Songs 1
Introduction
1 The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's.
1 The song of songs, which is Solomon's.
The Woman
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your love is better than wine.
3 Your anointing oils are fragrant,
your name is oil poured out;
therefore the virgins love you.
4 Draw me after you, let us run.
The king has brought me into his chambers.
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth:
For thy love is better than wine.
3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments
Thy name is as ointment poured forth,
Therefore do the virgins love thee.
4 Draw me, we will run after thee:
The king hath brought me into his chambers:
Friends of the Woman
We will exult and rejoice in you;
we will remember your love more than wine;
rightly do they love you.
We will be glad and rejoice in thee,
We will remember thy love more than wine:
The upright love thee.
The Woman
5 I am dark, but still lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem,
like the tents of Kedar,
like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Do not gaze at me, because I am dark,
because the sun has looked upon me.
My mother's sons were angry with me;
they made me the keeper of the vineyards,
but my own vineyard I have not kept.
5 I am black, but comely,
O ye daughters of Jerusalem,
As the tents of Kedar,
As the curtains of Solomon.
6 Look not upon me, because I am black,
Because the sun hath looked upon me:
My mother's children were angry with me;
They made me the keeper of the vineyards;
But mine own vineyard have I not kept.
For her daily devotions, Julie began singing the Scriptures. "As I sang, my
heart and mind actually began to do and believe what I was singing about!"
Through vocalising God's Word in song, Julie wanted His truth to shed light on
the things she disliked about herself, such as her voice and her height.
She said, "I began to sing from Song of Solomon 1:5: 'Dark I am, yet lovely.'"
(In that agrarian culture, a woman tanned by the sun wasn't seen as
beautiful.) As Julie sang the Scripture passage, God changed her thoughts.
Suddenly she understood: "God loves me even though I am not perfect."
Julie sang from a beautiful poem found in the Old Testament's Wisdom
Literature. Some people interpret the Song of Songs as an allegory of God's
love for His people, but many view it as a celebration of marital love.
the friends' words: "We rejoice and delight in you;
we will praise your love more than wine" (v. 4).
However we interpret these ancient words, we can affirm with Julie that God
revels in His chosen people. As He says elsewhere in the Old Testament:
"You are precious and honoured in my sight,
and . . . I love you" (Isaiah 43:4).
Reflect & Pray
Along with singing, how else could you engage with the words of the Bible
in new ways? How can you embrace the truth that God loves you?
Creator God, You’ve formed me in Your
image and say that You love me. Please help me to know this truth
in my head and my heart, that I might share Your love with others.
For further study, check out the Biblical Study Page.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 7 - The Cost of Wisdom
Proverbs 4:4,7
Proverbs 4
4 (Pr 7:2; Eph 6:4) He also taught me and said to me,
"Let your heart retain my words; keep my commandments, and live.
7 (Mt 13:44-46) Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom.
And with all your getting, get understanding. "
4 He taught me also, and said unto me,
Let thine heart retain my words:
Keep my commandments, and live.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:
And with all thy getting get understanding.
Establishing priorities is a popular topic of conversation in our
generation. We carry appointment calendars and attend goal-setting
strategy seminars. We let machines answer our telephones so that
we won't miss any important messages, or so that we can screen calls
before we answer them. We order our lives so that we can "get ahead".
"Getting ahead" in God's kingdom, however, involves other priorities
than the ones we may set for ourselves. "Wisdom is supreme," the
principal thing, says Proverbs 4:7, "Get wisdom. Though it cost
all you have, get understanding."
Wisdom is defined as "an understanding of what is true, right, or lasting."
Biblical wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts about God and his
teaching, but the application of those truths of life, taking on
the character of God as we mature in the image of Christ.
Such wisdom may, indeed, come at great cost. Jesus calls us to "lay
down our lives" to follow him - perhaps not literally to die, but to die
to self-centered priorities, to allow the Holy Spirit to establish
his value system in us.
"Keep my commandments and you will live," Proverbs 4:4 says. Real life -
rich, fulfilling, significant, abundant life - comes only through union
with God. The success offered by the world, the acclaim of others, material
prosperity and convenience cannot satisfy us once we have tasted
the joy of life with God in Christ.
Application
a) What does "getting wisdom" means to me?
b) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus
my attention on the priorities and values of the Lord?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Hebrews 7:8
8 In the one case mortal men receive tithes,
but in the other he of whom it is witnessed
that he is alive receives them.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them,
of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are Facing Pain and Suffering
2 Cor 12:7-10
7 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 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 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.
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.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
15th Day of the Month
a) Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living (John 16: 8 - 11
8 "When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I am going to My Father,
and you will see Me no more;
11 and of judgment, because the ruler of this world stands condemned."
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
)
b) Pray for the province of Nova Scotia
I) Pray for the leaders of Nova Scotia, that God's Spirit would influence
them 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.
)
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray the the Lord will guide you in every controversial
decision to be made.
Pray to the Lord: "Creator God, You’ve formed me in Your
image and say that You love me. Please help me to know this truth
in my head and my heart, that I might share Your love with others."
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek the Wisdom from the Lord.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who receives your tithes and offerings.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Jesus for Him to strengthen you!
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous
standards of living
Ask God to guide displaced Christians in BURKINA FASO to safe
places where they can have fellowship and spiritual support.
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.
.