Dave Yadallee's personal blog

Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who can save your soul.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, please help me see others as You see them.

Thank You for complete forgiveness of my sins"



Pray to the Lord and pray to be a total forgiver.



Pray to the Lord and pray to honour his covenant.



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Healer.



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 Lord to convict all Canadians of His Righteous

standards of living



Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. And give me your Spirit to speak that

same word to others. Amen.



Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,

peace in the midst of busyness, and peace in the midst of quiet. Amen.



Pray: Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.



Pray: Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.

Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!

Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail

to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,

"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Using Psalm 9:9, thank the Lord for Christians

who are working to help Sudanese refugees in Chad.



9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble.



9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

A refuge in times of trouble.





Christ is the reason for the season



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

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



Remember eternity starts now -

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

Advent day 23



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



Monday,Fourth Week of Advent



"There! They're at it again. 'Ark, the errol hygel sings'....

Boxing Day [December 26] is only two and a half weeks ahead;

then perhaps we shall have a little quiet in which to remember

the birth of Christ." C. S. Lewis



(Read this and more in "Delinquents in the Snow," God in the Dock, p. 310.)



A Little Quiet



The day on which the English give their gifts is Boxing Day, a public holiday

that falls on the first weekday after Christmas. In the past, the English

exchanged gifts among equals on Christmas Day, and gave gifts to those

"socially inferior" on the day after,

probably wrapped in boxes; hence, the name "Boxing Day."

It is also known in England as St. Stephen's Day, named after the first Christian martyr.



As a result, Lewis was not expecting the Prince of Peace to bring him peace

until after Boxing Day, a day after Christmas Day itself,

after gifts had been given. While peace in the biblical sense means

far more than the absence of stress, Lewis was here thinking of the

peace and quiet that a busy man, a famous and popular man, too seldom enjoyed.



From the time of his BBC radio broadcasts in 1941, Lewis received many

letters, probably a half-dozen to a dozen each day. As a result, he spent

a lot of time answering those letters, and they seemed to come

in greater numbers during the Christmas holidays. We don't have to be famous

to appreciate Lewis' desire for a little quiet.

In the midst of the busyness of the Advent season, we need to remember that

God sent a child, a son, the Prince of Peace.

He came to announce, "Peace on earth" (Luke 2:14) for everyone who believes.



Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,

peace in the midst of busyness, and peace

in the midst of quiet. Amen.



For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...

And he will be called...Prince of Peace.



Isaiah 9:6



From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



MONDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT



Tender Mercy



through the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;



-Luke 1:78



What an attractive image, the "dawn from on high"!



It is an expression for the morning's light, but in its ambiguity

the figure could also refer to the Christ whose coming we anticipate.





This is one benefit that comes from God's "tender mercy." Another is John,

the Most High's Prophet and the Lord's Forerunner, who dispersed

to people knowledge of God's salvation

by the pardoning of their transgressions.



Those upon whom the dawn from on high burst were able

to move out of both their darkness and death's shadow

and into the way of peace. That is still true today. As we prepare

to hail the coming of the Christ Child, we honor him by participating

in his gift of bringing peace to the world. In his name and character,

we become reconcilers and harmonisers, helping people to allay their fears

and eliminate their quarrels. What tranquility might be brought to the nations!



Prayer



Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.



Read Luke 1:68-79.



68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for He has visited and redeemed His people,

69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of His servant David,

70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,

71 that we should be saved from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us,

72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember His holy covenant,

73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,

74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,

might serve Him without fear,

75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.

76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;

for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people

by the remission of their sins,

78 through the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace."



From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



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



the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,"

MATTHEW 1:20



Joseph is often the "odd man out" in the Christmas story. We hear

so much about the Baby Jesus (and rightly so!), and about Mary,

the shepherds, the angels and even those smelly sheep .. - but not

a lot about Joseph



The Ah-Has of acceptance is all about Joseph. Today's lesson shows

good old Joe in a tough situation But, through the Holy Spirit, he accepted

the responsibilities that were given to him. And notice the phrase that

the angel brought to Joseph's dream: "Do not be afraid!" These are the

same Gospel words that we hear from the Lord as we go about accepting

the responsibilities that he gives to us each day.



The beauty and irony of Advent is that as we prepare for his coming.

the Lord has already prepared us for life in him! His acceptance of us

enables us to accept the many tasks and challenges he gives to us ...

with no exceptions! It's like the button that states, "God loves you ...

of course - he loves everyone!" And it's true, because of Emmanuel,

"God with us."



Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.

Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!

Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail

to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,

"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Matthew 1:18-25



18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:

After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,

she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.

19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man

and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce

her privately.

20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel

of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,

for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,

for He will save His people from their sins."

22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord

had spoken through the prophet, saying,

23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6–7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,

and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"

[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."

24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord

had commanded him, and remained with his wife,

25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth

to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.



From On Eagle's wings



Pitched A Tent

9 (Ge 12:8; 18:9) By faith he dwelt in the promised land, as in a foreign

land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs of the same promise,



[9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country,

dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same

promise:



Hebrews 11:9 (MEV/KJV)



The week was special. It was the annual Tlicho Assembly combined

with the Dene Assembly in Behchoko, Northwest Territories. These

gatherings are integral for decisions and resolutions across the

different First Nations tribes, and a cultural celebration.

Many people had traveled long distances by plane, truck, and

canoe to participate. There were tents throughout the community

that families had brought to share and live in with extended family

members. For thousands of years, the native peoples of northern

Canada lived in tents as they followed caribou herds for food and

skins.

Abraham was also a tent-dweller. He and his people moved with

their tents from place to place longing and reaching for the

Promised Land. Even the Ark of the Covenant was closely and

carefully housed in a tent during those journeys. To the Israelites,

beholding the glory of God, or even uttering the name of God, was

forbidden.

John writes that God "made his dwelling among us." The closest

translation for dwell is “to pitch a tent”. At just the right time,

Almighty God burst into our lives as a newborn baby! Jesus, Savior,

God incarnate lived among us, preached, taught, healed, fed, loved,

died, and is resurrected. Through Jesus we witness God's great love

for all people.



Lois Graff Peterson

On Eagle's Wings Board Member

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Deut 29:9



9 (Dt 4:6; Jos 1:7)Therefore, keep the words of this covenant

and do them, so that you may prosper in all you do.



9 Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them,

that ye may prosper in all that ye do.



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



When you are ill or injured



Psalm 103:1-5



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.



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.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

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

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

as we forgive our debtors.

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

but deliver us from evil.

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



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

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

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

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

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

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

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



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



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



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



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

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

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



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



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

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

Islamic Centre.



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

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



Nunavut (NU)



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



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

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

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



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.



)

Hebrews 13



[1] Let brotherly love continue.

[2] Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have

entertained angels unawares.

[3] Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which

suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

[4] Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers

and adulterers God will judge.

[5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such

things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake

thee.

[6] So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.

[7] Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the

word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

[8] Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

[9] Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good

thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have

not profited them that have been occupied therein.

[10] We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the

tabernacle.

[11] For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the

sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

[12] Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own

blood, suffered without the gate.

[13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his

reproach.

[14] For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God

continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

[16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices

God is well pleased.

[17] Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they

watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it

with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

[18] Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things

willing to live honestly.

[19] But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you

the sooner.



Benediction and Final Greetings



20 (Zec 9:11; Jn 10:11) Now may the God of peace, who through the blood

of the eternal covenant brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

the Great Shepherd of the sheep,

21 (Php 2:13; 2Th 2:17) make you perfect in every good work to do His will,

working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

22 (1Pe 5:12; Heb 3:1) I implore you, brothers, to heed this word

of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.

23 (1Th 3:2) Know that our brother Timothy has been set free,

with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.

24 (Heb 13:7; 13:17) Greet all those who rule over you and all the saints.

Those from Italy greet you.

25 (Col 4:18) Grace be with you all. Amen.



[20] Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting

covenant,

[21] Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that

which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory

for ever and ever. Amen.

[22] And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have

written a letter unto you in few words.

[23] Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he

come shortly, I will see you.

[24] Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They

of Italy salute you.

[25] Grace be with you all. Amen.



2) Our Daily Bread for 15 December 2025 titled

Knowing and Loving Others by Tim Gustafson



2 Corinthians 2:1-8



1 (2Co 1:23; 1Co 4:21) But I determined this for myself,

that I would not come again to you in sorrow.

2 (2Co 7:8) For if I make you sorrowful, who then will there be

to make me rejoice, but the one whom I have made sorrowful?

3 (Gal 5:10; 2Co 8:22) I wrote concerning this matter to you,

so that when I came, I would not be grieved by those in whom

I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all,

that my joy is your joy.

4 (2Co 7:12) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart

I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved,

but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.



[1] But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in

heaviness.

[2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the

same which is made sorry by me?

[3] And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow

from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my

joy is the joy of you all.

[4] For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with

many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love

which I have more abundantly unto you.



Forgiveness for the Offender



5 (Gal 4:12) But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me,

but to some extent all of you, not to put it too severely.

6 (1Co 5:4-5)This punishment which was inflicted by many

on such a man is sufficient.

7 (Eph 4:32) So on the contrary, you ought to forgive him

and comfort him, lest perhaps he might be swallowed up

with excessive sorrow.

8 Therefore I ask you to confirm your love toward him.



[5] But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that

I may not overcharge you all.

[6] Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of

many.

[7] So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him,

lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

[8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.



Hippocrates (ca. 460–375 bc) brought medicine out of the realm of the

superstitious and into the light of testing and observation. But he didn't

lose sight of the patient’s humanity. "It is far more important to know what

person the disease has," he said, "than what disease the person has."



The apostle Paul cared for a church with multiple problems, yet he saw the

humanity of each member - including a man who'd committed a sin "that even

pagans do not tolerate" (1 Corinthians 5:1). Paul dealt strongly with the

"disease," and the man repented. Now, as he wrote another letter to the church

in Corinth, Paul had affirming instructions for all of them. He recognised

that this man's sin had affected everyone: "He has grieved all of you to some

extent," he said (2 Corinthians 2:5). But since the man had turned from his

sin, Paul said, "Reaffirm your love for him" (v. .



His motivation was clear: "I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of

heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of

my love for you" (v. 4). He knew them all. And he loved them.



Sin affects us all. Behind each sin is a human being. When we've been wronged,

it may be difficult to work toward restoration, yet that's what God calls us

to do. Know the person. Then, in Christ's strength, love them.



Reflect & Pray



How did Paul handle the sin in the Corinthian church?

How does loving someone despite their sin differ from enablement?



Dear Father, please help me see others as You see them.

Thank You for complete forgiveness of my sins.





To learn more about fellowship with others, read Why Christians

Need Good Friendships.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 2 - The key to the Prison Cell



Matt 6:14-15



14 For if you forgive men for their sins, your heavenly Father will

also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men for their sins,

neither will your Father forgive your sins.



14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will

also forgive you: 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses,

neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.



Ann had been badly wounded in a relationship that had ended in anger

and accusation. For more than a year, Ann nursed her bitterness, rallying

support for her attitudes from friends and colleagues. Any time she saw

her former friend, Ann put up an icy wall of hostility. She thought she was

"getting over" the hurt, but the very mention of her friend's name brought

back a flood of negative feelings. Ann was trapped, locked in a prison of

unforgiveness , a jail built block by block by her own unwillingness to

forgive. Ann didn't "get over it"; instead, her wounds festered

and her bitterness grew worse.

Then one day - she never knew how - Ann let go of her bitterness. The barriers

of hostility and anger melted away, and when she saw her friend again, she was

able to forgive. And Ann was finally able to turn to the Lord for her own

healing and forgiveness.

"If you do not forgive," Jesus says - and the statement falls hard on

unforgiving hearts, "Neither will you be forgiven." In one sense, God's

forgiveness is unconditional - we do not have to earn or deserve it, and it is

always available to us. But we cannot experience the forgiveness God has

extended to us when we harbour unforgiveness towards others and build walls

of bitterness in our hearts.

When we refuse forgiveness toward those who have hurt or betrayed us, we do

not keep them in bondage, but ourselves. We lock ourselves away for an

awareness of God's loving presence; we imprison ourselves in a cell of

revenge. But when we reach out to forgive, we turn in the lock;

the door is open for our own sins to be forgiven and our own hearts

cleansed and purified.



Application



a) Why is forgiving others a condition for experiencing forgiveness

in my own life?



b) How can these verses have a practical effect upon my willingness

to forgive others?

Hebrews 12



The Discipline of the Lord



1 Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us,

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

2 (Heb 1:3; Lk 24:26) Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our

faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising

the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 (Gal 6:9; Heb 12:5) For consider Him who endured such hostility

from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up.

4 (Heb 10:32-34) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed while striving

against sin.

5 (Pr 3:11-12) And you have forgotten the exhortation addressed

to you as sons:

"My son, do not despise the discipline from the Lord,

nor grow weary when you are rebuked by Him;

6 (Rev 3:19; Ps 119:75; Pr 3:12) for whom the Lord loves He disciplines,

and scourges every son whom He receives."

7 (Pr 13:24; 19:18) Endure discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons.

For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?

8 If you are without discipline, of which everyone has partaken,

then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

9 (Nu 16:22; 27:16) Furthermore, we have had human fathers,

and they corrected us, and we gave them reverence.

Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?

10 (2Pe 1:4) For they indeed disciplined us for a short time according

to their own judgment, but He does so for our profit, that we may partake

of His holiness.

11 (Isa 32:17; Jas 3:17-18) Now no discipline seems to be joyful at the time,

but grievous. Yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness

in those who have been trained by it.

12 (Isa 35:3; Job 4:3-4) Therefore lift up your tired hands,

and strengthen your weak knees.

13 (Gal 6:1; Pr 4:26-27) Make straight paths for your feet,

lest that which is lame go out of joint, but rather be healed.



[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of

witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily

beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy

that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set

down at the right hand of the throne of God.

[3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against

himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

[4] Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

[5] And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto

children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint

when thou art rebuked of him:

[6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he

receiveth.

[7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son

is he whom the father chasteneth not?

[8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are

ye bastards, and not sons.

[9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we

gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the

Father of spirits, and live?

[10] For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure;

but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

[11] Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:

nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto

them which are exercised thereby.

[12] Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

[13] And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be

turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.



Warning Against Rejecting God's Grace



14 (Ro 14:19; 2Co 7:1) Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness

without which no one will see the Lord,

15 (Gal 5:4; Heb 3:12; Dt 29:18) watching diligently so that no one falls

short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up

to cause trouble, and many become defiled by it,

16 (Heb 13:4; Ge 25:31-34) lest there be any sexually immoral

or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing,

he was rejected. For he found no place for repentance, though he sought

it diligently with tears.

18 (Dt 4:11; Ex 20:18) You have not come to a mountain that can be touched

and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and storm,

19 (Dt 18:16; 4:12) and to the sound of a trumpet and to a voice speaking

words, such that those who heard them begged that the word not be spoken

to them anymore.

20 (Ex 19:12-13) For they could not endure that which was commanded:

"If so much as a beast touches the mountain, it must be stoned

or thrust through with a spear."(Ex 19:12-13.)

21 (Ex 19:16) So terrible was the sight that Moses said,

"I am terrified and trembling."(Dt 9:19.)

22 (Gal 4:26; Ps 48:2) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city

of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable

company of angels;

23 (Lk 10:20; Ge 18:25) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn,

who are enrolled in heaven; to God, the Judge of all; and to the spirits

of the righteous ones made perfect;

24 (Ge 4:10; Heb 11:4; 8:6) and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant;

and to the sprinkled blood that speaks better than that of Abel.

25 (Heb 8:5; 11:7) See that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if they

did not escape when they refused Him who spoke on earth,

much less shall we escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.

26 (Ex 19:18) At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has given us

a promise, saying, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth

but also heaven." (Hag 2:6.)

27 And this statement, "Yet once more," signifies the removal of those things

that can be shaken, things that are created, so that only those things

that cannot be shaken will remain.

28 (Da 2:44; Heb 13:15) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom

that cannot be moved, let us be gracious, by which we may serve God

acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

29 (Dt 4:24; 9:3) For our God is a consuming fire.



[14] Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see

the Lord:

[15] Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root

of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

[16] Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one

morsel of meat sold his birthright.

[17] For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the

blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he

sought it carefully with tears.

[18] For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that

burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

[19] And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they

that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

[20] (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as

a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a

dart:

[21] And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and

quake:)

[22] But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God,

the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

[23] To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written

in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made

perfect,

[24] And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of

sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

[25] See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who

refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn

away from him that speaketh from heaven:

[26] Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet

once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

[27] And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things

that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot

be shaken may remain.

[28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have

grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

[29] For our God is a consuming fire.



Hebrews 13



Service That Pleases God



1 (1Pe 1:22; 2:17) Let brotherly love continue.

2 (Mt 25:35; 1Pe 4:9) Do not forget to entertain strangers, for thereby some

have entertained angels unknowingly.

3 (Mt 25:36; Col 4:18) Remember those who are in chains, as if imprisoned

with them, and those who are ill treated, since you are also in the body.

4 (1Co 6:9; Gal 5:19) Marriage is to be honored among everyone,

and the bed undefiled. But God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

5 (Jos 1:5; Dt 31:6) Let your lives be without love of money,

and be content with the things you have. For He has said:

"I will never leave you,

nor forsake you."(Dt 31:6, 8; Jos 1:5.)

6 (Ps 56:4) So we may boldly say:

"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?"(Ps 118:6.)

7 (Heb 13:17; 6:12; 13:24) Remember those who rule over you, who have

proclaimed to you the word of God. Follow their faith, considering

the results it has produced in their lives.

8 (Heb 1:12; Mal 3:6) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today,

and forever.

9 (Eph 4:14; 2Co 1:21) Do not be carried away

with diverse and strange doctrines. It is a good thing that the heart

be strengthened with grace, not with foods, which have not profited

those who have been occupied with them.

10 (1Co 9:13) We have an altar from which those who serve in the tabernacle

have no right to eat.

11 (Ex 29:14; Lev 16:27) For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood

is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest on account of sin,

are burned outside the camp.

12 (Ac 7:58; Eph 5:26) Therefore Jesus also, so that He might sanctify

the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

13 (Heb 11:26) Therefore let us go forth to Him outside the camp,

bearing the reproach that He bore.

14 (Heb 12:22; Mic 2:10) For here we have no continuing city,

but we seek one to come.

15 (Hos 14:2; Lev 7:12) Through Him, then, let us continually offer

to God the sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of our lips,

giving thanks to His name.

16 (Ro 12:13; Php 4:18) But do not forget to do good and to share.

For with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

17 (Ac 20:28; Heb 13:7) Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch

over your souls as those who must give an account. Let them do this with joy

and not complaining, for that would not be profitable to you.

18 (1Th 5:25; Ac 23:1) Pray for us. For we trust that we have a good

conscience and in all things are willing to live honestly.

19 (Phm 1:22) But I implore you to pray,

that I may be restored to you very soon.

Day 349, 15 December 2025 - 23rd Day of Advent



1) Hebrews 11 , 12, 13



Hebrews 11

Faith



1 (2Co 4:18; 5:7) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the men of old obtained a good report.

3 (Jn 1:3; Ro 4:17) By faith we understand that the universe was framed

by the word of God, so that things that are seen were not made

out of things which are visible.

4 (Mt 23:35; Heb 12:24) By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent

sacrifice than Cain offered. Through this he was approved as righteous,

with God testifying concerning his gifts. He still speaks through his

faith, though he is dead.

5 (2Ki 2:11; Jude 1:14) By faith Enoch was taken to heaven so that

he would not see death. He was not found, because God took him away.

For before he was taken, he had this commendation, that he pleased God.

6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,

for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a

rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

7 (1Pe 3:20; Eze 14:14) By faith Noah, being divinely warned about things

not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to save his family,

by which he condemned the world

and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 (Ge 12:1-4; 12:7) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out

into a place which he would later receive as an inheritance. He went out

not knowing where he was going.

9 (Ge 12:8; 18:9) By faith he dwelt in the promised land, as in a foreign

land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs of the same promise,

10 (Heb 12:22; 13:14) for he was looking for a city which has foundations,

whose builder and maker is God.

11 (Ge 18:11-14; Heb 10:23) By faith Sarah herself also received the ability

to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age,

because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

12 (Ge 22:17; 15:5; 32:12) Therefore from one man, who was as good as dead,

sprang so many, a multitude as the stars of the sky and innumerable

as the sand by the seashore.

13 (Ge 23:4; Ps 39:12) These all died in faith not having received

the promises, but having seen them from afar were assured of them,

embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims

on the earth.

14 Those who say such things declare plainly that they are looking

for a homeland.

15 (Ge 24:6-8) And certainly, if they had been thinking of the country

out of which they came, they might have had the opportunity to return.

16 (Ex 3:6; 3:15) But they desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared

a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac,

and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.

18 (Ge 21:12; Ro 9:7) Of him God said,

"Through Isaac shall your seed be named."(Ge 21:12.)

19 (Ro 4:17-21) He reasoned that God was able to raise him up,

even from the dead, from which he indeed received him in a figurative sense.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph

and worshipped while leaning on the top of his staff.

22 (Ex 13:19; Ge 50:24-25) By faith Joseph, when he was dying, mentioned the

exodus of the children of Israel and gave instructions concerning his bones.

23 (Ex 1:16; 1:22) By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden by his

parents for three months, because they saw he was a beautiful child,

and they were not afraid of the king's command.

24 (Ex 2:10-11) By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called

the son of Pharaoh's daughter,

25 (Job 36:21; Ps 84:10) choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people

of God than to enjoy thepleasures of sin for a time.

26 (Heb 2:2; 10:35) He esteemed the reproach of Christ as greater riches than

the treasures in Egypt, for he looked to the reward.

27 (Heb 11:13; Ex 2:14-15) By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath

of the king. He endured by looking to Him who is invisible.

28 (Ex 12:21-30) By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood,

lest the one who destroys the firstborn touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land,

which the Egyptians attempted to do, but were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled

for seven days.

31 (Jas 2:25; Jos 6:22-25; Mt 1:5) By faith the prostitute Rahab,

when she received the spies with peace, did not perish with

those who did not believe.

32 (1Sa 1:20; 16:1) And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to

tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

33 (Jdg 14:5-6) who through faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice,

obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

34 (Jdg 15:8; 1Ki 19:3) quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge

of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in fighting,

and turned the armies of foreign enemies to flight.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured

and did not accept deliverance,

so that they might obtain a better resurrection.

36 (Jer 20:2; Ge 39:20; 1Ki 22:27) Still others had trials of mocking

and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment.

37 (1Ki 19:10; 2Ch 24:21) They were stoned, they were sawn in two,

were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered around

in sheepskins and goatskins, while destitute, afflicted, and tormented.

38 (1Ki 18:4; 19:9) The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts

and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

39 (Heb 11:13; 11:2; 1Pe 1:12) These all have obtained a good report through

faith, but they did not receive the promise.

40 (Rev 6:11) For God provided something better for us, so that with us they

would be made perfect.



[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things

not seen.

[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.

[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of

God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by

which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his

gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

[5] By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not

found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had

this testimony, that he pleased God.

[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to

God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that

diligently seek him.

[7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with

fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned

the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

[8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he

should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not

knowing whither he went.

[9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country,

dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same

promise:

[10] For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and

maker is God.

[11] Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and

was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him

faithful who had promised.

[12] Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as

the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore

innumerable.

[13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having

seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and

confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

[14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

[15] And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they

came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

[16] But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore

God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a

city.

[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had

received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

[18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

[19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from

whence also he received him in a figure.

[20] By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

[21] By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph;

and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

[22] By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the

children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

[23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents,

because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the

king's commandment.

[24] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son

of Pharaoh's daughter;

[25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to

enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

[26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in

Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

[27] By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he

endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

[28] Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest

he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

[29] By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the

Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

[30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed

about seven days.

[31] By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not,

when she had received the spies with peace.

[32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of

Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and

Samuel, and of the prophets:

[33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained

promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

[34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of

weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the

armies of the aliens.

[35] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were

tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better

resurrection:

[36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of

bonds and imprisonment:

[37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with

the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute,

afflicted, tormented;

[38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in

mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

[39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received

not the promise:

[40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us

should not be made perfect.

Conclusion:



Pry to Get on the same page with God to agree on the values

that you intend to live out as a family - reflecting the Person

and character of JEsus Christ. And inflence those around you.



Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to have spiritual meat and not milk

and to Him who can save your soul.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for dwelling in me by

Your Spirit. May I continually draw from the living springs You provide."



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord to protect you from your enemies.



Pray to the Lord and pray that theWord of the Lord will not depart from you.



Pray to the Lord and pray to give you burdens to 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 for God's kingdom to come in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,

and in our nation



Pray for those who serve with denominations and Christian organisations

in Canada - that God will bless their ministry

and anoint them for effective service.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false

idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences



Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly

of denying God's supremacy



God, give us the patience to trust your promises. Amen.



Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. And give me your Spirit to speak that

same word to others. Amen.



Pray: Thank you, God, that the coming of the Promised One enables

us to serve you in holiness. Amen.



Pray: Lord, continue to lift us up in the midst of our own anxieties

Send your Spirit to calm us, cleanse us and cuddle us in your Word.

And as you do, empower us to lift others up as well.

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





Christ is the reason for the season



Gracious, loving and merciful Creator, may we remain steadfast in

your love. May we be strong and courageous embracing the light of

Christ, letting go of the fear that becomes our darkness. Fill us with

the light and faith to do the impossible.



Pray that Christian converts from Islam in Burundi will be

strengthened through their fellowship with other believers.



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.

Advent day 22



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



"Most of my books are evangelistic, addressed to [those outside the faith].

It would have been inept to preach forgiveness and a Saviour to those who

did not know they were in need of either." - C. S. Lewis



(From "Rejoinder to Dr. Pittenger," God in the Dock, p. 181.)



The Saviour



The name Jesus means "Yahweh saves." His name is his mission. He has come to

save us. To say that he is Jesus is to say that he is the Savior, the Evangel,

the Good News. Other characters in sacred history carried this name before

Jesus of Nazareth, although in a different form,

like Joshua, Hosea and Hoshea.



Lewis was very much concerned about the Good News. He once wrote, "Most of my

books are evangelistic." The word "evangelistic" contains within it the word

"evangel," which means, literally, "good news." In another place, Lewis stated

that the best work he could do was to explain the Christian faith to those on

the outside. He compared his work to that of a translator, a person who takes

words in one language and translates them into another language. Lewis tried

to translate biblical ideas into the language of the ordinary person. Some of

his books translated the good news, others smuggled that news under the cover

of fantasy. Still other writings of his spoke very directly. That you are

reading these words is a testimony to his success.



More important than Lewis' success and fame, however, is the success of his

evangelistic purpose. When we trust in this Jesus for the forgiveness of our

sins, we have what he came to give-eternal life.



Jesus, Saviour, pilot me. And give me your Spirit

to speak that same word to others. Amen.



"She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,

for He will save His people from their sins."



Matt. 1:21





From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn



FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT



The Covenant Promise



to perform the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember His holy covenant,



-Luke 1:72





How pertinent it is that on this last Sunday of Advent we read the beautiful

song of Zechariah, in which he proclaims the marvelous news about God raising

up a Saviour and predicts that his son John will be a prophet of the Most

High. We will highlight the first component today and the second tomorrow.



How grateful we are that God fulfilled his promises to Abraham

and to others that he would save them from their enemies!



Not only does Zechariah review those covenant pledges, but he proceeds to

encourage all of us who note this completion that now we can serve our God

"without fear" and "in holiness and righteousness" for the rest of our lives.



What a freedom God's mercy and holy covenant bestow upon us! No matter what

"enemies" hate us, our Mighty Savior liberates us in his celestial purity

to advance what God is doing.



Prayer



Thank you, God, that the coming of the Promised One enables

us to serve you in holiness. Amen.



Read Luke 1:67-79.



67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit

and prophesied, saying,

68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for He has visited and redeemed His people,

69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of His servant David,

70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,

71 that we should be saved from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us,

72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember His holy covenant,

73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,

74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,

might serve Him without fear,

75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.

76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;

for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people

by the remission of their sins,

78 through the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace."



From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

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



Lift up your heads, O you gates;

and be lifted up, you everlasting doors,

that the King of glory may enter. PSALM 24:7



Today's Scripture reminds me again that Advent is an ongoing journey

of UH-OHs and AH-HAs in our lives. Someone once quipped that

'If you like bungee-jumping, you'll love Advent!" How true. how true!



Psalm 24 brings out the anxieties of life. but only if we read it as

something that we got to do rather than something that we get to do.

We are asked, 'Who will the Lord come to lift up, to save ?" And we are told.

"Those who have clear hands and pure hearts." Well, that leaves me out.

Wow. what an UH-OH moment!

But there's more ... lots more. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said. 'A prison

cell, in which one waits, hopes and is completely depended on the fact

that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad

picture of Advent!" And that's what the psalmist is talking about!



Lift up our heads, we are told, because the King of Glory. Jesus Christ

himself, is coming! The door to life has been opened . .. from the outside

And so we do lift up our heads, as we also lift up other people.

Once again, today. the UH-OH anxieties of life have been overcome

by the AH-HAs of Advent! The prison door is open . . . come and see

the Empty Tomb!

Lord, continue to lift us up in the midst of our own anxieties

Send your Spirit to calm us, cleanse us and cuddle us in your Word.

And as you do, empower us to lift others up as well.

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



Read Psalm 24



Psalms 24

A Psalm of David.

1 The earth belongs to the Lord, and its fullness,

the world, and those who dwell in it.

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For He has founded it on the seas,

and established it on the floods.

3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?

Who may stand in His holy place?

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) He who has clean hands and a pure heart;

who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity,

nor sworn deceitfully.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) He will receive the blessing from the Lord,

and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,

who seek Your face. Selah

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) Lift up your heads, O you gates;

and be lifted up, you everlasting doors,

that the King of glory may enter.

8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) Who is this King of glory?

The Lord strong and mighty,

the Lord mighty in battle.

9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) Lift up your heads, O you gates;

lift up, you everlasting doors,

that the King of glory may enter.

10) Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Who is He-this King of glory?

The Lord of Hosts,

He is the King of glory. Selah



From On Eagle's wings



16 (Lk 2:32; Job 3:5) The people who sat in darkness

saw great light.

And on those who sat in the land of the shadow of death,

light has dawned."



[16] The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat

in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Matthew 4:16 (MEV/KJV)

The summer of 2023 we traveled to Tuktoyaktuk and Ft. McPherson.

We were hosting two Bible Camps on behalf of On Eagles Wings.

Daylight in June is twenty-four hours a day. Despite the full-time

sunlight however, we saw darkness. The day after we arrived a

young man took his life.

Darkness lives in our minds, it takes our hope and joy. As we

gathered in a baseball field, the community shared their

understanding of the sorrow. Too many had lost their children to

suicide. Darkness is not only on the outside, it grows inside.

We need the light of Christ in our hearts and minds showing us the

truth that we are never alone, and always unconditionally loved.

My seat partner on the flight home was going to Edmonton to meet

Pope Francis. Five of her friends were invited, but she alone had the

courage to get on the plane. As she shared her past struggles and

heartbreak, she gave thanks for her daughters. She was grateful

that they had a good life with their father.

Light can, and does, fill our lives as we draw close to the never

ending love of God. The joy of opening to receive that light

becomes the miracle. This lady had no bitterness, just a grateful

heart that her loved ones were happy. I could feel the light shining

in her and gave thanks that I was blessed to share with her.



Beverly Kazoleas

Bible Camp Volunteer

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



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



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



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

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

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



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



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

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

Islamic Centre.



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

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



Nunavut (NU)



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



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

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

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



14th Day of the Month



a) Pray for God's kingdom to come

in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,

and in our nation ( Matt 6:10



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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.



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



)



b) Pray for those who serve with

denominations and Christian organisations

in Canada - that God will bless their ministry

and anoint them for effective service.



Advent day 22



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



"Most of my books are evangelistic, addressed to [those outside the faith].

It would have been inept to preach forgiveness and a Saviour to those who

did not know they were in need of either." - C. S. Lewis



(From "Rejoinder to Dr. Pittenger," God in the Dock, p. 181.)



The Saviour



The name Jesus means "Yahweh saves." His name is his mission. He has come to

save us. To say that he is Jesus is to say that he is the Savior, the Evangel,

the Good News. Other characters in sacred history carried this name before

Jesus of Nazareth, although in a different form,

like Joshua, Hosea and Hoshea.



Lewis was very much concerned about the Good News. He once wrote, "Most of my

books are evangelistic." The word "evangelistic" contains within it the word

"evangel," which means, literally, "good news." In another place, Lewis stated

that the best work he could do was to explain the Christian faith to those on

the outside. He compared his work to that of a translator, a person who takes

words in one language and translates them into another language. Lewis tried

to translate biblical ideas into the language of the ordinary person. Some of

his books translated the good news, others smuggled that news under the cover

of fantasy. Still other writings of his spoke very directly. That you are

reading these words is a testimony to his success.

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



The Northern Territories of Canada



Yukon



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



In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families

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

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



Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Northwest Territories (NWT)



NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473



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

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

Islamic Centre.



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

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



Nunavut (NU)



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



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

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

Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam

in the far northern reaches of Canada."



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



Adding further



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



Under the Keep Praying page



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

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

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

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

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

decorated and festivals will be held.

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

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

Islam.

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

which means Blessed Eid!"

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

know, and Muslims around the world:

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

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

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

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

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

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.



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

"What does this mean?"

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



Peter's Speech at Pentecost



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

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

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

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,

since it is the third hour of the day.

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

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

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

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.'



- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.



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

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



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

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

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

house."



Ideas for prayer



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -



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

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

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



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

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



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



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



http://www.ehc.ca



14th Day of the Month



a) Pray for God's kingdom to come

in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,

and in our nation ( Matt 6:10



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

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.



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



)



b) Pray for those who serve with

denominations and Christian organisations

in Canada - that God will bless their ministry

and anoint them for effective service.

2) Our Daily Bread for 14 December 2025 Titled

An Empty Juice Box by Elisa Morgan



John 7:37-39



Rivers of Living Water



37 (Isa 55:1; Lev 23:36; Nu 29:35) On the last and greatest day of the feast,

Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty,

let him come to Me and drink.

38 (Isa 58:11; Jn 4:14) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,

out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water."

39 (Ac 2:17; Joel 2:28; Ac 2:33) By this He spoke of the Spirit,

whom those who believe in Him would receive. For the Holy Spirit

was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.



[37] In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried,

saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

[38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly

shall flow rivers of living water.

[39] (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should

receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not

yet glorified.)



When I led a ministry for moms of preschoolers, we hunted for an image to

describe the unending demands that mothers experience. Changing diapers.

Wiping noses. Picking up toys. It turns out the image was right in front of

us: a disposable juice box collapsed in on itself. Moms can feel like empty

juice boxes. That ministry served moms by leading them to the Source

of living water that can fill them to the full - Jesus.



In John 7, Jesus went to the Festival of Tabernacles (v. 10), commemorating

God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. This festival

included a water-pouring rite symbolising the fruitfulness that only moisture

produces and foreshadowed the spiritual rain the Messiah would bring. Jesus

fulfills what the ancient festival anticipated. "Let anyone who is thirsty

come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers

of living water will flow from within them" (vv. 37-38).



At times, we can feel like empty containers. Weary from caregiving. Worn from

working. Exhausted by everyday responsibilities. The unending demands draw us

dry! But when we live in relationship with God, He provides springs of living

water within our hearts to refresh and refuel us no matter how many cares

and concerns try to drain us.



Reflect & Pray



What tasks deplete and drain you? How can you take a break from

your daily tasks to experience God's filling Spirit within you?



Dear God, thank You for dwelling in me by

Your Spirit. May I continually draw from the living springs You provide.





Discover A Prayer for the Holy Spirit by Reclaim Today.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 1 Call to the Lord - 2 Samuel 22:3-4



3 (Ge 15:1; Ps 9:9) the God of my strength, in whom I will trust;

my shield and the horn of my salvation,

my fortress and my sanctuary;

my Savior, You save me from violence.

4 (Ps 48:1; 96:4) I call upon the Lord, who is praiseworthy,

and I am saved from my enemies.



3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust:

He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge,

My saviour; thou savest me from violence.

4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised:

So shall I be saved from mine enemies.



In the old Days of Television Western, we could always tell who the enemy was.

The bad guys wore black hats; the evil villain had a scar across

his cheek or a patch over one eye. But real life is

not quite so simple . Enemies come in many forms, and often are not easy to

recognise. Sin is an enemy; even those we love can seek

to undermine our faith;

modern materialism and distorted values lead us away from biblical principles.

These enemies may not seek our death in a physical sense,

but their influence results in spiritual death or, at the very least,

immaturity.

Yet God promises to rescue us from our enemies. David describes the Lord as a

"rock", a "shield", a "stronghold", and a "refuge". God provides a stable

foundation for our faith; he products us from the attacks of the enemy;

he offers a place of rest in battle.

Our battles are usually not physical ones, but rather spiritual

and emotional wars.

We struggle with difficult relationships, the burdens of the past,

the subtle accusations of the devil.

But these enemies can be overcome. David says,

"I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise" .

When we turn to the Lord, trust his Word, acknowledge his

worthiness, we put our own problems and difficulties in perspective.

We see that God is able to rescue us, and has promised to do so.

And as we respond to his grace by focusing

on him, we abandon trust in ourselves and allow him to do what he promised.



Application



a) What kinds of enemies do I face?



b) How have I tried to deal with those enemies by myself?



c) How can today's verses help me turn to the sources of my rescue?



4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland



Joshua 1:8



8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.

Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all

that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,

and you will be wise.



8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt

meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according

to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,

and then thou shalt have good success.



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



When you are discouraged or Depressed



Matthew 11:25-30



25 (Ps 8:2; Jn 11:41) At that time Jesus said, "I thank You, O Father,

Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things

from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants.

26 Even so, Father, for it seemed good in Your sight.

27 (Jn 10:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18) "All things are delivered to Me

by My Father, and no one knows the Son, except the Father.

And no one knows the Father, except the Son and he to whom

the Son will reveal Him.

28 (Jn 7:37; 6:37) "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavily

burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 (Jer 6:16; Jn 13:15) Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.

For I am meek and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.(Jer 6:16).

30 (1Jn 5:3) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."

because He has dealt bountifully with me.



The Hidden Revelation

25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father,

Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things

from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man

knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father,

save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek

and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.



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.

Hebrews 9



Christ's Sacrifice Takes Away Sin



23 (Heb 8:5; 9:24) It was therefore necessary that the replicas of heavenly

things be cleansed with these sacrifices, but that the heavenly things

themselves be cleansed with better sacrifices than these.

24 (Heb 8:2) For Christ did not enter holy places made with hands,

which are patterned after the true one, but into heaven itself,

now to appear in the presence of God for us.

25 (Heb 9:7; 10:19) Nor did He enter to offer Himself often, as the high

priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.

26 (Heb 1:2; 7:27) For then He would have had to suffer repeatedly

since the world was created, but now He has appeared once at the end

of the ages to put away sin by sacrificing Himself.

27 (Ge 3:19; 2Co 5:10) As it is appointed for men to die once,

but after this comes the judgment,

28 (Titus 2:13; 1Pe 2:24) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many,

and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to save those who

eagerly wait for Him.



[23] It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens

should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with

better sacrifices than these.

[24] For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which

are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the

presence of God for us:

[25] Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth

into the holy place every year with blood of others;

[26] For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world:

but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the

sacrifice of himself.

[27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the

judgment:

[28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that

look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.



Hebrews 10

1 (Heb 8:5; 9:11) For the law is a shadow of the good things to come,

and not the very image of those things. It could never by the same sacrifices,

which they offer continually year after year, perfect those who draw near.

2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshippers,

once purified, would no longer be conscious of sins?

3 (Heb 9:7) But in those sacrifices there is an annual reminder of sins.

4 (Heb 10:11) For it is not possible for the blood of bulls

and goats to take away sins.

5 (Heb 1:6; Ge 3:15) Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

"Sacrifices and offerings You did not desire,

but a body You have prepared for Me.

6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin

You have had no pleasure.

7 (Ge 3:15) Then I said, 'See, I have come to do Your will, O God,'

as it is written of Me

in the volume of the book."

8 (Heb 10:5) Previously when He said, "You did not desire sacrifices

and offerings. You have had no pleasure in burnt offerings

and sacrifices for sin,"(Ps 40:6.) which are offered in accordance

with the law,

9 (Heb 10:7) then He said, "See, I have come to do Your will, O God."

(Ps 40:8.) He takes away the first that He may establish the second.

10 (Jn 17:19; Heb 2:11) By this will we have been sanctified through

the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 (Heb 5:1; 10:4) But every priest stands daily ministering and repetitively

offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

12 (Heb 1:3) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins

forever, sat down at the right hand of God.

13 (Heb 1:13; Ps 110:1) Since that time He has been waiting for His enemies

to be made His footstool.

14 (Heb 10:1) For by one offering He has forever perfected

those who are sanctified.

15 (Heb 3:7) The Holy Spirit also witnesses to us about this.

For after saying,

16 (Ro 11:27) "This is the covenant that I will make with them

after those days, says the Lord:

I will put My laws into their hearts,

and in their minds I will write them,"(Jer 31:33.)

17 (Heb 8:12) then He adds,

"Their sins and lawless deeds

will I remember no more."(*Jer 31:34.)

18 Now where there is forgiveness of these,

there is no longer an offering for sin.



[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very

image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year

by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

[2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the

worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

[3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every

year.

[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take

away sins.

[5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and

offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

[6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

[7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,)

to do thy will, O God.

[8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and

offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which

are offered by the law;

[9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the

first, that he may establish the second.

[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of

Jesus Christ once for all.

[11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the

same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

[12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat

down on the right hand of God;

[13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

[14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are

sanctified.

[15] Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had

said before,

[16] This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith

the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I

write them;

[17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

[18] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.



Exhortation and Warning



19 (Eph 2:18; Heb 4:16) Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter

the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,

20 (Heb 9:3; Jn 10:9) by a new and living way that He has opened for us

through the veil, that is to say, His flesh,

21 (Heb 2:17; 1Ti 3:15) and since we have a High Priest over the house

of God,

22 (Eze 36:25; 1Co 6:11; Heb 7:19) let us draw near with a true heart

in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them

from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 (1Co 1:9; Heb 3:6) Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith

without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

24 (Titus 3:8; Heb 13:1) And let us consider how to spur one another

to love and to good works.

25 (Ac 2:42; Heb 3:13) Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves

together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another,

especially as you see the Day approaching.

26 (Dt 17:12; Heb 6:4-6) For if we willfully continue to sin after

we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains

a sacrifice for sins,

27 (Isa 26:11; Eze 36:5) but a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery

indignation, which will devour the adversaries.

28 (Heb 2:2; Dt 19:15) Anyone who despised Moses' law died without mercy

in the presence of two or three witnesses.

29 (Eph 4:30; Heb 2:3) How much more severe a punishment do you suppose

he deserves, who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded

the blood of the covenant that sanctified him to be a common thing,

and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

30 (Dt 32:35-36; Ro 12:19) For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine,"

says the Lord, "I will repay."(Dt 32:35.) And again He says, "The Lord will

judge His people."(Dt 32:36.)

31 (Isa 33:14; Lk 12:5) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands

of the living God.

32 (Heb 6:4; Php 1:29-30) Remember the former days, after you were

enlightened, in which you endured a great struggle of afflictions.

33 (1Co 4:9; Php 4:14) In part you were made a spectacle both by reproaches

and afflictions. And in part you became companions of those who were so

abused.

34 (1Pe 1:4; 2Ti 1:16) For you had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully

endured the confiscation of your property, knowing that you have in heaven a

better and an enduring possession for yourselves.

35 (Heb 11:26) Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which will be

greatly rewarded.

36 (Lk 21:19; Heb 12:1) For you need patience, so that after you have done

the will of God, you will receive the promise.

37 (Rev 22:20; Isa 26:20) For,

"In yet a little while,

He who is to come will come, and will not wait.

38 (Ro 1:17; Gal 3:11) Now the just shall live by faith;

but if anyone draws back,

My soul shall have no pleasure in him."

39 But we are not of those who draw back to destruction,

but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.



[19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the

blood of Jesus,

[20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the

veil, that is to say, his flesh;

[21] And having an high priest over the house of God;

[22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having

our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with

pure water.

[23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he

is faithful that promised;)

[24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

[25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of

some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day

approaching.

[26] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the

truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

[27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation,

which shall devour the adversaries.

[28] He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three

witnesses:

[29] Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,

who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of

the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done

despite unto the Spirit of grace?

[30] For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will

recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

[31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

[32] But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were

illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

[33] Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and

afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so

used.

[34] For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling

of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an

enduring substance.

[35] Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of

reward.

[36] For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God,

ye might receive the promise.

[37] For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not

tarry.

[38] Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul

shall have no pleasure in him.

[39] But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that

believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 8



Jesus Our High Priest



1 (Heb 1:3; Col 3:1) Now this is the main point of the things that we are

saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand

of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

2 a minister in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle, which the Lord,

not man, set up.

3 (Heb 5:1; Eph 5:2) For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts

and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this priest also have

something to offer.

4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest,

since there are priests that offer gifts according to the law.

5 (Ex 25:40; Col 2:17) They serve in a sanctuary that is an example

and shadow of the heavenly one, as Moses was instructed

by God when he was about to make the tabernacle,

"See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you

on the mountain."-6 (Pr 3:11-12.)

6 (Heb 7:22; 12:24; 2Co 3:6-11) But now He has obtained a more excellent

ministry, because He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was

established on better promises.

7 (Heb 7:11; 7:18) For if that first covenant had been faultless,

then no occasion would have been sought for a second.

8 (Jer 31:31-34; Lk 22:20) For finding fault with them, God says:

"Surely the days are coming, says the Lord,

when I will make a new covenant

with the house of Israel

and with the house of Judah,

9 (Dt 5:2-3; Jer 31:32) not according to the covenant

that I made with their fathers

in the day when I took them by the hand

to lead them out of the land of Egypt;

because they did not continue in My covenant,

and I rejected them, says the Lord.

10 (Jer 31:33; 2Co 3:3) This is the covenant that I will make

with the house of Israel

after those days, says the Lord:

I will put My laws into their minds

and write them on their hearts;

and I will be their God,

and they shall be My people.

11 (Isa 54:13; Jn 6:45; 1Jn 2:27) No longer shall every man teach

his neighbour,

and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'

for all shall know Me,

from the least of them to the greatest. (Isa 54:13.)

12 (Ro 11:27; Isa 43:25) For I will be merciful toward their unrighteousness,

and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."

13 (2Co 5:17) In speaking of a new covenant He has made the first one old.

Now that which is decaying and growing old is ready to vanish away.



[1] Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an

high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in

the heavens;

[2] A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord

pitched, and not man.

[3] For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices:

wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

[4] For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there

are priests that offer gifts according to the law:

[5] Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was

admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith

he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the

mount.

[6] But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he

is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better

promises.

[7] For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have

been sought for the second.

[8] For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the

Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the

house of Judah:

[9] Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day

when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because

they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

[10] For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel

after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and

write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be

to me a people:

[11] And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his

brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the

greatest.

[12] For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and

their iniquities will I remember no more.

[13] In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that

which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.



Hebrews 9



The Earthly and Heavenly Sanctuaries



1 (Ex 25:8; Heb 8:2) Then indeed, the first covenant had ordinances for divine

services and an earthly sanctuary.

2 (Ex 40:4; 26:35) A tabernacle was made. In the first part of the tabernacle,

called the Holy Place, were the candlestick, the table, and the showbread.

3 (Ex 26:31-33; 40:3) Behind the second veil was the second part of the

tabernacle called the Most Holy Place,

4 (Ex 26:33; 40:3) which contained the golden censer and the ark of the

covenant overlaid with gold, containing the golden pot holding the manna,

Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.

5 (Lev 16:2; Ex 25:17-22; 1Ki 8:6-7) Above the ark were the cherubim of glory

overshadowing the mercy seat. Concerning these things we cannot now speak in

detail.

6 (Nu 28:3) Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests would

regularly go into the first part, conducting the services of God.

7 (Lev 16:34; Ex 30:10) But only the high priest went into the second part

once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins

of the people, committed in ignorance.

8 (Jn 14:6; Heb 3:7) The Holy Spirit was signifying through this that the way

into the Most Holy Place was not yet revealed, because the first part of the

tabernacle was still standing.

9 (Heb 5:1) This is an illustration for the present time, showing that

the gifts and sacrifices offered could not perfect the conscience of those

who worshipped,

10 (Col 2:16; Heb 7:16) since they are concerned only with foods and drinks,

ceremonial cleansings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time

of reformation.

11 (Heb 10:1; 2:17) But Christ, when He came as a High Priest of the good

things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle,

not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,

12 (Heb 10:4; Da 9:24) neither by the blood of goats and calves,

but by His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all,

having obtained eternal redemption.

13 For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer,

sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies so that the flesh is purified,

14 (1Pe 3:18; Heb 6:1; 10:22) how much more shall the blood of Christ,

who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God,

cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

15 (Ro 8:28; 1Ti 2:5) For this reason He is the Mediator of a new covenant,

since a death has occurred for the redemption of the sins that were committed

under the first covenant, so that those who are called might receive

the promise of eternal inheritance.

16 For where there is a will, there must also of necessity be the death

of the testator.

17 (Gal 3:15) For a will has force after men are dead, since it has no force

at all while the testator lives.

18 So not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.

19 (Nu 19:6; Heb 9:12) For when Moses had taught every precept to all

the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats,

with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book

and all the people,

20 (Mt 26:28; Ex 24:8) saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that God

has commanded you to keep."(Ex 19:12-13.)

21 (Lev 8:15; 8:19) Likewise he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the

vessels of worship with blood.

22 (Lev 17:11) And according to the law almost everything must be cleansed

with blood; without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.



[1] Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service,

and a worldly sanctuary.

[2] For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick,

and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

[3] And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of

all;

[4] Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round

about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod

that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

[5] And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we

cannot now speak particularly.

[6] Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into

the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

[7] But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not

without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the

people:

[8] The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was

not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

[9] Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both

gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect,

as pertaining to the conscience;

[10] Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal

ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

[11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a

greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say,

not of this building;

[12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he

entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for

us.

[13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer

sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

[14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit

offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works

to serve the living God?

[15] And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by

means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the

first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal

inheritance.

[16] For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of

the testator.

[17] For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no

strength at all while the testator liveth.

[18] Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

[19] For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to

the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet

wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

[20] Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto

you.

[21] Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the

vessels of the ministry.

[22] And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without

shedding of blood is no remission.

"How do we provice resources for the questions young adults are asking -

espically when they feel the church doesn't allow them to search - and how do

we parent our adult children when they're making decisions we don't agree

with?"



Think of the Prodigal Son

Stages of Parenting



During Childhood - parent from autohrity

During the teen year - parent from relationship

The during adulthood - parent through influence.



Deuteronomy 6:4-9



4 (Jn 17:3; Isa 42:8) Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God. The Lord is one!

5 (Mt 22:37; Mk 12:30) And you shall love the Lord your God with all

your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

6 (Dt 11:18; 32:46) These words, which I am commanding you today,

shall be in your heart.

7 (Dt 11:19; Eph 6:4) You shall teach them diligently to your children

and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk

by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.

8 (Ex 13:9; Dt 11:18) You shall bind them as a sign on your hand,

and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

9 (Dt 11:20; Isa 57:8) You shall write them on the doorposts

of your house and on your gates.



[4] Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

[5] And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all

thy soul, and with all thy might.

[6] And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

[7] And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk

of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way,

and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

[8] And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be

as frontlets between thine eyes.

[9] And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.



"How do we understnad or support an older child, lie a university-aged son,

who is very closed off, doesn't share much, and doesn't have friends?"



Be intentional. Be curious . Pray for them.



G) Mental Health questions.



"How do we protect children from mental health issues - especially as

a full-time working mom who feels guilty for missing important time with her

kids?"



Really hard questions



Mental health is a complex interplay of genetic, biological, psychological,

and environmental factors.



A key role in a parnet is to help child develop resilience.



Encourage questions, stay curious .



H) Extended Family Issues



"How do we nagivate extended family - dysfunctional ways of relating,

comparison of grandchildren and favoritism?"



Godly boundaries are good, and often necessary.



2 Timothy 3:1-5



1 (Eze 38:16; 2Pe 3:3) Know this: In the last days perilous times will come.

2 (Php 2:21; Jude 1:16) Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,

boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 (Ro 1:31; 1Ti 3:11) without natural affection, trucebreakers, slanderers,

unrestrained, fierce, despisers of those who are good,

4 (1Ti 3:6) traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God,

5 (1Ti 5:8; Mt 7:15) having a form of godliness,

but denying its power. Turn away from such people.



[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,

blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,

fierce, despisers of those that are good,

[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of

God;

[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such

turn away.



Galatians 3:13



13 (Dt 21:23; Gal 4:5) Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law

by being made a curse for us-as it is written, "Cursed is everyone

who hangs on a tree"(Dt 21:23.)-



[13] Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse

for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:



Get on the same page as a couple to agree on the values that you intend

to live out as a family - reflecting the Person and character

of JEsus Christ. And then teach your children.



1) Hebrews 7,8,9,10



Hebrews 7



The Priestly Order of Melchizedek



1 (Ge 14:18-20; Mk 5:7) For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest

of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings

and blessed him.

2 To him Abraham also gave a tenth part of everything. In the first place,

his name is translated "king of righteousness," and then also he is king

of Salem, which means "king of peace."

3 (Heb 7:6) Without father, without mother, without descent,

having neither beginning of days nor end of life,

but made like the Son of God, he continually remains a priest.

4 (Ac 2:29; Ge 14:20) Now consider how great this man was, to whom even

the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.

5 Surely the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have

a command to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is,

from their brothers, though they also come from the seed of Abraham.

6 (Ro 4:13; Ge 14:19-20) But this man, whose descent is not numbered among

them, received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

7 Without question, the inferior is blessed by the superior.

8 (Heb 5:6; 6:20) In the one case mortal men receive tithes, but in the other

he of whom it is witnessed that he is alive receives them.

9 One might say that Levi also, who receives tithes,

paid tithes through Abraham,

10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met Abraham.

11 (Heb 8:7; Gal 2:21) If perfection were attained through the Levitical

priesthood (for through it the people received the law), what further need

was there that another priest should rise in the order of Melchizedek,

rather than established in the order of Aaron?

12 For a change in the priesthood necessitates a change in the law.

13 For the One concerning whom these things are spoken pertains to another

tribe, from which no man served at the altar.

14 (Isa 11:1; Mic 5:2; Lk 3:33) For it is evident that our Lord descended

from Judah, a tribe concerning which Moses said nothing about priests.

15 This is far more evident when another priest arises in the likeness

of Melchizedek,

16 who becomes a priest not by a law pertaining to ancestry,

but by the power of an endless life.

17 (Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6) For He testifies:

"You are a priest forever,

in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)

18 (Ro 8:3; Gal 4:9) For there is then an annulling of the previous

commandment due to its weakness and uselessness.

19 (Ac 13:39; Heb 4:16) For the law made nothing perfect, but now

a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

20 And He was not made a priest without an oath.

21 (Ps 110:4; Heb 7:17) (Other priests were made without an oath,

but this One with an oath by the One who said to Him:

"The Lord has sworn

and will not relent,

'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.' " (Nu 23:19;

1Sa 15:29; Ps 110:4.))

22 Through this oath Jesus became the guarantor of a better covenant.

23 And the former priests were numerous because they were hindered

from serving because of death.

24 (Heb 7:28; Jn 12:34) But He, because He lives forever,

has an everlasting priesthood.

25 (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:19; Jn 14:6) Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost

those who come to God through Him, because He at all times lives to make

intercession for them.

26 (Heb 8:1; 2Co 5:21) For such a High Priest was fitting for us,

for He is holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners,

and is higher than the heavens.

27 (Heb 9:28; 5:3; 9:12) Unlike those high priests, He does not need to

offer daily sacrifices-first for His own sins and then for the people's,

for He did this once for all when He offered up Himself.

28 (Heb 2:10; 1:2) For the law appoints men who are weak as high priests,

but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son who is

made perfect forever.



[1] For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who

met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

[2] To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by

interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem,

which is, King of peace;

[3] Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither

beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God;

abideth a priest continually.

[4] Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch

Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

[5] And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of

the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to

the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of

Abraham:

[6] But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of

Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

[7] And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

[8] And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of

whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

[9] And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in

Abraham.

[10] For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

[11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it

the people received the law,) what further need was there that another

priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after

the order of Aaron?

[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change

also of the law.

[13] For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of

which no man gave attendance at the altar.

[14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe

Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

[15] And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of

Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

[16] Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the

power of an endless life.

[17] For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of

Melchisedec.

[18] For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for

the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

[19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope

did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

[20] And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:

[21] (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by

him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a

priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

[22] By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

[23] And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to

continue by reason of death:

[24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable

priesthood.

[25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto

God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

[26] For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled,

separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

[27] Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice,

first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once,

when he offered up himself.

[28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word

of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for

evermore.

Day 348, 15 December 2024 - 22nd Day of Advent



Today at Calvary Community

Church Pastor Barry Regier and his wife Lori-Anne responded to questions

on God's Blueprint for PArenting.



Our goal is discipleship



Matthew 22:37-39



37 (Dt 6:5; Lk 10:27) Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God

with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'(Dt 6:5.)

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 (Lev 19:18; Mt 19:19; Gal 5:14) And the second is like it:

'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' (Lev 19:18.)



[37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy

heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

[38] This is the first and great commandment.

[39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as

thyself.



Ephesians 6:4



4 (Ge 18:19; Dt 6:7) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,

but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.



[4] And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up

in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.



A) Discpline



"You suggested spanking for defiance and lying, but what are some ways

for disciplining our children?



Focus = training their heart and will, not just behavioural modification.



"How do you handle situations where your souse and you differ in how to

disciplie especially when you have two different styles"?



God will hold fathers responsilbe for the health and vitality of the home

environment, but both parents have a role in training up their children

in the ways of the Lord.



B) Seperation from Culture



"Parents sometimes shelter their children thinking they must seperate them

from the world - but is that actually preparing and equipping them for life?



John 17:15-17



15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world,

but that You should keep them from the evil one.

16 (Jn 17:14) They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.

17 (Jn 15:3; 2Sa 7:28) Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth



[15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that

thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

[16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

[17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.



Remember, we represent Jesus Christ, be a blessing to them!"



C) Gender Identity



"How would you suggest teaching our child about gender, especially when it is

different than what is being taught in schoos?"



Genesis 1:27



27 So God created man in His own image;

in the image of God He created him;

male and female He created them.



[27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he

him; male and female created he them.



Psalm 139:13-15



13 You brought my inner parts into being;

You wove me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise you, for You made me with fear and wonder;

marvelous are Your works,

and You know me completely.

15 My frame was not hidden from You

when I was made in secret,



[13] For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's

womb.

[14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous

are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

[15] My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and

curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.



Jeremiah 17:9



9 (Ecc 9:3; Mk 7:21-22) The heart is more deceitful than all things

and desperately wicked; who can understand it?



[9] The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who

can know it?



Romans 12:1



1 (1Pe 2:5; Ro 6:13; 6:16) I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies

of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy,

and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship.



[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye

present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is

your reasonable service.



D) Technology, gaming and social media



"What amount of time should kidshave on the phone, Internet,

related games, and social media?"



Tie screen time as part of a reward for chores done or homework completed.



E) Teen Issues



"What advice do you have for dealing with children dating,

cell phone use and driving?"



Matthew 22:37-39



37 (Dt 6:5; Lk 10:27) Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God

with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'(Dt 6:5.)

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 (Lev 19:18; Mt 19:19; Gal 5:14) And the second is like it:

'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' (Lev 19:18.)



[37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy

heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

[38] This is the first and great commandment.

[39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as

thyself.



Driving - let them know self-initiative .



"I'm Afraid my child is caught in pronography.

What resources are available to help them?"



Be a safe place for them to be honest.



Ephesians 5:3



3 (Col 3:5; 1Co 6:18; Eph 5:5) And do not let sexual immorality, or any

impurity, or greed be named among you, as these are not proper among saints.



[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be

once named among you, as becometh saints;



F) Adulting



"How do I set my kids up for success as they transition to adulthood?

Should I stock their pantry in their first home?"



Key Ability - Resourcefulness .



2 Peter 1:3



3 (1Th 2:12; 2Th 2:14) His divine power has given to us all things that

pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge

of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence,



[3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain

unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to

glory and virtue:



Key mindset - Solution-Oriented



Philippians 4:8



8 (Ac 6:3; 10:22) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever

things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.



[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are

honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever

things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any

virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.



Joshua 1:7-9



7 (Dt 5:32; 28:14) Be strong and very courageous, in order to act

carefully in accordance with all the law that My servant Moses

commanded you. Do not turn aside from it to the right or the left,

so that you may succeed wherever you go.

8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart

from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may act

carefully according to all that is written in it. For then you will make

your way successful, and you will be wise.

9 (Ge 28:15; Dt 31:7-8) Have not I commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord

your God is with you wherever you go."



[7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do

according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not

from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper

whithersoever thou goest.

[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth;

but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do

according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way

prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not

afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee

whithersoever thou goest.

Advent Day 21



From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle



[The Queen of Narnia] "'isn't a real queen at all,' answered Lucy.

'She is a horrible White Witch She has made an enchantment

over the whole country so that it is always winter here and never Christmas.'



'I wonder if there's any point in going on,' said Susan....



'What about just going home?'" - C. S. Lewis



(Read this and more in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, p. 56.)



Always Winter and Never Christmas



Always winter and never Christmas. Nothing could be more depressing.

Continual anticipation of celebration, gift-giving, and wonderful music,

but never arriving at the promise. Advent is exciting, but a perpetual

Advent season would drag on. In Narnia, it had been winter for a hundred

years, but Christmas never arrived. The white witch had bound Narnia

in ice and snow. The winter weather contained the promise,

but not the reality of Christmas. Without the breaking of her

enchantment, Christmas would never come.



Lucy had been the first to enter Narnia. Her words from The Lion,

the Witch and the Wardrobe repeat what she has heard: always

winter and never Christmas. But in that phrase there lies a promise.

Some day it will be Christmas! Asian is on the move! The lion is coming.

He will defeat the witch. The wardrobe will prove to be a gateway

to the fulfillment of a promise. Evil has its limits. One day we will celebrate.

And so Asian came, and the ice and snow began to melt. Eventually,

the witch's power melted as surely as the ice and snow had.



Since the first promise of a Savior and the first declaration of a final

Day of the Lord, much time has passed. The promise remains valid,

because "a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day"

with the Lord (2 Peter 3:8). He has come, and he is coming again.



God, give us the patience to trust your promises. Amen.



8 (Ps 90:4) But, beloved, do not be ignorant of this one thing,

that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years

as one day.

9 (1Ti 2:4; Hab 2:3; Heb 10:37) The Lord is not slow concerning His promise,

as some count slowness. But He is patient with us, because He does not want

any to perish, but all to come to repentance.



2 Peter 3:8-9



From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn



SATURDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT



The Lord God



68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,...



-Luke 1:68a



I have taken the liberty of capitalizing the entire name LORD

(here and in earlier meditations) because it seems most likely



that the speakers utilized the Aramaic version of the original

Hebrew word we translate "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." In English we employ

the all-capitalized word rather than Lord, which renders the Hebrew

name Adonai or "Sovereign One." LORD means the "Covenant One,"

so you might want to watch for its occurrences in the First Testament

and note each time the choice of that assuring/fulfilling name.





Here Zechariah blesses Israel's Promising God because he had scrutinised

his people positively and reclaimed them after all the times in their

history they had gone astray.

Zechariah's son John would have a great part in a future restoration

(Luke 1:15b-16).



Do we need a more favourable view of the First

(rather than "Old" or, as some think, "Outdated") Testament?

To see all the grace that is implied by LORD might

be an excellent starting point.



Prayer



The immensity of your grace, LORD, dazzles us! Amen.



Read Luke 1:67-68.



67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit

and prophesied, saying,

68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for He has visited and redeemed His people,



From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler



THIRD SATURDAY

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



How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him who brings good news,

who proclaims peace,

who brings good news of happiness,

who proclaims salvation,

who says to Zion,

"Your God reigns!"ISAIAH 52:7



Today's Scripture outlines some of the Advent AH-HAs of attributes

of those who share the good news of Christmas . .. and beyond. How

beautiful are the feet of the messengers who bring peace and hope to

a troubled world! And then we are even encouraged to "break forth in

singing," another great attribute given to us to use to glorify the Lords

Think of some of the AH-HA attributes that you are sharing with others. Go

ahead. no need to be a "shucks, I don't have much" kind of person. We

all have been blessed with so many gifts, and I do not mean those lying

under your tree.

As an experiment, try this; Write down or think of six words you would use

to describe your Advent journey of faith. This idea evolved from a book

entitled Not Quite What I was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers

Famous card Obscure in which people summed up their lives in six

words. One comic wrote, "Well,l thought it was funny." Ernest Hemingway

wrote, "For sale, baby shoes, never worn." Folks from Chicago might write,

'Cubbies--just wait until next year!" A former math teacher of mine would

have said. "l never could count well!'

Some quick attributes of Advent for me an: "He came to give us life."o r

Everything in the name of Jesus." or "The Word Made Flesh among us.'

Share your attributes as gifts to others.



Lord. thanks for giving us gifts to announce your birth, death

and resurrection to others. Keep us creative, constant, consistent

and Christ-like. In Jesus' name, Amen ... and AH-HA!



Read Isaiah 52:7-10.



7 (Isa 40:9; Na 1:15; Ps 93:1) How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him who brings good news,

who proclaims peace,

who brings good news of happiness,

who proclaims salvation,

who says to Zion,

"Your God reigns!"

8 (Isa 62:6; 1Co 13:12) Your watchmen lift up their voices;

they sing joyfully together;

for they shall see with their own eyes

when the Lord brings Zion back.

9 (Isa 51:3; 48:20) Break forth into joy, sing together,

you waste places of Jerusalem.

For the Lord has comforted His people;

He has redeemed Jerusalem.

10 (Isa 51:9; Lk 3:6) The Lord has bared His holy arm

in the eyes of all the nations,

and all the ends of the earth shall see

the salvation of our God.



From On Eagle's wings Day 14



Part Of The Family



14 and we saw His glory,

the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.



[14] (and we beheld his

glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace

and truth. John 1:14b



When I joined the Diocese of The Arctic in 1960 the term of service

was five years without any vacation and it was made clear that the

missionary’s first task was to learn the language of the community in

which they were serving. This was so that the people knew you came

not just as a transient visitor, but like Jesus, as one who was coming to

"dwell among" them. In this way you eventually were seen as a

member of the community not as an outsider, who would be there for

a time, short or longer, but eventually leave again. You became one of

the family sharing in its joys and its sorrows, the joyful times and the

tragedies.

Advent is the season in which we look forward to the annual

celebration of the coming of Jesus who came that we might have life,

not just earthly life, but eternal life as one of God the Father’s family.

During Advent we have a twofold task. We need to prepare ourselves

to fully celebrate the Nativity, and remember that Jesus still dwells

among us today. Then to share with those around us that we can all be

members of the heavenly family through belief and trust in Jesus, the

only Lord and Saviour.

Let us reach out to those amongst whom we dwell and share with

them the Gospel of salvation.



Bishop Chris Williams (retired)

Northern Partner & Former Board Member



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for being the Supreme Spiritual Leader.



Pray to the Lord: "Holy God, when my circumstances seem bleak,

please remind me to focus on You to find joy and strength."



Pray to the Lord and pray to Sow to yourselves in righteousness,

reap in mercy.



Pray to the Lord and pray to be neither lender nor follower.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know The Lord prepares a place for you in Heaven.



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

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,

and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.



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

their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.



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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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



Pray that, with God's help, children and young people will be able to journey

with hope towards the destiny God has for each of them.



Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world

to be your sons and daughters. Amen.



God, give us the patience to trust your promises. Amen.



Pray: The immensity of your grace, LORD, dazzles us! Amen.



Pray: Lord. thanks for giving us gifts to announce your birth, death

and resurrection to others. Keep us creative, constant, consistent

and Christ-like. In Jesus' name, Amen ... and AH-HA!



Lord Jesus give us the will and courage to reach out to those around

us with the gospel of the eternal love of God in Jesus.



Ask God to meet the need for practical resources that will enable churches

in Jordan to assist Muslim refugees.



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.