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From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AD LIBS!
God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, HEBREWS 1:1-2
How is your journey to the manger going so far? We're almost
to Bethlehem!
I like to look for different "twists" in the Christmas message each year. Not
that l change the story, but I do look for creative ways to ad lib along the
way. This is called the AH-HA of ad libs!
For instance. l imagine what would have happened if, when Mary and
Joseph came to the innkeeper, instead of turning them away. he would
have said, "Hey. no problem, come on in and hake a drink!" Or l wonder
what if when the angels came to the old shepherds in the field, the senior
adult shepherds would have responded, "Huh?"
We'd better just stick to the old, old story of Jesus and his love, don't you
think?--just the way today's Scripture lays it out. Hebrews reminds us that
years ago God spoke to his people through the prophets, but now he
speaks to us through his Son. That's the story we never want to change!
Author David Grayson once wrote. "Sometimes we expect too much of
Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and
humanity of the whole year. I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all
through the year." Not a bad way to ad lib our way, each day, in the Lord!
Lord, enable us to keep telling your story in new ways by adding our
own story of our AH-HAs and UH-OHs. Help us to keep the message fresh,
as you did trough both the prophets ... and through Jesus, the Babe
of Bethlehem. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Hebrews 1:1-4
1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways
spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,
whom He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express
image of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power.
When He had by Himself purged our sins,
He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels
as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
From
On Eagle's wings
Northern Hospitality
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.
[1] Let brotherly love continue.
[2] Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares.
Hebrews 13:1-2 (MEV/KJV)
My trip to the Northwest Territories to teach Bible Camp gave me a
whole new perspective on what hospitality and loving one another
means.
We spent our afternoons in Behchoko with a great group of
students. While they didn't have much material wealth, they did
have a tremendous amount of love for each other. In the evenings
we were invited to attend the town's Spiritual Gathering,
a weeklong celebration in which the First Nations honored and celebrated
their culture with ancestral activities and native food.
Due to the 2023 fires, which consumed most of their forests, a
major reforestation project was taking place. The tree planters
camp was next door to where the Spiritual Gathering was held.
On the third day of the gathering tragedy struck when the tree
planters' helicopter crashed, killing the pilot.
For the next two nights, the people of the Tlicho First Nation went
to the tree planter's camp to sing songs and offer prayers of
healing. The workers were all invited to attend the Spiritual
Gathering; an amazing display of hospitality and love for all in the
name of Christ.
During this Advent season, I remember how a baby born in a stable
grows into a man who teaches us through his words and actions the
meaning of love and hospitality. He reminds us daily to live our lives
just like our northern neighbors.
Sandy Anthony
Bible Camp Volunteer
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to live in the Holy Ways of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, thank You for all You've given
me. Please help me to choose gratitude today
for the many ways You've blessed me."
Pray to the Lord and pray to let the Lord Jesus Christ lead you
in living a Christian life.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Blessing of Obedience.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the love of the Lord!
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons
and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Pray: Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Thank you God for sending your son into the world. As we wait for
his birth, teach us to be loving and show hospitality to all.
Pray that new Christians in the Maldives will receive discipleship
so they can grow to spiritual maturity.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
12th Day of the Month
a) Pray that the Lord will put a desire in the hearts of those in business
to follow God's principles and act honourably and ethically
(Proverb 11:1
1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord,
but a just weight is His delight.
1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD:
But a just weight is his delight.
)
b) Pray the the Spirit of the Lord will restrain the spirit of
hatred and destruction against humanity across the world.
Advent Day 20
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Friday, Third Week of Advent
"From the waist upwards he was like a man, but his legs were shaped like a
goat's....One of his hands...held the umbrella:
in the other arm he carried several brown paper parcels. What with the parcels
and the snow it looked just as if he had been doing his Christmas shopping. He
was a Faun. And when he saw Lucy he gave such a start of surprise that he
dropped all his parcels." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, p. 8.)
Christmas Shopping
Some families begin their Christmas shopping the day after Christmas, so far
in advance that they have more than 300shop ping days to complete that task.
Early in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Tumnus the Faun looked as if he
had been Christmas shopping. Then he met Lucy, dropped his parcels in
surprise, and the adventures in Narnia began. Those gifts are never again
mentioned in the Chronicles of Narnia.
God's plans started much earlier than our plan sdo. At one point in Israel's
history, their plans began seventy years before the end of the Babylonian
Exile. For us they began even earlier than that. "For he chose us in him
before the creation of the world" (Eph. 1:4). If God chose us before the
creation of the world, then he also planned to send his Son before the
creation of the world. Those plans even began before the first sin. Now that's
planning!
In Christ God loved us with the riches of his grace that "he lavished on us
with all wisdom and understanding" (Eph. 1:8). He planned that we "be adopted
as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and
will" (Eph. 1:5). That lavishment was God's shopping, so to speak, wrapping
up gifts of grace in advance for us to enjoy in the coming of Jesus. The gifts
of the Wise Men were planned to be gifts fit for a king. God's gifts were
planned to be gifts fit for the children of the King.
Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world to be your
sons and daughters. Amen.
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
Ephesians 1:4
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Pondering and Prophesying
... For the hand of the Lord was with him..
-Luke 1:66b
Fear of God came over everyone, and everything was discussed throughout
Judea's hill country. There were two other dominant reactions to the
astonishing events that took place with John's circumcision. On one hand,
people were pondering and asking, "What then will this child become?" On the
other hand, Zechariah was compelled by the Holy Spirit to prophesy.
All of these responses are appropriate when we perceive that God has created a
wonder. Not only will we want to tell all our neighbors and friends throughout
the world, but also we will yearn to mull over the circumstances ourselves.
Moreover, we may be overpowered by the Holy Spirit ourselves and may give
witness to God's glorious accomplishments in other ways.
Are we open to the workings of the Holy Spirit through us? Has it ever
happened that you have prophesied? (I mean not necessarily foretelling the
future, but clarifying the meaning of the present.) Have we instead sometimes
quenched the Spirit when God would have used us to give witness to his deeds?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, use me as you wish. Amen.
Read Luke 1:65-67.
65 Fear came on all who lived around them. And all these facts
were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.
66 All those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying,
"What kind of child will he be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
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2) Our Daily Bread for 12 December 2025 Titled
Cultivating Gratitude
by The Center for Bible Engagement
Psalm 9:1-12
PSALMS 9
For the Music Director. To the melody of "The Death of the Son."
A Psalm of David.
1 I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will declare all Your marvelous works.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) When my enemies are turned back,
they will stumble and perish at Your presence.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) For You have maintained my right and my cause;
You sat on the throne judging what is right.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You have rebuked the nations,
You have destroyed the wicked,
You have wiped out their name forever and ever.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) O you enemy, destructions
have come to you for a perpetual end.
You have destroyed cities;
their memory perished with them.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) But the Lord remains forever;
He has established His throne for judgment.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) He will judge the world in righteousness;
He will give judgment to the peoples in uprightness.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) Those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) Sing praises to the Lord who dwells in Zion;
declare His deeds among the people.
12 He who avenges deaths remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the humble.
Psalm 9
To the chief Musician upon Muth-labben, A Psalm of David.
Aleph
1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart;
I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee:
I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High.
Bet
3 When mine enemies are turned back,
They shall fall and perish at thy presence.
4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause;
Thou satest in the throne judging right.
Gimel
5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked,
Thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end:
And thou hast destroyed cities; Their memorial is perished with them.
He
7 But the LORD shall endure for ever:
He hath prepared his throne for judgment.
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness,
He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
Waw
9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee:
For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Zain
11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion:
Declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
"Dad, can you get me some water?" my youngest daughter asked. "Sure," I said,
bringing her a full cup. She took it wordlessly. Then my oldest daughter
made the same request. She didn't respond either after I got her some water.
Annoyed, I blurted out, "Is anyone going to say, 'Thank you'? Why is that so
hard?"
Sometimes there’s nothing like parental frustration to open the door for God
to work. Immediately I felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit: Yes, Adam,
why is it so hard to say, "Thank you"? Busted. Turns out a lack of gratitude
isn't just my kids' problem; it's mine too.
I don't know why saying thank you can be so hard, but it certainly seems to be
a part of the human condition. In the psalms, however, we see a model for
growing in gratitude. There, David and others often praise God amid myriad
trials. And a particular phrase frequently
precedes their thanksgiving: "I will . . . ."
In Psalm 9:1, David deliberately chooses thankfulness: "I will give thanks to
You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will declare all Your marvelous works."
We might be prone to think of gratitude primarily as a feeling.
But David reminds us that it's also a choice.
Like David, as we choose to cultivate a habit of giving thanks, we can
gradually grow to recognise and appreciate God's goodness in every aspect
of life.
Reflect & Pray
How can we cultivate the habit of gratitude?
What are some things you’re thankful for?
Dear Father, thank You for all You've given
me. Please help me to choose gratitude today
for the many ways You’ve blessed me.
To learn more about
Psalm 9, read The Voice of the Silenced.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 6 God Works!
Phil 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence,
but so much more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling.
13 For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will
and to do of his good pleasure.
"I just can't do it!" Marlys, a career woman in her 30s, was struggling to fit
her new Christian principles into the business world. Accustomed to the
cutthroat tactics of the corporate hierarchy, she has a hard time knowing
Jesus' examples of grace and mercy applied.
Marlys was right. She couldn't do it. In our own strength, none of us is able
to "live the Christian life." Someone has said, " The Christian life isn't
difficult -- it's impossible!" Only the power of the Holy Spirit is
effective to work the needed changes in our priorities and behaviour;
only God can accomplish what he calls us to do.
In Phillippians 2:12, Paul says "work it out." If we stop there,
we are likely to throw up our hands in despair.
But the good news appears in verse 13:
" For God is the One working in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure."
WE are not left on our own to figure out how to live the Christian life.
God gives us both the will and the ability to obey him, to live in a way
that will please him.
The key to a God-pleasing life is not performance, but obedience. God does not
expect us to "do great things" for him, to deserve his love and grace.
Our part in the process of salvation is to respond in obedience to the Lord,
to say "yes" to what he asks of us. We cannot change ourselves;
we cannot even know ourselves apart from the Spirit's insight. But
as we cooperate with him, as we agree to be obedient, the Spirit changes us
within, and those changes are "worked out" into our lives.
Application
a) Have I ever tried to "Live the Christian life" on my own strength?
What was the result?
b) In what practical ways is Paul's declaration that "God works in me"
good new in my life?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 28:11
11 (Dt 28:4; 30:9) The Lord will make you overflow in prosperity,
in the offspring of your body, in the offspring of your livestock,
and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore
to your fathers to give you.
11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body,
and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land
which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
1 John 4:16b-18
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
17 (1Jn 2:5; 2:28) In this way God's love is perfected in us,
so that we may have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as He is,
so are we in this world.
18 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) There is no fear in love,
but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
Whoever fears is not perfect in love.
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness
in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
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1 Peter 4
Good Stewards of God's Grace
1 (Ro 6:7; 6:2) Therefore, since Christ has suffered for us in the flesh,
arm yourselves likewise with the same mind, for he who has suffered in
the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 (Mk 3:35; Ro 6:11) so that he no longer should live the rest of his time
in the flesh serving human desires, but the will of God.
3 (Isa 28:7; Eze 44:6) For in earlier times of our lives it may have
sufficed us to do what the Gentiles like to do, when we walked in immorality:
lusts, drunkenness, carousing, debauchery, and abominable idolatries.
4 (1Pe 3:16; 2:12) They are surprised that you do not join them in the same
excess of wild living, and so they speak evil of you.
5 (Ac 10:42; 2Ti 4:1) They will give account to Him who is ready to judge
the living and the dead.
6 (1Pe 3:19) For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who
are dead, so that even though they might be judged according to men
in the flesh, they might live according to God in the spirit.
7 (1Pe 1:13; Lk 21:36) The end of all things is near.
Therefore be solemn and sober so you can pray.
8 (Pr 10:12; Jas 5:20) Above all things, have unfailing love for one another,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
9 (Php 2:14; 1Ti 3:2) Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
10 (1Co 4:1-2; Lk 12:42) As everyone has received a gift, even so serve one
another with it, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 (Ac 7:38; 1Co 10:31) If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.
If anyone serves, let him serve with the strength that God supplies, so that
God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
[1] Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the
flesh hath ceased from sin;
[2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the
lusts of men, but to the will of God.
[3] For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of
the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine,
revellings, banqueting, and abominable idolatries:
[4] Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same
excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
[5] Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the
dead.
[6] For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead,
that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according
to God in the spirit.
[7] But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch
unto prayer.
[8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity
shall cover the multitude of sins.
[9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
[10] As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
[11] If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all
things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion
for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place
among you to test you, as though some strange thing happened to you.
13 (Ro 8:17; Php 3:10) But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ's sufferings,
so that you may rejoice and be glad also in the revelation
of His glory.
14 (Mt 5:11; 1Pe 3:16) If you are reproached because of the name of Christ,
you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
15 (1Th 4:11; 2Th 3:11) Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief,
or an evildoer, or even as a busybody.
16 (Ac 5:41; 26:28) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be
ashamed, but let him glorify God because of it.
17 (Jer 25:29; 2Th 1:8) For the time has come for judgment to begin
at the house of God, and if it begins first with us, what shall the end
be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 (Pr 11:31; Lk 23:31) And
"If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"(Pr 11:31.)
19 (Ps 31:5; Lk 23:46) So then, let those who suffer according to the will
of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator, while continuing
to do good.
[12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
[13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that,
when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
[14] If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the
spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken
of, but on your part he is glorified.
[15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an
evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
[16] Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let
him glorify God on this behalf.
[17] For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and
if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the
gospel of God?
[18] And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the
sinner appear?
[19] Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the
keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
1 Peter 5
Tending the Flock of God
1 (Lk 24:48; Ac 11:30) I exhort the elders who are among you,
as one who is also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ
as well as a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 (1Ti 3:8; 3:3) Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, take care
of them, not by constraint, but willingly, not for dishonest gain,
but eagerly.
3 (Eze 34:4; Php 3:17) Do not lord over those in your charge,
but be examples to the flock.
4 (1Co 9:25; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 1:4) And when the chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive a crown of glory that will not fade away.
5 (Jas 4:6; Eph 5:21) Likewise you younger ones, submit yourselves
to the elders. Yes, all of you be submissive one to another
and clothe yourselves with humility, because
"God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."(Pr 3:34.)
6 (Jas 4:10; Mt 23:12) Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time.
7 (Ps 55:22; 37:5) Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.
8 (Job 2:2; Eph 6:11) Be sober and watchful, because your adversary
the devil walks around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9 (Ac 14:22; Jas 4:7) Resist him firmly in the faith, knowing that
the same afflictions are experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 (2Co 4:17; 2Th 2:17; 1Co 1:9) But after you have suffered a little while,
the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory through Christ
Jesus, will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
11 (1Pe 4:11) To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
[1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed:
[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,
not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
[3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the
flock.
[4] And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of
glory that fadeth not away.
[5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you
be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth
the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may
exalt you in due time:
[7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are
accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
[10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by
Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,
stablish, strengthen, settle you.
[11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12 (Heb 13:22; 2Co 1:19; Ac 20:24) With the help of Silas, whom I consider
to be a faithful brother to you, I have written briefly, exhorting you
and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
13 (Ac 12:12; 12:25) The church that is at Babylon, elect together with you,
greets you, and so does Mark, my son.
14 (Ro 16:16; Eph 6:23) Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
[12] By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written
briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God
wherein ye stand.
[13] The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you;
and so doth Marcus my son.
[14] Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that
are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Posted by DSY on
1 Peter 2
Live as Servants of God
11 (Jas 4:1; Lev 25:23) Dearly beloved, I implore you as aliens and refugees,
abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.
12 (Mt 5:16; 1Pe 3:16) Live your lives honorably among the Gentiles, so that
though they speak against you as evildoers, they shall see your good works
and thereby glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 (Titus 3:1) Submit yourselves to every human authority for the Lord's sake,
whether it be to the king, as supreme,
14 (Ro 13:3-4) or to governors, as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers
and to praise those who do right.
15 (1Pe 2:12) For it is the will of God that by doing right you may put to
silence the ignorance of foolish men.
16 (Ro 6:22; 1Co 7:22) As free people, do not use your liberty as a covering
for evil, but live as servants of God.
17 (Ro 13:7; Pr 24:21; Ro 12:10) Honor all people. Love the brotherhood.
Fear God. Honor the king.
[11] Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from
fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
[12] Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they
speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they
shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
[13] Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake:
whether it be to the king, as supreme;
[14] Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment
of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
[15] For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence
the ignorance of foolish men:
[16] As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but
as the servants of God.
[17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
The Example of Christ's Suffering
18 (Jas 3:17) Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only
to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
19 (Ro 13:5) For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God
a person endures grief, suffering unjustly.
20 (1Pe 2:19; 3:17) For what credit is it if when you are being beaten
for your sins you patiently endure? But if when doing good and suffering
for it, you patiently endure, this is favorable before God.
21 (Ac 14:22; Mt 16:24) For to this you were called, because Christ suffered
for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 (Isa 53:9; 2Co 5:21) "He committed no sin,
nor was deceit found in His mouth."(Isa 53:9.)
23 (Isa 53:7; Lk 23:46) When He was reviled, He did not revile back; when He
suffered, He did not threaten, but He entrusted Himself to Him who judges
righteously.
24 (Ro 6:2; 6:11) He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.
"By His wounds you were healed."(Isa 53:5).
25 (Isa 53:6; Ps 119:176)
For you were as sheep going astray, but now have been returned
to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
[18] Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the
good and gentle, but also to the froward.
[19] For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure
grief, suffering wrongfully.
[20] For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall
take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it
patiently, this is acceptable with God.
[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
[23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he
threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
[24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were
healed.
[25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the
Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1 Peter 3
Wives and Husbands
1 (1Co 7:16; Col 3:18) Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands,
so that if any do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the
conduct of their wives,
2 as they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
3 (Isa 3:18-24) Do not let your adorning be the outward adorning
of braiding the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine clothing.
4 (Ro 7:22; Ps 149:4) But let it be the hidden nature of the heart, that which
is not corruptible, even the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is
very precious in the sight of God.
5 (1Ti 5:5) For in this manner, in the old times, the holy women, who trusted
in God, adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,
6 (Ge 18:12) even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You are her
children as long as you do right and are not afraid with any terror.
7 (Col 3:19; 1Th 4:4) Likewise, you husbands, live considerately with
your wives, giving honor to the woman as the weaker vessel,
since they too are also heirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers
will not be hindered.
[1] Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any
obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation
of the wives;
[2] While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
[3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair,
and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
[4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not
corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the
sight of God of great price.
[5] For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted
in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
[6] Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are,
as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
[7] Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving
honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together
of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Suffering for Righteousness' Sake
8 (Mt 18:33; Ro 12:10) Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward
one another, be gracious, and be kind.
9 (Ro 12:17; 12:14; 1Th 5:15) Do not repay evil for evil, or curse for curse,
but on the contrary, bless, knowing that to this you are called, so that you
may receive a blessing.
10 (Ps 34:12-16) For
"He who would love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil,
and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 (Ps 34:14; Mt 5:9) Let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and His ears are open to their prayers;
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13 (Pr 16:7) Who is he who will harm you if you follow that which is good?
14 (1Pe 2:19-20; Isa 8:12-13) But even if you suffer for the sake
of righteousness, you are blessed. "Do not be afraid of their terror,
do not be troubled."(Isa 8:12.)
15 (Col 4:6; Isa 29:23) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for
a reason for the hope that is in you, with
gentleness and fear.
16 (Heb 13:18; 1Pe 2:12) Have a good conscience so that evildoers who speak
evil of you and falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
17 (1Pe 2:20; 4:19) For it is better, if it is the will of God, that you
suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
18 (1Pe 4:1; Heb 9:26; Ro 4:25) For Christ also has once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, being put to death
in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit,
19 (1Pe 4:6) by whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison,
20 (Ge 6:3; 6:5) who in times past were disobedient, when God waited patiently
in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is,
eight souls, were saved through water.
21 (1Pe 1:3; Mk 16:16) Figuratively this is like baptism, which also saves us
now. It is not washing off the dirt from the body, but a response to God from
a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 (Ro 8:38; Mk 16:19) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand
of God, with angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.
[8] Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love
as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
[9] Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise
blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a
blessing.
[10] For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his
tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
[11] Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
[12] For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open
unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
[13] And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is
good?
[14] But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not
afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
[15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give
an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear:
[16] Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of
evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in
Christ.
[17] For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well
doing, than for evil doing.
[18] For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but
quickened by the Spirit:
[19] By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
[20] Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God
waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that
is, eight souls were saved by water.
[21] The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the
putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
[22] Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and
authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Posted by DSY on
Day 346, 12 December 2025 - 20th Day of Advent
1) 1 Peter 1, 1 Peter 2, 1 Peter 3, 1 Peter 4, 1 Peter 5
1 Peter 1
Salutation
1 (Ac 16:6-7; Jas 1:1) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the refugees scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia,
and Bithynia,
2 (Ro 11:2; 2Th 2:13; Heb 12:24) elect according to the foreknowledge
of God the Father, through sanctification by the Spirit,
for obedience and sprinkling with the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
[1] Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout
Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
[2] Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through
sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of
Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
A Living Hope
3 (1Co 15:20; 2Co 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living
hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 4:8) to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that does
not fade away, kept in heaven for you,
5 (Eph 2:8) who are protected by the power of God through faith for
a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 (Jas 1:2; Isa 61:3; Ro 5:2) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now,
if for a little while, you have had to suffer various trials,
7 (Job 23:10; Pr 17:3; Isa 48:10) in order that the genuineness of your faith,
which is more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried by fire,
may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus
Christ,
8 (Jn 20:29; Heb 11:27) whom, having not seen, you love; and in whom, though
you do not see Him now, you believe and you rejoice with joy unspeakable and
full of glory,
9 (Ro 6:22) receiving as the result of your faith the salvation of your souls.
10 (Mt 13:17; Lk 10:24) Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied
of the grace that should come to you have inquired and searched diligently,
11 (2Pe 1:21; Isa 52:13-14) seeking the events and time the Spirit of Christ,
who was within them, signified when He foretold the sufferings of Christ
and the glories to follow.
12 (Jn 15:26; Da 8:13) It was revealed to them that they were not serving
themselves but you, concerning the things which are now reported to you by
those who have preached the gospel to you through the Holy Spirit, who was
sent from heaven-things into which the angels desire to look.
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according
to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
[4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not
away, reserved in heaven for you,
[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to
be revealed in the last time.
[6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are
in heaviness through manifold temptations:
[7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and
honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
[8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet
believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
[9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
[10] Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently,
who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
[11] Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was
in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ,
and the glory that should follow.
[12] Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they
did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have
preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven;
which things the angels desire to look into.
A Call to Holy Living
13 (1Pe 4:7; 5:8) Therefore guard your minds, be sober, and hope to the end
for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
14 (Ro 12:2; Ac 17:30) As obedient children do not conduct yourselves
according to the former lusts in your ignorance.
15 (2Co 7:1; Heb 12:14) But as He who has called you is holy, so be holy
in all your conduct,
16 (Lev 11:44; 19:2) because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
(Lev 11:44; 19:2; 20:7.)
17 (Mt 6:9; 2Co 7:1) And if you address as Father the One who impartially
judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the
time of your sojourning.
18 (1Co 6:20) For you know that you were not redeemed from your vain way
of life inherited from your fathers with perishable things, like silver
or gold,
19 (Jn 1:29; Ex 12:5) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb
without blemish and without spot.
20 (Eph 1:4; Col 1:26) He was foreordained before the creation of the world,
but was revealed in these last times for you.
21 (Heb 2:9; Jn 12:44) Through Him you believe in God who raised Him up
from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope might be
in God.
22 (Heb 13:1; Jas 4:8) Since your souls have been purified by obedience to
the truth through the Spirit unto a genuine brotherly love, love one another
deeply with a pure heart,
23 (Heb 4:12; 1Pe 1:3) for you have been born again, not from perishable seed,
but imperishable, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.
24 (Isa 40:6-8; Jas 1:10-11) For
"All flesh is as grass,
and all the glory of man as the flower of grass.
The grass withers, and its flower falls away,
25 (Isa 40:8) but the word of the Lord endures forever."
This is the word that was preached to you.
[13] Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end
for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus
Christ;
[14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former
lusts in your ignorance:
[15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation;
[16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
[17] And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth
according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in
fear:
[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,
as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from
your fathers;
[19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and
without spot:
[20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was
manifest in these last times for you,
[21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and
gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
[22] Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the
Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another
with a pure heart fervently:
[23] Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the
word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
[24] For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of
grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
[25] But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which
by the gospel is preached unto you.
1 Peter 2
The Living Stone and the Holy Nation
1 (Eph 4:31; Jas 4:11; 1:21) Therefore put away all wickedness, deceit,
hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.
2 (Mt 18:3; Eph 4:15)As newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word,
that by it you may grow,
3 if it is true that you have experienced that the Lord is good.
[1] Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and
envies, and all evil speakings,
[2] As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow
thereby:
[3] If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4 (1Pe 2:7) Coming to Him as to a living stone who is rejected by men,
but chosen by God and precious,
5 (Php 4:18; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 61:6) you also, as living stones, are being built
up into a spiritual house as a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual
sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 (Isa 28:16; Eph 2:20) For also it is contained in the Scripture,
"Look! I lay in Zion
a chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
and he who believes in Him
shall never be put to shame." (Isa 28:16.)
7 (Mt 21:42; 2Co 2:16) Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious.
But to those who are disobedient,
"The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,"(Ps 118:22.)
8 (Isa 8:14; Ro 9:22) and,
"A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense."(Isa 8:14.)
They stumble because they are disobedient to the word,
to which also they were appointed.
9 (Dt 7:6; 10:15) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may declare the
goodness of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
10 (Hos 1:9-10; 2:23) In times past, you were not a people, but now you are
the people of God. You had not received mercy, but now you have received
mercy.
[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but
chosen of God, and precious,
[5] Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.
[6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a
chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not
be confounded.
[7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be
disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the
head of the corner,
[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which
stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
[10] Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:
which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Posted by DSY on
From
On Eagle's wings
A Willing Heart
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed. Luke 2:3 (MEV)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. Luke 2:3 (KJV)
Undertaking a journey requires advanced planning and preparation.
Imagine planning a journey involving walking 113 km (70 miles),
navigating hilly terrain while caring for a heavily pregnant woman.
Today it would be considered high risk to embark on such an
arduous journey in the third trimester of pregnancy. I imagine the
Roman census coinciding with Mary's due date was a major inconvenience.
The decision to journey to the Arctic community of Tuktoyaktuk
was not easy. I was deeply fatigued from a busy season in life and
still in the process of recovering from the flu. There was a part of
me that didn't want to be inconvenienced by the trip and another
part that really wanted to reconnect with the people in Tuk. I was
genuinely concerned about my health, but as I began to pray about
the opportunity I recognized a gentle nudging in my spirit to
surrender my fears.
I often wonder about the inner conflict Mary might have
experienced as she prepared to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Perhaps she was concerned about her health and the health of
her newborn. Mary's act of compliance and surrender to the things
outside of her control continues to be a source of inspiration to me.
As I sat around a craft table sharing my faith with the children in
Tuk, I recognized the value of surrender, and the impact acceptance
can make.
Emma Abrol
On Eagle's Wings Curriculum Writer & Bible Camp Volunteer
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray to the Lord: "Loving Father, please help me be attuned
to opportunities to spread Your love through
kind words and actions. I want to be more like You!"
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord who redeems you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to honour his covenant.
Pray to the Lord and pray that integrity and uprightness preserve you.
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 God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons
and daughters. Amen.
Pray: Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Pray: Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Father in heaven, this Advent let us discover again that we are
your children created in your own image and, because of our
baptism, that Christ is in us. Let us rediscover that there is
peace and joy in Jesus Christ. In his name, Amen.
Father, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot
change, the courage to change the things we can and the wisdom
to know the difference. Amen.
Pray on behalf of new believers in Comoros who are often persecuted
by their opposing families for converting from Islam.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
11th Day of the Month
a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.
(
Ps 86:12
12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.
John 12:28
28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
)
b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick
I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus
)
Advent Day 19
From C.S. Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck
The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.
We do not know... how things would have worked if the
human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy....
You and I are concerned with the way things work now."
- C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 178.)
Why Did He Do It?
Have you ever noticed that children have so many of the same mannerisms
as their parents? They walk, gesture, and even laugh like their parents.
Children also mimic the bad traits of their parents, but it is a great
compliment to parents that their sons and daughters are like them.
Why did the Son of God become one of us? Certainly not for his own benefit.
John says it this way,"But to as many as received him, to them he gave power
to become the sons of God." Lewis says it similarly, "The Son of God became a
man to enable men to become the sons of God." God didn't become a man to
impress anyone, least of all us. God was in the business of raising up us men
and women to become like him, people who walk in his ways, who act like he
acted and do what he did. Jesus became like us so that we might become like
him.
Parents want their children to grow up to be like them. Setting aside our
faults for the moment, it is better for them to become like us than to stay
children. That is also our Father's intent for us. At times, it is painful
when God molds and shapes us to be conformed to the image of his Son.
But we become more ourselves when we become like him.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons
and daughters. Amen.
Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name, John 1:12,
and have embraced the new nature,
which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,
Col. 3:10
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
THURSDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
His name is John.
He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
-Luke 1:63a
All the friends and relatives wanted to name the child Zechariah
after his father. However, Elizabeth and Zechariah were adamant
that he was to be called John. The people were amazed-this was not
a family name, they cried. But it was the name the angel Gabriel
had given to Zechariah in the Temple, so it was God's
ordinance that he should be so designated.
If the people were astounded by the couple's unusual unanimity
about this unique name, they were even more surprised on this
circumcision day by the opening of Zechariah's mouth.
He spoke clearly-his tongue was free! and, most important,
he acclaimed God!
Zechariah had had more than nine months to contemplate things.
He was overwhelmed with Joy that he and Elizabeth had borne
a child in their old age, and he was awed that even before
birth John had been filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, Zechariah
burst out with praise at God's working.
Prayer
Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.
Amen.
Read Luke 1:59-64.
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.
And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.
60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.”
61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives
who is called by this name."
62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.
63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
And they all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,
and he spoke and praised God.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ABSOLUTES!
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according
to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you, 1 PETER 1:3-4
Joy to the World is a hymn that should be sung all year long!
We boldly proclaim that there is joy in this world because the Lord HAS
come! Have you ever sung a stanza that goes. "Joy to the world, the Lord
might come," or "the Lord is thinking of coming." or "shape up and he will
come"? Me neither!
Absolutes is a big AH-HA of Advent. It affirms that Advent is not a time
to pretend that the Lord is coming, but that he has indeed come to
us already! And with this absolute truth of the Gospel we also receive
absolution of our sins--again because (he Lord has come to live, suffer,
die and rise for us! We are forgiven . . . absolutely!
Think of other absolutes in your life. l think of love for family although
mess that up at times; and of life being a gift from God,. although
sometimes do not live like it is; and, of course, it is an absolute that
the Chicago Cubs will never win another World Series
but that's another story!
1 Peter 1 affirms in us that the absolute of Advent is that the Lord has given us
"a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"!
So enjoy the day, absolutely, in the Lord. Sit back. relax. enjoy--there is
nothing left for us to do. Soren Kierkegaard once said, "Laughter is a type
of prayer." Perhaps he meant that laughter, like prayer, allows us to give up
our need to control or manage. Just receive the Christ of Christmas!
Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read 1 Peter 1:3-9
3 (1Co 15:20; 2Co 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living
hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 4:8) to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you,
5 (Eph 2:8) who are protected by the power of God through faith for
a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 (Jas 1:2; Isa 61:3; Ro 5:2) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now,
if for a little while, you have had to suffer various trials,
7 (Job 23:10; Pr 17:3; Isa 48:10) in order that the genuineness of your faith,
which is more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried by fire,
may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation
of Jesus Christ,
8 (Jn 20:29; Heb 11:27) whom, having not seen, you love; and in whom,
though you do not see Him now, you believe and you rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory,
9 (Ro 6:22) receiving as the result of your faith the salvation of your souls.
Posted by DSY on
2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2025
Pointing to Jesus by Alyson Kieda
Colossians 3:12-17
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another and forgive one
another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you,
so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God, to which also you are called
in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through Him.
[12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
[13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a
quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
[14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness.
[15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are
called in one body; and be ye thankful.
[16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
An older man jogging down a street in New York City stopped in his tracks
when he noticed a pair of battered sneakers placed near a homeless man's sign
requesting help. When the jogger learned that the two men wore a similar size,
he gave the younger, homeless man the shoes (and socks!) off his feet
and walked home barefoot. But not before explaining, "I've been blessed
my whole life. God has been very good to me, so I feel like
I should bless you too."
Just as this man showed kindness to another because God had been good to him,
so too believers in Jesus are called to "clothe [our]selves
with . . . kindness" (Colossians 3:12). In fact, in whatever we do or say,
we're to do it as "a representative of the Lord Jesus" (v. 17 nlt).
Along with kindness, we're also to embody the characteristics of
"compassion, . . . humility, gentleness and patience" (v. 12).
The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) grows in us because we have
the Spirit dwelling inside us; and this fruit is evidenced by God's love
for us flowing out to others - binding all these virtues
"together in perfect unity" (Colossians 3:14).
Like the jogger, may we be on alert for opportunities to be kind - an
encouraging word, a thoughtful act, or even giving the shoes off our
feet - and as we do, let’s point to Jesus (v. 17).
Reflect & Pray
What effect has another's kindness had on you?
How might you show kindness to someone today?
Loving Father, please help me be attuned
to opportunities to spread Your love through
kind words and actions. I want to be more like You!
Consider three things we can learn from the kindness Jesus showed to everyday people.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 5 Called by Name
Isaiah 43:1
1 But now, thus says the Lord who created you, O Jacob,
and He who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob,
and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not:
for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Eric, age 4, somehow lost his mother in a large and busy department store.
Found sobbing under a coat rack, the boy tried to tell the security guard
where he was when he got separated from his mother. Finally the guard said,
"what's your name, Son? Who do you belong to?"
The child brightened a bit, gave the guard his name, and within minutes
the frantic mother was reunited with her lost son.
One of the first questions we are asked, both as children and adults, is
"What is your name?" - that is, "Who are you? Who do you belong to?"
Children bear the name of their parents, and most women,
except for professional reasons,
take the name of their husbands when they marry.
Our names are our primary method of identification;
they connect us with our heritage and those we love.
In Isaiah 43:1, God declares that we belong to him.
The Lord who created us and formed us says,
"I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine." God's
right of ownership in our lives extends beyond the bond of family and friends,
of parent, child, or spouse. We belong first to him;
we are called by him into oneness with him.
The Scripture is filled with images of the Lord's care for us;
when we are lost, he does
not wait for us to find him,
but takes the initiative, like a loving parent
to seek us out. That declaration of belonging can give us
a strong sense of security in our lives. God loves us;
he will never let us go.
Application
a) What experiences have I had of being lost of abandoned?
b) How can today's verse help me find security in belonging to God?
4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland
Deut 8:18
18 But you must remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you
the ability to get wealth, so that He may establish His covenant which
He swore to your fathers, as it is today.
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee
power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto
thy fathers, as it is this day.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
PSALMS 25:15-21
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for He will lead my feet from the net.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,
for I am isolated and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look on my pain and misery,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!
Let me not suffer shame,
for I seek refuge in You.
21 Truth and integrity will preserve me
while I wait for You.
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;
For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;
For I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:
O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;
And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:
Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
For I wait on thee.
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, ...)
Day 345, 11 December 2025 - 19th Day of Advent
1) Titus 1, Titus 2, Titus 3
Titus 1
Salutation
1 (Ro 1:1; 1Ti 6:3) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth
which leads to godliness,
2 (2Ti 1:1; 1:9; Titus 2:13) in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot
lie, promised before the world began,
3 (1Ti 1:1; 1:1) 1and has in due time revealed His word through preaching,
with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,
4 (2Ti 1:2; 2Co 2:13) To Titus, my own son in the common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.
[1] Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the
faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after
godliness;
[2] In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the
world began;
[3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is
committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
[4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Titus' Work in Crete
5 (Ac 14:23; 27:7) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should
set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city,
as I commanded you:
6 (1Ti 3:2-7; 3:12) any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife,
having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly.
7 (Lk 12:42; 2Pe 2:10) For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward
of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness,
not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain,
8 (1Ti 3:2) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled,
just, holy, temperate,
9 (1Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:15) holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in
accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with
sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.
10 (1Ti 1:6; Ac 11:2) For there are many unruly men, empty talkers
and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 (2Ti 3:6; 1Ti 6:5) who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses
by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach.
12 (Ac 17:28) One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are
always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!"
13 (2Co 13:10; Titus 2:2) This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply
that they may be sound in the faith,
14 (Col 2:22; 2Ti 4:4) not paying attention to Jewish myths
and commandments of men who reject the truth.
15 (Ro 14:20; 14:23) To the pure, all things are pure.
But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.
Even their minds and consciences are defiled.
16 (1Jn 2:4; Rev 21:8) They profess that they know God,
but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient,
and worthless for every good work.
[5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order
the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had
appointed thee:
[6] If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children
not accused of riot or unruly.
[7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,
not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
[8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy,
temperate;
[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be
able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially
they of the circumcision:
[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things
which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
[12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are
alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be
sound in the faith;
[14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth.
[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and
unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being
abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 2
The Teaching of Sound Doctrine
1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you,
teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:
2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,
sound in faith, in love, in patience.
3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,
and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers
of good things,
4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children,
5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured.
6 (1Ti 5:1) Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled,
7 (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good
works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility,
8 (1Pe 2:12; Ne 5:9) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that
the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well
in everything, not answering back,
10 (Mt 5:16; Titus 1:3) or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that
they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
11 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 11:23) For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men,
12 (Lk 1:75; Ro 6:19) teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously,
and in godliness in this present world,
13 (2Ti 4:8; Titus 1:2) as we await the blessed hope and the appearing
of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 (Eph 2:10; Heb 9:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people,
zealous of good works.
15 (2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 5:20) Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise you.
[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
[2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in
charity, in patience.
[3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,
to love their children,
[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
[6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
[7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
[8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary
part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
[9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please
them well in all things; not answering again;
[10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
[15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no
man despise thee.
Titus 3
Maintain Good Deeds
1 (2Ti 2:21; Ecc 10:4) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to obey them, to be ready for every good work,
2 (1Ti 3:3; 2Ti 2:24-25) to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious,
but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
3 (Col 3:7) We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred
and hating each other.
4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone.
9 (2Ti 2:14; 2:23) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions,
and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 (Ro 16:17; 2Jn 1:10) Reject a divisive man after a first and second
admonition,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
[1] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
[2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all
meekness unto all men.
[3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and
hating one another.
[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared,
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to
the hope of eternal life.
[8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
[9] But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and
strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
[10] A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
[11] Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned
of himself.
Personal Instructions and Greetings
12 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:9) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent
to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 (Ac 18:24; Mt 22:35) Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
on their journey. See that they lack nothing.
14 (Php 1:11; Col 1:10) And let our people also learn to continue doing good
works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.
15 (Col 4:18) All who are with me greet you.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
[12] When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come
unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
[13] Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that
nothing be wanting unto them.
[14] And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that
they be not unfruitful.
[15] All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
Posted by DSY on
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
10th Day of the Month
a) Pray for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
(
John 3:16
16 (Ro 5:8; 1Jn 4:9-10; Jn 1:18)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
)
b) Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Advent Day 18
From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
Wednesday. Third Week of Advent
"The Scotch catechism says that man's end is 'to glorify God and enjoy Him
forever'. But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to
enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us
to enjoy Him." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Reflections on the Psalms, p. 97.)
Enjoying God
When we set aside the flurry of activity that so often comes in December,
we can almost hear the message of the angels. They invited the shepherds
not to be afraid, but to give glory to God. Lewis tells us that when they
did this, the angels were inviting them to enjoy God.
Aren't we, too, being invited in this holy season to give glory to God?
God doesn't really need our praise and glory, but he knows that we need
to lift up our hearts. We need to lift up our eyes unto the hills,
from whence our help comes, and see the glory that will be revealed to us.
Narnia can help us to do that. Narnia contains many pleasures, and they all
come from God. The gifts of Father Christmas to Peter, Susan, and Lucy
are some of those pleasures. The crowning of the four children to be Kings
and Queens of Narnia are another. The arrival of Reepicheep, the talking
mouse, in Aslan's country is a third. God gave Lewis the vision.
In enjoying his vision, we are enjoying God.
Even in the midst of suffering, we need this reminder. St. Paul tells us,
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with
the glory that will be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). When we give glory to God,
it reminds us of the glory that will be revealed to us. And we find joy
in this glory. That's one reason why the message was "good news
of great joy" (Luke 2:10), not only for the shepherds,
but "for all the people"-including us.
Glory to you, 0 Lord. Praise to you, 0 Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.
Luke 2:14
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
The Gift of a Child
Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
-Luke 1:57
Because our culture has basically disregarded God, our society
at large does not appreciate what a colossal treasure
from God a child is! Some women, including me, for mainly medical reasons,
can't bear children and for that reason comprehend much more deeply
how precious such a gift is.
Elizabeth, too, had not been able to bear children earlier in her youth,
and it was incontrovertibly miraculous that she could give birth
now in her older years. Her friends and relatives knew what
an enormous benevolence from God this child was-the text says that
they had "heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to [Elizabeth]"
-so they enthusiastically joined her in rejoicing.
What a splendid celebration they must have had!
What cherished blessing have you received from the Lord lately?
Do you need to prize afresh your spouse or children as treasures from God?
Perhaps your God-given gifts include friends, colleagues
or relatives who bring you mercy and grace.
prayer
Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.
Read Luke 1:57-58.
57 Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,
and they rejoiced with her.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
THIRD WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWAITING!
Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. JAMES 5:7
Have you heard the story of Grandma saying to Grandpa, "What are
you doing?" Grandpa slowly responds, "How soon do you need to know?"
Patience, patience, patience.
In the book Power of Pause, Terry Hershey tells the story of a little girl
who says. "Shh, Mom, listen." "What am I listening to?" asks Mom
The girl responds, "If you are quiet and listen, you can hear God talking
to us." Patience, patience, patience.
The AH-HA of awaiting is the call to be patient, and to be quiet in order
to hear the Lord in the big and little events of our lives. "The first duty
of love is to wait," said a patient man named Tillich. Are you ever like I am
when I anxiously wait for someone to stop talking so I can say something
"brilliant" ? As one comic quipped. "No one really listens to anyone else, and
if you ever try to for a while, you'll know why!" Patience. patience. patience.
Just for today. try to really listen to someone with your entire self.
And then keep going back to re-read James 5 . .. over and over.
Patience, patience, patience.
Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read James 5:7-11
7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early
and late rain.
8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,
lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,
who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.
From
On Eagle's wings
Jesus Knows!
29 (Jn 4:17-18; 4:25) "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did.
Could this be the Christ?"
[29] Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this
the Christ?
The Bible Camp children were acting out the woman at the well, our
Bible story for the day. They understood the gist of the story very
well, but there was a lot of ad-libbing as the children took turns to
be different characters.
Our Jesus's grew especially creative in telling the woman all the
bad things she had done - even stealing a car and robbing a bank!
Sometimes their lists of wrong doings were long as well as
humorous. One thing remained consistent, though, and that was
the woman's joy and relief when she understood that Jesus loved
her and forgave her sin.
The children;s imaginative list of sins reminds me that, by the time
we enter Advent, Jesus knows that we have usually accumulated a
long list of sins and a heavy load of burdens over the course of the
year. Just as with the woman at the well, they often isolate us from
others.
The good news of Advent is that nothing we have done can deter
Jesus from coming to us in the flesh, living among us and offering
us new life. Therefore, let us prepare to accept Jesus’ gift of living
water, love and grace.
Rev. Lesley Hand
Former Executive Director & Volunteer Bible Camp teacher
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to conduct yourself as Jesus does
and pray to discern false philosophies.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my failure
to honour You fully. Renew my heart through Your words today."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know He hears to prayers of the supressed.
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord is your guide in all times.
Pray to the Lord and pray to dwell in the Almighty.
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 Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast, that the reality of
Jesus's sacrifice and love will touch them personally.
Pray for students, that the Lord will grant them protection of body,
soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.
Glory to you, O Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.
Pray: Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray: Loving God who knows everything about us, reveal to us the path
from the isolation of sin to joyful acceptance into your presence
and family. Renew us with living water that, at your birth, we may
wholeheartedly rejoice. Amen.
Although Bibles are only available in some cities,
may every Tajik believer have their own printed copy.
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.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 4 Under the Mercy
Ps 13:5-6
5 I for my part confide in Your kindness;may my heart exult in Your salvation!
6 I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
In Sheldon Vanauken's book "A Severe Mercy", Vanauken faced the "severe mercy"
of the untimely death of his wife. His friend C. S. Lewis , who had endured a
similar grief , comforted him through letters,
encouraging him with the exhotation, "Go under the Mercy".
While God's grace deals with sin and forgiveness,
God's mercy deals with the pain pf human existence. We all experience pain
- sometimes as a natural result of wrongs we have done, sometimes unfairly
as a consequence of living in a fallen world.
But for all who hurt, God provides
mercy - respite from pain, and the assurance of a Lord who cares.
David , in Psalm 13 says " I trust in your mercy, your unfailing love."
God's love never fail us, no matter how much we may have failed him.
David knew the consequences of sin; he knew what it meant to fail God,
to rebel against God's faithfulness. Yet David trusted in God's Goodness
rather than depending upon his own; he focused his attention upon the
mercy of the Lord.
We need, like David, to "Go under the mercy", even when it is a
"severe mercy."
Even when circumstances seem bad; even when things seem out of control; even
when we think God has forsaken us, yet his mercy is at work to bring us
fulfillment and cause us to turn to him
with a song of praise on our lips.
Application
a) How have I experienced the mercy of God?
b) How can these verses help me focus on God's
merciful intervention in my life even when circumstances seem
out of control?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Exodus 3:7-8
7 (Ps 106:44; Ex 2:23-25)The Lord said,
"I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt
and have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters,
for I know their sorrows.
8 (Ge 50:24; 15:18-21; Ex 13:5) Therefore, I have come down
to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians,
and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land,
to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of
the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites,
the Hivites, and the Jebusites."
7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people
which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters;
for I know their sorrows;
8 and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand
of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and
a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the
Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites,
and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are lonely
PSALMS 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
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, ...)
Posted by DSY on
1 Timothy 6
1 (Titus 2:5; Isa 52:5) Let as many servants as are under the yoke of slavery
count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His
doctrine may not be slandered.
2 (1Ti 4:11) Let those who have believing masters not despise them, because
they are brothers. Instead, let them serve as slaves, because those who
receive their service are faithful and beloved.
[1] Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters
worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not
blasphemed.
[2] And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because
they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and
beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
False Teaching and True Wealth
Teach and command these things.
3 (1Ti 1:3; 1:10) Anyone who teaches otherwise and does not consent
to wholesome words, to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to godly
doctrine
4 (1Ti 1:4; 3:6) is conceited and knows nothing. He has a morbid
disposition for controversy and verbal disputes, from which come envy,
strife, blasphemies, evil speculations,
5 (2Ti 3:8; Titus 1:11) constant disputes by men of corrupt minds, being
destitute of the truth, and supposing that financial gain is godliness.
Withdraw yourself from such men.
6 (1Ti 4:8; Heb 13:5) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 (Job 1:21; Ps 49:17) For we brought nothing into this world,
and it is certain that we can carry nothing out.
8 (Ge 28:20) If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with
these things.
9 (Pr 15:27; 1Ti 3:7) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation
and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men
in ruin and destruction.
10 (Dt 16:19) For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the
words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to
godliness;
[4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of
words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
[5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth,
supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain.
[7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out.
[8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
[9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into
many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition.
[10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted
after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with
many sorrows.
The Good Fight of Faith
11 (2Ti 2:22; 3:17) But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
12 (1Ti 1:18; 1Co 9:25-66) Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold
on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed
a good profession before many witnesses.
13 (1Ti 5:21; Mt 27:11) I command you, in the sight of God, who gives
life to all things, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who testified
a good confession before Pontius Pilate,
14 to keep this commandment without blemish, blameless
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 (1Ti 1:11; Rev 17:14) which He, who is the blessed and only Ruler,
the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the proper time.
16 (1Ti 1:17; Jn 1:18; Ps 104:2) He alone has immortality, living in
unapproachable light, whom no one has seen, nor can see.
To Him be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
17 (Ro 11:20; 1Ti 4:10) Command those who are rich in this world that
they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,
who richly gives us all things to enjoy.
18 (Ro 12:8; 12:13) Command that they do good, that they be rich in good
works, generous, willing to share,
19 (Lk 16:9; 1Ti 6:12) and laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.
20 (Col 2:8; 2Ti 2:16) O Timothy, guard that which is committed to your trust.
Avoid profane babblings and opposing views from so-called knowledge.
21 (2Ti 2:18; Col 4:18) By professing it, some have erred concerning
the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.
[11] But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
[12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou
art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
[13] I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and
before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
[14] That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the
appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
[15] Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only
Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
[16] Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can
approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and
power everlasting. Amen.
[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly
all things to enjoy;
[18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to
distribute, willing to communicate;
[19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to
come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
[20] O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane
and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
[21] Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with
thee. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 10 December 2025 Titled
Unforgettable Lessons by
Arthur Jackson
Proverbs 3:1-12
The Rewards of Wisdom
1 (Pr 4:5; Dt 8:1) My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 (Pr 4:10; Ps 91:16) for length of days and long life
and peace will they add to you.
3 (Pr 7:3; 6:21; 2Co 3:3) Do not let mercy and truth forsake you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 (Ps 111:10; 1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:52) so you will find favor and good understanding
in the sight of God and man.
5 (Ps 37:3; 37:5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 (1Ch 28:9; Pr 16:3; Jer 10:23) in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will direct your paths.
7 (Job 1:1; Ro 12:16) Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 (Job 21:24; Pr 4:22) It will be health to your body,
and strength to your bones.
9 (Ex 23:19; 22:29) Honor the Lord with your substance,
and with the first fruits of all your increase;
10 (Dt 28:8) so your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your presses will burst out with new wine.
11 (Job 5:17) My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
nor be weary of His correction;
12 (Dt 8:5) for whom the Lord loves He corrects,
even as a father the son in whom he delights.
1 My son, forget not my law;
But let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life,
And peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee:
Bind them about thy neck;
Write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
And lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,
And he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes:
Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel,
And marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance,
And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;
Neither be weary of his correction:
12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;
Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Corey Brooks - "The Rooftop Pastor" - spent 343 days living on the rooftop of
his church on Chicago's south side to inspire community transformation.
Online, Brooks posted a "shout-out" to his elementary school teacher Joe
Stokes, who taught him four unforgettable lessons: the power of perseverance,
the importance of integrity, the value of community engagement,
and the impact of education.
By embracing Solomon's wisdom in Proverbs 3, we likewise can strive to live in
ways that have community impact. Solomon taught four lessons that are just
right for those who trust in God and are called to be a positive force:
"Trust in the Lord" (v. 5); "fear the Lord and shun evil" (v. 7); "honour the
Lord with your wealth" (v. 9); "do not despise the Lord’s discipline" (v. 11).
Such wisdom compels us to be God-focused, but there are people-touching
dimensions to our faith too.
In Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of wisdom, eloquently
described the internal disposition of believers in Jesus. Furthermore,
He reminded them that they were high-impact people. "You are the salt
of the earth" (v. 13). "You are the light of the world" (v. 14). As such, we
are honoured to "Let [our] light shine . . . that they may see [our]
good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven" (v. 16).
Reflect & Pray
Who compels you to honor God in ways that also touch people?
How can you reengage with lessons from the Bible you may have forgotten?
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my failure
to honour You fully. Renew my heart through Your words today.
For further study, read At the City Gates.
1 Timothy 3
Qualifications of Deacons
8 (Php 1:1; Titus 2:3; Lev 10:9) Likewise deacons must be serious,
not insincere, not given to much wine, not greedy,
9 (1Ti 1:19; 1:5) keeping the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 (1Ti 5:22) And let them first be tested; then, being found blameless,
let them serve as deacons.
11 (Titus 2:3; 2Ti 3:3; 1Ti 3:2) Likewise, their wives must be serious,
not slanderers, sober, and faithful in all things.
12 (1Ti 3:2) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,
managing their children and their own houses well.
13 (Mt 25:21) For those who have served well in the office of deacon
purchase for themselves good standing and great boldness in the faith,
which is in Christ Jesus.
[8] Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much
wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
[9] Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
[10] And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a
deacon, being found blameless.
[11] Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in
all things.
[12] Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and
their own houses well.
[13] For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to
themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ
Jesus.
The Mystery of Our Religion
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly,
15 (Mt 16:16; 18:18) but if I am delayed, you might know how you ought
to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 (Jn 1:14; Heb 1:3; Mk 16:19) Without question, great is the mystery
of godliness:
God was revealed in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit,
seen by angels,
preached to the Gentiles,
believed on in the world,
taken up into glory.
[14] These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
[15] But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave
thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the
pillar and ground of the truth.
[16] And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was
manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached
unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
1 Timothy 4
Prediction of Apostasy
1 (Jn 16:13; 2Pe 3:3) Now the Spirit clearly says that in the last times
some will depart from the faith and pay attention to seducing spirits
and doctrines of devils,
2 (Eph 4:19) speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared
with a hot iron,
3 (Ro 14:6; Heb 13:4) forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain
from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving
by those who believe and know the truth.
4 (Ge 1:31; Ro 14:14) For everything created by God is good, and not to
be refused if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
[1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
devils;
[2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot
iron;
[3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God
hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know
the truth.
[4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be
received with thanksgiving:
[5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Minister of Christ Jesus
6 (1Ti 1:10) If you remind the brothers of these things, you will be a good
minister of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and of good
doctrine, which you have followed closely.
7 (1Ti 1:4; 2Ti 2:16; Heb 5:14) But refuse profane and foolish myths.
Instead, exercise in the ways of godliness.
8 (Mt 6:33; 1Ti 6:6) For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness
is profitable in all things, holding promise for the present life
and also for the life to come.
9 (1Ti 1:15) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
10 (1Ti 2:4; 3:15) For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach,
because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men,
especially of those who believe.
11 (1Ti 6:2; 5:7) Command and teach these things.
12 (2Ti 2:22; Titus 2:7) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example
to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,
and in purity.
13 Until I come, give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine.
14 (2Ti 1:6; Ac 6:6; 1Ti 1:18) Do not neglect the gift that is in you,
which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of hands
by the elders.
15 Meditate on these things. Give yourself completely to them,
that your progress may be known to everyone.
16 (Titus 2:7; Ro 11:14) Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.
Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself
and those who hear you.
[6] If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a
good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of
good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
[7] But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather
unto godliness.
[8] For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto
all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to
come.
[9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
[10] For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in
the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that
believe.
[11] These things command and teach.
[12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
[13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
[14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy,
with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
[15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy
profiting may appear to all.
[16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in
doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
1 Timothy 5
Duties Toward Others
1 (Lev 19:32; Titus 2:6) Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father,
the younger men as brothers,
2 the elder women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with complete
purity.
3 (Ac 6:1; 9:39) Honor widows that are widows indeed.
4 (1Ti 2:3; Ge 45:10-11) But if any widow has children or grandchildren,
let them learn first to show piety at home and to repay their parents.
For this is good and acceptable before God.
5 (Lk 2:37; 1Ti 5:3) Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts
in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
6 (Lk 15:24; Jas 5:5) But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 (1Ti 4:11) And these things command, that they may be blameless.
8 (Titus 1:16; Gal 6:10) But if any do not care for their own,
and especially for those of their own house, they have denied the faith
and are worse than unbelievers.
9 (1Ti 3:2) Do not let a widow be counted unless she is over sixty years old,
has been the wife of one man,
10 (1Ti 6:18; Titus 3:8) is well attested in good works, if she has brought
up children, has lodged strangers, has washed the saints' feet, has relieved
the afflicted, and has diligently followed every good work.
11 (1Ti 5:14) But refuse the younger widows, for when their sensual desires
have drawn them away from Christ, they want to marry,
12 and bring judgment on themselves, because they have cast off their
first pledge.
13 (Pr 20:19; Titus 1:11) Besides that, they learn to be idle, and not only
idle, wandering around from house to house, but also gossips and busybodies,
saying what they ought not.
14 (Titus 2:5; 1Ti 6:1; 4:3) Therefore I desire that the younger women marry,
bear children, manage the house, and give no occasion to the adversary
to speak reproachfully.
15 For some have already turned aside after Satan.
16 (1Ti 5:3-5) If any believing man or woman has widows, let those assist
them. Do not let the church be charged, so that it may relieve those
who are widows indeed.
17 (Ro 12:8; Php 2:29) Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy
of double honour, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
18 (Dt 25:4; Lev 19:13; Mt 10:10) For the Scripture says, "You shall not
muzzle the ox that treads out the grain,"(Dt 25:4.) and, "The laborer is
worthy of his reward."(Lk 10:7.)
19 (Dt 19:15; Mt 18:16) Do not receive an accusation against an elder,
except before two or three witnesses.
20 (Dt 13:11; 2Ti 4:2) Rebuke in the presence of everyone those who sin,
that the rest also may fear.
21 (1Ti 6:13; 2Ti 4:1) I command you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ
and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice,
doing nothing by partiality.
22 (Ac 6:6; Eph 5:11) Do not lay hands suddenly on anyone, and do not
partake of other men's sins. Keep yourself pure.
23 (1Ti 3:8; Ps 104:15) No longer drink only water, but use a little wine
for your stomach's sake and your frequent illnesses.
24 Some men's sins are evident, pointing to judgment,
but other men's sins are revealed later.
25 Likewise, the good works of some are evident,
but those that are not cannot be hidden.
[1] Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as
brethren;
[2] The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
[3] Honour widows that are widows indeed.
[4] But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew
piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable
before God.
[5] Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and
continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
[6] But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
[7] And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
[8] But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own
house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
[9] Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old,
having been the wife of one man,
[10] Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if
she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have
relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
[11] But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton
against Christ, they will marry;
[12] Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
[13] And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house;
and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which
they ought not.
[14] I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the
house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
[15] For some are already turned aside after Satan.
[16] If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them,
and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows
indeed.
[17] Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour,
especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
[18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out
the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
[19] Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three
witnesses.
[20] Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
[21] I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect
angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before
another, doing nothing by partiality.
[22] Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins:
keep thyself pure.
[23] Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and
thine often infirmities.
[24] Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some
men they follow after.
[25] Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they
that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Posted by DSY on
Day 344, 10 December 2025 - 18 Day of Advent
1) 1 Timothy 1, 1 Timothy 2, 1 Timothy 3, 1 Timothy 4, 1 Timothy 5,
1 Timothy 6
1 Timothy 1
Salutation
1 (Titus 1:3; Col 1:27; Lk 1:47) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by
the command of God our Savior, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
2 (2Ti 1:2; Titus 1:4; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour,
and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
[2] Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God
our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
Warning Against False Doctrine
3 (Gal 1:6-7; 1Ti 6:3) As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,
continue to remain at Ephesus so that you might command some to teach
no other doctrine,
4 (1Ti 4:7; Titus 1:14) nor pay attention to fables and endless genealogies,
which cause debates rather than godly edifying, which is in faith.
5 (2Ti 1:5; 2:22) Now the goal of this command is love from a pure heart,
and from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.
6 (Titus 1:10) From this, some have lost their way and turned aside
to empty talk,
7 (1Ti 6:4) desiring to be teachers of the law, and understanding
neither what they say nor what they affirm.
8 (Ro 7:16) But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully.
9 (Gal 5:23; 3:19) And we know that the law is not given for a righteous
person, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners,
for the unholy and the profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers,
for murderers,
10 (2Ti 4:3; Lev 18:22) for the sexually immoral, for sodomites, for slave
traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for anything else that is contrary
to sound doctrine,
11 (Gal 2:7; 2Co 4:4) according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God,
which was committed to my trust.
[3] As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into
Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
[4] Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister
questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
[5] Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a
good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
[6] From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
[7] Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say,
nor whereof they affirm.
[8] But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
[9] Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the
lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and
profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
[10] For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for
menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other
thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
[11] According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was
committed to my trust.
Thankfulness for Mercy
12 (Php 4:13; Ac 9:15) I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me,
because He counted me faithful and appointed me to the ministry.
13 (Ac 8:3; 3:17) I was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an
insolent man. But I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 (2Ti 1:13) The grace of our Lord overflowed with the faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Ti 3:1; 2Ti 2:11) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
16 (1Ti 1:13; Eph 2:7) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me,
first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were
to believe in Him for eternal life.
17 (Col 1:15; Mt 6:13) Now to the eternal, immortal, invisible King, the only
wise God, be honor and glory forever. Amen.
18 (1Ti 4:14; 1:2) This command I commit to you, my son Timothy, according
to the prophecies that were previously given to you, that by them you might
fight a good fight,
19 (1Ti 1:5; 3:9) keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have
rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
20 (2Ti 2:17; Ac 13:45) Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have
delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he
counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I
obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love
which is in Christ Jesus.
[15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
[16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ
might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should
hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
[17] Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be
honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
[18] This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the
prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good
warfare;
[19] Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away
concerning faith have made shipwreck:
[20] Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan,
that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 2
Instructions Concerning Prayer
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 Saviour,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32) who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
5 (Gal 3:20; 1Co 8:6; Dt 6:4) There is one God and one mediator between God
and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
6 (1Co 1:6; 1Ti 6:15) who gave Himself as a ransom for all.
This was the testimony given at the proper time.
7 (Ac 9:15; 2Ti 1:11) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle
(I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles
in faith and truth.
8 (Ps 134:2; Jn 4:21) Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting
up holy hands, without wrath or contentiousness.
9 In like manner also, that women clothe themselves in modest clothing, with
decency and self-control, not with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive
clothing,
10 but with good works, which is proper for women professing godliness.
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all obedience.
12 (1Co 14:34) I do not permit a woman to teach or to usurp authority
over a man, but to be silent.
13 (Ge 2:22; 2:7) For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14 (Ge 3:6; 2Co 11:3) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being
deceived, fell into sin.
15 (1Ti 1:14) Yet she will be saved in childbearing if they continue
in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
[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.
[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man
Christ Jesus;
[6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
[7] Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth
in Christ, and lie not; ) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
[8] I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting.
[9] In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with
shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or
costly array;
[10] But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
[11] Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
[12] But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,
but to be in silence.
[13] For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
[14] And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the
transgression.
[15] Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in
faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
1 Timothy 3
Qualifications of Overseers
1 (Ac 20:28; 1Ti 1:15; Ac 1:20) This is a faithful saying: If a man desires
the office of an overseer, he desires a good work.
2 (1Ti 5:9; 2Ti 2:24) An overseer then must be blameless, the husband
of one wife, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach;
3 (Titus 1:7; 1Ti 3:8; Lev 10:9) not given to drunkenness, not violent, not
greedy for money, but patient, not argumentative, not covetous;
4 (1Ti 3:12; Titus 1:6) and one who manages his own house well, having his
children in submission with all reverence.
5 (1Ti 3:15) For if a man does not know how to manage his own house, how will
he take care of the church of God?
6 (1Ti 6:4) He must not be newly converted, so that he does not become
prideful and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 (2Ti 2:26; 1Ti 6:9) Moreover he must have a good reputation among those who
are outsiders, so that he does not fall into reproach and the snare of the
devil.
[1] This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he
desireth a good work.
[2] A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,
sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
[3] Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient,
not a brawler, not covetous;
[4] One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection
with all gravity;
[5] (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care
of the church of God?)
[6] Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the
condemnation of the devil.
[7] Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he
fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.