Day 335 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 7th Day of Advent 30 November 2024 reflections
Day 335, 30 November 2024 - 7th Day of Advent
1) Romans 14, Romans 15, Romans 16
Romans 14
Do Not Judge Your Brother
1 (Ro 15:1; 15:7) Welcome him who is weak in faith, but not
for the purpose of arguing over opinions.
2 (Ro 14:14) For one has faith to eat all things,
but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
3 (Lk 18:9; Ro 14:10) Do not let him who eats despise him who does
not eat, and do not let him who does not eat judge him who eats,
for God has welcomed him.
4 (Ro 9:20) Who are you to judge another man's servant? To his
own master he stands or falls. And he will stand,
for God is able to make him stand.
5 (Ro 14:23) One man judges one day above another;
another judges every day alike. Let each one be fully persuaded
in his own mind.
6 (Mt 14:19; 15:36) He who observes the day observes it for the Lord,
and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.
He who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, for he gives thanks to God;
and the one who does not eat, in honour of the Lord he does not eat,
and gives thanks to God.
7 (2Co 5:15; 1Th 5:10) For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies
for himself.
8 (Php 1:20; 1Th 5:10) For if we live, we live for the Lord. And if we die,
we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
9 (Rev 1:18; Mt 28:18; Lk 24:26) For to this end Christ died and rose
and lived again, so that He might be Lord of both the dead and living.
10 (2Co 5:10; Ro 2:16; 1Co 4:5) So why do you judge your brother? Or why do
you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat
of Christ.
11 For it is written:
"As I live, says the Lord,
every knee shall bow to Me,
and every tongue shall confess to God."(Isa 45:23.)
12 (Mt 12:36; 1Pe 4:5) So then each of us shall give
an account of himself to God.
[1] Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful
disputations.
[2] For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak,
eateth herbs.
[3] Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him
which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
[4] Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he
standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him
stand.
[5] One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day
alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
[6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that
regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth,
eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the
Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
[7] For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
[8] For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die
unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
[9] For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might
be Lord both of the dead and living.
[10] But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy
brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
[11] For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to
me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
[12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Do Not Make Your Brother Stumble
13 (Mt 7:1) Therefore let us no longer pass judgment on one another,
but rather determine not to put a stumbling block
or an obstacle in a brother's way.
14 (1Co 8:7; Ro 14:2) I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus
that nothing is unclean in itself, but to him who considers anything to be
unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 (Eph 5:2) If your brother is grieved because of your food, you are
no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food one
for whom Christ died.
16 (Ro 12:17; 1Co 10:29-30) So do not let what is good to you be spoken
of as evil.
17 (Ro 15:13; 1Co 8:8; Gal 5:22) For the kingdom of God does not mean
eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy
Spirit.
18 (2Co 8:21; Ro 16:18) For he who serves Christ in these things
is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 (Ps 34:14; Ro 15:2) Therefore let us pursue the things which
produce peace and the things that build up one another.
20 (Ro 14:14-15; Ac 10:15) Do not destroy the work of God for the
sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but it is evil for the man
who causes someone to fall by what he eats.
21 (1Co 8:13) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine,
nor do anything whereby your brother stumbles or is offended
or is made weak.
22 (1Jn 3:21) The faith that you have, have as your own conviction
before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats,
because it is not from faith, for whatever is not from faith is sin.
[13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather,
that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's
way.
[14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing
unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him
it is unclean.
[15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not
charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
[16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
[17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
[18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and
approved of men.
[19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and
things wherewith one may edify another.
[20] For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but
it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
[21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing
whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
[22] Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that
condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
[23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of
faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Romans 15
Please Others, Not Yourself
1 (Ro 14:1; 1Th 5:14) We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses
of the weak and not please ourselves.
2 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 10:24) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,
leading to edification.
3 (Ps 69:9; Jn 5:30) For even Christ did not please Himself.
But as it is written, "The insults of those who insulted You fell on Me."
(Ps 69:9).
4 (Ro 4:23-24) For whatever was previously written was written
for our instruction, so that through perseverance and encouragement
of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 (Ro 12:16; 1Co 1:10) Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement
grant you to live in harmony with one another in accordance with Christ
Jesus,
6 (Eph 1:3; Jn 20:17) so that together you may with one voice glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves.
[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
[3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The
reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have
hope.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one
toward another according to Christ Jesus:
[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us,
for the glory of God.
8 (Mt 15:24; 2Co 1:20) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become
a servant to the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God,
to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
9 (2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49) and that the Gentiles might glorify God
for His mercy, as it is written:
"For this reason I will acknowledge You among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to Your name."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Dt 32:43) He also says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"(Dt 32:43.)
11 (Ps 117:1) And again:
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise Him."(Ps 117:1.)
12 (Isa 11:10; Mt 12:21) And again Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in Him shall the Gentiles hope."(Isa 11:10.)
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[7] Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the
glory of God.
[8] Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the
truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
[9] And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written,
For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy
name.
[10] And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
[11] And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye
people.
[12] And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that
shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Paul's Missionary Commission
14 (1Co 8:1; 8:7) Now I myself am persuaded concerning you, my brothers,
that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and also
able to instruct one another.
15 (Ro 12:3; 1:5) Nevertheless, brothers, I have written even more boldly
to you on some points, to remind you, because of the grace that is given to
me from God,
16 (Php 2:17; Ro 11:13; Ac 9:15) that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ
to the Gentiles, in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that
the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified
by the Holy Spirit.
17 (Heb 5:1; Php 3:3) In Christ Jesus therefore I have reason to boast
in my service to God.
18 (Ac 15:12; 21:19) For I will not dare to speak of anything except
what Christ has accomplished through me, to make the Gentiles obedient,
by word and deed,
19 (Ac 22:17-21; 2Co 12:12) by the power of signs and wonders,
by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem
and as far around as Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel
of Christ.
20 (2Co 10:13-16) So I have strived to preach the gospel,
not where Christ was named, so that I should not build on another man's
foundation.
21 (Isa 52:15) But as it is written:
"To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
and those who have not heard shall understand."(Isa 52:15.)
[14] And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are
full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one
another.
[15] Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some
sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of
God,
[16] That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,
ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be
acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
[17] I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those
things which pertain to God.
[18] For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath
not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
[19] Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so
that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached
the gospel of Christ.
[20] Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was
named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
[21] But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and
they that have not heard shall understand.
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
22 (Ro 1:13) For this reason also I was often hindered from coming to you.
23 (Ro 15:32; Ac 19:21) But now, no longer having a place in these regions,
and having a great desire for many years to come to you,
24 (Ro 15:28; Ac 15:3) whenever I go to Spain, I shall come to you,
for I hope to see you when I pass through and to be helped on my way
there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a little while.
25 (Ac 19:21; 24:17) But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the
saints.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make some contribution
for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
27 (1Co 9:11; Gal 6:6) It has pleased them indeed, and they are their
debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things,
they also ought to minister to them in material things.
28 (Ro 15:24) Therefore, when I have completed this and have given this
blessing to them, I shall come by way of you to Spain,
29 and I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 (2Co 1:11; Col 4:12) Now I ask you, brothers, through the Lord Jesus
Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in
your prayers to God on my behalf,
31 (2Th 3:2; 2Co 8:4) that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in
Judea, and that my ministry for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:18) so that I may come to you with joy by the will
of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33 (2Co 13:11; Ro 16:20; Php 4:9) Now the God of peace be with you all.
Amen.
[22] For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
[23] But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire
these many years to come unto you;
[24] Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I
trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by
you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
[25] But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
[26] For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
[27] It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the
Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is
also to minister unto them in carnal things.
[28] When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this
fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
[29] And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
[30] Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for
the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to
God for me;
[31] That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and
that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
[32] That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you
be refreshed.
[33] Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 16
Personal Greetings
1 (Ac 18:18; 2Co 3:1) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is
a servant (Or deacon.) of the church at Cenchrea,
2 (Php 2:29) that you welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy
of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter
she may have need of you, for she has been a helper of many
and of myself as well.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I,
but also all the churches of the Gentiles, give thanks.
5 (1Co 16:15; 16:19) Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first convert of Achaia for Christ.
6 (Ro 16:12) Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
7 (Ro 16:11; 16:21) Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen
and fellow prisoners, who are noteworthy among the apostles,
who also came to Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.
Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman.
Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.
Greet the beloved Persis, who also labored much in the Lord.
13 (Mk 15:21) Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother,
who is like a mother to me.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas,
and the brothers who are with them.
15 (Ro 16:2) Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 (1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12) Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The churches of Christ greet you.
17 (2Th 3:6; 1Ti 1:3) Now I urge you, brothers, to closely watch those
who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the teaching which
you have learned, and avoid them.
18 (Php 3:19; Col 2:4) For such people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ,
but their own appetites, and through smooth talk and flattery they deceive
the hearts of the unsuspecting.
19 (Mt 10:16; Ro 1:8) Your obedience has become known to all men.
Therefore I am glad on your behalf. Yet I want you to be wise to that
which is good, and innocent to that which is evil.
20 (Ge 3:15; Ro 15:33) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 (Ac 20:4; 13:1) Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason,
and Sosipater, my kinsmen, greet you.
22 (Gal 6:11) I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 (Ac 19:22; 1Co 1:14) Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church,
greets you.
Erastus, who is the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
[1] I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church
which is at Cenchrea:
[2] That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist
her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a
succourer of many, and of myself also.
[3] Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
[4] Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I
give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
[5] Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved
Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
[6] Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
[7] Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are
of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
[8] Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
[9] Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
[10] Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of
Aristobulus' household.
[11] Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of
Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
[12] Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the
beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
[13] Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
[14] Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren
which are with them.
[15] Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and
all the saints which are with them.
[16] Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute
you.
[17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
[18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own
belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
[19] For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on
your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and
simple concerning evil.
[20] And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
[21] Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my
kinsmen, salute you.
[22] I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
[23] Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the
chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
[24] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Doxology
25 (Ro 2:16; Eph 1:9) Now to Him who has power to establish you according
to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past,
26 (Ro 1:5; 1:2) but now is revealed by the prophetic Scriptures according
to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all the Gentiles
for the obedience of faith,
27 (Ro 11:36; 1Ti 1:17) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever. Amen.
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and
the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery,
which was kept secret since the world began,
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets,
according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all
nations for the obedience of faith:
[27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 30 November 2023 Titled
A Grateful Response
Daniel 6:1-10
Daniel and the Lions' Den
1 (Est 1:1; Da 5:31) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom
one hundred and twenty officials,
so that they would be over the whole kingdom,
2 (Ezr 4:22; Da 2:48-49) and over them three presidents,
of whom Daniel was first, so that the officials might give accounts
to them and the king not suffer loss.
3 (Da 5:12; 5:14) Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents
and officials because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king
thought to set him over the whole realm.
4 (Ge 43:18; Jdg 14:4) Then the presidents and officials sought
to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom,
but they could find no occasion or fault because he was faithful;
nor was there any error or fault found in him.
5 (Ac 24:13-16; 24:20-21) Then these men said,
"We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,
unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."
6 (Da 2:4; Ne 2:3) Then these presidents and officials assembled together
to the king, and said to him: "King Darius, live forever!
7 (Ps 59:3; Da 3:2) All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors,
and the officials, the counselors, and the captains have consulted
together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree,
that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days,
save of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
8 (Est 1:19; Da 6:15) Now, O king, establish the decree
and sign the writing, that it not be changed,
according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered."
9 (Ps 118:9; 146:3) Therefore King Darius signed the writing, even the decree.
10 (Ps 55:17; 95:6) Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went
into his house. And his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,
he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks
before his God, as he had been doing previously.
[1] It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes,
which should be over the whole kingdom;
[2] And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the
princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
[3] Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because
an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the
whole realm.
[4] Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel
concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault;
forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in
him.
[5] Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,
except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
[6] Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and
said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
[7] All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the
counsellers, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal
statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of
any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into
the den of lions.
[8] Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not
changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
[9] Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
[10] Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his
house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he
kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks
before his God, as he did aforetime.
Raw fish and rainwater. An Australian sailor named Timothy survived on only
those provisions for three months. Marooned on his storm-damaged catamaran, he
was losing hope-bobbing 1200 miles from land in the Pacific Ocean. But then
the crew of a Mexican tuna boat spotted his ailing boat and rescued him.
Later, the thin and weather-beaten man declared,
"To the captain and fishing company that saved my life, I'm just so grateful!"
Timothy gave thanks following his ordeal, but the prophet Daniel revealed a
grateful heart before, during, and after a crisis. Having been exiled to
Babylon from Judah with other Jews (Daniel 1:1-6), Daniel had risen in power
only to be threatened by other leaders who wanted him dead (6:1-7). His foes
got the king of Babylon to sign a decree stating that anyone who prayed
"to any god" would be "thrown into the lions' den" (v. 7). What would Daniel,
a man who loved and served the one true God, do? He "got down on his knees
and prayed, giving thanks to . . . God, just as he had done before" (v. 10).
He gave thanks, and his grateful heart was rewarded as God spared his
life and brought him honor (vv. 26-28).
As the apostle Paul wrote, may God help us "give thanks in all circumstances"
(1 Thessalonians 5:18). Whether we're facing a crisis or have just come
through one, a grateful response honors Him and helps keep our faith afloat.
By: Tom Felten
Reflect & Pray
Why is it vital to regularly thank God?
How can you grow a more grateful heart?
Dear God, please help me give thanks even when life is hard.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 7 Support System
Deut 33:27
27 (Ge 49:24; Ps 90:1-2) The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath you are the everlasting arms;
He will drive out the enemy before you,
and will say, "Destroy them."
27 The eternal God is thy refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms:
And he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee;
And shall say, Destroy them.
Misty was only 4 when her parents divorced. Her dad moved away,
and the following summer she went with her grandparents to visit him
in his new apartment. In the swimming pool one afternoon, Grandpa stood
Misty on the side of the pool, held out his arm, and called, "Jump!"
But Misty, normally a little fish, suddenly seemed afraid of the water,
and stood trembling on the sidewalk shaking her head.
"Jump, Misty - I'll catch you!"
"Are you sure, Grandpa?"
"Of course I'm sure! Jump!"
But Misty wouldn't jump. Finally Grandpa, a bit irritated, said, "Misty, do
you think I Won't catch you? Do you think I'll just walk away?"
The tears spilled over, and Misty sobbed. "Daddy did!"
Human support systems often fail us. We disappoint those we love, and
are disappointed by them. People simply aren't there for us
when we need them most.
But God promises that with him things are different. He's always there,
always listening, always caring, always ready to support us.
"Underneath his everlasting arms".
Sometimes those arms reach out clothed in flesh, in the warm embrace
of a loved one. Sometimes they support us through the Word, sometimes through
the quiet peace that comes in prayer. Sometimes we are not aware of them
at all, but they still hold us up, supporting, surrounding, loving.
Underneath us are the everlasting arms.
Application
a) Have I ever felt abandoned by someone I loved and depended upon?
b) How have I experienced the faithfulness of God's "Everlasting arms"?
c) Now can this verse help me in times when I feel my supports have given way?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
3 John 2
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be
in good health, even as your soul is well.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Is 40:27-31
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and assert, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my justice escapes the notice of my God"?
28 (Ps 147:5; Ge 21:33; Isa 57:15) Have you not known?
Have you not heard,
that the everlasting God, the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
does not faint, nor is He weary?
His understanding is inscrutable.
29 (Isa 41:10) He gives power to the faint,
and to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 (Isa 9:17) Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall,
31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4) but those who wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid
from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God,
the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not,
neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might
he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall:
31 but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 30 of the Month
a) Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout
Canadian society, as it is in Heaven
( Matt 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.
)
b) Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city
or community, and across our nation. (
Rom 2:4
4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness,
tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God
leads you to repentance?
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance
and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth
thee to repentance?
)
Advent Day 7
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"No woman ever conceived a child, no mare a foal, without
Him. But once, and for a special purpose, He dispensed with
that long line which is His instrument: once His life-giving
finger touched a woman without passing through the ages of
interlocked events." C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles,p . 182.)
Every Birth a Miracle
I have never met parents who did not think that the birth of each
of their children was one of the most amazing things they had ever
experienced. And rightly so. We talk about the miracle of birth, and
so we should. The obstetrician might tell us how normal child birth
is, but we who have become parents know better. We might forget
as the years pass and the trials of raising teenagers take their toll.
But when we sit back and remember, we know better once again.
The birth of a child is a miracle. The "birth-days" of our children
remind us
No childbirth in history has received more attention in art, music,
literature, stained glass, and even on the postage stamp, than
the birth of Jesus. That was a one-of-a-kind birth, but Lewis points
out that God is at work in every pregnancy and in every birth. The
same God who brought about the pregnancy of Mary by the power
of the Holy Spirit is also at work to bring about every pregnancy.
We might stand back at the thought that even a mare conceiving
a foal, as Lewis writes, is done by the power of God, but could it be
otherwise? He is the creator of all things, and he upholds all things
by his powerful word(Heb- 1:3)- He must be involved in every birth,
your birth, my birth, even our rebirth by the power of the Holy Spirit,
but especially in the birth of Jesus
This is not to say that the birth of Jesus was ordinary. Far from
it. But Jesus' birth and my birth both had the blessing of God. That
gives me assurance that new birth is available in him also.
Prayer : Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are at work,
giving life. Grant us new life in your Son. Amen.
Luke 1:35
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
From Follow The Story - Marva J. Dawn
SATURDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Baffling Salutations
When she saw him, she was troubled by his words,...
-Luke 1:29a
To greet another person with the phrase "The LORD be with you"
was a common custom in those days. Compare how Boaz greets
the reapers in his barley field and how they answer back (Ruth 2:4).
Even today many churches use the expression
in their liturgies to underscore that we are a community together
as worshipers and leaders in God's presence.
Consequently, this part of Gabriel's address must not have been too confusing,
unless the angel notably accentuated the present tense, "The LORD is with you,"
in anticipation of how the Trinity would be operative in Mary.
Probably Mary was stunned by Gabriel's calling her a "favoured one"
since she was merely a small-town youth, and the
angel was the magnificent messenger of God. She was totally unprepared
for the extraordinary disclosure Gabriel would reveal to her, though some
Jewish mothers gingerly harbored the hope that they might be mother
to the promised Messiah. Ponder with Mary what being "favoured"
by God could mean.
prayer
Thank you, LORD, that Mary was simple-hearted with Gabriel.
Amen.
Read Luke 1:26-38.
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favoured.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATTENTION!
11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.
JEREMIAH 29:11
Advent comes to us just when we need it. Not only is it the time to begin
a new Church Year, but it also allows us to stop and ponder anew what
"the Almighty can do" and what he has already done! In other words,
Advent gets our attention to ponder what life is all about!
What is it that is getting your attention these days?
There's plenty of options, aren't there ?
Is it working or shopping, or preparing, or Juggling,
or decorating, or baking or all of the above?
Me too! How good are you at multi-tasking?
We live in a CPA society ... which means Continuous Partial Attention.
Check it out: Have you encountered folks who are texting, listening talking,
studying, thinking, eating .. all at the same time? Me, too! And it drives me
crazy! You too?
Advent sneaks up on our CPA society and simply, gently calms us. Advent
coos to us what today's Scripture says: The Lord has plans to give us
a hope and future. That is a promise that
really gets our attention as ambassadors
of health and hope!
God in Christ attends us with his love
and forgiveness to empower us to turn our attention
outward. We can turn from our own CPA existence to sharing
his hope for all people. NO partial attention from the Lord. God's
CPA is his Continuous Promise Attention ... for all of us!
And that's good enough for me! You too?
Prayer
Lord, calm us, settle us and point us to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Jeremiah 29:11-14.
11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.
12 (Jer 33:3; Ps 50:15) Then you shall call upon Me, and you shall come
and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13 (Jer 24:7; 2Ch 22:9) You shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search
for Me with all your heart.
14 (Jer 30:3; Ps 32:6) I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will turn
away your captivity and gather you from all the nations
and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord,
and I will bring you back into the place from
where I caused you to be carried away captive.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that Salvation is for all.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me give thanks
even when life is hard."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as your support system.
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for prosperity and strength.
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord to give you strength.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout
Canadian society, as it is in Heaven
Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city
or community, and across our nation.
Prayer : Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are at work,
giving life. Grant us new life in your Son. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, LORD, that Mary was simple-hearted with Gabriel.
Pray: Lord, calm us, settle us and point us
to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that many Somalis living in Kenya will hear the Gospel message and come
to know Christ as their saviour.
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) Romans 14, Romans 15, Romans 16
Romans 14
Do Not Judge Your Brother
1 (Ro 15:1; 15:7) Welcome him who is weak in faith, but not
for the purpose of arguing over opinions.
2 (Ro 14:14) For one has faith to eat all things,
but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
3 (Lk 18:9; Ro 14:10) Do not let him who eats despise him who does
not eat, and do not let him who does not eat judge him who eats,
for God has welcomed him.
4 (Ro 9:20) Who are you to judge another man's servant? To his
own master he stands or falls. And he will stand,
for God is able to make him stand.
5 (Ro 14:23) One man judges one day above another;
another judges every day alike. Let each one be fully persuaded
in his own mind.
6 (Mt 14:19; 15:36) He who observes the day observes it for the Lord,
and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.
He who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, for he gives thanks to God;
and the one who does not eat, in honour of the Lord he does not eat,
and gives thanks to God.
7 (2Co 5:15; 1Th 5:10) For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies
for himself.
8 (Php 1:20; 1Th 5:10) For if we live, we live for the Lord. And if we die,
we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
9 (Rev 1:18; Mt 28:18; Lk 24:26) For to this end Christ died and rose
and lived again, so that He might be Lord of both the dead and living.
10 (2Co 5:10; Ro 2:16; 1Co 4:5) So why do you judge your brother? Or why do
you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat
of Christ.
11 For it is written:
"As I live, says the Lord,
every knee shall bow to Me,
and every tongue shall confess to God."(Isa 45:23.)
12 (Mt 12:36; 1Pe 4:5) So then each of us shall give
an account of himself to God.
[1] Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful
disputations.
[2] For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak,
eateth herbs.
[3] Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him
which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
[4] Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he
standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him
stand.
[5] One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day
alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
[6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that
regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth,
eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the
Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
[7] For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
[8] For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die
unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
[9] For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might
be Lord both of the dead and living.
[10] But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy
brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
[11] For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to
me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
[12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Do Not Make Your Brother Stumble
13 (Mt 7:1) Therefore let us no longer pass judgment on one another,
but rather determine not to put a stumbling block
or an obstacle in a brother's way.
14 (1Co 8:7; Ro 14:2) I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus
that nothing is unclean in itself, but to him who considers anything to be
unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 (Eph 5:2) If your brother is grieved because of your food, you are
no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food one
for whom Christ died.
16 (Ro 12:17; 1Co 10:29-30) So do not let what is good to you be spoken
of as evil.
17 (Ro 15:13; 1Co 8:8; Gal 5:22) For the kingdom of God does not mean
eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy
Spirit.
18 (2Co 8:21; Ro 16:18) For he who serves Christ in these things
is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 (Ps 34:14; Ro 15:2) Therefore let us pursue the things which
produce peace and the things that build up one another.
20 (Ro 14:14-15; Ac 10:15) Do not destroy the work of God for the
sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but it is evil for the man
who causes someone to fall by what he eats.
21 (1Co 8:13) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine,
nor do anything whereby your brother stumbles or is offended
or is made weak.
22 (1Jn 3:21) The faith that you have, have as your own conviction
before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats,
because it is not from faith, for whatever is not from faith is sin.
[13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather,
that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's
way.
[14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing
unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him
it is unclean.
[15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not
charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
[16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
[17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
[18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and
approved of men.
[19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and
things wherewith one may edify another.
[20] For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but
it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
[21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing
whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
[22] Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that
condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
[23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of
faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Romans 15
Please Others, Not Yourself
1 (Ro 14:1; 1Th 5:14) We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses
of the weak and not please ourselves.
2 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 10:24) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,
leading to edification.
3 (Ps 69:9; Jn 5:30) For even Christ did not please Himself.
But as it is written, "The insults of those who insulted You fell on Me."
(Ps 69:9).
4 (Ro 4:23-24) For whatever was previously written was written
for our instruction, so that through perseverance and encouragement
of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 (Ro 12:16; 1Co 1:10) Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement
grant you to live in harmony with one another in accordance with Christ
Jesus,
6 (Eph 1:3; Jn 20:17) so that together you may with one voice glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves.
[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
[3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The
reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have
hope.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one
toward another according to Christ Jesus:
[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us,
for the glory of God.
8 (Mt 15:24; 2Co 1:20) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become
a servant to the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God,
to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
9 (2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49) and that the Gentiles might glorify God
for His mercy, as it is written:
"For this reason I will acknowledge You among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to Your name."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Dt 32:43) He also says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"(Dt 32:43.)
11 (Ps 117:1) And again:
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise Him."(Ps 117:1.)
12 (Isa 11:10; Mt 12:21) And again Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in Him shall the Gentiles hope."(Isa 11:10.)
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[7] Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the
glory of God.
[8] Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the
truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
[9] And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written,
For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy
name.
[10] And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
[11] And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye
people.
[12] And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that
shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Paul's Missionary Commission
14 (1Co 8:1; 8:7) Now I myself am persuaded concerning you, my brothers,
that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and also
able to instruct one another.
15 (Ro 12:3; 1:5) Nevertheless, brothers, I have written even more boldly
to you on some points, to remind you, because of the grace that is given to
me from God,
16 (Php 2:17; Ro 11:13; Ac 9:15) that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ
to the Gentiles, in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that
the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified
by the Holy Spirit.
17 (Heb 5:1; Php 3:3) In Christ Jesus therefore I have reason to boast
in my service to God.
18 (Ac 15:12; 21:19) For I will not dare to speak of anything except
what Christ has accomplished through me, to make the Gentiles obedient,
by word and deed,
19 (Ac 22:17-21; 2Co 12:12) by the power of signs and wonders,
by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem
and as far around as Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel
of Christ.
20 (2Co 10:13-16) So I have strived to preach the gospel,
not where Christ was named, so that I should not build on another man's
foundation.
21 (Isa 52:15) But as it is written:
"To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
and those who have not heard shall understand."(Isa 52:15.)
[14] And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are
full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one
another.
[15] Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some
sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of
God,
[16] That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,
ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be
acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
[17] I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those
things which pertain to God.
[18] For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath
not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
[19] Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so
that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached
the gospel of Christ.
[20] Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was
named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
[21] But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and
they that have not heard shall understand.
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
22 (Ro 1:13) For this reason also I was often hindered from coming to you.
23 (Ro 15:32; Ac 19:21) But now, no longer having a place in these regions,
and having a great desire for many years to come to you,
24 (Ro 15:28; Ac 15:3) whenever I go to Spain, I shall come to you,
for I hope to see you when I pass through and to be helped on my way
there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a little while.
25 (Ac 19:21; 24:17) But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the
saints.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make some contribution
for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
27 (1Co 9:11; Gal 6:6) It has pleased them indeed, and they are their
debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things,
they also ought to minister to them in material things.
28 (Ro 15:24) Therefore, when I have completed this and have given this
blessing to them, I shall come by way of you to Spain,
29 and I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 (2Co 1:11; Col 4:12) Now I ask you, brothers, through the Lord Jesus
Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in
your prayers to God on my behalf,
31 (2Th 3:2; 2Co 8:4) that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in
Judea, and that my ministry for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:18) so that I may come to you with joy by the will
of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33 (2Co 13:11; Ro 16:20; Php 4:9) Now the God of peace be with you all.
Amen.
[22] For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
[23] But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire
these many years to come unto you;
[24] Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I
trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by
you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
[25] But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
[26] For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
[27] It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the
Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is
also to minister unto them in carnal things.
[28] When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this
fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
[29] And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness
of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
[30] Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for
the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to
God for me;
[31] That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and
that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
[32] That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you
be refreshed.
[33] Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 16
Personal Greetings
1 (Ac 18:18; 2Co 3:1) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is
a servant (Or deacon.) of the church at Cenchrea,
2 (Php 2:29) that you welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy
of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter
she may have need of you, for she has been a helper of many
and of myself as well.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I,
but also all the churches of the Gentiles, give thanks.
5 (1Co 16:15; 16:19) Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first convert of Achaia for Christ.
6 (Ro 16:12) Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
7 (Ro 16:11; 16:21) Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen
and fellow prisoners, who are noteworthy among the apostles,
who also came to Christ before me.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.
Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman.
Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.
Greet the beloved Persis, who also labored much in the Lord.
13 (Mk 15:21) Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother,
who is like a mother to me.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas,
and the brothers who are with them.
15 (Ro 16:2) Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister,
and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
16 (1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12) Greet one another with a holy kiss.
The churches of Christ greet you.
17 (2Th 3:6; 1Ti 1:3) Now I urge you, brothers, to closely watch those
who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the teaching which
you have learned, and avoid them.
18 (Php 3:19; Col 2:4) For such people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ,
but their own appetites, and through smooth talk and flattery they deceive
the hearts of the unsuspecting.
19 (Mt 10:16; Ro 1:8) Your obedience has become known to all men.
Therefore I am glad on your behalf. Yet I want you to be wise to that
which is good, and innocent to that which is evil.
20 (Ge 3:15; Ro 15:33) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
21 (Ac 20:4; 13:1) Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason,
and Sosipater, my kinsmen, greet you.
22 (Gal 6:11) I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.
23 (Ac 19:22; 1Co 1:14) Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church,
greets you.
Erastus, who is the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
[1] I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church
which is at Cenchrea:
[2] That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist
her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a
succourer of many, and of myself also.
[3] Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
[4] Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I
give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
[5] Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved
Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
[6] Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
[7] Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are
of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
[8] Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
[9] Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
[10] Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of
Aristobulus' household.
[11] Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of
Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
[12] Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the
beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
[13] Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
[14] Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren
which are with them.
[15] Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and
all the saints which are with them.
[16] Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute
you.
[17] Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
[18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own
belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
[19] For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on
your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and
simple concerning evil.
[20] And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
[21] Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my
kinsmen, salute you.
[22] I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
[23] Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the
chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
[24] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Doxology
25 (Ro 2:16; Eph 1:9) Now to Him who has power to establish you according
to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past,
26 (Ro 1:5; 1:2) but now is revealed by the prophetic Scriptures according
to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all the Gentiles
for the obedience of faith,
27 (Ro 11:36; 1Ti 1:17) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever. Amen.
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and
the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery,
which was kept secret since the world began,
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets,
according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all
nations for the obedience of faith:
[27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 30 November 2023 Titled
A Grateful Response
Daniel 6:1-10
Daniel and the Lions' Den
1 (Est 1:1; Da 5:31) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom
one hundred and twenty officials,
so that they would be over the whole kingdom,
2 (Ezr 4:22; Da 2:48-49) and over them three presidents,
of whom Daniel was first, so that the officials might give accounts
to them and the king not suffer loss.
3 (Da 5:12; 5:14) Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents
and officials because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king
thought to set him over the whole realm.
4 (Ge 43:18; Jdg 14:4) Then the presidents and officials sought
to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom,
but they could find no occasion or fault because he was faithful;
nor was there any error or fault found in him.
5 (Ac 24:13-16; 24:20-21) Then these men said,
"We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,
unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."
6 (Da 2:4; Ne 2:3) Then these presidents and officials assembled together
to the king, and said to him: "King Darius, live forever!
7 (Ps 59:3; Da 3:2) All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors,
and the officials, the counselors, and the captains have consulted
together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree,
that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days,
save of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.
8 (Est 1:19; Da 6:15) Now, O king, establish the decree
and sign the writing, that it not be changed,
according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered."
9 (Ps 118:9; 146:3) Therefore King Darius signed the writing, even the decree.
10 (Ps 55:17; 95:6) Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went
into his house. And his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,
he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks
before his God, as he had been doing previously.
[1] It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes,
which should be over the whole kingdom;
[2] And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the
princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.
[3] Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because
an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the
whole realm.
[4] Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel
concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault;
forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in
him.
[5] Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,
except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
[6] Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and
said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.
[7] All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the
counsellers, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal
statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of
any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into
the den of lions.
[8] Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not
changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
[9] Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.
[10] Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his
house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he
kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks
before his God, as he did aforetime.
Raw fish and rainwater. An Australian sailor named Timothy survived on only
those provisions for three months. Marooned on his storm-damaged catamaran, he
was losing hope-bobbing 1200 miles from land in the Pacific Ocean. But then
the crew of a Mexican tuna boat spotted his ailing boat and rescued him.
Later, the thin and weather-beaten man declared,
"To the captain and fishing company that saved my life, I'm just so grateful!"
Timothy gave thanks following his ordeal, but the prophet Daniel revealed a
grateful heart before, during, and after a crisis. Having been exiled to
Babylon from Judah with other Jews (Daniel 1:1-6), Daniel had risen in power
only to be threatened by other leaders who wanted him dead (6:1-7). His foes
got the king of Babylon to sign a decree stating that anyone who prayed
"to any god" would be "thrown into the lions' den" (v. 7). What would Daniel,
a man who loved and served the one true God, do? He "got down on his knees
and prayed, giving thanks to . . . God, just as he had done before" (v. 10).
He gave thanks, and his grateful heart was rewarded as God spared his
life and brought him honor (vv. 26-28).
As the apostle Paul wrote, may God help us "give thanks in all circumstances"
(1 Thessalonians 5:18). Whether we're facing a crisis or have just come
through one, a grateful response honors Him and helps keep our faith afloat.
By: Tom Felten
Reflect & Pray
Why is it vital to regularly thank God?
How can you grow a more grateful heart?
Dear God, please help me give thanks even when life is hard.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 7 Support System
Deut 33:27
27 (Ge 49:24; Ps 90:1-2) The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath you are the everlasting arms;
He will drive out the enemy before you,
and will say, "Destroy them."
27 The eternal God is thy refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms:
And he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee;
And shall say, Destroy them.
Misty was only 4 when her parents divorced. Her dad moved away,
and the following summer she went with her grandparents to visit him
in his new apartment. In the swimming pool one afternoon, Grandpa stood
Misty on the side of the pool, held out his arm, and called, "Jump!"
But Misty, normally a little fish, suddenly seemed afraid of the water,
and stood trembling on the sidewalk shaking her head.
"Jump, Misty - I'll catch you!"
"Are you sure, Grandpa?"
"Of course I'm sure! Jump!"
But Misty wouldn't jump. Finally Grandpa, a bit irritated, said, "Misty, do
you think I Won't catch you? Do you think I'll just walk away?"
The tears spilled over, and Misty sobbed. "Daddy did!"
Human support systems often fail us. We disappoint those we love, and
are disappointed by them. People simply aren't there for us
when we need them most.
But God promises that with him things are different. He's always there,
always listening, always caring, always ready to support us.
"Underneath his everlasting arms".
Sometimes those arms reach out clothed in flesh, in the warm embrace
of a loved one. Sometimes they support us through the Word, sometimes through
the quiet peace that comes in prayer. Sometimes we are not aware of them
at all, but they still hold us up, supporting, surrounding, loving.
Underneath us are the everlasting arms.
Application
a) Have I ever felt abandoned by someone I loved and depended upon?
b) How have I experienced the faithfulness of God's "Everlasting arms"?
c) Now can this verse help me in times when I feel my supports have given way?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
3 John 2
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be
in good health, even as your soul is well.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Is 40:27-31
27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and assert, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my justice escapes the notice of my God"?
28 (Ps 147:5; Ge 21:33; Isa 57:15) Have you not known?
Have you not heard,
that the everlasting God, the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
does not faint, nor is He weary?
His understanding is inscrutable.
29 (Isa 41:10) He gives power to the faint,
and to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 (Isa 9:17) Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall,
31 (2Co 4:16; Ps 103:5; Ex 19:4) but those who wait upon the Lord
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid
from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God,
the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not,
neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might
he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall:
31 but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall
mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
Day 30 of the Month
a) Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout
Canadian society, as it is in Heaven
( Matt 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.
)
b) Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city
or community, and across our nation. (
Rom 2:4
4 (Ex 34:6; Isa 30:18) Do you despise the riches of His goodness,
tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God
leads you to repentance?
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance
and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth
thee to repentance?
)
Advent Day 7
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"No woman ever conceived a child, no mare a foal, without
Him. But once, and for a special purpose, He dispensed with
that long line which is His instrument: once His life-giving
finger touched a woman without passing through the ages of
interlocked events." C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles,p . 182.)
Every Birth a Miracle
I have never met parents who did not think that the birth of each
of their children was one of the most amazing things they had ever
experienced. And rightly so. We talk about the miracle of birth, and
so we should. The obstetrician might tell us how normal child birth
is, but we who have become parents know better. We might forget
as the years pass and the trials of raising teenagers take their toll.
But when we sit back and remember, we know better once again.
The birth of a child is a miracle. The "birth-days" of our children
remind us
No childbirth in history has received more attention in art, music,
literature, stained glass, and even on the postage stamp, than
the birth of Jesus. That was a one-of-a-kind birth, but Lewis points
out that God is at work in every pregnancy and in every birth. The
same God who brought about the pregnancy of Mary by the power
of the Holy Spirit is also at work to bring about every pregnancy.
We might stand back at the thought that even a mare conceiving
a foal, as Lewis writes, is done by the power of God, but could it be
otherwise? He is the creator of all things, and he upholds all things
by his powerful word(Heb- 1:3)- He must be involved in every birth,
your birth, my birth, even our rebirth by the power of the Holy Spirit,
but especially in the birth of Jesus
This is not to say that the birth of Jesus was ordinary. Far from
it. But Jesus' birth and my birth both had the blessing of God. That
gives me assurance that new birth is available in him also.
Prayer : Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are at work,
giving life. Grant us new life in your Son. Amen.
Luke 1:35
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
From Follow The Story - Marva J. Dawn
SATURDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Baffling Salutations
When she saw him, she was troubled by his words,...
-Luke 1:29a
To greet another person with the phrase "The LORD be with you"
was a common custom in those days. Compare how Boaz greets
the reapers in his barley field and how they answer back (Ruth 2:4).
Even today many churches use the expression
in their liturgies to underscore that we are a community together
as worshipers and leaders in God's presence.
Consequently, this part of Gabriel's address must not have been too confusing,
unless the angel notably accentuated the present tense, "The LORD is with you,"
in anticipation of how the Trinity would be operative in Mary.
Probably Mary was stunned by Gabriel's calling her a "favoured one"
since she was merely a small-town youth, and the
angel was the magnificent messenger of God. She was totally unprepared
for the extraordinary disclosure Gabriel would reveal to her, though some
Jewish mothers gingerly harbored the hope that they might be mother
to the promised Messiah. Ponder with Mary what being "favoured"
by God could mean.
prayer
Thank you, LORD, that Mary was simple-hearted with Gabriel.
Amen.
Read Luke 1:26-38.
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favoured.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATTENTION!
11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.
JEREMIAH 29:11
Advent comes to us just when we need it. Not only is it the time to begin
a new Church Year, but it also allows us to stop and ponder anew what
"the Almighty can do" and what he has already done! In other words,
Advent gets our attention to ponder what life is all about!
What is it that is getting your attention these days?
There's plenty of options, aren't there ?
Is it working or shopping, or preparing, or Juggling,
or decorating, or baking or all of the above?
Me too! How good are you at multi-tasking?
We live in a CPA society ... which means Continuous Partial Attention.
Check it out: Have you encountered folks who are texting, listening talking,
studying, thinking, eating .. all at the same time? Me, too! And it drives me
crazy! You too?
Advent sneaks up on our CPA society and simply, gently calms us. Advent
coos to us what today's Scripture says: The Lord has plans to give us
a hope and future. That is a promise that
really gets our attention as ambassadors
of health and hope!
God in Christ attends us with his love
and forgiveness to empower us to turn our attention
outward. We can turn from our own CPA existence to sharing
his hope for all people. NO partial attention from the Lord. God's
CPA is his Continuous Promise Attention ... for all of us!
And that's good enough for me! You too?
Prayer
Lord, calm us, settle us and point us to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Jeremiah 29:11-14.
11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.
12 (Jer 33:3; Ps 50:15) Then you shall call upon Me, and you shall come
and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13 (Jer 24:7; 2Ch 22:9) You shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search
for Me with all your heart.
14 (Jer 30:3; Ps 32:6) I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will turn
away your captivity and gather you from all the nations
and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord,
and I will bring you back into the place from
where I caused you to be carried away captive.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to know that Salvation is for all.
Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me give thanks
even when life is hard."
Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord as your support system.
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord for prosperity and strength.
Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord to give you strength.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for God's will to be done where you live and throughout
Canadian society, as it is in Heaven
Pray that in kindness God will lead many to repentance in your city
or community, and across our nation.
Prayer : Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are at work,
giving life. Grant us new life in your Son. Amen.
Pray: Thank you, LORD, that Mary was simple-hearted with Gabriel.
Pray: Lord, calm us, settle us and point us
to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray that many Somalis living in Kenya will hear the Gospel message and come
to know Christ as their saviour.
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.