Day 355 of the 2nd Bible Study Journey 25th Day of Advent - 21 December 2022 reflections
Day 354, 20 December 2022
1) 2 Peter 1 - 3
2 Peter 1
Salutation
1 (Titus 2:13; Ro 3:21-26; 1:1) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle
of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious
as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 (Jn 17:3; 1Pe 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied to you through
the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
[1] Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have
obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ:
[2] Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and
of Jesus our Lord,
The Christian's Call and Election
3 (1Th 2:12; 2Th 2:14) His divine power has given to us all things that
pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge
of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence,
4 (Heb 12:10; 1Jn 3:2) by which He has given to us exceedingly great
and precious promises, so that through these things you might become
partakers of the divine nature
and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 (2Pe 3:18; Php 4:8) For this reason make every effort to add virtue
to your faith; and to your virtue, knowledge;
6 (Ac 24:25; 2Pe 1:3) and to your knowledge, self-control; and to your
self-control, patient endurance; and to your patient endurance, godliness;
7 (Ro 12:10; 1Co 13:1-8) and to your godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to your brotherly kindness, love.
8 (Jn 15:2; Col 3:16) For if these things reside in you and abound,
they ensure that you will neither be useless nor unfruitful
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 (Eph 5:26; Heb 9:14) But the one who lacks these things is blind
and shortsighted because he has forgotten that he was cleansed
from his former sins.
10 (2Pe 3:17) Therefore, brothers, diligently make your calling
and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided for you.
12 (Php 3:1; 1Jn 2:21) Therefore I will not be negligent to always
remind you of these things, though you know them and are established
in the truth that is present with you.
13 (2Pe 3:1; 1:14) I consider it right, as long as I live in this body,
to stir you up by reminding you,
14 (2Ti 4:6; Jn 21:18-19) knowing that soon I will take off this body,
even as our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me.
15 And I will also be diligent to make sure that after my death you
will always remember these things.
[3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain
unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to
glory and virtue:
[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by
these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust.
[5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to
virtue knowledge;
[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience
godliness;
[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
[8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall
neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and
hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
[10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
[11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
[12] Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of
these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
[13] Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you
up by putting you in remembrance;
[14] Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our
Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
[15] Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have
these things always in remembrance.
Christ's Glory and the Prophetic Word
16 (1Ti 1:4; Lk 9:28-32) For we have not followed cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
17 (Mk 9:7; Mt 3:17; 17:5) For He received honor and glory from God
the Father when a voice came to Him from the majestic glory, saying,
"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
(Mt 17:5; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35.)
18 (Mt 17:6; Ex 3:5) And we ourselves heard this voice, which came
from heaven, when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19 (Rev 22:16; Ps 119:105; Rev 2:28) And we have a more reliable word
of prophecy, which you would do well to follow, as to a light that shines
in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises
in your hearts.
20 (2Pe 3:3; Ro 12:6) But know this first of all, that no prophecy
of the Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation.
21 (1Pe 1:11; Lk 1:70; 2Sa 23:2) For no prophecy at any time was produced
by the will of man, but holy men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
[16] For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known
unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were
eyewitnesses of his majesty.
[17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came
such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased.
[18] And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him
in the holy mount.
[19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye
take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn,
and the day star arise in your hearts:
[20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation.
[21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men
of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 2
False Prophets and Teachers
Jude 4-13
1 (2Pe 2:3; Jude 1:4; 1Co 6:20) But there were also false prophets
among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you,
who will secretly bring in destructive heresies,
even denying the Lord who bought them,
bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
2 (Ro 2:24; Ac 16:17) And many will follow their destructive ways,
because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
3 (Dt 32:35; Ro 16:18) And in their greed they will exploit you
with deceptive words. Their judgment, made long ago, does not linger,
and their destruction does not slumber.
4 (Jude 1:6; Mt 25:41; Rev 20:10) For if God did not spare the angels
that sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains
of darkness to be kept for judgment;
5 (2Pe 3:6; Heb 11:7) and if He did not spare the ancient world,
but saved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others,
when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 (Jude 1:7; Nu 26:10; Dt 29:23) and if He condemned the cities of Sodom
and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, making them
an example to those afterward who would live ungodly lives;
7 (Ge 19:16; 19:29; 19:7-8) and if He delivered righteous Lot,
who was distressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked
8 (Ps 119:136; 119:158) (for that righteous man lived among them,
and what he saw and heard of their lawless deeds tormented
his righteous soul day after day);
9 (1Co 10:13; 2Pe 3:7) then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial,
and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the Day of Judgment,
10 (Ex 22:28; Jude 1:10) especially those who walk after the flesh in pursuit
of unclean desires, and despise authority.
They are presumptuous and arrogant, and are not afraid to slander
the angelic beings.
11 (Jude 1:9) Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might,
do not bring slanderous accusations against them before the Lord.
12 (Jude 1:10; Jer 12:3) But these people are like irrational animals,
born to be captured and destroyed. They speak evil of the things that
they do not understand, and in their corruption they will be destroyed.
13 (Ro 13:13) They shall receive the wages of unrighteousness. They count it
a pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes
who revel in their own deception while they carouse together with you.
14 (Eph 2:3; 2Pe 2:3) They have eyes full of adultery that cannot cease
from sin. They entice unstable souls. Their hearts are trained in greed.
They are cursed children!
15 (Jude 1:11; Rev 2:14) They have forsaken the right way and have gone
astray. They follow the way of Balaam the son of Beor,
who loved the wages of wickedness,
16 (Nu 22:21-33) but who was rebuked for his iniquity.
The mute donkey speaking with a man's voice constrained
the madness of the prophet.
17 (Jude 1:12-13) These men are wells without water and clouds that are
carried by a storm, for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved forever.
18 (2Pe 1:4; 2:20) For when they speak arrogant words of vanity,
they entice by the lusts of the flesh and by depravity those who barely
escaped from those who live in error.
19 (Jn 8:34; Gal 5:13) Although they promise them freedom, they themselves
are slaves of corruption, for by that which a man is overcome, to this
he is enslaved.
20 (2Pe 1:2; 2:18) For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world
through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and they are again
entangled in them and are overcome, the latter end is worse for them
than the beginning.
21 (Eze 18:24; Lk 12:47) For it would have been better for them not to have
known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turn back
from the holy commandment that was delivered to them.
22 (Pr 26:11) But it has happened to them according to the true proverb,
"The dog returns to his own vomit,"(Pr 26:11.)
and "the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mud."
[1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall
be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,
even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction.
[2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way
of truth shall be evil spoken of.
[3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise
of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation
slumbereth not.
[4] For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to
hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto
judgment;
[5] And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a
preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the
ungodly;
[6] And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them
with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live
ungodly;
[7] And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the
wicked:
[8] (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing,
vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
[9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to
reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
[10] But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness,
and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not
afraid to speak evil of dignities.
[11] Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing
accusation against them before the Lord.
[12] But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed,
speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish
in their own corruption;
[13] And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it
pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting
themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
[14] Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling
unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed
children:
[15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the
way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
[16] But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's
voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
[17] These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest;
to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
[18] For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through
the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean
escaped from them who live in error.
[19] While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of
corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in
bondage.
[20] For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the
knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled
therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
[21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of
righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy
commandment delivered unto them.
[22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is
turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing
in the mire.
2 Peter 3
The Promise of the Lord's Coming
1 This is now, beloved, the second epistle I am writing to you, in which
I am stirring up your sincere minds by way of reminder,
2 (Lk 1:70; Jude 1:17) that you should remember the words that were spoken
previously by the holy prophets and the commandment of our Lord and Saviour
spoken through us, the apostles.
3 (Jude 1:18; 2Pe 2:10; Isa 28:14) Know this first, that there shall come
scoffers in the last days who walk after their own lusts,
4 (Jer 17:15; Mal 2:17) and say, "Where is the promise of His coming?
For since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they
were since the beginning of the creation."
5 (Ge 1:6; 1:9) For they willingly ignore that, by the word of God
the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed standing
out of the water and in the water,
6 (2Pe 2:5) by which the world that then existed was flooded with water
and perished.
7 (2Pe 3:10; 3:12; Mt 10:15) But by the same word, the heavens and the earth
that now exist are being reserved for fire,
kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 (Ps 90:4) But, beloved, do not be ignorant of this one thing, that with
the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 (1Ti 2:4; Hab 2:3; Heb 10:37) The Lord is not slow concerning His promise,
as some count slowness. But He is patient with us,
because He does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
10 (Mt 24:35; Rev 21:1; 2Pe 3:7) But the day of the Lord will come like
a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with
a loud noise, and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat.
The earth also and the works that are in it will be burned up.
11 (1Pe 1:15) Seeing then that all these things are to be destroyed,
what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12 (2Pe 3:10; Ps 50:3; Isa 34:4) while you are waiting for and desiring
the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens will be destroyed
by fire and the elements will be consumed by intense heat?
13 (Isa 65:17; 66:22; Rev 21:1) But, according to His promise, we are waiting
for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
14 (1Co 15:58; 1Th 3:13) Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these
things, be diligent that you may be found by Him in peace, spotless
and blameless.
15 (Ac 15:25; 2Pe 3:9) Keep in mind that the patience of our Lord means
salvation, even as our beloved brother Paul has also written to you according
to the wisdom given to him.
16 (Heb 5:11; 2Pe 2:14) As in all his letters, he writes about these things,
in which some things are hard to understand, which the unlearned
and unstable distort, as they also do the other Scriptures,
to their own destruction.
17 (1Co 10:12) You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand,
beware lest you also fall from your own firm footing,
being led away by the deception of the wicked.
18 (Col 1:10; Eph 4:15) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and forever. Amen.
[1] This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir
up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
[2] That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy
prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
[3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers,
walking after their own lusts,
[4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers
fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the
creation.
[5] For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the
heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the
water:
[6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
[7] But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept
in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of
ungodly men.
[8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with
the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
[9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance.
[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which
the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt
with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be
burned up.
[11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of
persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
[12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the
heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with
fervent heat?
[13] Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a
new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
[14] Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent
that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as
our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath
written unto you;
[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which
are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and
unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own
destruction.
[17] Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest
ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own
stedfastness.
[18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 21 December 2022
Entitled "Treasured Prayer"
Revelation 5:6-10
6 (Zec 4:10; Jn 1:29) I saw a Lamb in the midst of the throne
and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders,
standing as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes,
which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
7 (Rev 5:1) He came and took the scroll out of the right hand
of Him who sat on the throne.
8 (Ps 141:2; Rev 4:10) When He had taken the scroll, the four living
creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb,
each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense,
which are the prayers of saints.
9 (Rev 14:6; Ps 33:3; 40:3) And they sang a new song, saying:
"You are worthy to take the scroll,
and to open its seals;
for You were slain,
and have redeemed us to God by Your blood
out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 (Rev 1:6; 20:6) and have made us kings and priests unto our God;
and we shall reign on the earth."
[6] And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four
beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,
having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent
forth into all the earth.
[7] And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon
the throne.
[8] And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty
elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden
vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
[9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and
to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God
by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
[10] And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on
the earth.
The Clark's Nutcracker is an amazing bird. Every year it prepares for winter
by hiding tiny caches of four or five whitebark pine seeds, as many as five
hundred seeds per hour. Then, months later, it returns to uncover the seeds,
even under heavy snow. A Clark's Nutcracker may remember as many as ten 'housand locations where it has hidden seeds-an astounding feat (especially when you consider the difficulty we humans can have remembering the location
of our car keys or glasses).
But even this incredible act of memory pales in comparison with God's ability
to remember our prayers. He's able to keep track of every sincere prayer and
remember and respond to them even years later. In the book of Revelation, the
apostle John describes "four living creatures" and "twenty-four elders"
worshiping the Lord in heaven. Each one was "holding golden bowls full of
incense, which are the prayers of God's people" (5:8).
Just as incense was precious in the ancient world, our prayers are so precious
to God that He keeps them before Him continually, treasured in golden bowls!
Our prayers matter to God because we matter to Him, and through His undeserved
kindness to us in Jesus He offers us uninhibited access (Hebrews 4:14-16). So
pray boldly! And know that not a word will be forgotten or misplaced because
of the amazing love of God.
By: James Banks
Reflect & Pray
How does it encourage you to know God never forgets your prayers?
Who do you need to pray for today?
Heavenly Father, please give me
the perseverance to pray faithfully and the faith to look
for what You alone can do.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 4 - Entire Forgiveness
Acts 13:38
38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 2:38) "Therefore, brothers, let it be known
to you that through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,"
38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren,
that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
At age 17 Mary, a cross-country runner, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
She went on to college, faced with the prospect of gradual physical decline
and, ultimately, life in a wheelchair. "The worst part," Mary admitted "is
not the pain or the inability to do what I once did. The worst part is
the hopelessness, the emotional struggle. There is no cure, no real
treatment - only insurance."
In our fallen world, there are many incurable circumstances we have to endure.
But the guilt of our sin is not one of them. Yet despite the declaration
of the Scripture that Jesus' sacrificial death paid the price for our sins,
many of us carry a load of guilt - as if we ourselves had tp pay the price.
Paul, a man who know the grace of God and the depth of his own sin,
emphasises the source and the completeness of our forgiveness.
Through Jesus - not through my good behaviour, not through my determination to
change, not through my reputation, my family's faith, or my religious duties.
Forgiveness of sins come through Christ alone, a gift we do not deserve,
a gift which places all of us on equal ground at the foot of the cross.
To acknowledge our sin without knowing the source of forgiveness only
results in hopelessness and despair - we see ourselves, yet we are powerless
to change the sin we see. But when we realise that Christ has provided
complete forgiveness of sin, we can face our sin honestly, knowing
the freedom of confession and the restoration of forgiveness.
Application
a) In what ways have I changed myself, to "turn over a new leaf",
to "make myself worthy" of God's love?
b) How can Acts 13:38 help me remember the source of forgiveness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
1 Cor 13:3
3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body to be burned,
and have not love, it profits me nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity,
it profiteth me nothing.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Ps 18:30-34
30 As for God, His way has integrity;
the word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him.
31 For who is God except the Lord?
Or who is a rock besides our God?
32 It is God who clothes me with strength,
and gives my way integrity.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
and causes me to stand on my high places.
34 He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.
30 As for God, his way is perfect:
The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the LORD?
Or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength,
And maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet,
And setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war,
So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
21st Day of the Month
a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
(
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
)
b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Advent day 25
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"Enemy-occupied territory-that is what this world is.
Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed...
and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.
When you go to church you are really listening-in to the secret
wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious
to prevent us from going." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 46.)
A Campaign of Sabotage
C. S. Lewis wrote his most influential book, Mere Christianity,
in the middle of World War Two. The talks that became the basis
for this book were broadcast on the BBC between 1941 and 1944.
Lewis used numerous military allusions in that book,
in one case describing this world as "enemy-occupied territory."
Humanity has been invaded by an enemy: Satan.
He occupies the territory in which we live. "The rightful king"
has arrived and is in the process of taking back the territory,
but not as the Allies did on D-Day, June 6, 1944,
invading the beaches of Normandy in a full-scale assault
on German positions.
Jesus did not use tanks, planes, or artillery.
He arrived almost incognito. Few knew, even though it had been
predicted for centuries. Jesus came in disguise-as a baby.
No one would expect much opposition from a baby, but babies
have the power to wrap their parents around their little finger.
This baby had a lot more power than that, in fact, all power
and authority, and one day that authority will be visible
for all to see. But not yet.
Until then, we Christians acknowledge the power and authority
of this rightful king. We participate in his campaign of sabotage
against the enemy. We arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit,
the Word of God, and with the shield of faith, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth, and the shoes of the gospel
of peace. The message of the gospel is our best sabotage
against the power of Satan. Its power to forgive sins
is our best weapon.
Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,
aware of your power over him, and especially
aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.
10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord
and in the power of His might.
11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that
you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Exactly The Right Time
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
-Luke 2:1
God's timing is always stunning! When it was exactly the right
moment for the Christ Child to be born, "all the world" cooperated.
The Emperor Augustus issued an order,
and everyone had to go to their ancestral home.
This was the first registration, we are notified in verse 2,
to be commanded when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Whether this means that other enrollments were levied later on we
are not told, but this one made history-not because of its intention
to number the extent of the Roman Empire or to record the names
of Rome's conquerees for taxation purposes, but because the titles
of those rulers are now perpetually associated with the Messiah's birth.
You were born, too, at exactly the right time. God planned all your gifts
and calculated at what point in history your presence would be pivotal.
How we adore the All-Knowing One for his incredible timing!
Prayer
How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,
that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.
Read Luke 2:1-7.
Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
Mt 1:18-25
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADORATION!
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.ISAIAH 9:6
In the days leading up to Christmas we're counting the days. The malls
are full. The carols continue. The Santas are weary. The mail carriers are
burdened. The children are hyper. And we can almost hear the cattle
lowing (whatever lowing is!.
In theses days we're ready to adore the Baby Jesus. as well we should.
Today's lesson spells it out so well: "A child has been born for us, a son
given to us." "Oh, come let us adore him. Christ the Lord!"
But look again in the stable. For too long we've seen the manger as
a "sanitary shed," white and neat and clean and perfect. But it wasn't
that way at all. It was messy and smelly and germy and . .. well ... human.
And that's exactly why we adore him! Because Christ didn't wait for us
to clean up our dirty and messy lives before he came to redeem us.
Not at all:He entered our sin-filled stables "lust as we are." He came as
a God sized man to rid us of our man-sized gods.
Check out the Christmas cards you are receiving. How many of them really
'depict the human stable where Jesus was born? He may look "adorable,"
but that is not why we adore him. We adore him because he has come
to be our Saviour. And we might add: our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!
Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 9:2-7.
2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.
3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation
and increased the joy;
they rejoice before You
according to the joy of harvest
and as men rejoice
when they divide the spoil.
4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden
and the bar of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor
as in the day of Midian's defeat.
5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace
there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to order it and to establish it
with justice and with righteousness,
from now until forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts
will perform this.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to have the gift of discernment.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, please give me
the perseverance to pray faithfully and the faith to look
for what You alone can do."
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember He is the Source of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to be loving .
Pray to the Lord and pray to give you strength.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,
aware of your power over him, and especially
aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.
Pray: How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,
that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.
Pray: Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for greater Unity among Sri Lankan churches so they can resist
a new wave of attacks .
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) 2 Peter 1 - 3
2 Peter 1
Salutation
1 (Titus 2:13; Ro 3:21-26; 1:1) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle
of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious
as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 (Jn 17:3; 1Pe 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied to you through
the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
[1] Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have
obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ:
[2] Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and
of Jesus our Lord,
The Christian's Call and Election
3 (1Th 2:12; 2Th 2:14) His divine power has given to us all things that
pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge
of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence,
4 (Heb 12:10; 1Jn 3:2) by which He has given to us exceedingly great
and precious promises, so that through these things you might become
partakers of the divine nature
and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 (2Pe 3:18; Php 4:8) For this reason make every effort to add virtue
to your faith; and to your virtue, knowledge;
6 (Ac 24:25; 2Pe 1:3) and to your knowledge, self-control; and to your
self-control, patient endurance; and to your patient endurance, godliness;
7 (Ro 12:10; 1Co 13:1-8) and to your godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to your brotherly kindness, love.
8 (Jn 15:2; Col 3:16) For if these things reside in you and abound,
they ensure that you will neither be useless nor unfruitful
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 (Eph 5:26; Heb 9:14) But the one who lacks these things is blind
and shortsighted because he has forgotten that he was cleansed
from his former sins.
10 (2Pe 3:17) Therefore, brothers, diligently make your calling
and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided for you.
12 (Php 3:1; 1Jn 2:21) Therefore I will not be negligent to always
remind you of these things, though you know them and are established
in the truth that is present with you.
13 (2Pe 3:1; 1:14) I consider it right, as long as I live in this body,
to stir you up by reminding you,
14 (2Ti 4:6; Jn 21:18-19) knowing that soon I will take off this body,
even as our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me.
15 And I will also be diligent to make sure that after my death you
will always remember these things.
[3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain
unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to
glory and virtue:
[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by
these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust.
[5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to
virtue knowledge;
[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience
godliness;
[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
[8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall
neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and
hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
[10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
[11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
[12] Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of
these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
[13] Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you
up by putting you in remembrance;
[14] Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our
Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
[15] Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have
these things always in remembrance.
Christ's Glory and the Prophetic Word
16 (1Ti 1:4; Lk 9:28-32) For we have not followed cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
17 (Mk 9:7; Mt 3:17; 17:5) For He received honor and glory from God
the Father when a voice came to Him from the majestic glory, saying,
"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
(Mt 17:5; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35.)
18 (Mt 17:6; Ex 3:5) And we ourselves heard this voice, which came
from heaven, when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19 (Rev 22:16; Ps 119:105; Rev 2:28) And we have a more reliable word
of prophecy, which you would do well to follow, as to a light that shines
in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises
in your hearts.
20 (2Pe 3:3; Ro 12:6) But know this first of all, that no prophecy
of the Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation.
21 (1Pe 1:11; Lk 1:70; 2Sa 23:2) For no prophecy at any time was produced
by the will of man, but holy men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
[16] For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known
unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were
eyewitnesses of his majesty.
[17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came
such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased.
[18] And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him
in the holy mount.
[19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye
take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn,
and the day star arise in your hearts:
[20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation.
[21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men
of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 2
False Prophets and Teachers
Jude 4-13
1 (2Pe 2:3; Jude 1:4; 1Co 6:20) But there were also false prophets
among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you,
who will secretly bring in destructive heresies,
even denying the Lord who bought them,
bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
2 (Ro 2:24; Ac 16:17) And many will follow their destructive ways,
because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
3 (Dt 32:35; Ro 16:18) And in their greed they will exploit you
with deceptive words. Their judgment, made long ago, does not linger,
and their destruction does not slumber.
4 (Jude 1:6; Mt 25:41; Rev 20:10) For if God did not spare the angels
that sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains
of darkness to be kept for judgment;
5 (2Pe 3:6; Heb 11:7) and if He did not spare the ancient world,
but saved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others,
when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 (Jude 1:7; Nu 26:10; Dt 29:23) and if He condemned the cities of Sodom
and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, making them
an example to those afterward who would live ungodly lives;
7 (Ge 19:16; 19:29; 19:7-8) and if He delivered righteous Lot,
who was distressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked
8 (Ps 119:136; 119:158) (for that righteous man lived among them,
and what he saw and heard of their lawless deeds tormented
his righteous soul day after day);
9 (1Co 10:13; 2Pe 3:7) then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial,
and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the Day of Judgment,
10 (Ex 22:28; Jude 1:10) especially those who walk after the flesh in pursuit
of unclean desires, and despise authority.
They are presumptuous and arrogant, and are not afraid to slander
the angelic beings.
11 (Jude 1:9) Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might,
do not bring slanderous accusations against them before the Lord.
12 (Jude 1:10; Jer 12:3) But these people are like irrational animals,
born to be captured and destroyed. They speak evil of the things that
they do not understand, and in their corruption they will be destroyed.
13 (Ro 13:13) They shall receive the wages of unrighteousness. They count it
a pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes
who revel in their own deception while they carouse together with you.
14 (Eph 2:3; 2Pe 2:3) They have eyes full of adultery that cannot cease
from sin. They entice unstable souls. Their hearts are trained in greed.
They are cursed children!
15 (Jude 1:11; Rev 2:14) They have forsaken the right way and have gone
astray. They follow the way of Balaam the son of Beor,
who loved the wages of wickedness,
16 (Nu 22:21-33) but who was rebuked for his iniquity.
The mute donkey speaking with a man's voice constrained
the madness of the prophet.
17 (Jude 1:12-13) These men are wells without water and clouds that are
carried by a storm, for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved forever.
18 (2Pe 1:4; 2:20) For when they speak arrogant words of vanity,
they entice by the lusts of the flesh and by depravity those who barely
escaped from those who live in error.
19 (Jn 8:34; Gal 5:13) Although they promise them freedom, they themselves
are slaves of corruption, for by that which a man is overcome, to this
he is enslaved.
20 (2Pe 1:2; 2:18) For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world
through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and they are again
entangled in them and are overcome, the latter end is worse for them
than the beginning.
21 (Eze 18:24; Lk 12:47) For it would have been better for them not to have
known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turn back
from the holy commandment that was delivered to them.
22 (Pr 26:11) But it has happened to them according to the true proverb,
"The dog returns to his own vomit,"(Pr 26:11.)
and "the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mud."
[1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall
be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,
even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction.
[2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way
of truth shall be evil spoken of.
[3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise
of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation
slumbereth not.
[4] For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to
hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto
judgment;
[5] And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a
preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the
ungodly;
[6] And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them
with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live
ungodly;
[7] And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the
wicked:
[8] (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing,
vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
[9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to
reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
[10] But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness,
and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not
afraid to speak evil of dignities.
[11] Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing
accusation against them before the Lord.
[12] But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed,
speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish
in their own corruption;
[13] And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it
pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting
themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
[14] Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling
unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed
children:
[15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the
way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
[16] But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's
voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
[17] These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest;
to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
[18] For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through
the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean
escaped from them who live in error.
[19] While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of
corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in
bondage.
[20] For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the
knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled
therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
[21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of
righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy
commandment delivered unto them.
[22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is
turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing
in the mire.
2 Peter 3
The Promise of the Lord's Coming
1 This is now, beloved, the second epistle I am writing to you, in which
I am stirring up your sincere minds by way of reminder,
2 (Lk 1:70; Jude 1:17) that you should remember the words that were spoken
previously by the holy prophets and the commandment of our Lord and Saviour
spoken through us, the apostles.
3 (Jude 1:18; 2Pe 2:10; Isa 28:14) Know this first, that there shall come
scoffers in the last days who walk after their own lusts,
4 (Jer 17:15; Mal 2:17) and say, "Where is the promise of His coming?
For since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they
were since the beginning of the creation."
5 (Ge 1:6; 1:9) For they willingly ignore that, by the word of God
the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed standing
out of the water and in the water,
6 (2Pe 2:5) by which the world that then existed was flooded with water
and perished.
7 (2Pe 3:10; 3:12; Mt 10:15) But by the same word, the heavens and the earth
that now exist are being reserved for fire,
kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 (Ps 90:4) But, beloved, do not be ignorant of this one thing, that with
the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 (1Ti 2:4; Hab 2:3; Heb 10:37) The Lord is not slow concerning His promise,
as some count slowness. But He is patient with us,
because He does not want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
10 (Mt 24:35; Rev 21:1; 2Pe 3:7) But the day of the Lord will come like
a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with
a loud noise, and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat.
The earth also and the works that are in it will be burned up.
11 (1Pe 1:15) Seeing then that all these things are to be destroyed,
what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12 (2Pe 3:10; Ps 50:3; Isa 34:4) while you are waiting for and desiring
the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens will be destroyed
by fire and the elements will be consumed by intense heat?
13 (Isa 65:17; 66:22; Rev 21:1) But, according to His promise, we are waiting
for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
14 (1Co 15:58; 1Th 3:13) Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these
things, be diligent that you may be found by Him in peace, spotless
and blameless.
15 (Ac 15:25; 2Pe 3:9) Keep in mind that the patience of our Lord means
salvation, even as our beloved brother Paul has also written to you according
to the wisdom given to him.
16 (Heb 5:11; 2Pe 2:14) As in all his letters, he writes about these things,
in which some things are hard to understand, which the unlearned
and unstable distort, as they also do the other Scriptures,
to their own destruction.
17 (1Co 10:12) You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand,
beware lest you also fall from your own firm footing,
being led away by the deception of the wicked.
18 (Col 1:10; Eph 4:15) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and forever. Amen.
[1] This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir
up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
[2] That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy
prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
[3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers,
walking after their own lusts,
[4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers
fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the
creation.
[5] For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the
heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the
water:
[6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
[7] But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept
in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of
ungodly men.
[8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with
the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
[9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance.
[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which
the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt
with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be
burned up.
[11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of
persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
[12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the
heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with
fervent heat?
[13] Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a
new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
[14] Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent
that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as
our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath
written unto you;
[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which
are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and
unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own
destruction.
[17] Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest
ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own
stedfastness.
[18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 21 December 2022
Entitled "Treasured Prayer"
Revelation 5:6-10
6 (Zec 4:10; Jn 1:29) I saw a Lamb in the midst of the throne
and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders,
standing as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes,
which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
7 (Rev 5:1) He came and took the scroll out of the right hand
of Him who sat on the throne.
8 (Ps 141:2; Rev 4:10) When He had taken the scroll, the four living
creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb,
each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense,
which are the prayers of saints.
9 (Rev 14:6; Ps 33:3; 40:3) And they sang a new song, saying:
"You are worthy to take the scroll,
and to open its seals;
for You were slain,
and have redeemed us to God by Your blood
out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 (Rev 1:6; 20:6) and have made us kings and priests unto our God;
and we shall reign on the earth."
[6] And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four
beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,
having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent
forth into all the earth.
[7] And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon
the throne.
[8] And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty
elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden
vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
[9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and
to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God
by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
[10] And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on
the earth.
The Clark's Nutcracker is an amazing bird. Every year it prepares for winter
by hiding tiny caches of four or five whitebark pine seeds, as many as five
hundred seeds per hour. Then, months later, it returns to uncover the seeds,
even under heavy snow. A Clark's Nutcracker may remember as many as ten 'housand locations where it has hidden seeds-an astounding feat (especially when you consider the difficulty we humans can have remembering the location
of our car keys or glasses).
But even this incredible act of memory pales in comparison with God's ability
to remember our prayers. He's able to keep track of every sincere prayer and
remember and respond to them even years later. In the book of Revelation, the
apostle John describes "four living creatures" and "twenty-four elders"
worshiping the Lord in heaven. Each one was "holding golden bowls full of
incense, which are the prayers of God's people" (5:8).
Just as incense was precious in the ancient world, our prayers are so precious
to God that He keeps them before Him continually, treasured in golden bowls!
Our prayers matter to God because we matter to Him, and through His undeserved
kindness to us in Jesus He offers us uninhibited access (Hebrews 4:14-16). So
pray boldly! And know that not a word will be forgotten or misplaced because
of the amazing love of God.
By: James Banks
Reflect & Pray
How does it encourage you to know God never forgets your prayers?
Who do you need to pray for today?
Heavenly Father, please give me
the perseverance to pray faithfully and the faith to look
for what You alone can do.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 4 - Entire Forgiveness
Acts 13:38
38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 2:38) "Therefore, brothers, let it be known
to you that through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,"
38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren,
that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
At age 17 Mary, a cross-country runner, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
She went on to college, faced with the prospect of gradual physical decline
and, ultimately, life in a wheelchair. "The worst part," Mary admitted "is
not the pain or the inability to do what I once did. The worst part is
the hopelessness, the emotional struggle. There is no cure, no real
treatment - only insurance."
In our fallen world, there are many incurable circumstances we have to endure.
But the guilt of our sin is not one of them. Yet despite the declaration
of the Scripture that Jesus' sacrificial death paid the price for our sins,
many of us carry a load of guilt - as if we ourselves had tp pay the price.
Paul, a man who know the grace of God and the depth of his own sin,
emphasises the source and the completeness of our forgiveness.
Through Jesus - not through my good behaviour, not through my determination to
change, not through my reputation, my family's faith, or my religious duties.
Forgiveness of sins come through Christ alone, a gift we do not deserve,
a gift which places all of us on equal ground at the foot of the cross.
To acknowledge our sin without knowing the source of forgiveness only
results in hopelessness and despair - we see ourselves, yet we are powerless
to change the sin we see. But when we realise that Christ has provided
complete forgiveness of sin, we can face our sin honestly, knowing
the freedom of confession and the restoration of forgiveness.
Application
a) In what ways have I changed myself, to "turn over a new leaf",
to "make myself worthy" of God's love?
b) How can Acts 13:38 help me remember the source of forgiveness?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
1 Cor 13:3
3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body to be burned,
and have not love, it profits me nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,
and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity,
it profiteth me nothing.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Inexhaustible Strength
Ps 18:30-34
30 As for God, His way has integrity;
the word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in Him.
31 For who is God except the Lord?
Or who is a rock besides our God?
32 It is God who clothes me with strength,
and gives my way integrity.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
and causes me to stand on my high places.
34 He trains my hands for war,
so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.
30 As for God, his way is perfect:
The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the LORD?
Or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength,
And maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet,
And setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war,
So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)
The Northern Territories of Canada
Yukon
Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69
In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Northwest Territories (NWT)
NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473
The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.
Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Nunavut (NU)
NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86
The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
21st Day of the Month
a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
(
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
)
b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Advent day 25
From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle by Joel Heck
"Enemy-occupied territory-that is what this world is.
Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed...
and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.
When you go to church you are really listening-in to the secret
wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious
to prevent us from going." - C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 46.)
A Campaign of Sabotage
C. S. Lewis wrote his most influential book, Mere Christianity,
in the middle of World War Two. The talks that became the basis
for this book were broadcast on the BBC between 1941 and 1944.
Lewis used numerous military allusions in that book,
in one case describing this world as "enemy-occupied territory."
Humanity has been invaded by an enemy: Satan.
He occupies the territory in which we live. "The rightful king"
has arrived and is in the process of taking back the territory,
but not as the Allies did on D-Day, June 6, 1944,
invading the beaches of Normandy in a full-scale assault
on German positions.
Jesus did not use tanks, planes, or artillery.
He arrived almost incognito. Few knew, even though it had been
predicted for centuries. Jesus came in disguise-as a baby.
No one would expect much opposition from a baby, but babies
have the power to wrap their parents around their little finger.
This baby had a lot more power than that, in fact, all power
and authority, and one day that authority will be visible
for all to see. But not yet.
Until then, we Christians acknowledge the power and authority
of this rightful king. We participate in his campaign of sabotage
against the enemy. We arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit,
the Word of God, and with the shield of faith, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth, and the shoes of the gospel
of peace. The message of the gospel is our best sabotage
against the power of Satan. Its power to forgive sins
is our best weapon.
Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,
aware of your power over him, and especially
aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.
10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord
and in the power of His might.
11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that
you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11
From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn
WEDNESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Exactly The Right Time
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
-Luke 2:1
God's timing is always stunning! When it was exactly the right
moment for the Christ Child to be born, "all the world" cooperated.
The Emperor Augustus issued an order,
and everyone had to go to their ancestral home.
This was the first registration, we are notified in verse 2,
to be commanded when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Whether this means that other enrollments were levied later on we
are not told, but this one made history-not because of its intention
to number the extent of the Roman Empire or to record the names
of Rome's conquerees for taxation purposes, but because the titles
of those rulers are now perpetually associated with the Messiah's birth.
You were born, too, at exactly the right time. God planned all your gifts
and calculated at what point in history your presence would be pivotal.
How we adore the All-Knowing One for his incredible timing!
Prayer
How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,
that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.
Read Luke 2:1-7.
Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
Mt 1:18-25
1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler
FOURTH WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADORATION!
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.ISAIAH 9:6
In the days leading up to Christmas we're counting the days. The malls
are full. The carols continue. The Santas are weary. The mail carriers are
burdened. The children are hyper. And we can almost hear the cattle
lowing (whatever lowing is!.
In theses days we're ready to adore the Baby Jesus. as well we should.
Today's lesson spells it out so well: "A child has been born for us, a son
given to us." "Oh, come let us adore him. Christ the Lord!"
But look again in the stable. For too long we've seen the manger as
a "sanitary shed," white and neat and clean and perfect. But it wasn't
that way at all. It was messy and smelly and germy and . .. well ... human.
And that's exactly why we adore him! Because Christ didn't wait for us
to clean up our dirty and messy lives before he came to redeem us.
Not at all:He entered our sin-filled stables "lust as we are." He came as
a God sized man to rid us of our man-sized gods.
Check out the Christmas cards you are receiving. How many of them really
'depict the human stable where Jesus was born? He may look "adorable,"
but that is not why we adore him. We adore him because he has come
to be our Saviour. And we might add: our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!
Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Isaiah 9:2-7.
2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.
3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation
and increased the joy;
they rejoice before You
according to the joy of harvest
and as men rejoice
when they divide the spoil.
4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden
and the bar of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor
as in the day of Midian's defeat.
5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace
there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to order it and to establish it
with justice and with righteousness,
from now until forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts
will perform this.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to have the gift of discernment.
Pray to the Lord: "Heavenly Father, please give me
the perseverance to pray faithfully and the faith to look
for what You alone can do."
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember He is the Source of Salvation.
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to be loving .
Pray to the Lord and pray to give you strength.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,
aware of your power over him, and especially
aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.
Pray: How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,
that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.
Pray: Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Pray for greater Unity among Sri Lankan churches so they can resist
a new wave of attacks .
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.