Day 329 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 1st Day of Advent 24 November 2024 reflections

Posted by DSY on Sunday, November 24. 2024

Day 329, 24 November 2024

Today At

Calvary Community Church, Pastor Barry Reiger spoke on

Freedom in the Spirit

Galatians 5

Christian Freedom

13 (1Co 8:9; 9:19) You, brothers, have been called to liberty.

Only do not use liberty to give an opportunity to the flesh,

but by love serve one another.

14 (Lev 19:18; Mt 7:12; 19:18-19) For the entire law is fulfilled

in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

(Lev 19:18.)

15 But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that

you are not consumed by one another.

[13] For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty

for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

[14] For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love

thy neighbour as thyself.

[15] But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not

consumed one of another.

Spiritual Fruit and Fleshly Works

16 (Eph 2:3; Ro 8:4-5) I say then, walk in the Spirit,

and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

17 (Ro 8:5-8; 8:13) For the flesh lusts against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh. These are in opposition

to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

18 (Ro 8:14) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 (Mt 15:18-19; 1Co 3:3) Now the works of the flesh are revealed,

which are these: adultery, sexual immorality, impurity, lewdness,

20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy,

rage, selfishness, dissensions, heresies,

21 (Ro 13:13; 1Co 6:9-10) envy, murders, drunkenness, carousing,

and the like. I warn you, as I previously warned you,

that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 (Eph 5:9; Ro 7:4) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

patience, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 (Ac 24:25; 1Ti 1:9) meekness, and self-control; against

such there is no law.

24 (Ro 6:6; Gal 6:14) Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh

with its passions and lusts.

25 (Gal 5:16) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be conceited, provoking one another and envying one another.

[16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust

of the flesh.

[17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the

flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the

things that ye would.

[18] But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

[19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,

fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

[20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,

seditions, heresies,

[21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which

I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do

such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,

gentleness, goodness, faith,

[23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

[24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections

and lusts.

[25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

[26] Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying

one another.

A) Living in Freedom

See Galatians 5:13

B) ... is not Going back to our sinful nature ...

See Galatians 5:13,19-21

Galation 2:19-20

19 (Ro 7:4; 6:2) For through the law I am dead to the law,

that I might live for God.

20 (Ro 8:37; Gal 1:4) I have been crucified with Christ.

It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God,

Or by the faith of the Son of God. who loved me and gave Himself for me.

[19] For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

[20] I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ

liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith

of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 John 3:6,9-10

6 (3Jn 1:11; 1Jn 2:4; 3:9) Whoever remains in Him does not sin.

Whoever sins has not seen Him and does not know Him.

9 (1Jn 5:18; Jn 1:13; 1Pe 1:23) Whoever has been born of God does not

practice sin, for His seed remains in him. And he cannot keep on sinning,

because he has been born of God.

10 (1Jn 4:8; Mt 13:38) In this the children of God and the children

of the devil are revealed: Whoever does not live in righteousness

is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen

him, neither known him.

[9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in

him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

[10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the

devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that

loveth not his brother.

C) ... but moving forward and walking in the Spirit.

See Galatians 5:16,18,25

Galatians 6:8

8 (Jas 3:18; Job 4:8; Hos 8:7) For the one who sows to his own flesh

will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit

will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but

he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

1) 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14

1 Corinthians 12

Spiritual Gifts

1 (1Co 14:37) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you

to be ignorant.

2 (Ps 115:5; 1Th 1:9) You know that you were Gentiles,

carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.

3 (Jn 13:13; 1Jn 4:2-3) Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking

by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed!" And no one can say,

"Jesus is the Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

4 (Heb 2:4; Ro 12:4-6) There are various gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6 (1Co 15:28) There are various operations, but it is the same God

who operates all of them in all people.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given

to everyone for the common good.

8 (2Co 8:7; 1Co 1:5) To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom,

to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit,

9 (2Co 4:13; 1Co 13:2) to another faith by the same Spirit,

to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,

10 (Mk 16:17; 1Jn 4:1; 1Co 12:28-30) to another the working of miracles,

to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits,

to another various kinds of tongues,

and to another the interpretation of tongues.

11 (1Co 12:4; 2Co 10:13) But that one and very same Spirit works all these,

dividing to each one individually as He will.

1 Corinthians 12

[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

[2] Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even

as ye were led.

[3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit

of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the

Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which

worketh all in all.

[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit

withal.

[8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the

word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

[9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by

the same Spirit;

[10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another

discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the

interpretation of tongues:

[11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to

every man severally as he will.

One Body With Many Members

12 (1Co 12:27; 10:17) For as the body is one and has many parts,

and all the many parts of that one body are one body, so also is Christ.

13 (Jn 7:37-39; Gal 3:28) For by one Spirit we are all baptised

into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are slaves

or free, and we have all been made to drink of one Spirit.

14 The body is not one part, but many.

15 If the foot says, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,"

is it therefore not of the body?

16 And if the ear says, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,"

is it therefore not of the body?

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be?

If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?

18 (1Co 12:11; 12:28) But now God has established the parts,

every one of them, in the body as it has pleased Him.

19 If they were all one part, where would the body be?

20 So there are many parts, yet one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you,"

nor the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."

22 No, those parts of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

23 And those parts of the body which we think are less honorable,

upon these we bestow more abundant honor. And our less respectable

parts are treated with much more respect,

24 whereas our more respectable parts have no need of this.

But God has composed the body, having given more abundant honour

to that part which lacks it,

25 so that there should be no division in the body,

but that the parts should have the same care for one another.

26 (Ro 12:15) If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it,

and if one part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it.

27 (Ro 12:5; Eph 1:23) Now you are the body of Christ

and members individually.

28 (Heb 13:17; 13:24) God has put these in the church:

first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles,

then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various tongues.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?

Are all workers of miracles?

30 Do all have the gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues?

Do all interpret?

31 (1Co 14:39)But earnestly covet the greater gifts.

[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of

that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews

or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink

into one Spirit.

[14] For the body is not one member, but many.

[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;

is it therefore not of the body?

[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the

body; is it therefore not of the body?

[17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole

were hearing, where were the smelling?

[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it

hath pleased him.

[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?

[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.

[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again

the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble,

are necessary:

[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable,

upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more

abundant comeliness.

[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body

together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:

[25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should

have the same care one for another.

[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one

member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

[28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily

prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings,

helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

[29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers

of miracles?

[30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all

interpret?

[31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more

excellent way.

Love

Yet I show you a more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13

1 (2Co 12:4) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,

and have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

2 (Mt 17:20; 21:21) If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand

all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith,

so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.

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.

4 (Col 3:12; Pr 10:12) Love suffers long and is kind; love envies not;

love flaunts not itself and is not puffed up,

5 (1Co 10:24; Php 2:21) does not behave itself improperly, seeks not its own,

is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;

6 (2Jn 1:4; Ro 1:32) rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

7 (1Co 13:4) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,

and endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they shall fail;

if there are tongues, they shall cease; and if there is knowledge,

it shall vanish.

9 (1Co 8:2; 13:12) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect comes, then that which is imperfect

shall pass away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child,

and I thought as a child. But when I became a man,

I put away childish things.

12 (2Co 5:7; 1Jn 3:2) For now we see as through a glass, dimly, but then,

face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know,

even as I also am known.

13 (Gal 5:6; 1Co 16:14; 1Pe 1:21) So now abide faith, hope, and love,

these three. But the greatest of these is love.

[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not

charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

[2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries,

and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove

mountains, and have not charity, I am 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.

[4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity

vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

[5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily

provoked, thinketh no evil;

[6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

[7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth

all things.

[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;

whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it

shall vanish away.

[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

[10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part

shall be done away.

[11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I

thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

[12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I

know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

[13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of

these is charity.

1 Corinthians 14

Tongues and Prophecy

1 (1Co 12:1; 14:39) Follow after love and desire spiritual gifts,

but especially that you may prophesy.

2 (1Co 13:2; Mk 16:17) For he who speaks in an unknown tongue

does not speak to men, but to God. For no one understands him,

although in the spirit, he speaks mysteries.

3 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 14:12) But he who prophesies speaks to men

for their edification and exhortation and comfort.

4 (Mk 16:17; 1Co 14:3) He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself,

but he who prophesies edifies the church.

5 (1Co 12:10; Mk 16:17) I desire that you all speak in tongues,

but even more that you prophesy. For greater is he who prophesies

than he who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets,

so that the church may receive edification.

6 (Eph 1:17; Ro 6:17) Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,

what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you by revelation or knowledge

or prophesying or doctrine?

7 Even when things without life give sound, whether flute or harp,

how will it be known what is played unless they give a distinction

in the sounds?

8 (Nu 10:9; Jer 4:19) If the trumpet makes an uncertain sound,

who will prepare himself for the battle?

9 (1Co 9:26) So also you, unless with the tongue you speak words

easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken?

For you shall speak into the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world,

and none of them is without significance.

11 (Ac 28:2) Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the speech,

I shall be a barbarian to him who speaks,

and he who speaks will be a barbarian to me.

12 (1Co 14:26) So, seeing that you are zealous of spiritual gifts,

seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church.

13 Let him who speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14 (1Co 14:2) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays,

but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 (Col 3:16; Ps 47:7) What is it then? I will pray with the spirit,

and I will pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit,

and I will sing with the understanding.

16 (1Ch 16:36; Ps 106:48) Otherwise, when you bless with the spirit,

how will he who occupies the place of the unlearned say "Amen"

at your giving of thanks, seeing he does not understand what you say?

17 (1Co 14:4) For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than you all.

19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding,

that by my voice I might teach others also,

than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20 (Ro 16:19; Ps 119:99) Brothers, do not be children in your thinking;

rather be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.

21 (Jn 10:34; Isa 28:11-12) In the law it is written:

"With men of other tongues

and other lips

I will speak to this people;

but even then they will not hear Me,"(Isa 28:11-12.)

says the Lord.

22 (Mk 16:17) So tongues are for a sign, not to believers,

but to unbelievers. But prophesying does not serve unbelievers, but believers.

23 (Ac 2:13) Therefore if the whole church assembles in one place

and all speak with tongues, and those who are unlearned

or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

24 But if all prophesy and there comes in one who does not believe

or one unlearned, he is convinced by all and judged by all.

25 (Isa 45:14; Zec 8:23) Thus the secrets of his heart are revealed.

And so falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God

is truly among you.

1 Corinthians 14

[1] Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may

prophesy.

[2] For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but

unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh

mysteries.

[3] But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and

exhortation, and comfort.

[4] He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that

prophesieth edifieth the church.

[5] I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied:

for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues,

except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

[6] Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I

profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by

knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

[7] And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except

they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped

or harped?

[8] For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to

the battle?

[9] So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be

understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into

the air.

[10] There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of

them is without signification.

[11] Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him

that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto

me.

[12] Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that

ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

[13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may

interpret.

[14] For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my

understanding is unfruitful.

[15] What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the

understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the

understanding also.

[16] Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth

the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he

understandeth not what thou sayest?

[17] For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

[18] I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

[19] Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding,

that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an

unknown tongue.

[20] Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye

children, but in understanding be men.

[21] In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will

I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith

the Lord.

[22] Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them

that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but

for them which believe.

[23] If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all

speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or

unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

[24] But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one

unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

[25] And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling

down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a

truth.

All Things to Be Done in Order

26 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 12:7-10) How is it then, brothers? When you come together,

every one of you has a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation,

and an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

27 If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two,

or at the most by three, and each in turn, and let one interpret.

28 But if there is no interpreter, let him remain silent in the church,

and let him speak to himself and to God.

29 (1Co 12:10) Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.

30 (1Th 5:19-20) If anything is revealed to another that sits by,

let the first keep silent.

31 For you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn

and all may be encouraged.

32 (1Jn 4:1) The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33 (1Co 7:17; 4:17) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace,

as in all churches of the saints.

34 (1Ti 2:11-12; Ge 3:16) Let your women remain silent in the churches.

For they are not permitted to speak. They are commanded to be

under obedience, as the law also says.

35 If they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home,

for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36 What? Did the word of God come from you? Or did it come to you only?

37 (2Co 10:7; 1Jn 4:6) If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet

or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is

a command of the Lord.

38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39 (1Co 12:31; 14:1) Therefore, brothers, eagerly desire to prophesy,

and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

40 (Col 2:5) Let all things be done decently and in order.

[26] How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a

psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an

interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

[27] If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most

by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

[28] But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and

let him speak to himself, and to God.

[29] Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

[30] If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold

his peace.

[31] For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be

comforted.

[32] And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

[33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all

churches of the saints.

[34] Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted

unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also

saith the law.

[35] And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home:

for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

[36] What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

[37] If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him

acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of

the Lord.

[38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

[39] Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with

tongues.

[40] Let all things be done decently and in order.

2) Our Daily Bread for 24 November 2024 titled

Character Change

2 Peter 1:3-11

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,

[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.

Family gathered around the bed of Dominique Bouhours, a seventeenth-century

grammarian who was dying. As he took his final breaths, he reportedly said,

"I am about to-or I am going to-die; either expression is correct." Who would

care about grammar on their deathbed? Only someone who cared about grammar

his entire life.

By the time we reach old age, we're largely set in our ways. We've had a

lifetime for our choices to harden into habits that calcify into

character-good or bad. We are who we've chosen to become.

It's easier to develop godly habits while our character is young and flexible.

Peter urges, "[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."

(2 Peter 1:5-7). Practice these virtues, and

"For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the

everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (v. 11).

Which traits in Peter's list are most alive in you? Which qualities still need

work? We can't truly change who we’ve become, but Jesus can. Ask Him to

transform and empower you. It may be a slow, arduous journey, but Jesus

specialises in providing exactly what we need. Ask Him to transform your

character so you become more and more like Him.

By: Mike Wittmer

Reflect & Pray

Which trait would you most like to change? How can you seek God's power

and provision and begin to change?

Dear Jesus, please make me more like You, so others will see You clearly.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 1 Hard Bargain

Mark 11:24

24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray,

believe that you will receive them, and you will have them.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,

believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

"I've been praying." Jennifer declared confidently. " I told God I'd give him

a tithe of that $5000000 when I win the sweepstakes."

Her friend Cindi laughed. "Well, then, you don't have a chance. I told him

I'd give him half!"

Can we, as in Mark 11:24 seems to imply , pray for anything, absolutely

anything, and expect that the Lord will come through? Can we pray with

assurance for new cars, mink coats, or trips to the Caribbean? The verse

seems to be a troublesome one, especially when we try it and our prayers

aren't answered in the way we expected.

But seen in context, Mark 11:24 gives us a much broader picture of the

kind of prayer Jesus meant. The verse appears in the framework of

Jesus' ministry - cleansing the temple, correcting the Pharisees,

commanding forgiveness, discussing his authority. The condition for

the fulfillment of Mark 11:24, if Jesus' actions are any indication,

is fulfilling the will and purpose of God.

Such a condition for powerful prayers involves much more than attaching

am "If it be Thy will" clause onto the end of our prayers. We need to know

God's will and walk in it, seeking his kingdom first, and drawing close to

him. Then , as our hearts are right with him, what we ask in prayer

is likely to be congruent with the mind and purposes of Christ. We are

less likely to pray selfishly, and more likely to share God's priorities,

as we get to know him. And as we deepen in our knowledge of him,

as his will becomes our will, his promise for answered prayer takes

on new dimensions.

Application

a) What is the connection betweeen know God's will and praying effectively?

b) What changes need to take place in my life

so that I might pray with greater power?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

2 Cor 9:6

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,

and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;

and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

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

When you are Worried Over Money

1 Tim 6:6-10

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain

that we can carry nothing out.

8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things.

9 But those who desire

to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish

and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.

While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain

we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will

be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish

and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

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 24 of the Month

a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel

at every level of Canadian Society. (

Col 4:3

3 while praying also for us, that God would open to

us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,

for which I am also in chains,

3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto

us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,

for which I am also in bonds:

)

b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan

I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,

that God's Spirit would influence

then to act justly,

serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good

and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.

III) Pray that the Lord would use

the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus

)

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Being Lovers of Christ

Luke 1:1-4

Advent has begun! We suddenly realize we are not ready for

Christmas, and we fret about decorations, cards, presents

or food. However, this year let's approach Christmas spiritually,

in order to prepare our hearts, minds and wills for the Christ

Child's coming.

A

In our lead text Luke declares that he has done all the research

and that he wants Theophilus to know the truth about all he

has learned concerning Jesus, so he has decided to write an

"orderly account. " We will meditate on this narrative during

Advent this year for one major purpose: that we might all

become more richly like Theophilus(Theophila) or "God

Lover".

Was Theophilus a real man, or did Luke use that name to

signify everyone reading his report? Unquestionably, the name

indicates our goal this Advent: That each of us might love God

more because of all he did for us in sending his Son, Jesus.

Prayer

God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.

Mark 13:35-37

35 (Mt 24:42) "Watch therefore-for you do not know when the master

of the house is coming, in the evening, or at midnight,

or at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-

36 (Mk 14:40) lest he come suddenly and find you sleeping.

37 (Mk 13:35) What I say to you I say to all: Watch!"

The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

AH-HA! Ambassadors pf Health, Hope and Anticipation

We begin another Advent season very appropriately-we me waiting,

waiting, waiting! We are waiting to see when gas prices will drop again

... waiting to see the economy turn around .. waiting to see what kind

of weather December will bring .. waiting to see who sends us the first

Christmas Card (already!?)... waiting ... waiting... waiting ...

Advent is about anticipation. It is like waiting for the ketchup to ooze out

of its bottle's long neck We wait ... and wait ... and wait.

And finally It comes.

The Gospel for this week reminds us that no one knows when the Lord

will return to earth And so we can anticipate his Second Coming with

great Joy, not fear because he has already prepared us for life as well as

for death. Isn't it ironic that as we anticipate-as we prepare for his coming

In Bethlehem during this season-the Lord has already prepared us for

his Second Coming through his own death and resurrection?

So. ready or not, here he comes! Anticipate a joy-filled Advent season,

as ambassadors of health. hope and anticipation! And anticipate the

Lord at work In you today!

Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you

for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day

We celebrate your presence with great anticipation

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

Read Matthew 24:36-44.

The Unknown Day and Hour

Mk 13:32-37; Lk 17:26-30, 34-36

36 (Ac 1:7; Mt 25:13; Mk 13:32) "Concerning that day and hour no one knows,

not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

37 (Lk 17:26-27) As were the days of Noah, so will be

the coming of the Son of Man.

38 (Mt 22:30) For as in the days before the flood, they were eating

and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah

entered the ark,

39 (Mt 24:37) and did not know until the flood came

and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

40 Two will be in the field; one will be taken, and the other left.

41 (Ex 11:5; Isa 47:2) Two women will be grinding at the mill;

one will be taken, and the other left.

42 (Mt 25:13; 24:44) "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour

your Lord will come.

43 (Lk 12:39) But know this, that if the owner of the house had known

what hour the thief would come, he would have watched

and not have let his house be broken into.

44 (Mt 25:10; 25:13) Therefore you also must be ready, for in an hour

when you least expect, the Son of Man is coming.

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and Pray to live in Freedom in the Spirit

and away from evil worldly fleshly lusts.

Pray to the Lord and pray to use the Gifts that The Lord has given to you

lovingly and and a wise manner before Him.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, please make me more like You,

so others will see You clearly."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know understand the purpose of prayer.

Pray to the Lord and pray to reap bountifully for the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray not to love money.

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 that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel

at every level of Canadian Society.

Pray Lord, give us a new appreciation of the Grand Miracle, your

coming to Earth, this Advent season. Amen.

Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you

for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day

We celebrate your presence with great anticipation

In Jesus' name.

God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.

Pray that believers in Kazakhstan will remain joyful amid challenges

and become more equipped to minister to others .

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.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - The Bells of Saint John

Posted by DSY on Sunday, November 24. 2024

In *"The Bells of Saint John"*, the Doctor discovers Clara in modern-day London, where people’s minds are being trapped in the Wi-Fi by a mysterious force. The episode is a fast-paced blend of intrigue, humor, and action, with a striking introduction to Clara’s role as a companion. The villain’s concept is clever, though the resolution feels slightly rushed. Strong performances, engaging visuals, and the evolving mystery of Clara make this a solid adventure.

Overall, I’d rate it 8/10 for its energy, humor, and intriguing setup.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - The Hungry Earth

Posted by DSY on Sunday, November 24. 2024

## Doctor Who: The Hungry Earth - A Nostalgic Return with Hints of New Threats (Based on [invalid URL removed] Who/31-8.htm)

"The Hungry Earth" marks the beginning of a two-part story that reintroduces the classic Doctor Who monsters, the Silurians. Here's a review based on the information from the transcript website:

**A Familiar Foe:**

**Return of the Silurians:** The episode brings back the Silurians, a race of reptilian humanoids who pre-date humanity on Earth.

**Human-Silurian Conflict:** The episode explores the ethical dilemma of resource extraction and the clash between human civilization and the Silurians.

**Building the Mystery:**

**Gradual Reveal:** The episode takes its time in revealing the Silurians, building suspense and a sense of unease.

**Human Drama Takes Center Stage:** The episode focuses on the human characters' reactions and struggles before fully introducing the alien threat.

**Potential Weaknesses:**

**Slow-Paced Plot:** Some viewers might find the episode's pace slow, with a focus on setting the stage rather than immediate action.

**Reliance on Nostalgia:** The episode's focus on a classic monster might feel unoriginal to some viewers looking for a fresh story.

**Overall Impression:**

"The Hungry Earth" serves as an interesting introduction to a two-part story. While the episode might be slow-paced for some, it effectively builds suspense and explores the ethical conflict between humans and an ancient race. The return of the Silurians offers a nostalgic touch for longtime fans, while the cliffhanger ending leaves viewers eager for the resolution.

**Rating:** 7.5/10

**Overall, "The Hungry Earth" is a good starting point for fans who enjoy classic Doctor Who monsters but might not be the most gripping episode for viewers seeking a fast-paced adventure. It lays the foundation for a bigger story with the Silurians, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation for the next part.**

Day 328 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 23 November 2024 reflections

Posted by DSY on Saturday, November 23. 2024

Day 328, 23 November 2024

1) 1 Corinthians 9 , 1 Corinthians 10 , 1 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 9

The Rights of an Apostle

1 (1Co 3:6; Ac 9:3) Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen

Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?

2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet indeed I am to you.

For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 This is my answer to those who examine me.

4 (1Th 2:6; 2Th 3:8-9) Do we have no right to eat and to drink?

5 (Mt 8:14; Jn 1:42) Do we not have the right to take along a believing

wife as do other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?

6 (Ac 4:36) Or is it only Barnabas

and I who have no right to refrain from working?

7 (Dt 20:6; Pr 27:18) Who goes to war at any time at his own expense?

Who plants a vineyard, but does not eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock,

but does not drink of the flock's milk?

8 Do I say these things as a man? Or does the law not say the same thing also?

9 (Dt 25:4; 1Ti 5:18) For it is written in the Law of Moses,

"You shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox

while it treads out the grain." (Dt 25:4.) Is God concerned about oxen?

10 (2Ti 2:6) Or does He say it completely for our sake? For our sake,

no doubt, this is written so that he who plows should plow in hope,

and that he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope.

11 (Ro 15:27; Gal 6:6) If we have sown for you spiritual things, is it

a great thing if we shall reap your material things?

12 (1Co 9:18; 2Co 11:12) If others partake of this right over you,

should not we instead?

Nevertheless, we have not used this right, but suffer all things,

lest we might hinder the gospel of Christ.

13 (Lev 6:26; Nu 18:8-20) Do you not know that those who minister

unto holy things live from the things of the temple?

And do you not know that those who wait at the altar partake of the altar?

14 (Mt 10:10; 1Co 9:4) In the same way, the Lord has ordained that those

who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

15 (Ac 18:3; 1Co 9:12) But I have used none of these rights,

nor have I written these things that it should be so done to me.

For it would be better for me to die than allow anyone

to make my boasting void.

16 (Ro 1:14; Ac 9:15) Though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of,

for the requirement is laid upon me. Yes, woe unto me

if I do not preach the gospel!

17 (Gal 2:7; 1Co 3:8) So if I do this willingly, I have a reward,

but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a commission.

18 (1Co 7:31) What is my reward then? Truly that when I preach the gospel,

I may present the gospel of Christ without charge,

so that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

19 (Mt 18:15; 1Co 9:1) For though I am free from all men, I have made myself

servant to all, that I might win even more.

20 (Ac 16:3; 21:20-26) To the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might win

the Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might

win those who are under the law;

21 (Ro 2:12; 2:14) to those who are outside the law, as outside the law

(being not without God's law, but under Christ's law) that I might win

those who are outside the law.

22 (Ro 11:14; 1Co 10:33) To the weak, I became as weak, that I might win

the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means

save some.

23 (This I do for the gospel's sake, that I might partake of it with you.

24 (Gal 2:2; Heb 12:1) Do you not know that all those who run in a race run,

but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain it.

25 (Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10; 1Ti 6:12) Everyone who strives for the prize

exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to obtain

a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one.

26 So, therefore, I run, not with uncertainty. So I fight, not as one who

beats the air.

27 (Ro 8:13; Jer 6:30) But I bring and keep my body under subjection,

lest when preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

[1] Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our

Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

[2] If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the

seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

[3] Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

[4] Have we not power to eat and to drink?

[5] Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other

apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

[6] Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a

vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and

eateth not of the milk of the flock?

[8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

[9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth

of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

[10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this

is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that

thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

[11] If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we

shall reap your carnal things?

[12] If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather?

Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we

should hinder the gospel of Christ.

[13] Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the

things of the temple? and they which wait at the alter are partakers with

the alter?

[14] Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should

live of the gospel.

[15] But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these

things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die,

than that any man should make my glorying void.

[16] For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for

necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

[17] For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my

will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

[18] What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may

make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the

gospel.

[19] For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto

all, that I might gain the more.

[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to

them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that

are under the law;

[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to

God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without

law.

[22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all

things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

[23] And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof

with you.

[24] Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth

the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

[25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.

Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

[26] I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that

beateth the air:

[27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by

any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1 Corinthians 10

Warning Against Idolatry

1 (Ex 14:29; Ps 66:6) I would not want you to be unaware that all our fathers

were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,

2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 (Ex 16:35; Dt 8:3) all ate the same spiritual food;

4 (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11) and all drank the same spiritual drink,

for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them,

and that Rock was Christ.

5 (Heb 3:17; Jude 1:5) But with many of them God was not well pleased,

and they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 (Nu 11:4; 1Co 10:11) Now these things were our examples to the intent

that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted.

7 (Ex 32:19; 32:4) Neither be idolaters as were some of them.

As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to revel."

(Ex 32:6.)

8 (Nu 25:1-9; 1Co 6:18) Neither let us commit sexual immorality

as some of them committed, when twenty-three thousand fell in one day.

9 (Nu 21:5-6; Ex 17:2) Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also

tempted and were destroyed by serpents.

10 (Ex 12:23; Nu 16:41) Neither murmur, as some of them also murmured

and were destroyed by the destroyer.

11 (Ro 13:11) Now all these things happened to them for examples.

They are written as an admonition to us, upon whom the end of the ages

has come.

12 (Ro 11:20) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall.

13 (1Co 1:9; 2Pe 2:9) No temptation has taken you except what is common

to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted

above what you can endure, but will with the temptation

also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.

14 (1Co 10:7; 1Jn 5:21) So, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

15 (1Co 8:1; 1Th 5:21) I speak as to wise men.

Judge for yourselves what I say.

16 (Mt 26:26-28; Ac 2:42) The cup of blessing which we bless,

is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break,

is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

17 (Ro 12:5; 1Co 12:12) For we, being many, are one bread and one body,

for we are all partakers of that one bread.

18 (Ro 4:1) Consider Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat

of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

19 (1Co 8:4) What am I saying then, that the idol is anything

or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything?

20 (Rev 9:20) But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice,

they sacrifice to demons, and not to God. I do not want you to have

fellowship with demons.

21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons.

You cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and of the table of demons.

22 (Dt 32:21; 32:16) Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?

Are we stronger than He?

[1] Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all

our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

[2] And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

[3] And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

[4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that

spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

[5] But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown

in the wilderness.

[6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust

after evil things, as they also lusted.

[7] Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The

people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

[8] Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell

in one day three and twenty thousand.

[9] Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were

destroyed of serpents.

[10] Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of

the destroyer.

[11] Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are

written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

[12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are

able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be

able to bear it.

[14] Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

[15] I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

[16] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the

blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the

body of Christ?

[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers

of that one bread.

[18] Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices

partakers of the alter?

[19] What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered

in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

[20] But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice

to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship

with devils.

[21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot

be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

[22] Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

Do All to the Glory of God

23 (1Co 6:12; 8:9) "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are

helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but not all things edify.

24 (1Co 10:33; 13:5) Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's

well-being.

25 (1Co 8:7) Eat whatever is sold in the meat market,

asking no question for the sake of conscience,

26 (Ps 24:1; 50:12) for "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."

(Ps 24:1.)

27 If any of those who do not believe invite you to a feast,

and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you,

asking no question for the sake of conscience.

28 But if anyone says to you, "This was offered in sacrifice to idols,"

do not eat it for the sake of him that mentioned it and for the sake

of conscience, for "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." (Ps 24:1.)

29 (1Co 9:19) Conscience, I say, not your own, but that of the other.

For why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience?

30 (Ro 14:6; 1Ti 4:3-4) If I partake with thankfulness,

why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?

31 (Col 3:17; 1Pe 4:11) Therefore, whether you eat, or drink,

or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

32 (Ac 20:28; 1Co 8:13; Ro 14:13) Give no offense, neither to the Jews,

nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God,

33 (1Co 10:24) just as I try to please all men in all things,

not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

[23] All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all

things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

[24] Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

[25] Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for

conscience sake:

[26] For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

[27] If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed

to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience

sake.

[28] But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols,

eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth

is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

[29] Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my

liberty judged of another man's conscience?

[30] For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for

which I give thanks?

[31] Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the

glory of God.

[32] Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the

church of God:

[33] Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit,

but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 11

1 (1Co 4:16; Php 3:17) Follow me as I follow Christ.

[1] Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Covering the Head in Worship

2 (2Th 2:15; 1Co 4:17; 11:17) I praise you, brothers, that you remember me

in all things and keep the traditions as I delivered them to you.

3 (Ge 3:16; 1Co 3:23; Eph 4:15) But I would have you know that the head

of the woman is the man, the head of every man is Christ,

and the head of Christ is God.

4 Every man praying or prophesying having

his head covered dishonors his head,

5 (Dt 21:12; Ac 21:9) but every woman who prays or prophesies with her head

uncovered dishonors her head, for that is the same as if she were shaved.

6 For if the woman is not covered, let her also cut off her hair.

But if it is a shame for a woman to have her hair cut off or shaved,

let her be covered.

7 (Jas 3:9; Ge 5:1) For a man indeed ought not to cover his head,

because he is the image and glory of God.

But the woman is the glory of the man.

8 (1Ti 2:13; Ge 2:21-23) The man is not from the woman,

but the woman from the man.

9 (Ge 2:18) The man was not created for the woman,

but the woman for the man.

10 For this reason the woman ought to have a veil of authority over her head,

because of the angels.

11 (Gal 3:28) Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman,

nor the woman without the man in the Lord.

12 (Ro 11:36) For just as the woman came from the man,

so the man comes through the woman, but all things come from God.

13 (Lk 12:57) Judge for yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray

to God uncovered?

14 Does even nature itself not teach you that if a man has long hair it is

a shame to him?

15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given

her for a covering.

16 (1Co 7:17; 1Th 2:14) But if anyone seems to be contentious,

we have no such custom, nor have the churches of God.

[2] Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep

the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

[3] But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the

head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

[4] Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth

his head.

[5] But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered

dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

[6] For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a

shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

[7] For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the

image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

[8] For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

[9] Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

[10] For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the

angels.

[11] Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman

without the man, in the Lord.

[12] For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman;

but all things of god.

[13] Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

[14] Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair,

it is a shame unto him?

[15] But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is

given her for a covering.

[16] But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither

the churches of God.

Abuses at the Lord's Supper

17 (1Co 11:2; 11:22) Now in what I have to say to you, I do not praise you.

You have come together not for the better, but for the worse.

18 (1Co 3:3; 1:10-12) First of all, when you come together as the church,

I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.

19 (1Jn 2:19; Dt 13:3) For there must also be factions among you so that

those who are genuine may become evident among you.

20 Therefore when you come together into one place,

it is not to eat the Lord's Supper.

21 (Jude 1:12; 2Pe 2:13) For in eating, each one eats his own supper

ahead of others. One goes hungry, and another becomes drunk.

22 (1Co 10:32; Pr 17:5) What? Do you not have houses to eat and to drink in?

Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing?

What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

[17] Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come

together not for the better, but for the worse.

[18] For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that

there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

[19] For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved

may be made manifest among you.

[20] When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the

Lord's supper.

[21] For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is

hungry, and another is drunken.

[22] What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the

church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall

I praise you in this? I praise you not.

The Lord's Supper

Mt 26:26-29; Mk 14:22-25; Lk 22:14-20

23 (1Co 15:3; Mt 26:26-28; Mk 14:22-24) I have received of the Lord that

which I delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night in which

He was betrayed, took bread.

24 When He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take and eat.

This is My body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of Me."

(Mt 26:26; Mk 14:22; Lk 22:19.)

25 (Lk 22:20; 2Co 3:6) In the same manner He took the cup after He had

supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood.

Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

(Mt 26:27-28; Mk 14:24; Lk 22:20.)

26 (Jn 21:22; 1Co 4:5) As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

[23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you,

That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

[24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is

my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

[25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying,

This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink

it, in remembrance of me.

[26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the

Lord's death till he come.

Partaking of the Supper Unworthily

27 (Nu 9:10; 9:13) Therefore whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup

of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 (2Co 13:5; Gal 6:4) Let a man examine himself,

and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

29 For he who eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation

to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

30 For this reason many are weak and unhealthy among you, and many die.

31 (1Jn 1:9) If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.

32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord,

so that we would not be condemned with the world.

33 So, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.

34 (1Co 4:19; 11:21-22) If anyone hungers, let him eat at home,

so that you may not come together into condemnation.

I will set the rest in order when I come.

[27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the

Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

[28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and

drink of that cup.

[29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh

damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

[30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

[31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

[32] But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should

not be condemned with the world.

[33] Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for

another.

[34] And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together

unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

2) Our Daily Bread for 25 November 2023 titled

Agents of Shalom

Jeremiah 29:1-7

Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles

1 (Est 9:20) Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah

the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the rest of the elders of the captivity,

and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people

whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon.

2 (Jer 22:24-28; 2Ki 24:12-16) (This was after Jeconiah the king,

and the queen, and the eunuchs, and the officials of Judah and Jerusalem,

and the carpenters, and the smiths had departed from Jerusalem.)

3 It was sent by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan and Gemariah

the son of Hilkiah (whom Zedekiah, king of Judah, sent to Babylon

to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon), saying:

4 (Jer 24:5) Thus says the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel,

to all who have been carried away captive whom I have caused

to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:

5 (Jer 29:28) Build houses and dwell in them; and plant gardens

and eat their fruit.

6 (Jer 16:2-4) Take wives and beget sons and daughters;

and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands,

so that they may bear sons and daughters; so that you may increase

there and not diminish.

7 (Ezr 6:10; 1Ti 2:1-2) Seek the peace of the city where I have caused

you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it;

for in its peace you will have peace.

[1] Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent

from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away

captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people

whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;

[2] (After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the

princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were

departed from Jerusalem

[3] By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of

Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar

king of Babylon) saying,

[4] Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are

carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem

unto Babylon;

[5] Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the

fruit of them;

[6] Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your

sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and

daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.

[7] And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried

away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof

shall ye have peace.

In 2015, local ministries in Colorado Springs, Colorado, teamed up to serve

the city, and COSILoveYou was born. Each fall, in an event called CityServe,

the group sends believers in Jesus out to serve the community.

Several years ago, my children and I were assigned to a downtown elementary

school during CityServe. We cleaned. We pulled weeds. And we worked on an art

project, lacing colored plastic tape through a chain-link fence in a way that

approximated mountains. Simple, but surprisingly beautiful.

Whenever I drive past the school, our humble art project reminds me

of Jeremiah 29. There, God instructed His people to settle down and serve the

city they were in. He commanded this even though they were in exile and didn't

want to be there.

The prophet said, "And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to

be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace

thereof shall ye have peace." (v. 7). The word peace here is the Hebrew word

shalom. And it encompasses the idea of the wholeness and flourishing

that only God's goodness and redemption can bring.

Amazingly, God invites each of us to be His agents of shalom-right where we

are. We're invited to create beauty and practice redemption in simple,

concrete ways in the spaces He's placed us.

By: Adam Holz

Reflect & Pray

When have you seen shalom restored? How might you use your time,

talents, and resources to help your community?

Father, thank You for inviting me to be an agent

of Your blessing. Please help me to see how I can serve my community.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 7 Our God reigns!

Is 52:7

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,

who proclaims peace, who brings good news of happiness,

who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good

tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that

publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

A messenger has a single duty: to carry information. During World War II, many

parents dreaded the arrival of the Western Union messenger, believing that

delivery of a telegram meant that their son has been wounded or killed.

Isaiah 52:7, however, indicates that a messenger's word is not always

unwelcome. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring

good news ..." the prophet says. The "Good news"? Peace , salvation,

and the resultant message: "Your God reigns!"

Our God reigns - in forgiveness, in reconciliation, bringing peace and freedom

and joy. Our God reigns, controlling our lives with a loving hand, ordering

our experiences for our good, and his glory. Our God reigns in relationships,

in professional circumstances, in families, in churches. The good news is

proclaimed: Life is not unmanageable. Our God Reigns!

When we know that God reigns in our lives, we can relax, let go of the reins

of control, and live in peace. We can forgive those who have hurt us, knowing

that God will reveal to them what they need to know. We can live

with good times and bad, recognising that God uses every circumstance

of our lives to conform us to the image of his Son. We can rejoice in his

grace, free from the compulsion to earn his love and acceptance, and

we can live in the peace that comes only through his lordship in our lives.

Our God reigns - that is , indeed "Good news".

Application

a) Have I ever felt that life was "out of control"? Why?

b) What does it mean in practical terms to know that "Our God reigns"?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Luke 6:38

38 "Give, and it will be given to you: Good measure, pressed down,

shaken together, and running over will men give unto you.

For with the measure you use, it will be measured unto you."

38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,

and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For

with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

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

When you are Burdened by Doubt

Proverbs 30:5

5 Every word of God is pure;

He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

5 Every word of God is pure:

He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

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 23 of the Month

a) Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those

who have committed crimes.

b) Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ

across Canada.

(

John 13:34-35

34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another,

even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples,

if you have love for one another."

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;

as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love one to another.

Rom 12:10

10 Be devoted to one another with brotherly love; prefer one another in honour

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love;

in honour preferring one another;

Heb 10:24

24 And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works.

24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

1 Peter 3:8

8 Finally, be all of one mind, be loving toward one another, be gracious,

and be kind.

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,

love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

1 John 3:23

23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name

of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us.

23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name

of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

)

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to live honourably for the Lord.

Pray to the Lord: "Father, thank You for inviting me to be an agent

of Your blessing. Please help me to see how I can serve my community."

Pray to the Lord and pray to Our God Reigns.

Pray to the Lord and pray to be a generous giver.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the purity of His Word.

Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador

- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims

in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.

- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding

Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.

- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim

students on the university, college and trade school campuses.

Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.

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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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

Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those

who have committed crimes.

Pray for spiritual and functional unity in the Body of Christ

across Canada.

Pray for wisdom on behalf of Tunisian church leaders as they shepherd

their small congregations.

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.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - The Snowmen

Posted by DSY on Saturday, November 23. 2024

In *"The Snowmen"*, the Doctor, mourning the loss of the Ponds, isolates himself but is drawn into a Victorian-era mystery involving living snow and the enigmatic Clara. The episode combines festive whimsy with sinister threats, introducing Clara as a compelling mystery in her own right. Strong visuals, humor, and emotional moments drive the story, though the plot’s resolution feels a bit rushed. Matt Smith delivers a standout performance, balancing grief with heroism.

Overall, it’s an engaging holiday special. I’d rate it 8/10 for its charm and intriguing setup.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - Amy's Choice

Posted by DSY on Saturday, November 23. 2024

Doctor Who: Amy's Choice - A Heartbreaking Exploration of Love and Sacrifice (Based on http://www.chakoteya.net/DoctorWho/31-7.htm)

"Amy's Choice" is a powerful and emotional episode of Doctor Who that explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Here's a review based on the information from the transcript website:

A Devastating Decision:

The Reapers: The episode introduces the Reapers, terrifying creatures who feed on regret.

Amy's Impossible Choice: Amy is forced to choose between saving the Doctor or Rory, creating a heartbreaking dilemma.

The Consequences of Choice: The episode explores the emotional weight of Amy's decision and the impact it has on her relationships.

A Turning Point for Companions:

Rory's Sacrifice and Growth: Rory's willingness to sacrifice himself for Amy showcases his love and bravery, marking a turning point in his character development.

The Doctor's Grief: The Doctor's reaction to potentially losing both Amy and Rory highlights his deep connection with his companions.

Potential Weaknesses:

Fast-Paced Plot: The fast-paced plot with multiple realities might be confusing for some viewers.

Focus on Relationships: The episode prioritizes character development and emotional stakes over a complex plot.

Overall Impression:

"Amy's Choice" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant episode. The Reapers add a creepy element, but the true focus is on the characters and their difficult choices. The episode highlights the strength of Amy and Rory's bond and showcases the Doctor's vulnerability. While the fast-paced plot might be challenging for some viewers, the emotional impact of Amy's decision and the character development make it a memorable episode.

Rating: 9/10

Overall, "Amy's Choice" is a must-watch for fans who appreciate character-driven stories with emotional depth. It's a testament to the show's ability to explore complex themes and create a lasting impact on the viewers.

Day 327 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 22 November 2024 reflections

Posted by DSY on Friday, November 22. 2024

Day 327, 22 November 2024

1) 1 Corinthians 5, 1 Corinthians 6, 1 Corinthians 7, 1 Corinthians 8

1 Corinthians 5

Judgment Against Immorality

1 (Lev 18:8; Dt 22:30) It is actually reported

that there is sexual immorality among you,

and such immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles,

that a man has his father's wife.

2 (1Co 5:13; 2Co 7:7-11) But you are arrogant. Instead you should

have mourned, so that he who has done this deed might be removed

from among you.

3 (Col 2:5; 1Th 2:17) For indeed, though absent in body

but present in spirit, I have already, as if I were present,

judged him who has done this deed,

4 (Jn 20:23; 2Co 13:3) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When you are assembled, along with my spirit,

in the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5 (1Ti 1:20; 1Co 1:8) deliver him to Satan for the destruction of the flesh,

so that the spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord Jesus.

6 (Gal 5:9; Jas 4:16) Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that

a little yeast leavens the whole batch?

7 (Ex 12:15; Mk 14:12) Therefore purge out the old yeast,

that you may be a new batch, since you are unleavened.

For even Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed for us.

8 (Ex 12:15; Dt 16:3) Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old yeast,

nor with the yeast of malice and wickedness,

but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

9 (Eph 5:11; 2Co 6:14) I wrote to you in my letter not to keep company

with sexually immoral people.

10 (1Co 10:27) Yet I did not mean the sexually immoral people of this world,

or the covetous and extortioners, or the idolaters,

since you would then need to go out of the world.

11 (2Th 3:6; Mt 18:17; Ro 16:17) But I have written to you not to keep

company with any man who is called a brother, who is sexually immoral,

or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard,

or an extortioner. Do not even eat with such a person.

12 (Mk 4:11) For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside?

Do you not judge those who are inside?

13 (Dt 13:5; 17:7) But God judges those who are outside. Therefore

"put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

(Dt 17:7; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21; 24:7.)

[1] It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such

fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should

have his father's wife.

[2] And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath

done this deed might be taken away from among you.

[3] For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged

already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this

deed,

[4] In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and

my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

[5] To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that

the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

[6] Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth

the whole lump?

[7] Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are

unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

[8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the

leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity

and truth.

[9] I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

[10] Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the

covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out

of the world.

[11] But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is

called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer,

or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

[12] For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye

judge them that are within?

[13] But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among

yourselves that wicked person.

1 Corinthians 6

Going to Law Before Unbelievers

1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to the law

before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?

2 (Mt 19:28; Da 7:22) Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?

If the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest

matters?

3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more the things

that pertain to this life?

4 (1Co 5:12) If then you have judgments dealing with matters of this life,

do you appoint as judges those who are least esteemed in the church?

5 (1Co 4:14; 15:34) I speak to your shame. Is it true that there

is not even one wise man among you who shall be able to judge

between his brothers?

6 But brother goes to the law against brother, and before unbelievers,

at that.

7 (Pr 20:22; 1Pe 3:9) Now therefore it is already an utter failure

for you that you go to law against one another. Why not rather be wronged?

Why not rather be defrauded?

8 (1Th 4:6) But you yourselves do wrong and defraud,

and do this to your brothers.

9 (1Co 15:50; 1Ti 1:9-10) Do you not know that the unrighteous

will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived.

Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,

nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals,

10 (1Co 5:11) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers,

nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

11 (1Co 1:2; Ac 22:16; Ro 8:30) Such were some of you. But you were washed,

you were sanctified, and you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus

by the Spirit of our God.

[1] Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the

unjust, and not before the saints?

[2] Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world

shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

[3] Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that

pertain to this life?

[4] If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to

judge who are least esteemed in the church.

[5] I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you?

no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

[6] But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

[7] Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law

one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather

suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

[8] Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

[9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor

effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

[10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor

extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

[11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,

but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our

God.

Glorify God in Your Body

12 "All things are lawful to me," but not all things are helpful.

"All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought

under the power of anything.

13 (Mt 15:17; 1Co 6:15) "Food is for the belly, and the belly is for food,"

but God will destroy both of them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality,

but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.

14 (Ac 2:24; Eph 1:19-20) God has raised up the Lord and will also raise us

up by His own power.

15 (Ro 12:5; 1Co 12:27) Do you not know that your bodies are the parts

of Christ? Shall I then take the parts of Christ and make them the parts

of a harlot? God forbid!

16 (Ge 2:24; Eph 5:31) What? Do you not know that he who is joined

to a harlot is one body with her? For "the two," He says,

"shall become one flesh."(Ge 2:24.)

17 (Jn 17:21-23) But he who is joined to the Lord becomes

one spirit with Him.

18 (Heb 13:4; 2Co 12:21) Escape from sexual immorality.

Every sin that a man commits is outside the body.

But he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

19 (1Co 3:16; Jn 2:21) What? Do you not know that your body is the temple

of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God,

and that you are not your own?

20 (1Co 7:23; Ac 20:28; Ro 12:1) You were bought with a price.

Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

[12] All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all

things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

[13] Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy

both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and

the Lord for the body.

[14] And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his

own power.

[15] Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then

take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God

forbid.

[16] What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for

two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

[17] But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

[18] Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but

he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body.

[19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which

is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and

in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 7

Questions About Marriage

1 (1Co 7:8) Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me:

"It is good for a man not to touch a woman."

2 (1Co 7:9) Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality,

let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

3 (Ex 21:10; 1Pe 3:7) Let the husband render to the wife due affection,

and likewise the wife to the husband.

4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.

Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body,

but the wife does.

5 (Ex 19:15; 1Sa 21:4-5) Do not deprive one another except

with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer.

Then come together again, so that Satan does not tempt you

for lack of self-control.

6 (2Co 8:8; 1Co 7:12) I speak this as a concession and not as a command.

7 (Mt 19:11-12; 1Co 9:5) For I would that all men were even as I myself.

But every man has his proper gift from God, one after this manner

and another after that.

8 (1Co 7:1) I say to the unmarried and widows that it is good for them

if they live even as I am.

9 (1Ti 5:14; 1Co 7:2) But if they cannot restrain themselves, let them marry.

For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

10 (Mt 5:32; Lk 16:18; Mal 2:14-16) Now to the married I command, not I,

but the Lord, do not let the wife depart from her husband.

11 But if she departs, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled

to her husband. And do not let the husband divorce his wife.

12 (1Co 7:6; 2Co 11:17) To the rest I speak, not the Lord:

If any brother has an unbelieving wife who consents to live with him,

he should not divorce her.

13 And if the woman has an unbelieving husband who consents to live with her,

she should not divorce him.

14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife,

and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband.

Otherwise, your children would be unclean. But now they are holy.

15 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 14:33) But if the unbeliever departs, let that one depart.

A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. God has called us to peace.

16 (Ro 11:14) For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save

your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?

[1] Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man

not to touch a woman.

[2] Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and

let every woman have her own husband.

[3] Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also

the wife unto the husband.

[4] The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise

also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

[5] Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that

ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that

Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

[6] But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

[7] For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his

proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

[8] I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they

abide even as I.

[9] But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry

than to burn.

[10] And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the

wife depart from her husband:

[11] But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to

her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

[12] But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that

believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her

away.

[13] And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be

pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

[14] For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the

unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children

unclean; but now are they holy.

[15] But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is

not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

[16] For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or

how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

Living as God Called You

17 (1Co 4:17; 2Co 11:28) But as God has given to every man

and as the Lord has called every man, so let him walk.

This I command in all churches.

18 (Ac 15:5; 15:19) Is any man called while circumcised?

Let him not become uncircumcised. Is any man called while uncircumcised?

Let him not be circumcised.

19 (Gal 5:6; 6:15) Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing,

but the keeping of the commandments of God is everything.

20 Let each man remain in the same condition in which he was called.

21 Were you called while a servant? Do not worry about it.

But if you may become free, do so.

22 (1Pe 2:16; Phm 1:16) For he who is called in the Lord

while a servant is the Lord's freeman. Likewise, he who is called

while free is Christ's servant.

23 (1Co 6:20; Lev 25:42) You were bought at a price.

Do not be the servants of men.

24 (1Co 7:20) Brothers, let every man, in whatever condition he is called,

remain there with God.

[17] But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every

one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

[18] Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised.

Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

[19] Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping

of the commandments of God.

[20] Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

[21] Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be

made free, use it rather.

[22] For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's

freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

[23] Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

[24] Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

The Unmarried and Widows

25 (1Co 7:6; 4:2) Now concerning virgins, I have no command from the Lord.

Yet I will give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord

to be faithful.

26 (1Co 7:1; 7:8) I suppose therefore that this is good

because of the present distress,

that it is good for a man to remain as he is.

27 Are you committed to a wife? Do not seek to be uncommitted.

Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.

28 But if you marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries,

she has not sinned. Nevertheless they will have trouble in this life,

but I would spare you that.

29 (Ro 13:11-12) But this I say, brothers, the time is short.

It remains that those who have wives should be as though they had none;

30 those who weep, as though they did not weep; those who rejoice,

as though they did not rejoice; those who buy,

as though they possessed nothing;

31 (1Jn 2:17; Ps 39:6; 1Co 9:18) and those who use this world,

as though they did not make full use of it.

For the form of this world is passing away.

32 (1Ti 5:5) But I prefer that you have no concern. He who is unmarried cares

for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord.

33 But he who is married cares for the things of the world,

how he may please his wife.

34 There is a difference between a wife and a virgin.

The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord,

that she may be holy in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares

for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

35 (1Co 7:36) I say this for your own benefit, not to put any restraint

upon you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord

without distraction.

36 If any man thinks that he is behaving improperly toward his virgin,

(Some versions translate this word as "virgin daughters,"

others translate it as "fiancée." Since the Greek text itself remains unclear,

the editors have chosen to keep the literal translation.)

and if she is past the flower of her youth, and passions so require,

let him do what he will. He does not sin. Let them marry.

37 Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart without necessity,

and has power over his own will, and has so decreed in his heart

that he will keep his virgin, does well.

38 (Heb 13:4) So then he who gives her in marriage does well,

but he who gives her not in marriage does better.

39 (Ro 7:2-3; 1Co 7:15) The wife is bound by the law as long

as her husband lives. But if her husband dies, she is at liberty

to be married to whom she will, but only in the Lord.

40 But in my judgment she is happier if she so remains as she is.

And I think that I have the Spirit of God.

[25] Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my

judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

[26] I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say,

that it is good for a man so to be.

[27] Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from

a wife? seek not a wife.

[28] But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she

hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I

spare you.

[29] But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both

they that have wives be as though they had none;

[30] And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as

though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

[31] And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of

this world passeth away.

[32] But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth

for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

[33] But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how

he may please his wife.

[34] There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried

woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body

and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world,

how she may please her husband.

[35] And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon

you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord

without distraction.

[36] But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his

virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do

what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

[37] Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no

necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his

heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

[38] So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth

her not in marriage doeth better.

[39] The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her

husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in

the Lord.

[40] But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also

that I have the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 8

Food Offered to Idols

1 (1Co 8:7; 8:4) Now as concerning food offered to idols: We know that

"we all have knowledge." Knowledge produces arrogance, but love edifies.

2 (1Co 3:18; 13:8-9) So if anyone thinks that he knows anything,

he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 (Gal 4:9; Ex 33:12) But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

4 (Dt 6:4; 4:39) So concerning the eating of foods that are offered

in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world,

and that there is no other God but one.

5 (2Th 2:4) For there are those who are called gods, whether in heaven

or in earth, as there are many gods and many lords.

6 (Jn 1:3; Mal 2:10; Ro 11:36) But for us there is but one God, the Father,

from whom are all things and for whom we exist.

And there is one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things

and through whom we exist.

7 (Ro 14:14; 1Co 8:9-10) However, not everyone has this knowledge.

Some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat the food as a thing

offered to an idol. So their weak conscience is defiled.

8 (Ro 14:17) But food does not commend us to God. Neither if we eat are

we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

9 (Gal 5:13; Ro 14:20-21; 14:1-2) But take heed, lest by any means

this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak.

10 For if anyone sees you, who have knowledge, eating in the idol's temple,

shall the conscience of him who is weak not be emboldened to eat those things

which are offered to idols,

11 (Ro 14:15; 1Co 8:13) and by your knowledge shall the weak brother perish,

for whom Christ died?

12 (Mt 25:45; 18:6) When you thus sin against the brothers,

wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

13 (Ro 14:21; 2Co 11:29) Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble,

I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to stumble.

1 Corinthians 8

[1] Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have

knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

[2] And if any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as

he ought to know.

[3] But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

[4] As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in

sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that

there is none other God but one.

[5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth,

(as there be gods many, and lords many,)

[6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and

we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

[7] Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with

conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an

idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

[8] But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the

better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

[9] But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a

stumblingblock to them that are weak.

[10] For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's

temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat

those things which are offered to idols;

[11] And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom

Christ died?

[12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak

conscience, ye sin against Christ.

[13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while

the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

2) Our Daily Bread for 22 November 2024 Titled

Making Wise Choices

Psalm 119:101-106

Mem

101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way,

that I might keep Your word.

102 I have not departed from Your judgments,

for You have taught me.

103 How sweet are Your words to the taste of my mouth!

Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through Your precepts I receive understanding;

therefore I hate every false way.

Nun

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path.

106 I have sworn, and I will perform it,

that I will keep Your righteous judgments.

[101] I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy

word.

[102] I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

[103] How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my

mouth!

[104] Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false

way.

[105] Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

[106] I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous

judgments.

Sell my late mother’s house? That decision burdened my heart after my beloved,

widowed mother passed away. Sentiment drove my feelings. Still, my sister and

I spent two years cleaning and repairing her empty home, resigned to sell it.

This was in 2008, and a global recession left us with no buyers. We kept

dropping the price but got no offers. Then, while reading my Bible one

morning, this passage grabbed my eye:

"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean:

But much increase is by the strength of the ox." (Proverbs 14:4 kjv).

The proverb spoke of farming, but I was intrigued by its message. An

unoccupied stall stays neat, but only with the "mess" of inhabitants would it

yield a harvest of crops. Or, for us, a crop of value and family legacy.

Calling my sister, I asked, "What if we keep Mama's house? We could rent it."

The choice surprised us. We had no plans to turn Mom's home into

an investment. But the Bible, as a spiritual guide, also offers practical

wisdom. As David prayed, "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths."

(Psalm 25:4 kjv).

With our choice, my sister and I have been blessed to rent Mama's home to many

lovely families. We also learned this life-changing truth: Scripture helps

guide our decisions. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet," wrote the psalmist,

"a light on my path" (Psalm 119:105). May we walk in Yahweh's light.

By: Patricia Raybon

Reflect & Pray

What tough choices are you facing? How can the Scriptures provide answers?

As I make decisions, dear God,

please guide me with the light of Scripture.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 6 Reconciliation

2 Cor 5:18-19

18 All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ

and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation,

19 that is, that God was

in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins

against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus

Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

When Paul writes in 2 Cor 5:17 that we become a "new creation" in Christ

Jesus, the story does not end there. The verses following give us direction

for tht new life in Christ. "All This", Paul says, referring to the miracle of

new life in Christ, "is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ

and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reconciliation means to bring back together what was once separated. Man was

separated from God by sin, and God took the initiative to reconcile man to

himself. Our "ministry of reconciliation" as Christians is twofold: to draw

others to the Lord and to work for reconciliation between individuals.

Reconciliation is the ultimate goal of forgiveness. God, through his grace ,

extends forgiveness to us when we are still sinners, unrepentant,

undeserving. When we respond, we come into reconciliation with him

and are brought back into oneness. Likewise, when we extend the grace

of forgiveness to another, we are set free by the act of forgiving, but we

hope that the ultimate outcome will be reconciliation.

God shows us the pattern: he is the wronged party, yet he does not wait for

the offender to come to him, hat in hand. He takes a bold initiative, offering

forgiveness freely with out regard to merit. The pattern applies to us;

as the new life in Christ takes hold of us, we must reach out, and reach,

and keep on reaching, breaking down the barriers, taking the risk of

rejection so that we may come to reconciliation.

Application

a) What barriers stand between me and reconciliation with another person?

b) How can I take a risk and reach out to offer forgiveness and

reconciliation to them?

c) What kind of attitude do I need to be a "minister of reconciliation"?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Mark 4:19

19 But the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,

and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,

and it proves unfruitful.

19 and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,

and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word,

and it becometh unfruitful.

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

When you are Burdened by Doubt

James 1:2 to 8

Faith and Wisdom

2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations,

3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience.

4 But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete,

lacking nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men

liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.

6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers

is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed with the wind.

7 Let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord.

8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect

and entire, wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men

liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

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

22 Day of the Month

a) Pray for the Province of Quebec

I) Pray for the leaders of Quebec,

that God's Spirit would influence

then to act justly,

serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good

and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.

III) Pray that the Lord would use

the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus

b) Pray that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve

every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge

of God.

(

2 Cor 10: 3 - 5

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strongholds,

5 casting down imaginations and every

high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every

thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought

to the obedience of Christ;

)

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to be an honourable witness to the Lord in His eyes.

Pray to the Lord: "As I make decisions, dear God,

please guide me with the light of Scripture."

Pray to the Lord and pray be a minister of reconciliation.

Pray to the Lord and pray not to be choked by the deceits of this world.

Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His Wisdom!

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 that the influence of the Holy Spirit would dissolve

every argument and pretension exalted against the knowledge

of God.

Pray that Yahweh will meet the needs of Christians in Bangladesh who have been

driven from their homes for serving Christ.

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.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - The Angels Take Manhattan

Posted by DSY on Friday, November 22. 2024

In *"The Angels Take Manhattan"*, the Doctor, Amy, and Rory face the Weeping

Angels in a noir-inspired New York. The episode is emotional and suspenseful,

as the Ponds' fate is sealed in a bittersweet goodbye. The Angels are as

menacing as ever, and River Song adds depth to the story. However, the time

paradox resolution can feel overly complex. The performances

and heartbreaking farewell make it a memorable and impactful episode.

Overall, I'd rate it 9/10 for its emotional resonance and dramatic farewell.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - The Vampires of Venice

Posted by DSY on Friday, November 22. 2024

**Doctor Who: The Vampires of Venice (8/10)**

"The Vampires of Venice" is a unique and exciting episode that combines

historical fiction with classic monster horror. The Tenth Doctor

and Donna Noble find themselves in 16th-century Venice, where a mysterious

force is turning people into bloodthirsty creatures.

**Key Strengths:**

**Unique Setting:** The Venetian setting is visually stunning

and adds a sense of historical authenticity.

**The Vampires:** The vampire creatures are a classic horror trope, but the

episode puts a unique spin on them, making them both terrifying

and intriguing.

**The Doctor and Donna's Dynamic:** The Doctor and Donna's dynamic continues

to be strong and entertaining, with plenty of witty banter and heartwarming

moments.

**Potential Weaknesses:**

**Pacing Issues:** Some viewers may find the pacing uneven,

with certain scenes feeling drawn-out.

* **Overreliance on Horror Tropes:** While the vampire concept is fun,

the episode might rely too heavily on familiar horror tropes.

Overall, "The Vampires of Venice" is a well-crafted episode with a unique

blend of history and horror. It's a fun and exciting adventure with

memorable characters and a strong sense of atmosphere.

Day 326 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 21 November 2024 reflections

Posted by DSY on Thursday, November 21. 2024

Day 326, 21 November 2024

1) 1 Corinthians 1, 1 Corinthians 2, 1 Corinthians 3, 1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 1

Greeting and Thanksgiving

1 (Ro 1:1; Ac 18:17) Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ

through the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother,

2 (Ro 1:7; Ac 18:1) To the church of God which is at Corinth,

to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,

with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,

both their Lord and ours:

3 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 (Ro 1:8) I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God

which has been given to you through Jesus Christ.

5 (2Co 8:7; 9:11; Ro 15:14) By Him you are enriched in everything,

in all speech and in all knowledge,

6 (Rev 1:2; 1Ti 2:6) even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you,

7 (Php 3:20; 2Pe 3:12) so that you are not lacking in any gift while waiting

for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

8 (1Th 3:13; Php 1:6; 1:10) He will strengthen you to the end,

so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 (1Jn 1:3; Isa 49:7; Dt 7:9) God is faithful, and by Him you were called

to the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

[1] Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God,

and Sosthenes our brother,

[2] Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified

in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon

the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

[3] Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord

Jesus Christ.

[4] I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is

given you by Jesus Christ;

[5] That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all

knowledge;

[6] Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

[7] So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord

Jesus Christ:

[8] Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the

day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[9] God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Divisions in the Church

10 (1Co 11:18; Php 1:27) Now I ask you, brothers, by the name of our Lord

Jesus Christ, that you all speak in agreement and that there be no divisions

among you. But be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same

judgment.

11 (1Co 3:3) For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brothers,

by those who are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

12 (Jn 1:42; 1Co 9:5) Now this is what I mean: Every one of you is saying,

"I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos,"

or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."

13 (Mt 28:19; Ac 2:38) Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?

Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

14 (Ac 18:8; Ro 16:23) I thank God that I baptized none of you

except Crispus and Gaius,

15 lest any should say that I had baptised in my own name.

16 (1Co 16:15; 16:17) I also baptized the household of Stephanas.

Besides them, I do not know whether I baptized any other.

17 (1Co 2:1; 2:13) For Christ did not send me to baptize,

but to preach the gospel, not with eloquent words,

lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

[10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that

ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but

that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same

judgment.

[11] For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which

are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

[12] Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of

Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

[13] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in

the name of Paul?

[14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not

whether I baptized any other.

[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with

wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God

18 (Ro 1:16; 1Co 1:21) For to those who are perishing,

the preaching of the cross is foolishness,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

19 (Isa 29:14; Job 5:12-13) For it is written:

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." (Isa 29:14.)

20 (Ro 1:22; Job 12:17) Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?

Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made the wisdom

of this world foolish?

21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom

did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of preaching

to save those who believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.

23 (Gal 5:11; Lk 2:34) But we preach Christ crucified,

a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks.

24 (1Co 1:30; 1:18) But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks,

we preach Christ as the power of God and the wisdom of God.

25 (1Co 1:18) For the foolishness of God is wiser than men,

and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 (1Co 1:20)For observe your calling, brothers. Among you,

not many wise men according to the flesh, not many mighty men,

and not many noble men were called.

27 (Ps 8:2; 1Co 1:20) But God has chosen the foolish things

of the world to confound the wise. God has chosen the weak things of

the world to confound the things which are mighty.

28 (Ro 4:17; 1Co 2:6) And God has chosen the base things of the world

and things which are despised. Yes, and He chose things which did not

exist to bring to nothing things that do,

29 (Eph 2:9) so that no flesh should boast in His presence.

30 (Jer 23:5–6; 1Co 1:2 ) But because of Him you are in Christ Jesus,

whom God made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

31 (2Co 10:17; Jer 9:23-24) Therefore, as it is written, "

Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." (Jer 9:24.)

[18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but

unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

[19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will

bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

[20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this

world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

[21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God,

it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

[22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

[23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and

unto the Greeks foolishness;

[24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power

of God, and the wisdom of God.

[25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of

God is stronger than men.

[26] For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the

flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

[27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the

wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the

things which are mighty;

[28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God

chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

[29] That no flesh should glory in his presence.

[30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom,

and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

[31] That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in

the Lord.

1 Corinthians 2

Proclaiming Christ Crucified

1 (1Co 1:17; 2:4) Brothers, when I came to you, I did not come with

superiority of speech or wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.

2 (Gal 6:14) For I determined not to know anything among you

except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

3 (2Co 13:4) I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.

4 (Ro 15:19; 1Co 4:20) My speech and my preaching was not with enticing

words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

5 (2Co 4:7; 6:7) so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,

but in the power of God.

[1] And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech

or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

[2] For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and

him crucified.

[3] And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

[4] And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's

wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

[5] That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power

of God.

The Revelation by God's Spirit

6 (1Co 1:28; Heb 5:14) Yet we speak wisdom among those who are mature,

although not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age,

who are coming to nothing.

7 (Ro 16:25-26; 2Ti 1:9) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery,

the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages for our glory.

8 (Ac 7:2; Jas 2:1) None of the rulers of this age knew it.

For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 (Isa 64:4; Mt 25:34) But as it is written,

"Eye has not seen,

nor ear heard,

nor has it entered into the heart of man

the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (Isa 64:4.)

10 (Jn 14:26; Eph 3:3) But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit.

For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

11 (Pr 20:27; Jer 17:9) For what man knows the things of a man,

except the spirit of man which is in him? Likewise,

no one knows the things of God, except the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world,

but the Spirit which is of God, so that we might know the things

that are freely given to us by God.

13 (1Co 1:17; 2:4) These things also we proclaim, not in the words

which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches,

comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 (1Co 1:18; Jude 1:19) But the natural man does not receive

the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;

nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 (1Co 3:1; 14:37) But he who is spiritual judges all things.

Yet he himself is not judged by anyone.

16 (Jn 15:15; Ro 11:34) For

"who has known the mind of the Lord

that he may instruct Him?"(Isa 40:13.)

But we have the mind of Christ.

[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom

of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

[7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom,

which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

[8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it,

they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

[9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have

entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them

that love him.

[10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit

searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

[11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which

is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

[12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which

is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

[13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom

teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with

spiritual.

[14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for

they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are

spiritually discerned.

[15] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged

of no man.

[16] For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But

we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 3

Fellow Servants of God

1 (Ro 7:14; 1Co 2:14-15) Brothers, I could not speak to you as

to spiritual men, but as to worldly, even as to babes in Christ.

2 (Jn 16:12; 1Pe 2:2) I have fed you with milk and not with solid food.

For to this day you were not able to endure it. Nor are you able now,

3 (1Co 1:11; 11:18) for you are still worldly. Since there is envy,

strife, and divisions among you, are you not worldly and behaving as mere men?

4 (1Co 1:12) For while one says, "I am of Paul," and another,

"I am of Apollos," are you not worldly?

5 (2Co 6:4; 1Co 3:10) Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos,

but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to each one?

6 (Ac 18:4-11; 1Co 9:1) I have planted, Apollos watered,

but God gave the increase.

7 (Gal 6:3) So then neither is he who plants nor he who waters anything,

but God who gives the increase.

8 (Ps 62:12; Mt 16:27) Now he who plants and he who waters are one,

and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

9 (2Co 6:1; Eph 2:20-22) For we are laborers together with God:

You are God's vineyard; you are God's building.

10 (Ro 12:3; 15:20) According to the grace of God which has been given to me,

as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, but another builds

on it. Now let each one take heed how he builds on it.

11 (Eph 2:20; Isa 28:16; Mt 16:18) For no one can lay another foundation

than that which was laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver,

precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble,

13 (1Co 4:5; 2Th 1:7-10) each one's work will be revealed.

For the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire,

and the fire will test what sort of work each has done.

14 (1Co 3:8; 4:5) If anyone's work which he has built on the foundation

endures, he will receive a reward.

15 (Jude 1:23) If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss.

But he himself will be saved, still going through the fire.

16 (1Co 6:19; 2Co 6:16) Do you not know that you are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.

For the temple of God is holy. And you are His temple.

18 (Isa 5:21; Gal 6:3) Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems

to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise.

19 (Job 5:13) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness,"(Job 5:13.)

20 (Ps 94:11) and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,

that they are vain."(Ps 94:11.)

21(1Co 4:6; Ro 8:32) Therefore let no one boast in men.

For all things are yours:

22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life

or death or things present or things to come, all are yours,

23 (2Co 10:7; Gal 3:29) and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

[1] And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto

carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

[2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not

able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

[3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and

strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

[4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye

not carnal?

[5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed,

even as the Lord gave to every man?

[6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

[7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth;

but God that giveth the increase.

[8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall

receive his own reward according to his own labour.

[9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are

God's building.

[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise

masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But

let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus

Christ.

[12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious

stones, wood, hay, stubble;

[13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's

work of what sort it is.

[14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive

a reward.

[15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself

shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

[16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God

dwelleth in you?

[17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the

temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

[18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in

this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

[19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is

written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

[20] And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are

vain.

[21] Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

[22] Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death,

or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

[23] And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

1 Corinthians 4

The Ministry of the Apostles

1 (Ro 16:25; Titus 1:7) Let a man so regard us as the ministers of Christ

and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2 Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you

or by man's judgment. I do not even judge myself.

4 (Ps 143:2; 130:3) For I know nothing against myself.

Yet I am not justified by this. But He who judges me is the Lord.

5 (Ro 2:16; 2:1; 2:29) Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time

until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness

and will reveal the purposes of the hearts. Then everyone will have

commendation from God.

6 (1Co 1:12; 13:4) Brothers, I have figuratively applied these things

to myself and to Apollos for your sakes, so that you may learn from us

not to think of men above that which is written, and that not one of you

would be arrogant for one against another.

7 (Jn 3:27; Ro 12:6) For who makes you differ from another?

And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you received it,

why do you boast as if you had not received it?

8 (Rev 3:17) Now you are full, now you are rich; you have begun reigning

as kings without us, and I wish to God you reigned, so that we also might

reign with you.

9 (Ro 8:36; Heb 10:33) For I think that God has exhibited us, the apostles,

last, as if we were sentenced to death. For we have been made a spectacle

to the world, to angels and to men.

10 (1Co 2:3; Ac 17:18; 26:24) We are fools for Christ's sake,

but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong.

You are honorable, but we are despised.

11 (Ro 8:35; 2Co 11:23-27) Even to this present hour we both hunger

and thirst, and are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless.

12 (1Pe 3:9; Ac 18:3; Mt 5:11) We labor, working with our own hands.

Being reviled, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.

13 (La 3:45) Being slandered, we encourage. We are made as the filth

of the world, and are the refuse of all things to this day.

14 (1Th 2:11; 1Co 4:15) I do not write these things to shame you,

but as my beloved sons I warn you.

15 (Gal 4:19; 1Co 3:10) For if you were to have ten thousand instructors

in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. In Christ Jesus

I have become a father to you through the gospel.

16 (1Co 11:1; Php 3:17) So I implore you, be followers of me.

17 (1Co 7:17; 1Ti 1:2) Therefore I have sent Timothy to you.

He is my beloved son and is faithful in the Lord.

He will remind you of my ways which are in Christ,

as I teach everywhere in every church.

18 Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.

19 (Ac 18:21; 19:21) But I will come to you shortly if the Lord wills.

And I will know not only what those who are arrogant are saying,

but also their power.

20 (1Co 2:4) For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

21 (2Co 13:2; 1:23) What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod,

or in love and in the spirit of meekness?

[1] Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards

of the mysteries of God.

[2] Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

[3] But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or

of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

[4] For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that

judgeth me is the Lord.

[5] Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both

will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest

the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

[6] And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and

to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men

above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against

another.

[7] For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou

didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if

thou hadst not received it?

[8] Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us:

and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

[9] For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were

appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to

angels, and to men.

[10] We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak,

but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

[11] Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked,

and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

[12] And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being

persecuted, we suffer it:

[13] Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and

are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

[14] I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn

you.

[15] For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not

many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

[16] Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

[17] For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son,

and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways

which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

[18] Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

[19] But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not

the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

[20] For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

[21] What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the

spirit of meekness?

2) Our Daily Bread for 21 November 2024 titled

The Appointment

Hebrews 9:23-28

Christ's Sacrifice Takes Away Sin

23 (Heb 8:5; 9:24) It was therefore necessary that the replicas of heavenly

things be cleansed with these sacrifices, but that the heavenly things

themselves be cleansed with better sacrifices than these.

24 (Heb 8:2) For Christ did not enter holy places made with hands,

which are patterned after the true one, but into heaven itself,

now to appear in the presence of God for us.

25 (Heb 9:7; 10:19) Nor did He enter to offer Himself often, as the high

priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.

26 (Heb 1:2; 7:27) For then He would have had to suffer repeatedly

since the world was created, but now He has appeared once at the end

of the ages to put away sin by sacrificing Himself.

27 (Ge 3:19; 2Co 5:10) As it is appointed for men to die once,

but after this comes the judgment,

28 (Titus 2:13; 1Pe 2:24) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many,

and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to save those who

eagerly wait for Him.

[23] It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens

should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with

better sacrifices than these.

[24] For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which

are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the

presence of God for us:

[25] Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth

into the holy place every year with blood of others;

[26] For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world:

but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the

sacrifice of himself.

[27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the

judgment:

[28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that

look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

On November 22, 1963, US president John F. Kennedy, philosopher

and writer Aldous Huxley, and Christian apologist C. S. Lewis all died.

Three well-known men with radically different worldviews. Huxley, an agnostic,

still dabbled in Eastern mysticism. Kennedy, though a Roman Catholic, held to

a humanistic philosophy. And Lewis was a former atheist who as an Anglican

became an outspoken believer in Jesus. Death is no respecter of persons as all

three of these well-known men faced their appointment with death

on the same day.

The Bible says that death entered the human experience when Adam and Eve

disobeyed in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3)-a sad reality that has marked

human history. Death is the great equalizer or, as one person put it, the

appointment that no one can avoid. This is the point of Hebrews 9:27, where we

read, "People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."

Where do we find hope about our own appointment with death and what follows?

In Christ. Romans 6:23 captures this truth perfectly: "The wages of sin

is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

How did this gift of God become available? Jesus, the Son of God,

died to destroy death and rose from the grave to offer us life

forever (2 Timothy 1:10).

By: Bill Crowder

Reflect & Pray

How does it make you feel to ponder your own inevitable appointment

with death? How have you prepared for it?

Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son

to pay the price for my sins and to die in my place.

Thank You for offering me eternal life.

Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 5 When you pray

Mark 11:25

25 And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone,

so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins.

25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:

that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

"My prayer don't seem to be very effective," a man told his pastor." I try

to make contact with God, but my prayers seem to hit the ceiling and bounce

back."

The pastor thought for a moment, then gently suggested,

"Is there someone in your life you haven't forgiven?"

"What do you mean?" The man's face flushed; the pastor has obviuosly struck

a nerve. "Well, I guess I've had some struggles with my mother ... and then,

my wife, and I ... ." The hidden truth came to light: the man was bound in

unforgiving relationships with five of the closest people to him.

Forgiveness is an essential element in prayer. For a very good reason,

worship services in liturgical churches place the confession of sin and the

absolution near the beginning of the service, before the reading of God's

Word, prayer, and the sermon. Forgiveness - both the Lord's forgiveness

of us and our forgiveness of others - clears the way for unhindered

communication between God and his people.

When we carry anger and bitterness, or even deeply buried, well-subliminated

unforgiveness, into the presence of God, our prayers will be affected. We can,

however, free the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and the lives of others

through forgiveness. We can choose to forgive in light of God's forgiveness

of us. And when we do, the channels are re-established;

we can pray in power and open ourselves to an awareness of his activity

in our lives.

Application

a) Have my prayers ever been affected by unforgiveness in my life?

b) Is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive,

whether or not I can work toward?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Hebr 11:6

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

for he who comes to God must believe that He exists

and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

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

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

that diligently seek him.

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

When you are Burdened by Doubt

Matt 7:7-11

Ask, Seek, Knock

Lk 11:9-13

7(Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;

knock and it will be opened to you.

8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,

and to him who knocks, it will be opened.

9 "What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread,

will give him a stone?

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?

11 (Ge 6:5; 8:21) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts

to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give

good things to those who ask Him!

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,

and it shall be opened unto you:

8 for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth;

and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread,

will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children,

how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things

to them that ask him?

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

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.

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord Jesus Christ as head of

the Church Universal and to chew on the meat of the Word.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son

to pay the price for my sins and to die in my place.

Thank You for offering me eternal life."

Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord to point out any

areas of unforgiveness that is hodling back your spiritual effectiveness.

Pray to the Lord and pray to seek Him persistenly.

Pray to the Lord and pray to seek him diligently!

Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador

- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims

in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.

- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding

Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.

- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim

students on the university, college and trade school campuses.

Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.

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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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

Pray for the 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.

Pray for churches that are caring for the Central African Republic's

100000s of internally displaced people.

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.

ChatGPT reviews Doctor Who - Power of Three

Posted by DSY on Thursday, November 21. 2024

In *"The Power of Three"*, the Doctor, Amy, and Rory face a mysterious invasion as small black cubes appear globally. The episode balances its slow-burn mystery with character-driven moments, exploring the Ponds’ dilemma of balancing ordinary life with adventures in the TARDIS. The concept is intriguing, though the resolution feels rushed and underwhelming. The emotional depth and humor shine, particularly in the Doctor’s interactions with humanity.

Overall, it’s a mixed but heartfelt story. I’d rate it 7/10 for its charm and character focus despite pacing issues.

Google Gemini reviews Doctor Who - Flesh and Stone

Posted by DSY on Thursday, November 21. 2024

**Doctor Who: Flesh and Stone (8/10)**

"Flesh and Stone" is the second part of a two-part story, continuing the chilling adventure with the Weeping Angels. This episode brings the story to a thrilling conclusion, with the Doctor and Amy Pond facing a desperate battle against time and the terrifying creatures.

**Key Strengths:**

**The Weeping Angels' Menace:** The Weeping Angels continue to be a truly terrifying force, their ability to manipulate time and space adding to the suspense.

**The Doctor's Sacrifice:** The Doctor's willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good is a powerful and emotional moment.

**The Resolution of the Story:** The ending is satisfying, tying up loose ends and providing a sense of closure.

**Potential Weaknesses:**

**Some Pacing Issues:** The episode might have some pacing issues, with certain scenes feeling a bit drawn-out.

Overall, "Flesh and Stone" is a thrilling and emotional conclusion to a fantastic two-part story. The Weeping Angels remain one of the most iconic and terrifying monsters in Doctor Who history, and their presence in this episode elevates it to a must-watch.

Day 325 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 20 November 2024 reflections

Posted by DSY on Wednesday, November 20. 2024

Day 325, 20 November 2024

1) Acts 18:24-28, Acts 19:1-41

Acts 18:24-28

Apollos Preaches in Ephesus

24 (1Co 1:12; 4:6) Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria,

who was an eloquent man and powerful in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.

25 (Ac 19:3; Ro 12:11) This man was instructed in the way of the Lord,

knowing only the baptism of John, but being fervent in spirit,

he accurately spoke and taught the things concerning the Lord.

26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla

heard him, they took him and explained the way of God more accurately.

27 (Ac 18:18; 1Co 3:6) When Apollos intended to pass into Achaia,

the brothers wrote to encourage the disciples to welcome him.

On arriving, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.

28 (Ac 18:5; 9:22) For he vehemently refuted the Jews publicly,

proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

[24] And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man,

and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

[25] This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in

the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing

only the baptism of John.

[26] And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and

Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way

of God more perfectly.

[27] And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote,

exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them

much which had believed through grace:

[28] For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the

scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Acts 19:1-41

Ephesians Receive the Holy Spirit

1 (1Co 1:12; 16:12) While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through

the upper regions and came to Ephesus. He found some disciples

2 (Jn 7:39) and said to them, "Have you received the Holy Spirit

since you believed?"

They said to him, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

3 (Ac 18:25; Mt 28:19) He said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?"

They said, "Into John's baptism."

4 (Jn 1:7; 1:27) Paul said, "John indeed baptized with the baptism

of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the One

coming after him, that is, in Christ Jesus."

5 (Ac 8:16; 8:12) When they heard this, they were baptized in the name

of the Lord Jesus.

6 (Ac 2:4; 6:6) When Paul had laid his hands on them,

the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied.

7 There were about twelve men in all.

8 (Ac 1:3; 28:23) He went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months,

lecturing and persuading concerning the kingdom of God.

9 (Ac 9:2; 19:23) But when some were hardened and did not believe,

but spoke evil of the Way before the crowd, he withdrew from them

and took the disciples, lecturing daily in the school of Tyrannus.

10 (Ac 20:31; 16:6) This continued for two years, so that all who lived

in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

[1] And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having

passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain

disciples,

[2] He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?

And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any

Holy Ghost.

[3] And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said,

Unto John's baptism.

[4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance,

saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come

after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

[5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

[6] And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them;

and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

[7] And all the men were about twelve.

[8] And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three

months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

[9] But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that

way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the

disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

[10] And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which

dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

The Sons of Sceva

11 (Ac 5:12) God worked powerful miracles by the hands of Paul.

12 (Ac 5:15) So handkerchiefs or aprons he had touched were brought to

the sick, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

13 (Mt 12:27; Mk 9:38) Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists invoked

the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying,

"We command you to come out in the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches."

14 There were seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva doing this.

15 The evil spirit answered, "I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?"

16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was jumped on them, overpowered them,

and prevailed against them, so that they fled from that house naked

and wounded.

17 (Ac 5:5; 5:11) This became known to all Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus.

And fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18 (Mt 3:6) Many who believed came confessing and telling their deeds.

19 Many who practiced magic brought their books together

and burned them before everyone. They calculated their value,

which equaled fifty thousand drachmas.

(A drachma was worth about a day's wage.)

20 (Ac 6:7; 12:24) So the word of the Lord powerfully grew and spread.

[11] And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

[12] So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or

aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out

of them.

[13] Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call

over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We

adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

[14] And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the

priests, which did so.

[15] And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know;

but who are ye?

[16] And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame

them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked

and wounded.

[17] And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus;

and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

[18] And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

[19] Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together,

and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and

found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

[20] So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

The Riot in Ephesus

21 (Ac 20:22; 20:16; 18:21) After these things happened, Paul determined

in his spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem,

saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

22 (Ac 13:5; Ro 16:23) He sent two who ministered to him,

Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, but he delayed in Asia for a time.

23 (Ac 19:9; 9:2) About that time great trouble arose about the Way.

24 (Ac 16:16) For a silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines

for Artemis, brought much business to the craftsmen.

25 (Ac 16:19) He gathered them together with the workmen of similar trades

and said, "Men, you know that by this trade we have our wealth.

26 (Isa 44:10-20; Ac 17:29) And you see and hear, not only at Ephesus,

but almost throughout all Asia, that this Paul has persuaded

and turned away many people,

saying that these things made by hands are not gods.

27 Now not only is our trade in danger of coming into disrepute,

but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis,

whom all Asia and the world worship,

may be discredited and her magnificence destroyed."

28 When they heard this, they were full of anger and cried out,

"Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

29 (Ac 20:4; 27:2; Col 4:10) The city was filled with confusion.

And in unison they seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling

companions from Macedonia, and rushed into the theater.

30 When Paul intended to go in among the crowd,

the disciples would not let him.

31 Even some of the rulers of Asia, who were his friends,

sent to him begging him not to venture into the theater.

32 (Ac 21:34) The assembly was confused. Therefore some cried out one thing

and some another, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

33 (Ac 12:17) The Jews pushed Alexander to the front as the crowd

prompted him. Alexander motioned with his hand, wishing to make his defense

to the mob.

34 (Ac 19:28) But when they learned that he was a Jew, for about two hours

they all with one voice cried out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

35 The city clerk quieted the crowd and said, "Men of Ephesus,

what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians

is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis

and of the image which fell from heaven?

36 Seeing then that these things are undeniable, you ought to be quiet

and do nothing rash.

37 (Ro 2:22) For you have brought these men here who are neither temple

robbers nor blasphemers of your goddess.

38 (Ac 13:7) So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have

a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls.

Let them press charges against one another.

39 If you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the legal assembly.

40 For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today,

since there is no reason we may give to account for this uproar."

41 When he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

[21] After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had

passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I

have been there, I must also see Rome.

[22] So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him,

Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

[23] And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

[24] For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver

shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

[25] Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said,

Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

[26] Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost

throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people,

saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

[27] So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but

also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her

magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

[28] And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried

out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

[29] And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius

and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed

with one accord into the theatre.

[30] And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples

suffered him not.

[31] And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto

him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

[32] Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was

confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

[33] And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him

forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his

defence unto the people.

[34] But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the

space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

[35] And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of

Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the

Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which

fell down from Jupiter?

[36] Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be

quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

[37] For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of

churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

[38] Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a

matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them

implead one another.

[39] But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be

determined in a lawful assembly.

[40] For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar,

there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

[41] And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

2) Our Daily Bread for 20 November 2024 titled

Speak to the People About Jesus

Acts 21:27-22:1

Paul Arrested in the Temple

27 (Ac 24:18; 26:21) When the seven days were nearly concluded, the Jews

from Asia saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people,

and laid hands on him,

28 (Ac 24:5-6; 21:21) crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man

teaching all men everywhere against the people and the law and this place.

He even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place."

29 (Ac 20:4) For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the

city with him, whom they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.

30 (Ac 26:21) Then the whole city was provoked, and the people ran

together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple.

And immediately the doors were shut.

31 While they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commander

(Gk. chiliarch, a battalion commander

with the rank of lieutenant colonel over 1,000 soldiers.)

of the battalion of soldiers that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

32 (Ac 23:27) He at once took soldiers and centurions, and ran down

to them. When they saw the commander and the soldiers,

they stopped beating Paul.

33 (Ac 12:6; 20:23) Then the commander came and arrested him, and ordered

that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was

and what he had done.

34 (Ac 19:32; 23:10) Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another.

As he could not learn the truth because of the uproar,

he commanded that he be brought into the barracks.

35 When he came onto the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers

because of the violence of the people.

36 (Lk 23:18; Jn 19:15) For the mob of people followed, crying out,

"Away with him!"

[27] And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia,

when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands

on him,

[28] Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men

every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further

brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

[29] (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian,

whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

[30] And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took

Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

[31] And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain

of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

[32] Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them:

and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of

Paul.

[33] Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be

bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

[34] And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when

he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be

carried into the castle.

[35] And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the

soldiers for the violence of the people.

[36] For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

Paul Defends Himself

Acts 21:37-40

Paul Defends Himself

37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks,

he said to the commander, "May I speak to you?"

He replied, "Do you know how to speak Greek?

38 (Mt 24:26A) Are you not the Egyptian who in past days caused an uproar

and led the four thousand men of the Sicarii (Or men of the Assassins.)

out into the wilderness?"

39 (Ac 9:11; 22:3) Paul said, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus of Cilicia, a

citizen of no common city. I beg of you, permit me to speak to the people."

40 (Ac 12:17; Jn 5:2) When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the

stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was great

silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying,

[37] And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief

captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

[38] Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar,

and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

[39] But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia,

a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the

people.

[40] And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and

beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great

silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Acts 22

1 (Ac 7:2) "Brothers and fathers, hear my defense which I now make to you."

[1] Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto

you.

Paul had gone to the temple for the Jewish purification ceremony (Acts 21:26).

But some agitators who thought he'd been teaching against the Law sought to

take his life (v. 31). Roman soldiers quickly got involved and arrested Paul,

bound him, and carried him from the temple area-with the mob shouting,

"Get rid of him!" (v. 36).

How did the apostle react to this threat? He asked the troops' commander if he

could "peak to the people" (v. 39). When the Roman leader granted permission,

Paul, bleeding and bruised, turned to the angry crowd and shared his faith

in Jesus (22:1-16).

That was two thousand years ago-an old Bible story that we might find hard to

relate to. More recently, a man named Peter was arrested while visiting a

jailed friend who believes in Jesus in a country where believers are regularly

persecuted. Peter was tossed into a dark prison cell and blindfolded during

interrogations. When the blindfold was removed, he saw four soldiers with guns

pointed at him. Peter's response? He saw it as

"a perfect . . . opportunity to share his faith."

Paul and this modern-day Peter point out a hard, vital truth. Even if God

allows us to experience tough times-even persecution—our task remains:

"Preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15). He will be with us and will give us

the wisdom and power to share our faith.

By: Dave Branon

Reflect & Pray

How have you or someone you know faced persecution for faith in Christ?

How will you "proclaim the gospel" today?

Dear Jesus, please give me courage to represent You with love and wisdom.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 4 "Formula" for Forgiveness

Luke 17:3 - 4

3 (Lev 19:17; Mt 18:21)"Take heed to yourselves."

"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. And if he repents,

forgive him.

4 (Mt 18:21-22) If he sins against you seven times in a day,

and seven times in a day turns to you, saying,

'I repent,' you must forgive him."

3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him;

and if he repent, forgive him.

4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,

and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent;

thou shalt forgive him.

The context of these verses give us an interesting perspective of Jesus'

disciples. In a corollary passage in Matthew 18, the disciples (through

Peter, the designated mouthpiece) ask Jesus,

21 (Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3-4) Then Peter came to Him and said,

"Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?

Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21)

The disciples wanted a "formula" for forgiveness: they wanted to be able to

develop a checklist. Once, twice, maybe three times a brother could be

forgiven, but after that, you could write him off. After all, if

he keeps on offending over and over again, he doesn't deserve to be forgiven!

But Jesus says, " Rebuke him - let him know his fault; if he repents,

forgive him - even seven times in the same day!"

And the disciplines' response is predictable: "Lord, increase our faith!" They

were more comfortable with their own formula for forgiveness than with the

outrageous demands of the love that Christ imposed upon them.

We are so like the disciples. We want to draw a line and say. "This far

- no more. I'll forgive you once, but don't do it again. Now that you're

forgiven, you'd better shape up!". Yet God's love doesn't recognise "again".

He forgives, and no matter how often we come to him in repentance

for repeated offenses, his arms of forgiveness are open to us.

That is the way God wants us to forgive. He wants us to lay aside our

checklists, put away our suspicions, abandon our scoreboards, and forgive.

Seven times, or seventy times seven, as often as we have sinned against God

and been forgiven, we are to forgive.

Application

a) Have I ever kept a "scorecard" of performance on someone I

have forgiven ? Why?

b) Why do I need "increased faith" to be able to forgive as

Jesus calls me to?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Ps 1:3

He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

that brings forth its fruit in its season;

its leaf will not wither,

and whatever he does will prosper.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

That bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

His leaf also shall not wither;

And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

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

When you are Angry of Vengeful

James 1:19-25

Hearing and Doing the Word

19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear,

slow to speak, and slow to anger,

20 for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and remaining

wickedness and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able

to save your souls.

22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man

viewing his natural face in a mirror.

24 He views himself, and goes his way,

and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

25 But whoever looks into

the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it,

and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,

this man will be blessed in his deeds.

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,

slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,

he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway

forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

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

20th Day of the Month

a) Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know

Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.

( Matthew 19:14

14 (Mt 18:3; Lk 18:16-17)

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me,

and do not forbid them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not,

to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

)

b) Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not

against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.

(

Eph 6:12

12 (Eph 1:3; 1:21) For our fight is not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers

of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces

of evil in the heavenly places.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,

against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against

spiritual wickedness in high places.

)

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to be in the Authority of the Lord with His

protection.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, please give me courage to represent You with

love and wisdom."

Pray to the Lord and pray to stop keeping score for forgiveness.

Pray to the Lord and pray to be rooted in the righteousness of the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to to know that

the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God..

Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador

- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims

in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.

- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding

Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.

- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim

students on the university, college and trade school campuses.

Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.

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

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

Christ among Muslim people -

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

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

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

Pray for the children of Canada, that they would come to know

Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.

Pray that Christians will recognise that our struggle is not

against the natural world but against invisible spiritual forces.

Pray that shepherds of house churches in China will have wisdom and grace to

lead well, resulting in further growth .

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.

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