Day 333 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 333, 29 November 2025 - 7th Day of Advent

1) Romans 11, Romans 12, Romans 13

Romans 11

The Remnant of Israel

1 (1Sa 12:22; 2Co 11:22) I say then, has God rejected His people?
God forbid! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham,
of the tribe of Benjamin.
2 (1Pe 1:2) God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.
Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah?
How he pleads with God against Israel, saying,
3 "Lord, they have killed Your prophets and destroyed Your altars.
I alone am left, and they seek my life"?(1Ki 19:10. 41Ki 19:18)
But what is the divine reply to him?
"I have kept for Myself seven thousand men,
who have not bowed the knee to Baal."(1Ki 19:18. 5Ro 9:27)
So then at this present time there is a remnant according
to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; otherwise grace
would no longer be grace. But if it is by works, then is it no longer
by grace; otherwise work would no longer be work.
7 (Ro 9:18; 2Co 3:14) What then? Israel has not obtained what it was
seeking. But the elect obtained it, and the rest were hardened.
8 (Dt 29:4; Isa 29:10) As it is written:
"God has given them a spirit of slumber,
eyes that would not see
and ears that would not hear,
to this very day."(Isa 29:10.)
9 (Ps 69:22-23) And David says:
"Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a stumbling block and a retribution to them.
10 (Ps 69:23) Let their eyes be darkened, so that they may not see,
and always bow down their backs." (Ps 69:22-23.)

[1] I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an
Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
[2] God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the
scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel,
saying,
[3] Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I
am left alone, and they seek my life.
[4] But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself
seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
[5] Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to
the election of grace.
[6] And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more
grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no
more work.
[7] What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the
election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
[8] (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber,
eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto
this day.
[9] And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a
stumbling block, and a recompence unto them:
[10] Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their
back alway.

The Salvation of the Gentiles

11 (Ro 10:19; 11:14) I say then, have they stumbled that
they should fall? God forbid! But through their transgression salvation
has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.
12 (Ro 11:25) Now if their transgression means riches for the world,
and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will
their fullness mean?
13 (Ac 9:15) For I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am
the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,
14 (1Co 7:16; Ro 9:3; 1Ti 4:16) if somehow I may make my kinsmen
jealous and may save some of them.
15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world,
what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?
16 (Eze 44:30; Lev 23:10) If the first portion of the dough is holy,
the batch is also holy. And if the root is holy, so are the branches.
17 (Jer 11:16; Eph 2:11-13) But if some of the branches were broken
off, and you, being a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them
and became a partaker with them of the root
and richness of the olive tree,
18 do not boast against the branches. If you boast,
remember you do not sustain the root, but the root sustains you.
19 You will say then, "The branches were broken off, so that I might
be grafted in."
20 (Ro 12:16; 1Co 10:12) This is correct. They were broken off
because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant,
but fear.
21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will
He spare you.
22 (Jn 15:2; 1Co 15:2) Therefore consider the goodness and severity
of God-severity toward those who fell, but goodness toward you,
if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
23 (2Co 3:16) And these also, if they do not remain in unbelief, will
be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature,
and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree,
how much more will these, who are the natural branches, be grafted
into their own olive tree?

[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but
rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to
provoke them to jealousy.
[12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing
of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
[13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the
Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
[14] If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and
might save some of them.
[15] For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what
shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
[16] For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root
be holy, so are the branches.
[17] And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive
tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and
fatness of the olive tree;
[18] Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the
root, but the root thee.
[19] Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be
graffed in.
[20] Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by
faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
[21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also
spare not thee.
[22] Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell,
severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness:
otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
[23] And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed
in: for God is able to graff them in again.
[24] For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and
wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall
these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

The Restoration of Israel

25 (Lk 21:24; Ro 12:16; 16:25) For I do not want you to be ignorant
of this mystery, brothers, lest you be wise in your own estimation,
for a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness
of the Gentiles has come in.
26 (Isa 59:20; Ps 14:7) And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
"The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
and He will remove ungodliness from Jacob";(Isa 59:20.)
27 (Isa 27:9; 59:21) "for this is My covenant with them,
when I shall take away their sins."(Isa 59:20-21; Jer 31:31-34.)
28 (Dt 10:15; Ro 9:5) As concerning the gospel, they are enemies
for your sake, but as regarding the election, they are beloved
for the sake of the patriarchs.
29 (Ro 8:28) For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.
30 (Col 3:7) For just as you once were disobedient to God,
but have now received mercy through their disobedience,
31 so these also have now been disobedient, that they also may
receive mercy by the mercy shown to you.
32 (Ro 3:9; Gal 3:22) For God has imprisoned them all in disobedience,
so that He might be merciful to all.
33 (Ro 2:4; Eph 3:10) O the depth of the riches and wisdom
and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments
and unfathomable are His ways!
34 (Isa 40:13; 1Co 2:16) "For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?"(Isa 40:13.)
35 (Job 35:7; 41:11) "Or who has first given to Him,
and it shall be repaid to him?" (Job 35:7; 41:11.)
36 (Ro 16:27; 1Co 8:6) For from Him and through Him
and to Him are all things.
To Him be glory forever! Amen.

[25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is
happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
[26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come
out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
[27] For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
[28] As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as
touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
[29] For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
[30] For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained
mercy through their unbelief:
[31] Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they
also may obtain mercy.
[32] For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy
upon all.
[33] O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how
unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
[34] For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his
counseller?
[35] Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him
again?
[36] For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be
glory for ever. Amen.

Romans 12

The New Life in Christ

1 (1Pe 2:5; Ro 6:13; 6:16) I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies
of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy,
and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship.
2 (Ro 12:1; 1Pe 1:14) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good
and acceptable and perfect will of God.
3 (Ro 1:5; 11:20) For I say, through the grace given to me,
to everyone among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought
to think, but to think with sound judgment, according to the measure
of faith God has distributed to every man.
4 (1Co 12:12-14) For just as we have many parts in one body,
and not all parts have the same function,
5 (1Co 10:17; 12:20) so we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and all are parts of one another.
6 (Ac 13:1; 1Co 13:2) We have diverse gifts according to the grace
that is given to us: if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;
7 (Ac 13:1; Eph 4:11) if service, in serving; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 (2Co 9:7; 1Co 12:28) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives,
with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy,
with cheerfulness.

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among
you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to
think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of
faith.
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the
same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of
another.
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
[7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on
teaching;
[8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with
simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with
cheerfulness.

Rules of the Christian Life

9 (1Ti 1:5; 2Co 6:6)Let love be without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil.
Cleave to what is good.
10 (Php 2:3; Heb 13:1) Be devoted to one another with brotherly love;
prefer one another in honor,
11 (Ac 18:25) do not be lazy in diligence, be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord,
12 (Heb 10:36; Ac 1:14) rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering,
persevere in prayer,
13 (2Co 9:1; 1Ti 3:2) contribute to the needs of the saints,
practice hospitality.
14 (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28) Bless those who persecute you; bless,
and do not curse.
15 (Heb 13:3; Job 30:25) Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep
with those who weep.
16 (Ro 11:25; 15:5) Be of the same mind toward one another.
Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
Do not pretend to be wiser than you are.
17 (Pr 20:22; Mt 5:39) Repay no one evil for evil. Commend what is
honest in the sight of all men.
18 (Mk 9:50; Ro 14:19; Mt 5:9) If it is possible, as much as it depends
on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 (Dt 32:35; Pr 24:29) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to God's wrath, for it is written:
"Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,"(Dt 32:35.) says the Lord.
20 (Pr 25:21-22; Mt 5:44) Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head."(Pr 25:21-22.)
21 (1Pe 3:9) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in
prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
[15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
[16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight
of all men.
[18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all
men.
[19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto
wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
[20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him
drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
[21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 13

Subjection to Authorities

1 (Da 2:21; Jn 19:11) Let every person be subject to the governing
authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that
exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore ­whoever resists the authority resists what God has appointed,
and those who resist will incur judgment.
3 Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil works. Do you wish
to have no fear of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have
praise from him,
4 (2Ch 19:6; Ro 12:19) for he is the servant of God for your good.
But if you do what is evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword
in vain, for he is the servant of God, an avenger to execute wrath
upon him who practices evil.
5 (Ecc 8:2; 1Pe 2:19) So it is necessary to be in subjection, not only
because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.
6 For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are God's servants,
devoting themselves to this very thing.
7 (Mt 17:25; 22:21) Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes
are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due,
and honor to whom honor is due.

[1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power
but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
[2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:
and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
[3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou
then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have
praise of the same:
[4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that
which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is
the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
[5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for
conscience sake.
[6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing.
[7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Brotherly Love

8 (Ro 13:10; Mt 7:12) Owe no one anything, except to love one another,
for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
9 (Lev 19:18; Mt 19:18-19; Ex 20:12-17) For the commandments,
"You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal,
You shall not give false testimony, You shall not covet,"
(Ex 20:13-15, 17; Dt 5:17-19, 21.) and if there are any other commandments,
are summed up in this saying,
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Ro 13:8) Love works no evil to a neighbor. Therefore love is
the fulfillment of the law.

[8] Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law.
[9] For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou
shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet;
and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this
saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
[10] Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling
of the law.

The Approach of the Day of Christ

11 (Eph 5:14; 1Co 15:34) Furthermore, knowing the time, now is the moment
to awake from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
12 (Eph 5:11; 2Co 6:7) The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us take off the works of darkness and put on the armor
of light.
13 (Gal 5:21; Lk 21:34; Eph 5:18) Let us behave properly, as in the day,
not in carousing and drunkenness, not in immorality and wickedness,
not in strife and envy.
14 (Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no
provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.

[11] And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of
sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
[12] The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off
the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
[13] Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
[14] But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the
flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 29 November 2025 titled
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals
/devotional-category/gods-sufficient-grace"> God’s Sufficient Grace </a>
by John Blase

2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Visions and Revelations

1 (Gal 1:12; 2:2) Doubtless it is not profitable for me to boast.
So I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 (2Co 11:11; Ac 22:17) I knew a man in Christ over fourteen years ag
-whether in the body or out of the body I cannot tell, God knows-such
a one was caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew that such a man-whether in the body or out of the body I cannot
tell, God knows-
4 (Lk 23:43; Rev 2:7) was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible
words not permitted for a man to say.
5 Of such a person, I will boast. Yet of myself I will not boast, except in
my weaknesses.
6 (2Co 11:16) For if I desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be
speaking the truth. But now I resist, lest anyone should think of me above
that which he sees me to be or hears from me.
7 (Nu 33:55; Eze 28:24) And lest I should be exalted above measure
by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh,
a messenger of Satan, to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me.
9 (Php 4:13; 2Co 12:10; Isa 40:29-31) But He said to me, "My grace is
sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ
may rest upon me.
10 (Ro 5:3; 2Co 13:4) So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in
hardships, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake. For when
I am weak, then I am strong.

[1] It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions
and revelations of the Lord.
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I
cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such
an one caught up to the third heaven.
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I
cannot tell: God knoweth;)
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words,
which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine
infirmities.
[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will
say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that
which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the
revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of
Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am
weak, then am I strong.


Born Mary Flannery O'Connor, she's best known as Flannery O'Connor, one of the
American South's most celebrated writers. Her stories brim with suffering and 
grace. When her beloved father died of lupus when she was fifteen, a 
devastated O'Connor threw herself into writing her first novel. Soon she 
herself was diagnosed with lupus, an incurable disease that took her life 
at thirty-nine. O'Connor's writing reflects her physical and mental anguish. 
Novelist Alice McDermott said, "It was the illness I think 
that made her the writer that she is."

We don't know what the apostle Paul's "thorn" was (2 Corinthians 12:7), though
many have offered conjecture. We do know that Paul said, "Three times I 
pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me" (v. 8). We also know God didn't 
do so (v. 9). This humbled Paul. He notes how it kept him "from becoming 
conceited" (v. 7). Paul's thorn formed him and made him the apostle that he 
was. But the thorn wasn't all, for with the thorn came God's sufficient grace 
and perfecting power, so the tormented apostle could declare, "When I am weak,
then I am strong" (v. 10).

The thorns in our lives, whatever they may be, form us. They make us who we 
are. But the thorns aren't all there is. As Paul and Flannery O'Connor 
and countless others have witnessed over the long arc of human history, 
God's grace is sufficient for us.

Reflect & Pray

What are the "thorns" in your life? How can you permit 
God's grace and strength to be enough for you today?

Dear God, Your grace is sufficient for me.

<A href="https://www.odbm.org/en/our-impact/stories-of-impact
/god-was-there-all-along">For further study, read God Was There All Along.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 3 - Saved Now and forever Day 7 - The Great Exchange

2 Cor 5:21 - God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,
that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

People were talking ; the gossip lines were busy day and night.
Andrea, a Bible study leader and pillar of the church, had been
accused of indiscretion with a married man, another member
of the congregation. The rumours were proven untrue,
but that hardly mattered anymore. The damage was done.
"It's just not far," Andrea said. " It was all so unnecessary.
And now, even though I've done nothing wrong, my relationship
with that church will never be the same again."
We all know what pain is caused by undeserved accusation,
rejection, and misunderstanding. Sometimes, when the smoke clears,
irreparable damage has been done, even when no sin has occurred.
We can understand the torment that comes when we've sinned,
but when we've done nothing wrong, the injustice seem unbearable.
Jesus knew what it was to suffer unjustly. He had never sinned at all,
yet he 'became sin' for us. He gave himself in an outrageous exchange:
he took our sin and gave us his righteousness.
Living in this exchange does not mean, of course, that we will be exempt
from pain, that we will never again suffer unjustly or be subject
to rejection. But in Christ, we are declared righteous before God,
just as Jesus himself is righteous. And as we submit
to the Holy Spirit's work in us, we become righteous ,
obeying him and growing in grace. Christ endured rejection
for us so that we might live in him.

Application

a) Have I ever suffered unjustly or been rejected by someone without cause?

b) How can this verse, coupled with my own experience give me a greater
depth of appreciation of what Christ suffered for me? 

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Deut 30:19-20

19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.

19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

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

God's Freeing Forgiveness

Ps 103:1-14

PSALMS 103

A Psalm of David.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103

A Psalm of David.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:
And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.

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 27 of the Month

a) Pray that God's Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to
hold to wrong opinions of Christ and His Salvation.

(

2 Cor 10:4-5

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,

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;

)

b) Pray that the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who
are lost to seek Him and to seek The Truth. 

Advent Day 7

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

"No woman ever conceived a child, no mare a foal, without
Him. But once, and for a special purpose, He dispensed with
that long line which is His instrument: once His life-giving
finger touched a woman without passing through the ages of
interlocked events." C. S. Lewis
(Read this and more in Miracles,p . 182.)
Every Birth a Miracle
I have never met parents who did not think that the birth of each
of their children was one of the most amazing things they had ever
experienced. And rightly so. We talk about the miracle of birth, and
so we should. The obstetrician might tell us how normal child birth
is, but we who have become parents know better. We might forget
as the years pass and the trials of raising teenagers take their toll.
But when we sit back and remember, we know better once again.
The birth of a child is a miracle. The "birth-days" of our children
remind us
No childbirth in history has received more attention in art, music,
literature, stained glass, and even on the postage stamp, than
the birth of Jesus. That was a one-of-a-kind birth, but Lewis points
out that God is at work in every pregnancy and in every birth. The
same God who brought about the pregnancy of Mary by the power
of the Holy Spirit is also at work to bring about every pregnancy.
We might stand back at the thought that even a mare conceiving
a foal, as Lewis writes, is done by the power of God, but could it be
otherwise? He is the creator of all things, and he upholds all things
by his powerful word(Heb- 1:3)- He must be involved in every birth,
your birth, my birth, even our rebirth by the power of the Holy Spirit,
but especially in the birth of Jesus
This is not to say that the birth of Jesus was ordinary. Far from
it. But Jesus' birth and my birth both had the blessing of God. That
gives me assurance that new birth is available in him also.

Prayer : Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are at work,
giving life. Grant us new life in your Son. Amen.

Luke 1:35

35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.

From Follow The Story - Marva J. Dawn

SATURDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT

Baffling Salutations

When she saw him, she was troubled by his words,...

-Luke 1:29a


To greet another person with the phrase "The LORD be with you"
was a common custom in those days. Compare how Boaz greets
the reapers in his barley field and how they answer back (Ruth 2:4).
Even today many churches use the expression
in their liturgies to underscore that we are a community together
as worshipers and leaders in God's presence.

Consequently, this part of Gabriel's address must not have been too confusing,
unless the angel notably accentuated the present tense, "The LORD is with you,"
in anticipation of how the Trinity would be operative in Mary.

Probably Mary was stunned by Gabriel's calling her a "favoured one"
since she was merely a small-town youth, and the
angel was the magnificent messenger of God. She was totally unprepared
for the extraordinary disclosure Gabriel would reveal to her, though some
Jewish mothers gingerly harbored the hope that they might be mother
to the promised Messiah. Ponder with Mary what being "favoured"
by God could mean.

prayer

Thank you, LORD, that Mary was simple-hearted with Gabriel.

Amen.


Read Luke 1:26-38.

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.
28 The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favoured.
The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women."
29 When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered
in her mind what kind of greeting this might be.
30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found
favour with God.
31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
And of His kingdom there will be no end."
34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age.
And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren.
37 For with God nothing will be impossible."
38 Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according
to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler


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

11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.

JEREMIAH 29:11

Advent comes to us just when we need it. Not only is it the time to begin
a new Church Year, but it also allows us to stop and ponder anew what
"the Almighty can do" and what he has already done! In other words,
Advent gets our attention to ponder what life is all about!

What is it that is getting your attention these days?
There's plenty of options, aren't there ?
Is it working or shopping, or preparing, or Juggling,
or decorating, or baking or all of the above?
Me too! How good are you at multi-tasking?

We live in a CPA society ... which means Continuous Partial Attention.
Check it out: Have you encountered folks who are texting, listening talking,
studying, thinking, eating .. all at the same time? Me, too! And it drives me
crazy! You too?

Advent sneaks up on our CPA society and simply, gently calms us. Advent
coos to us what today's Scripture says: The Lord has plans to give us
a hope and future. That is a promise that
really gets our attention as ambassadors
of health and hope!

God in Christ attends us with his love
and forgiveness to empower us to turn our attention
outward. We can turn from our own CPA existence to sharing
his hope for all people. NO partial attention from the Lord. God's
CPA is his Continuous Promise Attention ... for all of us!
And that's good enough for me! You too?

Prayer

Lord, calm us, settle us and point us to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Jeremiah 29:11-14.

11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.
12 (Jer 33:3; Ps 50:15) Then you shall call upon Me, and you shall come
and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13 (Jer 24:7; 2Ch 22:9) You shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search
for Me with all your heart.
14 (Jer 30:3; Ps 32:6) I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will turn
away your captivity and gather you from all the nations
and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord,
and I will bring you back into the place from
where I caused you to be carried away captive. 

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Salvation is for all for the Lord is 
coming back for those who have accepted Him. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, Your grace is sufficient for me."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the exhange of Sin as Jesus' sacrifice.

Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His Covenant.

Pray to the Lord and pray to His forgiveness.

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 God's Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to
hold to wrong opinions of Christ and His Salvation.

Pray that the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who
are lost to seek Him and to seek The Truth. 

Prayer : Thank you, Lord, for the reminder that you are at work,
giving life. Grant us new life in your Son. Amen.

Pray: Thank you, LORD, that Mary was simple-hearted with Gabriel.

Pray: Lord, calm us, settle us and point us
to the hope and the future that you have
provided for us, through Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.
You have our attention Lord In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA! 

Pray that Christians in Islamist-controlled areas in the Palestian 
Territories will safely access God’s Word without fear of detection.

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.
-- 
Member - Liberal International This is [email protected] Ici [email protected]
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
Mery Christmas 2025 and Happy New Year 2026