Day 335 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 335, 1 December 2025 - 9th Day of Advent

1) 2 Corinthians 1 ,  2 Corinthians 2 ,  2 Corinthians 3 ,  2 Corinthians 4

2 Corinthians 1

Salutation

1 (Eph 1:1; 2Ti 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ
by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God which is at Corinth,
with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our
brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints
which are in all Achaia:
[2] Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ.

Paul's Thanksgiving After Affliction

3 (Eph 1:3; 1Pe 1:3; Ro 15:5-6) Blessed be God, the Father
of our Lord ­Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies,
and the God of all comfort,
4 (Isa 51:12; 2Co 7:6-7) who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble
by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 (Col 1:24; Php 3:10) As the sufferings of Christ abound in us,
so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
6 (2Ti 2:10) If we are afflicted, it is for your consolation
and salvation, which is effective in enduring the same
sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted,
it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that as you partake
in the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
8 (1Co 15:32) For we would not, brothers, have you ignorant
of our troubles which came to us in Asia. We were pressured
beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even
of life.
9 (Lk 18:9) We had the sentence of death in ourselves,
so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God
who raises the dead.
10 (Ro 15:31) He delivered us from so great a death
and does deliver us. In Him we trust that He will
still deliver us,
11 (2Co 4:15; Php 1:19) as you help together by praying
for us, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf
for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many persons.

[3] Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort;
[4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort
them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God.
[5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
aboundeth by Christ.
[6] And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also
suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and
salvation.
[7] And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of
the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
[8] For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came
to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch
that we despaired even of life:
[9] But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust
in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
[10] Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we
trust that he will yet deliver us;
[11] Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed
upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our
behalf.

Paul's Travel Plans Change

12 (2Co 2:17; 1Co 2:13) For our rejoicing is this:
The testimony of our conscience is that we conducted
ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you,
in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom,
but by the grace of God.
13 For we write nothing else to you than what you read
or understand. And I trust you will understand even to the end,
14 (1Co 1:8; 2Co 2:5) as you have understood us in part,
that we are yours, boasting even as you are ours
on the day of the Lord Jesus.
15 (Ro 1:11; 1Co 4:19) In this confidence I planned
to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit:
16 (1Co 16:5-7) to visit you while going to Macedonia,
and to come again to you from Macedonia, and then be sent by you
on my way to Judea.
17 (2Co 10:2-3) Therefore, when I was planning this,
did I do this lightly? Or the things that I plan,
do I plan according to the flesh, so that I would tell you
"Yes, yes" and "No, no"?
18 (1Co 1:9) But as God is true, we did not tell you "Yes" and "No."
19 (Heb 13:8; Ac 18:5) For the Son of God, Jesus Christ,
who was preached among you by us, even by Silas, Timothy,
and me, was not "Yes" and "No." In Him it was "Yes."
20 (Rev 3:14; 1Co 14:16) For all the promises of God
in Him are "Yes," and in Him "Amen," to the glory of God through us.
21 (1Jn 2:20; 2:27) Now He who establishes us with you in Christ
and has anointed us is God,
22 (2Co 5:5; Eph 1:13-14) who also has sealed us
and established the guarantee with the Spirit in our hearts.
23 (Ro 1:9; 1Co 4:21) Moreover I call God as a witness
upon my soul, that it is to spare you that
I have not yet gone to Corinth.
24 (Ro 11:20; 1Co 15:1) Not that we have dominion over your faith,
but we are fellow workers for your joy, for by faith you stand.

[12] For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in
simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of
God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to
you-ward.
[13] For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or
acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
[14] As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing,
even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
[15] And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye
might have a second benefit;
[16] And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia
unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
[17] When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things
that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there
should be yea yea, and nay nay?
[18] But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
[19] For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us,
even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was
yea.
[20] For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the
glory of God by us.
[21] Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us,
is God;
[22] Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our
hearts.
[23] Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came
not as yet unto Corinth.
[24] Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your
joy: for by faith ye stand.

2 Corinthians 2

1 (2Co 1:23; 1Co 4:21) But I determined this for myself,
that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2 (2Co 7:8) For if I make you sorrowful, who then will there be
to make me rejoice, but the one whom I have made sorrowful?
3 (Gal 5:10; 2Co 8:22) I wrote concerning this matter to you,
so that when I came, I would not be grieved by those in whom
I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all,
that my joy is your joy.
4 (2Co 7:12) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart
I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved,
but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.

[1] But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in
heaviness.
[2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the
same which is made sorry by me?
[3] And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow
from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my
joy is the joy of you all.
[4] For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with
many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love
which I have more abundantly unto you. 

Forgiveness for the Offender

5 (Gal 4:12) But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me,
but to some extent all of you, not to put it too severely.
6 (1Co 5:4-5)This punishment which was inflicted by many
on such a man is sufficient.
7 (Eph 4:32) So on the contrary, you ought to forgive him
and comfort him, lest perhaps he might be swallowed up
with excessive sorrow.
8 Therefore I ask you to confirm your love toward him.
9 (2Co 10:6; Php 2:22) For to this end I also wrote,
so that I might know that you are proving yourselves
by whether you are being obedient in all things.
10 (1Co 5:4) Whomever you forgive anything, I also forgive.
For if I forgave someone anything, for your sakes I forgave
it in Christ,
11 (1Pe 5:8; Lk 22:31) lest Satan should take advantage of us.
For we are not ignorant of his devices.

[5] But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that
I may not overcharge you all.
[6] Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of
many.
[7] So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him,
lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
[8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
[9] For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you,
whether ye be obedient in all things.
[10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any
thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of
Christ;
[11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of
his devices.

Paul's Anxiety in Troas

12 (Ac 14:27; 16:8) Furthermore, when I came to Troas
to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
13 (2Co 7:5-6; 12:18) I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find
Titus my brother. So taking my leave of them, I went from there
into Macedonia.
14 (SS 1:3; 2Co 8:16) Now thanks be to God who always causes
us to triumph in Christ and through us reveals the fragrance
of His knowledge in every place.
15 (1Co 1:18; Eze 20:41) For we are to God a sweet fragrance
of Christ among those who are saved and among those who perish.
16 (Lk 2:34; Jn 9:39) To the one we are the fragrance of death,
which brings death, and to the other the fragrance of life,
which brings life. Who is sufficient for these things?
17 (2Co 4:2; 1:12) For we are not as many are who peddle
the word of God. Instead, being sent by God, we sincerely speak
in Christ in the sight of God.

[12] Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door
was opened unto me of the Lord,
[13] I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but
taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
[14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
[15] For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved,
and in them that perish:
[16] To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the
savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
[17] For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of
sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

2 Corinthians 3

Ministers of the New Covenant

1 (Ac 18:27; 2Co 5:12) Do we begin again to commend ourselves?
Or do we need, as some others, letters of commendation to you,
or letters of commendation from you?
2 You are our letter written in our hearts, known and read by all men.
3 (Ex 24:12; Jer 31:33) For you are prominently declared to be
the letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink
but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone
but on human tablets of the heart.
4 (Eph 3:12) We have such trust through Christ toward God,
5 (1Co 15:10) not that we are sufficient in ourselves to take credit
for anything of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
6 (Lk 22:20; Jn 6:63) who has made us able ministers of the new covenant,
not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills,
but the Spirit gives life.
7 (Ex 24:12; 31:18) If the ministry that brought death, written
and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel
could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory
of his countenance, the glory which was to fade away,
8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
9 (Heb 12:18-21; Ro 3:21-22) For if the ministry of condemnation
is glorious, the ministry of righteousness much more exceeds
it in glory.
10 Even that which was made glorious had no glory in comparison
to the glory that excels.
11 For if that which fades was glorious, that which remains
is much more glorious.
12 (2Co 7:4; Ac 4:13) Seeing then that we have such hope,
we speak with great boldness,
13 (Ex 34:33-35; 2Co 3:7) not as Moses, who put a veil over his face,
so that the children of Israel could not look intently at the end
of what was fading away.
14 (Ac 13:15; Ro 11:25) Instead, their minds were blinded.
For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the
reading of the old covenant, the veil which was done away
with in Christ.
15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is in their hearts.
16 (Ex 34:34; Isa 25:7) Nevertheless when anyone turns to the Lord,
the veil is removed.
17 (Gal 4:6; Jn 8:32) Now the Lord is the Spirit.
And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 (Ro 8:29; 1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:4) But we all, seeing the glory
of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror,
are being transformed into the same image from glory
to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.

[1] Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others,
epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
[2] Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
[3] Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ
ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living
God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
[4] And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
[5] Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
[6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the
letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth
life.
[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was
glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the
face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done
away:
[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the
ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by
reason of the glory that excelleth.
[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which
remaineth is glorious.
[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
[13] And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of
Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
[14] But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same
vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done
away in Christ.
[15] But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their
heart.
[16] Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken
away.
[17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there
is liberty.
[18] But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the
Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4

Treasure in Earthen Vessels

1 (1Co 7:25; 2Co 3:6) Therefore, since we have this ministry
through the mercy we have received, we do not lose heart.
2 (2Co 2:17; 5:11) But we have renounced the secret things of shame,
not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully,
but by expressing the truth and commending ourselves to every man's
conscience in the sight of God.
3 (1Co 1:18; 2Co 3:14) But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden
to those who are lost.
4 (2Co 4:6; Jn 12:31; Heb 1:3) The god of this world has blinded
the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
5 (1Co 1:23; 2Co 1:24) For we do not preach ourselves,
but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants
for Jesus' sake.
6 (Ge 1:3; 2Pe 1:19) For God, who commanded the light to shine
out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 (2Co 5:1; La 4:2) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
the excellency of the power being from God and not from ourselves.
8 (2Co 7:5) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;
we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 (Heb 13:5) persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 (Ro 6:5; 2Co 1:5) and always carrying around in the body the death
of the Lord Jesus, that also the life of Jesus might be expressed
in our bodies.
11 (Ro 8:36) For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake,
that also the life of Jesus might be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12 (2Co 13:9) So then, death works in us, but life in you.
13 (Ps 116:10; 1Co 12:9) We have the same spirit of faith.
As it is written, "I believed, and therefore I have spoken."
(Ps 116:10, LXX (Septuagint).) So we also believe and therefore speak,
14 (1Th 4:14; Eph 5:27) knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus
will also raise us through Jesus and will present us with you.
15 (2Co 1:11; Ro 8:28) All these things are for your sakes,
so that the abundant grace through the thanksgiving
of many might overflow to the glory of God.

[1] Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we
faint not;
[2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in
craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation
of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of
God.
[3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which
believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the
image of God, should shine unto them.
[5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves
your servants for Jesus' sake.
[6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined
in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ.
[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, and not of us.
[8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but
not in despair;
[9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
[10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the
life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
[11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that
the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
[12] So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
[13] We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I
believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
[14] Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also
by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
[15] For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might
through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Living by Faith

16 (Ro 7:22; Isa 40:31) For this reason we do not lose heart:
Even though our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man
is being renewed day by day.
17 (Ro 8:18; 1Pe 5:10) Our light affliction, which lasts
but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory,
18 (Heb 11:1; 2Co 5:7) while we do not look at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.
For the things which are seen are temporal,
but the things which are not seen are eternal.

[16] For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet
the inward man is renewed day by day.
[17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
[18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which
are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things
which are not seen are eternal. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 1 December 2025 titled
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category
/dont-do-this-alone"> Don't Do This Alone </a> by Monica La Rose

Romans 12:3-15

The New Life in Christ

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.

[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.

[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.

As I opened the bookshelf assembly instructions with piles of boards and tools
strewn on the floor before me, I viewed a set of instructional diagrammes of 
what to do and what not to do. One diagram - with a large X on top - depicted 
a person staring at a pile of boards and tools with a bemused frown not unlike
mine just a few minutes prior. On the right side was drawn the "correct" way 
to assemble. The only difference? A second person was there. Both figures now 
had smiles on their faces as they worked together.

So I got my husband. "The instructions say I need your help," I said, showing 
him the drawing. He laughed, and we assembled it together. I could have 
stubbornly tried to find a way to put it together on my own. But the manual 
was right; the process wasn't meant to be done alone.

In Romans 12, Paul urges new believers not to try to do life in Jesus alone. 
Instead of seeing themselves as self-sufficient and thinking of themselves 
"more highly than [they] ought" (v. 3), they needed to see themselves as part 
of an interdependent body, where every member needs each other's help 
(vv. 4-8).

As Jesus helps us learn how to "be devoted to one another in love" (v. 10), 
we can experience life "in harmony" with each other, where one another's 
needs, griefs, and joys (vv. 13, 15) are never carried alone.

Reflect & Pray

Why do you think we're tempted to do life alone? What helps you rely on others?

Dear God, please help me to rely daily on Your 
Spirit to unite and guide me in how to share life with other believers.

<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-beliefs/church
/The-family-of-god-invites-us-to-re-learn-community">
For further study, read The Family of God Invites Us to Re-learn Community.
</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 2 - Alienation and Reconciliation

Col 1:21-22

21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated
and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy
and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight

Some 50 years ago, Orson Welles's radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds
threw the nation into panic; people on the East Coast ran for their lives,
expecting at any moment to be destroyed by alien invaders from outer space.
Today, of course, we are more sophisticated about such matters.
Television and movies have educated us about alien life forms.
Star Wars and Star Trek have taught us that their appearance can be much
different than ours. Sometimes they are unable to exist in our atmosphere
with artificial life-support systems; their physical makeup is often
incompatible with our environment.
God says that we, apart from Christ, are as incompatible with his kingdom
as the 'aliens' of movies are with Earth's environment.
We are at war with God, a true "war of the worlds" that staggers
the imagination.
Yet God has 'reconciled' us to his world. He has made us fit,
made us able to exist in his kingdom. He has made us part of
his world through Christ's death and resurrection.
Now, through Christ, we are 'holy' and 'without blemish' in God's sight.
And that transformation, ironically, make us 'alien' in the world around us.
No longer do we fit in a world of selfishness and greed, a world where Self
is god and everyone does what is right in his own heart.
We belong, instead, in the kingdom of God's righteousness.

Application

a) In what ways am I an 'alien' in this world?

b) How have I been an 'alien' to God's kingdom?

c) How can today's verses help me deal with my sense of 'not fitting'?
to Jesus? 

4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland

Deut 8:18

18 But you must remember the Lord your God,
for it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth,
so that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers,
as it is today.

18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth
thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant
which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

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

God's Guiding Presence

Ps 119:105-112

נ 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.
107 I am greatly afflicted;
revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept the freewill offerings of my praise, O Lord,
and teach me Your judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand,
yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a trap for me,
yet I do not depart from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies are my inheritance forever,
for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes always,
even unto the end.

נ Nun
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.
107 I am afflicted very much:
Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,
And teach me thy judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand:
Yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me:
Yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever:
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes
Alway, even unto the end.

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 2025 edition?)

The Northern Territories of Canada

Yukon

Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69

In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for MUslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Northwest Territories (NWT)

NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473

The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facity, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.

Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Nunavut (NU)

NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86

The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far notherern reaches of Canada."

Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel. 

Adding further

30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020

Under the Keep Praying page

When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

Peter's Speech at Pentecost

14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."

Ideas for prayer

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) 

7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada

http://www.ehc.ca

1st Day of the month

1) Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada

(
Joel 2:28 And it will be that, afterwards,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream
dreams, and your young men will see visions.

28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon
all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men
shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Acts 2:17 "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.

17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
And your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams:

)

2) Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God

(Prov 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,
as the rivers of water; He turns it to any place He will.

1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD,
As the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

)

Advent Day 9

From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck

"'When this rich thing goeth about the Round Table shall be
destroyed'--but also redeemed. Judgment is at hand, promise
of judgment and threat of judgment. . ..It is the same sort of
ambivalence which Christians have been taught to recognize in
the season of Advent."
(From The Arthurian Torso, by C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams, p. 157.)

The Day of the Lord

The last devotion spoke about the quest for the Holy Grail beginning
in Advent. In this devotion, we remember both the Good News
and the Bad News of the coming of the Christ. He came that we
might have life; that's the Good News. But he had to come because
we had chosen sin and death; that's the Bad News. Lewis, too. writes
of redemption and judgment. The "rich thing" that goes about the
Round Table of King Arthur is the much-sought Holy Grail. But its
presence will destroy the Round Table.
Our Scripture quotation also speaks of the redemption and
judgment in the coming day of the Lord . That day is near, the
prophet Joel writes. But that day will have a different message for
different people. For the people of God, the day of the LORD is a day
of deliverance. For the enemies of God, the day of the LORD is a day
of judgment. That's both good news and bad news, both law and
gospel. The truth is that we need to hear both messages. It's not that
good news is for good people and bad news for bad people. There
are no truly good people.
Actually, the day of the LoRD is any day when God's plan of salvation
takes a significant step forward. The final day of the Lord will
be the great Day of Judgment. Days of the Lord long-past include
the Babylonian Exile of Israel, the Day of Pentecost, and especially
the birth of Jesus. On those days, God's plan of salvation took an
important step forward. The coming of the Messiah was hastened,
and we are the beneficiaries.

Prayer: Lord, you come in judgment and hope. Be for us the hope,
and light, of the world. Amen.

14 (Isa 34:2-8; Joel 1:15) Multitudes, multitudes,
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near
in the valley of the decision.

Joel 3:14

From Follow the Story Marva J. Dawn

MONDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

The Question of Virginity


34 Then Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be, since I do not know a man?"

-Luke 1:34

For Mary it was a question of procedure: should she marry Joseph,
her fiance so they could have this child? But for
most people today, the question is of biblical truth:
children aren't born of virgins!

Gabriel's answer leaves us with mystery: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you ... " (Luke 1:35).
In other words, this is utterly the work of God.
Consequently, the child will be perfect, unmarred by human sin,
and will be called not the son of human beings, but the Son of God.

My redaction criticism teacher in graduate school
considered this text in wonder.
The Hebrew word in the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14
can be translated "young maiden"
(either married or not) or "virgin," but Matthew 1:23 renders it "virgin."
Thus, he said, the texts are all consistent;
we must accept that Mary was a virgin.
Hallelujah! It was a miracle!

prayer

0 Holy Spirit and Most High, thank you for conceiving Jesus
in Mary's womb! Amen.

Read Luke 1:26-35.

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

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 favuored.
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.

From the AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler

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

1 (Isa 11:10; 4:2; 53:2) And there shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

ISAIAH 11:1

Alleluia is another word for AH-HA! And how about other alleluia words
like hooray arid wow and even you betcha?
Today's Scripture focuses on the AH-HAs and alleluias that we celebrate
daily, even in the midst of our UH-OHs and ouches. Life is certainly not a
bowl of cherries. But the message of Advent. Christmas, Lent and Easter is
that the Lord has removed the power of the "pits" of sin in our lives so that
we can live as alleluia people!
Check out Isaiah 11:"As hoot will come from the stump of Jesse; a branch
shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him." That's
Jesus! That's the reason for the alleluias and the AH-HAs, even in the
midst of our UH-OHs. Verse 6 says the wolf shall live with the lamb. Can
you imagine that? A professor explained once why pictures of a wolf and
lamb lying down together always appeared to be morning photos. He said
it was because every morning the photographers would have to bring in
a new lamb! Not so. at least to us alleluia people! ln a world where even
carpenters are resurrected. everything is possible!

Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!

Read Isaiah 11:1-10

1 (Isa 11:10; 4:2; 53:2) And there shall come forth a shoot
from the stump of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 (Isa 61:1; Mt 3:16; Isa 42:1) The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
3 (Jn 7:24) He shall delight in the fear of the Lord,
and he shall not judge by what his eyes see,
nor reprove by what his ears hear;
4 (Mal 4:6; Job 4:9; Ps 2:9) but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and reprove with fairness for the meek of the earth.
He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.
5 (Eph 6:14; Isa 25:1) Righteousness shall be the belt of his loins,
and faithfulness the belt about his waist.
6 (Isa 65:25; Hos 2:18) The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young ones shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play by the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den.
9 (Hab 2:14; Job 5:23) They shall not hurt or destroy
in all My holy mountain,
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord,
as the waters cover the sea.
10 (Isa 11:1; Lk 2:32) In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse,
who shall stand as a banner to the peoples. For him shall the nations seek.
And his rest shall be glorious. 

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca"> On Eagle's wings</a> Day 2 2025

Hope and Waiting and Gratitude!

Hope. Waiting. Gratitude! It took centuries for God’s plan to unfold.
What do we daily wait for in life? We wait for many things – justice,
peace, end to war; we wait for graduation day; we wait for time. We
also wait for forgiveness, for family unity, for God’s Kingdom; we wait
to see our loved ones again. In the season of Advent, we wait for a
Redeemer, the Promised One, the Anointed One!
Here in Tuktoyaktuk, we wait for seasons of hunting and fishing. We
wait for the ice bridge to come so we can use the ice road. We wait
for our kids to get through their teen years with their struggles and
challenges. And these things always come. The animals and fish come
in abundance. The ice road becomes usable. The next generation
eventually become mayors, teachers, labourers and even elders! And
we smile! These are daily experiences of hoping.
As Christians, we wait with hope, with expectation, because God is
faithful to his promises. So many scriptures are about our hope in
God.
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." 
(Mt. 28:20)
 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God" (Jn 14:1)
" For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth." 
(Ps 71:5)
A few days ago, in an e-mail, I received a note:
“I see God is moving in peoples’ lives … healing is happening …”.
So many hopes! So much waiting! And now so much gratitude!

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to be forgiving and bountiful of joy. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to rely daily on Your 
Spirit to unite and guide me in how to share life with other believers."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know that you are not longer alien 
to Jesus Christ.

Pray to the Lord and pray to honour his covenenat.

Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His statutes!

Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ. 

Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel. 

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people - 
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims 
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days! 

Pray for an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on Canada

Pray that the heart of our Prime Minister
would be directed to do that which pleases God

Pray Lord, you come in judgment and hope. Be for us the hope,
and light, of the world. Amen.

Pray: O Holy Spirit and Most High, thank you for conceiving Jesus
in Mary's womb! Amen..

Pray: Lord, we pray today:" O come, O Rod of Jesse's stem, from every foe
deliver them that trust your mighty power to save. Bring them it victory
through the grave. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you. O Israel!"
In Jesus' name. Amen ... alleluia ... and AH-HA!

Loving God, in so many ways you lead us, guide us, slow us down and
bless us. Thank you for the gift of your Word made flesh, who dwells
among us and shows us the way. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.

Pray that Christians will receive opportunities for 
fellowship and discipleship with other local believers in Libya.

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 ;
Merry Christmas 2025 and Happy New Year 2026