Day 336 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 336, 2 December 2024 - 9th Day of Advent 

1) 2 Corinthians 5 ,  2 Corinthians 6 ,  2 Corinthians 7 ,  2 Corinthians 8,
2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 5

1 (2Co 4:7; 2Pe 1:13-14) We know that if our earthly house, this tent,
were to be destroyed, we have an eternal building of God in the heavens,
a house not made with hands.
2 (Ro 8:23; 1Co 15:53-54) In this one we groan, earnestly desiring to be
sheltered with our house which is from heaven.
3 Thus being sheltered, we shall not be found unsheltered.
4 (1Co 15:53-54) For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened,
not because we wish to be unclothed, but to be further clothed,
so that what is mortal might be swallowed up by life.
5 (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22) Now He who has created us for this very thing is God,
who also has given to us the guarantee of the Spirit.
6 (Heb 11:13) Therefore we are always confident, knowing that while we are
at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.
7 (1Co 13:12; 2Co 4:18) For we walk by faith, not by sight.
8 Instead, I say that we are confident and willing to be absent from the body
and to be present with the Lord.
9 So whether present or absent, we labor that we may be accepted by Him.
10 (Mt 16:27; Ac 10:42) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ, that each one may receive his recompense in the body, according
to what he has done, whether it was good or bad.

[1] For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved,
we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.
[2] For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our
house which is from heaven:
[3] If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
[4] For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for
that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be
swallowed up of life.
[5] Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath
given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
[6] Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home
in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
[7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
[8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body,
and to be present with the Lord.
[9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted
of him.
[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every
one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

11 (Heb 10:31; Jude 1:23) Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord,
we persuade men. But we are revealed to God, and I trust we are also
revealed in your consciences.
12 (2Co 1:14; 3:1) For we are not commending ourselves again to you.
Instead, we give you occasion to boast on our behalf, that you may
have something to answer those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
13 (2Co 11:1; 11:16-17) If we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are
in our right mind, it is for you.
14 (Ro 5:15) For the love of Christ constrains us, because we thus judge:
that if one died for all, then all have died.
15 (Ro 14:7-9) And He died for all, that those who live should not from
now on live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 (Php 3:7-8) So from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh.
Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we do not
regard Him as such from now on.
17 (Jn 3:3; Ro 16:7) Therefore, if any man is in Christ,
he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have
become new.
18 (Ro 5:10-11; 1Jn 2:2) All this is from God, who has reconciled us to
Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of
reconciliation,
19 (Isa 43:25; Mt 1:23) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world
to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the
message of reconciliation.
20 (2Co 6:1; Eph 6:20) So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ's stead: Be reconciled to
God.
21 (Ro 1:17; 1Co 1:30) God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we
might become the righteousness of God in Him.

[11] Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are
made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your
consciences.
[12] For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to
glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in
appearance, and not in heart.
[13] For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be
sober, it is for your cause.
[14] For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if
one died for all, then were all dead:
[15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth
live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
[16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we
have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new.
[18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus
Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
[19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of
reconciliation.
[20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you
by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
[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.

2 Corinthians 6

1 (1Co 3:9; Heb 12:15) As workers together with God, we ask you not to receive
the grace of God in vain.
2 (Isa 49:8; Lk 4:19) For He says:
"In an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and in the day of salvation I have helped you." (Isa 49:8.)
Look, now is the accepted time; look, now is the day of salvation.
3 (1Co 9:12; Ro 14:13) We give no offense in anything, that our service may
not be blamed.
4 (1Co 3:5; 2Co 3:6) But in all things we commend ourselves as servants
of God: in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distress,
5 (2Co 11:23-25; Ac 17:5) in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors,
in sleeplessness, and in hunger;
6 (Ro 12:9; 2Co 11:6) by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness,
by the Holy Spirit, by genuine love,
7 (2Co 4:2; Eph 1:13) by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour
of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 (Mt 27:63; Ro 3:8) by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report;
as deceivers, and yet true;
9 (Ro 8:36; 1Co 4:9) as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and look, we
live; as punished, but not killed;
10 (Jn 16:22; 2Co 8:9) as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making
many rich; and as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
11 (Ps 119:32; 2Co 12:15) O Corinthians, we have spoken frankly to you;
our heart is opened wide.
12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own
affections.
13 In return (I speak as to my children) you also be open.

[1] We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive
not the grace of God in vain.
[2] (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of
salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold,
now is the day of salvation.)
[3] Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
[4] But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much
patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
[5] In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in
fastings;
[6] By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy
Ghost, by love unfeigned,
[7] By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of
righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
[8] By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers,
and yet true;
[9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as
chastened, and not killed;
[10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as
having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
[11] O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
[12] Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
[13] Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye
also enlarged. 

The Temple of the Living God

14 (1Co 5:9; 7:39) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.
For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness?
What communion has light with darkness?
15 What agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what part has he who believes
with an unbeliever?
16 (Lev 26:12; Ex 29:45) What agreement has the temple of God with idols?
For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
"I will live in them
and walk in them.
I will be their God,
and they shall be My people."(Lev 26:12; Jer 32:38; Eze 37:27.)
17 (Isa 52:11; Rev 18:4) Therefore,
"Come out from among them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
and I will receive you." (Jer 9:24.)
18 (Isa 43:6; Jer 31:9) "I will be a Father to you,
and you shall be My sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty." (2Sa 7:14.)

[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what
fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath
light with darkness?
[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel?
[16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the
temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk
in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,
saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Corinthians 7

1 (Pr 8:13; 2Co 6:17-18) Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

[1] Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness
in the fear of God.

Paul's Joy at the Church's Repentance

2 (Ac 20:33) Accept us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one,
and we have defrauded no one.
3 (2Co 6:11-12) I do not say this to condemn you, for I have said before
that you are in our hearts, so that we would die or live with you.
4 (2Co 1:4; 3:12) Great is my boldness of speech toward you; great is
my boasting of you. I am filled with comfort, and I am exceedingly joyful
in all our tribulation.
5 (Dt 32:25; 2Co 2:13) For when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest,
and we were troubled on every side. On the outside were conflicts; on the
inside were fears.
6 (2Co 1:3-4; 7:13) Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us
through the coming of Titus,
7 and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was
comforted in you, when he told us about your sincere desire, your mourning,
and your zeal toward me, so that I rejoiced even more.
8 Though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it, though
I did regret it. For I perceive that this same letter has caused you sorrow,
though only for a while.
9 (Ac 20:21) Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that your
sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorrowful in a godly way, that
you might not suffer loss in any way through us.
10 (Ac 11:18; 2Sa 12:13) Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads
to salvation and brings no regret, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
11 (2Co 7:7) For observe this very thing, which you sorrowed in a godly way:
What carefulness it produced in you, what vindication of yourselves, what
indignation, what fear, what intense desire, what zeal, what avenging
of wrong! In all things you have proven yourselves to be innocent in this
matter.
12 (2Co 2:9) So though I wrote to you, I did it not because of him who had
done the wrong, nor because of him who suffered wrong, but that our care
for you in the sight of God might be evident to you.
13 (2Co 7:6; Ro 15:32) Therefore we were comforted in your comfort.
Yes, and we were exceedingly the more joyful for the sake of Titus,
because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
14 (2Co 7:4; 8:24) So I am not ashamed if I have boasted of anything to him
regarding you. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even our boasting
in the presence of Titus is found to be true.
15 (Php 2:12; 2Co 2:9) Now his affection abounds all the more toward you, as
he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you
received him.
16 (2Co 2:3) Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.

[2] Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have
defrauded no man.
[3] I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in
our hearts to die and live with you.
[4] Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you:
I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
[5] For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we
were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
[6] Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us
by the coming of Titus;
[7] And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was
comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your
fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
[8] For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did
repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it
were but for a season.
[9] Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to
repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might
receive damage by us in nothing.
[10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:
but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
[11] For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort,
what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea,
what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal,
yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in
this matter.
[12] Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had
done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for
you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
[13] Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the
more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you
all.
[14] For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as
we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made
before Titus, is found a truth.
[15] And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he
remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye
received him.
[16] I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

2 Corinthians 8

Liberal Giving

1 (Ac 16:9) Moreover, brothers, we want you to experience the grace of God
bestowed on the churches of Macedonia,
2 how in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their
deep poverty overflowed toward the riches of their generous giving.
3 (1Co 16:2) For I bear record that according to their means,
and beyond their means, they freely gave,
4 (Ac 24:17; 1Co 16:3-4) begging us with much urgency that we would receive
the gift and the fellowship of ministering to the saints.
5 This they did, not as we expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord,
and then to us by the will of God.
6 (2Co 12:18; 8:4) So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also
complete this gracious deed for you.
7 (2Co 9:8; 1Co 1:5; Ro 15:14) But as you abound in everything-in faith, in
utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to
us-see that you abound in this grace also.
8 (1Co 7:6) I say this not as a command, but to prove through the authenticity
of others, the sincerity also of your love.
9 (Mt 20:28; 2Co 6:10; 13:14) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that through His
poverty you might be rich.
10 (1Co 7:25; 2Co 9:2) And in this matter I give my advice. It is appropriate
for you, who began last year not only to give, but also to willingly give.
11 Now therefore complete the task, so that, as there was a willingness to do
so, there may be a performance of it according to your means.
12 (2Co 9:7) For if there is a willing mind first, the gift is accepted
according to what a man possesses and not according to what he does not
possess.
13 I do not mean that other men have relief, and you be burdened,
14 (2Co 9:12; Ac 4:34_ but for equality, that your abundance now at this time
may supply their need, and their abundance may supply your need-that there
may be equality.
15 (Ex 16:18) As it is written, "He who gathered much had no excess. And he
who gathered little had no lack."(Ex 16:18.)
16 (Rev 17:17) But thanks be to God, who placed the same sincere care
in the heart of Titus for you.
17 (2Co 8:6) For indeed he accepted the exhortation. But being more zealous,
he went to you of his own accord.
18 (2Co 12:18; 1Co 7:17) And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is
in the gospel throughout all the churches.
19 (1Co 16:3-4; 2Co 4:15) And not only that, but he was also chosen
by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which we administer
to the glory of the same Lord, and to declare your willing mind,
20 to prevent any man from blaming us in administering this abundant gift,
21 (Ro 12:17; 14:18) providing for honest things, not only in the sight
of the Lord but also in the sight of men.
22 Furthermore, we have sent with them our brother whom we have frequently
proved diligent in many things, but now is much more diligent,
due to the great confidence which he has in you.
23 (Php 2:25; Phm 1:17; 2Co 8:6) If anyone inquires about Titus,
he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you.
Or if our brothers are inquired about, they are the messengers
of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24 (2Co 7:14; 7:4) Therefore show to them, and before the churches,
the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the
churches of Macedonia;
[2] How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and
their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
[3] For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were
willing of themselves;
[4] Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take
upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
[5] And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to
the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
[6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also
finish in you the same grace also.
[7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and
knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound
in this grace also.
[8] I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of
others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was
rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might
be rich.
[10] And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have
begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
[11] Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to
will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
[12] For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that
a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
[13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
[14] But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a
supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your
want: that there may be equality:
[15] As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he
that had gathered little had no lack.
[16] But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of
Titus for you.
[17] For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his
own accord he went unto you.
[18] And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel
throughout all the churches;
[19] And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel
with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the
same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
[20] Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is
administered by us:
[21] Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but
also in the sight of men.
[22] And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved
diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great
confidence which I have in you.
[23] Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper
concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of
the churches, and the glory of Christ.
[24] Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your
love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

2 Corinthians 9

The Offering for the Saints

1 It is redundant for me to write to you concerning the ministry
to the saints.
2 (2Co 8:10; 8:8; 8:24) I know your willingness, for which I boast
of you to those in Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago,
and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
3 (2Co 8:6) Yet I have sent the brothers, lest our boasting of you might
be in vain in this case, that, as I said, you may be ready;
4 and lest if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared,
we (not to mention you) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.
5 (Ge 33:11; 1Sa 25:27) Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the
brothers to go ahead to you and arrange beforehand your bountiful gift you
previously promised, that it might be prepared as a gift, not as a matter of
greed.
6 (Pr 22:9; Lk 6:38) But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 (Ex 25:2; 2Co 8:12) Let every man give according to the purposes
in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful
giver.
8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you,
always having enough of everything, may abound to every good work.
9 (Ps 112:9) As it is written:
"He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor;
His righteousness remains forever."(Ps 112:9.)
10 (Isa 55:10; Hos 10:12) Now He who supplies seed to the sower and supplies
bread for your food will also multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits
of your righteousness.
11 (2Co 1:11; 1Co 1:5) So you will be enriched in everything to all
bountifulness, which makes us give thanks to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the need
of the saints, but is abundant also through many thanksgivings to God.
13 (Mt 5:16) Meanwhile, through the performance of this ministry,
they glorify God for the profession of your faith in the gospel of Christ
and for your liberal sharing with them and with all others.
14 And in their prayer for you, they long for you because of the surpassing
grace of God in you.
15 (2Co 2:14; Jn 3:16) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.

[1] For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me
to write to you:
[2] For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to
them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath
provoked very many.
[3] Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain
in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
[4] Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared,
we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
[5] Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would
go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had
notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not
as of covetousness.
[6] But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and
he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
[7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
[8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always
having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
[9] (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor:
his righteousness remaineth for ever.
[10] Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your
food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your
righteousness;)
[11] Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth
through us thanksgiving to God.
[12] For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of
the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
[13] Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your
professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal
distribution unto them, and unto all men;
[14] And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding
grace of God in you.
[15] Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 2 December 2025 titled
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category
/positive-graffiti"> Positive Graffiti </a> by Tim Gustafson

Proverbs 15:1-4, 23-28

1 (Pr 25:15; Jdg 8:1-3; Pr 15:18) A soft answer turns away wrath,
but grievous words stir up anger.
2 (Pr 12:23; 13:16) The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright,
but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.
3 (Jer 16:17; Heb 4:13) The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
keeping watch on the evil and the good.
4 (Pr 3:18; 12:18) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it crushes the spirit.
5 (Pr 10:1; 13:1) A fool despises his father's instruction,
but he who regards reproof is prudent.

23 (Pr 12:14; Isa 50:4) A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
24 (Pr 2:18; Php 3:20) The way of life leads above for the wise,
that he may depart from Sheol below.
25 (Ps 146:9; Pr 12:7) The Lord will destroy the house of the proud,
but He will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 (Ex 23:8; Pr 1:19) He who is greedy of gain troubles his own house,
but he who hates bribes will live.
28 (1Pe 3:15; Pr 15:2) The heart of the righteous studies to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 15
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath:
But grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:
But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life:
But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth:
And a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24 The way of life is above to the wise,
That he may depart from hell beneath.
25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud:
But he will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD:
But the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house;
But he that hateth gifts shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer:
But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

As a young man, journalist Sebastian Junger traveled the United States 
and wrote about it. One day in the 1980s, he entered a restroom in the Florida
Keys and found hateful graffiti scrawled on the walls. Most of it targeted 
Cuban immigrants. But one message, apparently from a Cuban, stood out. It 
read, "Thank God the rest of the people in this country are warm and caring 
and welcomed me in '62." Junger observed, "The very worst things about America
were on that men's-room wall, and the very best."

How are we to respond to the poisonous messages we so often encounter? 
The book of Proverbs offers sound counsel. Solomon, who compiled most of the 
book, brackets chapter 15 with similar imagery: "the mouth of fools poureth 
out foolishness." (v. 2), and "the mouth of the wicked poureth 
out evil things" (v. 28). The chapter begins, however, with the antidote 
to such venom: "A soft answer turneth away wrath" (v. 1). Solomon also 
noted, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (v. 4). Always, a patient 
response is key: "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer" (v. 28).

How might God use our words when we ask Him to help us weigh them before our 
mouths, our pens, or our keyboards spew venom and vitriol at our fellow 
humans? As the proverb says, "a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
(v. 23).

Reflect & Pray

What's your reaction when you see or hear hateful speech? 
How might you respond differently the next time you encounter hate?

Dear Father, how prone I am to answer 
quickly and in anger. Please guide me by Your Spirit 
and help me weigh my responses wisely.

<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-living/spiritual-growth
/stewarding-words-responsibly"> Discover more about speaking wisely 
by reading Stewarding Words Responsibly.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 3 - From Darkness to Light

Col 1:13-14

13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has transferred us
into the kingdom of His dear Son,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of
sins:

Most of us have no real concept of darkness. We live in a world illuminated
not only by sun, moon and start, bit by streetlights and electric lamps and,
when the power goes off, flashlights and candles. We resist the darkness
For the sighted, being in absolute darkness is a frightening experience.
The dark blots out everything; we can see nothing, not even our own bodies,
and we may become disoriented. The dark seems to press in upon us,
with an almost physical weight that oppresses.
Spiritual darkness is like that. Spiritual darkness,
the absence of light in Christ, is oppressive, weighing us down,
distorting our perceptions of realty.
We cannot judge clearly, for we cannot see at all.
Yet God breaks into our darkness, bringing his light - Jesus Christ,
The Light of the World. When the awareness of Christ invades our lives,
our eyes are opened and we can see for the first time. We see our sin,
God's grace, and the Way he has provided for escape from the dark.
And as we continue to walk in his light, we see even more - the need
for changes in our lives, and God's power to work those changes.
Discernment and wisdom come through his light,
and we understand spiritual truths we could never see before.
Paul says that God has 'rescued' us from darkness and brought us
into the light. We cannot, on our own, accomplish this rescue,
but god through Christ's sacrifice brings it about in us.
He is the light who illuminates our darkness.

Application

a) Many different kinds of spiritual darkness invade our lives
and keep us blind to the truth - sin, lack of understanding,
resistance to the Holy Spirit. What kinds of spiritual darkness
have I experienced?

b) What changes took place in me when I first 'came into the light'?

c) What spiritual truths can I see now that I could not see
when I lived in darkness?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Proverbs 10:22

22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich ,and He adds no sorrow with it.

22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich,
And he addeth no sorrow with it.

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

When you are Saddened by Loss

1 Cor 15:35-38,51-57

35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up?
With what body do they come?"
36 You fool! What you sow is not made alive unless it dies.
37 When you sow, you do not sow the body that shall be, but a bare kernel,
perhaps of wheat or of some other grain.
38 Then God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.

51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed.
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet,
for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed.
53 For tis corruptible will put on incorruption,
and this mortal will put on immortality.
54 When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,
and this mortal will have put on immortality,
then the saying that is written shall come to pass:
"Death is swallowed up in victory."
55 "O death, where is your sting?
O grave, where is your victory?"
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ!

35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up?
and with what body do they come?
36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
37 and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,
but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
38 but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him,
and to every seed his own body.

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed,
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:
for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption,
and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,
and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought
to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember God's promises when You pray 

The Lord's prayer

Matthew 6:9-13


9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: 
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
11 Give us this day our daily bread. 
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.


6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)

The Northern Territories of Canada

Yukon

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

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

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

Northwest Territories (NWT)

NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473

The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate 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

2nd Day of the Month

a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians (
Rom 10:14-15 -
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 I And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good
things!"

[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring
glad tidings of good things!

)

b) Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction. (
Jer 33:3
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things which you do not know.

3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee
great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

) 

Advent Day 10

From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle Joel Heck

"My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered
time after time. He shatters it Himself. He is the great iconoclast.
Could we not almost say that this shattering is one of the marks of
His presence? The incarnation is the supreme example; it leaves
all previous ideas of the Messiah in ruins. And most are 'offended'
by iconoclasm; and blessed are those who are not. But the same
thing happens in our private prayers" - C.S. Lewis
(read this and more in A Grief Observed, p.78)

Immanuel the Iconoclast

When Lewis wrote these words about iconoclasm, he was going through
a very difficult period of his life. His wife Joy Davidman had died recently.
God wasn't acting the way Lewis thought he should under those circumstances.
God didn't seem to be hearing his prayers, even though he was.
Likewise, everyone in 1st Century Judaism had an idea of what the Messiah
would look like when he came. Some thought of the Messiah as a conquering
king, but only few thought of him as a suffering servant. Pilate, too,
had an idea of the kind of leader Jesus was alleged to be when he asked,
"Are you king of the Jews?" (John 18:33) . That's when Jesus, the Iconoclast,
said, "My Kingdom is not of this world"
An iconoclast breaks the mold, ignores tradition, does things very
differently. Lewis calls God "the great iconoclast" because one of the
molds that Jesus broke was the kingdom mold. Pilate thought Jesus
was a political leader. and even some of Jesus' followers thought that
he had come to drive out the Roman occupiers and bring political
freedom to Israel. But Jesus told Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this
world." Too often we think like Pilate, looking for political solutions
when we should be thinking of spiritual solutions.
What icons, images, or molds is God breaking in your life? What
expectations do you have that God does not seem to meet? Perhaps
that is his plan. It usually is.

God, give us patience to await your blessing and the faith to
believe that it is coming. Amen.

My kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36

From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn

TUESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

The Sign

For nothing will be impossible with God.

-Luke 1:37

Perhaps Mary still had confusions and fears.
Absolutely the angel's message quite overwhelmed her.
Knowingly, Gabriel
gave her a sign to reassure her that his message was trustworthy. Her
relative Elizabeth, in spite of her old age, was also expecting a child
and was six months along. Indeed, this sign was as much a miracle
as Mary would soon sustain.

The motif of this story is true for all of us:
"Nothing will be impossible with God." This statement is true for
so many of the biblical stories; we can read about God doing
all kinds of astounding things in the Scriptures. Martin Luther
said that Mary's acceptance of God's arrangement for her 
was as much a miracle as for God to produce a child in a virgin.

How have we seen that nothing is impossible with God? 
What miracles have happened in our lives or in the life of someone we know? 
Are we bothered by the word miracles? Or shall we name them God's wonders?

prayer

Thank you, God, for your radiant creations! Amen.

Read Luke 1:30-37.

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

SECOND TUESDAY

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


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. 
so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ROMANS 15:13

Did you know that it takes at least nine words of affirmation and
encouragement to overcome one word of criticism and hatred? How often
do you or your family or your congregation share encouraging words with
each other? when was the last time you said "Way to go!" to someone, or
gave a "You Done Good" award? Why is it that the deer and the antelope
seldom hear a discouraging word ... yet we hear them all the time?

Advent is a time for affirmation of other because we know gow life will
turn out- in the Lord! We can praise and thank and hug others because
the Lord is doing that each day to us - through his Word and sacraments,
and through others who hug and care for us. Hope in the Lord Jesus is to
know that even when there is no hope... there is hope in Chirst.

We Advent ambassadors abound in hope and affirmation because, as
St . Paul states, the Lord fills us "with all joy and peace in believing".
What a Christmas gift the Lord gives to us each day! And we do not even have
to wrap it before we give it to others!

Affirmation (aka, hope) means Hooray Opportunities Proclaiming Easter!
And why wait until Easter, or even Christmas for that matter? 
Let us see how we can bring hope and affirmation to the people around us, right
now! The AH-HA of affirmation is contagious. Let's pray for an epidemic!

Lord, bring hope to us today so that we can bring hope to others in this
often hopeless world. We are firm in our faith in you. Help us
to be firm as we share love and hope with others, right now.

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

Romans 15:7-13

The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike

7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us, for the
 glory of God.
8 (Mt 15:24; 2Co 1:20) Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to
 the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises made
 to the patriarchs,
9 (2Sa 22:50; Ps 18:49) and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His
 mercy, as it is written:
“For this reason I will acknowledge You among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to Your name."(Ps 18:49.)
10 (Dt 32:43) He also says:
"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"(Dt 32:43.)
11 (Ps 117:1) And again:
"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise Him." (Ps 117:1.)
12 (Isa 11:10; Mt 12:21) And again Isaiah says:
"There shall be a root of Jesse;
He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
in Him shall the Gentiles hope." (Isa 11:10.)
13 (Ro 14:17; 12:12) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
 in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy
 Spirit.

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca"> On Eagle's wings</a> Day 3

Taste and See
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:9 (NIV)

In July, I returned to Behchokǫ̀, a First Nations community where
we had held a Bible Camp two summers ago. The town, northwest
of Yellowknife, had to evacuate ahead of the forest fire just as our
children’s program was ending.
This past summer, new trees were being planted. New houses were
being built. The community is looking forward to a bright future for
their young people.
As the boys and girls approached us the first day, a little girl raced
towards me, calling out to me by name! As she welcomed me back, I
felt surprised, humbled, encouraged.
A following day, this girl gave me a slice of bread. Not real bread,
but a craft made from paper, and part of our TASTE curriculum.
"This is for you!" she said. Printed on the bread slice were the
words: TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD. Words which I
remember hearing when I was her age. A wonderful reminder that
Creator wills goodness for his people.
In this Advent season, we look forward to the Christmas celebration
of our loving Creator coming among us in the birth of Jesus. As we
read through the Scriptures, we also look toward God’s coming to
us in the risen Jesus Christ at the close of history. We go forward in
our daily living in the confidence that our Lord Jesus, the Bread of
Life, wills good for us.
Let us reflect upon that little girl's slice of bread. Let us "Taste and
see that the Lord is good."

Rev. Dr. Gary Watts
Bible Camp Volunteer 
 
Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to be a minister of reconciliation and a joyful
giver in His will. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, how prone I am to answer 
quickly and in anger. Please guide me by Your Spirit 
and help me weigh my responses wisely."

Pray to the Lord and pray to Jesus who delivers your from Darkness.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the bleesings of the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know about the Upcomping Rapture
and the Resurrection of the Dead.

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

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

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

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

Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all 

Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,
wisdom and direction.

Pray God, give us patience to await your blessing and the faith to
believe that it is coming. Amen.

Pray: Thank you, God, for your radiant creations! 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! 

Creator God, you call us to trust in your goodness for us and our
people. Forgive us. Guide us to discover and to follow your ways in
our daily lives. Amen.

Ask God to give Tunisian Christians wisdom 
and courage to share their faith despite restrictions.

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