Day 337 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 337, 3 December 2025 - 10th Day of Advent  

1) 2 Corinthians 10 ,  2 Corinthians 11 ,  2 Corinthians 12 ,  2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 10

Paul Defends His Ministry

1 (Mt 11:29; 2Co 10:10) Now I, Paul, who am lowly in presence among you but
bold toward you while absent, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness
of Christ.
2 (2Co 13:2; 13:10) I beg you that when I am present, I might not have to be
bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who
think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 (Jer 1:10; 2Co 6:7) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but
mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,
5 (Isa 2:11-12; 1Co 1:19) casting down imaginations and every high thing that
exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,
6 (2Co 2:9; 7:15) and being ready to punish all disobedience
when your obedience is complete.
7 (2Co 5:12; Jn 7:24; 1Co 14:37) Do you look at things from the outward
appearance? If any man trusts that he is Christ's, let him consider again
that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
8 (2Co 13:10) For even if I should boast somewhat more of our authority,
which the Lord has given us for edification and not for your destruction,
I shall not be ashamed,
9 lest I appear to frighten you by my letters.
10 (1Co 1:17; 2Co 11:6) "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and
powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."
11 Let such a person consider this: that as we are in word by letters
when we are absent, we will also be in deed when we are present.
12 (2Co 3:1; Pr 26:12) For we dare not count or compare ourselves with those
who commend themselves. They who measure themselves by one another
and compare themselves with one another are not wise.
13 (Ro 15:20) But we will not boast beyond measure, but within the boundaries
which God has appointed us, which reach even you.
14 (1Co 4:15) For we are not overextending ourselves as though we did not
reach you, since we have come to you, preaching the gospel of Christ.
15 (Ro 15:20; 2Co 10:13) We are not boasting of things beyond our measure
in other men's labors. But we have hope that when your faith is increased,
our region shall be greatly enlarged by you,
16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you and not to boast in another
man's accomplishments.
17 (1Co 1:31; Jer 9:23-24) But, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
(Jer 9:24.)
18 (Ro 2:29; 1Co 4:5) For it is not he who commends himself who is approved,
but he whom the Lord commends.

[1] Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ,
who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
[2] But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that
confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as
if we walked according to the flesh.
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
[4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;)
[5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to
the obedience of Christ;
[6] And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your
obedience is fulfilled.
[7] Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to
himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as
he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
[8] For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord
hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be
ashamed:
[9] That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
[10] For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily
presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
[11] Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters
when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
[12] For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with
some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves,
and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
[13] But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to
the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach
even unto you.
[14] For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached
not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel
of Christ:
[15] Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's
labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be
enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
[16] To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in
another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
[17] But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
[18] For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord
commendeth. 

2 Corinthians 11

Paul and the False Apostles

1 (2Co 5:13; 11:4) I would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly.
Indeed, bear with me.
2 (Isa 54:5; Hos 2:19-20) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For
I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin
to Christ.
3 (Rev 12:9; Ge 3:4; Jn 8:44) But I fear that somehow, as the serpent
deceived Eve through his trickery, so your minds might be led astray
from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 (1Co 3:11; Gal 1:6-8) For if he who comes preaches another Jesus,
whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which
you have not received, or another gospel, which you have not accepted,
you might submit to it readily enough.
5 For I think I am not in any way inferior to the most eminent
of the apostles.
6 (1Co 1:17; Eph 3:4) Even though I am unpolished in speech, yet I am not
in knowledge. All things about us have been thoroughly revealed to you.
7 (2Co 12:13) Did I commit a sin in abasing myself that you might be exalted,
because I preached to you the gospel of God free of charge?
8 I robbed other churches by accepting wages from them to serve you.
9 (1Th 2:6) Furthermore, when I was present with you and was lacking,
I was a burden to no one. For the brothers who came from Macedonia
supplied what I lacked. In all things I have kept myself from being
burdensome to you, and so will I keep myself.
10 (Ro 9:1; Ac 18:12) As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop
me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11 (2Co 12:15; 12:2-3) Why? Because I do not love you? God knows.
12 (1Co 9:12) And I will continue doing what I am doing, that I may cut off
the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be found equal to us
in what they boast about.
13 (Rev 2:2; Gal 1:7) For such are false apostles and deceitful workers,
disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
14 (Gal 1:8) And no wonder! For even Satan disguises himself as an angel
of light.
15 (Php 3:19; 2Co 3:9) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also
disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be
according to their works.

[1] Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear
with me.
[2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you
to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his
subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in
Christ.
[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not
preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or
another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
[5] For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
[6] But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been
throughly made manifest among you in all things.
[7] Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted,
because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
[8] I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
[9] And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man:
for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia
supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto
you, and so will I keep myself.
[10] As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting
in the regions of Achaia.
[11] Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
[12] But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them
which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves
into the apostles of Christ.
[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as
the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle

16 (2Co 11:1; 12:6) I say again, let no one think that I am a fool.
Otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, so that I also may boast a little.
17 (1Co 7:12; 2Co 9:4) What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but
as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast.
19 (1Co 4:10) For you tolerate fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.
20 (Gal 2:4; 4:3) For you permit it if a man brings you into bondage, if a
man devours you, if a man takes from you, if a man exalts himself, or if a
man strikes you on the face.
21 (2Co 10:10; 10:1-2) I say to my reproach that we were too weak for that.
But whenever anyone is bold (I speak foolishly), I am bold also.
22 (Php 3:5; Ro 11:1) Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites?
So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
23 (1Co 15:10; 2Co 6:4-5) Are they servants of Christ? I speak as a fool.
I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure,
in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one.
25 (Ac 14:19) Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned;
three times I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 (Ac 14:5; 13:50; 17:5) in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils
of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in
perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in
perils among false brothers;
27 (2Co 6:5; Php 4:12; 1Th 2:9) in weariness and painfulness, in
sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold
and nakedness.
28 Beside the external things, the care of all the churches pressures
me daily.
29 (1Co 8:13; 9:22) Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin,
and I am not distressed?
30 (1Co 2:3) If I must boast, I will boast of the things which concern
my weakness.
31 (Ro 9:5; Jn 10:30) The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is blessed forevermore, knows that I am not lying.
32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas secured
the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me.
33 (Ac 9:25) But I was let down by the wall through a window in a basket
and escaped his hands.

[16] I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool
receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
[17] That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were
foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
[18] Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
[19] For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
[20] For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if
a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
[21] I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit
whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
[22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the
seed of Abraham? so am I.
[23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours
more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths
oft.
[24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
[25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered
shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
[26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in
perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the
city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among
false brethren;
[27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst,
in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
[28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily,
the care of all the churches.
[29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine
infirmities.
[31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for
evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
[32] In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the
Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
[33] And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and
escaped his hands.

2 Corinthians 12

Visions and Revelations

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

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

Paul's Concern for the Corinthian Church

11 (2Co 11:5; 11:1) I have become a fool in boasting. You have compelled me,
for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior
to the leading apostles, though I am nothing.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were performed among you in all patience,
in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13 (1Co 9:12; 2Co 12:14) For in what respect were you inferior to other
churches, unless it be that I myself was not burdensome to you?
Forgive me this wrong!
14 (Pr 19:14; 1Co 4:14-15) I am ready to come to you this third time.
And I will not be burdensome to you, for I do not seek what is yours,
but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but
the parents for the children.
15 (Php 2:17; 1Th 2:8) And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.
If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16 But be that as it may. I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty,
I caught you with deceit.
17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?
18 (2Co 8:6; Ro 4:12) I urged Titus to go, and with him I sent a brother.
Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit?
Did we not walk in the same steps?
19 (Ro 9:1; 2Co 10:8) Again, do you think that we are defending ourselves
to you? We speak before God in Christ. We do all things, beloved, for your
edifying.
20 (Ro 1:29; 1Co 1:11) For I fear that when I come, I shall not find you
such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish.
I fear there are debates, envying, wrath, strife, backbiting, whispering,
arrogance, and disorder.
21 (2Co 13:2; 1Co 5:1) And I fear that when I come again, my God will
humble me among you, and that I shall mourn for many who have sinned already,
who have not repented of uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lasciviousness
which they have committed.

[11] I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to
have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest
apostles, though I be nothing.
[12] Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience,
in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
[13] For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be
that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
[14] Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be
burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not
to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
[15] And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more
abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
[16] But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I
caught you with guile.
[17] Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
[18] I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain
of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
[19] Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God
in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
[20] For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would,
and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be
debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings,
tumults:
[21] And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that
I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the
uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

2 Corinthians 13

Final Warnings and Greetings

1 (Dt 19:15; 2Co 12:14) This is the third time I am coming to you. "In the
mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (Dt 19:15.)
2 (2Co 1:23) I told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second
time. And being absent now, I write to those who have sinned before, and to
all the others, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone,
3 (Mt 10:20) since you seek proof of Christ speaking through me, who toward
you is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4 (1Pe 3:18; Ro 6:4; 1:4) For though He was crucified through weakness, yet
He lives by the power of God. So also we are weak in Him, but we shall live
with Him by the power of God serving you.
5 (1Co 11:28; Ro 8:10) Examine yourselves, seeing whether you are in the
faith; test yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless
indeed you are disqualified.
6 I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved,
but that you should do that which is honorable, whether or not we may seem
disqualified.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 (2Co 13:11; 1Th 3:10) For we are glad when we are weak, and you are strong.
We wish even your perfection.
10 (2Co 10:8; 2:3) Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being
present I should be sharp, according to the authority which the Lord has
given me for edification and not for destruction.
11 (Ro 15:33; Mk 9:50; Ro 12:16) Finally, brothers, farewell. Be perfect,
be of good comfort, be of one mind, and live in peace, and the God of love
and peace will be with you.
12 (Ro 16:16) Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you.
14 (Ro 16:20; Php 2:1; Jude 1:21) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Amen.

[1] This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three
witnesses shall every word be established.
[2] I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second
time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and
to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
[3] Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not
weak, but is mighty in you.
[4] For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power
of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power
of God toward you.
[5] Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be
reprobates?
[6] But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
[7] Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear
approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as
reprobates.
[8] For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
[9] For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we
wish, even your perfection.
[10] Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I
should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to
edification, and not to destruction.
[11] Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
[12] Greet one another with an holy kiss.
[13] All the saints salute you.
[14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

2) Our Daily Bread for 3 December 2025 Titled
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals
/devotional-category/growth-through-pain"> Growth Through Pain </a>
By:  Marvin Williams

Psalm 119:65-72

טT  eth
65 You have been good to Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good discernment and knowledge,
for I have believed Your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I wandered,
but now I keep Your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me Your statutes.
69 The proud have spoken lies against me,
but I keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as thick as fat,
but I delight in Your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I might learn Your statutes.
72 The law from Your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver coins.

[65] Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
[66] Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy
commandments.
[67] Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
[68] Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
[69] The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts
with my whole heart.
[70] Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
[71] It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy
statutes.
[72] The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and
silver.

The brain is remarkably small, but stress can make it even smaller. Recent 
research has revealed that cumulative stress can shrink the prefrontal cortex,
the part of the brain responsible for managing emotions, impulses, and social 
interactions. This shrinkage is linked to anxiety and depression, 
highlighting the toll that a lifetime of stress can take. But there's good 
news - the brain's plasticity allows it to heal through intentional practices 
like exercise, meditation, and meaningful relationships.

The psalmist in Psalm 119 understood this idea of growth and healing after 
facing stress and hardship: "IIt is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I might learn Your statutes." (v. 71). Affliction, though painful, 
became the psalmist's teacher - taking us from being "astray" from God 
to choosing to "obey [His] word" (v. 67). The psalmist expresses gratitude 
for his bitter medicine and God’s goodness (v. 68). While he understood that 
affliction and suffering could diminish him, he trusted God to use those
experiences to refine and restore him (v. 66).

Like our brains, our spirits are capable of being stretched. God uses this 
stretching to cause growth and renewal. Through Scripture, prayer, and a 
Spirit-inspired perspective, He can reverse the effects of our hardships. 
He can use our afflictions for our spiritual growth, transforming 
pain into purpose.

Reflect & Pray

How has God helped you grow in faith through suffering?
How have you embraced gratitude?

Loving God, thank You for teaching me through my trials.

<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/discovery-series/why-seeing-god-in-our-pain
/the-problem-of-pain">To learn more about faith in pain, read Why? 
Seeing God in Our Pain.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 4 - freedom from Fear

Psalms 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom will I be afraid?

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Marcy was afraid of the dark. As a child she slept with a nightlight on,
and even she matured, she still had a fear of dark places.
When she was at home alone, she kept all the lights on,
and a small lamp at her bedside glowed through the night.
The psalmist David reflects that common fear of darkness when he says
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?"
David does not say, "The Lord brings light," but "The Lord is my light".
God is the source of understanding and security in our lives.
He is the One who can expose and deal with our fears.
When we are afraid - afraid of losing a job or a loved one,
afraid of making mistakes, afraid of being hurt, afraid of what others may
say about us - we can turn to the Lord who can handle our fears.
He is a "stronghold", a fortress of protection around us,
and in him we are safe.
Often we turn to other places for our security - to the bank account,
to a spouse or loved one, to the approval of the world.
We mistakenly think that these sources can provide a foundation of defence
against uncertainty of life. But when we find that people disappoint us, money
loses its value, and the praise of others is fleeting,
we must turn again to the true source of security, God alone.

Application

a) What sources of security have I trusted in besides God?
What was the result of that trust?

b) In what ways have I depended upon God for my security?

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

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Deut 30:19-20

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

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

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

God's Freeing Forgiveness

Ps 103:1-14

PSALMS 103

A Psalm of David.

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

Psalm 103

A Psalm of David.

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

Remember God's promises when You pray

The Lord's prayer 

Matthew 6:9-13

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

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


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

The Northern Territories of Canada

Yukon

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

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

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

Northwest Territories (NWT)

NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473

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

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

Nunavut (NU)

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

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

3nd Day of the Month

a) Pray for the province of Alberta as follows:
I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, that God's Spirit would influence then to
act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards. (
1 Tim 2:1-4
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3 (1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in
the sight of God our Savior,
4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 for kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

II) Pray for the churches of the province, that they would be lighthouses
beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.
III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding the Hope Campaign
and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus

b) Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.
( John 16:8 - When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment:

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:

) 

Advent Day 11

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

"We cannot conceive how the Divine Spirit dwelled
within the created and human spirit of Jesus....
What we can understand... is that our own... existence is...
but a faint image of the Divine Incarnation itself
- the same theme in a very minor key."

- C. S. Lewis

(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 147.)

Like Father, Like Son

"Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." We've read those words from
John's Gospel earlier in these devotions. Jesus came from the Father. Jesus
came to do the will of the Father. The Father knows him, and he knows the 
Father. He and the Father are one. He will return to the Father. Truly, like 
Father, like Son.

Have you ever wondered why the image of a newborn baby, lying in a manger, 
tugs at our hearts? Some of us love that image because we are parents, and we 
recall those early days of parentage. But there is far more to this picture. 
Part of God came to us and has been with us since the original creation, when 
God made us in his image. And, as Lewis writes, in us and in our children 
there is "a faint image of the Divine Incarnation itself." The image may be 
faint, "the same theme in a very minor key," but it's there.

And then, Jesus comes to live in us as we believe in him. Paul says it this 
way: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). He is there in us, in 
the image of God, and he is there in us by faith when we believe, making us 
like him.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making us in your image, for showing us the 
Father, for living in us and for making us like you. Amen.

Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. - John 14:9

From follow the story by Marva J. Dawn

WEDNESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Receptivity

Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord. ..."

-Luke 1:38a

As was said in yesterday's meditation, Mary's consent was as striking a
wonder as other great works of God. That she was willing to go through
the gossip-causing pregnancy and the cruel agony of being the Christ's
mother was truly phenomenal. How highly we should honor her!

Mary also is a notable model for us. She was thoroughly obedient to
whatever God had in mind for her as she responded, "Let it be with me
according to your word."

Are we as willing to acquiesce in whatever God knows is best for us 
(in eternal perspective) and most conducive for his purposes for the world?
I must confess that I don't receive all God's intentions for me with alacrity
or fervor. Some events in our lives probably seem too arduous
for us. I'm not saying that the evil forces don't cause us handicaps,
trials and much unpleasantness, but God has promised that all things
will work together (eventually) for good.
Can we encounter whatever God allows with thanksgiving?

Prayer

God Almighty, may we willingly endorse, as Mary did, your
outline for our lives. Amen.

Read Luke 1:26-38.

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

From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

SECOND WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ANNOUNCEMENTS!

1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching
in the wilderness of Judea,
2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand." MATTHEW 3:1-2

Today's Gospel lesson announces to us that John the Baptist was one of
the best "announcers" of all time . . . even better than Ed McMahon or Ryan
Seacrest! He captured people's attention( wouldn't anyone wearing camel's
hair and eating locusts?). he knew his "product,' he was proud to be a
spokesperson, and he articulated his "mission statement" quite well:
"Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near... prepare the way of the Lord!"

And so it is with us AH-Ha people of Advent! We are announcers for
the Lord in all that we do, say and think. John's mission was to introduce
Christ and point people to the Lord. So is ours. How are we doing?

A little girl was playing the role of the head angel in the Christmas pageant
She took control, as head angels do, and made sure all the junior angels
stayed in their places. But all the energy arid excitement were too much
for them as they scurried in front of the manger scene. blocking out Mary,
Joseph and even Baby Jesus. It became too much for the head angel to
handle and she shouted to the overly eager angels, "Get out of the ways
Nobody can see Jesus"!

Sometimes l block people from seeing Jesus also. l get caught up in
telling my story, and I fail to tell his story. 
Sometimes I do not take the time to
introduce people to the Lord. Sometimes my winging it doesn't help either.

And yet, the Lord continues to woo us all back to being announcers of
his story of love and forgiveness. What an announcement--from the Lord
himself! Enjoy being an AH-HA of Advent as we announce that Christ is
coming, is here now and will come again. But ... maybe drop the locust idea!

Lord, forgive us when we do not allow Jesus to be seen through what
we say and do. Forgive us when our story is not your story. Thanks for
continuing to cal us as your announcers of the best story of all--a baby
called Jesus ... in a manger ... foe us! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Matthew 3:1-12

Matthew 3

The Preaching of John the Baptist

Mk 1:1-8; Lk 3:1-9, 15-17; Jn 1:19-28

1 (Mt 11:11; 16:14) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching
in the wilderness of Judea,
2 (Mt 4:17; Da 2:44; Mt 6:10) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand."
3 (Isa 40:3; Lk 1:76) For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah,
saying:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord;
make His paths straight.' " [Isa 40:3].
4 (Lev 11:22; 2Ki 1:8) This same John had clothing made of camel's hair,
a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
5 (Mk 1:5) Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region
around the Jordan went out to him,
6 (Ac 19:18; Mt 3:11) and were baptized by him in the Jordan,
confessing their sins.
7 (Mt 12:34; 23:33) But when he saw many of the Pharisees
and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them,
"O generation of vipers, who has warned you to escape from the wrath to one?
8 (Ac 26:20; Jer 36:3) Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance,
9 (Lk 3:8; 16:24) and do not think to say within yourselves,
'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you that God is able
from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.
10 (Mt 7:19; Jn 15:2) Even now the axe is put to the tree roots.
Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down
and thrown into the fire.
11 (Ac 1:5; Lk 3:16; Isa 4:4) "I indeed baptize you with water to repentance,
but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy
to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
12 (Mal 4:1; Mt 13:30) His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly
clean His floor and gather His wheat into the granary,
but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." 

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

Vessels of Light

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.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (MEV)

[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, and not of us. (KJV)

We were an hour from beginning our day at Bible Camp, and the
anticipation was growing. Although we were excited, we were
starting to get nervous. It was our very first time leading a Bible
Camp, and we were really hoping that everything would go
smoothly.
I thought that my experience as an elementary school teacher
would be enough to settle the anxiety, but it wasn’t. We quickly
realized that we needed to depend on God to calm our hearts, we
couldn’t do this on our own.
Turning to the Father, we began to pray and worship. Bringing our
concerns to him, we worshipped in song, and thanked him for his
character revealed to us in the Bible. He transformed our hearts.
The uncertainty didn’t disappear, but God gave us a truly hopeful
perspective. We went from thinking it all depended on us, to
remembering that it was never about us in the first place. This camp
wasn’t ours - it was his. And he was right there, dwelling with us. We
were simply vessels, called to reflect his light and truth to the
children he brought there.

Lauren Abrol
Bible Camp Volunteer 

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the spiritual battle around you and
for discernment. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, You know me best and love me most. 
I'm so grateful for Your hand on my life."

Pray to the Lord and pray to put full trust in the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to cleave to the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the compassions and mercies of the Lord.

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 Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin
and Canadian to faith in Christ.

Pray: God Almighty, may we willingly endorse, as Mary did, your
outline for our lives. Amen.

Pray: Lord, we pray today:"Lord,
forgive us when we do not allow Jesus to be seen through what
we say and do. Forgive us when our story is not your story. Thanks for
continuing to cal us as your announcers of the best story of all--a baby
called Jesus ... in a manger ... foe us! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!"

Pray: O God, we give thanks for how you continue to come to us. As
we await the birth of your Son this Advent season, teach us how
to love one another as you have loved us. Help us to be present
with others to share your gift of love. Amen.

Jesus, you came to the earth to conquer sin and death, and
transform our hearts to be a dwelling place for your presence.
Break us free from sin and darkness so that we might be filled with
your light. When we feel insufficient or uncertain, help us turn our
focus back to you.

Fill us with hope this Advent by showing us the truth of who you
are, and our identity in you.

Pray that Gospel seeds will be planted 
and take root in the hearts of many more Bahrainis.

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