Day 339 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 339, 5 December 2025, - 13th Day of Advent 

1) Acts 24, Acts 25, Acts 26

Acts 24

The Case Against Paul

1 (Ac 23:2; 24:11) After five days Ananias the high priest arrived with some
of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought before the governor
their charges against Paul.
2 When he was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Since through
you we enjoy much peace, and your foresight is bringing reforms
to this nation,
3 (Ac 23:26; 26:25) with all thankfulness, most excellent Felix,
we always welcome it everywhere.
4 But not to detain you further,
I beg you to briefly hear us in your patience.
5 (Ac 28:22; 24:14; 15:5) "We have found this man a troublemaker, instigating
riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect
of the Nazarenes.
6 He even tried to profane the temple.
So we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law.
7 But the commander, Lysias, came to us and forcefully took him
out of our hands,
8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you
will be able to learn about all these things concerning which we accuse him."
9 The Jews assented, alleging these things to be true.

1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and
with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing
that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done
unto this nation by thy providence,
3 we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all
thankfulness.
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that
thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among
all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the
Nazarenes:
6 who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took,
and would have judged according to our law.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him
away out of our hands,
8 commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself
mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

Paul's Defense Before Felix

10 After the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Knowing that
for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully defend
myself.
11 (Ac 24:1; 21:18) You may verify that it is no more than twelve days since
I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 (Ac 25:8; 28:17) They did not find me in the temple or in the synagogues
or in the city disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.
13 (Ac 25:7) They cannot prove the things concerning which they now accuse me.
14 (Ac 3:13; 9:2) However, I affirm that in accordance with the Way, which
they call a sect, I worship the God of my fathers and believe everything
written in the Law and in the Prophets.
15 (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28-29) I have hope in God that there will be a resurrection
of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, which they also expect.
16 (Ac 23:1) In this do I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God
and toward men.
17 (Gal 2:10; Ac 11:29-30) "Now after many years I came to bring alms
and offerings to my nation,
18 (Ac 26:21) when some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple,
neither with a crowd nor an uproar.
19 (Ac 23:30) They ought to be here before you to accuse me if they have any
charges.
20 Or let these men say what crime they found in me when I stood before the
Sanhedrin,
21 (Ac 23:6) unless it is concerning this one statement which I cried out
while standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead,
I am being judged by you this day.' "
22 When Felix, who had more exact knowledge concerning the Way, had heard
this, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander
arrives, I will decide your case."
23 (Ac 27:3; 28:16) Then he ordered the centurion to guard Paul,
and to let him have liberty, and to forbid none of his own people from
attending to him.

10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,
answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto
this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days
since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither
raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
13 neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy,
so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written
in the law and in the prophets:
15 and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there
shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of
offence toward God, and toward men.
17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither
with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought
against me.
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me,
while I stood before the council,
21 except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching
the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that
way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come
down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and
that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

Paul Held in Custody

24 (Ac 20:21; Gal 2:16) After several days, when Felix arrived with his wife
Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning
faith in Christ.
25 (Ac 10:42; Gal 5:23) As he lectured about righteousness, self-control,
and the coming judgment, Felix was afraid and answered, "For now, leave!
When time permits, I will send for you."
26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he
might release him. So he sent for him more often and conversed with him.
27 (Ac 25:9; 25:14; 12:3) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix.
And Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.

24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was
a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,
Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a
convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might
loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix,
willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Acts 25

Paul Appeals to Caesar

1 (Ac 23:34) Now three days after Festus had come into the province, he went
from Caesarea up to Jerusalem.
2 (Ac 25:15; 24:1) The high priest and the elders of the Jews spoke to him
against Paul. And they begged him,
3 asking as a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem,
plotting to kill him along the way.
4 Festus said that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself
intended to go there shortly.
5 He also said, "Let the men in authority go down
with me. If there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."
6 (Ac 25:17; Mt 27:19) Having stayed among them more than ten days, he went
down to Caesarea. And the next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered
that Paul be brought in.
7 (Ac 24:13; Lk 23:2) When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from
Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges against him
which they could not prove,
8 (Ac 24:12; 28:17) while he defended himself, saying, "Neither against
the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have
I sinned at all."
9 (Ac 24:27; 25:20) Desiring to do the Jews a favor, Festus answered, "Are you
willing to go up to Jerusalem to be judged
concerning these charges before me?"
10 Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought
to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you know very well.
11 (Ac 26:32; 28:19) If I am doing wrong or have done anything worthy
of death, I do not refuse to die. But if these are empty charges of
which these men accuse me, no one may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."
12 When Festus had conferred with the council, he then answered,
"To Caesar you have appealed. To Caesar you shall go."

1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended
from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul,
and besought him,
3 and desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem,
laying wait in the way to kill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cæsarea, and that he
himself would depart shortly thither.
5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me,
and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto
Cæsarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be
brought.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round
about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could
not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither
against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt
thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar's judgment seat, where I ought to be
judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I
refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse
me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered,
Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.

Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice

13 After several days King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea
to welcome Festus.
14 (Ac 24:27) When they had been there many days, Festus stated Paul's case to
the king, saying, "There is a man left as a prisoner by Felix.
15 When I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews
informed me about him, asking for a sentence against him.
16 (Ac 25:4-5; Jn 7:51) "I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans
to deliver any man to die before he who is accused meets the accusers face
to face and has the opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge
brought against him.'
17 (Ac 25:6; 25:10) So when they assembled here, without delay I sat
on the judgment seat the next day and ordered that the man be brought in.
18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such
crimes as I had supposed.
19 (Ac 18:15; 23:29) But they had disagreements with him about their own
religion and about a Man named Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted
was alive.
20 (Ac 25:9) Being perplexed about such questions, I asked if he would be
willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning these charges.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be under guard for the decision of Caesar,
I ordered that he be secured until I could send him to Caesar."
22 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man
myself." He said, "Tomorrow you shall hear him."
23 (Ac 25:13; 26:30) The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp,
and they entered the hall with the commanders and the leading men of the city.
When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in.
24 (Ac 22:22; 25:7) Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all the men who are
present with us, you see this man, concerning whom the whole assembly
of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he
ought not to live any longer.
25 (Ac 23:29; Lk 23:4) I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death.
But when he himself appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him.
26 But I have nothing to write to His Majesty concerning him. Therefore
I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,
so that upon examination, I might have something to write.
27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without signifying
the charges against him."

13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cæsarea
to salute Festus.
14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto
the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of
the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man
to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and
have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I
sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of
such things as I supposed:
19 but had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of
one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether
he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus,
I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cæsar.
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself.
To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp,
and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and
principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us,
ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me,
both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that
he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have
brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa,
that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal
to signify the crimes laid against him.

Acts 26

Paul's Defense Before Agrippa

1 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for
yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:
2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today I shall make
my defense before you against all the accusations of the Jews,
3 (Ac 6:14) especially because you are an expert in all customs and
controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to patiently listen to me.
4 (Gal 1:13) "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning
in my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.
5 (Ac 23:6; 22:3) They knew me from the beginning and could testify,
if they wished, how according to the strictest sect of our religion
I lived as a Pharisee.
6 (Ac 24:15; 28:20) And now I stand on trial for hope in the promise made
by God to our fathers,
7 (Jas 1:1; Ezr 6:17) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they
earnestly serve God day and night. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa,
I am accused by the Jews.
8 Why is it judged incredible by you that God raises the dead?
9 (1Ti 1:13; Ac 22:8) "I, too, thought that I must do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,
10 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) which I indeed did in Jerusalem and locked up
many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests.
And when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.
11 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:19) I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled
them to blaspheme. And being extremely enraged against them, I persecuted them
even to foreign cities.

1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.
Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this
day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
3 especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions
which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own
nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
5 which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify,
that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made
of God unto our fathers:
7 unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night,
hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you,
that God should raise the dead?
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary
to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut
up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests;
and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme;
and being exceedingly mad against them,
I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

Paul Tells of His Conversion

Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16

12 "So I went to Damascus with authority
and a commission from the chief priests.
13 At midday, O King, I saw along the way a light from heaven, brighter than
the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.
14 (Ac 21:40; 9:7) When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice
saying to me in the Hebrew language,
'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
15 "I said, 'Who are You, Lord?'
"He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
16 (Ac 22:14-15; Eze 2:1) But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared
to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of
what you have seen and of what I will yet reveal to you.
17 (Ac 9:15; Jer 1:8) I will deliver you from your people
and from the Gentiles to whom I now send you,
18 (Ac 20:32; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 35:5) to open their eyes and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified
by faith in Me.'

12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the
chief priests,
13 at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the
brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed
with me.
14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto
me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest.
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this
purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which
thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17 delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles,
unto whom now I send thee,
18 to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified
by faith that is in me.

Paul's Testimony to Jews and Gentiles

19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
20 (Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19) but declared first to those at Damascus, then at
Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,
that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance.
21 (Ac 21:30-31; 21:27) For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple
and tried to kill me.
22 (Ac 24:14; Lk 24:27) Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue
to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what
the prophets and Moses said would happen:
23 (Rev 1:5; Lk 2:32; Col 1:18) that the Christ must suffer, that He would be
the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own
people and to the Gentiles."

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20 but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout
all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent
and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple,
and went about to kill me.
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day,
witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those
which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should
rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the
Gentiles.

Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe

24 (1Co 4:10; 2Ki 9:11) So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud
voice, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness."
25 (Ac 23:26; 24:3) Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak
the words of truth and reason.
26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I
am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a
corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."
28 (Ac 11:26) Then Agrippa said to Paul,
"You almost persuade me to be a Christian."
29 (Ac 21:33; 1Co 7:7) Paul said, "I pray to God that not only you,
but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly
and altogether, what I am, except for these chains."
30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor
and Bernice and those who sat with them.
31 (Ac 23:29; 23:9) When they had gone aside, they said to one another,
"This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment."
32 (Ac 28:18) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free
if he had not appealed to Caesar."

24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul,
thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words
of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely:
for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him;
for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear
me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these
bonds.
30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor,
and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
31 and when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying,
This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty,
if he had not appealed unto Caesar. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 5 December 2025 Titled
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category
/walking-with-god2"> Walking with God </a> by Dave Branon

Galatians 5:7-10

7 (1Co 9:24; Gal 3:1) You were running well. Who hindered you
from obeying the truth?
8 (Gal 1:6) This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.
9 (1Co 15:33) A little yeast leavens the whole batch.
10 (2Co 2:3; Gal 1:7) I have confidence in you through the Lord
that you will not think otherwise. But he who is troubling you shall
bear his judgment, whoever he is.

[7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
[8] This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
[9] A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
[10] I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none
otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment,
whosoever he be.

Proverbs 13:20

20 (1Ki 12:8) He who walks with wise men will be wise,
but a companion of fools will be destroyed.

20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise:
But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

It was Tuesday at the gym, so the people walking around the track were 
supposed to go clockwise. The first walkers my wife joined were doing that. 
But then another person walked onto the track going counterclockwise. 
A couple of her friends joined her - and then another. Suddenly there was 
chaos on the track - and it took a few minutes to restore order.

While the wrong-way walkers intended no harm, I couldn't help but think about 
the power of influence. One person headed the wrong way leads to another, 
and on it goes. It's a bit like Proverbs 13:20: 
"He who walks with wise men will be wise,
but a companion of fools will be destroyed." Following a person going 
the wrong way leads to trouble.

In Galatians 5, Paul explains how such a mistake can halt our spiritual 
progress. "You were running a good race," he says. "You were running well.
Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from 
Him who calls you." (vv. 7-8). God, who desires obedience, never leads us 
away from truth and "into confusion" (v. 10). But those who oppose His truth
can hamper our spiritual walk by redirecting us from Him.

God wants to be our guide. When we walk with Him, we'll 
never wander in the wrong direction.

Reflect & Pray

In what situations are you allowing someone to lead you away from God? 
What can you do to change your course?

Dear God, thank You for Scripture, 
which tells me to direct my steps toward You. 
Please help me follow You better today.
 
<A href="https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-living
/evangelism-missions-the-church/another-gospel"> Learn more about Paul's 
letter to the Galatians.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 4 -The Blessings of Grace Day 6 - A Reasonable Alternative

Isaiah 1:18

18 (Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14) "Come now, and let us reason together, "
says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

"Is Christianity Reasonable?" Linda Wanted to Know. "I've heard all my life
that faith is a crutch, an invention of weak minds to assure them
of some order in the world."
Linda was not alone in her objection; thinking people for generations
have been asking themselves the same question.
God is not intimidated by our questions; in fact, he confronts the issue
head-on in the Scriptures. "Let us reason together," the Lord invites.
Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,
faith is a reasonable alternative , a rational choice for a thinking person.
God indicates in his Word that confession and forgiveness are "reasonable".
"Think!" God says. "You sin, and you know it. You are not even able to be
true to your own principles. You cannot deal with your sin by will power
or effort. But I can deal with it! I can forgive it - and I will"
We cannot come to faith in God through Christ by intellect alone, of course.
Our spirits much reach out in faith, beyond what we can see. But intellect
supports faith; trusting in Christ is an eminently rational decision.
In Deut 30:1-20 , God set before the people a choice: Life or Death, blessing
or cursing. "Choose Life!" he tells them. We have the same choice.
The ultimate decision is thus simplified, the 'rational' alternative becomes
clear. We can choose death, by attempting to control our own destinies ,
or life, by giving ourselves fully into the hand of the Master.

Application

a) Why is the choice to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness a
'Rational choice'?

b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?

c) What other aspects of God's word
and work in my life seem 'reasonable' to me? 

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Mark 4:20-25

20 (Mk 4:8; Jn 15:4-5) "Still others are seed sown on good ground,
those who hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit:
thirty, sixty, or a hundred times as much."

A Light Under a Basket

Lk 8:16-18

21 (Mt 5:15; Lk 8:16) He said to them, "Is a candle brought to be put
under a basket or under a bed and not to be set on a candlestick?
22 (Lk 8:17) For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed;
neither is anything kept secret except to be proclaimed.
23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15)If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.
The measure you give will be measured for you,
and to you who hear will more be given.
25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.
And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."

20 And these are they which are sown on good ground;
such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit,
some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put
under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested;
neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete,
it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given:
and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

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

God's Help in Times of Temptation

Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 (Heb 6:20; 1:2-3) Since then we have a great High Priest
Who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold firmly to our confession.
15 (2Co 5:21; Jn 8:46) For we do not have a High Priest
who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses,
but One who was in every sense tempted like we are, yet without sin.
16 (Eph 3:12; Php 4:6-7) Let us then come with confidence
to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help in time of need.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,
that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need.

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 northern 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

5th Day of the Month

a) Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself
(PS 145:13-18
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all wait upon You,
and You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways
and loving in all His works.
18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,
to all who call upon Him in truth.
)

Mem
13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
Samek
14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Ain
15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;
And thou givest them their meat in due season.
Pe
16 Thou openest thine hand,
And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
Zade
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,
And holy in all his works.
Qoph
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,
To all that call upon him in truth.

b) Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness
( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,
and lead me in the ancient way. "

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

) 

Advent Day 13

From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle

{The great French writer] "Montaigne became kittenish with his kitten but 
she never talked philosophy to him. Everywhere the great enters the 
little-its power to do so is almost the test of its greatness." - C. S. Lewis

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

The Great Enters the Little

Why was Jesus born in such a small town? Because it was the town of King
David, and Jesus was descended from the family of David. Although Micah said 
of Bethlehem, "you are small among the clans of Judah," that was in God's 
plan from the beginning. The size of the town didn't matter.

God so often surprises us by doing big things in little places, by
resisting the proud and exalting the humble, by choosing ordinary people
to do great things, and, in general, by doing the unexpected. What more
humble circumstances could we imagine than an unmarried, pregnant teenage
girl, with her betrothed husband, hurrying nearly a hundred miles from
little Nazareth to little Beth­lehem? What could be more humbling than
enrolling in a census late in a pregnancy, settling for less than ideal
accommodations, and giving birth far from the centers of power? The great
enters the little. God becomes a baby. Think of it. The creator of the
universe stoops to become a child.

Lewis calls it a test of greatness. In what ways have we
stooped to enter the little? Have we taken the time to
serve meals to the poor in a soup kitchen?
Have we visited the sick and imprisoned?
Have we clothed the naked? Have we welcomed the stranger?
If not, perhaps today is the day to change all that.

Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.
Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you
exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.

16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,
and the Baby lying in a manger.

Luke 2:16

From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn

FRIDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Confirmation

43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

-Luke 1:43

Elizabeth's words to Mary provided numerous confirmations of the message from 
Gabriel. First, she knew that Mary was pregnant before it could possibly 
show. Second, she knew Mary was pregnant with her Lord! That insight could 
only have come by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
within her.

Next, Elizabeth told Mary that the child she carried had leaped for Joy.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth's child had recognized the One
for Whom he would be a forerunner.

Finally, Elizabeth pronounced another blessing upon Mary for having
believed what had been prophesied. Thank God that Mary had concurred
with Gabriel's revelations!

Most of us don't experience angels coming to us in a dream or vision
and announcing what will take place in our future,
but we can read God's promises in his Word. What kinds of
promises for this life, our faith and eternal life has God
given us in the Scriptures? Do we take God at his Word?

prayer

Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your
new creation with Joy! Amen.

Read Luke 1:39-45.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,
to a city of Judah,
40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43 But why is this granted to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."

From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

SECOND FRIDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AMAZEMENT!

2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.ISAIAH 9:2

I like being with little kids. They are so amazing because they get amazed
at so many little things! "Look. Mom, a wiggly worm!" Gramps, did you
know bees can smell fear? And the riddles and jokes they laugh at are
silly, like 'Did you know a raisin is a grape with a sunburn?" and "Why was
there a bee in the man's souls'? Because it was alphabet soups'

Amazing, isn't it. how amazing little kids are, as well as adults who hang on
to their amazement although life? Advent is a time for amazement, big
time! We ambassadors of Advent continue to sense the amazing grace of
God's love for us. especially through Scriptures like Isaiah 9:1-7. We too are
people who "walk in darkness" because of sin, and we too have "seen a
great light"--Jesus Christ ! This Child has been born for us. God's Son has
been given to us . . . as a gift! It has nothing whatsoever to do with what we
have done or should have done or had better get done. No way. It's not
about us; it's about him, Jesus Christ! Amazing. indeed!

Amazed means filled with wonder! Join me and others in singing
'And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders.
wonders of his love '!

Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent
Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy
and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and
play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for
making us ambassadors of amazement.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Isaiah 9:1-7.

Isaiah 9

The Coming King

1 (2Ki 15:29; 2Ch 16:4) Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom
for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously
treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
but in the latter time He shall make it glorious,
by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.
3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation
and increased the joy;
they rejoice before You
according to the joy of harvest
and as men rejoice
when they divide the spoil.
4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden
and the bar of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor
as in the day of Midian's defeat.
5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace
there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to order it and to establish it
with justice and with righteousness,
from now until forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Hosts
will perform this.

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca"> On Eagle's wings</a> Day 5

Teach Me Lord To Wait

14 Wait on the Lord; be strong, and may your heart be stout;
wait on the Lord.

[14] Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine
heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 27:14 

There are so many lessons to learn when deciding to move from life
in southern BC to a life in a small village in the far north of Canada.
From a couple who had lived there previously, I received excellent
advice about what clothes to take, what food supplies to have with
me, and how to arrange transportation to get me and everything
there. I was even warned about possible delays. Anyone who has
travelled to, lived in, or worked in the North will know what I mean
as a “delayed” memory flashes in your head!
Once well settled in my new home and making a heartfelt effort to
learn Inuktitut, I was always asking questions of my new Inuit
friends. One answer seemed to be repeated many times, depending
on the question. That word was “IMAHA”. It translates as “maybe”.
Are you going hunting today? Imaha!
Will the plane land today? Imaha!
Their patience with my questions and my own eventual
understanding of just how important learning the arts of “waiting”
and “patience” are, became the bedrock of over 30 years living in
Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay.
We do know Jesus lived on earth with us. We don’t know when He
will return. Will it be today? Tomorrow? Next year? Imaha!
In the meantime we wait with great anticipation, being prepared
and ready for that day. Life is full when God is in it.

Terry Jessudason
Former Board Member of On Eagle's Wings 9

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to be strong in Christ with your testimony. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for Scripture, 
which tells me to direct my steps toward You. 
Please help me follow You better today."

Pray to the Lord and pray for forgiveness of sins.

Pray to the Lord and pray to shine for the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who knows you temptations.

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 Canada's First Nation peoples,
that the Lord will draw them to Himself

Pray for the Lord to search your life ,
reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness

Pray: Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.
Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you
exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.

Pray: Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your
new creation with Joy! Amen.

Pray: Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent
Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy
and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and
play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for
making us ambassadors of amazement.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Lord, we come to you with open hearts. Fill us, in these Advent
days, with hope, peace and joy knowing you will renew our
strength in every situation. Amen

Pray that churches in the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES will find creative ways
to reach others in their communities with the Gospel message.

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