Day 340 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 340, 6 December 2025 - 14th Day of Advent

1) Acts 27, Acts 28

Acts 27

Paul Sails for Rome

1 (Ac 25:25; 10:1; 25:12) When it was decided that we should sail into Italy,
they handed Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion of the Augustan
Regiment, named Julius.
2 (Ac 19:29) Boarding a ship from Adramyttium, we put out to sea, meaning
to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica,
was with us.
3 (Ac 24:23; 28:16) The next day we landed at Sidon. And Jul­ius treated Paul
kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be given care.
4 (Ac 4:36) From there we put out to sea and sailed under the lee of Cyprus,
because the winds were against us.
5 (Ac 6:9; 13:13) Sailing across the sea off of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came
to Myra, a city of Lycia.
6 (Ac 28:11) There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy,
and he put us on board.
7 (Ac 27:21; 2:11) We sailed slowly for many days, and arrived with difficulty
off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to proceed, we sailed under the
lee of Crete off Salmone.
8 Sailing past it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens,
near the city of Lasea.
9 (Lev 23:27-29; Nu 29:7) As much time had been lost and as the voyage was now
dangerous, because the Day of Atonement was already over, Paul advised them,
10 saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will be with injury and much
loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives."
11 But the centurion was persuaded more by the captain and the owner of the
ship than by what Paul said.
12 Since the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority decided to
sail on from there, if somehow we might reach Phoenix, a harbour in Crete,
facing southwest and northwest, and winter there.

[1] And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they
delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a
centurion of Augustus' band.
[2] And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by
the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being
with us.
[3] And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated
Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
[4] And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because
the winds were contrary.
[5] And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to
Myra, a city of Lycia.
[6] And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy;
and he put us therein.
[7] And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over
against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over
against Salmone;
[8] And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair
havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
[9] Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous,
because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
[10] And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt
and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
[11] Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the
ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
[12] And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part
advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice,
and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south
west and north west.

The Storm at Sea

13 When a south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained the
necessary conditions, they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.
14 (Mk 4:37) But soon afterward a tempestuous wind swept through, called the
Euroclydon.(Or Northeaster.)
15 When the ship was overpowered and could not head into the wind, we let her
drift.
16 Drifting under the lee of an island called Cauda, we could scarcely secure
the rowboat.
17 (Ac 27:29; 27:26) When they had ­hoisted it aboard, they used ropes to
undergird the ship. And fearing that they might run aground on the sand of
Syrtis, they let down the mast, and so were driven.
18 (Jnh 1:5; Ac 27:38) We were violently tossed by the storm. The next day
they threw cargo overboard.
19 On the third day we threw the tackle of the ship overboard with our own
hands.
20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was
upon us, all hope that we should be saved was lost.
21 After they had long abstained from food, Paul stood in their midst and
said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete,
incurring this injury and loss.
22 (Ac 27:25; 27:36) But now I advise you to take courage, for there will be
no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
23 (Ac 5:19; 23:11) For there stood by me this night the angel of God to whom
I belong and whom I serve,
24 (Ac 23:11; Ge 19:29) saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before
Caesar. And, look! God has given you all those who sail with you.'
25 (Ro 4:20-21) Therefore, men, take courage, for I believe God that it will
be exactly as it was told to me.
26 (Ac 28:1; 27:17) Nevertheless, we must be shipwrecked on a certain island."
27 When the fourteenth night came, while we were drifting in the Adriatic Sea,
about midnight the sailors supposed that they were approaching land.
28 They took soundings and found the water to be one hundred and twenty
feet deep.(Gk. 20 orguias, about 37 meters.) When they had gone a little
farther, they took soundings again and found it to be ninety feet deep.
(Gk. 15 orguias, about 27 meters.)
29 (Ac 27:17) Fearing that we might run aground on the rocks, they dropped
four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.
30 (Ac 27:16) When the sailors strove to abandon ship and lowered the rowboat
into the sea, under the pretext of lowering anchors out of the bow,
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these sailors
remain in the ship, you cannot be saved."
32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the rowboat and let her fall off.
33 As day was about to dawn, Paul asked them all to eat, saying, "Today is
the fourteenth day that you have waited and continued without food, having
eaten nothing.
34 (Mt 10:30; 1Ki 1:52) So I urge you to eat. This is for your preservation,
for not a hair shall fall from your head."
35 (Mt 15:36) When he had said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God
in the presence of them all. And when he had broken it he began to eat.
36 (Ac 27:22) Then they were all encouraged, and they also ate food
themselves.
37 (Ac 2:41; 7:14) In all we were 276 persons on the ship.
38 (Jnh 1:5) When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship
and threw the wheat into the sea.

[13] And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained
their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
[14] But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called
Euroclydon.
[15] And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we
let her drive.
[16] And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much
work to come by the boat:
[17] Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so
were driven.
[18] And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they
lightened the ship;
[19] And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the
ship.
[20] And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small
tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
[21] But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and
said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from
Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
[22] And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of
any man's life among you, but of the ship.
[23] For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom
I serve,
[24] Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo,
God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
[25] Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be
even as it was told me.
[26] Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
[27] But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down
in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some
country;
[28] And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a
little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
[29] Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four
anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
[30] And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had
let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast
anchors out of the foreship,
[31] Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in
the ship, ye cannot be saved.
[32] Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
[33] And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat,
saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued
fasting, having taken nothing.
[34] Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health:
for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
[35] And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in
presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
[36] Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
[37] And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen
souls.
[38] And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out
the wheat into the sea.

The Shipwreck

39 (Ac 28:1) When it was day, they did not recognize the land. But they
noticed a bay with a shore, into which they were determined to run the ship if
possible.
40 Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while loosening the
ropes that secured the rudders. Then they hoisted the mainsail to the wind
and made for shore.
41 But striking a sandbar where two seas met, they ran the ship aground.
The bow stuck and remained immovable, but the stern was broken up by the
violent surf.
42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim
away and escape.
43 (Ac 27:3) But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, prevented them from
their intent and ordered those who could swim to abandon ship first
and get to land,
44 (Ac 27:22) and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship.
And in this way they all escaped safely to land.

[39] And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a
certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were
possible, to thrust in the ship.
[40] And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto
the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the
wind, and made toward shore.
[41] And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground;
and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part
was broken with the violence of the waves.
[42] And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them
should swim out, and escape.
[43] But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose;
and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into
the sea, and get to land:
[44] And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.
And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. 

Acts 28

Paul in Malta

1 (Ac 27:26; 27:39) When they had escaped, they learned that the island
was called Malta.
2 (Ac 28:4; Ro 1:14) The natives showed extraordinary kindness, for they
kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because of the rain and the cold.
3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper
driven out by the heat fastened on his hand.
4 (Lk 13:2; 13:4) When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand,
they said to one another, "Surely this man is a murderer. Though he has
escaped from the sea, justice does not allow him to live."
5 (Mk 16:18; Lk 10:19) But he shook off the creature into the fire
and suffered no harm.
6 They expected him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But while
they waited and saw no harm befall him, they changed their minds
and said that he was a god.
7 In that area was an estate of the chief man of the island, named Publius,
who had welcomed us and courteously housed us for three days.
8 (Ac 9:40; Mt 9:18) It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with
a fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and, placing his hands on him, prayed
and healed him.
9 When this happened, the rest on the island who had diseases also came
and were healed.
10 They honored us in many ways. And when we sailed, they provided us
with necessary supplies.

[1] And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called
Melita.
[2] And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled
a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because
of the cold.
[3] And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the
fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
[4] And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they
said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath
escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
[5] And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
[6] Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead
suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to
him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
[7] In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island,
whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days
courteously.
[8] And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and
of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on
him, and healed him.
[9] So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island,
came, and were healed:
[10] Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they
laded us with such things as were necessary.

Paul Arrives in Rome

11 (Ac 27:6) After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose
figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.
12 Landing at Syracuse, we waited there for three days.
13 From there we circled around and sailed to Rhegium.
After one day the south wind blew, and the next day we arrived at Puteoli.
14 There we found brothers, and were invited to remain with them for seven
days. And so we went to Rome.
15 From there, when the brothers heard of us, they traveled as far as the
Forum of Appius (A town on the Appian Way about 55 miles from Rome.)
and the Three Taverns
(Or Three Inns, also on the Appian Way and about 10 miles closer to Rome.)
to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 (Ac 27:3; 24:23) When we arrived at Rome, the centurion handed
the prisoners over to the captain of the guard. But Paul was allowed
to remain by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

[11] And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had
wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
[12] And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
[13] And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after
one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
[14] Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven
days: and so we went toward Rome.
[15] And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as
far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked
God, and took courage.
[16] And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the
captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a
soldier that kept him.

Paul Preaches in Rome

17 (Ac 25:8; 6:14) After three days Paul called the leaders of the Jews
together. When they had assembled, he said to them, "Brothers, having done
nothing contrary to our people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered
as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 (Ac 26:31-32) When they had examined me, they were determined to release
me, because there was no charge against me deserving death.
19 (Ac 26:32; 25:21) But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal
to Caesar, not that I had any charge to bring against my nation.
20 (Ac 21:33; 23:6) For this reason I have asked to see you and speak with
you, because I am bound with this chain for the hope of Israel."
21 (Ac 22:5) They said to him, "We have not received any letters from Judea
concerning you, and none of the brothers that have come have reported
or spoken any evil of you.
22 (Ac 24:14; 1Pe 2:12) But we think it is proper to hear from you what you
think. For concerning this sect,
we know that it is spoken against everywhere."
23 (Ac 19:8; 8:35) When they had arranged a day to be with him, many came
to him at his residence. From morning until evening he explained and solemnly
testified of the kingdom of God to them, persuading them concerning Jesus
from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
24 (Ac 14:4; 17:4-5) Some believed what was said, but some did not believe.
25 (Mt 15:7) Being in disagreement with one another, they were dismissed after
Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit accurately spoke to our fathers
through Isaiah the prophet,
26 (Eze 12:2; Isa 6:9-10) 'Go to this people and say:
You shall certainly hear, but never understand;
and you shall certainly see, but never perceive;
27 for the heart of this people has grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have closed their eyes,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.'
28 (Lk 3:6; Ro 11:11) "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation
of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They will hear it!"
29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed and disputed greatly among
themselves.
30 Paul remained two whole years in his own rented house. He welcomed all who
came to him,
31 (Ac 28:23; Mt 4:23) boldly and freely preaching the kingdom of God
and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ.

[17] And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the
Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and
brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of
our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of
the Romans.
[18] Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was
no cause of death in me.
[19] But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto
Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
[20] For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to
speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this
chain.
[21] And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea
concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any
harm of thee.
[22] But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning
this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
[23] And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his
lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading
them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the
prophets, from morning till evening.
[24] And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
[25] And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that
Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet
unto our fathers,
[26] Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall
not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
[27] For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of
hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their
eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should
be converted, and I should heal them.
[28] Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto
the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
[29] And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great
reasoning among themselves.
[30] And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all
that came in unto him,
[31] Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern
the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 6 December 2025 Titled
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/god-sees-me">
God Sees Me </a> by Poh Fang Chia

Genesis 16:5-13

5 Then Sarai said to Abram,
"May the wrong done to me be on you!
I gave my maid into your arms;
and when she saw that she had conceived,
I became despised in her eyes.
May the Lord judge between you and me."
6 But Abram said to Sarai,
"Indeed, your maid is in your power;
do to her as you please."
Then Sarai dealt harshly with her,
and she fled from her presence.
7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness.
It was the spring on the way to Shur.
8 And he said, "Hagar, Sarai's maid,
where have you come from
and where are you going?"
And she said, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai."
9 Then the angel of the Lord said to her,
"Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority."
10 The angel of the Lord also said to her,
"I will multiply your descendants exceedingly
so that they will be too many to count."
11 Then the angel of the Lord said to her,
"You are pregnant
and will bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,
because the Lord has heard your affliction.
12 He will be a wild man;
his hand will be against every man,
and every man's hand will be against him.
And he will dwell
in the presence of all his brothers."
13 Then she called the name of the Lord that spoke to her,
"You are the God who sees," for she said,
"Have I now looked on Him who sees me?"

(Ishmael is the father of the Arab race)

Genesis 16

[5] And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid
into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in
her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
[6] But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as
it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her
face.
[7] And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the
wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
[8] And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt
thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
[9] And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and
submit thyself under her hands.
[10] And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed
exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
[11] And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child,
and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath
heard thy affliction.
[12] And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and
every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his
brethren.
[13] And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest
me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

When Sun's husband had a stroke, her life took a dramatic turn. She found 
herself having to assist her husband with the activities of daily living 
and cope with his emotional outbursts. For seventeen years, she'd faithfully 
cared for her husband. When a fall hastened his decline, however, the weight 
of caregiving finally became too much, and Sun sank into depression. 
"I felt I'd lost my faith," she shared, "and I couldn't see God."

But looking back, Sun now believes that God saw her because He provided 
subsidised home medical and nursing care to manage her husband's chronic 
condition and sent social workers to support Sun in managing the emotional 
challenges of caregiving.

God revealed himself as the God who sees in the story of Hagar. In Genesis 16,
the slave Hagar was running away from her mistress' mistreatment (v. 6) when 
the "angel of the Lord" found her "near a spring in the desert" (v. 7). 
He urged Hagar to "go back to [her] mistress" (v. 9) and assured her 
of His blessing. Even though Hagar was a nobody in her culture, God was 
watching out for her well-being. In gratitude, Hagar declared, 
"You are the God who sees me" (v. 13).

God sees us in our distress too. We're never alone because our loving Father 
knows our situation, and He's trustworthy. We can cry out to Him for help, 
and He'll lift us up.

Reflect & Pray

How have you experienced that God sees and knows your need in the past? 
How can this knowledge help you in your present trials?

Dear Father, thank You for assuring me that You see what I'm going through.
 
<a href="https://discovertheword.org/series/whats-true-about-god-in-2-kings/">
For further study, listen to What's True About God.</a> 

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6

5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

5 Every valley shall be filled,
And every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
And the crooked shall be made straight,
And the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.

Application

a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?

b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?

c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work
God still want to do in me?  

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Ps 35:27

27 May those who favour my righteous cause shout for joy and be glad;
may they say continually, "The Lord be magnified,
who delights in the peace of His servant."

27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause:
Yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified,
which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

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

God's Generous Provision

Matthew 6:24-34

God and Money

24 (Lk 16:13; 16:11; 16:9) "No one can serve two masters.
For either he will hate the one and love the other,
or else he will hold to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and money."

Care and Anxiety

Lk 12:22-34

25 (Mt 6:31; 6:34; Php 4:6) "Therefore, I say to you,
take no thought about your life, what you will eat,
or what you will drink, nor about your body,
what you will put on. Is not life more than
and the body than clothing?
26 (Job 38:41; Ps 147:9) Look at the birds of the air,
for they do not sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns.
Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?
27 Who among you by taking thought can add a cubit
(A cubit is about half a meter.) to his stature?
28 (Mt 6:25; 6:31) "Why take thought about clothing?
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow:
They neither work, nor do they spin.
29 (1Ki 10:4-7; 2Ch 9:4-6) Yet I say to you that even Solomon
in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.
30 (Mt 8:26; 14:31) Therefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field,
which today is here and tomorrow is thrown into the oven,
will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 (1Pe 5:7) Therefore, take no thought, saying, 'What shall we eat?'
or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32 (Mt 6:8; Lk 12:30) (For the Gentiles seek after all these things.)
For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.
33 (1Ti 4:8; 1Ki 3:11-13) But seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you.
34 (Mt 6:25) Therefore, take no thought about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will take thought about the things of itself.
Sufficient to the day is the trouble thereof.

True Wisdom

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one,
and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat,
or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not
the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor
gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much
better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field,
how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed
like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is,
and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you,
O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat?
or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:
for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

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

6th Day of the Month

a) Pray for a more effective witness by the church in every Canadian community

(
Deut 4:6-7

6 (Job 28:28; Pr 1:7 ) Therefore, keep and do them, for this is your wisdom and
your understanding in the sight of the nations which shall hear all these
statutes, and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and
understanding people."
7 (2Sa 7:23; Ps 46:1) For what nation is there so great, who has a god so near
to it as the Lord our God is in all things whenever we call on Him?

6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and
your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these
statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and
understanding people.
7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them,
as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

Matt 5:13-16

13 (Lev 2:13; Lk 14:34-35) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt
loses its saltiness, how shall it be made salty? It is from then on good for
nothing but to be thrown out and to be trampled underfoot by men.
14 (Jn 8:12; Pr 4:18) "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden.
15 (Mk 4:21; Lk 8:16) 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.
16 (1Pe 2:12; Mt 9:8; Jn 15:8) Let your light so shine before men that they
may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing,
but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set
on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on
a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Acts 1:8

8 (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15) "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes
upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,
and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
)

b) Pray for the province of British Columbia

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. 3For 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

Advent Day 14

FRom C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle

Saturday, Second Week of Advent

"I have read [your book} Treasure on Earth and I don't believe you have any 
notion how good it is I've never seen the hushed internal excitement of a 
child on Christmas Eve better done. That is something we can all recognise." 
- C. S. Lewis

(From "Letter to Mrs. Phyllis Sandeman," Dec. 10, 1952,

Lewis' Collected Letters, III, pp. 26 lff.)

Hushed Excitement

Christmas is especially for children, whether young children, old children,
or very old children. Simeon is an example of the third category.
We'll come back to him later.

In a letter written to Phyllis Sandeman during Advent, Lewis comments
favorably about a book that she had written that year, Treasure on Earth.
Subtitled A Country House Christmas, it tells of the approach of Christmas Day
in an Elizabethan mansion in northern England in 1906. An excited child, the
ten-year-old author herself, awaits Christmas morning, the gifts and all the
festivities that would come with the day.

"There was not long to wait now before the drama would begin-the
curtain was trembling to its rise. The twilight of the early winter morning,
the piercing sweetness of the voices rising in the still air, the tune and
the words she loved so well, 'Christians, awake, salute the happy mom!'
Then heaven would open."

Simeon had been waiting for the Savior for a long time. God had told him that
he would see the Christ, the promised Messiah, before he died. When the moment
arrived, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, probably with a
"hushed internal excitement." His eyes were full of anticipation, as he saw
the salvation of lsrael in his arms. He amazed Mary and Joseph by predicting
the future of this child. We, who know him, know that these predictions came
true.

Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming, at your presence, 
and make it truly internal. Amen.

30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation

Luke 2:30

From Follow the Story from Marva J. Dawn

SATURDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Proper Amplification

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

-Luke 1:47

This meditation asks you to read the complete Magnificat of Mary so you can
see that almost the entire song is
about God, but we will concentrate now on only its first three verses. Mary is
filled with exuberance. Not only has God given her miraculous promises, but
also her relative Elizabeth has confirmed those assurances with lofty Joy.

Mary begins her inspired song magnifying God with her soul. That word soul in
Hebrew (from which came her Aramaic) means "one's whole being or true self."
Everything in her resounded with praise and adoration. No wonder her spirit
rejoices exceedingly!

Though she was unremarkable, God had beheld her benevolently. She wanted
everyone to know, though all generations would acclaim her, that the glory was
God's, that he was the Stupendous One, and that he was to be hallowed. She was
the humble recipient of God's exalted treasures, and she ached for everyone to
share in her ecstasy.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.

Read Luke 1:46-55.

The Song of Mary

46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

SECOND SATURDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AGING!

One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts. PSALM 145:4

Advent helps us to affirm that aging is a gift from God! Our society too
often sees aging as a burden rather than as a blessing. l am convinced
that God really, really loves old people. You know how can tell? Because
he continues to make more and more of us!
A favourite banner of mine states: 'Aging is the ONLY way to live!" How true,
how true!
Today's Scriptures catch the joy and the responsibilities of aging. In Mary's
song of praise. she rejoices in the fact that God had chosen her to bring
Jesus to the world. And she proclaims that his mercy is for everyone,
through all generations.
Psalm 145:4 the psalmist again picks up the fact that "one generation
shall laud your works to another!" We ambassadors of aging (and we ALL
are, regardless of our age. because the one thing we are all doing at the
same time is aging!) are called to share the same message that Mary
shared--Christ Jesus is for all people!
That is why Advent arid Christmas are not just for the little children but
-ether for all of God's children! That is why the Lord put us together in
families and congregations and communities where we can rub ministry
shoulders with those younger than us and also those older than us.
Perhaps during Advent or on Christmas Eve, if your congregation has a
children's message, you should also have an old folks' message. Invite a
the 80+ people to shuffle up to the front . . . and lie down, 
lust like the little
kids do! Someone will help them up! (Just a suggestion, but no need to
tell your pastor l suggested it!)
Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Luke 1:46-56 and Psalm 145:4-7.

Luke 1

The Song of Mary

46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56 Mary remained with her about three months
and returned to her own house.

Psalm 145
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One generation shall praise Your works to another
and shall declare Your mighty acts.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty
and of Your wondrous works.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) They shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
and I will declare Your greatness.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) They shall abundantly declare the fame of Your great
goodness and shall sing of Your righteousness.

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca"> On Eagle's wings</a> December 6

3 (Jn 12:26; 14:28) "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also.
4 You know where I am going, and you know the way." John 14:3-4 (MEV)

[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and
receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
[4] And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:3-4 (KJV)

"You're going away?" Evan's smile disappeared as he looked down
at his feet in sadness. It was our last day of Bible Camp in a
Northwest Territories community, and he had just found out that
we would be leaving the next day to return to Edmonton.
"Will you come back?" He didn't look at me, as his voice quivered
with tears. I sat beside him on the steps and put my arm around
him. "I hope so," I said. "I promise I will write to you, and I will put
your picture on my fridge so I remember to pray for you every day."
During Advent we anticipate the birth of Christ into our world as a
baby. And though his time on earth was very short he left his
disciples with a promise that he would come back. We also
anticipate with great hope the day when Jesus will physically return.
No matter what is happening in our world, if we ground our faith in
Jesus we can hold firmly to the hope that he is preparing a
wonderful place for us to live in fellowship with him for all eternity!
And that is a promise that he will surely keep!

Darlene Koop
Bible Camp Volunteer
 
Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to him to guide you in every step you take. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, thank You for 
assuring me that You see what I'm going through."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord is working in you.

Pray to the Lord and pray to favour the cause if the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness.

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 a more effective witness by the church in every Canadian community

Pray: Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming, 
at your presence, and make it truly internal. Amen.

Pray: Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.
Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.

Pray: Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are
truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you
continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and
share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of
life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!  

Pray : Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into our world and revealing
yourself to us so we could know you, and for the hopeful promise
that one day you will return! Amen.

Pray that Muslim militants in Iraq will experience God's love, 
leading them to salvation through Christ.

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