Day 345 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 345, 11 December 2025 - 19th Day of Advent 

1) Titus 1, Titus 2, Titus 3

Titus 1

Salutation

1 (Ro 1:1; 1Ti 6:3) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth
which leads to godliness,
2 (2Ti 1:1; 1:9; Titus 2:13) in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot
lie, promised before the world began,
3 (1Ti 1:1; 1:1) 1and has in due time revealed His word through preaching,
with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,
4 (2Ti 1:2; 2Co 2:13) To Titus, my own son in the common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.

[1] Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the
faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after
godliness;
[2] In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the
world began;
[3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is
committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
[4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Titus' Work in Crete

5 (Ac 14:23; 27:7) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should
set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city,
as I commanded you:
6 (1Ti 3:2-7; 3:12) any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife,
having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly.
7 (Lk 12:42; 2Pe 2:10) For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward
of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness,
not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain,
8 (1Ti 3:2) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled,
just, holy, temperate,
9 (1Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:15) holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in
accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with
sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.
10 (1Ti 1:6; Ac 11:2) For there are many unruly men, empty talkers
and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 (2Ti 3:6; 1Ti 6:5) who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses
by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach.
12 (Ac 17:28) One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are
always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!"
13 (2Co 13:10; Titus 2:2) This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply
that they may be sound in the faith,
14 (Col 2:22; 2Ti 4:4) not paying attention to Jewish myths
and commandments of men who reject the truth.
15 (Ro 14:20; 14:23) To the pure, all things are pure.
But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.
Even their minds and consciences are defiled.
16 (1Jn 2:4; Rev 21:8) They profess that they know God,
but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient,
and worthless for every good work. 

[5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order
the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had
appointed thee:
[6] If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children
not accused of riot or unruly.
[7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,
not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
[8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy,
temperate;
[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be
able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially
they of the circumcision:
[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things
which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
[12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are
alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be
sound in the faith;
[14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth.
[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and
unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being
abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Titus 2

The Teaching of Sound Doctrine

1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you,
teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:
2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,
sound in faith, in love, in patience.
3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,
and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers
of good things,
4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children,
5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured.
6 (1Ti 5:1) Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled,
7 (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good
works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility,
8 (1Pe 2:12; Ne 5:9) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that
the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well
in everything, not answering back,
10 (Mt 5:16; Titus 1:3) or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that
they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
11 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 11:23) For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men,
12 (Lk 1:75; Ro 6:19) teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously,
and in godliness in this present world,
13 (2Ti 4:8; Titus 1:2) as we await the blessed hope and the appearing
of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 (Eph 2:10; Heb 9:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people,
zealous of good works.
15 (2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 5:20) Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise you. 

[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
[2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in
charity, in patience.
[3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,
to love their children,
[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
[6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
[7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
[8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary
part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
[9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please
them well in all things; not answering again;
[10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
[15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no
man despise thee.

Titus 3

Maintain Good Deeds

1 (2Ti 2:21; Ecc 10:4) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to obey them, to be ready for every good work,
2 (1Ti 3:3; 2Ti 2:24-25) to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious,
but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
3 (Col 3:7) We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred
and hating each other.
4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone.
9 (2Ti 2:14; 2:23) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions,
and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 (Ro 16:17; 2Jn 1:10) Reject a divisive man after a first and second
admonition,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. 

[1] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
[2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all
meekness unto all men.
[3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and
hating one another.
[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared,
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to
the hope of eternal life.
[8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
[9] But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and
strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
[10] A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
[11] Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned
of himself.

Personal Instructions and Greetings

12 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:9) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent
to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 (Ac 18:24; Mt 22:35) Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
on their journey. See that they lack nothing.
14 (Php 1:11; Col 1:10) And let our people also learn to continue doing good
works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.
15 (Col 4:18) All who are with me greet you.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen. 

[12] When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come
unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
[13] Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that
nothing be wanting unto them.
[14] And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that
they be not unfruitful.
[15] All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2025
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category
/pointing-to-jesus"> Pointing to Jesus </a> by Alyson Kieda

Colossians 3:12-17

12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another and forgive one
another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you,
so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God, to which also you are called
in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through Him.

[12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
[13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a
quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
[14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness.
[15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are
called in one body; and be ye thankful.
[16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

An older man jogging down a street in New York City stopped in his tracks 
when he noticed a pair of battered sneakers placed near a homeless man's sign 
requesting help. When the jogger learned that the two men wore a similar size,
he gave the younger, homeless man the shoes (and socks!) off his feet 
and walked home barefoot. But not before explaining, "I've been blessed 
my whole life. God has been very good to me, so I feel like 
I should bless you too."

Just as this man showed kindness to another because God had been good to him, 
so too believers in Jesus are called to "clothe [our]selves 
with . . . kindness" (Colossians 3:12). In fact, in whatever we do or say, 
we're to do it as "a representative of the Lord Jesus" (v. 17 nlt). 
Along with kindness, we're also to embody the characteristics of 
"compassion, . . . humility, gentleness and patience" (v. 12). 
The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) grows in us because we have 
the Spirit dwelling inside us; and this fruit is evidenced by God's love 
for us flowing out to others - binding all these virtues 
"together in perfect unity" (Colossians 3:14).

Like the jogger, may we be on alert for opportunities to be kind - an 
encouraging word, a thoughtful act, or even giving the shoes off our 
feet - and as we do, let’s point to Jesus (v. 17).

Reflect & Pray

What effect has another's kindness had on you? 
How might you show kindness to someone today?

Loving Father, please help me be attuned 
to opportunities to spread Your love through 
kind words and actions. I want to be more like You!

<a href="https://learn.artosacademy.org/learning-library
/jesus-serving-everyday-needs-of-everyday-people/">
Consider three things we can learn from the 
kindness Jesus showed to everyday people.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 5 Called by Name

Isaiah 43:1

1 But now, thus says the Lord who created you, O Jacob,
and He who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob,
and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not:
for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Eric, age 4, somehow lost his mother in a large and busy department store.
Found sobbing under a coat rack, the boy tried to tell the security guard
where he was when he got separated from his mother. Finally the guard said,
"what's your name, Son? Who do you belong to?"
The child brightened a bit, gave the guard his name, and within minutes
the frantic mother was reunited with her lost son.
One of the first questions we are asked, both as children and adults, is
"What is your name?" - that is, "Who are you? Who do you belong to?"
Children bear the name of their parents, and most women,
except for professional reasons,
take the name of their husbands when they marry.
Our names are our primary method of identification;
they connect us with our heritage and those we love.
In Isaiah 43:1, God declares that we belong to him.
The Lord who created us and formed us says,
"I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine." God's
right of ownership in our lives extends beyond the bond of family and friends,
of parent, child, or spouse. We belong first to him;
we are called by him into oneness with him.
The Scripture is filled with images of the Lord's care for us;
when we are lost, he does
not wait for us to find him,
but takes the initiative, like a loving parent
to seek us out. That declaration of belonging can give us
a strong sense of security in our lives. God loves us;
he will never let us go.

Application

a) What experiences have I had of being lost of abandoned?

b) How can today's verse help me find security in belonging to God?

4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland

Deut 8:18

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

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

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

When you are lonely

PSALMS 25:15-21

15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for He will lead my feet from the net.
16 Turn to me, and be gracious to me,
for I am isolated and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
18 Look on my pain and misery,
and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with violent hatred.
20 Watch over my life, and deliver me!
Let me not suffer shame,
for I seek refuge in You.
21 Truth and integrity will preserve me
while I wait for You.

15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD;
For he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me;
For I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged:
O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain;
And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me:
Let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
For I wait on thee.

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

11th Day of the Month

a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.

(

Ps 86:12

12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.

12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.

John 12:28

28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."

28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

)

b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick

I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, 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.

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 19

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

The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.
We do not know... how things would have worked if the
human race had never rebelled against God and joined the enemy....
You and I are concerned with the way things work now."

- C. S. Lewis

(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 178.)

Why Did He Do It?

Have you ever noticed that children have so many of the same mannerisms 
as their parents? They walk, gesture, and even laugh like their parents. 
Children also mimic the bad traits of their par­ents, but it is a great 
compliment to parents that their sons and daughters are like them.

Why did the Son of God become one of us? Certainly not for his own benefit. 
John says it this way,"But to as many as received him, to them he gave power 
to become the sons of God." Lewis says it similarly, "The Son of God became a 
man to enable men to become the sons of God." God didn't become a man to 
impress anyone, least of all us. God was in the business of raising up us men 
and women to become like him, people who walk in his ways, who act like he 
acted and do what he did. Jesus became like us so that we might become like 
him.

Parents want their children to grow up to be like them. Setting aside our 
faults for the moment, it is better for them to become like us than to stay 
children. That is also our Father's intent for us. At times, it is painful 
when God molds and shapes us to be conformed to the image of his Son.
But we become more ourselves when we become like him.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons
and daughters. Amen.

Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God,
to those who believed in His name, John 1:12,

and have embraced the new nature,
which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,

Col. 3:10

From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn

THURSDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

His name is John.

He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."

-Luke 1:63a

All the friends and relatives wanted to name the child Zechariah
after his father. However, Elizabeth and Zechariah were adamant
that he was to be called John. The people were amazed-this was not
a family name, they cried. But it was the name the angel Gabriel
had given to Zechariah in the Temple, so it was God's
ordinance that he should be so designated.

If the people were astounded by the couple's unusual unanimity
about this unique name, they were even more surprised on this
circumcision day by the opening of Zechariah's mouth.
He spoke clearly-his tongue was free!­ and, most important,
he acclaimed God!

Zechariah had had more than nine months to contemplate things.
He was overwhelmed with Joy that he and Elizabeth had borne
a child in their old age, and he was awed that even before
birth John had been filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, Zechariah
burst out with praise at God's working.

Prayer

Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.

Amen.

Read Luke 1:59-64.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child.
And they were calling him Zechariah, after the name of his father.
60 But his mother answered, “Not so! He shall be called John.”
61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives
who is called by this name."
62 They made signs to his father, asking what he would have him called.
63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
And they all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed,
and he spoke and praised God.

From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

THIRD THURSDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ABSOLUTES!

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according
to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you, 1 PETER 1:3-4

Joy to the World is a hymn that should be sung all year long!
We boldly proclaim that there is joy in this world because the Lord HAS
come! Have you ever sung a stanza that goes. "Joy to the world, the Lord
might come," or "the Lord is thinking of coming." or "shape up and he will
come"? Me neither!
Absolutes is a big AH-HA of Advent. It affirms that Advent is not a time
to pretend that the Lord is coming, but that he has indeed come to
us already! And with this absolute truth of the Gospel we also receive
absolution of our sins--again because (he Lord has come to live, suffer,
die and rise for us! We are forgiven . . . absolutely!
Think of other absolutes in your life. l think of love for family although
mess that up at times; and of life being a gift from God,. although
sometimes do not live like it is; and, of course, it is an absolute that
the Chicago Cubs will never win another World Series
but that's another story!
1 Peter 1 affirms in us that the absolute of Advent is that the Lord has given us
"a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"!

So enjoy the day, absolutely, in the Lord. Sit back. relax. enjoy--there is
nothing left for us to do. Soren Kierkegaard once said, "Laughter is a type
of prayer." Perhaps he meant that laughter, like prayer, allows us to give up
our need to control or manage. Just receive the Christ of Christmas!

Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read 1 Peter 1:3-9

3 (1Co 15:20; 2Co 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living
hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 4:8) to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that
does not fade away, kept in heaven for you,
5 (Eph 2:8) who are protected by the power of God through faith for
a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 (Jas 1:2; Isa 61:3; Ro 5:2) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now,
if for a little while, you have had to suffer various trials,
7 (Job 23:10; Pr 17:3; Isa 48:10) in order that the genuineness of your faith,
which is more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried by fire,
may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation
of Jesus Christ,
8 (Jn 20:29; Heb 11:27) whom, having not seen, you love; and in whom,
though you do not see Him now, you believe and you rejoice with joy
unspeakable and full of glory,
9 (Ro 6:22) receiving as the result of your faith the salvation of your souls.

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

A Willing Heart
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed. Luke 2:3 (MEV)
[3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. Luke 2:3 (KJV)

Undertaking a journey requires advanced planning and preparation.
Imagine planning a journey involving walking 113 km (70 miles),
navigating hilly terrain while caring for a heavily pregnant woman.
Today it would be considered high risk to embark on such an
arduous journey in the third trimester of pregnancy. I imagine the
Roman census coinciding with Mary's due date was a major inconvenience.
The decision to journey to the Arctic community of Tuktoyaktuk
was not easy. I was deeply fatigued from a busy season in life and
still in the process of recovering from the flu. There was a part of
me that didn't want to be inconvenienced by the trip and another
part that really wanted to reconnect with the people in Tuk. I was
genuinely concerned about my health, but as I began to pray about
the opportunity I recognized a gentle nudging in my spirit to
surrender my fears.
I often wonder about the inner conflict Mary might have
experienced as she prepared to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Perhaps she was concerned about her health and the health of
her newborn. Mary's act of compliance and surrender to the things
outside of her control continues to be a source of inspiration to me.
As I sat around a craft table sharing my faith with the children in
Tuk, I recognized the value of surrender, and the impact acceptance
can make.

Emma Abrol
On Eagle's Wings Curriculum Writer & Bible Camp Volunteer
 
Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray to the Lord: "Loving Father, please help me be attuned 
to opportunities to spread Your love through 
kind words and actions. I want to be more like You!"

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord who redeems you.

Pray to the Lord and pray to honour his covenant.

Pray to the Lord and pray that integrity and uprightness preserve you.

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 God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become your sons
and daughters. Amen.

Pray: Holy Designer, thank you for fulfilling your prophecy in John.

Pray: Lord, thanks for your absolute love for us always . . . and that's a long, long
time! Help us to enjoy doing nothing today, because your joy has come
to the world! In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA! 

Father in heaven, this Advent let us discover again that we are
your children created in your own image and, because of our
baptism, that Christ is in us. Let us rediscover that there is
peace and joy in Jesus Christ. In his name, Amen.

Father, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot
change, the courage to change the things we can and the wisdom
to know the difference. Amen.

Pray on behalf of new believers in Comoros who are often persecuted 
by their opposing families for converting from Islam.

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