Day 347 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 347, 13 December 2025 - 21th Day of Advent 

1) Hebrews 1, 2,3,4, 5,6

Hebrews 1

God Has Spoken by His Son

1 (Joel 2:28; Ge 3:15) God, who at various times and in diverse ways spoke
long ago to the fathers through the prophets,
2 (Mt 28:18; Jn 1:3) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom
He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world.
3 (Mk 16:19; 2Co 4:4) He is the brightness of His glory, the express image
of Himself, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had
by Himself purged our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty
on high.
4 (Eph 1:21) He was made so much better than the angels as He has inherited
a more excellent name than they.

[1] God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto
the fathers by the prophets,
[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath
appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
[3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his
person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by
himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
[4] Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance
obtained a more excellent name than they. 

The Son Superior to Angels

5 (2Sa 7:14; Ps 2:7) For to which of the angels did He at any time say:
"You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father"(-6 Pr 3:11-12.)?
Or again,
"I will be a Father to Him,
and He shall be a Son to Me"(-7 Ps 40:18.)?
6 (Ps 97:7; Dt 32:43) And again, when He brings the firstborn
into the world, He says:
"Let all the angels of God worship Him."(Ps 110:4.)
7 (Ps 104:4) Of the angels He says:
"He makes His angels spirits,
and His servants a flame of fire."(-11 Ps 95:7-11.)
8 (Ps 45:6-7; Isa 7:14) But to the Son He says:
"Your throne, O God, lasts forever and ever;
a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.(Ps 45:6.)
9 (Isa 61:1; 61:3) You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."(Ps 45:7; Isa 61:1, 3.)
10 (Ps 102:25-27) And,
"You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the works of Your hands.
11 (Isa 34:4; 51:6) They will perish, but You remain;
and they all will wear out like a garment;
12 (Heb 13:8) as a cloak You will fold them up,
and they will be changed.
But You are the same,
and Your years will not end."
13 (Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44) But to which of the angels did He at any time say:
"Sit at My right hand,
until I make Your enemies
Your footstool"(Ps 110:1.)?
14 (Ps 34:7; Mt 18:10) Are they not all ministering spirits sent out
to minister to those who will inherit salvation?

[5] For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this
day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall
be to me a Son?
[6] And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he
saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
[7] And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his
ministers a flame of fire.
[8] But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a
sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
[9] Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even
thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
[10] And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the
earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
[11] They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as
doth a garment;
[12] And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed:
but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
[13] But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand,
until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
[14] Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them
who shall be heirs of salvation? 

Hebrews 2

The Great Salvation

1 (Pr 3:21) Therefore we should be more attentive to what we have heard,
lest we drift away.
2 (Ac 7:53; Heb 10:28; 10:35) For if the word spoken by angels was true,
and every sin and disobedience received a just recompense,
3 (Lk 1:2; Heb 1:2) how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation,
which was first declared by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who
heard Him?
4 (Eph 1:5) God also bore them witness with signs and wonders and diverse
miracles and with gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His own
will.

[1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we
have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression
and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that
heard him;
[4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 

The Pioneer of Salvation

5 (Heb 6:5) For it was not to the angels that He has subjected
the world to come, of which we are speaking.
6 (Heb 4:4) But someone in a certain place testified, saying:
"What is man that You are mindful of him,
or the son of man that You care for him?
7 You made him a little lower than the angels;
You crowned him with glory and honor,
and set him over the works of Your hands.
8 (1Co 15:27) You have put all things in subjection under his feet."
For in subjecting all things under him, He left nothing that is not
subjected to him. Yet now we do not see all things subject to him.
9 (Jn 3:16; Ac 2:33) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than
the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He,
by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.
10 (Lk 24:26; Ro 11:36; Lk 24:46) For it was fitting for Him, for whom
and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make
the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
11 (Heb 10:10; Mt 25:40) For both He who sanctifies and those who are
sanctified are all of One. For this reason He is not ashamed to call
them brothers,
12 (Ps 22:22) saying:
"I will declare Your name to My brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to You."(Ps 22:22.)
13 (Ps 18:2; Isa 8:17-18) And again:
"I will put My trust in Him." (Isa 12:2.)
And again:
"Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."(Isa 8:18.)
14 (Jn 1:14; 2Ti 1:10; Ge 3:15) So then, as the children share in flesh
and blood, He likewise took part in these, so that through death He might
destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 (Ro 8:15; 2Ti 1:7) and deliver those who through fear of death were
throughout their lives subject to bondage.
16 For surely He does not help the angels, but He helps the seed of Abraham.
17 (Da 9:24; Heb 2:14) Therefore, in all things it was necessary for Him
to be made like His brothers, so that He might be a merciful
and faithful High Priest in the things pertaining to God,
to make atonement for the sins of the people.
18 For since He Himself suffered while being tempted, He is able to help
those who are being tempted.

[5] For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come,
whereof we speak.
[6] But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art
mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
[7] Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with
glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
[8] Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he
put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.
But now we see not yet all things put under him.
[9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of
God should taste death for every man.
[10] For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,
in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation
perfect through sufferings.
[11] For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of
one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
[12] Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the
church will I sing praise unto thee.
[13] And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the
children which God hath given me.
[14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
[15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime
subject to bondage.
[16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him
the seed of Abraham.
[17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his
brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things
pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
[18] For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to
succour them that are tempted. 

Hebrews 3

Jesus Superior to Moses

1 (Php 3:14; 2Ti 1:9) Therefore, holy brothers, partakers in a heavenly
calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Jesus Christ,
2 (Nu 12:7) who was faithful to Him who appointed Him,
as Moses was faithful in all His house.
3 For the One was counted worthy of more glory than Moses,
in that He who builds the house has more honor than the house itself.
4 For every house is built by someone, but the One who builds all things
is God.
5 (Nu 12:7; Ex 14:31; Heb 3:2) Moses was faithful in all God's house
as a servant, testifying about those things that were to be spoken later.
6 (1Co 3:16; Heb 1:2) But Christ is faithful over God's house as a Son,
whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing
of our hope firm to the end.

[1] Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider
the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
[2] Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful
in all his house.
[3] For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he
who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
[4] For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is
God.
[5] And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a
testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
[6] But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold
fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 

A Rest for God's People

7 (Heb 3:15; 4:7) Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
"Today, if you hear His voice,
8 do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion,
on the day of temptation in the wilderness,
9 (Ac 7:36) where your fathers tested Me and tried Me
and saw My works for forty years.
10 (Ps 95:10) Therefore I was angry with that generation,
and said, 'They always go astray in their heart,
and they have not known My ways.'
11 (Heb 4:3; 4:5) So I swore in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "
12 (Heb 12:25) Be attentive, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil,
unbelieving heart, and you depart from the living God.
13 (Eph 4:22; Heb 10:24-25) But exhort one another daily, while it is called
"Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14 (Heb 3:6) For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning
of our confidence firmly to the end,
15 (Heb 3:7-8) while it is said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts
as in the rebellion."(Ps 95:7-8.)
16 (Nu 14:2; 14:30) For who were they who heard and rebelled? Was it not
all of those who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?
17 (Nu 14:29; Jude 1:5) And with whom was He grieved for forty years?
Was it not with those who had sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?
18 (Dt 1:34-35) And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest,
but to those who disobeyed?
19 (Jn 3:36; 3:18) So we see that they could not enter because of unbelief.

[7] Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
[8] Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation
in the wilderness:
[9] When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
[10] Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway
err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
[11] So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
[12] Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God.
[13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of
you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
[14] For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confidence stedfast unto the end;
[15] While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts, as in the provocation.
[16] For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came
out of Egypt by Moses.
[17] But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had
sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
[18] And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to
them that believed not?
[19] So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. 

Hebrews 4

1 (Heb 12:15) Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest remains,
let us fear lest any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 (1Th 2:13) For the gospel was preached to us as well as to them.
But the word preached did not benefit them, because it was not mixed
with faith in those who heard it.
3 (Ps 95:11; Heb 3:11) For we who have believed have entered this rest,
as He has said,
"As I have sworn in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "(Ps 95:11.)
However, His works have been finished since the creation of the world.
4 (Ex 20:11; 31:17) For He spoke somewhere about the seventh day like this:
"And God rested on the seventh day from all His works."(Ge 2:2.)
5 (Heb 3:11; 4:3) And again in the present passage He said,
"They shall not enter My rest."(Ps 95:11.)
6 (Heb 3:18-19) Since therefore it remains for some to enter it,
and they to whom it was first preached did not enter due to unbelief,
7 (Ps 95:7; Heb 3:7-8) again He establishes a certain day,
"Today," saying through David, after so long a time, as it has been said:
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts."(Ps 95:7-8.)
8 (Jos 22:4) For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have later
spoken of another day.
9 Therefore a rest remains for the people of God.
10 (Rev 14:13) For whoever enters His rest will also cease from his own works,
as God did from His.
11 (Heb 3:12) Let us labor therefore to enter that rest, lest anyone fall
by the same pattern of unbelief.
12 (Eph 6:17; Isa 49:2; Jer 23:29) For the word of God is alive, and active,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul
and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
13 (Ps 33:13-15; Job 26:6) There is no creature that is not revealed
in His sight, for all things are bare and exposed to the eyes of Him
to whom we must give account.

[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into
his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word
preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard
it.
[3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have
sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were
finished from the foundation of the world.
[4] For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God
did rest the seventh day from all his works.
[5] And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
[6] Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to
whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
[7] Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long
a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts.
[8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have
spoken of another day.
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own
works, as God did from his.
[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall
after the same example of unbelief.
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart.
[13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but
all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to
do. 

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. 

Hebrews 5

1 (Heb 8:3; 10:11; 2:17) For every high priest chosen from among men
is appointed to represent men in things pertaining to God,
that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 (Heb 2:18; 7:28) He is able to have compassion on the ignorant
and on those who are wayward, for he himself is also subject to weakness.
3 (Heb 7:27; 9:7; Lev 9:7) Because of this he must offer sacrifices
for his own sins, just as he does for the people.
4 (Ex 28:1; Nu 16:40) No man takes this honor for himself,
but he who is called by God receives it, just as Aaron did.
5 (Jn 8:54; Ps 2:7) So also Christ did not glorify Himself to be made
a High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:
"You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father."–7 (Ps 40:6–8.)
6 (Heb 7:17; Ps 110:4; Heb 7:21) As He also says in another place:
"You are a priest forever
in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)
7 (Mt 27:46; 27:50) In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers
and supplications with loud cries and tears to Him who was able to save
Him from death. He was heard because of His godly fear.
8 (Php 2:8) Though He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things
that He suffered,
9 (Heb 2:10) and being made perfect, He became the source of eternal
salvation for all those who obey Him,
10 (Heb 5:5-6; 6:20) being designated by God a High Priest according
to the order of Melchizedek.

[1] For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things
pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
[2] Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the
way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
[3] And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself,
to offer for sins.
[4] And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of
God, as was Aaron.
[5] So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he
that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
[6] As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the
order of Melchisedec.
[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and
supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save
him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he
suffered;
[9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto
all them that obey him;
[10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Warning Against Apostasy

11 (2Pe 3:16) Concerning this we have much to say that is hard to explain,
since you have become hard of hearing.
12 (Heb 6:1; Ac 7:38) For though by now you should be teachers, you need
someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God
and have come to need milk rather than solid food.
13 (1Co 14:20; 1Pe 2:2) Everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word
of righteousness, for he is a baby.
14 (Isa 7:15; 1Co 2:6) But solid food belongs to those who are mature,
for those who through practice have powers of discernment that are trained
to distinguish good from evil.

[11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye
are dull of hearing.
[12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one
teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are
become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
[13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of
righteousness: for he is a babe.
[14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who
by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Hebrews 6

1 (Heb 9:14) Therefore, leaving the elementary principles of the doctrine
of Christ, let us go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation
of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
2 (Ac 6:6; 17:31-32) of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands,
the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3 (Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:7)This we will do if God permits.
4 (Gal 3:2; Eph 2:8) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 (Heb 2:5; 1Pe 2:3) and have tasted the good word of God and the powers
of the age to come,
6 (Heb 10:29; 1Jn 5:16) if they fall away,
to be renewed once more to repentance,
since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God
and subject Him to public shame.
7 For land that drinks in the rain that often falls upon it
and bears a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives
a blessing from God.
8 (Ge 3:17-18; Dt 29:28) But land that bears thorns and thistles
is rejected and near to being cursed. Its destiny is to be burned.
9 But though we speak in this manner, we are persuaded of better things
for you, things that accompany salvation,
10 (Mt 10:42; 1Th 1:3; Pr 14:31) for God is not unjust so as to forget
your work and labor of love that you have shown for His name, in that
you have ministered to the saints and continue ministering.
11 (Heb 3:6; 3:14; Ro 5:2-5) We desire that every one of you show
the same diligence for the full assurance of hope to the end,
12 (Heb 10:36; 13:7; Rev 13:10) so that you may not be lazy, but imitators
of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

[1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on
unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead
works, and of faith toward God,
[2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of
resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
[3] And this will we do, if God permit.
[4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
[5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to
come,
[6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing
they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open
shame.
[7] For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and
bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing
from God:
[8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto
cursing; whose end is to be burned.
[9] But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that
accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
[10] For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love,
which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the
saints, and do minister.
[11] And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the
full assurance of hope unto the end:
[12] That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and
patience inherit the promises.

Sure Promise of God

13 (Lk 1:73) For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could vow
by no one greater, He vowed by Himself,
14 (Ge 22:17) saying, "Surely I will bless you, and surely I will
multiply you."(Ge 22:17.)
15 (Heb 6:12) So after Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 (Ex 22:11) For men indeed swear by a greater authority than themselves,
and for them an oath of confirmation ends all dispute.
17 (Heb 11:9; Pr 19:21) So God, wanting to show more abundantly
the immutability of His counsel to the heirs of promise, confirmed it
by an oath.
18 (Titus 1:2; Nu 23:19; Heb 12:1-2) So that by two immutable things,
in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge
might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
19 (Heb 9:7; Lev 16:2) We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor
of the soul, which enters the Inner Place behind the veil.
20 (Heb 4:14; 5:6; 1:3) This is where Jesus has entered for us as
a forerunner, since He has become the everlasting High Priest in
the order of Melchizedek. 

[13] For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no
greater, he sware by himself,
[14] Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will
multiply thee.
[15] And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
[16] For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to
them an end of all strife.
[17] Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise
the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
[18] That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to
lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay
hold upon the hope set before us:
[19] Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast,
and which entereth into that within the veil;
[20] Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

2) Our Daily Bread for 13 December 2025
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category
/joy-and-strength-in-god"> Joy and Strength in God </a> by Katara Patton

Nehemiah 8:5-6, 8-12

Desire of the Word of God

5 (Jdg 3:20; 1Ki 8:14) Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people
(because he was above all the people), and, as he opened it, all the people
stood up.
6 (Ex 4:31; Ne 5:13)When Ezra blessed the Lord as the great God, all
the people responded "Amen, Amen!" By lifting up their hands as they bowed
their heads, they worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, with interpretation, and
they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

[5] And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was
above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
[6] And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered,
Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and
worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
[8] So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the
sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

Live the Word of God

9 (Ne 7:65; 7:70) Then Nehemiah the magistrate, Ezra the priest and scribe,
and the Levites who were teaching the people said to all the people, "This
day is holy to the Lord your God. Stop mourning and weeping." (This was
because all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.)
10 (Dt 26:11-13; Est 9:19) Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat,
drink the sweet drink, and send portions to those for whom nothing is
prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy
of the Lord is your strength."
11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying,
"Hush! Because today is holy you should stop being so sorrowful."
12 (Ne 8:7-8) Then all the people went to eat, to drink, to send portions,
and to enjoy a great celebration because they had understood the words
declared to them.

[9] And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe,
and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day
is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people
wept, when they heard the words of the law.
[10] Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet,
and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is
holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your
strength.
[11] So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the
day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
[12] And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send
portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words
that were declared unto them.

In the midst of colourful creations made from old plastic bottles cut to 
resemble feathers and even lampshades, a tour guide at a New Orleans Museum 
shared the thinking behind the use of such material. "For a city that's had 
such hardship, we've also learned to use what we have to create joy 
and beauty. We don't focus only on the hard times; 
we celebrate the resilience."

Nehemiah and the Israelites also faced hardship but resiliently pressed on in 
God's joy. They’d been captured and taken away from their home, and at last 
were able to return to Jerusalem from exile (Nehemiah 3:7-12, 18). But upon 
arriving, they still faced opposition to rebuild the wall that protected 
Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6). Even after the wall was completed and they gathered 
for a celebration, hearing the words of God’s law, their spirits were heavy. 
They were "weeping as they listened" (8:9). But Nehemiah reminded them that 
they could find joy and strength in God - remembering who He was and what He'd
brought them through. Nehemiah told them, 
"The joy of the Lord is your strength" (v. 10).

Focusing on God can give us "great joy" and strength too, especially when 
our circumstances seem dire. God’s ability, character, and the Scriptures 
can renew our minds and bring us joy (v. 12) - providing the strength 
and resilience we need.

Reflect & Pray

When have you found joy and strength in God? 
How can you practice resilience amid your trials?

Holy God, when my circumstances seem bleak, 
please remind me to focus on You to find joy and strength.
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-living/life-issues-struggles
/why-should-i-trust-god">For further study, read Why Should I Trust God? </a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 5 Rejoice in Grace - Day 7 Break up Your Fallow Ground

Hosea 10:12

12 Sow to yourselves righteousness, reap mercy,
break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord,
until He comes and rains righteousness upon you.

12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy;
break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD,
till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

When a farmer prepares to plant his crop, a great deal of preparation
is necessary before the seen can be sown. He has to plow up the ground,
turning under the stubble from the previous harvest, harrow the field to
break up the clods, and fertilise- readying the soil for optimum growth.
A fallow field, one that was not planted the previous season, must be
broken and worked so that the seed can find root in the ground.
The Bible likens spiritual growth to raising crops. God is the one
who brings rain and gives growth, but the success or failure
of the seed - both in initial salvation and in ongoing maturity -
is often linked to how well the soil has been prepared.
That preparation isn't always a pleasant or rewarding process.
We may resist the plowing or harrowing that comes through
the Holy Spirit's conviction of sin. We may need to dig up boulders
of bitterness and thistles of anger; we may have to plow under the
stubble of the last crop of lessons, working that mulch deep into our lives.
But the final outcome is worth the effort - even the pain - that
preparation brings. Broken up, harrowed, readied for the seed of God's Word,
we are rich and fertile ground, and the seed of righteousness produces
an abundant crop in us.

Application

a) In what ways have I been "broken up" and "harrowed" by the Holy
Spirit to prepare me for God's work in me?

b) How can I apply these verses to myself? How can I
"sow in righteousness," "reap in mercy," "break up my fallow ground"? 

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Proverbs 22:7

7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

7 The rich ruleth over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.

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

When you are Saddened by Loss

John 14:1 - 7

1 "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me.
2 In My Father's house are many dwelling places.
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going to prepare a place for you.
3 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."
5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know
where You are going. How can we know the way?"
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.
From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
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.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;
and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:
and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

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

13th Day of the Month

a) Pray that, with God's help, children and
young people will be able to journey with hope towards the destiny God has
for each of them

b) Pray for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador

I) Pray for the leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador, 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 21

From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle

[The Queen of Narnia] "'isn't a real queen at all,' answered Lucy.
'She is a horrible White Witch She has made an enchantment 
over the whole country so that it is always winter here and never Christmas.'

'I wonder if there's any point in going on,' said Susan....

'What about just going home?'" - C. S. Lewis

(Read this and more in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, p. 56.)

Always Winter and Never Christmas

Always winter and never Christmas. Nothing could be more depressing. 
Continual anticipation of celebration, gift-giving, and wonderful music, 
but never arriving at the promise. Advent is exciting, but a perpetual 
Advent season would drag on. In Narnia, it had been winter for a hundred 
years, but Christmas never arrived. The white witch had bound Narnia 
in ice and snow. The winter weather contained the promise,
but not the reality of Christmas. Without the breaking of her 
enchantment, Christmas would never come.

Lucy had been the first to enter Narnia. Her words from The Lion, 
the Witch and the Wardrobe repeat what she has heard: always 
winter and never Christmas. But in that phrase there lies a promise.
 Some day it will be Christmas! Asian is on the move! The lion is coming. 
He will defeat the witch. The wardrobe will prove to be a gateway 
to the fulfillment of a promise. Evil has its limits. One day we will celebrate. 
And so Asian came, and the ice and snow began to melt. Eventually, 
the witch's power melted as surely as the ice and snow had.

Since the first promise of a Savior and the first declaration of a final 
Day of the Lord, much time has passed. The promise remains valid, 
because "a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day" 
with the Lord (2 Peter 3:8). He has come, and he is coming again.

God, give us the patience to trust your promises. Amen.

8 (Ps 90:4) But, beloved, do not be ignorant of this one thing,
that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years
as one day.
9 (1Ti 2:4; Hab 2:3; Heb 10:37) The Lord is not slow concerning His promise,
as some count slowness. But He is patient with us, because He does not want
any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:8-9

From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn

SATURDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

The Lord God

68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,...

-Luke 1:68a

I have taken the liberty of capitalizing the entire name LORD
(here and in earlier meditations) because it seems most likely

that the speakers utilized the Aramaic version of the original
Hebrew word we translate "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." In English we employ
the all-capitalized word rather than Lord, which renders the Hebrew
name Adonai or "Sovereign One." LORD means the "Covenant One,"
so you might want to watch for its occurrences in the First Testament
and note each time the choice of that assuring/fulfilling name.


Here Zechariah blesses Israel's Promising God because he had scrutinised
his people positively and reclaimed them after all the times in their
history they had gone astray.
Zechariah's son John would have a great part in a future restoration
(Luke 1:15b-16).

Do we need a more favourable view of the First
(rather than "Old" or, as some think, "Outdated") Testament?
To see all the grace that is implied by LORD might
be an excellent starting point.

Prayer

The immensity of your grace, LORD, dazzles us! Amen.

Read Luke 1:67-68.

67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for He has visited and redeemed His people,

From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

THIRD SATURDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATTRIBUTES!

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who proclaims peace,
who brings good news of happiness,
who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion,
"Your God reigns!"ISAIAH 52:7

Today's Scripture outlines some of the Advent AH-HAs of attributes
of those who share the good news of Christmas . .. and beyond. How
beautiful are the feet of the messengers who bring peace and hope to
a troubled world! And then we are even encouraged to "break forth in
singing," another great attribute given to us to use to glorify the Lords
Think of some of the AH-HA attributes that you are sharing with others. Go
ahead. no need to be a "shucks, I don't have much" kind of person. We
all have been blessed with so many gifts, and I do not mean those lying
under your tree.
As an experiment, try this; Write down or think of six words you would use
to describe your Advent journey of faith. This idea evolved from a book
entitled Not Quite What I was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers
Famous card Obscure in which people summed up their lives in six
words. One comic wrote, "Well,l thought it was funny." Ernest Hemingway
wrote, "For sale, baby shoes, never worn." Folks from Chicago might write,
'Cubbies--just wait until next year!" A former math teacher of mine would
have said. "l never could count well!'
Some quick attributes of Advent for me an: "He came to give us life."o r
Everything in the name of Jesus." or "The Word Made Flesh among us.'
Share your attributes as gifts to others.

Lord. thanks for giving us gifts to announce your birth, death
and resurrection to others. Keep us creative, constant, consistent
and Christ-like. In Jesus' name, Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Isaiah 52:7-10.

7 (Isa 40:9; Na 1:15; Ps 93:1) How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who proclaims peace,
who brings good news of happiness,
who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion,
"Your God reigns!"
8 (Isa 62:6; 1Co 13:12) Your watchmen lift up their voices;
they sing joyfully together;
for they shall see with their own eyes
when the Lord brings Zion back.
9 (Isa 51:3; 48:20) Break forth into joy, sing together,
you waste places of Jerusalem.
For the Lord has comforted His people;
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 (Isa 51:9; Lk 3:6) The Lord has bared His holy arm
in the eyes of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.
 
From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca"> On Eagle's wings</a> Day 14

Part Of The Family

14 and we saw His glory,
the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

[14] (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth. John 1:14b 

When I joined the Diocese of The Arctic in 1960 the term of service
was five years without any vacation and it was made clear that the
missionary’s first task was to learn the language of the community in
which they were serving. This was so that the people knew you came
not just as a transient visitor, but like Jesus, as one who was coming to
"dwell among" them. In this way you eventually were seen as a
member of the community not as an outsider, who would be there for
a time, short or longer, but eventually leave again. You became one of
the family sharing in its joys and its sorrows, the joyful times and the
tragedies.
Advent is the season in which we look forward to the annual
celebration of the coming of Jesus who came that we might have life,
not just earthly life, but eternal life as one of God the Father’s family.
During Advent we have a twofold task. We need to prepare ourselves
to fully celebrate the Nativity, and remember that Jesus still dwells
among us today. Then to share with those around us that we can all be
members of the heavenly family through belief and trust in Jesus, the
only Lord and Saviour.
Let us reach out to those amongst whom we dwell and share with
them the Gospel of salvation.

Bishop Chris Williams (retired)
Northern Partner & Former Board Member
 
Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for being the Supreme Spiritual Leader.

Pray to the Lord: "Holy God, when my circumstances seem bleak, 
please remind me to focus on You to find joy and strength."

Pray to the Lord and pray to Sow to yourselves in righteousness, 
reap in mercy.

Pray to the Lord and pray to be neither lender nor follower.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know The Lord prepares a place for you in Heaven.

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 that, with God's help, children and young people will be able to journey 
with hope towards the destiny God has for each of them.

Thank you, Lord, for choosing us before the creation of the world
to be your sons and daughters. Amen.

God, give us the patience to trust your promises. Amen.

Pray: The immensity of your grace, LORD, dazzles us! Amen.

Pray: Lord. thanks for giving us gifts to announce your birth, death
and resurrection to others. Keep us creative, constant, consistent
and Christ-like. In Jesus' name, Amen ... and AH-HA!

Lord Jesus give us the will and courage to reach out to those around
us with the gospel of the eternal love of God in Jesus.

Ask God to meet the need for practical resources that will enable churches 
in Jordan to assist Muslim refugees.

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