Day 351 of My 5th Bible Study Journey

Day 351, 17 December 2025 - 25th Day of Advent  

1) 2 Peter 1, 2 Peter 2, 2 Peter 3, Jude

2 Peter 1

Salutation

1 (Titus 2:13; Ro 3:21-26; 1:1) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle
of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious
as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 (Jn 17:3; 1Pe 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied to you through
the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

[1] Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have
obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ:
[2] Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and
of Jesus our Lord,

The Christian's Call and Election

3 (1Th 2:12; 2Th 2:14) His divine power has given to us all things that
pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge
of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence,
4 (Heb 12:10; 1Jn 3:2) by which He has given to us exceedingly great
and precious promises, so that through these things you might become
partakers of the divine nature
and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 (2Pe 3:18; Php 4:8) For this reason make every effort to add virtue
to your faith; and to your virtue, knowledge;
6 (Ac 24:25; 2Pe 1:3) and to your knowledge, self-control; and to your
self-control, patient endurance; and to your patient endurance, godliness;
7 (Ro 12:10; 1Co 13:1-8) and to your godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to your brotherly kindness, love.
8 (Jn 15:2; Col 3:16) For if these things reside in you and abound,
they ensure that you will neither be useless nor unfruitful
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 (Eph 5:26; Heb 9:14) But the one who lacks these things is blind
and shortsighted because he has forgotten that he was cleansed
from his former sins.
10 (2Pe 3:17) Therefore, brothers, diligently make your calling
and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided for you.
12 (Php 3:1; 1Jn 2:21) Therefore I will not be negligent to always
remind you of these things, though you know them and are established
in the truth that is present with you.
13 (2Pe 3:1; 1:14) I consider it right, as long as I live in this body,
to stir you up by reminding you,
14 (2Ti 4:6; Jn 21:18-19) knowing that soon I will take off this body,
even as our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me.
15 And I will also be diligent to make sure that after my death you
will always remember these things.

[3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain
unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to
glory and virtue:
[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by
these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust.
[5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to
virtue knowledge;
[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience
godliness;
[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
[8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall
neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and
hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
[10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
[11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
[12] Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of
these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
[13] Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you
up by putting you in remembrance;
[14] Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our
Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
[15] Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have
these things always in remembrance.

Christ's Glory and the Prophetic Word

16 (1Ti 1:4; Lk 9:28-32) For we have not followed cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
17 (Mk 9:7; Mt 3:17; 17:5) For He received honor and glory from God
the Father when a voice came to Him from the majestic glory, saying,
"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
(Mt 17:5; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35.)
18 (Mt 17:6; Ex 3:5) And we ourselves heard this voice, which came
from heaven, when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19 (Rev 22:16; Ps 119:105; Rev 2:28) And we have a more reliable word
of prophecy, which you would do well to follow, as to a light that shines
in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises
in your hearts.
20 (2Pe 3:3; Ro 12:6) But know this first of all, that no prophecy
of the Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation.
21 (1Pe 1:11; Lk 1:70; 2Sa 23:2) For no prophecy at any time was produced
by the will of man, but holy men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

[16] For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known
unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were
eyewitnesses of his majesty.
[17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came
such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased.
[18] And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him
in the holy mount.
[19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye
take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn,
and the day star arise in your hearts:
[20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation.
[21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men
of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 Peter 2

False Prophets and Teachers

Jude 4-13
1 (2Pe 2:3; Jude 1:4; 1Co 6:20) But there were also false prophets
among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you,
who will secretly bring in destructive heresies,
even denying the Lord who bought them,
bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
2 (Ro 2:24; Ac 16:17) And many will follow their destructive ways,
because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.
3 (Dt 32:35; Ro 16:18) And in their greed they will exploit you
with deceptive words. Their judgment, made long ago, does not linger,
and their destruction does not slumber.
4 (Jude 1:6; Mt 25:41; Rev 20:10) For if God did not spare the angels
that sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains
of darkness to be kept for judgment;
5 (2Pe 3:6; Heb 11:7) and if He did not spare the ancient world,
but saved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others,
when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 (Jude 1:7; Nu 26:10; Dt 29:23) and if He condemned the cities of Sodom
and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, making them
an example to those afterward who would live ungodly lives;
7 (Ge 19:16; 19:29; 19:7-8) and if He delivered righteous Lot,
who was distressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked
8 (Ps 119:136; 119:158) (for that righteous man lived among them,
and what he saw and heard of their lawless deeds tormented
his righteous soul day after day);
9 (1Co 10:13; 2Pe 3:7) then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial,
and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the Day of Judgment,
10 (Ex 22:28; Jude 1:10) especially those who walk after the flesh in pursuit
of unclean desires, and despise authority.
They are presumptuous and arrogant, and are not afraid to slander
the angelic beings.
11 (Jude 1:9) Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might,
do not bring slanderous accusations against them before the Lord.
12 (Jude 1:10; Jer 12:3) But these people are like irrational animals,
born to be captured and destroyed. They speak evil of the things that
they do not understand, and in their corruption they will be destroyed.
13 (Ro 13:13) They shall receive the wages of unrighteousness. They count it
a pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes
who revel in their own deception while they carouse together with you.
14 (Eph 2:3; 2Pe 2:3) They have eyes full of adultery that cannot cease
from sin. They entice unstable souls. Their hearts are trained in greed.
They are cursed children!
15 (Jude 1:11; Rev 2:14) They have forsaken the right way and have gone
astray. They follow the way of Balaam the son of Beor,
who loved the wages of wickedness,
16 (Nu 22:21-33) but who was rebuked for his iniquity.
The mute donkey speaking with a man's voice constrained
the madness of the prophet.
17 (Jude 1:12-13) These men are wells without water and clouds that are
carried by a storm, for whom the gloom of darkness has been reserved forever.
18 (2Pe 1:4; 2:20) For when they speak arrogant words of vanity,
they entice by the lusts of the flesh and by depravity those who barely
escaped from those who live in error.
19 (Jn 8:34; Gal 5:13) Although they promise them freedom, they themselves
are slaves of corruption, for by that which a man is overcome, to this
he is enslaved.
20 (2Pe 1:2; 2:18) For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world
through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and they are again
entangled in them and are overcome, the latter end is worse for them
than the beginning.
21 (Eze 18:24; Lk 12:47) For it would have been better for them not to have
known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then turn back
from the holy commandment that was delivered to them.
22 (Pr 26:11) But it has happened to them according to the true proverb,
"The dog returns to his own vomit,"(Pr 26:11.)
and "the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mud."

[1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall
be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,
even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction.
[2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way
of truth shall be evil spoken of.
[3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise
of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation
slumbereth not.
[4] For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to
hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto
judgment;
[5] And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a
preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the
ungodly;
[6] And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them
with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live
ungodly;
[7] And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the
wicked:
[8] (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing,
vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
[9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to
reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
[10] But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness,
and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not
afraid to speak evil of dignities.
[11] Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing
accusation against them before the Lord.
[12] But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed,
speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish
in their own corruption;
[13] And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it
pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting
themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
[14] Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling
unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed
children:
[15] Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the
way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
[16] But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's
voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
[17] These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest;
to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
[18] For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through
the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean
escaped from them who live in error.
[19] While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of
corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in
bondage.
[20] For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the
knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled
therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
[21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of
righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy
commandment delivered unto them.
[22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is
turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing
in the mire.

2 Peter 3

The Promise of the Lord's Coming

1 This is now, beloved, the second epistle I am writing to you, in which
I am stirring up your sincere minds by way of reminder,
2 (Lk 1:70; Jude 1:17) that you should remember the words that were spoken
previously by the holy prophets and the commandment of our Lord and Saviour
spoken through us, the apostles.
3 (Jude 1:18; 2Pe 2:10; Isa 28:14) Know this first, that there shall come
scoffers in the last days who walk after their own lusts,
4 (Jer 17:15; Mal 2:17) and say, "Where is the promise of His coming?
For since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they
were since the beginning of the creation."
5 (Ge 1:6; 1:9) For they willingly ignore that, by the word of God
the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed standing
out of the water and in the water,
6 (2Pe 2:5) by which the world that then existed was flooded with water
and perished.
7 (2Pe 3:10; 3:12; Mt 10:15) But by the same word, the heavens and the earth
that now exist are being reserved for fire,
kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
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.
10 (Mt 24:35; Rev 21:1; 2Pe 3:7) But the day of the Lord will come like
a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with
a loud noise, and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat.
The earth also and the works that are in it will be burned up.
11 (1Pe 1:15) Seeing then that all these things are to be destroyed,
what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12 (2Pe 3:10; Ps 50:3; Isa 34:4) while you are waiting for and desiring
the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens will be destroyed
by fire and the elements will be consumed by intense heat?
13 (Isa 65:17; 66:22; Rev 21:1) But, according to His promise, we are waiting
for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
14 (1Co 15:58; 1Th 3:13) Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these
things, be diligent that you may be found by Him in peace, spotless
and blameless.
15 (Ac 15:25; 2Pe 3:9) Keep in mind that the patience of our Lord means
salvation, even as our beloved brother Paul has also written to you according
to the wisdom given to him.
16 (Heb 5:11; 2Pe 2:14) As in all his letters, he writes about these things,
in which some things are hard to understand, which the unlearned
and unstable distort, as they also do the other Scriptures,
to their own destruction.
17 (1Co 10:12) You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand,
beware lest you also fall from your own firm footing,
being led away by the deception of the wicked.
18 (Col 1:10; Eph 4:15) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and forever. Amen.

[1] This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir
up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
[2] That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy
prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
[3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers,
walking after their own lusts,
[4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers
fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the
creation.
[5] For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the
heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the
water:
[6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
[7] But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept
in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of
ungodly men.
[8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with
the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
[9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance.
[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which
the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt
with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be
burned up.
[11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of
persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
[12] Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the
heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with
fervent heat?
[13] Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a
new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
[14] Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent
that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as
our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath
written unto you;
[16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which
are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and
unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own
destruction.
[17] Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest
ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own
stedfastness.
[18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 

Jude

The general epistle of Jude was written by Jude, a half-brother
of Jesus Christ, in the mid AD 60s. The place of authorship is unknown.
The purpose for this epistle is to exhort believers to stand firm for
the faith. Jude is filled with apocalyptic nuances and imagery.
A reading of the Old Testament is a prerequisite before delving
into this lofty letter. There are some very encouraging exhortations
as well as some sobering ones. Read this epistle with reverence
and a humble heart. Refer back to the Old Testament Scriptures
that are enveloped within its confines.

Salutation

1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,
To those who are sanctified and called by God the Father
and preserved in Jesus Christ:

2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

[1] Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that
are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
[2] Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Judgment on False Teachers

2Pe 2:1-17

3 Beloved, while I diligently tried to write to you of the salvation
we have in common, I found it necessary to write and appeal
to you to contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
4 For there are some men who secretly crept in, who were marked long ago
for this condemnation. They are ungodly men, who pervert the grace of our God
into immorality and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
5 Now I want to remind you, though you already know, that the Lord saved
the people out of the land of Egypt and afterward destroyed those
who did not believe.
6 Likewise, the angels who did not keep to their first domain, but forsook
their own dwelling, He has kept in everlasting chains under darkness
for the judgment of the great day.
7 Just as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities in like manner,
gave themselves to immorality and went after different flesh, they serve
as an example by suffering the punishment of eternal fire.
8 Likewise, these ungodly dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority,
and slander celestial beings.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil in a dispute
about the body of Moses, did not dare to pronounce upon him
a railing judgment. But he said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
10 But these men slander those things that they do not understand.
But they destroy themselves in those things that, like unreasoning animals,
they know by instinct.
11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily after
the error of Balaam for a reward, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.
12 These are the ones who are stains on your love feasts as they feast with
you irreverently and care only for themselves. They are clouds without water,
carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted;
13 raging waves of the sea, which are foaming up their own shame;
wandering stars for whom the gloom of darkness has been kept forever.
14 Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam, also prophesied of these men,
saying, "Look! The Lord is coming with ten thousand of His holy ones,
15 to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all who are godless
of all their wicked deeds that they have committed, and of all the terrible
words that godless sinners have spoken against Him."
16 These men are grumblers, complainers, who walk after their own lusts.
Their mouths speak arrogant words, and they flatter others to gain profit.

[3] Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common
salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye
should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints.
[4] For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old
ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God
into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus
Christ.
[5] I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how
that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward
destroyed them that believed not.
[6] And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own
habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the
judgment of the great day.
[7] Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner,
giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are
set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
[8] Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion,
and speak evil of dignities.
[9] Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed
about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation,
but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
[10] But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they
know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
[11] Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily
after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of
Core.
[12] These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you,
feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried
about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead,
plucked up by the roots;
[13] Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars,
to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
[14] And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying,
Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
[15] To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly
among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and
of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
[16] These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and
their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in
admiration because of advantage.

Warnings and Exhortations

17 But, beloved, remember the words that were previously spoken
by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
18 They said to you, "In the last days there will be scoffers
who will walk after their own ungodly desires."
19 These are the men who cause divisions, sensual, devoid of the Spirit.
20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith.
Pray in the Holy Spirit.
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God while you are waiting for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ, which leads to eternal life.
22 On some have compassion, using discernment.
23 And others save with fear while pulling them out of the fire,
hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

[17] But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the
apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
[18] How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who
should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
[19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
[20] But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith,
praying in the Holy Ghost,
[21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
[22] And of some have compassion, making a difference:
[23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even
the garment spotted by the flesh.

Benediction

24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you
blameless before the presence of His glory with rejoicing,
25 to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty,
dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

[24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you
faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
[25] To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and
power, both now and ever. Amen. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 17 December 2025 
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category
/precious-to-god3"> Precious to God </a> by James Banks

Isaiah 43:1-7

1 (Isa 43:7; 44:2) 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.
2 (Ps 66:12; Da 3:25-27) When you pass through waters,
I will be with you.
And through the rivers,
they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned,
nor shall the flame kindle on you.
3 (Ex 20:2; Pr 21:18) For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 (Ex 19:5-6) Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honorable,
and I have loved you;
therefore, I will give men for you,
and people for your life.
5 (Isa 49:12; 44:2) Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
and gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, "Give them up,"
and to the south, "Do not keep them back.
Bring My sons from afar,
and My daughters from the ends of the earth,
7 (Ps 100:3; Isa 43:1) even everyone who is called by My name,
for I have created him for My glory;
I have formed him, and I have made him."

[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.
[2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through
the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the
fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
[3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave
Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
[4] Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I
have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
[5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and
gather thee from the west;
[6] I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring
my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
[7] Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my
glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
  
The painting hung on the wall of a home for years, unnoticed and forgotten, 
until one day it fell. When it was taken to an art restorer for repairs, he 
discovered it was a long-lost Rembrandt masterpiece titled The Adoration of 
the Magi. It had been thought that only copies of the work remained, but here 
was the original. Suddenly the painting's value skyrocketed to hundreds 
of millions of dollars.

The Bible paints another picture of underestimated value and forgotten worth. 
Isaiah the prophet, inspired by the Holy Spirit, told God's people that even 
though they would be taken away to a foreign land where they would suffer 
and be devalued, He would still be with them: "Do not fear, for I have 
redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine," He assured 
them (Isaiah 43:1). Though they would "pass through the waters" 
and "walk through the fire" (v. 2), His faithfulness to them would 
not change. With words that point to His coming kingdom in Christ, 
God promised that He would one day restore "everyone who 
is called by my name" (v. 7) and bring them home to Him.

God will one day gather all who are His because they "are precious 
and honoured in [His] sight" (v. 4), each one an original! Our Creator values 
us because of His infinite kindness and mercy. The world may overlook us,
but He never will.

Reflect & Pray

How does God's kindness in Christ show that you are precious to Him? 
How much is He worth to you?

Saving God, how amazing is Your perfect 
love, that You would give Yourself for me!

<A href="https://www.odbm.org/en/about-us/personal-relationship-with-god">
Learn more here about having a personal relationship with God.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 6 Showing Grace to Others - Day 4 "Formula" for Forgiveness

Luke 17:3 - 4

3 (Lev 19:17; Mt 18:21)"Take heed to yourselves."
"If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. And if he repents,
forgive him.
4 (Mt 18:21-22) If he sins against you seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turns to you, saying,
'I repent,' you must forgive him."

3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him;
and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,
and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent;
thou shalt forgive him.

The context of these verses give us an interesting perspective of Jesus'
disciples. In a corollary passage in Matthew 18, the disciples (through
Peter, the designated mouthpiece) ask Jesus,
21 (Mt 18:15; Lk 17:3-4) Then Peter came to Him and said,
"Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me?
Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21)
The disciples wanted a "formula" for forgiveness: they wanted to be able to
develop a checklist. Once, twice, maybe three times a brother could be
forgiven, but after that, you could write him off. After all, if
he keeps on offending over and over again, he doesn't deserve to be forgiven!
But Jesus says, " Rebuke him - let him know his fault; if he repents,
forgive him - even seven times in the same day!"
And the disciplines' response is predictable: "Lord, increase our faith!" They
were more comfortable with their own formula for forgiveness than with the
outrageous demands of the love that Christ imposed upon them.
We are so like the disciples. We want to draw a line and say. "This far
- no more. I'll forgive you once, but don't do it again. Now that you're
forgiven, you'd better shape up!". Yet God's love doesn't recognise "again".
He forgives, and no matter how often we come to him in repentance
for repeated offenses, his arms of forgiveness are open to us.
That is the way God wants us to forgive. He wants us to lay aside our
checklists, put away our suspicions, abandon our scoreboards, and forgive.
Seven times, or seventy times seven, as often as we have sinned against God
and been forgiven, we are to forgive.

Application

a) Have I ever kept a "scorecard" of performance on someone I
have forgiven ? Why?

b) Why do I need "increased faith" to be able to forgive as
Jesus calls me to?  

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Ps 37:25-26

25 I have been young, and now am old;
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor their offspring begging bread.
26 The righteous are gracious and lend,
and their offspring are a source of blessing.

25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;
And his seed is blessed.

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

When you are ill or injured

Matthew 8:14-17

The Healing of Many People

Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41

14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,
lying sick with a fever.
15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them.
16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many
who were possessed with demons.
And He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all who were sick,
17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,
"He Himself took our infirmities
and bore our sicknesses."

[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother
laid, and sick of a fever.
[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and
ministered unto them.
[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed
with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that
were sick:
[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,
saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

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

17th Day of the Month

a) Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes

( Ps 122:7 - 7 Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!

7 Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.)

b) Pray for the province of Ontario

I) Pray for the leaders of Ontario,
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 25

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

"Enemy-occupied territory-that is what this world is.
Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed...
and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.
When you go to church you are really listening-in to the secret
wireless from our friends: that is why the enemy is so anxious
to prevent us from going." - C. S. Lewis

(Read this and more in Mere Christianity, p. 46.)

A Campaign of Sabotage

C. S. Lewis wrote his most influential book, Mere Christianity,
in the middle of World War Two. The talks that became the basis
for this book were broadcast on the BBC between 1941 and 1944.
Lewis used numerous military allusions in that book,
in one case describing this world as "enemy-occupied territory."

Humanity has been invaded by an enemy: Satan.
He occupies the territory in which we live. "The rightful king"
has arrived and is in the process of taking back the territory,
but not as the Allies did on D-Day, June 6, 1944,
invading the beaches of Normandy in a full-scale assault
on German positions.

Jesus did not use tanks, planes, or artillery.
He arrived almost incognito. Few knew, even though it had been
predicted for centu­ries. Jesus came in disguise-as a baby.
No one would expect much opposition from a baby, but babies
have the power to wrap their parents around their little finger.
This baby had a lot more power than that, in fact, all power
and authority, and one day that au­thority will be visible
for all to see. But not yet.

Until then, we Christians acknowledge the power and authority
of this rightful king. We participate in his campaign of sabotage
against the enemy. We arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit,
the Word of God, and with the shield of faith, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth, and the shoes of the gospel
of peace. The message of the gospel is our best sabotage
against the power of Satan. Its power to forgive sins
is our best weapon.

Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,
aware of your power over him, and especially
aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.

10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord
and in the power of His might.
11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that
you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10-11

From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn

WEDNESDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

Exactly The Right Time

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.

-Luke 2:1

God's timing is always stunning! When it was exactly the right
moment for the Christ Child to be born, "all the world" cooperated.
The Emperor Augustus issued an order,
and everyone had to go to their ancestral home.

This was the first registration, we are notified in verse 2,
to be commanded when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Whether this means that other enrollments were levied later on we
are not told, but this one made history-not because of its intention
to number the extent of the Roman Empire or to record the names
of Rome's conquerees for taxation purposes, but because the titles
of those rulers are now perpetually associated with the Messiah's birth.

You were born, too, at exactly the right time. God planned all your gifts
and calculated at what point in history your presence would be pivotal.
How we adore the All-Knowing One for his incredible timing!

Prayer

How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,
that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.

Read Luke 2:1-7.

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

Mt 1:18-25

1 (Lk 3:1; Mt 24:14) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the entire inhabited earth should be taxed.
2 (Lk 3:1) This taxation was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And everyone went to his own city to be taxed.
4 (Jn 7:42; 1Sa 16:1) So Joseph also departed from the city of Nazareth
in Galilee to the City of David which is called Bethlehem, in Judea,
because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be taxed with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So while they were there, the day came for her to give birth.
7 (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:11-12) And she gave birth to her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in strips of cloth, and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.

From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

FOURTH WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ADORATION!

And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.ISAIAH 9:6

In the days leading up to Christmas we're counting the days. The malls
are full. The carols continue. The Santas are weary. The mail carriers are
burdened. The children are hyper. And we can almost hear the cattle
lowing (whatever lowing is!.
In theses days we're ready to adore the Baby Jesus. as well we should.
Today's lesson spells it out so well: "A child has been born for us, a son
given to us." "Oh, come let us adore him. Christ the Lord!"
But look again in the stable. For too long we've seen the manger as
a "sanitary shed," white and neat and clean and perfect. But it wasn't
that way at all. It was messy and smelly and germy and . .. well ... human.
And that's exactly why we adore him! Because Christ didn't wait for us
to clean up our dirty and messy lives before he came to redeem us.
Not at all:He entered our sin-filled stables "lust as we are." He came as
a God sized man to rid us of our man-sized gods.
Check out the Christmas cards you are receiving. How many of them really
'depict the human stable where Jesus was born? He may look "adorable,"
but that is not why we adore him. We adore him because he has come
to be our Saviour. And we might add: our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!

Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Isaiah 9:2-7.

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

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

He Who Was, Is, and Is to Come

"'Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,'(Isa 21:9.)
who was, and is, and is to come."

Holy, holy,
holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
 Rev 4:8b 
Advent is a time of waiting. Waiting is an act of faith. Faith is what
Jesus saw when people from Capernaum dug through the roof of a
crowded building and lowered their friend in front of him. For those
of us whose individual faith is not so strong, we can wait in
company with the Church. Advent is, for us, a time of special
blessing as it was for the paralytic man whose individual faith
seemed to have been unimportant.
Waiting is an act of faith when a fisherman sitting on the ice
believes there are fish below him. Or as an expectant mother waits
for her child, believing in her body and her community.
At Advent we wait for Jesus, our Messiah, Son of the Living God. We
do so with faith that he was, he is, and is to come.
From the distant past, where 'he was', we are blessed by the words
of Isaiah, prophesying that those who walk in darkness will see a
great light.
We wait for Jesus, our Messiah, with faith that 'he is', like the roof
people of Capernaum. Because of their faith, the sins of their friend
were forgiven and he was healed. As we keep company with such
people, pray as they do, and immerse ourselves in Scripture, we
learn to wait on Jesus 'who is'.
We wait for Jesus, Son of the Living God, with faith that 'he is to
come'. Like the man fishing through a hole in the ice as his
forefathers taught him. He waits for the fish that he seems to know
will come.

Gary Taylor
Bible Camp Volunteer 23

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the warnings of the Lord as evil increases 
today.

Pray to the Lord: "Saving God, how amazing is Your perfect 
love, that You would give Yourself for me!"

Pray to the Lord and pray to be an unlimited forgiver.

Pray to the Lord and pray to be leave a legacy of righteousness.

Pray to the Lord and pray to give him all your illnesses.

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

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

Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel. 

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people - 
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims 
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days! 

Pray for the safety of those
who live in your community -
safety from conflict an crimes

Jesus, my King, make me aware of the enemy,
aware of your power over him, and especially
aware of your power to forgive sins. Amen.

Pray: How can we adequately praise you, Great Designer,
that we were born when we could best serve you? Amen.

Pray: Lord, we come to adore you because you have come to us. Keep coming,
Lord. into our messy lives. Clean us up as only you can do.
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA! 

Pray: God who was, is, and is to come, help us to recognise your
presence this year as we walk through another Advent season
together. Amen.

Pray that covert Christian fellowships in Iran 
will thrive despite governmental oppression.

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