Day 314 of MY 4th Bible Study Journey

Day 314, 9 November 2024

1)Acts 1:12-26, Acts 2, Acts 3,

Acts 1

Judas' Successor

12 (Lk 24:52; Mt 21:1) Then they returned to Jerusalem from
the Mount of Olives, which is a Sabbath day's walk (About half a mile.)
from Jerusalem.
13 (Mt 10:2-4; Ac 20:8) When they had entered, they went up
into the upper room, where they were staying:
Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas;
Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot;
and Judas the son of James.
14 (Mt 12:46; Ac 2:42) These all continued with one accord in prayer
and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus,
and with His brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the disciples
(the number of people together was about a hundred and twenty), and said,
16 (Mt 26:47; Jn 13:18) "Brothers, this Scripture had to be fulfilled,
which the Holy Spirit previously spoke by the mouth of David
concerning Judas, who became the guide to those who seized Jesus.
17 (Ac 1:25; Jn 6:70-71) For he was numbered with us
and took part in this ministry."
18 (Mt 27:3-10) (Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity.
And falling headlong, he burst asunder in the middle and all his organs
spilled out.
19 It became known to all the residents of Jerusalem.
So this field is called in their dialect Akeldama,
that is, Field of Blood.)
20 (Ps 69:25) "For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
'Let his habitation become desolate,
and let no one live in it,' (Ps 69:25.)
and,
'Let another take his office.'(Ps 109:8.)
21 (Nu 27:17; Dt 31:2) Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us
while the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 (Ac 1:2; 1:8-9) beginning from the baptism of John
until the very day that He was taken up from us,
one of these men must become with us a witness of His resurrection."
23 (Ac 15:22) So they proposed two, Joseph, called Barsabbas,
who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 (1Sa 16:7; Jer 17:10) Then they prayed, "You, Lord, who knows the hearts
of all men, show which of these two You have chosen
25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship,
from which Judas by transgression fell, to go to his own place."
26 (Lev 16:8) Then they cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias.
So he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

[12] Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which
is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
[13] And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where
abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas,
Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and
Judas the brother of James.
[14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with
the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
[15] And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and
said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
[16] Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which
the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which
was guide to them that took Jesus.
[17] For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
[18] Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling
headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
[19] And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that
field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field
of blood.
[20] For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be
desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
[21] Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that
the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
[22] Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was
taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his
resurrection.
[23] And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed
Justus, and Matthias.
[24] And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all
men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
[25] That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which
Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
[26] And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he
was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Acts 2
The Coming of the Holy Spirit

1 (Ac 20:16; 1Co 16:8) When the day of Pentecost had come,
they were all together in one place.
2 (Ac 4:31; 1Ki 19:11) Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing
wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house
where they were sitting.
3 (Mt 3:11) There appeared to them tongues as of fire,
being distributed and resting on each of them,
4 (Mk 16:17; 1Co 12:10) and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.
5 (Ac 8:2; Lk 2:25) Now dwelling in Jerusalem were Jews, devout men,
from every nation under heaven.
6 When this sound occurred, the crowd came together and were confounded,
because each man heard them speaking in his own language.
7 (Ac 1:11; 2:12) They were all amazed and marveled, saying to each other,
"Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
8 How is it that we hear, each in our own native language?
9 (1Pe 1:1; Ac 16:6; 18:2) Parthians, Medes and Elamites,
residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 (Ac 13:13; 15:38) Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the regions of Libya
near Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
11 (Ex 15:11) Cretans and Arabs-we hear them speaking in our own languages
the mighty works of God."
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."

[1] And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one
accord in one place.
[2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
[3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat
upon each of them.
[4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[5] And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every
nation under heaven.
[6] Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were
confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
[7] And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold,
are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
[8] And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
[9] Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and
in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
[10] Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about
Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
[11] Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful
works of God.
[12] And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another,
What meaneth this?
[13] 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.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above
and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke.
20 (Mt 24:29; 2Pe 3:10) The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood,
before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 (Ac 22:16) And whoever calls
on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'
22 (Jn 3:2; Mt 12:28) "Men of Israel, hear these words:
Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with powerful works
and wonders and signs, which God did through Him in your midst,
as you yourselves know.
23 (Lk 22:22; Ac 3:18) You have taken Him, who was handed over to you
by the ordained counsel and foreknowledge of God, and by lawless hands
have crucified and killed Him,
24 (Ac 2:32; 1Co 6:14) whom God raised up by loosening the pull of death,
because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
25 (Ps 16:8-11) For David says concerning Him:
'I foresaw the Lord always before me,
for He is at my right hand,
that I may not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
moreover my flesh will dwell in hope.
27 (Ac 2:31; Lk 1:35; Rev 1:18) For You will not abandon my soul to Hades,
nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy with Your presence.'
(Gk. 15 orguias, about 27 meters.)
29 (1Ki 2:10; Ac 13:36) "Brothers, I may speak confidently to you concerning
the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with
us to this day.
30 (2Sa 23:2) But being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn
with an oath to him, that of his seed according to the flesh,
He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,
31 (Ac 2:27; Ps 16:10) he foresaw this and spoke concerning
the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not abandoned
to Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.
32 (Ac 2:24; 1:8) God raised up this Jesus, of which we all are witnesses.
33 (Ac 1:4; Mk 16:19) Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God,
and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit,
He has poured out this which you now see and hear.
34 (Ps 110:1) For David has not ascended to the heavens, yet he says:
'The Lord said to my Lord,
"Sit at My right hand,
35Until I make Your enemies
Your footstool." '
36 "Therefore, let all the house of Israel assuredly know that God
has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37 (Lk 3:10; Ac 5:33) When they heard this, they were stung in the heart
and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles,
"Brothers, what shall we do?"
38 (Lk 24:47; Ac 8:12; 22:16) Peter said to them,
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of sins, and you shall receive the gift
of the Holy Spirit.
39 (Joel 2:32; Isa 44:3) For the promise is to you, and to your children,
and to all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call."
40 (Mt 17:17; Dt 32:5) With many other words he testified and exhorted them,
saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
41 (Ac 2:37; 2:47) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized,
and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

[14] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said
unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this
known unto you, and hearken to my words:
[15] For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third
hour of the day.
[16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out
of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams:
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days
of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
[19] And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth
beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
[20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before
that great and notable day of the Lord come:
[21] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the
Lord shall be saved.
[22] Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved
of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in
the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
[23] Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of
God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
[24] Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it
was not possible that he should be holden of it.
[25] For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my
face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
[26] Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also
my flesh shall rest in hope:
[27] Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer
thine Holy One to see corruption.
[28] Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of
joy with thy countenance.
[29] Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David,
that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
[30] Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath
to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would
raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
[31] He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his
soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
[32] This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
[33] Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received
of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which
ye now see and hear.
[34] For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The
LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
[35] Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
[36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath
made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said
unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we
do?
[38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost.
[39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are
afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
[40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save
yourselves from this untoward generation.
[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day
there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 

Life Among the Believers

42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46) They continued steadfastly in the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
43 Fear came to every soul. And many wonders and signs were done through
the apostles.
44 (Ac 4:32) All who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 They sold their property and goods and distributed them to all,
according to their need.
46 (Ac 5:42; 20:7) And continuing daily with one mind in the temple,
and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness
and simplicity of heart,
47 (Ac 11:24; 2:41) praising God and having favor with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. 

[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
[43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by
the apostles.
[44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
[45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as
every man had need.
[46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness
of heart,
[47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added
to the church daily such as should be saved. 

Acts 3

The Lame Man Healed at the Temple Gate

1 (Ps 55:17; Ac 10:30) Now Peter and John went up together to the temple
at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.
2 (Lk 16:20; Jn 9:8) A man lame from birth was being carried,
whom people placed daily at the gate of the temple called Beautiful
to ask alms from those who entered the temple.
3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms.
4 Peter, gazing at him with John, said, "Look at us."
5 So he paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them.
6 (Ac 3:16; 4:10) Then Peter said, "I have no silver and gold,
but I give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
rise up and walk."
7 He took him by the right hand and raised him up.
Immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened.
8 (Ac 14:10; Isa 35:6) Jumping up, he stood and walked
and entered the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God.
9 (Ac 4:16; 4:21) All the people saw him walking and praising God.
10 (Ac 3:2) They knew that it was he who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate
of the temple. And they were filled with wonder and amazement
at what happened to him.

[1] Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of
prayer, being the ninth hour.
[2] And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they
laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms
of them that entered into the temple;
[3] Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
[4] And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
[5] And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
[6] Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I
thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
[7] And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately
his feet and ancle bones received strength.
[8] And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the
temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
[9] And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
[10] And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate
of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which
had happened unto him.

Peter's Speech at Solomon's Porch

11 (Jn 10:23; Ac 5:12) As the lame man who was healed held on to Peter
and John, all the people ran together to them in the entrance that is
called Solomon's Porch, greatly amazed.
12 When Peter saw it, he answered the people: "Men of Israel,
why do you marvel at this man? Or why do you stare at us,
as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk?
13 (Mt 22:32; 27:2) The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob,
the God of our fathers, has glorified His Son ­Jesus,
whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate,
when he had decided to release Him.
14 (Mk 1:24; Ac 4:27; 7:52) You denied the Holy and Righteous One
and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
15 (Ac 2:24; 2:32) and you killed the Creator of Life,
whom God has raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
16 (Ac 3:6; Dt 32:4) And His name, by faith in His name, has made
this man strong, whom you see and know. And faith which comes
through Him has given him perfect health in your presence.
17 (Lk 23:34; Ac 13:27) "Now brothers, I know that you acted
in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
18 (Ac 26:22-23; Lk 24:26-27) But what God foretold through
all the prophets, that His Christ should suffer, He thus fulfilled.
19 (Ac 2:38; Ps 51:9) Therefore repent and be converted, that your sins
may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence
of the Lord,
20 and that He may send the One who previously was preached to you,
Jesus Christ,
21 (Lk 1:70; Ac 1:11) whom the heavens must receive until the time
of restoring what God spoke through all His holy prophets
since the world began.
22 (Ac 7:37; Isa 55:3-4) For Moses indeed said to the fathers,
'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me
from your brothers. You shall hear whatever He may say to you.
23 (Dt 18:19) And it shall be that every soul who will not hear
that prophet shall be utterly eliminated from the people.'
(Dt 18:15, 18-19.)
24 (1Sa 3:20; Ac 13:20) "Indeed, all the prophets since Samuel
and those who follow, as many as have spoken,
have likewise foretold these days.
25 (Ge 22:18; 12:3; Ac 2:39) You are the sons of the prophets
and of the covenant which God made with our fathers,
saying to Abraham,
'And in your seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.'-
(26 Ps 2:1-2.)
26 (Ac 3:22; Mt 1:21) God, having raised up His Son Jesus,
sent Him to you first, to bless you in turning every one of you
from your iniquities." 

[11] And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the
people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly
wondering.
[12] And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel,
why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our
own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
[13] The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers,
hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the
presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
[14] But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be
granted unto you;
[15] And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead;
whereof we are witnesses.
[16] And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom
ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect
soundness in the presence of you all.
[17] And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also
your rulers.
[18] But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his
prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
[19] Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted
out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
[20] And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
[21] Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all
things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since
the world began.
[22] For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your
God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in
all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
[23] And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that
prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
[24] Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as
many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
[25] Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made
with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the
kindreds of the earth be blessed.
[26] Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless
you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

2) Our Daily Bread for 9 November 2024 titled
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/11/09/serving-with-love"> Serving with Love </a>

1 Peter 4:7-11

7 (1Pe 1:13; Lk 21:36) The end of all things is near.
Therefore be solemn and sober so you can pray.
8 (Pr 10:12; Jas 5:20) Above all things, have unfailing love for one another,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
9 (Php 2:14; 1Ti 3:2) Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
10 (1Co 4:1-2; Lk 12:42) As everyone has received a gift, even so serve one
another with it, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 (Ac 7:38; 1Co 10:31) If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.
If anyone serves, let him serve with the strength that God supplies, so that
God in all things may be glorified through ­Jesus Christ,
to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

[7] But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch
unto prayer.
[8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity
shall cover the multitude of sins.
[9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
[10] As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
[11] If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man
minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all
things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion
for ever and ever. Amen. 

When Krystal first started work at a Virginia coffee shop, she served a 
customer named Ibby. Because Ibby is hearing impaired, he placed his order 
using a typed note on his phone. After Krystal learned Ibby was a regular 
customer, she determined to serve him better by learning enough American Sign 
Language so he could place his order without writing it down.

In a small way, Krystal showed Ibby the kind of love and service Peter 
encourages us all to offer one another. In his letter to believers in Jesus 
who'd been scattered and exiled, the apostle indicates that they ought to 
"love each other deeply" and use their gifts "to serve others" (1 Peter 4:8, 
10). Whatever skills and abilities He's equipped us with are gifts we can use 
to benefit others. As we do, our words and actions can bring honor to God.  

Peter's words were especially important to those he wrote to, for they were 
experiencing a season of pain and isolation. He encouraged them to serve one 
another during the time of distress to help them bear up under their trials. 
Though we may not know the specific pain another person experiences, God can 
help us to show empathy as well as graciously and cheerfully serve one another
with our words, resources, and abilities. May God help us serve others as 
a reflection of His love.

By:  Kirsten Holmberg

Reflect & Pray

When have you experienced the kind of hospitality Peter encourages? 
Who could you serve with your words, skills, and resources today?

Father, please help me to serve those around me with all that You've given me.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

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

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

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

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

Application

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

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

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

4) Prosperity verses from Kenneth Copeland

Deut 8:18

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

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

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

When you are lonely

PSALMS 25:15-21

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

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

Remember God's promises when You pray

The Lord's prayer 

Matthew 6:9-13


9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: 
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
11 Give us this day our daily bread. 
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)

Newfoundland & Labrador

Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065

As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.

St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.

In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.

Pray for

- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses. 

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

9th Day of the Month

a) Pray a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,
faithfulness and provision.

(
Ps 100

A Psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before His presence with singing.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Know that the Lord, He is God;
it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise;
be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100

A Psalm of praise.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God:
It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise:
Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;
And his truth endureth to all generations.

)

b) Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways
to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.
(
1 Chr 12:32

32 (Est 1:13) From the sons of Issachar,
those having understanding of times
and what Israel should do: two hundred of their captains
with all their brothers at their command.

32 And of the children of Issachar,
which were men that had understanding of the times,
to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred;
and all their brethren were at their commandment

)

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you and your church
in your walk with the Lord Every day. 

Pray to the Lord: "Father, please help me to serve 
those around me with all that You've given me."

Pray to the Lord and pray for Him to do His work in you today.

Pray to the Lord and pray to honour His covenant.

Pray to the Lord and pray for His integrity and uprightness preserves you.

Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador

- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses. 

Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- 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 a prayer of thanksgiving throughout
the day for God's unfailing love, Mercy, compassion,
faithfulness and provision.

Pray that the Lord will lead the Church in finding ways
to wisely and effectively respond to pressing social issues.

Pray for the success of Bible-smuggling efforts in North Korea, asking God to
touch the hearts of all recipients.

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 ;
Lest we forget 11/11/2024