Day 329 of MY 4th Bible Study Journey - 1st Day of Advent 2024

Day 329, 24 November 2024 

Today At <a href="https://www.calvarycommunity.ca">
Calvary Community Church,</a> Pastor Barry Reiger spoke on 
Freedom in the Spirit

Galatians 5

Christian Freedom

13 (1Co 8:9; 9:19) You, brothers, have been called to liberty.
Only do not use liberty to give an opportunity to the flesh,
but by love serve one another.
14 (Lev 19:18; Mt 7:12; 19:18-19) For the entire law is fulfilled
in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
(Lev 19:18.)
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that
you are not consumed by one another.

[13] For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty
for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
[14] For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself.
[15] But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not
consumed one of another. 

Spiritual Fruit and Fleshly Works

16 (Eph 2:3; Ro 8:4-5) I say then, walk in the Spirit,
and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 (Ro 8:5-8; 8:13) For the flesh lusts against the Spirit,
and the Spirit against the flesh. These are in opposition
to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
18 (Ro 8:14) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 (Mt 15:18-19; 1Co 3:3) Now the works of the flesh are revealed,
which are these: adultery, sexual immorality, impurity, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy,
rage, selfishness, dissensions, heresies,
21 (Ro 13:13; 1Co 6:9-10) envy, murders, drunkenness, carousing,
and the like. I warn you, as I previously warned you,
that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 (Eph 5:9; Ro 7:4) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 (Ac 24:25; 1Ti 1:9) meekness, and self-control; against
such there is no law.
24 (Ro 6:6; Gal 6:14) Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh
with its passions and lusts.
25 (Gal 5:16) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be conceited, provoking one another and envying one another.

[16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust
of the flesh.
[17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the
flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the
things that ye would.
[18] But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
[19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
[20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies,
[21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which
I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do
such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
[23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
[24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections
and lusts.
[25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
[26] Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying
one another. 

A) Living in Freedom

See Galatians 5:13

B) ... is not Going back to our sinful nature ...

See Galatians 5:13,19-21

Galation 2:19-20

19 (Ro 7:4; 6:2) For through the law I am dead to the law,
that I might live for God.
20 (Ro 8:37; Gal 1:4) I have been crucified with Christ.
It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God,
Or by the faith of the Son of God. who loved me and gave Himself for me.

[19] For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
[20] I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith
of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 John 3:6,9-10


6 (3Jn 1:11; 1Jn 2:4; 3:9) Whoever remains in Him does not sin.
Whoever sins has not seen Him and does not know Him.

9 (1Jn 5:18; Jn 1:13; 1Pe 1:23) Whoever has been born of God does not
practice sin, for His seed remains in him. And he cannot keep on sinning,
because he has been born of God.
10 (1Jn 4:8; Mt 13:38) In this the children of God and the children
of the devil are revealed: Whoever does not live in righteousness
is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen
him, neither known him.

[9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in
him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
[10] In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the
devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that
loveth not his brother. 

C) ... but moving forward and walking in the Spirit.

See Galatians 5:16,18,25

Galatians 6:8

8 (Jas 3:18; Job 4:8; Hos 8:7) For the one who sows to his own flesh
will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit
will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but
he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.



1) 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14

1 Corinthians 12

Spiritual Gifts

1 (1Co 14:37) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you
to be ignorant.
2 (Ps 115:5; 1Th 1:9) You know that you were Gentiles,
carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.
3 (Jn 13:13; 1Jn 4:2-3) Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking
by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed!" And no one can say,
"Jesus is the Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
4 (Heb 2:4; Ro 12:4-6) There are various gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 (1Co 15:28) There are various operations, but it is the same God
who operates all of them in all people.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to everyone for the common good.
8 (2Co 8:7; 1Co 1:5) To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom,
to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit,
9 (2Co 4:13; 1Co 13:2) to another faith by the same Spirit,
to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 (Mk 16:17; 1Jn 4:1; 1Co 12:28-30) to another the working of miracles,
to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits,
to another various kinds of tongues,
and to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 (1Co 12:4; 2Co 10:13) But that one and very same Spirit works all these,
dividing to each one individually as He will.

1 Corinthians 12
[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
[2] Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even
as ye were led.
[3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit
of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the
Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which
worketh all in all.
[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal.
[8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the
word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
[9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by
the same Spirit;
[10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues:
[11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to
every man severally as he will.

One Body With Many Members

12 (1Co 12:27; 10:17) For as the body is one and has many parts,
and all the many parts of that one body are one body, so also is Christ.
13 (Jn 7:37-39; Gal 3:28) For by one Spirit we are all baptised
into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are slaves
or free, and we have all been made to drink of one Spirit.
14 The body is not one part, but many.
15 If the foot says, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,"
is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear says, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,"
is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be?
If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
18 (1Co 12:11; 12:28) But now God has established the parts,
every one of them, in the body as it has pleased Him.
19 If they were all one part, where would the body be?
20 So there are many parts, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you,"
nor the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
22 No, those parts of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
23 And those parts of the body which we think are less honorable,
upon these we bestow more abundant honor. And our less respectable
parts are treated with much more respect,
24 whereas our more respectable parts have no need of this.
But God has composed the body, having given more abundant honour
to that part which lacks it,
25 so that there should be no division in the body,
but that the parts should have the same care for one another.
26 (Ro 12:15) If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it,
and if one part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it.
27 (Ro 12:5; Eph 1:23) Now you are the body of Christ
and members individually.
28 (Heb 13:17; 13:24) God has put these in the church:
first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles,
then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?
Are all workers of miracles?
30 Do all have the gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues?
Do all interpret?
31 (1Co 14:39)But earnestly covet the greater gifts.

[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of
that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews
or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink
into one Spirit.
[14] For the body is not one member, but many.
[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;
is it therefore not of the body?
[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the
body; is it therefore not of the body?
[17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole
were hearing, where were the smelling?
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it
hath pleased him.
[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?
[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again
the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble,
are necessary:
[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable,
upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more
abundant comeliness.
[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body
together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
[25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should
have the same care one for another.
[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one
member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
[28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings,
helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
[29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers
of miracles?
[30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all
interpret?
[31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more
excellent way.

Love

Yet I show you a more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13

1 (2Co 12:4) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,
and have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
2 (Mt 17:20; 21:21) If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand
all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all my goods to feed the poor,
and if I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing.
4 (Col 3:12; Pr 10:12) Love suffers long and is kind; love envies not;
love flaunts not itself and is not puffed up,
5 (1Co 10:24; Php 2:21) does not behave itself improperly, seeks not its own,
is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;
6 (2Jn 1:4; Ro 1:32) rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7 (1Co 13:4) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
and endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they shall fail;
if there are tongues, they shall cease; and if there is knowledge,
it shall vanish.
9 (1Co 8:2; 13:12) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect comes, then that which is imperfect
shall pass away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child,
and I thought as a child. But when I became a man,
I put away childish things.
12 (2Co 5:7; 1Jn 3:2) For now we see as through a glass, dimly, but then,
face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know,
even as I also am known.
13 (Gal 5:6; 1Co 16:14; 1Pe 1:21) So now abide faith, hope, and love,
these three. But the greatest of these is love.

[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not
charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
[2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries,
and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove
mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
[3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my
body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
[4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
[5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil;
[6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
[7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth
all things.
[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;
whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it
shall vanish away.
[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
[10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part
shall be done away.
[11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I
thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
[12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I
know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
[13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of
these is charity. 

1 Corinthians 14

Tongues and Prophecy

1 (1Co 12:1; 14:39) Follow after love and desire spiritual gifts,
but especially that you may prophesy.
2 (1Co 13:2; Mk 16:17) For he who speaks in an unknown tongue
does not speak to men, but to God. For no one understands him,
although in the spirit, he speaks mysteries.
3 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 14:12) But he who prophesies speaks to men
for their edification and exhortation and comfort.
4 (Mk 16:17; 1Co 14:3) He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself,
but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5 (1Co 12:10; Mk 16:17) I desire that you all speak in tongues,
but even more that you prophesy. For greater is he who prophesies
than he who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets,
so that the church may receive edification.
6 (Eph 1:17; Ro 6:17) Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues,
what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you by revelation or knowledge
or prophesying or doctrine?
7 Even when things without life give sound, whether flute or harp,
how will it be known what is played unless they give a distinction
in the sounds?
8 (Nu 10:9; Jer 4:19) If the trumpet makes an uncertain sound,
who will prepare himself for the battle?
9 (1Co 9:26) So also you, unless with the tongue you speak words
easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken?
For you shall speak into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world,
and none of them is without significance.
11 (Ac 28:2) Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the speech,
I shall be a barbarian to him who speaks,
and he who speaks will be a barbarian to me.
12 (1Co 14:26) So, seeing that you are zealous of spiritual gifts,
seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church.
13 Let him who speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 (1Co 14:2) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays,
but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 (Col 3:16; Ps 47:7) What is it then? I will pray with the spirit,
and I will pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit,
and I will sing with the understanding.
16 (1Ch 16:36; Ps 106:48) Otherwise, when you bless with the spirit,
how will he who occupies the place of the unlearned say "Amen"
at your giving of thanks, seeing he does not understand what you say?
17 (1Co 14:4) For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than you all.
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding,
that by my voice I might teach others also,
than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20 (Ro 16:19; Ps 119:99) Brothers, do not be children in your thinking;
rather be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.
21 (Jn 10:34; Isa 28:11-12) In the law it is written:
"With men of other tongues
and other lips
I will speak to this people;
but even then they will not hear Me,"(Isa 28:11-12.)
says the Lord.
22 (Mk 16:17) So tongues are for a sign, not to believers,
but to unbelievers. But prophesying does not serve unbelievers, but believers.
23 (Ac 2:13) Therefore if the whole church assembles in one place
and all speak with tongues, and those who are unlearned
or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
24 But if all prophesy and there comes in one who does not believe
or one unlearned, he is convinced by all and judged by all.
25 (Isa 45:14; Zec 8:23) Thus the secrets of his heart are revealed.
And so falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God
is truly among you.

1 Corinthians 14
[1] Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may
prophesy.
[2] For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but
unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh
mysteries.
[3] But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort.
[4] He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church.
[5] I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied:
for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues,
except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
[6] Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I
profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by
knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
[7] And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except
they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped
or harped?
[8] For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to
the battle?
[9] So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be
understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into
the air.
[10] There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of
them is without signification.
[11] Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him
that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto
me.
[12] Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that
ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
[13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may
interpret.
[14] For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my
understanding is unfruitful.
[15] What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the
understanding also.
[16] Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth
the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he
understandeth not what thou sayest?
[17] For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
[18] I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
[19] Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding,
that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an
unknown tongue.
[20] Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye
children, but in understanding be men.
[21] In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will
I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith
the Lord.
[22] Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them
that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but
for them which believe.
[23] If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all
speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or
unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
[24] But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
[25] And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling
down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a
truth.

All Things to Be Done in Order

26 (Ro 14:19; 1Co 12:7-10) How is it then, brothers? When you come together,
every one of you has a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation,
and an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
27 If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two,
or at the most by three, and each in turn, and let one interpret.
28 But if there is no interpreter, let him remain silent in the church,
and let him speak to himself and to God.
29 (1Co 12:10) Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.
30 (1Th 5:19-20) If anything is revealed to another that sits by,
let the first keep silent.
31 For you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn
and all may be encouraged.
32 (1Jn 4:1) The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 (1Co 7:17; 4:17) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace,
as in all churches of the saints.
34 (1Ti 2:11-12; Ge 3:16) Let your women remain silent in the churches.
For they are not permitted to speak. They are commanded to be
under obedience, as the law also says.
35 If they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home,
for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36 What? Did the word of God come from you? Or did it come to you only?
37 (2Co 10:7; 1Jn 4:6) If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet
or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is
a command of the Lord.
38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 (1Co 12:31; 14:1) Therefore, brothers, eagerly desire to prophesy,
and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
40 (Col 2:5) Let all things be done decently and in order.

[26] How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, everyone of you hath a
psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an
interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
[27] If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most
by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
[28] But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and
let him speak to himself, and to God.
[29] Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
[30] If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold
his peace.
[31] For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be
comforted.
[32] And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
[33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all
churches of the saints.
[34] Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted
unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also
saith the law.
[35] And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home:
for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
[36] What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
[37] If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him
acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of
the Lord.
[38] But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
[39] Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with
tongues.
[40] Let all things be done decently and in order. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 24 November 2024 titled
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/11/24/character-change"> Character Change </a>

2 Peter 1:3-11

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,

[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. 

Family gathered around the bed of Dominique Bouhours, a seventeenth-century 
grammarian who was dying. As he took his final breaths, he reportedly said, 
"I am about to-or I am going to-die; either expression is correct." Who would 
care about grammar on their deathbed? Only someone who cared about grammar 
his entire life.

By the time we reach old age, we're largely set in our ways. We've had a 
lifetime for our choices to harden into habits that calcify into 
character-good or bad. We are who we've chosen to become.  

It's easier to develop godly habits while our character is young and flexible.
Peter urges, "[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." 
(2 Peter 1:5-7). Practice these virtues, and 
"For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (v. 11). 

Which traits in Peter's list are most alive in you? Which qualities still need
work? We can't truly change who we’ve become, but Jesus can. Ask Him to 
transform and empower you. It may be a slow, arduous journey, but Jesus 
specialises in providing exactly what we need. Ask Him to transform your 
character so you become more and more like Him.

By:  Mike Wittmer

Reflect & Pray

Which trait would you most like to change? How can you seek God's power 
and provision and begin to change?

Dear Jesus, please make me more like You, so others will see You clearly.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 1 Hard Bargain

Mark 11:24

24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray,
believe that you will receive them, and you will have them.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,
believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

"I've been praying." Jennifer declared confidently. " I told God I'd give him
a tithe of that $5000000 when I win the sweepstakes."
Her friend Cindi laughed. "Well, then, you don't have a chance. I told him
I'd give him half!"
Can we, as in Mark 11:24 seems to imply , pray for anything, absolutely
anything, and expect that the Lord will come through? Can we pray with
assurance for new cars, mink coats, or trips to the Caribbean? The verse
seems to be a troublesome one, especially when we try it and our prayers
aren't answered in the way we expected.
But seen in context, Mark 11:24 gives us a much broader picture of the
kind of prayer Jesus meant. The verse appears in the framework of
Jesus' ministry - cleansing the temple, correcting the Pharisees,
commanding forgiveness, discussing his authority. The condition for
the fulfillment of Mark 11:24, if Jesus' actions are any indication,
is fulfilling the will and purpose of God.
Such a condition for powerful prayers involves much more than attaching
am "If it be Thy will" clause onto the end of our prayers. We need to know
God's will and walk in it, seeking his kingdom first, and drawing close to
him. Then , as our hearts are right with him, what we ask in prayer
is likely to be congruent with the mind and purposes of Christ. We are
less likely to pray selfishly, and more likely to share God's priorities,
as we get to know him. And as we deepen in our knowledge of him,
as his will becomes our will, his promise for answered prayer takes
on new dimensions.

Application

a) What is the connection betweeen know God's will and praying effectively?

b) What changes need to take place in my life
so that I might pray with greater power?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

2 Cor 9:6

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly;
and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

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

When you are Worried Over Money

1 Tim 6:6-10

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
that we can carry nothing out.
8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things.
9 But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish
and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil.
While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will
be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

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

Day 24 of the Month

a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society. (

Col 4:3

3 while praying also for us, that God would open to
us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in chains,

3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto
us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in bonds:

)

b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan

I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,
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

) 

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Being Lovers of Christ

Luke 1:1-4

Advent has begun! We suddenly realize we are not ready for
Christmas, and we fret about decorations, cards, presents
or food. However, this year let's approach Christmas spiritually,
in order to prepare our hearts, minds and wills for the Christ
Child's coming.
A
In our lead text Luke declares that he has done all the research
and that he wants Theophilus to know the truth about all he
has learned concerning Jesus, so he has decided to write an
"orderly account. " We will meditate on this narrative during
Advent this year for one major purpose: that we might all
become more richly like Theophilus(Theophila) or "God
Lover".
Was Theophilus a real man, or did Luke use that name to
signify everyone reading his report? Unquestionably, the name
indicates our goal this Advent: That each of us might love God
more because of all he did for us in sending his Son, Jesus.

Prayer

God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen.

Mark 13:35-37


35 (Mt 24:42) "Watch therefore-for you do not know when the master
of the house is coming, in the evening, or at midnight,
or at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-
36 (Mk 14:40) lest he come suddenly and find you sleeping.
37 (Mk 13:35) What I say to you I say to all: Watch!"


The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

AH-HA! Ambassadors pf Health, Hope and Anticipation


We begin another Advent season very appropriately-we me waiting,
waiting, waiting! We are waiting to see when gas prices will drop again
... waiting to see the economy turn around .. waiting to see what kind
of weather December will bring .. waiting to see who sends us the first
Christmas Card (already!?)... waiting ... waiting... waiting ...
Advent is about anticipation. It is like waiting for the ketchup to ooze out
of its bottle's long neck We wait ... and wait ... and wait.
And finally It comes.
The Gospel for this week reminds us that no one knows when the Lord
will return to earth And so we can anticipate his Second Coming with
great Joy, not fear because he has already prepared us for life as well as
for death. Isn't it ironic that as we anticipate-as we prepare for his coming
In Bethlehem during this season-the Lord has already prepared us for
his Second Coming through his own death and resurrection?
So. ready or not, here he comes! Anticipate a joy-filled Advent season,
as ambassadors of health. hope and anticipation! And anticipate the
Lord at work In you today!

Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you
for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day
We celebrate your presence with great anticipation
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!
Read Matthew 24:36-44.

The Unknown Day and Hour

Mk 13:32-37; Lk 17:26-30, 34-36

36 (Ac 1:7; Mt 25:13; Mk 13:32) "Concerning that day and hour no one knows,
not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
37 (Lk 17:26-27) As were the days of Noah, so will be
the coming of the Son of Man.
38 (Mt 22:30) For as in the days before the flood, they were eating
and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah
entered the ark,
39 (Mt 24:37) and did not know until the flood came
and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
40 Two will be in the field; one will be taken, and the other left.
41 (Ex 11:5; Isa 47:2) Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and the other left.
42 (Mt 25:13; 24:44) "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour
your Lord will come.
43 (Lk 12:39) But know this, that if the owner of the house had known
what hour the thief would come, he would have watched
and not have let his house be broken into.
44 (Mt 25:10; 25:13) Therefore you also must be ready, for in an hour
when you least expect, the Son of Man is coming.
 
 
Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and Pray to live in Freedom in the Spirit
and away from evil worldly fleshly lusts.

Pray to the Lord and pray to use the Gifts that The Lord has given to you
lovingly and and a wise manner before Him. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, please make me more like You, 
so others will see You clearly."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know understand the purpose of prayer.

Pray to the Lord and pray to reap bountifully for the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray not to love money.

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 that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel
at every level of Canadian Society.

Pray Lord, give us a new appreciation of the Grand Miracle, your
coming to Earth, this Advent season. Amen.

Lord we are preparing for your coming at Christmas, Thank you
for preparing us for your return-both today and on the Last Day
We celebrate your presence with great anticipation
In Jesus' name.

God , help us to love you more abundantly this Advent. Amen. 

Pray that believers in Kazakhstan will remain joyful amid challenges 
and become more equipped to minister to others .

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 ;
Nova Scotia Vote Liberal!