DAy 344 of MY 4th Bible Study Journey

Day 344, 9 December 2024 - 16th Day of Advent 

1) Phillipians 1, Phillipians 2, Phillipians 3, Phillipians 4

Philippians 1

Philippians 1:1-3

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi,
with the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's Prayer for the Philippians
3 I thank my God for every reminder of you.

1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,
to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi,
with the bishops and deacons:
2 grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Heart of the Apostle
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Philippians 1:3-8

Paul's Prayer for the Philippians

A Heart of Gratitude

3 (Ro 1:8-9; 2Ti 1:3) I thank my God for every reminder of you.
[3] I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

A heart of Joyful Prayer

4 (Ro 1:9) In every prayer of mine for you all, I have always made requests
with joy,
[4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

A Heart of Belonging

5 (Ac 16:12-40; Php 1:7) due to your fellowship in the gospel from the first
day until now.
[5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

A heart of Assurance

6 (1Co 1:8; Jn 6:29) I am confident of this very thing, that He who began
a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.
[6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work
in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

A heart of Affection

7 (2Co 7:3; Ac 20:23) It is right for me to think this of you all because
I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonments and in the defense
and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers of my grace.
[7] Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you
in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and
confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

8 (Ro 1:9; 9:1) For God is my witness, how I long after you all with
the affection of Jesus Christ.
[8] For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of
Jesus Christ.


Philippians 1:9-11.

A) God's Love is everything
B) God's love gives us strength to stand

God's love to me - God's love through me.

9 (1Th 3:12; Col 1:9; 3:10) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet
more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,
10 (1Th 3:13; Ro 12:2) that you may approve things that are excellent
so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

[9] And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in
knowledge and in all judgment;
[10] That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere
and without offence till the day of Christ;

i) Love is the behaviour that is based on the knowledge, understanding
and the truth of God's word - Meet truth, love's best friend
ii) Love is behaviour that is both pure and blameless - Unselfish love

Phillipians 1:11 (Col 1:6; Jn 15:8) being filled with the fruit of
righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of
God.

[11] Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus
Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

What about self-pity?
Philippians 1:12-18

A) View of circumstances from God's perspective

Philippians 1:12-14

12 But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me
have resulted in advancing the gospel,
13 (Php 1:7) so that my imprisonments in Christ have become known throughout
the entire palace guard and to all the rest.
14 And a great many of the brothers in the Lord, having become confident
because of my incarcerations, have dared to speak the word without fear.

[12] But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which
happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
[13] So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all
other places;
[14] And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are
much more bold to speak the word without fear.

B) Don't worry about the motives of others

Philippians 1:15-17

15 Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and strife,
and some also from good will.
16 (Php 1:7) The former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely,
intending to add trouble to my circumstance.
17 (Php 1:7; 2:3) But the latter preach out of love, knowing
that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

[15] Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of
good will:
[16] The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add
affliction to my bonds:
[17] But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the
gospel.

Look how the Lord used these circumstances to increase faith.

c) Choose to rejoice

Philippians 1:18

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,
Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice.
Indeed, I will rejoice.

[18] What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in
truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

A) Determine to rejoice

Philippians 1:18d-19

[18] ... and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
[19] For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer,
and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

18 ... And in this I rejoice.
Indeed, I will rejoice.
19 (2Co 1:11; Ac 16:7) For I know that through your prayer
and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will result
in my deliverance.

B) Connect into Community

Philippians 1:20

20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope
that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,
so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life
or by death.

[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I
shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ
shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

c) Seek to honour Christ ... no matter what

Philippians 1:20-21

20 (1Co 6:20; Ro 5:5) Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope
that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always,
so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life
or by death.
21 (Gal 2:20) For to me, to continue living is Christ, and to die is gain.

[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I
shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ
shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:22-24

22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor to me.
Yet I do not know what I shall choose.
23 (2Co 5:8; 2Ti 4:6; Lk 23:43) I am in a difficult position between the two,
having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.

[22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I
shall choose I wot not.
[23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be
with Christ; which is far better:
[24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

D) Live a life of Service to others

Philippians 1:25-26

25 (Php 2:24; Ac 20:25) Having this confidence, I know that I shall remain
and continue with you all for your joyful advancement of the faith,
26 (2Co 1:14; 5:12) so that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant
in Jesus Christ when I am in your presence again.

[25] And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with
you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
[26] That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my
coming to you again.

Conduct Worthy of the Gospel

Based on Philippains 1:27-30

27 (Eph 4:1; Jude 1:3) Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel
of Christ, that whether or not I come and see you, I may hear of your
activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit, with one mind,
striving together for the faith of the gospel.
28 Do not be frightened by your adversaries. This is a sign to them
of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God.
29 For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe
in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 (Ac 16:19-40; 1Th 2:2) having the same conflict which you saw in me
and now hear is in me.

[27] Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that
whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs,
that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the
faith of the gospel;
[28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an
evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
[29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe
on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
[30] Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel:

a) Standing firm

Philippians 1:27b " I may hear of your
activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit,"

b) Standing together

Philippians 1:27c

"in one spirit, with one mind,"

c) Striving together

Philippians 1:27d "striving together for the faith of the gospel."

Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets who come to you
in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. "

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves.

d) Without fear

Philippians 1:28 "Do not be frightened by your adversaries.
This is a sign to them
of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God."

e) 2 Gifts

Philippians 1:29-30

"For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe
in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
having the same conflict which you saw in me
and now hear is in me. "


Philippians 2:1-11

Why can't we get along?

What is our foundation?

Philippians 2

Christian Humility and Christ's Humility

1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any
comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,
[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,
if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, being in unity with one mind.
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of
one accord, of one mind.

2 seats of knowledge exist

Cognitive - we learn facts , concepts and priciples.
Experiential - experiencing what is true

Experiential knowledge wins out over cognitive knowledge

Notice the emotionals words

Philippians 2

1 (2Co 13:14; Col 3:12) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if any
comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercy,
[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,
if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

A sense of confidence and peace

Comfort and cherish

The sensing of the presence of God.

Tenderness/mercy is something created by the Holy
Spirit at the core of who we are.

Compassion toward others is what spills over from the reality of tenderness.

How do you experience the Spirit of the Lord?

Our experience with God inspires us to:

I ) Be like minded

2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded ...
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded ...

II) Love sacrificially

2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, ...
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, ...

III) Be one in spirit and purpose

2 (Jn 3:29; Ro 12:16) then fulfill my joy and be like-minded, having the same
love, being in unity with one mind.
[2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of
one accord, of one mind.

Christian Humility and Christ's Humility

3 (Ro 12:10; Gal 5:26) Let nothing be done out of strife or conceit, but in
humility let each esteem the other better than himself.
4 (Ro 15:1) Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also
to the interests of others.
5 (Mt 11:29; Ro 15:3) Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ
Jesus,
6 (Jn 5:18; 10:33) who, being in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
7 (Mt 20:28; Jn 1:14) But He emptied Himself,
taking upon Himself the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men.
8 (Heb 12:2; Mt 26:39; Jn 10:18) And being found in the form of a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death,
even death on a cross.
9 (Heb 2:9; Mt 28:18) Therefore God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name which is above every name,
10 (Mt 28:18) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 (Jn 13:13; Ro 14:9) and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

[3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
[4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things
of others.
[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
[6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God:
[7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
[8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
[9] Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which
is above every name:
[10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth, and things under the earth;
[11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.

Shining as Lights in the World

12 (2Co 7:15; Php 1:5) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed,
not only in my presence, but so much more in my absence, work out your
own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 (Heb 13:21; Ezr 1:5) For God is the One working in you, both to will
and to do His good pleasure.
14 (1Pe 4:9; 1Co 10:10) Do all things without murmuring and disputing,
15 (Mt 5:45; Dt 32:5) that you may be blameless and harmless, sons of God,
without fault, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which
you shine as lights in the world.
16 (Gal 2:2; 4:11) Hold forth the word of life that I may rejoice
on the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
17 (Ro 15:16; 2Co 12:15) Yes, and even if I am offered upon the sacrifice
and service of your faith, I take delight and rejoice with you all.
18 For this reason you also take delight and rejoice with me.

[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence
only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear
and trembling.
[13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good
pleasure.
[14] Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
[15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,
in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights
in the world;
[16] Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of
Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
[17] Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith,
I joy, and rejoice with you all.
[18] For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 (1Co 4:17; Php 1:1) I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly
to you, that I also may be of good comfort when I get word concerning you.
20 (1Co 16:10) For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care
for your welfare.
21 (1Co 10:24; 13:5) For all seek their own, not the things of Christ Jesus.
22 (1Co 4:17; 1Ti 1:2) But you know of his proven worth, that as a son with
a father, he has served with me in the gospel.
23 Therefore I hope to send him soon after my situation is resolved.
24 (Phm 1:22) But I trust in the Lord that I, myself, shall also come shortly.
25 (Php 4:18; Phm 1:1-2; Php 4:3) Yet I thought it necessary to send to you
Epaphroditus, who is my brother and companion in labor, fellow soldier,
your messenger, and he who ministered to my necessity.
26 (Php 1:8) For he longed after you all and was filled with heaviness,
because you heard that he was sick.
27 Indeed he was sick, near death. But God had mercy on him,
and not only on him, but also on me,
lest I should have had sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again,
you may rejoice and I may be less sorrowful.
29 (1Co 16:18; Ro 16:2) So receive him in the Lord with all joy.
And hold such ones in high regard,
30 (1Co 16:17; Ac 20:24) because for the work of Christ he was near death,
not regarding his life, endeavouring to make up for your lack of service
toward me.

[19] But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that
I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
[20] For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
[21] For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
[22] But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath
served with me in the gospel.
[23] Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it
will go with me.
[24] But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
[25] Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother,
and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that
ministered to my wants.
[26] For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye
had heard that he had been sick.
[27] For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and
not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
[28] I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again,
ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
[29] Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in
reputation:
[30] Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding
his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Philippians 3

The True Righteousness

1 (Php 4:4; 1Th 5:16) Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write
the same things to you is no trouble to me, and it is reassuring for you.
2 (2Co 11:13; Gal 5:15) Watch out for dogs, watch out for evil workers,
watch out for those who practice mutilation.
3 (Col 2:11; Jude 1:20) For we are the circumcision who worship
God in the Spirit, and boast in Christ Jesus, and place no trust in the flesh,
4 though I also have confidence in the flesh.
If any other man thinks that he has reason to trust in the flesh, I have more:
5 (2Co 11:22; Ro 11:1; Ac 23:6) I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock
of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew of Hebrews; as concerning
the law, a Pharisee;
6 (Ac 8:3; 22:3-4) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; and concerning
the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 (Lk 14:33) But what things were gain to me, I have counted these things
to be loss for the sake of Christ.
8 (Jn 17:3; 2Pe 1:3) Yes, certainly, I count everything as loss
for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom
I have forfeited the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that
I may gain Christ,
9 (1Co 1:30; Php 3:6; Isa 53:11) and be found in Him, not having my own
righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith
in Christ, (Or through the faith of Christ.) the righteousness which is of God
on the basis of faith,
10 (Ro 8:17; 8:29) to know Him, and the power of His resurrection,
and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11 (Ac 26:7) if somehow I might make it to the resurrection of the dead.

[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to
you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
[3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and
rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
[4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man
thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
[5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of
Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
[6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness
which is in the law, blameless.
[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which
is of God by faith:
[10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
[11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Pressing Toward the Mark

12 (1Co 13:10; 1Ti 6:19) Not that I have already attained or have already been
perfected, but I follow after it so that I may lay hold of that for which
I was seized by Christ Jesus.
13 (Lk 9:62; Ps 45:10) Brothers, I do not count myself to have attained,
but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 (Heb 3:1; 1Pe 5:10) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 (1Co 2:6; Gal 5:10) Therefore let those of us who are mature be thus
minded. And if you think differently in any way,
God will reveal even this to you.
16 (Gal 6:16) Nevertheless, according to what we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
17 (1Co 4:16; 1Pe 5:3) Brothers, become fellow imitators with me
and observe those who walk according to our example.
18 (Gal 6:12) For many are walking in such a way that they are the enemies
of the cross of Christ. I have told you of them often and tell you again,
even weeping.
19 (Ro 16:18; 2Pe 2:3) Their destination is destruction, their god
is their appetite, their glory is in their shame, their minds
are set on earthly things.
20 (Eph 2:19; 1Co 1:7; Ac 1:11) But our citizenship is in heaven, from
where also we await for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 (Col 3:4) who will transform our body of humiliation,
so that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working
of His power even to subdue all things to Himself.

[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but
I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended
of Christ Jesus.
[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before,
[14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.
[15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any
thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
[16] Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same
rule, let us mind the same thing.
[17] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as
ye have us for an ensample.
[18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even
weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
[19] Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is
in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
[21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his
glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue
all things unto himself.

Philippians 4

1 (Php 1:8; 1:27; 1Co 16:13) Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brothers,
my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.

[1] Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,
so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Exhortations

2 (Php 2:2-3) I exhort Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 (Lk 10:20; Php 1:27) I ask you also, true companion, help those women who
labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with my other fellow
laborers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness. The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer
and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 (Ac 6:3; 10:22) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever
things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.
9 (Php 3:17; Ro 15:33; Php 4:7) Do those things which you have both learned
and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

[2] I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind
in the Lord.
[3] And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which
laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my
fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
[4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
[5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any
virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
[9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and
seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Acknowledgment of the Philippians' Gift

10 (2Co 11:9) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived
your concern for me. Regarding this, you did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 (Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:6-9) I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned
in whatever state I am to be content.
12 (2Co 11:27; 11:9) I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to
have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret,
both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because of Christ
who strengthens me.
14 (Php 1:7) Nevertheless you did well having shared in my affliction.
15 (Php 1:5; 2Co 11:8-12) Now you Philippians know also,
that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia,
no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving,
except you alone.
16 (1Th 2:9) Even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for
my necessity,
17 (Titus 3:14) not because I desired a gift, but I desire fruit that
accumulates to your account.
18 (Eph 5:2; Php 2:25-26) But I have everything and abound. I have been
filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you,
like a sweet fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 (Ro 2:4) But my God shall supply your every need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 (Ro 11:36; Gal 1:4-5) Now to God and our Father be glory forever and ever.
Amen.

[10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of
me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked
opportunity.
[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content.
[12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and
in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to
abound and to suffer need.
[13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
[14] Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my
affliction.
[15] Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when
I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning
giving and receiving, but ye only.
[16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
[17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your
account.
[18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus
the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice
acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory
by Christ Jesus.
[20] Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 (Gal 1:2) Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me
greet you.
22 (2Co 13:13; Php 1:13) All the saints greet you,
especially those who are of Caesar's household.
23 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

[21] Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me
greet you.
[22] All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
[23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 9 December 2024
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/12/09/encouragement-in-a-box"> 
Encouraged by God's Promises </a>

Isaiah 43:1-5

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; 

[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;  

It was a long day at the hospital. Still no answers to the sickness that 
afflicted a young, bright nineteen-year-old. Arriving home, the family felt 
discouraged. To their surprise, a nicely decorated box sat on the step with 
Isaiah 43:2 printed on the front. Inside, were assorted encouraging Bible 
verses that friends had written out by hand. The next hour was spent being 
encouraged by Scripture and the thoughtful gesture of the family's friends.

People going through tough times or family challenges can always use 
a heartfelt boost. Scripture-either a large portion or just a verse-can 
encourage you, a friend, or family member. Isaiah 43 is filled with little 
bits of encouragement-received either individually or as a whole. Consider 
a few choice thoughts: God has "created you," "formed you," "redeemed you,"
and called you "by name" (v. 1). God "will be with you" (v. 2), He's 
"the Holy One of Israel," and He's our "Saviour" (v. 3).

As you consider the promises of God, may they encourage you. And as He 
provides what you need, you can encourage someone else. The verse box 
didn't cost a lot, but its impact was priceless. Even after five years, 
some of those verse cards are still cherished by the family.

By:  Brent Hackett

Reflect & Pray

What other promises can you find in Isaiah 43? 
Who can you share a promise card, text, or email with today?

Dear God, I thank You today that 
the Scriptures are full of promises, 
and that I can be encouraged even by one verse at just the right time.

<a href="https://discoverodb.org/articles/stay-alert-and-walk-with-your-god/">
For further study, read Stay Alert and Walk with Your God.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 2 - Growing Up

2 Tim 3:16-17

16 (Ro 15:4) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable
for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction
in righteousness,
17 (1Ti 6:11; 2Ti 2:21) that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness:
17 that the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.

"I can't wait till I get big!" Marc, age 5, declared. "Then I do
what I want!" Most of us, as children, shared Marc's statement.
We looked forward to that "magic age" - 16, 18, 21 - when we
would be adults: mature, able to make our own decisions.
We find, of course, that adulthood has its own share of
difficulties and conflicts. But even in our spiritual lives
we often long for a "magic moment" of maturity. As one woman
confessed, "Ever since I became a Christian, I've hoped I'd wake up
one morning to find myself mature."
But growth in the spiritual life comes gradually, like growth in
the physical world. In 2 Tim 2:16-17, Paul gives the young pastor
Timothy an important key to spiritual growing up - the Word of God.
The Word is "profitable" or "useful," Paul says, for "teaching" - that is,
for developing a right concept of God. Scripture offers "rebuke" when
we go wrong, "correction" to set us on the right path, and "training
in righteousness" so that we can grow in the image of Christ.
The purpose of Scripture's work in our lives, Paul emphasises,
is that we may be "perfect" - mature, equipped for the good things
God has for us to do. Such maturity does not come easily
or instantaneously, but it does come - sometimes imperceptibly -
as we submit our lives to the transforming power of God's Word.

Application

a) In what areas of my life do I need to grow? How can I benefit
from the Bible's

i) teaching?

ii) rebuke?

iii) correction?

iv) training in righteousness?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

2 Chr 31:21

21 And in every deed that he undertook in the service of the house
of God and with the law and commandment to seek out his God,
he did this with all his heart, and he found success.

21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house
of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God,
he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

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

God's Protection in Times of Trouble

Ps 27:1-6

PSALMS 27

A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) When the wicked came against me
to eat my flesh -
my enemies and my foes -
they stumbled and fell.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Though an army should encamp against me,
my heart will not fear;
though war should rise against me,
in this will I be confident.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One thing I have asked from the Lord,
that will I seek after -
for me to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to see the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in His temple.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For in the time of trouble
He will hide me in His pavilion;
in the shelter of His tabernacle He will hide me;
He will set me up on a rock.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8 - 9) Now my head will be lifted up
above my enemies encircling me;
therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,
came upon me to eat up my flesh,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:
Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up,
Above mine enemies round about me:
Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

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

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

)

Advent Day 16

C.S.Lewis A grand Miracle by Joel Heck

"My brother and I took a day off last week, put sandwiches
in our pockets, and tramped sixteen miles... from Dorchester Abbey
to Oxford....You would be surprised if you could see the unspoilt
beauty and charm which can still be found I hope to send you
the autographed children's book by Christmas, but will probably
know more about its progress this afternoon,
as I am going out to lunch with my publisher." - C. S. Lewis

(From "Letter to Miss Vera Mathews," Sept. 20, 1950,
Lewis' Collected Letters, Ill, p. 54.)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Advertisers will call their product "the perfect gift"
or "the gift for any occasion." Many people love books,
and books are among the favourite Christmas gifts to give or receive.
You can purchase a book on almost every imaginable subject. Books last.
Books can be read over and over again.

The book about which Lewis writes in this letter to Vera Mathews
is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It was released by Geoffrey Bles
Publishers on October 16, 1950, in time for the Christmas season.
In fact, most of the original Chronicles of Narnia books
were released in time for Christmas.

Christians are a "people of the book." Our word "Bible" comes
from a Greek word meaning "book." And as Jesus was the Word made flesh,
to tell his story God arranged for the writing of a book of books,
so constructed that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ.
Lewis once wrote, tongue in cheek, that God was an unscru­pulous author,
leaving traps, nets, and stratagems everywhere in his book to snare
its readers (Surprised by Joy, p. 191). Indeed! God "wants all men
to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4).

Thank you, Lord, for books, especially the Book, with its
testimony to Jesus as the Christ. Amen.

These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.

John 20:31

Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn

MONDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

The Recipients

His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.

-Luke 1:50

It was fitting yesterday on the Third Sunday of Advent
to begin this week focusing on God's righting of injustice in the
world since we are preparing for the coming of Jesus, who spent
his life, contrary to the religious leaders, ministering to the poor
and the ill, the humble and the outcast. Consequently,
today we accentuate again (see Wednesday, First Week of Advent)
that significant word fear.

We have seen that God towers above us all, that his prodigious
power could (if he chose) do away with every one of us,
that we are inconsequential to his purposes, that our efforts are meager
in his sight. It is appropriate that we always remember this and properly
fear, for then we never take it for granted that God loves us,
that his grace floods over us, that his mercy endures forever!
What elation overwhelms us then, for we are awed that the Glorious One
stoops to select us! What lavish gratitude inhabits our souls!

Prayer

Bounteous God, how can I ever thank you sufficiently for
choosing me to be yours? Amen.

Read Luke 1:45-55.

45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion
to those things which were told her by the Lord."

The Song of Mary

46 And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded
the low estate of His servant;
surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
50 His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of low degree.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
55 as He spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

The AH-HAs of Advent by Rich Bimler

THIRD MONDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATTITUDE!

Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
whose hope is in the Lord his God, PSALM 146:5

Notice the strong, positive attitude of the psalmist. He is "praising the Lord
not because everything is going well, but because of what the Lord has
clone . . . for all of us!
Hows your attitude today? Or, do you have an attitude about
your attitude? A friend of mine likes to say. "In case of an accident
I'm not surprised!" Great attitude, eh? Years ago I received a coffee cup
as a gift from a so-called friend which read. "Life is hard and then you die.
A great way to start each morning. don't you thinks
The AH-HAs of Advent help us to grasp that the Lord has given us
everything to change our UH-OH attitudes into AH-HA affirmations.
No wonder the psalmist can proclaim that "happy are those whose help is
the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God." The joy of Advent
is that we proclaim tile exact same message.
And more good news: even when we do not have a very positive attitude--
when we are dull and tired and dragging--the Lord continues to love us,
to prop us up, and to show us the way from the AH-HAs of Advent, through
the UH-OHs of Good Friday, and on to the Greatest AH-HA of them all--
EASTER! Advent is not a "let's pretend" game of thinking that Easter
has not happened No way! Easter is the real thing, right now. today!
What an attitude!
Lord. thanks for setting people free---for lifting us up and opening our
blind eyes to see the needs and hopes of others. Keep giving us an
attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Psalm 146

Psalms 146

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises unto my God while I have my life.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Do not put your trust in princes,
nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) His breath leaves him, and he returns to the earth;
on that very day his plans perish.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) Blessed is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) who made heaven, and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faithfulness forever,
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord releases the prisoners.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
the Lord raises those who are brought down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) The Lord preserves the sojourners;
He lifts up the fatherless and widow,
but on the way of the wicked He brings disaster.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) The Lord shall reign forever,
your God, O Zion, unto all generations.
Praise you the Lord! 

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca"> On Eagle's wings</a> Day 9

Be Irrepressible
1 I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go into the house of the Lord."

[1] I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. 
Psalm 122:1 

This summer, things didn't go as planned for one of our Bible
Camps and we made a last minute change. A different community
stepped in to host us on short notice, and we appreciated their effort.
On the first evening, attendance was low, so Doris, a church
volunteer, posted the event on Facebook. What resulted resounds
like the angel's message and the shepherds' joyous response. Ten
minutes later, two kids arrived - Lana was a boisterous teenager I
had remembered from last year, and her eight-year-old brother
accompanied her. Lana's mom had seen the post, and soon after
Lana grabbed her brother and ran two blocks to join us, bringing the
exuberance that is her trademark.
An unsolicited testimony came as she quickly caught up on the
activities and said, "I'm so happy I came to Bible Camp ." Didn't she
show the same response as those first shepherds, who dropped
everything and ran to get in on the experience which held so much
promise?
Excitement is sometimes squelched, especially by adults wanting
quiet, or by teachers holding onto control, but it comes from a joyful
spirit and a personality that is ready to jump into action. What
generous gifts to return to God when we are invited to come and
experience Christ in our lives.
Loving God, thank you for giving us a spirit of joy and
celebration. Thank you for inviting us to live fully by sharing the
gifts of who we are. Thank you for the news that you are always
with us. Come, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.

Written by Kathryn Scott, Ft. Simpson, NT, 2013
On Eagle's Wings Volunteer

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to love the Lord with a
ll your heart and all your mind. 

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, I thank You today that 
the Scriptures are full of promises, 
and that I can be encouraged even by one verse at just the right time."

Pray to the Lord and pray to the Word is inspired by the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray your job in the Name of the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray know Him as Salvation!

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 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.

Thank you, Lord, for books, especially the Book, with its
testimony to Jesus as the Christ. Amen.

Pray: Bounteous God, how can I ever thank you sufficiently for
choosing me to be yours? Amen.

Pray: Lord. thanks for setting people free---for lifting us up and opening our
blind eyes to see the needs and hopes of others. Keep giving us an
attitude of gratitude. In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA! 

Pray: Loving God, thank you for giving us a spirit of joy and
celebration. Thank you for inviting us to live fully by sharing the
gifts of who we are. Thank you for the news that you are always
with us. Come, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.

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 2024 and Happy New Year 2025