Day 346 of My 4th Bible Study Journey

Day 346, 11 December 2024 - 18th Day of Advent 

1) Titus 1, Titus 2, Titus 3

Titus 1

Salutation

1 (Ro 1:1; 1Ti 6:3) Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth
which leads to godliness,
2 (2Ti 1:1; 1:9; Titus 2:13) in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot
lie, promised before the world began,
3 (1Ti 1:1; 1:1) 1and has in due time revealed His word through preaching,
with which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior,
4 (2Ti 1:2; 2Co 2:13) To Titus, my own son in the common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.

[1] Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the
faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after
godliness;
[2] In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the
world began;
[3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is
committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
[4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Titus' Work in Crete

5 (Ac 14:23; 27:7) For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should
set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city,
as I commanded you:
6 (1Ti 3:2-7; 3:12) any man who is blameless, the husband of one wife,
having faithful children who are not accused of being wild or unruly.
7 (Lk 12:42; 2Pe 2:10) For an overseer must be blameless, as a steward
of God, not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to drunkenness,
not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain,
8 (1Ti 3:2) but hospitable, a lover of what is good, self-controlled,
just, holy, temperate,
9 (1Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:15) holding firmly the trustworthy word that is in
accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort with
sound doctrine and to convince those who oppose it.
10 (1Ti 1:6; Ac 11:2) For there are many unruly men, empty talkers
and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 (2Ti 3:6; 1Ti 6:5) who must be silenced, who subvert whole houses
by teaching for dishonest gain things they ought not teach.
12 (Ac 17:28) One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretans are
always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons!"
13 (2Co 13:10; Titus 2:2) This witness is true. So rebuke them sharply
that they may be sound in the faith,
14 (Col 2:22; 2Ti 4:4) not paying attention to Jewish myths
and commandments of men who reject the truth.
15 (Ro 14:20; 14:23) To the pure, all things are pure.
But to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.
Even their minds and consciences are defiled.
16 (1Jn 2:4; Rev 21:8) They profess that they know God,
but in their deeds they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient,
and worthless for every good work. 

[5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order
the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had
appointed thee:
[6] If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children
not accused of riot or unruly.
[7] For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,
not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
[8] But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy,
temperate;
[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be
able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially
they of the circumcision:
[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things
which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
[12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are
alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be
sound in the faith;
[14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth.
[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and
unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being
abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Titus 2

The Teaching of Sound Doctrine

1 (1Ti 1:10; Titus 1:9) But as for you,
teach what is fitting of sound doctrine:
2 (1Ti 3:11; Titus 1:13) Older men should be sober, serious, temperate,
sound in faith, in love, in patience.
3 (1Ti 3:8; 3:11) Likewise, older women should be reverent in behaviour,
and not be false accusers, not be enslaved to much wine, but teachers
of good things,
4 (1Ti 5:14) that they may teach the young women to love their husbands,
to love their children,
5 (1Ti 6:1; Ge 3:16) and to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonoured.
6 (1Ti 5:1) Likewise, exhort young men to be self-controlled,
7 (1Ti 4:12; 1Pe 5:3) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good
works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility,
8 (1Pe 2:12; Ne 5:9) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that
the one who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to please them well
in everything, not answering back,
10 (Mt 5:16; Titus 1:3) or stealing, but showing complete fidelity, so that
they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
11 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 11:23) For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men,
12 (Lk 1:75; Ro 6:19) teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly desires, we should live soberly, righteously,
and in godliness in this present world,
13 (2Ti 4:8; Titus 1:2) as we await the blessed hope and the appearing
of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 (Eph 2:10; Heb 9:14) who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us
from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a special people,
zealous of good works.
15 (2Ti 4:2; 1Ti 5:20) Teach these things, exhort, and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise you. 

[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
[2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in
charity, in patience.
[3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
[4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,
to love their children,
[5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
[6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
[7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
[8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary
part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
[9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please
them well in all things; not answering again;
[10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
[15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no
man despise thee.

Titus 3

Maintain Good Deeds

1 (2Ti 2:21; Ecc 10:4) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to obey them, to be ready for every good work,
2 (1Ti 3:3; 2Ti 2:24-25) to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious,
but gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.
3 (Col 3:7) We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred
and hating each other.
4 (Titus 2:10-11) But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour
toward mankind appeared,
5 (Ro 12:2; 1Pe 3:21) not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth
and the renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 (Ro 5:5; Joel 2:28) whom He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 (Ro 8:17; Titus 1:2) so that, being justified by His grace, we might
become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 (1Ti 1:15; Titus 2:14) This is a faithful saying, and these things I want
you constantly to affirm, so that those who have believed in God might be
careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to
everyone.
9 (2Ti 2:14; 2:23) But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions,
and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 (Ro 16:17; 2Jn 1:10) Reject a divisive man after a first and second
admonition,
11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. 

[1] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
[2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all
meekness unto all men.
[3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and
hating one another.
[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man
appeared,
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his
mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy
Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to
the hope of eternal life.
[8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
[9] But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and
strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
[10] A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
[11] Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned
of himself.

Personal Instructions and Greetings

12 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:9) When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent
to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 (Ac 18:24; Mt 22:35) Diligently send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
on their journey. See that they lack nothing.
14 (Php 1:11; Col 1:10) And let our people also learn to continue doing good
works to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unproductive.
15 (Col 4:18) All who are with me greet you.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen. 

[12] When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come
unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
[13] Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that
nothing be wanting unto them.
[14] And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that
they be not unfruitful.
[15] All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 11 December 2024
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/12/11/god-will-answer"> God Will Answer </a>

Jeremiah 29:10-14

Joseph Reassures His Brothers

10 (Jer 25:12; 27:22) For thus says the Lord: When seventy years have been
completed for Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you,
in causing you to return to this place.
11 (Ps 40:5; Jer 30:18-22) For I know the plans that I have for you,
says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future
and a hope.
12 (Jer 33:3; Ps 50:15) Then you shall call upon Me, and you shall come
and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13 (Jer 24:7; 2Ch 22:9) You shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search
for Me with all your heart.
14 (Jer 30:3; Ps 32:6) I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will turn
away your captivity and gather you from all the nations
and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord,
and I will bring you back into the place from
where I caused you to be carried away captive.

[10] For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at
Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing
you to return to this place.
[11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
[12] Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I
will hearken unto you.
[13] And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with
all your heart.
[14] And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your
captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the
places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again
into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.  

When Pastor Timothy wears his preacher collar while traveling, he often gets 
stopped by strangers. "Pray for me, please," people in the airport say when 
they see the clerical band atop his simple dark suit. On a recent flight, a 
woman knelt by his seat when she noticed him, pleading: "Are you a pastor?
Would you pray for me?" And Pastor Timothy prayed.

A passage in Jeremiah sheds light on why we perceive that God hears 
and answers prayer: God cares! He assured His beloved but sinful, exiled 
people, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to 
prosper you and not to harm you'" (29:11). God anticipated a time when they 
would return to Him. "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me," He 
said, "and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me
with all your heart" (vv. 12-13).

The prophet learned this and more about prayer while confined to prison. God 
assured him, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great 
and unsearchable things you do not know" (33:3).

Jesus also urges us to pray. "Your Father knows what you need before you ask
him," He said (Matthew 6:8). So "ask," "seek," and "knock" in prayer (7:7). 
Every petition we make draws us closer to the one who answers. We don't have 
to be a stranger to God in prayer. He knows us and wants to hear from us. 
We can take our concerns to Him right now.

By:  Patricia Raybon

Reflect & Pray

How often do you pray? What will you say to God today?

Your care and knowledge of me 
inspire my prayers, dear God. Thank You for answering.
<a href="https://odbu.org/topic/sf120-01-lecture/">
Discover the joys and depth of prayer.</a>


3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 4 - Arming for Battle

Joshua 1:8

8 (Ps 19:14; 119:15) This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.
Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according
to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful,
and you will be wise.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.

When God spoke these words to Joshua, the young leader's prospects for
"prosperity" and "success" were far from promising. Upon Moses' death,
Joshua was appointed to lead Israel into the Promised Land, to claim
the territory and establish a nation under God's rule.
Joshua was afraid, and for good reason. The people were rebellious
and intractable. And "claiming the land" meant battling many strong enemies.
Yet God told Joshua that his strength would come not in preparing for battle,
but in preparing for battle, but in preparing himself by meditating
on and applying God's word to his life.
We, too, face difficult battles as we seek to enter the "Promised Land"
of God's peace and presence. But his promise is the same as it was to Joshua:
through obedience to the Word, we can find prosperity and success.
God's promise does not necessarily mean financial prosperity
or material success. These victories may come as well, but God's primary
purpose for his people is spiritual success - the victory and joy of living
in fellowship with him. We can be enriched in the knowledge of God and
find power to overcome the enemies of sin and self. The way may not be easy
- after all, there is no victory without conflict - but God promises
that we will succeed as we look to him.

Application

a) What image do I have a personal "Promised Land" that I long
to enter and claim as my own?

b) What enemies will I need to battle in order to enter that land?

c) How can meditation on the Word of God and obedience to him bring me
prosperity and success? 

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Deut 30:19-20

19 (Dt 4:26; 30:1) I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 (Dt 10:20; Ps 27:1) that you may love the Lord your God,
that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him,
for He is your life and the length of your days;
and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord
swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.

19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
20 that thou mayest love the LORD thy God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:
that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD
sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

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

God's Freeing Forgiveness

Ps 103:1-14

PSALMS 103

A Psalm of David.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits,
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) who forgives all your iniquities,
who heals all your diseases,
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) who satisfies your mouth with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) The Lord does righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the people of Israel.
8 (Job 35:10; Ps 63:6) The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 (Ps 38:6; 18:2) He will not always accuse,
neither will He keep his anger forever.
10 (Ps 42:3; Joel 2:17) He does not treat us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 (Ps 42:5; 43:5) For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord gives compassion to those who fear Him.
14 For He knows how we are formed;
He remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103

A Psalm of David.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul:
And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
Who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment
For all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses,
His acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide:
Neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth,
So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children,
So the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame;
He remembereth that we are dust.

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

11th Day of the Month

a) Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.

(

Ps 86:12

12 I will give You thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever.

12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart:
And I will glorify thy name for evermore.

John 12:28

28 "Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."

28 Father, glorify thy name.
Then came there a voice from heaven, saying,
I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

)

b) Pray for the province of New Brunswick

I) Pray for the leaders of New Brunswick, that God's Spirit would influence
then to act justly, serve with integrity and honour high moral standards.
( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,
3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved
and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

II) Pray for the churches of the province,
that they would be lighthouses beaming forth
the illuminating truth of God's Word.

III) Pray that the Lord would use the Finding
the Hope Campaign and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus

) 

Advent Day 18

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

Wednesday. Third Week of Advent

"The Scotch catechism says that man's end is 'to glorify God and enjoy Him
forever'. But we shall then know that these are the same thing. Fully to
enjoy is to glorify. In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us
to enjoy Him." - C. S. Lewis

(Read this and more in Reflections on the Psalms, p. 97.)

Enjoying God

When we set aside the flurry of activity that so often comes in December,
we can almost hear the message of the angels. They in­vited the shepherds
not to be afraid, but to give glory to God. Lewis tells us that when they
did this, the angels were inviting them to enjoy God.

Aren't we, too, being invited in this holy season to give glory to God?
God doesn't really need our praise and glory, but he knows that we need
to lift up our hearts. We need to lift up our eyes unto the hills,
from whence our help comes, and see the glory that will be revealed to us.

Narnia can help us to do that. Narnia contains many pleasures, and they all
come from God. The gifts of Father Christmas to Peter, Susan, and Lucy
are some of those pleasures. The crowning of the four children to be Kings
and Queens of Narnia are another. The arrival of Reepicheep, the talking
mouse, in Aslan's country is a third. God gave Lewis the vision.
In enjoying his vision, we are enjoying God.

Even in the midst of suffering, we need this reminder. St. Paul tells us,
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with
the glory that will be revealed to us" (Rom. 8:18). When we give glory to God,
it reminds us of the glory that will be revealed to us. And we find joy
in this glory. That's one reason why the message was "good news
of great joy" (Luke 2:10), not only for the shepherds,
but "for all the people"-including us.

Glory to you, 0 Lord. Praise to you, 0 Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.

Luke 2:14

From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn

WEDNESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

The Gift of a Child

Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.

-Luke 1:57

Because our culture has basically disregarded God, our society
at large does not appreciate what a colossal treasure
from God a child is! Some women, including me, for mainly medical reasons,
can't bear children and for that reason comprehend much more deeply
how precious such a gift is.

Elizabeth, too, had not been able to bear children earlier in her youth,
and it was incontrovertibly miraculous that she could give birth
now in her older years. Her friends and relatives knew what
an enormous benevolence from God this child was-the text says that
they had "heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to [Elizabeth]"
-so they enthusiastically joined her in rejoicing.
What a splendid celebration they must have had!


What cherished blessing have you received from the Lord lately?
Do you need to prize afresh your spouse or children as treasures from God?
Perhaps your God-given gifts include friends, colleagues
or relatives who bring you mercy and grace.

prayer

Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.

Read Luke 1:57-58.

57 Now Elizabeth's time had come to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbours and cousins heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy,
and they rejoiced with her.

From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

THIRD WEDNESDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and AWAITING!
Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. JAMES 5:7

Have you heard the story of Grandma saying to Grandpa, "What are
you doing?" Grandpa slowly responds, "How soon do you need to know?"
Patience, patience, patience.
In the book Power of Pause, Terry Hershey tells the story of a little girl
who says. "Shh, Mom, listen." "What am I listening to?" asks Mom
The girl responds, "If you are quiet and listen, you can hear God talking
to us." Patience, patience, patience.
The AH-HA of awaiting is the call to be patient, and to be quiet in order
to hear the Lord in the big and little events of our lives. "The first duty
of love is to wait," said a patient man named Tillich. Are you ever like I am
when I anxiously wait for someone to stop talking so I can say something
"brilliant" ? As one comic quipped. "No one really listens to anyone else, and
if you ever try to for a while, you'll know why!" Patience. patience. patience.
Just for today. try to really listen to someone with your entire self.
And then keep going back to re-read James 5 . .. over and over.
Patience, patience, patience.
Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read James 5:7-11

7 (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24) Therefore be patient, brothers,
until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious
fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early
and late rain.
8 (1Pe 4:7; Php 4:5) You also be patient. Establish your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is drawing near.
9 (Mt 24:33; 1Co 4:5) Do not grumble against one another, brothers,
lest you be condemned. Look, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 (Ac 7:52; Heb 11:32-38) My brothers, take the prophets,
who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
11 (Ex 34:6; Job 1:21-22) Indeed we count them happy who endure.
You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord,
that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca"> On Eagle's wings</a> Day 11

A Time of Discovery
19 (1Co 3:16; Jn 2:21) What? Do you not know that your body is the temple
of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God,
and that you are not your own? 
19 (1Co 3:16; Jn 2:21) What? Do you not know that your body is the temple
of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God,
and that you are not your own? 
1 Corinthians 6:19 
One year, when I was serving on the Blood Reserve in Southern
Alberta, among the Black Foot people, I decided to build a Nativity
set in front of the church to bring the spirit of Christmas closer to
the people. Someone from the community brought some straw, I
found old statues of Mary and Joseph in the church, someone else
got a baby doll for the manger, and we put lights all around. Soon,
a simple but nice Nativity was ready for people to reflect on and
see that the birth of Christ was coming. Many were stopping every
evening to take pictures or just to see the reminder that Christmas
was coming.
At that time, I had my old dog, a big Alaskan Malamute named
Spike. On the first night, he got into the crib and tore apart the little
"baby Jesus," So, I lost my baby Jesus! A few days later, a woman
from the community mentioned the missing baby Jesus, so I shared
the story with her. She then told me that when she noticed the
absence, she realised that baby Jesus was no longer in the manger
but in her heart, and in the hearts of those around her. She said it
was a very nice feeling when she realised that.
"Gee," I thought, "even my dog helped people realise that Christ is
in us!" Advent reminds us of Christ's presence within us. The peace
and joy we celebrate only make sense if Christ, who is that peace
and joy, is in us.
Father in heaven, this Advent let us discover again that we are
your children created in your own image and, because of our
baptism, that Christ is in us. Let us rediscover that there is
peace and joy in Jesus Christ. In his name, Amen.
Written by Fr. Les Kwiatkowski, Wabasca, AB, 2010
On Eagle’s Wings Supporte
 
Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to understand the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray to the Lord: "Your care and knowledge of me 
inspire my prayers, dear God. Thank You for answering."

Pray to the Lord and pray that the Word of the Lord 
will not depart from your mouth.

Pray to the Lord and pray to choose life.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know his lovingkindness and tender mercies.

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

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

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

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

Pray for God's name to be glorified in your life, home, neighbourhood,
city or community, and in Canada.

Glory to you, O Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Glory to God in the highest. Amen.

Pray: Thank you, Bounteous God, for ALL your gifts. Amen.

Pray: Lord. give us the gift of patience and the AH-HA of awaiting right now:
Well, if not now, then give us the pause of patience to listen and love
people today, as you continue to love us. with lots of patience!
In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA! 

Father in heaven, this Advent let us discover again that we are
your children created in your own image and, because of our
baptism, that Christ is in us. Let us rediscover that there is
peace and joy in Jesus Christ. In his name, 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