Day 351 of My 4th Bible Studay Journey

Day 351, 16 December 2023 - 23nd Day of Advent 

1) 2 Timothy 1, 2 Timothy 2, 2 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 1

Salutation

1 (2Co 1:1; Eph 3:6) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 (1Ti 1:2; Ro 1:7) To Timothy, my beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the
promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
[2] To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Loyalty to the Gospel

3 (Ro 1:8-9; Ac 23:1) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience as my
forefathers did, as I continually remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 (2Ti 4:9; 4:21) greatly desiring to see you, remembering your tears,
that I may be filled with joy,
5 (Ac 16:1; 1Ti 1:5) remembering the genuine faith that first lived
in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and that I am persuaded
lives in you also.
6 (1Ti 4:14; 1Th 5:19) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God,
which is in you by the laying on of my hands.
7 (Ro 8:15; Ac 1:8) For God has not given us the spirit of fear,
but of power, and love, and self-control.
8 (Mk 8:38; Eph 3:1) So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,
nor of me, His prisoner. But share in the sufferings of the gospel
by the power of God,
9 (Ro 16:25; Titus 1:2) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling,
not by our works, but by His own purpose and grace, which was given us
in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 (Ro 2:7; 16:26) but is now revealed by the appearing of our Saviour,
Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and has brought life
and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 (1Ti 2:7) for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle,
and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 (2Ti 1:8; 1Ti 6:20; 1Pe 4:19) For these things I suffer, but I am not
ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is
able to keep that which I have committed to Him until that Day.
13 (1Ti 1:14; Titus 1:9) Follow the pattern of sound teaching
which you have heard from me in the faith and love that is in Christ Jesus.
14 (Ro 8:9; 1Ti 6:20) Guard the treasure that was committed to you through
the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
15 (2Ti 4:16; Ac 19:10) You know that all those who are in Asia have turned
away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 (2Ti 4:19; Ac 28:20) May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus,
for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
17 But when he arrived in Rome, he searched me out very diligently
and found me.
18 (2Ti 1:12; Heb 6:10) May the Lord grant that he may find mercy
from the Lord on that Day. You know very well how many ways he ministered
to me at Ephesus.

[3] I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that
without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
[4] Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be
filled with joy;
[5] When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am
persuaded that in thee also.
[6] Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God,
which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind.
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me
his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel
according to the power of God;
[9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to
our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began,
[10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel:
[11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of
the Gentiles.
[12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not
ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
[13] Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in
faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
[14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost
which dwelleth in us.
[15] This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from
me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
[16] The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed
me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
[17] But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found
me.
[18] The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day:
and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very
well.

2 Timothy 2

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

1 (Eph 6:10; 2Ti 1:2) So you, my son, be strong
in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 (1Ti 1:18; 6:12) Share the things that you have heard from me
in the presence of many witnesses with faithful men who will be able
to teach others also.
3 (1Ti 1:18; 2Ti 1:8) Endure hard times as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 (2Pe 2:20) No soldier on active duty entangles himself
with civilian affairs, that he may please the enlisting officer.
5 Anyone who competes as an athlete is not rewarded without competing legally.
6 The farmer who labors should be first to partake of the crops.
7 Consider what I am saying, and may the Lord grant you understanding
in all things.
8 (Mt 1:1; Ro 2:16) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,
descended from David, according to my gospel,
9 (Php 1:7; 2Ti 1:8) in which I suffer trouble like a criminal,
even with chains. But the word of God is not bound.
10 (Col 1:24; 2Co 1:6; 4:17) Therefore I endure all things for the sake
of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ
Jesus with eternal glory.
11 (Ro 6:8; 1Th 5:10) This is a faithful saying:
If we die with Him,
we shall also live with Him.
12 (Mt 10:33; Ro 8:17) If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 (Nu 23:19; Ro 3:3) If we are faithless, He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.

[1] Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
[2] And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same
commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
[3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life;
that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
[5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he
strive lawfully.
[6] The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
[8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word
of God is not bound.
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also
obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live
with him:
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also
will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

An Approved Workman

14 (1Ti 5:21; 2Ti 2:23) Remind them of these things, commanding them before
the Lord that they not argue about words, which leads to nothing of value
and to the destruction of those who hear them.
15 (Mt 13:52) Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need
not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 (Titus 3:9; 1Ti 6:20) But avoid profane foolish babblings, for they will
increase to more ungodliness,
17 (1Ti 1:20) and their word will spread like gangrene: Among them are
Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 (1Co 15:12; 1Ti 1:19) who have erred concerning the truth,
saying that the resurrection has already occurred,
and who overthrow the faith of some.
19 (Jn 10:14; Isa 28:16) But the firm foundation of God stands,
having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and,
"Let everyone who calls on the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
20 (1Ti 3:15) In a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels,
but also those of wood and clay; some are for honor, and some for dishonour.
21 (2Ti 3:17; Isa 52:11) One who cleanses himself from these things will be
a vessel for honor, sanctified, fit for the Master's use,
and prepared for every good work.
22 (1Ti 6:11; 1:5; 4:12) So flee youthful desires and pursue righteousness,
faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 (Titus 3:9; 2Ti 2:14) But avoid foolish and unlearned debates, knowing
that they create strife.
24 (1Ti 3:2-3; Titus 3:2) The servant of the Lord must not quarrel,
but must be gentle toward all people, able to teach, patient,
25 (1Ti 2:4; Ac 8:22) in gentleness instructing those in opposition.
Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth,
26 (1Ti 3:7) and they may escape from the snare of the devil,
after being captured by him to do his will.

[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord
that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the
hearers.
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
[16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness.
[17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and
Philetus;
[18] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is
past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
[19] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The
Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of
Christ depart from iniquity.
[20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver,
but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
[21] If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto
honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every
good work.
[22] Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity,
peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
[23] But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender
strifes.
[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all
men, apt to teach, patient,
[25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
[26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who
are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Timothy 3

The Last Days

1 (Eze 38:16; 2Pe 3:3) Know this: In the last days perilous times will come.
2 (Php 2:21; Jude 1:16) Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,
boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 (Ro 1:31; 1Ti 3:11) without natural affection, trucebreakers, slanderers,
unrestrained, fierce, despisers of those who are good,
4 (1Ti 3:6) traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasures
more than lovers of God,
5 (1Ti 5:8; Mt 7:15) having a form of godliness,
but denying its power. Turn away from such people.
6 (Titus 3:3; Jude 1:4) Those of this nature creep into houses
and captivate silly women who are burdened with sins
and led away with various desires,
7 (1Ti 2:4; 2Ti 2:25) always learning, but never able to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
8 (Ex 7:11; 1Ti 6:5) Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses,
so these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds
and worthless concerning the faith.
9 (Ex 7:12; 9:11) But they shall proceed no further,
for their folly will be revealed to everyone, as theirs also was.

[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent,
fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of
God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such
turn away.
[6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive
silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
[7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
[8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the
truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
[9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest
unto all men, as theirs also was.

Last Charge to Timothy

10 (Php 2:22; 1Ti 4:6) But you have observed my doctrine,
manner of life, purpose,
faith, tolerance, love, patience,
11 (Ps 34:19; Ac 13:45) persecutions, and afflictions, which came to me
at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra-what persecutions I endured!
But the Lord delivered me out of them all.
12 (Ac 14:22; Titus 2:12) Yes, and all who desire to live a godly life
in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers will grow worse and worse, deceiving
and being deceived.
14 (2Ti 1:13) But continue in the things that you have learned
and have been assured of, knowing those from whom you have learned them,
15 (2Ti 1:5) and that since childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith that is
in Christ Jesus.
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.

[10] But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith,
longsuffering, charity, patience,
[11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium,
at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord
delivered me.
[12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution.
[13] But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and
being deceived.
[14] But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been
assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.
[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.

2 Timothy 4

1 (Ac 10:42; 1Ti 5:21) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing
and His kingdom:
2 (Titus 1:13; 2:15) Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season,
reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.
3 (1Ti 1:10) For the time will come when people will not endure sound
doctrine, but they will gather to themselves teachers in accordance
with their own desires, having itching ears,
4 (1Ti 1:4; 4:7) and they will turn their ears away from the truth
and turn to myths.
5 (Ac 21:8; 2Ti 1:8) But be self-controlled in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
and prove your ministry.
6 (Php 1:23; 2:17) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,
and the time of my departure has come.
7 (Ac 20:24; 1Ti 6:12) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
and I have kept the faith.
8 (Col 1:5; 2Ti 1:12) From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only
to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.

[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall
judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
[2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears;
[4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables.
[5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at
hand.
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith:
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Personal Instructions

9 (2Ti 1:4; 4:21) Diligently try to come to me soon.
10 (Ac 16:6; 17:1) Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world,
and has departed to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
11 (Ac 12:12; Col 4:14) Only Luke is with me. Get Mark, and bring him with you,
for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 (Ac 20:4; Eph 6:21) I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13 (Ac 16:8) When you come, bring with you the cloak that I left
at Troas with Carpus, and the books, but especially the parchments.
14 (1Ti 1:20; Ps 28:4) Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.
May the Lord reward him according to his works.
15 Beware of him, for he has greatly opposed our words.
16 (Ac 7:60) At my first defense no one stood with me,
but everyone forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
17 (Ac 9:15; Ps 22:21) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me,
so that through me the preaching might be fully known, and that
all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 (Ro 11:36; Ps 121:7) The Lord will deliver me from every evil work
and will preserve me for His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever
and ever. Amen.

[9] Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
[10] For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is
departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
[11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is
profitable to me for the ministry.
[12] And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
[13] The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring
with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
[14] Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him
according to his works:
[15] Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
[16] At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray
God that it may not be laid to their charge.
[17] Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me
the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear:
and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
[18] And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve
me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

19 (Ac 18:2) Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 (Ac 20:4; 19:22) Erastus remained at Corinth, and I have left Trophimus
ill in Miletus.
21 (2Ti 4:9) Diligently try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you,
and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
22 (Gal 6:18; Col 4:18) The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Grace be with you. Amen.

[19] Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
[20] Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
[21] Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and
Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
[22] The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

2) Our Daily Bread for 16 December 2024 titled
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/12/16/locker-notes">Encouragement in Christ</a>

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

4 (1Jn 2:8) But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this Day
should overtake you as a thief.
5 (Lk 16:8; Ac 26:18) You are all the sons of light
and the sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
6 (Lk 22:46; 1Pe 1:13) Therefore let us not sleep as others do.
But let us be alert and sober.
7 (Ac 2:15; 2Pe 2:13) For those who sleep, sleep at night,
and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.
8 (Isa 59:17; 1Th 5:5) But let us, who are of the day, be sober,
putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet,
the hope of salvation.
9 (1Th 1:10; 2Th 2:13-14) For God has not appointed us to wrath,
but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 (2Co 5:15) who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep,
we should live together with Him.
11 (Eph 4:29; Heb 10:25) So comfort yourselves together,
and edify one another, just as you are doing.

[4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you
as a thief.
[5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are
not of the night, nor of darkness.
[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
[7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are
drunken in the night.
[8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of
faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
[9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our
Lord Jesus Christ,
[10] Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live
together with him.
[11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as
also ye do. 

An Indiana schoolteacher suggested that her students write notes of 
encouragement and inspiration for their peers. Days later, when a school 
tragedy occurred in a different part of the country, their notes buoyed the 
spirits of their fellow students as they dealt with the resulting fear 
and pain that something could happen to them too.

Encouragement and mutual concern were also on Paul's mind when he wrote to the
believers at Thessalonica. They had lost friends, and Paul instructed them to 
hope in Jesus' promised return to bring their loved ones to life again 
(1 Thessalonians 4:14). While they didn't know when that would occur, he 
reminded them that as believers they needn't wait in fear of God's judgment 
when He returned (5:9). Instead, they could wait with confidence in their 
future life with Him and meanwhile 
"encourage one another and build each other up" (v. 11).

When we experience painful losses or senseless tragedies, it's easy to be 
overcome with fear and sadness. Yet Paul's words are helpful to us today,
 just as when they were written. Let's wait in hopeful expectation that 
 Christ will restore all things. And meanwhile, we can encourage each 
 other-with written notes, spoken words, acts of service, or a simple hug.

By:  Kirsten Holmberg

Reflect & Pray

How have you been encouraged by others? How can you encourage someone today?

Risen Jesus, despite my hurts in a messed-up world, 
please help me to wait on You with hope and faith 
and to encourage those around me until You come again.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 2 - Earning Death

Romans 6:23

23 (Ro 5:12; Ge 2:17; Ro 2:7) For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

"I only want my rights," declares the belligerent Big Ghost, one of the
characters in C. S. Lewis's classic, The Great Divorce. "I'm not asking
for anybody's bleeding charity."
"Then do. At once," his angelic friend Len urges. "Ask for the Bleeding
Charity. Everything is here for the asking and nothing can be bought."
Often we are much like the Ghost in Lewis's tale of heaven and hell.
We want "What we deserve," and being blind to our own sin, we think
we deserve praise, or al least mercy. But Paul is very clear on what
we have coming: "The wages of sin is death".
We work for our wages - we've earned our paycheque, and we deserve it.
We don't have to thank anyone for paying us - it's our due, not a gift.
Similarly, the paycheque issued to us in renumeration for our sin is
what we deserve: death.
Yet, if we are willing to lay aside our pride and accept God's gift,
we can live. "The gift of God is eternal life." Nothing we can do or say
can make us worthy of the gift of life. We are sinners by nature and we
rebel against God in our choices. Yet God, in Christ, offers grace to us,
freedom from sin, liberty from the burden of trying to earn his favour.
Ironically, freedom and peace in the Christian life come not through
justifying ourselves and making ourselves look good, but through
acknowledging the depth of our sin ad our ability to do anything about it.
When we realise that we are trapped in out sinful selves and only
Christ can free us, then we are ready to journey toward grace and freedom.

Application

a) In what way's have I tried to "earn" the gift of eternal life?

b) What can I do to focus on God's grace and realise
that I cannot accomplish my own salvation? 

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Haggai 2:7-9

7 (1Ki 8:11; Isa 60:7) And I will shake all the nations,
and they will come with the wealth of all nations,
and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of Hosts.
8 (Isa 60:17) The silver is mine, and the gold is Mine,
says the Lord of Hosts.
9 (Isa 9:6-7) The glory of this latter house will be greater
than the former, says the Lord of Hosts. And in this place
I will give peace, says the Lord of Hosts.

7 and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations
shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place
will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

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

God's Help in Times of Temptation

James 1:12-18

Trial and Temptation

12 (Jas 2:5; 1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8) Blessed is the man who endures temptation,
for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God,"
for God cannot be tempted with evil; neither does He tempt anyone.
14 But each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
15 (Job 15:35; Ps 7:14) Then, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin;
and when sin is finished, it brings forth death.
16 (Jas 1:19; 2:5) Do not err, my beloved brothers.
17 (Mal 3:6; Nu 23:19; Jn 3:27) Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no change or shadow of turning.
18 (1Pe 1:23; Jn 1:13; Rev 14:4) Of His own will He brought us forth with
the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust,
and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth,
that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

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

16th Day of the Month

a) Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences
( John 16:7-8

7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away.
For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send Him to you.
8 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment"

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away:
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you;
but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment:

)

b) Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy

(

John 14:6

6 Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me."

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Rom 3:19-20

19 Now we know that whatever the law says,
it says to those who are under the law,
so that every mouth may be silenced,
and all the world may become accountable to God.
20 Therefore by the works of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are
under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified
in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

2 Cor 5:10

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive his recompense in the body,
according to what he has done,
whether it was good or bad.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad.

2 Cor 10:5

5 casting down imaginations and every high thing
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ,

5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought
to the obedience of Christ;

)

Advent day 23

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

Monday,Fourth Week of Advent

"There! They're at it again. 'Ark, the errol hygel sings'....
Boxing Day [December 26] is only two and a half weeks ahead;
then perhaps we shall have a little quiet in which to remember
the birth of Christ." C. S. Lewis

(Read this and more in "Delinquents in the Snow," God in the Dock, p. 310.)

A Little Quiet

The day on which the English give their gifts is Boxing Day, a public holiday
that falls on the first weekday after Christmas. In the past, the English
exchanged gifts among equals on Christmas Day, and gave gifts to those
"socially inferior" on the day after,
probably wrapped in boxes; hence, the name "Boxing Day."
It is also known in England as St. Stephen's Day,
named after the first Christian martyr.

As a result, Lewis was not expecting the Prince of Peace to bring him peace
until after Boxing Day, a day after Christmas Day itself,
after gifts had been given. While peace in the biblical sense means
far more than the absence of stress, Lewis was here thinking of the
peace and quiet that a busy man, a famous and popular man, too seldom enjoyed.

From the time of his BBC radio broadcasts in 1941, Lewis received many 
letters, probably a half-dozen to a dozen each day. As a result, he spent 
a lot of time answering those letters, and they seemed to come
in greater numbers during the Christmas holidays. We don't have to be famous
to appreciate Lewis' desire for a little quiet.
In the midst of the busyness of the Advent season, we need to remember that
God sent a child, a son, the Prince of Peace.
He came to announce, "Peace on earth" (Luke 2:14) for everyone who believes.

Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace
in the midst of quiet. Amen.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...
And he will be called...Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn

MONDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

Tender Mercy

through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;

-Luke 1:78

What an attractive image, the "dawn from on high"!

It is an expression for the morning's light, but in its ambiguity
the figure could also refer to the Christ whose coming we anticipate.


This is one benefit that comes from God's "tender mercy." Another is John, 
the Most High's Prophet and the Lord's Forerunner, who dispersed 
to people knowledge of God's salvation
by the pardoning of their transgressions.

Those upon whom the dawn from on high burst were able
to move out of both their darkness and death's shadow
and into the way of peace. That is still true today. As we prepare
to hail the coming of the Christ Child, we honor him by participating
in his gift of bringing peace to the world. In his name and character,
we become reconcilers and harmonisers, helping people to allay their fears
and eliminate their quarrels. What tranquility might be brought to the nations!

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.

Read Luke 1:68-79.

68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for He has visited and redeemed His people,
69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets of long ago,
71 that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us,
72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember His holy covenant,
73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham,
74 to grant us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies,
might serve Him without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people
by the remission of their sins,
78 through the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise from on high has visited us;
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."

From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ACCEPTANCE!

the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,"
MATTHEW 1:20

Joseph is often the "odd man out" in the Christmas story. We hear
so much about the Baby Jesus (and rightly so!), and about Mary,
the shepherds, the angels and even those smelly sheep .. - but not
a lot about Joseph

The Ah-Has of acceptance is all about Joseph. Today's lesson shows
good old Joe in a tough situation But, through the Holy Spirit, he accepted
the responsibilities that were given to him. And notice the phrase that
the angel brought to Joseph's dream: "Do not be afraid!" These are the
same Gospel words that we hear from the Lord as we go about accepting
the responsibilities that he gives to us each day.

The beauty and irony of Advent is that as we prepare for his coming.
the Lord has already prepared us for life in him! His acceptance of us
enables us to accept the many tasks and challenges he gives to us ...
with no exceptions! It's like the button that states, "God loves you ...
of course - he loves everyone!" And it's true, because of Emmanuel,
"God with us."

Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,
"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Matthew 1:18-25

18 (Ge 3:15) Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way:
After His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,
she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.
19 (Dt 22:21-24; 24:1-4 )Then Joseph her husband, being a just man
and not willing to make her a public example, had in mind to divorce
her privately.
20 (Mt 1:18; 2:13) But while he thought on these things, the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying,
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for He who is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 (Lk 1:31; Ac 4:12) She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 (Mt 2:15; 2:23) Now all this occurred to fulfill what the Lord
had spoken through the prophet, saying,
23 (Isa 7:14; 9:6–7; Mt 28:20) "A virgin shall be with child,
and will bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"
[Isa 7:14.] which is interpreted, "God with us."
24 Then Joseph, being awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord
had commanded him, and remained with his wife,
25 (Mt 1:21; Lk 2:7) and did not know her until she had given birth
to her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca/"> On Eagle's Wings </a>
Advent 2024

What Will You Carry?
9 (Isa 9:6-7; Jer 23:5-6) Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
And cry aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king is coming to you;
he is righteous and able to deliver,
he is humble and riding on a donkey,
a colt, the offspring of a donkey. 
9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:
behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly,
and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. 
 Zechariah 9:9 
As a young child, what I most enjoyed about the Christmas nativity
were the animals. I realise that this was quite unspiritual, but it was
what fascinated my childhood imagination. It was not until much
later that I discovered the scriptures do not tell us if or how many
sheep, cows, or donkeys were even there.
Yet, it is my hunch that at the very least there was a donkey. For this
simplest of animals demonstrates for us some of the greatest values
in the Kingdom of God. A donkey is built simply and practically. It
is not flashy, striking or fast. But it is perfect for carrying precious
cargo carefully across long distances. A donkey is steady, faithful
and enduring.
It is not surprising that thirty-three years later Jesus would again ride
a donkey as he entered Jerusalem for the last time; not only
fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah, but demonstrating again how
God uses the ordinary and gives grace to the humble.
As we walk through this Advent season, we are easily tempted to
focus on our desire for significance. Ask yourself: Am I satisfied to
be used simply and practically? Or do I want to have a role more
significant? Advent reminds us of the irony that a simple and
practical donkey would usher in the birth of the Messiah, and later
carry the hope of the world towards his greatest victory, the
salvation of people.
Holy God, in this Advent season, as we celebrate you in our
lives, help us to honour you by being steady, faithful, and
enduring in carrying Christ into our world. Amen.

Written by Rev. Tim Kerber, Leduc, AB, 2008
On Eagle's Wings Volunteer

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray that you continue  in the things which you have 
learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom you hast learned them;
And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus for 
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:.

Pray to the Lord: "Risen Jesus, despite my hurts in a messed-up world, 
please help me to wait on You with hope and faith 
and to encourage those around me until You come again."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know that the wages of sin is death
and the Gift of God is eternal salvation.

Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who creates the wealth of nations.

Pray to the Lord and pray to give your temptations to Him.

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 that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences

Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy

Prince of Peace, give us peace of heart and mind,
peace in the midst of busyness, and peace in the midst of quiet. Amen.

Pray: Lord Jesus Christ, propel us to communicate your peace. Amen.

Pray: Lord, thanks for accepting us as your children, with no exceptions.
Because of your birth, death and resurrection: we are yours forever!
Forgive us when we do not accept that truth. Forgive us when we fail
to hear and see you in our lives . Keep whispering bands (and shouting) to us,
"Do not be afraid! " In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Holy God, in this Advent season, as we celebrate you in our
lives, help us to honour you by being steady, faithful, and
enduring in carrying Christ into our world. 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