Day 33 of My 5th Bible Study Journey PArt 2

Day 33, 2 February 2025  


2) Our Daily Bread for 2 February 2025 titled  
<a href="https://www.odb.org/2025/02/02/not-just-for-christmas">
Not Just For Christmas </a>

Luke 2:22-38

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

22 When the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses
were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
23 (Ex 13:2; Nu 3:13)(as it is written in the law of the Lord,
"Every firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord"
Ex 13:2, 12; Nu 3:13; 8:17.)
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord,
"a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." Lev 5:11; 12:8.
25 (Lk 1:6; 2:38) Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon,
and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26 (Jn 8:51; Heb 11:5) It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 (Lk 2:41; 2:48) Led by the Spirit, he came into the temple. And when
the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according
to the custom of the law,
28 (Lk 1:64) he received Him in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 (Ge 15:15; Lk 2:26) "Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace,
according to Your word;
30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 which You have prepared in the sight of all people,
32 (Isa 49:6; 9:2; 60:19) a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel."
33 Joseph and His mother were amazed at those things which were spoken
about Him.
34 (1Co 1:23; Mt 21:44; Ac 28:22) Then Simeon blessed them
and said to Mary His mother, "Listen, this Child is destined to cause the fall
and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign which will be spoken against,
35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
And a sword will pierce through your own soul also."
36 (Ac 21:9; Ex 15:20) And there was Anna a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel,
of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived
with her husband seven years from her virginity.
37 (1Ti 5:5; Ac 14:23) And she was a widow of about 84 years of age
who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting
and prayer night and day.
38 (Lk 2:25; 1:68) Coming at that moment she gave thanks to the Lord
and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption of Jerusalem.

[22] And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses
were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the
Lord;
[23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the
womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
[24] And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of
the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and
the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and
the Holy Ghost was upon him.
[26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see
death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought
in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
[28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
[29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy
word:
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
[31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
[32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
[33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken
of him.
[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this
child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign
which shall be spoken against;
[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the
thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
[36] And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven
years from her virginity;
[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed
not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and
spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

It was a gloomy, wintry night as I ate my poached eggs and cleaned the house, 
which a month earlier had been shorn of Christmas decorations. If only I'd 
known that 2 February is the Christmas feast of Candlemas, I'd have relished 
French 'Crêpes de la Chandeleur' (Candlemas pancakes) instead, basking 
in the warm glow of candlelit company.

Candlemas, I learned, celebrates Simeon and Anna's praise, joy 
and thanksgiving on meeting baby Jesus, forty days after his birth. That was 
the day, according to Mosaic Law, when Mary and Joseph presented their newborn
Child to God (Luke 2:22-24). Candlelight symbolises Simeon's Holy Spirit-given
discernment, that Jesus was the "light for revelation to the Gentiles" 
(v. 32). In other words, the "Messiah" (v. 26), God's "salvation" (v. 30), 
offering God's eternal life to all people. He would be the "glory" of God 
(v. 32), the manifestation of God's nature, power and promises. As Simeon 
praised God, Anna, "[came] up to them at that very moment" (v. 38), 
and overhearing him, her spontaneous thanksgiving overflowed, and 
she "spoke about the child" to others.

Medieval English tradition suggests clearing Christmas decorations on 
Candlemas eve. But the gift of God's presence remains with us through Jesus 
today and forever. As we embrace this wonderful truth, whether with poached 
eggs or pancakes, our joy will overflow with thanks to God and to others too.

By:  Anne Le Tissier

Reflect & Pray

How has the joy of God's presence in Jesus encouraged you on gloomy 
or difficult days? To whose sorrow or pain can you carry the light 
of His life today?

Loving God, thank You that through Jesus, 
You are with me always, in every season and every problem or pain. 
I praise You for that comfort to my heart today.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 1 - God's Perspective

Philippians 4:13

13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because
of Christ who strengthens me.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Many of us live out self-fulfilling prophecies. We believe
what we tell ourselves - or what we have been told by others:
"You're stupid", "You're ugly", "You'll never amount to anything,"
"You can't do anything right."
We programme ourselves for spiritual failure as well.
"I just can't memorise Scripture," we say. "It comes and goes,
and I can't seem to get it to stay." Yet daily we memorise
volumes of information that is less significant than the
Scriptures - telephone numbers, identification codes,
songs lyrics, advertising jingles.
The answer to the dilemma of negativism is not positive
thinking, but right thinking - biblical thinking, according
to what the Bible reveals of God's perspective. God says,
"You are worthwhile. You are valued. You are loved. I created you
just as you are, and whatever I call you to do,
I will give you the strength to do it.
The context of Phillipians 4:13 shows that Paul had learned
this important secret of spiritual strength. Paul had known
poverty and plenty, trouble and victory. But he also knew
he did not have to let circumstances determine his response to God's will.
We need not be controlled by the negative messages life throws in our paths
- even those self-defeating pronouncements we make to ourselves.
Rather, we can respond according to God's perspective, with the
conviction that God has given us strength we need to meet the
challenges we face.

Application

a) What challenges do I face that make me realise my own insufficiencies?
IS memorising Scripture one of those challenges for me?

b) How does today's memory verse help me face those challenges?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Joshua 1:5

5 (Dt 7:24; 31:6-8) No man will be able to stand against
you all the days of your life.
As I was with Moses, I will be with you.
I will not abandon you. I will not leave you.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before
thee all the days of thy life:
as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee:
I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

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

God's Help in Times of Temptation

1 Cor 10:1-13

1 Corinthians 10

Warning Against Idolatry

1 (Ex 14:29; Ps 66:6) I would not want you to be unaware that
all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,
2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 (Ex 16:35; Dt 8:3) all ate the same spiritual food;
4 (Ex 17:6; Nu 20:11) and all drank the same spiritual drink,
for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them,
and that Rock was Christ.
5 (Heb 3:17; Jude 1:5) But with many of them God was not well pleased,
and they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 (Nu 11:4; 1Co 10:11) Now these things were our examples to the intent
that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted.
7 (Ex 32:19; 32:4) Neither be idolaters as were some of them.
As it is written,
"The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to revel." (Ex 32:6. )
8 (Nu 25:1-9; 1Co 6:18) Neither let us commit sexual immorality as some
of them committed, when 23000 fell in one day.
9 (Nu 21:5-6; Ex 17:2) Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them
also tempted and were destroyed by serpents.
10 (Ex 12:23; Nu 16:41) Neither murmur, as some of them also murmured
and were destroyed by the destroyer.
11 (Ro 13:11) Now all these things happened to them for examples.
They are written as an admonition to us,
upon whom the end of the ages has come.
12 (Ro 11:20) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed,
lest he fall.
13 (1Co 1:9; 2Pe 2:9) No temptation has taken you except what is common
to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above
what you can endure, but will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all
our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 and were all baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 and did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that
spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased:
for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust
after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written,
The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed,
and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted,
and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured,
and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples:
and they are written for our admonition,
upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted
above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also
make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Remember God's promises when You pray

The Lord's prayer

Matthew 6:9-13

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

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

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


Alberta 

Quick facts on Muslims in Alberta

Alberta 2015 population  4121700

est Muslim Population       195240

CNMM Networks: Calgary and Edmonton

It is estimated that Calgary has 82000 Muslims and Edmonton another 50000 .
Alberta may have a total as hihg as 195240 today.
Calgary is notable as the first Canadian city with a Muslim mayor.  It's
become a prominent place of Islamic fundamentalism.
Edmonton's Muslim population is very diverse, with the largest group
coming from Tanzania, followed by Somalia, and then North African countries 
such as Egypt, Morocco, etc.
Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus! They overcome huge spiritual,
emotional and cultural hurdles to follow Christ. Yet their challenges still 
continue, especially in growing in discpleship. They often fell lost in our
Western congreations, and euqally lost trying to find a church body with whom
they can identify. some are even being lured into Christian cult groups.

Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to
Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
  in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their 
not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.
- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
  in these growing Muslim population centres.


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 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; 
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, 
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants 
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. 
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below: 
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke.  20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]

Footnotes
	Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- 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, ...) .

7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada

http://www.ehc.ca

2nd Day of the Month

a) Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians ( 
Rom 10:14-15  -  
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not
believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher? 
15 I And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of
those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring good news of good
things!"

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? 
and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? 
and how shall they hear without a preacher? 
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, 
How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, 
and bring glad tidings of good things!

)

b)  Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction. (
Jer 33:3 
- Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things which you do not know.  

3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee 
great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

)

8 ) Fast and Pray

DAY SEVEN:

PRAY SPECIFIC SCRIPTURE OVER THEIR LIFE

Even if your child rejects the truth and resents hearing God's Word, they
cannot stop you from praying Scripture over their life.

Praying Scripture is one of the most powerful ways we can pray. When we pray
His Word, we align our hearts with His promises and declare His truth over
every situation. Scripture is alive and active, and God enjoys hearing us pray
the Scriptures to Him. When we speak God's promises in prayer, we release
His power into the lives of those we're praying for. For a prodigal, these
prayers can break strongholds, bring light into dark places, and remind them
of God's unchanging love. Even when we don't know the right words,
Scripture gives us the language of faith. The Word of God will never return
void; through it, we can trust that He is working in ways we cannot see. We
partner with God to bring about His will as we pray Scripture.

REFLECTION:

No matter how far off the path someone may seem, we can fight with the
powerful weapon of God's Word.

PRAYER:

(Based on Jeremiah 29:11-12) Heavenly Father, I lift my loved one to You,
trusting in Your promise that You have plans for their life-plans to prosper
them and not to harm them, plans to give them hope and a future. Even
though they may not see it yet, I believe You are working for their good.
Lord, I pray they will call upon You, come to know You, and experience Your
love and grace. You have promised to listen when we pray, and I know You
are listening now. Open their hearts to trust in Your perfect plan, a plan far
greater than anything they could imagine. Fill them with hope and lead them
into the future You have prepared for them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION:

Acts 17:27

27 (Ac 14:17; Jer 23:23-24) that they should seek the Lord so perhaps
they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each
one of us.

[27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and
find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

Romans 8:28

28 (Gal 1:15; Ge 50:20) We know that all things work together for good
to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

[28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Philippians 4:13

13 (2Co 12:9-10; Eph 3:16) I can do all things because of Christ
who strengthens me.

[13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.


VERSE OF THE DAY:

2 Timothy 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.

Conclusion:

Pray for the Goodness of the Lord to keep and guide you.

Pray to the Lord and 
Pray to seek the Lord's will when you do not feel humble.

Pray to the Lord: "Loving God, thank You that through Jesus, 
You are with me always, in every season and every problem or pain. 
I praise You for that comfort to my heart today."

Pray to the Lord and pray for Him in the memorisation of Scripture. 

Pray to the Lord and pray to know The Lord will not abandon you.

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

Please join us in praying for:
- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.
- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to
Muslim-background believers.
- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially
  in their faith and the Church.
- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their 
not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.
- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.
- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim
  in these growing Muslim population centres.

Pray for the Church to make the Gospel accessible to all Canadians

Pray that Christian Leaders would seek God's heart for vision,wisdom
and direction.

Pray that Emiratis will have continued access to God's Word through the 
Internet.

(Based on Jeremiah 29:11-12) Heavenly Father, I lift my loved one to You,
trusting in Your promise that You have plans for their life-plans to prosper
them and not to harm them, plans to give them hope and a future. Even
though they may not see it yet, I believe You are working for their good.
Lord, I pray they will call upon You, come to know You, and experience Your
love and grace. You have promised to listen when we pray, and I know You
are listening now. Open their hearts to trust in Your perfect plan, a plan far
greater than anything they could imagine. Fill them with hope and lead them
into the future You have prepared for them. In Jesus' 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]
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