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Day 340 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 6 December 2025 reflections Part 6

Day 340 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 6 December 2025 reflections Part 5

Day 340 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 6 December 2025 reflections Part 6

Day 340 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 6 December 2025 reflections Part 4

Day 340 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 6 December 2025 reflections Part 3

Day 340 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 6 December 2025 reflections Part 2

Day 340 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 6 December 2025 reflections Part 1

Day 339 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 5 December 2025 reflections Part 6

Day 339 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 5 December 2025 reflections Part 4

Day 339 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 5 December 2025 reflections Part 5

Day 339 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 5 December 2025 reflections Part 3

Day 339 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 5 December 2025 reflections Part 2

Day 339 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 5 December 2025 reflections Part 1

Day 338 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 4 December 2025 reflections Part 7

Day 338 of My 5th Bible Study Journey - 4 December 2025 reflections Part 5

Posted by DSY on Saturday, December 6. 2025

From The Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

SECOND SATURDAY

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

One generation shall praise Your works to another

and shall declare Your mighty acts. PSALM 145:4

Advent helps us to affirm that aging is a gift from God! Our society too

often sees aging as a burden rather than as a blessing. l am convinced

that God really, really loves old people. You know how can tell? Because

he continues to make more and more of us!

A favourite banner of mine states: 'Aging is the ONLY way to live!" How true,

how true!

Today's Scriptures catch the joy and the responsibilities of aging. In Mary's

song of praise. she rejoices in the fact that God had chosen her to bring

Jesus to the world. And she proclaims that his mercy is for everyone,

through all generations.

Psalm 145:4 the psalmist again picks up the fact that "one generation

shall laud your works to another!" We ambassadors of aging (and we ALL

are, regardless of our age. because the one thing we are all doing at the

same time is aging!) are called to share the same message that Mary

shared--Christ Jesus is for all people!

That is why Advent arid Christmas are not just for the little children but

-ether for all of God's children! That is why the Lord put us together in

families and congregations and communities where we can rub ministry

shoulders with those younger than us and also those older than us.

Perhaps during Advent or on Christmas Eve, if your congregation has a

children's message, you should also have an old folks' message. Invite a

the 80+ people to shuffle up to the front . . . and lie down,

lust like the little

kids do! Someone will help them up! (Just a suggestion, but no need to

tell your pastor l suggested it!)

Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are

truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you

continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and

share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of

life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Luke 1:46-56 and Psalm 145:4-7.

Luke 1

The Song of Mary

46 And Mary said:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded

the low estate of His servant;

surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is His name.

50 His mercy is on those who fear Him

from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of low degree.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

in remembrance of His mercy,

55 as He spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

56 Mary remained with her about three months

and returned to her own house.

Psalm 145

4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One generation shall praise Your works to another

and shall declare Your mighty acts.

5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty

and of Your wondrous works.

6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8-9) They shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,

and I will declare Your greatness.

7 (Ps 88:7; Jnh 2:3) They shall abundantly declare the fame of Your great

goodness and shall sing of Your righteousness.

From On Eagle's wings December 6

3 (Jn 12:26; 14:28) "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again

and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also.

4 You know where I am going, and you know the way." John 14:3-4 (MEV)

[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and

receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

[4] And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:3-4 (KJV)

"You're going away?" Evan's smile disappeared as he looked down

at his feet in sadness. It was our last day of Bible Camp in a

Northwest Territories community, and he had just found out that

we would be leaving the next day to return to Edmonton.

"Will you come back?" He didn't look at me, as his voice quivered

with tears. I sat beside him on the steps and put my arm around

him. "I hope so," I said. "I promise I will write to you, and I will put

your picture on my fridge so I remember to pray for you every day."

During Advent we anticipate the birth of Christ into our world as a

baby. And though his time on earth was very short he left his

disciples with a promise that he would come back. We also

anticipate with great hope the day when Jesus will physically return.

No matter what is happening in our world, if we ground our faith in

Jesus we can hold firmly to the hope that he is preparing a

wonderful place for us to live in fellowship with him for all eternity!

And that is a promise that he will surely keep!

Darlene Koop

Bible Camp Volunteer

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to him to guide you in every step you take.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Father, thank You for

assuring me that You see what I'm going through."

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord is working in you.

Pray to the Lord and pray to favour the cause if the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness.

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 a more effective witness by the church in every Canadian community

Pray: Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming,

at your presence, and make it truly internal. Amen.

Pray: Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.

Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.

Pray: Lord of aging; thanks for the gift of older people around us. They are

truly blessings from you, and not burdens. Keep us focused on how you

continue to love and work through all people. Empower us to listen and

share, to laugh and cry with people of all ages And thanks for the gift of

life as we all grow old grace-fully In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Pray : Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into our world and revealing

yourself to us so we could know you, and for the hopeful promise

that one day you will return! Amen.

Pray that Muslim militants in Iraq will experience God's love,

leading them to salvation through Christ.

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.

Posted by DSY on Saturday, December 6. 2025

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

http://www.ehc.ca

6th Day of the Month

a) Pray for a more effective witness by the church in every Canadian community

(

Deut 4:6-7

6 (Job 28:28; Pr 1:7 ) Therefore, keep and do them, for this is your wisdom and

your understanding in the sight of the nations which shall hear all these

statutes, and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and

understanding people."

7 (2Sa 7:23; Ps 46:1) For what nation is there so great, who has a god so near

to it as the Lord our God is in all things whenever we call on Him?

6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and

your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these

statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and

understanding people.

7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them,

as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

Matt 5:13-16

13 (Lev 2:13; Lk 14:34-35) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt

loses its saltiness, how shall it be made salty? It is from then on good for

nothing but to be thrown out and to be trampled underfoot by men.

14 (Jn 8:12; Pr 4:18) "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden.

15 (Mk 4:21; Lk 8:16) 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.

16 (1Pe 2:12; Mt 9:8; Jn 15:8) Let your light so shine before men that they

may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing,

but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set

on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on

a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Acts 1:8

8 (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15) "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes

upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and

Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:

and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,

and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

)

b) Pray for the province of British Columbia

I) Pray for the leaders of Alberta, 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.

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,

intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 for kings,

and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable

life in all godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable

in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto 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 14

FRom C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle

Saturday, Second Week of Advent

"I have read [your book} Treasure on Earth and I don't believe you have any

notion how good it is I've never seen the hushed internal excitement of a

child on Christmas Eve better done. That is something we can all recognise."

- C. S. Lewis

(From "Letter to Mrs. Phyllis Sandeman," Dec. 10, 1952,

Lewis' Collected Letters, III, pp. 26 lff.)

Hushed Excitement

Christmas is especially for children, whether young children, old children,

or very old children. Simeon is an example of the third category.

We'll come back to him later.

In a letter written to Phyllis Sandeman during Advent, Lewis comments

favorably about a book that she had written that year, Treasure on Earth.

Subtitled A Country House Christmas, it tells of the approach of Christmas Day

in an Elizabethan mansion in northern England in 1906. An excited child, the

ten-year-old author herself, awaits Christmas morning, the gifts and all the

festivities that would come with the day.

"There was not long to wait now before the drama would begin-the

curtain was trembling to its rise. The twilight of the early winter morning,

the piercing sweetness of the voices rising in the still air, the tune and

the words she loved so well, 'Christians, awake, salute the happy mom!'

Then heaven would open."

Simeon had been waiting for the Savior for a long time. God had told him that

he would see the Christ, the promised Messiah, before he died. When the moment

arrived, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, probably with a

"hushed internal excitement." His eyes were full of anticipation, as he saw

the salvation of lsrael in his arms. He amazed Mary and Joseph by predicting

the future of this child. We, who know him, know that these predictions came

true.

Lord Jesus, give us a hushed excitement at your coming, at your presence,

and make it truly internal. Amen.

30 (Lk 3:6; Isa 52:10) for my eyes have seen Your salvation

Luke 2:30

From Follow the Story from Marva J. Dawn

SATURDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Proper Amplification

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

-Luke 1:47

This meditation asks you to read the complete Magnificat of Mary so you can

see that almost the entire song is

about God, but we will concentrate now on only its first three verses. Mary is

filled with exuberance. Not only has God given her miraculous promises, but

also her relative Elizabeth has confirmed those assurances with lofty Joy.

Mary begins her inspired song magnifying God with her soul. That word soul in

Hebrew (from which came her Aramaic) means "one's whole being or true self."

Everything in her resounded with praise and adoration. No wonder her spirit

rejoices exceedingly!

Though she was unremarkable, God had beheld her benevolently. She wanted

everyone to know, though all generations would acclaim her, that the glory was

God's, that he was the Stupendous One, and that he was to be hallowed. She was

the humble recipient of God's exalted treasures, and she ached for everyone to

share in her ecstasy.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, that Mary demonstrates unpretentious thankfulness.

Fill us with similar acquiescent gratitude and tremendous adoration. Amen.

Read Luke 1:46-55.

The Song of Mary

46 And Mary said:

"My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded

the low estate of His servant;

surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is His name.

50 His mercy is on those who fear Him

from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has pulled down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of low degree.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

in remembrance of His mercy,

55 as He spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Posted by DSY on Saturday, December 6. 2025

Posted by DSY on Saturday, December 6. 2025

Care and Anxiety

Lk 12:22-34

25 (Mt 6:31; 6:34; Php 4:6) "Therefore, I say to you,

take no thought about your life, what you will eat,

or what you will drink, nor about your body,

what you will put on. Is not life more than

and the body than clothing?

26 (Job 38:41; Ps 147:9) Look at the birds of the air,

for they do not sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns.

Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?

27 Who among you by taking thought can add a cubit

(A cubit is about half a meter.) to his stature?

28 (Mt 6:25; 6:31) "Why take thought about clothing?

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow:

They neither work, nor do they spin.

29 (1Ki 10:4-7; 2Ch 9:4-6) Yet I say to you that even Solomon

in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.

30 (Mt 8:26; 14:31) Therefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field,

which today is here and tomorrow is thrown into the oven,

will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 (1Pe 5:7) Therefore, take no thought, saying, 'What shall we eat?'

or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 (Mt 6:8; Lk 12:30) (For the Gentiles seek after all these things.)

For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.

33 (1Ti 4:8; 1Ki 3:11-13) But seek first the kingdom of God

and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you.

34 (Mt 6:25) Therefore, take no thought about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will take thought about the things of itself.

Sufficient to the day is the trouble thereof.

True Wisdom

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one,

and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat,

or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not

the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor

gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much

better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field,

how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed

like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is,

and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you,

O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek

for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

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, ...)

Posted by DSY on Saturday, December 6. 2025

2) Our Daily Bread for 6 December 2025 Titled

God Sees Me by Poh Fang Chia

Genesis 16:5-13

5 Then Sarai said to Abram,

"May the wrong done to me be on you!

I gave my maid into your arms;

and when she saw that she had conceived,

I became despised in her eyes.

May the Lord judge between you and me."

6 But Abram said to Sarai,

"Indeed, your maid is in your power;

do to her as you please."

Then Sarai dealt harshly with her,

and she fled from her presence.

7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness.

It was the spring on the way to Shur.

8 And he said, "Hagar, Sarai's maid,

where have you come from

and where are you going?"

And she said, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai."

9 Then the angel of the Lord said to her,

"Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority."

10 The angel of the Lord also said to her,

"I will multiply your descendants exceedingly

so that they will be too many to count."

11 Then the angel of the Lord said to her,

"You are pregnant

and will bear a son.

You shall call his name Ishmael,

because the Lord has heard your affliction.

12 He will be a wild man;

his hand will be against every man,

and every man's hand will be against him.

And he will dwell

in the presence of all his brothers."

13 Then she called the name of the Lord that spoke to her,

"You are the God who sees," for she said,

"Have I now looked on Him who sees me?"

(Ishmael is the father of the Arab race)

Genesis 16

[5] And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid

into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in

her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

[6] But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as

it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her

face.

[7] And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the

wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

[8] And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt

thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.

[9] And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and

submit thyself under her hands.

[10] And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed

exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

[11] And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child,

and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath

heard thy affliction.

[12] And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and

every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his

brethren.

[13] And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest

me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

When Sun's husband had a stroke, her life took a dramatic turn. She found

herself having to assist her husband with the activities of daily living

and cope with his emotional outbursts. For seventeen years, she'd faithfully

cared for her husband. When a fall hastened his decline, however, the weight

of caregiving finally became too much, and Sun sank into depression.

"I felt I'd lost my faith," she shared, "and I couldn't see God."

But looking back, Sun now believes that God saw her because He provided

subsidised home medical and nursing care to manage her husband's chronic

condition and sent social workers to support Sun in managing the emotional

challenges of caregiving.

God revealed himself as the God who sees in the story of Hagar. In Genesis 16,

the slave Hagar was running away from her mistress' mistreatment (v. 6) when

the "angel of the Lord" found her "near a spring in the desert" (v. 7).

He urged Hagar to "go back to [her] mistress" (v. 9) and assured her

of His blessing. Even though Hagar was a nobody in her culture, God was

watching out for her well-being. In gratitude, Hagar declared,

"You are the God who sees me" (v. 13).

God sees us in our distress too. We're never alone because our loving Father

knows our situation, and He's trustworthy. We can cry out to Him for help,

and He'll lift us up.

Reflect & Pray

How have you experienced that God sees and knows your need in the past?

How can this knowledge help you in your present trials?

Dear Father, thank You for assuring me that You see what I'm going through.

For further study, listen to What's True About God.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6

5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled

and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;

and the crooked shall be made straight

and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

5 Every valley shall be filled,

And every mountain and hill shall be brought low;

And the crooked shall be made straight,

And the rough ways shall be made smooth;

6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard

in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through

the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where

the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:

and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,

scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after

the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget

the temporary upheaval and see only the

beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.

In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,

a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation

of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation

of the individual heart to receive him.

Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for

the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the

mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects

the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.

Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape

of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer

has done its job.

But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be

paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,

the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see

in us the glory and salvation of our God.

Application

a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?

b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?

c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work

God still want to do in me?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Ps 35:27

27 May those who favour my righteous cause shout for joy and be glad;

may they say continually, "The Lord be magnified,

who delights in the peace of His servant."

27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause:

Yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified,

which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

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

God's Generous Provision

Matthew 6:24-34

God and Money

24 (Lk 16:13; 16:11; 16:9) "No one can serve two masters.

For either he will hate the one and love the other,

or else he will hold to the one and despise the other.

You cannot serve God and money."

Posted by DSY on Saturday, December 6. 2025

Acts 27

The Shipwreck

39 (Ac 28:1) When it was day, they did not recognize the land. But they

noticed a bay with a shore, into which they were determined to run the ship if

possible.

40 Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while loosening the

ropes that secured the rudders. Then they hoisted the mainsail to the wind

and made for shore.

41 But striking a sandbar where two seas met, they ran the ship aground.

The bow stuck and remained immovable, but the stern was broken up by the

violent surf.

42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim

away and escape.

43 (Ac 27:3) But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, prevented them from

their intent and ordered those who could swim to abandon ship first

and get to land,

44 (Ac 27:22) and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship.

And in this way they all escaped safely to land.

[39] And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a

certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were

possible, to thrust in the ship.

[40] And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto

the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the

wind, and made toward shore.

[41] And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground;

and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part

was broken with the violence of the waves.

[42] And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them

should swim out, and escape.

[43] But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose;

and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into

the sea, and get to land:

[44] And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.

And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Acts 28

Paul in Malta

1 (Ac 27:26; 27:39) When they had escaped, they learned that the island

was called Malta.

2 (Ac 28:4; Ro 1:14) The natives showed extraordinary kindness, for they

kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because of the rain and the cold.

3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper

driven out by the heat fastened on his hand.

4 (Lk 13:2; 13:4) When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand,

they said to one another, "Surely this man is a murderer. Though he has

escaped from the sea, justice does not allow him to live."

5 (Mk 16:18; Lk 10:19) But he shook off the creature into the fire

and suffered no harm.

6 They expected him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But while

they waited and saw no harm befall him, they changed their minds

and said that he was a god.

7 In that area was an estate of the chief man of the island, named Publius,

who had welcomed us and courteously housed us for three days.

8 (Ac 9:40; Mt 9:18) It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with

a fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and, placing his hands on him, prayed

and healed him.

9 When this happened, the rest on the island who had diseases also came

and were healed.

10 They honored us in many ways. And when we sailed, they provided us

with necessary supplies.

[1] And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called

Melita.

[2] And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled

a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because

of the cold.

[3] And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the

fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

[4] And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they

said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath

escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

[5] And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

[6] Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead

suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to

him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

[7] In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island,

whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days

courteously.

[8] And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and

of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on

him, and healed him.

[9] So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island,

came, and were healed:

[10] Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they

laded us with such things as were necessary.

Paul Arrives in Rome

11 (Ac 27:6) After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose

figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.

12 Landing at Syracuse, we waited there for three days.

13 From there we circled around and sailed to Rhegium.

After one day the south wind blew, and the next day we arrived at Puteoli.

14 There we found brothers, and were invited to remain with them for seven

days. And so we went to Rome.

15 From there, when the brothers heard of us, they traveled as far as the

Forum of Appius (A town on the Appian Way about 55 miles from Rome.)

and the Three Taverns

(Or Three Inns, also on the Appian Way and about 10 miles closer to Rome.)

to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16 (Ac 27:3; 24:23) When we arrived at Rome, the centurion handed

the prisoners over to the captain of the guard. But Paul was allowed

to remain by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

[11] And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had

wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

[12] And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

[13] And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after

one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

[14] Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven

days: and so we went toward Rome.

[15] And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as

far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked

God, and took courage.

[16] And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the

captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a

soldier that kept him.

Paul Preaches in Rome

17 (Ac 25:8; 6:14) After three days Paul called the leaders of the Jews

together. When they had assembled, he said to them, "Brothers, having done

nothing contrary to our people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered

as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 (Ac 26:31-32) When they had examined me, they were determined to release

me, because there was no charge against me deserving death.

19 (Ac 26:32; 25:21) But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal

to Caesar, not that I had any charge to bring against my nation.

20 (Ac 21:33; 23:6) For this reason I have asked to see you and speak with

you, because I am bound with this chain for the hope of Israel."

21 (Ac 22:5) They said to him, "We have not received any letters from Judea

concerning you, and none of the brothers that have come have reported

or spoken any evil of you.

22 (Ac 24:14; 1Pe 2:12) But we think it is proper to hear from you what you

think. For concerning this sect,

we know that it is spoken against everywhere."

23 (Ac 19:8; 8:35) When they had arranged a day to be with him, many came

to him at his residence. From morning until evening he explained and solemnly

testified of the kingdom of God to them, persuading them concerning Jesus

from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

24 (Ac 14:4; 17:4-5) Some believed what was said, but some did not believe.

25 (Mt 15:7) Being in disagreement with one another, they were dismissed after

Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit accurately spoke to our fathers

through Isaiah the prophet,

26 (Eze 12:2; Isa 6:9-10) 'Go to this people and say:

You shall certainly hear, but never understand;

and you shall certainly see, but never perceive;

27 for the heart of this people has grown dull.

Their ears are hard of hearing,

and they have closed their eyes,

lest they should see with their eyes

and hear with their ears

and understand with their heart

and turn, and I would heal them.'

28 (Lk 3:6; Ro 11:11) "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation

of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They will hear it!"

29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed and disputed greatly among

themselves.

30 Paul remained two whole years in his own rented house. He welcomed all who

came to him,

31 (Ac 28:23; Mt 4:23) boldly and freely preaching the kingdom of God

and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ.

[17] And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the

Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and

brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of

our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of

the Romans.

[18] Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was

no cause of death in me.

[19] But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto

Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

[20] For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to

speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this

chain.

[21] And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea

concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any

harm of thee.

[22] But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning

this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

[23] And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his

lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading

them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the

prophets, from morning till evening.

[24] And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

[25] And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that

Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet

unto our fathers,

[26] Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall

not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

[27] For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of

hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their

eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should

be converted, and I should heal them.

[28] Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto

the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

[29] And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great

reasoning among themselves.

[30] And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all

that came in unto him,

[31] Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern

the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Posted by DSY on Saturday, December 6. 2025

Day 340, 6 December 2025 - 14th Day of Advent

1) Acts 27, Acts 28

Acts 27

Paul Sails for Rome

1 (Ac 25:25; 10:1; 25:12) When it was decided that we should sail into Italy,

they handed Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion of the Augustan

Regiment, named Julius.

2 (Ac 19:29) Boarding a ship from Adramyttium, we put out to sea, meaning

to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica,

was with us.

3 (Ac 24:23; 28:16) The next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul

kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be given care.

4 (Ac 4:36) From there we put out to sea and sailed under the lee of Cyprus,

because the winds were against us.

5 (Ac 6:9; 13:13) Sailing across the sea off of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came

to Myra, a city of Lycia.

6 (Ac 28:11) There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy,

and he put us on board.

7 (Ac 27:21; 2:11) We sailed slowly for many days, and arrived with difficulty

off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to proceed, we sailed under the

lee of Crete off Salmone.

8 Sailing past it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens,

near the city of Lasea.

9 (Lev 23:27-29; Nu 29:7) As much time had been lost and as the voyage was now

dangerous, because the Day of Atonement was already over, Paul advised them,

10 saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will be with injury and much

loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives."

11 But the centurion was persuaded more by the captain and the owner of the

ship than by what Paul said.

12 Since the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority decided to

sail on from there, if somehow we might reach Phoenix, a harbour in Crete,

facing southwest and northwest, and winter there.

[1] And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they

delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a

centurion of Augustus' band.

[2] And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by

the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being

with us.

[3] And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated

Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

[4] And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because

the winds were contrary.

[5] And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to

Myra, a city of Lycia.

[6] And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy;

and he put us therein.

[7] And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over

against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over

against Salmone;

[8] And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair

havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

[9] Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous,

because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,

[10] And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt

and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

[11] Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the

ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

[12] And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part

advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice,

and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south

west and north west.

The Storm at Sea

13 When a south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained the

necessary conditions, they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.

14 (Mk 4:37) But soon afterward a tempestuous wind swept through, called the

Euroclydon.(Or Northeaster.)

15 When the ship was overpowered and could not head into the wind, we let her

drift.

16 Drifting under the lee of an island called Cauda, we could scarcely secure

the rowboat.

17 (Ac 27:29; 27:26) When they had hoisted it aboard, they used ropes to

undergird the ship. And fearing that they might run aground on the sand of

Syrtis, they let down the mast, and so were driven.

18 (Jnh 1:5; Ac 27:38) We were violently tossed by the storm. The next day

they threw cargo overboard.

19 On the third day we threw the tackle of the ship overboard with our own

hands.

20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was

upon us, all hope that we should be saved was lost.

21 After they had long abstained from food, Paul stood in their midst and

said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete,

incurring this injury and loss.

22 (Ac 27:25; 27:36) But now I advise you to take courage, for there will be

no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

23 (Ac 5:19; 23:11) For there stood by me this night the angel of God to whom

I belong and whom I serve,

24 (Ac 23:11; Ge 19:29) saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before

Caesar. And, look! God has given you all those who sail with you.'

25 (Ro 4:20-21) Therefore, men, take courage, for I believe God that it will

be exactly as it was told to me.

26 (Ac 28:1; 27:17) Nevertheless, we must be shipwrecked on a certain island."

27 When the fourteenth night came, while we were drifting in the Adriatic Sea,

about midnight the sailors supposed that they were approaching land.

28 They took soundings and found the water to be one hundred and twenty

feet deep.(Gk. 20 orguias, about 37 meters.) When they had gone a little

farther, they took soundings again and found it to be ninety feet deep.

(Gk. 15 orguias, about 27 meters.)

29 (Ac 27:17) Fearing that we might run aground on the rocks, they dropped

four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.

30 (Ac 27:16) When the sailors strove to abandon ship and lowered the rowboat

into the sea, under the pretext of lowering anchors out of the bow,

31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these sailors

remain in the ship, you cannot be saved."

32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the rowboat and let her fall off.

33 As day was about to dawn, Paul asked them all to eat, saying, "Today is

the fourteenth day that you have waited and continued without food, having

eaten nothing.

34 (Mt 10:30; 1Ki 1:52) So I urge you to eat. This is for your preservation,

for not a hair shall fall from your head."

35 (Mt 15:36) When he had said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God

in the presence of them all. And when he had broken it he began to eat.

36 (Ac 27:22) Then they were all encouraged, and they also ate food

themselves.

37 (Ac 2:41; 7:14) In all we were 276 persons on the ship.

38 (Jnh 1:5) When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship

and threw the wheat into the sea.

[13] And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained

their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

[14] But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called

Euroclydon.

[15] And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we

let her drive.

[16] And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much

work to come by the boat:

[17] Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;

and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so

were driven.

[18] And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they

lightened the ship;

[19] And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the

ship.

[20] And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small

tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

[21] But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and

said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from

Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

[22] And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of

any man's life among you, but of the ship.

[23] For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom

I serve,

[24] Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo,

God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

[25] Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be

even as it was told me.

[26] Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

[27] But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down

in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some

country;

[28] And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a

little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

[29] Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four

anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

[30] And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had

let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast

anchors out of the foreship,

[31] Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in

the ship, ye cannot be saved.

[32] Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

[33] And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat,

saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued

fasting, having taken nothing.

[34] Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health:

for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

[35] And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in

presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

[36] Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

[37] And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen

souls.

[38] And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out

the wheat into the sea.

Posted by DSY on Friday, December 5. 2025

Read Isaiah 9:1-7.

Isaiah 9

The Coming King

1 (2Ki 15:29; 2Ch 16:4) Nevertheless there shall be no more gloom

for her who was in anguish. In the former time He contemptuously

treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

but in the latter time He shall make it glorious,

by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.

2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,

upon them the light has shined.

3 (1Sa 30:16; Isa 26:15) You have multiplied the nation

and increased the joy;

they rejoice before You

according to the joy of harvest

and as men rejoice

when they divide the spoil.

4 (Isa 14:25; 10:26-27) For You have broken the yoke of his burden

and the bar of his shoulder,

the rod of his oppressor

as in the day of Midian's defeat.

5 For all the sandals of the tramping warriors

and all the garments rolled in blood

shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

6 (Isa 7:14; Mt 28:18; Lk 2:11) For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given,

and the government shall be upon his shoulder.

And his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

7 (Isa 37:32; Da 2:44) Of the increase of his government and peace

there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David

and over his kingdom,

to order it and to establish it

with justice and with righteousness,

from now until forever.

The zeal of the Lord of Hosts

will perform this.

From On Eagle's wings Day 5

Teach Me Lord To Wait

14 Wait on the Lord; be strong, and may your heart be stout;

wait on the Lord.

[14] Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine

heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 27:14

There are so many lessons to learn when deciding to move from life

in southern BC to a life in a small village in the far north of Canada.

From a couple who had lived there previously, I received excellent

advice about what clothes to take, what food supplies to have with

me, and how to arrange transportation to get me and everything

there. I was even warned about possible delays. Anyone who has

travelled to, lived in, or worked in the North will know what I mean

as a “delayed” memory flashes in your head!

Once well settled in my new home and making a heartfelt effort to

learn Inuktitut, I was always asking questions of my new Inuit

friends. One answer seemed to be repeated many times, depending

on the question. That word was “IMAHA”. It translates as “maybe”.

Are you going hunting today? Imaha!

Will the plane land today? Imaha!

Their patience with my questions and my own eventual

understanding of just how important learning the arts of “waiting”

and “patience” are, became the bedrock of over 30 years living in

Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay.

We do know Jesus lived on earth with us. We don’t know when He

will return. Will it be today? Tomorrow? Next year? Imaha!

In the meantime we wait with great anticipation, being prepared

and ready for that day. Life is full when God is in it.

Terry Jessudason

Former Board Member of On Eagle's Wings 9

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to be strong in Christ with your testimony.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, thank You for Scripture,

which tells me to direct my steps toward You.

Please help me follow You better today."

Pray to the Lord and pray for forgiveness of sins.

Pray to the Lord and pray to shine for the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to Him who knows you temptations.

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 Canada's First Nation peoples,

that the Lord will draw them to Himself

Pray for the Lord to search your life ,

reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness

Pray: Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.

Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you

exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.

Pray: Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your

new creation with Joy! Amen.

Pray: Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent

Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy

and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and

play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for

making us ambassadors of amazement.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Lord, we come to you with open hearts. Fill us, in these Advent

days, with hope, peace and joy knowing you will renew our

strength in every situation. Amen

Pray that churches in the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES will find creative ways

to reach others in their communities with the Gospel message.

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.

Posted by DSY on Friday, December 5. 2025

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Mark 4:20-25

20 (Mk 4:8; Jn 15:4-5) "Still others are seed sown on good ground,

those who hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit:

thirty, sixty, or a hundred times as much."

A Light Under a Basket

Lk 8:16-18

21 (Mt 5:15; Lk 8:16) He said to them, "Is a candle brought to be put

under a basket or under a bed and not to be set on a candlestick?

22 (Lk 8:17) For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed;

neither is anything kept secret except to be proclaimed.

23 (Mk 4:9; Mt 11:15)If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

24 (Mt 7:2) He said to them, "Take heed what you hear.

The measure you give will be measured for you,

and to you who hear will more be given.

25 (Mt 13:12; Lk 8:18) For to him who has will more be given.

And from him who has not will be taken, even what he has."

20 And these are they which are sown on good ground;

such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit,

some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put

under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested;

neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete,

it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

25 For he that hath, to him shall be given:

and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

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

God's Help in Times of Temptation

Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 (Heb 6:20; 1:2-3) Since then we have a great High Priest

Who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold firmly to our confession.

15 (2Co 5:21; Jn 8:46) For we do not have a High Priest

who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses,

but One who was in every sense tempted like we are, yet without sin.

16 (Eph 3:12; Php 4:6-7) Let us then come with confidence

to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy

and find grace to help in time of need.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help in time of need.

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, ...)

Posted by DSY on Friday, December 5. 2025

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

http://www.ehc.ca

5th Day of the Month

a) Pray for Canada's First Nation peoples,

that the Lord will draw them to Himself

(PS 145:13-18

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

14 The Lord upholds all who fall,

and raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all wait upon You,

and You give them their food in due season.

16 You open Your hand

and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways

and loving in all His works.

18 The Lord is near to all those who call upon Him,

to all who call upon Him in truth.

)

Mem

13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

Samek

14 The LORD upholdeth all that fall,

And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

Ain

15 The eyes of all wait upon thee;

And thou givest them their meat in due season.

Pe

16 Thou openest thine hand,

And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Zade

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways,

And holy in all his works.

Qoph

18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,

To all that call upon him in truth.

b) Pray for the Lord to search your life ,

reveal anything offensive and cleanse you from unrighteousness

( ps 139:24 " and see if there is any rebellious way in me,

and lead me in the ancient way. "

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting.

1: John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us

our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

)

Advent Day 13

From C.S. Lewis A Grand Miracle

{The great French writer] "Montaigne became kittenish with his kitten but

she never talked philosophy to him. Everywhere the great enters the

little-its power to do so is almost the test of its greatness." - C. S. Lewis

(Read this and more in Miracles, p. 147.)

The Great Enters the Little

Why was Jesus born in such a small town? Because it was the town of King

David, and Jesus was descended from the family of David. Although Micah said

of Bethlehem, "you are small among the clans of Judah," that was in God's

plan from the beginning. The size of the town didn't matter.

God so often surprises us by doing big things in little places, by

resisting the proud and exalting the humble, by choosing ordinary people

to do great things, and, in general, by doing the unexpected. What more

humble circumstances could we imagine than an unmarried, pregnant teenage

girl, with her betrothed husband, hurrying nearly a hundred miles from

little Nazareth to little Bethlehem? What could be more humbling than

enrolling in a census late in a pregnancy, settling for less than ideal

accommodations, and giving birth far from the centers of power? The great

enters the little. God becomes a baby. Think of it. The creator of the

universe stoops to become a child.

Lewis calls it a test of greatness. In what ways have we

stooped to enter the little? Have we taken the time to

serve meals to the poor in a soup kitchen?

Have we visited the sick and imprisoned?

Have we clothed the naked? Have we welcomed the stranger?

If not, perhaps today is the day to change all that.

Jesus, you came to us in such humble circumstances.

Remind us that pride comes before a fall and that you

exalt the lowly, as you did Mary and Joseph. Amen.

16 (Lk 2:7; 2:12) So they came hurrying and found Mary and Joseph,

and the Baby lying in a manger.

Luke 2:16

From Follow the Story by Marva J. Dawn

FRIDAY, SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Confirmation

43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

-Luke 1:43

Elizabeth's words to Mary provided numerous confirmations of the message from

Gabriel. First, she knew that Mary was pregnant before it could possibly

show. Second, she knew Mary was pregnant with her Lord! That insight could

only have come by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit

within her.

Next, Elizabeth told Mary that the child she carried had leaped for Joy.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth's child had recognized the One

for Whom he would be a forerunner.

Finally, Elizabeth pronounced another blessing upon Mary for having

believed what had been prophesied. Thank God that Mary had concurred

with Gabriel's revelations!

Most of us don't experience angels coming to us in a dream or vision

and announcing what will take place in our future,

but we can read God's promises in his Word. What kinds of

promises for this life, our faith and eternal life has God

given us in the Scriptures? Do we take God at his Word?

prayer

Gracious Lord, confirm your Word so that we may receive your

new creation with Joy! Amen.

Read Luke 1:39-45.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,

to a city of Judah,

40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped

in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,

the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion

to those things which were told her by the Lord."

From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

SECOND FRIDAY

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

2 (Eph 5:8; Mt 4:16) The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death,

upon them the light has shined.ISAIAH 9:2

I like being with little kids. They are so amazing because they get amazed

at so many little things! "Look. Mom, a wiggly worm!" Gramps, did you

know bees can smell fear? And the riddles and jokes they laugh at are

silly, like 'Did you know a raisin is a grape with a sunburn?" and "Why was

there a bee in the man's souls'? Because it was alphabet soups'

Amazing, isn't it. how amazing little kids are, as well as adults who hang on

to their amazement although life? Advent is a time for amazement, big

time! We ambassadors of Advent continue to sense the amazing grace of

God's love for us. especially through Scriptures like Isaiah 9:1-7. We too are

people who "walk in darkness" because of sin, and we too have "seen a

great light"--Jesus Christ ! This Child has been born for us. God's Son has

been given to us . . . as a gift! It has nothing whatsoever to do with what we

have done or should have done or had better get done. No way. It's not

about us; it's about him, Jesus Christ! Amazing. indeed!

Amazed means filled with wonder! Join me and others in singing

'And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders.

wonders of his love '!

Lord, you are such an amazing God. to love us so much that you sent

Jesus to earth for us. Help us never to lose this amazing message of joy

and Forgiveness in you. Help us to be life lithe kids again, who laugh and

play and trust in others, because you are the Trusted One. Thanks for

making us ambassadors of amazement.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Posted by DSY on Friday, December 5. 2025

Paul's Testimony to Jews and Gentiles

19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

20 (Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19) but declared first to those at Damascus, then at

Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,

that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance.

21 (Ac 21:30-31; 21:27) For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple

and tried to kill me.

22 (Ac 24:14; Lk 24:27) Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue

to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what

the prophets and Moses said would happen:

23 (Rev 1:5; Lk 2:32; Col 1:18) that the Christ must suffer, that He would be

the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own

people and to the Gentiles."

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

20 but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout

all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent

and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple,

and went about to kill me.

22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day,

witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those

which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

23 that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should

rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the

Gentiles.

Paul Appeals to Agrippa to Believe

24 (1Co 4:10; 2Ki 9:11) So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud

voice, "Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness."

25 (Ac 23:26; 24:3) Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak

the words of truth and reason.

26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I

am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a

corner.

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."

28 (Ac 11:26) Then Agrippa said to Paul,

"You almost persuade me to be a Christian."

29 (Ac 21:33; 1Co 7:7) Paul said, "I pray to God that not only you,

but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly

and altogether, what I am, except for these chains."

30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor

and Bernice and those who sat with them.

31 (Ac 23:29; 23:9) When they had gone aside, they said to one another,

"This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment."

32 (Ac 28:18) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free

if he had not appealed to Caesar."

24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul,

thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words

of truth and soberness.

26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely:

for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him;

for this thing was not done in a corner.

27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear

me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these

bonds.

30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor,

and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

31 and when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying,

This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty,

if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

2) Our Daily Bread for 5 December 2025 Titled

Walking with God by Dave Branon

Galatians 5:7-10

7 (1Co 9:24; Gal 3:1) You were running well. Who hindered you

from obeying the truth?

8 (Gal 1:6) This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.

9 (1Co 15:33) A little yeast leavens the whole batch.

10 (2Co 2:3; Gal 1:7) I have confidence in you through the Lord

that you will not think otherwise. But he who is troubling you shall

bear his judgment, whoever he is.

[7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

[8] This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

[9] A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

[10] I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none

otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment,

whosoever he be.

Proverbs 13:20

20 (1Ki 12:8) He who walks with wise men will be wise,

but a companion of fools will be destroyed.

20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise:

But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

It was Tuesday at the gym, so the people walking around the track were

supposed to go clockwise. The first walkers my wife joined were doing that.

But then another person walked onto the track going counterclockwise.

A couple of her friends joined her - and then another. Suddenly there was

chaos on the track - and it took a few minutes to restore order.

While the wrong-way walkers intended no harm, I couldn't help but think about

the power of influence. One person headed the wrong way leads to another,

and on it goes. It's a bit like Proverbs 13:20:

"He who walks with wise men will be wise,

but a companion of fools will be destroyed." Following a person going

the wrong way leads to trouble.

In Galatians 5, Paul explains how such a mistake can halt our spiritual

progress. "You were running a good race," he says. "You were running well.

Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from

Him who calls you." (vv. 7-8). God, who desires obedience, never leads us

away from truth and "into confusion" (v. 10). But those who oppose His truth

can hamper our spiritual walk by redirecting us from Him.

God wants to be our guide. When we walk with Him, we'll

never wander in the wrong direction.

Reflect & Pray

In what situations are you allowing someone to lead you away from God?

What can you do to change your course?

Dear God, thank You for Scripture,

which tells me to direct my steps toward You.

Please help me follow You better today.

Learn more about Paul's

letter to the Galatians.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 4 -The Blessings of Grace Day 6 - A Reasonable Alternative

Isaiah 1:18

18 (Ps 51:7; Rev 7:14) "Come now, and let us reason together, "

says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:

though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

"Is Christianity Reasonable?" Linda Wanted to Know. "I've heard all my life

that faith is a crutch, an invention of weak minds to assure them

of some order in the world."

Linda was not alone in her objection; thinking people for generations

have been asking themselves the same question.

God is not intimidated by our questions; in fact, he confronts the issue

head-on in the Scriptures. "Let us reason together," the Lord invites.

Even according to the most basic of human reasoning,

faith is a reasonable alternative , a rational choice for a thinking person.

God indicates in his Word that confession and forgiveness are "reasonable".

"Think!" God says. "You sin, and you know it. You are not even able to be

true to your own principles. You cannot deal with your sin by will power

or effort. But I can deal with it! I can forgive it - and I will"

We cannot come to faith in God through Christ by intellect alone, of course.

Our spirits much reach out in faith, beyond what we can see. But intellect

supports faith; trusting in Christ is an eminently rational decision.

In Deut 30:1-20 , God set before the people a choice: Life or Death, blessing

or cursing. "Choose Life!" he tells them. We have the same choice.

The ultimate decision is thus simplified, the 'rational' alternative becomes

clear. We can choose death, by attempting to control our own destinies ,

or life, by giving ourselves fully into the hand of the Master.

Application

a) Why is the choice to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness a

'Rational choice'?

b) What are the alternatives to such a decision?

c) What other aspects of God's word

and work in my life seem 'reasonable' to me?

Posted by DSY on Friday, December 5. 2025

Acts 25

1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended

from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.

2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul,

and besought him,

3 and desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem,

laying wait in the way to kill him.

4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cæsarea, and that he

himself would depart shortly thither.

5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me,

and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto

Cæsarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be

brought.

7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round

about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could

not prove.

8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither

against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.

9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt

thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar's judgment seat, where I ought to be

judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I

refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse

me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Cæsar.

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered,

Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.

Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice

13 After several days King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea

to welcome Festus.

14 (Ac 24:27) When they had been there many days, Festus stated Paul's case to

the king, saying, "There is a man left as a prisoner by Felix.

15 When I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews

informed me about him, asking for a sentence against him.

16 (Ac 25:4-5; Jn 7:51) "I answered, 'It is not the custom of the Romans

to deliver any man to die before he who is accused meets the accusers face

to face and has the opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge

brought against him.'

17 (Ac 25:6; 25:10) So when they assembled here, without delay I sat

on the judgment seat the next day and ordered that the man be brought in.

18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him of such

crimes as I had supposed.

19 (Ac 18:15; 23:29) But they had disagreements with him about their own

religion and about a Man named Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted

was alive.

20 (Ac 25:9) Being perplexed about such questions, I asked if he would be

willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning these charges.

21 But when Paul had appealed to be under guard for the decision of Caesar,

I ordered that he be secured until I could send him to Caesar."

22 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I would like to hear the man

myself." He said, "Tomorrow you shall hear him."

23 (Ac 25:13; 26:30) The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp,

and they entered the hall with the commanders and the leading men of the city.

When Festus gave the order, Paul was brought in.

24 (Ac 22:22; 25:7) Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all the men who are

present with us, you see this man, concerning whom the whole assembly

of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, shouting that he

ought not to live any longer.

25 (Ac 23:29; Lk 23:4) I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death.

But when he himself appealed to Caesar, I decided to send him.

26 But I have nothing to write to His Majesty concerning him. Therefore

I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,

so that upon examination, I might have something to write.

27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without signifying

the charges against him."

13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cæsarea

to salute Festus.

14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto

the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of

the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man

to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and

have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I

sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.

18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of

such things as I supposed:

19 but had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of

one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether

he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus,

I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cæsar.

22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself.

To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp,

and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and

principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us,

ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me,

both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that

he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have

brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa,

that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal

to signify the crimes laid against him.

Acts 26

Paul's Defense Before Agrippa

1 (Ac 9:15) Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for

yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today I shall make

my defense before you against all the accusations of the Jews,

3 (Ac 6:14) especially because you are an expert in all customs and

controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to patiently listen to me.

4 (Gal 1:13) "My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning

in my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews.

5 (Ac 23:6; 22:3) They knew me from the beginning and could testify,

if they wished, how according to the strictest sect of our religion

I lived as a Pharisee.

6 (Ac 24:15; 28:20) And now I stand on trial for hope in the promise made

by God to our fathers,

7 (Jas 1:1; Ezr 6:17) to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they

earnestly serve God day and night. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa,

I am accused by the Jews.

8 Why is it judged incredible by you that God raises the dead?

9 (1Ti 1:13; Ac 22:8) "I, too, thought that I must do many things contrary

to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,

10 (Ac 8:3; 9:13-14) which I indeed did in Jerusalem and locked up

many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests.

And when they were killed, I cast my vote against them.

11 (Mt 10:17; Ac 22:19) I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled

them to blaspheme. And being extremely enraged against them, I persecuted them

even to foreign cities.

1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.

Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this

day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

3 especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions

which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own

nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

5 which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify,

that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made

of God unto our fathers:

7 unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night,

hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you,

that God should raise the dead?

9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary

to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut

up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests;

and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme;

and being exceedingly mad against them,

I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

Paul Tells of His Conversion

Ac 9:1-19; 22:6-16

12 "So I went to Damascus with authority

and a commission from the chief priests.

13 At midday, O King, I saw along the way a light from heaven, brighter than

the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.

14 (Ac 21:40; 9:7) When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice

saying to me in the Hebrew language,

'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?

It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

15 "I said, 'Who are You, Lord?'

"He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.

16 (Ac 22:14-15; Eze 2:1) But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared

to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of

what you have seen and of what I will yet reveal to you.

17 (Ac 9:15; Jer 1:8) I will deliver you from your people

and from the Gentiles to whom I now send you,

18 (Ac 20:32; 1Pe 2:9; Isa 35:5) to open their eyes and to turn them from

darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive

forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified

by faith in Me.'

12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the

chief priests,

13 at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the

brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed

with me.

14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto

me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou

persecutest.

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this

purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which

thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles,

unto whom now I send thee,

18 to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light,

and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness

of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified

by faith that is in me.

Posted by DSY on Friday, December 5. 2025

Day 339, 5 December 2025, - 13th Day of Advent

1) Acts 24, Acts 25, Acts 26

Acts 24

The Case Against Paul

1 (Ac 23:2; 24:11) After five days Ananias the high priest arrived with some

of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. They brought before the governor

their charges against Paul.

2 When he was summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Since through

you we enjoy much peace, and your foresight is bringing reforms

to this nation,

3 (Ac 23:26; 26:25) with all thankfulness, most excellent Felix,

we always welcome it everywhere.

4 But not to detain you further,

I beg you to briefly hear us in your patience.

5 (Ac 28:22; 24:14; 15:5) "We have found this man a troublemaker, instigating

riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect

of the Nazarenes.

6 He even tried to profane the temple.

So we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law.

7 But the commander, Lysias, came to us and forcefully took him

out of our hands,

8 ordering his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you

will be able to learn about all these things concerning which we accuse him."

9 The Jews assented, alleging these things to be true.

1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and

with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing

that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done

unto this nation by thy providence,

3 we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all

thankfulness.

4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that

thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among

all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the

Nazarenes:

6 who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took,

and would have judged according to our law.

7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him

away out of our hands,

8 commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself

mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

Paul's Defense Before Felix

10 After the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Knowing that

for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully defend

myself.

11 (Ac 24:1; 21:18) You may verify that it is no more than twelve days since

I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

12 (Ac 25:8; 28:17) They did not find me in the temple or in the synagogues

or in the city disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd.

13 (Ac 25:7) They cannot prove the things concerning which they now accuse me.

14 (Ac 3:13; 9:2) However, I affirm that in accordance with the Way, which

they call a sect, I worship the God of my fathers and believe everything

written in the Law and in the Prophets.

15 (Da 12:2; Jn 5:28-29) I have hope in God that there will be a resurrection

of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, which they also expect.

16 (Ac 23:1) In this do I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God

and toward men.

17 (Gal 2:10; Ac 11:29-30) "Now after many years I came to bring alms

and offerings to my nation,

18 (Ac 26:21) when some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple,

neither with a crowd nor an uproar.

19 (Ac 23:30) They ought to be here before you to accuse me if they have any

charges.

20 Or let these men say what crime they found in me when I stood before the

Sanhedrin,

21 (Ac 23:6) unless it is concerning this one statement which I cried out

while standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead,

I am being judged by you this day.' "

22 When Felix, who had more exact knowledge concerning the Way, had heard

this, he adjourned the proceedings and said, "When Lysias the commander

arrives, I will decide your case."

23 (Ac 27:3; 28:16) Then he ordered the centurion to guard Paul,

and to let him have liberty, and to forbid none of his own people from

attending to him.

10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak,

answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto

this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

11 because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days

since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither

raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

13 neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy,

so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written

in the law and in the prophets:

15 and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there

shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of

offence toward God, and toward men.

17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither

with multitude, nor with tumult.

19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought

against me.

20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me,

while I stood before the council,

21 except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching

the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that

way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come

down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and

that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

Paul Held in Custody

24 (Ac 20:21; Gal 2:16) After several days, when Felix arrived with his wife

Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning

faith in Christ.

25 (Ac 10:42; Gal 5:23) As he lectured about righteousness, self-control,

and the coming judgment, Felix was afraid and answered, "For now, leave!

When time permits, I will send for you."

26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he

might release him. So he sent for him more often and conversed with him.

27 (Ac 25:9; 25:14; 12:3) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix.

And Felix, desiring to do the Jews a favor, left Paul imprisoned.

24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was

a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come,

Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a

convenient season, I will call for thee.

26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might

loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix,

willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Acts 25

Paul Appeals to Caesar

1 (Ac 23:34) Now three days after Festus had come into the province, he went

from Caesarea up to Jerusalem.

2 (Ac 25:15; 24:1) The high priest and the elders of the Jews spoke to him

against Paul. And they begged him,

3 asking as a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem,

plotting to kill him along the way.

4 Festus said that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself

intended to go there shortly.

5 He also said, "Let the men in authority go down

with me. If there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him."

6 (Ac 25:17; Mt 27:19) Having stayed among them more than ten days, he went

down to Caesarea. And the next day he sat on the judgment seat and ordered

that Paul be brought in.

7 (Ac 24:13; Lk 23:2) When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from

Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges against him

which they could not prove,

8 (Ac 24:12; 28:17) while he defended himself, saying, "Neither against

the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have

I sinned at all."

9 (Ac 24:27; 25:20) Desiring to do the Jews a favor, Festus answered, "Are you

willing to go up to Jerusalem to be judged

concerning these charges before me?"

10 Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought

to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you know very well.

11 (Ac 26:32; 28:19) If I am doing wrong or have done anything worthy

of death, I do not refuse to die. But if these are empty charges of

which these men accuse me, no one may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."

12 When Festus had conferred with the council, he then answered,

"To Caesar you have appealed. To Caesar you shall go."

Posted by DSY on Thursday, December 4. 2025

Read Luke 1:39-45.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 In those days Mary arose and quickly went into the hill country,

to a city of Judah,

40 and entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

41 When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped

in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 She spoke out with a loud voice, "Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 But why is this granted to me,

that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 Indeed, as soon as the sound of your greeting came to my ears,

the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a completion

to those things which were told her by the Lord."

From The AH-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

SECOND THURSDAY

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

4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,

God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,

GALATIANS 4:4

It is hard not to be aware that something is happening during these

weeks before Christmas. isn't it? Whether one is a Christian or not, things

are simply different. Take a look around: sparkling, flashing lights on homes

and lawns, halls decked with boughs of holly, a lot of fa-la-la-ing going

on, little kids and bored dads standing in line to see an old fat guy, store

owners singing their favorite carol: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

and on and on and on. I just read of a town that prohibited the Salvation

Army from having their traditional Santa's ringing bells outside of stores,

because of a noise pollution ordinance. o a smart marketing person

made two signs for the Santa's to hold up. One said "Ding" and the other

said "Dong.' Now that's awareness!

So what's the point? The point is that unless we become intentionally

aware of what Advent and Christmas are all about. we will miss the point!

Today's reading is the point: When it was time, God sent Jesus unto the

world! Perhaps this message has been heard and used so much that it is

hard to keep aware of the meaning of Christmas: God loves us so much

that Jesus was born, died and rose again for us! Sure, go ahead and

wrap gifts. put trees up, bake cookies, say "ho. ho. ho." But as you do so,

continue to be aware that Christ is Christmas ... period! Please do not be

like a friend who says. "Keep Christ in Xmas!" He still doesn't get it!

Prayer

Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent

season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil

and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your

awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Galatians 4:4-5

4 (Mk 1:15; Jn 1:14; Ge 3:15) But when the fullness of time came,

God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law,

5 (Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12) to redeem those who were under the law,

that we might receive the adoption as sons.

From On Eagle's wings Day 4

God Has The Best Plans

5 (Ps 37:3; 37:5) Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 (1Ch 28:9; Pr 16:3; Jer 10:23) in all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (MEV)

"5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

And lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,

And he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

In late September, a group of nine from our church embarked on a

car journey to Fort Smith, Northwest Territories to lead a Bible

Camp for children aged 5 to 11. As a grandmother of five and

someone who loves children, I looked forward to a wonderful week

with the kids - perhaps up to 30 of them. I was eager to share

stories, build connections, and meet a few more grandmothers too.

However, God's plan was different from what I had envisioned. The

only grandmothers I encountered were two I introduced myself to

at the grocery store, and not as many children as we had planned

for attended our camp. When it became clear the week would not

unfold as I had pictured in my mind, I prayed for guidance and

wisdom so I could switch gears and adapt to the new

circumstances.

Joseph and Mary had to trust in the Lord our God for their journey

as well. Joseph wanted to release Mary from their engagement

when he found out she was with child. After he heard from God, he

had to switch gears. Together they had to trust when they were

required to make a sudden and unexpected journey to Bethlehem.

A trip that meant Jesus would be born far away from home.

Joseph and Mary submitted their ways to God and placed their

total trust in the Lord even though their circumstances were vastly

different from what they had imagined. Similarly, we can place our

trust in God and his plan even when things don’t go the way we

expect them to. God’s plan is always the best!

Wendy Mather

Bible Camp Volunteer 8

Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to be a bold witness about your salvation despite

persecution.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me to believe and have confidence

in You."

Pray to the Lord and pray to confess all your sins to seek His forgiveness.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord is always with you.

Pray to the Lord and pray for His help during Times of Tmeptation.

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 the preservation of godly values in Canada

Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right

use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making it possible for us to become

your sons and daughters. Amen.

Thank you, God, that these two women had each other! Amen.

Pray: Lord. it was time, and so you came to us. Help us during this Advent

season to be aware that you are already with us, even in the turmoil

and rush of the season. And help us to be ambassadors of your

awareness--an awareness of us and of all people.

In Jesus' name. Amen ... and AH-HA!

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for helping us find your plan for our

lives. Thank you that through prayer, worship, and submission to

you, we can adapt to the plans you have for us. Please lead and

guide us this Advent and beyond. Amen.

Pray for joy and peace on behalf of Christians like Abdu

in Ethiopia who have suffered greatly for leaving Islam.

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.

December '25

Posted by DSY on Thursday, December 4. 2025

It's often difficult to trust what we can’t touch or see or completely

comprehend. But our faith in Christ, made possible by the Spirit,

helps us to believe more than we can see.

Reflect & Pray

Where do you struggle with faith? How can you trust God more confidently?

Dear God, please help me to believe and have confidence in You.

Learn more about Hebrews 11 and faith by reading Faith that Endures.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 5 - 1 John 1:9

9 (Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13) If we confess our sins, He is faithful

and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive

us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

"If God already knows everything about me, everything I've done,

then why do I need to confess it?" Grant struggled with a common

dilemma for many Christians. Indeed, God, knew all his sin - much

better than Grant did himself. But Grant needed to confess,

not for God's benefit, but for his own. Grant needed to agree with God

that his sin was wrong, and put himself in a position to receive God's

grace in forgiveness.

1 John 1:9 make the process quit clear. We confess,

and God forgives and cleanses. Many of us, however, want to take on

God's part as well. We confess, agreeing with God that our sin is wrong.

But then we proceed to try to 'clean up our act,'bargaining with God,

promising that if he will forgive us just this once,

we won't ever to it again.

The problem is, we can never keep such a promise.

We probably will do it again, and then we are back where we started,

begging for forgiveness, and trying once more to cleanse

ourselves for our unrighteousness.

God offers freedom from such futile performance. He says, "Just confess.

Agree that you sinned. Submit yourself to me. Then I'll take over from there."

God's grace does not give us freedom to keep on sinning, of course - we need

to cooperate with the work of his Spirit in our lives and do all we can

to avoid sin. But we do not have to beg God for forgiveness - forgiveness

is offered to us freely.

We do not have to clean up out act before God will accept us; God can make

the necessary changes in our lives. When we confess, submit ourselves to God,

and allow him to work within us, he is able both to forgive us and to cleanse

us from unrighteousness.

Application

a) In what ways have I bartered with God and tried to "Clean up my act"

in order to deserve his forgiveness?

b) What is my part in confession? What is God's response?

Why it is important for me to recognize God's part in my

confession and forgiveness?

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 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.